From genes to traits: Trends in RNA-binding proteins and their role in plant trait development: A review

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are essential for cellular functions by attaching to RNAs, creating dynamic ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) essential for managing RNA throughout its life cycle. These proteins are critical to all post-transcriptional processes, impacting vital cellular functions during development and adaptation to environmental changes. Notably, in plants, RBPs are critical for adjusting to inconsistent environmental conditions, with recent studies revealing that plants possess, more prominent, and both novel and conserved RBP families compared to other eukaryotes. This comprehensive review delves into the varied RBPs covering their structural attributes, domain base function, and their interactions with RNA in metabolism, spotlighting their role in regulating post-transcription and splicing and their reaction to internal and external stimuli. It highlights the complex regulatory roles of RBPs, focusing on plant trait regulation and the unique functions they facilitate, establishing a foundation for appreciating RBPs' significance in plant growth and environmental response strategies.