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The miR156h-TaSPL4-TaPIN18 Module Regulates Plant Architecture and Grain Size by Modulating Auxin Transport in Wheat
Shuang Ruan1,2, Wenyang Ge1,2, Anqi Li1,2
1College of Agronomy, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China.
Plant, Cell & Environment
|July 2, 2026
Summary
Wheat microRNA 156h (miR156h) targets TaSPL4, influencing plant architecture and grain size. This miR156h-TaSPL4-TaPIN18 module modulates auxin transport for improved wheat yield.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Genetics
- Agronomy
Background:
- Wheat plant architecture is crucial for yield, with the miR156-SPL module regulating key traits.
- The precise roles of this module in wheat require further elucidation for breeding applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regulatory functions of the miR156-SPL module in wheat.
- To identify novel components and mechanisms controlling wheat architecture and grain size.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression analysis and functional characterization of miR156h, TaSPL4, and TaPIN18.
- CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to assess TaSPL4 function.
- Auxin transport assays to evaluate gene-mediated effects.
Main Results:
- miR156h overexpression reduced plant and grain size, increasing tillering and architectural compactness.
- miR156h directly targets and suppresses TaSPL4 expression.
- TaSPL4 knockout resulted in increased tillering and reduced grain width/weight, while its overexpression enhanced grain size and weight.
- TaSPL4 positively regulates TaPIN18, a novel downstream gene involved in auxin transport.
Conclusions:
- The miR156h-TaSPL4-TaPIN18 module is a key regulator of wheat plant architecture and grain size.
- This module modulates auxin transport and distribution.
- Findings offer potential molecular targets for enhancing wheat yield through breeding.
