What is this collection about?
The intricate dynamics of RNA biology in plant interactions with biotic factors, including both microbes and insects, have a major impact on plant health and productivity. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying plant biotic interactions, including the roles of diverse RNA types and how RNA structure, folding, and transport influence these interactions, is vital for enhancing crop resistance to pests and diseases, thereby reducing reliance on chemical inputs.
Recent advances in RNA sequencing technologies and bioinformatics have opened new avenues for investigating the complexity of plant-microbe and plant-insect interactions. Research is particularly active in areas such as the identification of RNA molecules involved in defense responses, the characterization of signaling pathways that modulate these responses, and the exploration of RNA interference as a potential biocontrol strategy. The editors of Communications Biology, Nature Communications, and Scientific Reports invite articles in all areas of research investigating the roles of RNA in plant biotic interactions.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
· Functions of small and long non-coding RNA as well as RNA modifications in regulating plant defense responses
· Cross-kingdom RNA regulation in plant-microbe interactions
· Plant-insect communication through RNA molecules
· Impact of RNA viruses on plant health
Communications Biology and Nature Communications will consider original Articles, Reviews and Perspectives. Scientific Reports will consider original Articles.
Why is this collection important?
This is a cross-journal collection between Communications Biology, Nature Communications, and Scientific Reports. Authors are welcome to submit to any of the participating journals. All manuscripts published in the collection are hosted on a dedicated nature portfolio portal, giving articles high visibility beyond the journal they are published in.
Why submit to a collection?
Collections like this one help promote high-quality science. They are led by Guest Editors and In-House Editors who are experts in their fields and supported by a dedicated team of Commissioning Editors and Managing Editors at Springer Nature. Collection manuscripts typically see higher citations, downloads, and Altmetric scores, and provide a one-stop-shop on a cutting-edge topic of interest.
Who is involved?
Shahid Mukhtar, PhD, Clemson University, South Carolina, USA
Dr. Shahid Mukhtar is a plant systems biologist and professor at Clemson University, specializing in genomics, single-cell biology, and plant–microbe interactions. His research integrates computational and experimental approaches to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying plant resilience and productivity.
Yueh-Lung Wu, PhD, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
Yueh-Lung Wu is a Professor of Entomology at National Taiwan University where his research integrates insect pathology, RNA interference, and biotechnology, with a focus on host–pathogen interactions and RNA-based strategies for sustainable pest and disease management. He is particularly interested in applying molecular approaches to advance both insect science and plant protection.
Heejin Yoo, PhD University of Utah, Utah, USA
Dr. Heejin Yoo is an assistant professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Utah. Her research focuses on how plants regulate immunity through coordinated transcriptional, translational, and metabolic programs. Her lab investigates salicylic acid regulation, amino-acid–mediated immune signaling, and other metabolic mechanisms that shape defense responses across plant species, with broader interest in how these processes relate to the growth–defense balance.
Communications Biology is edited by both in-house professional editors and Editorial Board Members. Dr. Mukhtar, Dr. Wu and Dr. Yoo will act as guest editors for submissions to Communications Biology.
Nature Communications is edited by in-house professional editors.
Scientific Reports is managed by in-house professional editors and edited by Editorial Board Members.
Our editors work closely together to ensure the quality of our published papers and consistency in author experience.
How can I submit my paper?
Visit the Collection page to find out more about this collection and submit your article.