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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...
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Primary transcripts of microRNAs encode regulatory peptides.

Dominique Lauressergues1, Jean-Malo Couzigou1, Hélène San Clemente1

  • 11] Université de Toulouse, UPS, UMR5546, Laboratoire de Recherche en Sciences Végétales, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France [2] Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR5546, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France.

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This summary is machine-generated.

Plant primary microRNAs (pri-miRNAs) encode small peptides (miPEPs) that enhance mature miRNA accumulation and regulate root development. These miPEPs may offer agronomical applications for controlling plant growth.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Plant Science
  • Genetics

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression, typically acting post-transcriptionally.
  • The function of larger primary miRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs) remains largely unexplored.
  • Plant pri-miRNAs are known to be processed into mature miRNAs, but their full functional capacity is under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the functional role of plant pri-miRNAs beyond their role as precursors to mature miRNAs.
  • To identify novel regulatory elements within pri-miRNA sequences.
  • To explore the potential of these elements for agricultural applications.

Main Methods:

  • Identification and characterization of open reading frames within plant pri-miRNA sequences.
  • Synthesis and application of identified peptides (miPEPs) to plant models (Medicago truncatula, Arabidopsis thaliana).
  • Quantitative analysis of mature miRNA and pri-miRNA levels, gene expression, and root development phenotypes.

Main Results:

  • Plant pri-miRNAs contain short open reading frames encoding regulatory peptides, termed miPEPs.
  • miPEP171b and miPEP165a enhance the accumulation of their corresponding mature miRNAs by increasing pri-miRNA transcription.
  • Application of synthetic miPEPs alters root development, demonstrating their biological activity and potential for agronomical use.

Conclusions:

  • Plant pri-miRNAs can encode functional peptides (miPEPs) that regulate miRNA biogenesis and gene expression.
  • miPEPs represent a novel layer of gene regulation in plants, potentially impacting development.
  • The discovery of miPEPs opens avenues for novel strategies in crop improvement and agricultural biotechnology.