Abstract
MicroRNAs are a class of non-coding RNAs involved in post-transcriptional control of gene expression, either via degradation or translational inhibition of target mRNAs. Both experimental and computational approaches have been used to identify miRNAs and their target genes. In plants, deep sequencing methods have recently allowed the analysis of small RNA diversity in different species and/or mutants. Most sequencing efforts have been concentrated on the identification of miRNAs and their mRNA targets have been predicted based on complementarity criteria. The recent demonstration that certain plant miRNAs could act partly via inhibition of protein translation certainly opens new fields of analysis for plant miRNA function on a broader group of targets. The roles of conserved miRNAs on target mRNA stability have been analysed in different species and defined common mechanisms in development and stress responses. In contrast, much less is known about expression patterns or functions of non-conserved miRNAs. In this review, we focus on the comparative analyses of plant small RNA diversity and the action of si/miRNAs in post-transcriptional regulation of some key genes involved in root development.
Highlights
This last decade, one of the most important revolutions in biology is the identification and characterization of the roles of noncoding RNAs and, more precisely the small RNAs, on the regulation of gene expression
The origin of endogenous small RNAs differs as siRNAs are generated from long intermolecular double strand RNAs whereas miRNAs are produced from intramolecular dsRNAs
The resulting dsRNA is further processed into phased 21 nt double-stranded siRNAs by DCL4 associated with DOUBLE– STRANDED RNA BINDING 4 (DRB4) in a sequential process initiated at the miRNA cleavage site
Summary
This last decade, one of the most important revolutions in biology is the identification and characterization of the roles of noncoding RNAs and, more precisely the small RNAs, on the regulation of gene expression. The discovery of the small RNAs has strongly modified our view of gene regulation and developmental control in plants and animals. Endogenous siRNAs may have regulatory functions in processes such as maintenance of genomic integrity, developmental patterning and response to environmental stresses. These discoveries may provide new tools for the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes. We will discuss recent results on the analysis of small RNA diversity and their mode of action in plants and we focus on the action of specific miRNAs in the control of shoot organogenesis and root growth and development
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