MIR2111a-mediated low-phosphate adaptation is linked to enhanced leaf phosphorus-use efficiency and growth maintenance in poplar
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Updated: Oct 31, 2026

A Simple Protocol for Mapping the Plant Root System Architecture Traits
Published on: February 10, 2023
Jieyu Wang1,2,3, Ruibin Chen1,2,3, Zhangqun Jiang1,2,3
1National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
Abstract:
Inorganic phosphate (Pi) limitation constrains tree growth and necessitates coordinated physiological and developmental adjustments to maintain Pi homeostasis. However, the role of miRNA-mediated regulation in low-phosphate responses remains poorly understood in woody species. In this study, we investigated the role of MIR2111a in hybrid poplar (Populus tremula × P. alba; hereafter poplar 717). Overexpression (OE) and CRISPR/Cas9-generated mutant (CR) lines were generated to assess its function in low-phosphate adaptation. Among the MIR2111 family members, MIR2111a was more strongly induced under low-phosphate conditions, particularly in young leaves. Under phosphate limitation, the OE lines maintained higher biomass and showed increased root biomass allocation, whereas the CR lines exhibited enhanced root elongation but reduced overall biomass. Notably, the OE lines maintained lower leaf Pi content but significantly higher leaf phosphorus-use efficiency and ATP levels, indicating more efficient Pi utilization rather than increased Pi accumulation. In addition, under low-phosphate conditions, the OE lines exhibited reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content and elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity compared with poplar 717, suggesting decreased lipid peroxidation and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity. Leaf transcriptome analysis further revealed that Pi-responsive genes involved in Pi signaling, transport, and energy metabolism were differentially regulated between OE and CR lines. Collectively, these results support an important role for MIR2111a in low-phosphate adaptation and biomass maintenance in poplar, providing new insights into miRNA-mediated phosphate responses in woody plants.
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