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Updated: Jul 2, 2025

RNA Blot Analysis for the Detection and Quantification of Plant MicroRNAs
Published on: July 11, 2020
Evidence of Cross-Kingdom Gene Regulation by Plant MicroRNAs and Possible Reasons for Inconsistencies
Tielong Xu1, Yating Zhu1, Ziqi Lin1
1Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, 1688 Mei Ling Avenue, Nanchang 330004, P.R. China.
Abstract:
The debate on whether cross-kingdom gene regulation by orally acquired plant miRNAs is possible has been ongoing for nearly 10 years without a conclusive answer. In this study, we categorized plant miRNAs into different groups, namely, extracellular vesicle (EV)-borne plant miRNAs, extracted plant miRNAs, herbal decoction-borne plant miRNAs, synthetic plant miRNA mimics, and plant tissue/juice-borne plant miRNAs. This categorization aimed to simplify the analysis and address the question more specifically. Our evidence suggests that EV-borne plant miRNAs, extracted plant miRNAs, herbal decoction-borne plant miRNAs, and synthetic plant miRNA mimics consistently facilitate cross-kingdom gene regulation. However, the results regarding the cross-kingdom gene regulation by plant tissue- and juice-borne plant miRNAs are inconclusive. This inconsistency may be due to variations in study methods, a low absorption rate of miRNAs and the selective absorption of plant miRNAs in the gastrointestinal tract. Overall, it is deduced that cross-kingdom gene regulation by orally acquired plant miRNAs can occur under certain circumstances, depending on factors such as the types of plant miRNAs, the delivery mechanism, and their concentrations in the plant.
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