Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small RNAs (sRNAs) that repress gene expression via high complementary binding sites in target mRNAs (messenger RNAs). Many miRNAs are ancient, and their intricate integration into gene expression programs have been fundamental for plant life, controlling developmental programs and executing responses to biotic/abiotic cues. Additionally, there are many less conserved miRNAs in each plant species, raising the possibility that the functional impact of miRNAs extends into virtually every aspect of plant biology. This Special Issue of Plants presents papers that investigate the function and mechanism of miRNAs in controlling development and abiotic stress response. This includes how miRNAs adapt plants to nutrient availability, and the silencing machinery that is responsible for this. Several papers profile changes in miRNA abundances during stress, and another study raises the possibility of circular RNAs acting as endogenous decoys to sequester and inhibit plant miRNA function. These papers act as foundational studies for the more difficult task ahead of determining the functional significance of these changes to miRNA abundances, or the presence of these circular RNAs. Finally, how miRNAs trigger the production of secondary sRNAs is reviewed, along with the potential agricultural impact of miRNAs and these secondary sRNA in the exemplar crop maize.
Highlights
MicroRNAs have been linked to most aspects of plant biology. They were first identified in plants less than 20 years ago, but they have been shown to be critical regulators of developmental process such as leaf morphogenesis, vegetative phase change, flowering time and response to environmental cues. This Special Issue presents a collection of papers that continues the molecular and functional characterization of plant miRNAs, as well as reviews that reflect on past achievements and outline the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead
Plant miRNAs are probably best known for their role in development
Many of the ancient miRNAs regulate highly conserved transcription factors or other regulatory genes that are fundamental in the development of terrestrial plants
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been linked to most aspects of plant biology. They were first identified in plants less than 20 years ago, but they have been shown to be critical regulators of developmental process such as leaf morphogenesis, vegetative phase change, flowering time and response to environmental cues. This Special Issue presents a collection of papers that continues the molecular and functional characterization of plant miRNAs, as well as reviews that reflect on past achievements and outline the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead
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