Mobile plant microRNAs allow communication within and between organisms

Area of Science:

• Plant molecular biology
• Plant signaling and communication

Background:

• Plant microRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs encoded by endogenous genes.
• miRNAs regulate gene expression via mRNA degradation or translation inhibition.
• Evidence suggests miRNAs are exchanged between plants, pathogens, and parasitic plants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of mobile plant microRNAs in intercellular and inter-organismal communication.
• To highlight the novel concept of plant communication mediated by secreted miRNAs.
• To identify the knowledge gap regarding miRNA secretion and uptake mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing experimental evidence on plant miRNA mobility and exchange.
• Analysis of studies demonstrating miRNA secretion into the growing medium.
• Examination of research on miRNA-mediated gene regulation in recipient plants.

Main Results:

• Plant miRNAs are mobile and can be exchanged between plants, pathogens, and parasitic plants.
• Secreted miRNAs in the external medium can regulate gene expression and phenotypes of nearby plants.
• This establishes a new paradigm for plant communication.

Conclusions:

• Plant microRNAs play a crucial role in mediating communication beyond the individual plant.
• The mechanisms underlying miRNA secretion and cellular uptake remain largely unknown and require further investigation.