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Updated: Aug 9, 2025
Peptide-derived Method to Transport Genes and Proteins Across Cellular and Organellar Barriers in Plants
Published on: December 16, 2016
The Essentials on microRNA-Encoded Peptides from Plants to Animals
Mélanie Ormancey1,2, Patrice Thuleau1, Jean-Philippe Combier1
1Laboratoire de Recherche en Sciences Végétales, CNRS/UPS/INPT, 31320 Auzeville-Tolosane, France.
Abstract:
Primary transcripts of microRNAs (pri-miRNAs) were initially defined as long non-coding RNAs that host miRNAs further processed by the microRNA processor complex. A few years ago, however, it was discovered in plants that pri-miRNAs actually contain functional open reading frames (sORFs) that translate into small peptides called miPEPs, for microRNA-encoded peptides. Initially detected in Arabidopsis thaliana and Medicago truncatula, recent studies have revealed the presence of miPEPs in other pri-miRNAs as well as in other species ranging from various plant species to animals. This suggests that miPEP numbers remain largely underestimated and that they could be a common signature of pri-miRNAs. Here we present the most recent advances in miPEPs research and discuss how their discovery has broadened our vision of the regulation of gene expression by miRNAs, and how miPEPs could be interesting tools in sustainable agriculture or the treatment of certain human diseases.
Insights
MicroRNA-encoded peptides (miPEPs) are small peptides translated from pri-miRNAs, initially thought to be non-coding. Recent findings show miPEPs are widespread in plants and animals, suggesting a common role in gene regulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Primary transcripts of microRNAs (pri-miRNAs) were traditionally considered long non-coding RNAs.
- Recent discoveries in plants revealed that pri-miRNAs contain small open reading frames (sORFs).
- These sORFs translate into microRNA-encoded peptides (miPEPs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in miPEP research.
- To discuss the implications of miPEPs for gene expression regulation by microRNAs.
- To explore the potential applications of miPEPs in sustainable agriculture and human disease treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on pri-miRNAs and miPEPs.
- Analysis of the prevalence and characteristics of miPEPs across different species.
- Discussion of experimental evidence supporting miPEP function and applications.
Main Results:
- miPEPs have been identified in pri-miRNAs of various plant and animal species.
- The number of known miPEPs is likely underestimated, suggesting they are a common feature of pri-miRNAs.
- The discovery of miPEPs broadens the understanding of gene regulation by microRNAs.
Conclusions:
- miPEPs represent a newly recognized class of functional peptides encoded within pri-miRNAs.
- miPEPs have significant implications for understanding gene expression regulation.
- miPEPs hold potential as tools for sustainable agriculture and therapeutic interventions.
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