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Updated: Mar 13, 2026
07:14
A Cell-to-cell Macromolecular Transport Assay in Planta Utilizing Biolistic Bombardment
Published on: August 27, 2010
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Mobile Transcripts and Intercellular Communication in Plants.
1Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam, Germany.
The Enzymes
|October 26, 2016
Summary
Plant phloem transports messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) as mobile signals. This review explores mRNA trafficking mechanisms and their significance in plant intercellular communication.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Molecular biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Phloem transports essential molecules like sugars, hormones, proteins, and RNAs in plants.
- Mobile RNAs, including viral RNAs, siRNAs, microRNAs, tRNAs, and mRNAs, are crucial for intercellular communication, growth, and development.
- RNA transport is facilitated by ribonucleoprotein complexes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review methods for identifying mobile messenger RNAs (mRNAs).
- To discuss the mechanisms underlying mRNA transport in plants.
- To highlight the significance of mRNA trafficking in plant development and signaling.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the mobile transcriptome to identify thousands of moving transcripts.
- Identification of potential RNA mobility motifs.
- Review of existing literature on RNA transport mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Thousands of transcripts have been identified as mobile within the plant.
- Factors influencing small interfering RNA (siRNA) and mRNA mobility are under investigation.
- Evidence suggests ribonucleoprotein complexes mediate RNA transport.
Conclusions:
- Messenger RNA (mRNA) trafficking is a significant aspect of plant intercellular communication.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the factors controlling mRNA and siRNA mobility.
- Understanding mRNA transport is key to deciphering complex plant signaling pathways.
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