1
|
Bravo-Vázquez LA, García-Ortega M, Medina-Feria S, Srivastava A, Paul S. Identification and expression profiling of microRNAs in leaf tissues of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. under salinity stress. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2024; 19:2361174. [PMID: 38825852 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2361174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Foeniculum vulgare Mill. commonly known as fennel, is a globally recognized aromatic medicinal plant and culinary herb with widespread popularity due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, carminative, and diuretic properties, among others. Although the phenotypic effects of salinity stress have been previously explored in fennel, the molecular mechanisms underlying responses to elevated salinity in this plant remain elusive. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are tiny, endogenous, and extensively conserved non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) typically ranging from 20 to 24 nucleotides (nt) in length that play a major role in a myriad of biological functions. In fact, a number of miRNAs have been extensively associated with responses to abiotic stress in plants. Consequently, employing computational methodologies and rigorous filtering criteria, 40 putative miRNAs belonging to 25 different families were characterized from fennel in this study. Subsequently, employing the psRNATarget tool, a total of 67 different candidate target transcripts for the characterized fennel miRNAs were predicted. Additionally, the expression patterns of six selected fennel miRNAs (i.e. fvu-miR156a, fvu-miR162a-3p, fvu-miR166a-3p, fvu-miR167a-5p, fvu-miR171a-3p, and fvu-miR408-3p) were analyzed under salinity stress conditions via qPCR. This article holds notable significance as it identifies not only 40 putative miRNAs in fennel, a non-model plant, but also pioneers the analysis of their expression under salinity stress conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariana García-Ortega
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, San Pablo, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Sara Medina-Feria
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, San Pablo, Queretaro, Mexico
| | | | - Sujay Paul
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, San Pablo, Queretaro, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Niu MX, Feng CH, He F, Zhang H, Bao Y, Liu SJ, Liu X, Su Y, Liu C, Wang HL, Yin W, Xia X. The miR6445-NAC029 module regulates drought tolerance by regulating the expression of glutathione S-transferase U23 and reactive oxygen species scavenging in Populus. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 242:2043-2058. [PMID: 38515251 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are essential in plant development and stress resistance, but their specific roles in drought stress require further investigation. Here, we have uncovered that a Populus-specific microRNAs (miRNA), miR6445, targeting NAC (NAM, ATAF, and CUC) family genes, is involved in regulating drought tolerance of poplar. The expression level of miR6445 was significantly upregulated under drought stress; concomitantly, seven targeted NAC genes showed significant downregulation. Silencing the expression of miR6445 by short tandem target mimic technology significantly decreased the drought tolerance in poplar. Furthermore, 5' RACE experiments confirmed that miR6445 directly targeted NAC029. The overexpression lines of PtrNAC029 (OE-NAC029) showed increased sensitivity to drought compared with knockout lines (Crispr-NAC029), consistent with the drought-sensitive phenotype observed in miR6445-silenced strains. PtrNAC029 was further verified to directly bind to the promoters of glutathione S-transferase U23 (GSTU23) and inhibit its expression. Both Crispr-NAC029 and PtrGSTU23 overexpressing plants showed higher levels of PtrGSTU23 transcript and GST activity while accumulating less reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, poplars overexpressing GSTU23 demonstrated enhanced drought tolerance. Taken together, our research reveals the crucial role of the miR6445-NAC029-GSTU23 module in enhancing poplar drought tolerance by regulating ROS homeostasis. This finding provides new molecular targets for improving the drought resistance of trees.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Xue Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Cong-Hua Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Fang He
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry & Grassland Administration on Forest Resources Conservation and Ecological Safety in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, College of Forestry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Han Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yu Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Shu-Jing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yanyan Su
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hou-Ling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Weilun Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xinli Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhou T, Cao L, Hu K, Yu X, Qu S. miR164-NAC21/22 module regulates the resistance of Malus hupehensis against Alternaria alternata by controlling jasmonic acid signaling. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 330:111635. [PMID: 36787851 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Apple leaf spot disease caused by Alternaria alternata apple pathotype (A. alternata AP) is one of the most severe fungal diseases affecting apple cultivation. Transcription factors are involved in various disease-resistance responses, and many of them are regulated by miRNAs. Here, we performed RNA-Seq to investigate gene expression changes during the defense response of Malus hupehensis against A. alternata AP. NAC21/22 was induced upon A. alternata AP infection and silenced by miR164 via direct mRNA cleavage. Contrasting expression patterns were noted between mature miR164 and NAC21/22 during infection. Contrary to NAC21/22 silencing, transiently overexpressing NAC21/22 in M. hupehensis alleviated disease symptoms on 'gala' leaves, impeded A. alternata AP growth, and promoted jasmonic acid (JA) signaling-related gene expression. Importantly, transient miR164f overexpression in 'gala' leaves enhanced A. alternata AP sensitivity, due perhaps to NAC21/22 downregulation, whereas miR164 suppression produced an opposite effect. In summary, the miR164-NAC21/22 module plays a pivotal role in apple resistance against A. alternata AP by regulating JA signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhou
- College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, PR China.
| | - Lifang Cao
- College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, PR China.
| | - Kaixu Hu
- College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, PR China.
| | - Xinyi Yu
- College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, PR China.
| | - Shenchun Qu
- College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Campos C, Coito JL, Cardoso H, Marques da Silva J, Pereira HS, Viegas W, Nogales A. Dynamic Regulation of Grapevine's microRNAs in Response to Mycorrhizal Symbiosis and High Temperature. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:982. [PMID: 36903843 PMCID: PMC10005052 DOI: 10.3390/plants12050982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding small RNAs that play crucial roles in plant development and stress responses and can regulate plant interactions with beneficial soil microorganisms such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). To determine if root inoculation with distinct AMF species affected miRNA expression in grapevines subjected to high temperatures, RNA-seq was conducted in leaves of grapevines inoculated with either Rhizoglomus irregulare or Funneliformis mosseae and exposed to a high-temperature treatment (HTT) of 40 °C for 4 h per day for one week. Our results showed that mycorrhizal inoculation resulted in a better plant physiological response to HTT. Amongst the 195 identified miRNAs, 83 were considered isomiRs, suggesting that isomiRs can be biologically functional in plants. The number of differentially expressed miRNAs between temperatures was higher in mycorrhizal (28) than in non-inoculated plants (17). Several miR396 family members, which target homeobox-leucine zipper proteins, were only upregulated by HTT in mycorrhizal plants. Predicted targets of HTT-induced miRNAs in mycorrhizal plants queried to STRING DB formed networks for Cox complex, and growth and stress-related transcription factors such as SQUAMOSA promoter-binding-like-proteins, homeobox-leucine zipper proteins and auxin receptors. A further cluster related to DNA polymerase was found in R. irregulare inoculated plants. The results presented herein provide new insights into miRNA regulation in mycorrhizal grapevines under heat stress and can be the basis for functional studies of plant-AMF-stress interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Campos
- MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
| | - João Lucas Coito
- LEAF—Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food Research Center, Associate Laboratory TERRA, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Hélia Cardoso
- MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
| | - Jorge Marques da Silva
- Department of Plant Biology/BioISI—Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Helena Sofia Pereira
- LEAF—Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food Research Center, Associate Laboratory TERRA, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Wanda Viegas
- LEAF—Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food Research Center, Associate Laboratory TERRA, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Amaia Nogales
- LEAF—Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food Research Center, Associate Laboratory TERRA, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ren H, Xu Y, Lixie H, Kuang J, Wang Y, Jin Q. Integrated Transcriptome and Targeted Metabolite Analysis Reveal miRNA-mRNA Networks in Low-Light-Induced Lotus Flower Bud Abortion. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9925. [PMID: 36077323 PMCID: PMC9456346 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Most Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) flower buds were aborted during the growing season, notably in low-light environments. How lotus produces so many aborted flower buds is largely unknown. An integrated transcriptome and targeted metabolite analysis was performed to reveal the genetic regulatory networks underlying lotus flower bud abortion. A total of 233 miRNAs and 25,351 genes were identified in lotus flower buds, including 68 novel miRNAs and 1108 novel genes. Further enrichment analysis indicated that sugar signaling plays a potential central role in regulating lotus flower bud abortion. Targeted metabolite analysis showed that trehalose levels declined the most in the aborting flower buds. A potential regulatory network centered on miR156 governs lotus flower bud abortion, involving multiple miRNA-mRNA pairs related to cell integrity, cell proliferation and expansion, and DNA repair. Genetic analysis showed that miRNA156-5p-overexpressing lotus showed aggravated flower bud abortion phenotypes. Trehalose-6-P synthase 1 (TPS1), which is required for trehalose synthase, had a negative regulatory effect on miR156 expression. TPS1-overexpression lotus showed significantly decreased flower bud abortion rates both in normal-light and low-light environments. Our study establishes a possible genetic basis for how lotus produces so many aborted flower buds, facilitating genetic improvement of lotus' shade tolerance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Qijiang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Landscaping, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li N, Wang Z, Wang B, Wang J, Xu R, Yang T, Huang S, Wang H, Yu Q. Identification and Characterization of Long Non-coding RNA in Tomato Roots Under Salt Stress. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:834027. [PMID: 35865296 PMCID: PMC9295719 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.834027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As one of the most important vegetable crops in the world, the production of tomatoes was restricted by salt stress. Therefore, it is of great interest to analyze the salt stress tolerance genes. As the non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) with a length of more than 200 nucleotides, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) lack the ability of protein-coding, but they can play crucial roles in plant development and response to abiotic stresses by regulating gene expression. Nevertheless, there are few studies on the roles of salt-induced lncRNAs in tomatoes. Therefore, we selected wild tomato Solanum pennellii (S. pennellii) and cultivated tomato M82 to be materials. By high-throughput sequencing, 1,044 putative lncRNAs were identified here. Among them, 154 and 137 lncRNAs were differentially expressed in M82 and S. pennellii, respectively. Through functional analysis of target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs), some genes were found to respond positively to salt stress by participating in abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway, brassinosteroid (BR) signaling pathway, ethylene (ETH) signaling pathway, and anti-oxidation process. We also construct a salt-induced lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network to dissect the putative mechanisms of high salt tolerance in S. pennellii. We analyze the function of salt-induced lncRNAs in tomato roots at the genome-wide levels for the first time. These results will contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms of salt tolerance in tomatoes from the perspective of lncRNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- Institute of Horticulture Crops, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China
- Key Laboratory of Horticulture Crop Genomics and Genetic Improvement in Xinjiang, Urumqi, China
| | - Zhongyu Wang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Baike Wang
- Institute of Horticulture Crops, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China
- Key Laboratory of Horticulture Crop Genomics and Genetic Improvement in Xinjiang, Urumqi, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Institute of Horticulture Crops, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China
- Key Laboratory of Horticulture Crop Genomics and Genetic Improvement in Xinjiang, Urumqi, China
| | - Ruiqiang Xu
- Institute of Horticulture Crops, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China
- Key Laboratory of Horticulture Crop Genomics and Genetic Improvement in Xinjiang, Urumqi, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Institute of Horticulture Crops, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China
- Key Laboratory of Horticulture Crop Genomics and Genetic Improvement in Xinjiang, Urumqi, China
| | - Shaoyong Huang
- Institute of Horticulture Crops, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China
- Key Laboratory of Horticulture Crop Genomics and Genetic Improvement in Xinjiang, Urumqi, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qinghui Yu
- Institute of Horticulture Crops, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China
- Key Laboratory of Horticulture Crop Genomics and Genetic Improvement in Xinjiang, Urumqi, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gelaw TA, Sanan-Mishra N. Nanomaterials coupled with microRNAs for alleviating plant stress: a new opening towards sustainable agriculture. PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 28:791-818. [PMID: 35592477 PMCID: PMC9110591 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-022-01163-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plant growth and development is influenced by their continuous interaction with the environment. Their cellular machinery is geared to make rapid changes for adjusting the morphology and physiology to withstand the stressful changes in their surroundings. The present scenario of climate change has however intensified the occurrence and duration of stress and this is getting reflected in terms of yield loss. A number of breeding and molecular strategies are being adopted to enhance the performance of plants under abiotic stress conditions. In this context, the use of nanomaterials is gaining momentum. Nanotechnology is a versatile field and its application has been demonstrated in almost all the existing fields of science. In the agriculture sector, the use of nanoparticles is still limited, even though it has been found to increase germination and growth, enhance physiological and biochemical activities and impact gene expression. In this review, we have summarized the use and role of nanomaterial and small non-coding RNAs in crop improvement while highlighting the potential of nanomaterial assisted eco-friendly delivery of small non-coding RNAs as an innovative strategy for mitigating the effect of abiotic stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Temesgen Assefa Gelaw
- Group Leader, Plant RNAi Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 110067 New Delhi, India
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Natural and Computational Science, Debre Birhan University, 445, Debre Birhan, Ethiopia
| | - Neeti Sanan-Mishra
- Group Leader, Plant RNAi Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 110067 New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Snigdha M, Prasath D. Transcriptomic analysis to reveal the differentially expressed miRNA targets and their miRNAs in response to Ralstonia solanacearum in ginger species. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 21:355. [PMID: 34325661 PMCID: PMC8323298 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-021-03108-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial wilt is the most devastating disease in ginger caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. Even though ginger (Zingiber officinale) and mango ginger (Curcuma amada) are from the same family Zingiberaceae, the latter is resistant to R. solanacearum infection. MicroRNAs have been identified in many crops which regulates plant-pathogen interaction, either through silencing genes or by blocking mRNA translation. However, miRNA's vital role and its targets in mango ginger in protecting bacterial wilt is not yet studied extensively. In the present study, using the "psRNATarget" server, we analyzed available ginger (susceptible) and mango ginger (resistant) transcriptome to delineate and compare the microRNAs (miRNA) and their target genes (miRTGs). RESULTS A total of 4736 and 4485 differential expressed miRTGs (DEmiRTGs) were identified in ginger and mango ginger, respectively, in response to R. solanacearum. Functional annotation results showed that mango ginger had higher enrichment than ginger in top enriched GO terms. Among the DEmiRTGs, 2105 were common in ginger and mango ginger. However, 2337 miRTGs were expressed only in mango ginger which includes 62 defence related and upregulated miRTGs. We also identified 213 miRTGs upregulated in mango ginger but downregulated in ginger, out of which 23 DEmiRTGS were defence response related. We selected nine miRNA/miRTGs pairs from the data set of common miRTGs of ginger and mango ginger and validated using qPCR. CONCLUSIONS Our data covered the expression information of 9221 miRTGs. We identified nine miRNA/miRTGs key candidate pairs in response to R. solanacearum infection in ginger. This is the first report of the integrated analysis of miRTGs and miRNAs in response to R. solanacearum infection among ginger species. This study is expected to deliver several insights in understanding the miRNA regulatory network in ginger and mango ginger response to bacterial wilt.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohandas Snigdha
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala, 673012, India
| | - Duraisamy Prasath
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala, 673012, India.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Alves A, Cordeiro D, Correia S, Miguel C. Small Non-Coding RNAs at the Crossroads of Regulatory Pathways Controlling Somatic Embryogenesis in Seed Plants. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:504. [PMID: 33803088 PMCID: PMC8001652 DOI: 10.3390/plants10030504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) are molecules with important regulatory functions during development and environmental responses across all groups of terrestrial plants. In seed plants, the development of a mature embryo from the zygote follows a synchronized cell division sequence, and growth and differentiation events regulated by highly regulated gene expression. However, given the distinct features of the initial stages of embryogenesis in gymnosperms and angiosperms, it is relevant to investigate to what extent such differences emerge from differential regulation mediated by sncRNAs. Within these, the microRNAs (miRNAs) are the best characterized class, and while many miRNAs are conserved and significantly represented across angiosperms and other seed plants during embryogenesis, some miRNA families are specific to some plant lineages. Being a model to study zygotic embryogenesis and a relevant biotechnological tool, we systematized the current knowledge on the presence and characterization of miRNAs in somatic embryogenesis (SE) of seed plants, pinpointing the miRNAs that have been reported to be associated with SE in angiosperm and gymnosperm species. We start by conducting an overview of sncRNA expression profiles in the embryonic tissues of seed plants. We then highlight the miRNAs described as being involved in the different stages of the SE process, from its induction to the full maturation of the somatic embryos, adding references to zygotic embryogenesis when relevant, as a contribution towards a better understanding of miRNA-mediated regulation of SE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Alves
- BioISI—Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Daniela Cordeiro
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; (D.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Sandra Correia
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; (D.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Célia Miguel
- BioISI—Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|