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mirMachine: A One-Stop Shop for Plant miRNA Annotation
Published on: May 1, 2021
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New insights into pri-miRNA processing and accumulation in plants
Shuxin Zhang1,2, Yuhui Liu3, Bin Yu1
1Center for Plant Science Innovation & School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA.
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. RNA
|June 30, 2015
Summary
This review covers plant microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis, focusing on how primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) transcription, stability, and processing are regulated. Understanding these mechanisms is key for plant development and adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Plant molecular biology
- Gene regulation
- Biochemistry
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of diverse biological processes, including plant development and metabolism.
- miRNA biogenesis in plants involves processing of primary miRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs) by the DICER-LIKE1 (DCL1) enzyme complex.
- Regulation of pri-miRNA levels and processing is vital for plant adaptation to environmental changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize recent advancements in understanding plant pri-miRNA transcription, stability, and processing.
- To highlight the regulatory factors influencing miRNA biogenesis in plants.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on plant pri-miRNA biogenesis.
- Analysis of regulatory mechanisms at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels.
- Focus on the roles of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II (Pol II) and accessory proteins.
Main Results:
- Plant pri-miRNAs are transcribed by Pol II, with levels controlled by transcription and degradation.
- Pri-miRNA processing is influenced by transcript structure, splicing, and interactions with the DCL1 complex and accessory proteins.
- Complex regulatory networks govern miRNA biogenesis, impacting plant phenotypes.
Conclusions:
- Recent progress has elucidated the intricate regulation of plant pri-miRNA transcription, stability, and processing.
- These regulatory pathways are fundamental for normal plant development and environmental responses.
- Further research into these mechanisms holds potential for improving crop traits and stress resilience.
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