miRNA Mediated Regulation and Interaction between Plants and Pathogens
Xiaoqian Yang1,2,3, Lichun Zhang1,2,3, Yuzhang Yang1,2,3
1Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
Abstract:
Plants have evolved diverse molecular mechanisms that enable them to respond to a wide range of pathogens. It has become clear that microRNAs, a class of short single-stranded RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the transcriptional or post-translational level, play a crucial role in coordinating plant-pathogen interactions. Specifically, miRNAs have been shown to be involved in the regulation of phytohormone signals, reactive oxygen species, and NBS-LRR gene expression, thereby modulating the arms race between hosts and pathogens. Adding another level of complexity, it has recently been shown that specific lncRNAs (ceRNAs) can act as decoys that interact with and modulate the activity of miRNAs. Here we review recent findings regarding the roles of miRNA in plant defense, with a focus on the regulatory modes of miRNAs and their possible applications in breeding pathogen-resistance plants including crops and trees. Special emphasis is placed on discussing the role of miRNA in the arms race between hosts and pathogens, and the interaction between disease-related miRNAs and lncRNAs.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in plant defense against pathogens, modulating gene expression and hormone signals. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) further regulate miRNA activity, offering potential for breeding disease-resistant crops.
Area of Science:
- Plant molecular biology
- Plant pathology
- Genetics
Background:
- Plants possess sophisticated molecular defenses against pathogens.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of plant-pathogen interactions.
- Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) modulating miRNA activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the roles of miRNAs in plant defense mechanisms.
- To highlight the regulatory functions of miRNAs and lncRNAs in plant-pathogen interactions.
- To discuss the application of miRNAs in breeding pathogen-resistant plants.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent findings on miRNA and lncRNA roles in plant immunity.
- Analysis of miRNA-mediated gene regulation in plant defense pathways.
- Examination of lncRNA-miRNA interactions (ceRNA networks).
Main Results:
- miRNAs regulate key defense components including phytohormone signaling, reactive oxygen species production, and NBS-LRR gene expression.
- lncRNAs act as decoys, sequestering miRNAs and influencing their regulatory targets.
- These interactions are central to the host-pathogen 'arms race'.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs are integral to plant immune responses and the co-evolutionary struggle with pathogens.
- Understanding miRNA and lncRNA interplay provides avenues for developing crops with enhanced disease resistance.
- Targeting these regulatory networks holds promise for agricultural biotechnology.
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