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mirMachine: A One-Stop Shop for Plant miRNA Annotation
Published on: May 1, 2021
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MicroRNAs in Woody Plants
Lisha Fang1, Yanmei Wang1,2
1College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.
Frontiers in Plant Science
|September 17, 2021
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression in plants. This review explores the roles of plant miRNAs in woody plant growth, development, and stress responses, highlighting their largely unknown functions.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Plant Science
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
- Plant miRNAs exhibit unique processing and high conservation compared to animal miRNAs.
- Plant development involves miRNAs controlling transcription factors for growth and morphology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on miRNAs in woody plants.
- To discuss the functions of woody plant miRNAs in development and stress.
- To identify knowledge gaps in woody plant miRNA research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published miRNA studies in woody plants.
- Analysis of identified miRNAs and their predicted target genes.
- Synthesis of findings on miRNA roles in growth, development, and stress.
Main Results:
- Numerous miRNAs identified in woody plants, but functions remain largely uncharacterized.
- Evidence suggests miRNAs are involved in regulating woody plant growth and development.
- Potential roles in biotic and abiotic stress responses are emerging.
Conclusions:
- Woody plant miRNAs are crucial regulators of diverse biological processes.
- Further research is needed to elucidate specific functions and targets.
- Understanding these miRNAs can aid in improving woody plant resilience and development.
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