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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Potato Virus X-Based microRNA Silencing (VbMS) In Potato.
Published on: May 11, 2020
The multifaceted regulatory network of microRNA396: Orchestrating plant plasticity through coordinating development
Hang Yang1, Ying Yan1, Lixia Zhang1
1Key Laboratory of Germplasm Innovation and Genetic Improvement of Grain and Oil Crops (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Crop Breeding and Cultivation Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 201403, China.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression in eukaryotes. Among them, miR396 targets GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR (GRF) transcription factors and forms one of the most highly conserved regulatory modules in plants. Recent studies have greatly expanded the functional landscape of the miR396-GRF module, showing that, beyond its canonical role in leaf morphogenesis, it also participates in root meristem regulation, reproductive development, yield formation, tissue regeneration, and responses to diverse abiotic and biotic stresses. In crop plants, this module further controls agronomically important traits. Here, we summarize current knowledge of the evolutionary conservation and diversification of the MIR396 loci, the upstream pathways that control miR396 expression, and the developmental and stress-related outputs mediated by the miR396-GRF module. We also discuss evidence that miR396 functions as a context-dependent regulator rather than a simple growth suppressor, and highlight how precise manipulation of the miR396-GRF module may provide new opportunities for crop improvement by optimizing growth, regeneration, and stress resilience.
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