Identification of novel lncRNAs in Eucalyptus grandis

Eucalyptus grandis is the world's most widely planted hardwood tree. However, despite the availability of a sequenced genome and easily accessible functional genetic tools, the quantities and roles of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in E. grandis developmental processes remain largely unknown. In this study, we constructed RNA libraries for high-throughput sequencing of Eucalyptus grandis samples, and 551 novel lncRNAs were identified by selections. By annotation analysis of lncRNA targets, the results showed that lncRNAs participated in many apparent physiological processes, such as photosynthesis, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, protein export and processing in the endoplasmic reticulum. Finally, ten lncRNAs were confirmed to express in Eucalyptus grandis by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR, indicating that our reported lncRNAs existed. The identification of lncRNAs will lead to a greater understanding of the role and function of lncRNAs in the physiology, growth and development of Eucalyptus grandis trees.