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MicroRNAs

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...

Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps

Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps

Gene expression can be regulated at almost every step from gene to protein. Transcription is the step that is most commonly regulated. This involves the binding of proteins to short regulatory sequences on the DNA. This association can either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene associated with the respective sequence.
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...

MicroRNAs

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...

Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps

Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps

Gene expression can be regulated at almost every step from gene to protein. Transcription is the step that is most commonly regulated. This involves the binding of proteins to short regulatory sequences on the DNA. This association can either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene associated with the respective sequence.
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...

MicroRNAs

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...

Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps

Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps

The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by regulatory proteins such as transcription factors, activators, or repressors—these control gene expression by initiating or inhibiting the transcription of genes. Once a precursor or pre-mRNA is produced, it undergoes post-transcriptional modification, including 5' capping, splicing, and the addition of a...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Potato Virus X-Based microRNA Silencing (VbMS) In Potato.

Potato Virus X-Based microRNA Silencing (VbMS) In Potato.

Published on: May 11, 2020

Control of leaf morphogenesis by microRNAs.

Javier F Palatnik¹, Edwards Allen, Xuelin Wu

¹Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany.

|August 22, 2003

Summary

MicroRNAs regulate plant leaf development by controlling TCP gene activity. This study identifies a microRNA that cleaves TCP messenger RNA, preventing abnormal leaf growth and revealing a conserved mechanism across plant species.

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RNA Blot Analysis for the Detection and Quantification of Plant MicroRNAs

RNA Blot Analysis for the Detection and Quantification of Plant MicroRNAs

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mirMachine: A One-Stop Shop for Plant miRNA Annotation

Published on: May 1, 2021

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Last Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Potato Virus X-Based microRNA Silencing (VbMS) In Potato.

Potato Virus X-Based microRNA Silencing (VbMS) In Potato.

Published on: May 11, 2020

RNA Blot Analysis for the Detection and Quantification of Plant MicroRNAs

RNA Blot Analysis for the Detection and Quantification of Plant MicroRNAs

Published on: July 11, 2020

mirMachine: A One-Stop Shop for Plant miRNA Annotation

mirMachine: A One-Stop Shop for Plant miRNA Annotation

Published on: May 1, 2021

Area of Science:

Plant Biology
Molecular Biology
Genetics

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of gene expression in plants.
Altered miRNA metabolism leads to developmental defects, but direct evidence for miRNA control over morphogenesis is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of microRNAs in regulating specific aspects of plant morphogenesis, particularly leaf development.
To identify genetic factors controlling leaf development through miRNA pathways.

Main Methods:

Genetic screening to identify key developmental loci.
Analysis of microRNA-guided messenger RNA (mRNA) cleavage.
Gene expression analysis of TCP genes.
Overexpression studies using wild-type and mutant TCP variants.

Main Results:

The JAW locus was identified, producing a microRNA targeting TCP genes involved in leaf development.
MicroRNA-guided cleavage of TCP4 mRNA is essential for preventing aberrant TCP4 gene activity.
mRNA cleavage is sufficient to confine TCP gene function to its normal activity domain.
Conserved TCP genes with miRNA target sites across diverse plant species suggest a conserved regulatory mechanism.

Conclusions:

MicroRNA-mediated regulation of TCP gene activity is a key mechanism controlling plant leaf morphogenesis.
This regulatory pathway is conserved across plant species with diverse leaf forms, highlighting its evolutionary importance.