Biogenesis, features, and functions of coding transcripts-derived siRNAs in plants.

Area of Science:

• Plant molecular biology
• RNA biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Small RNAs (sRNAs) are key regulators in plants, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs).
• Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) originate from noncoding or protein-coding transcripts.
• Coding transcript-derived siRNAs (ct-siRNAs) link RNA quality control (RQC) to post-transcriptional gene silencing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in endogenous sRNA biology, focusing on ct-siRNAs.
• To detail the biogenesis, regulatory properties, and biological functions of ct-siRNAs.
• To discuss the physiological significance and future directions of ct-siRNA research.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of endogenous sRNA biology.
• Analysis of ct-siRNA biogenesis pathways.
• Examination of ct-siRNA regulatory mechanisms and functions.

Main Results:

• Aberrant mRNAs convert to ct-siRNAs under impaired RNA decay or stress.
• 22-nt ct-siRNAs efficiently trigger secondary siRNA amplification.
• ct-siRNAs are selectively produced at specific loci and modulate defense/metabolism genes.

Conclusions:

• ct-siRNAs act as danger signals, bridging mRNA surveillance and growth-defense trade-offs.
• ct-siRNAs expand post-transcriptional regulation and enhance crop stress resistance.
• Further research is needed to fully understand ct-siRNA physiology and applications.