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mirMachine: A One-Stop Shop for Plant miRNA Annotation
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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
PubMed

Insights

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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