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Erokhina TN, Ryazantsev DY, Zavriev SK, Morozov SY. Biological Activity of Artificial Plant Peptides Corresponding to the Translational Products of Small ORFs in Primary miRNAs and Other Long "Non-Coding" RNAs. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1137. [PMID: 38674546 PMCID: PMC11055055 DOI: 10.3390/plants13081137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Generally, lncPEPs (peptides encoded by long non-coding RNAs) have been identified in many plant species of several families and in some animal species. Importantly, molecular mechanisms of the miPEPs (peptides encoded by primary microRNAs, pri-miRNAs) are often poorly understood in different flowering plants. Requirement for the additional studies in these directions is highlighted by alternative findings concerning positive regulation of pri-miRNA/miRNA expression by synthetic miPEPs in plants. Further extensive studies are also needed to understand the full set of their roles in eukaryotic organisms. This review mainly aims to consider the available data on the regulatory functions of the synthetic miPEPs. Studies of chemically synthesized miPEPs and analyzing the fine molecular mechanisms of their functional activities are reviewed. Brief description of the studies to identify lncORFs (open reading frames of long non-coding RNAs) and the encoded protein products is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. N. Erokhina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia (S.K.Z.)
| | - D. Y. Ryazantsev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia (S.K.Z.)
| | - S. K. Zavriev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia (S.K.Z.)
| | - S. Y. Morozov
- Biological Faculty, Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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Datta T, Kumar RS, Sinha H, Trivedi PK. Small but mighty: Peptides regulating abiotic stress responses in plants. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024; 47:1207-1223. [PMID: 38164016 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14792] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Throughout evolution, plants have developed strategies to confront and alleviate the detrimental impacts of abiotic stresses on their growth and development. The combat strategies involve intricate molecular networks and a spectrum of early and late stress-responsive pathways. Plant peptides, consisting of fewer than 100 amino acid residues, are at the forefront of these responses, serving as pivotal signalling molecules. These peptides, with roles similar to phytohormones, intricately regulate plant growth, development and facilitate essential cell-to-cell communications. Numerous studies underscore the significant role of these small peptides in coordinating diverse signalling events triggered by environmental challenges. Originating from the proteolytic processing of larger protein precursors or directly translated from small open reading frames, including microRNA (miRNA) encoded peptides from primary miRNA, these peptides exert their biological functions through binding with membrane-embedded receptor-like kinases. This interaction initiates downstream cellular signalling cascades, often involving major phytohormones or reactive oxygen species-mediated mechanisms. Despite these advances, the precise modes of action for numerous other small peptides remain to be fully elucidated. In this review, we delve into the dynamics of stress physiology, mainly focusing on the roles of major small signalling peptides, shedding light on their significance in the face of changing environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapasya Datta
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow, India
| | - Ravi S Kumar
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow, India
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Hiteshwari Sinha
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow, India
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Prabodh K Trivedi
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow, India
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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Vale M, Badim H, Gerós H, Conde A. Non-Mature miRNA-Encoded Micropeptide miPEP166c Stimulates Anthocyanin and Proanthocyanidin Synthesis in Grape Berry Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1539. [PMID: 38338816 PMCID: PMC10855927 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The phenylpropanoid and flavonoid pathways exhibit intricate regulation, not only influenced by environmental factors and a complex network of transcription factors but also by post-transcriptional regulation, such as silencing by microRNAs and miRNA-encoded micropeptides (miPEPs). VviMYBC2-L1 serves as a transcriptional repressor for flavonoids, playing a crucial role in coordinating the synthesis of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin. It works in tandem with their respective transcriptional activators, VviMYBA1/2 and VviMYBPA1, to maintain an equilibrium of flavonoids. We have discovered a miPEP encoded by miR166c that appears to target VviMYBC2-L1. We conducted experiments to test the hypothesis that silencing this transcriptional repressor through miPEP166c would stimulate the synthesis of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. Our transcriptional analyses by qPCR revealed that the application of exogenous miPEP166c to Gamay Fréaux grape berry cells resulted in a significant upregulation in flavonoid transcriptional activators (VviMYBA1/2 and VviMYBPA1) and structural flavonoid genes (VviLDOX and VviDFR), as well as genes involved in the synthesis of proanthocyanidins (VviLAR1 and VviANR) and anthocyanins (VviUFGT1). These findings were supported by the increased enzyme activities of the key enzymes UFGT, LAR, and ANR, which were 2-fold, 14-fold, and 3-fold higher, respectively, in the miPEP166c-treated cells. Ultimately, these changes led to an elevated total content of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Vale
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.V.); (H.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Hélder Badim
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.V.); (H.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Hernâni Gerós
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.V.); (H.B.); (A.C.)
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Department of Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Artur Conde
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.V.); (H.B.); (A.C.)
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Bravo-Vázquez LA, Méndez-García A, Chamu-García V, Rodríguez AL, Bandyopadhyay A, Paul S. The applications of CRISPR/Cas-mediated microRNA and lncRNA editing in plant biology: shaping the future of plant non-coding RNA research. PLANTA 2023; 259:32. [PMID: 38153530 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-023-04303-z] [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: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION CRISPR/Cas technology has greatly facilitated plant non-coding RNA (ncRNA) biology research, establishing itself as a promising tool for ncRNA functional characterization and ncRNA-mediated plant improvement. Throughout the last decade, the promising genome editing tool clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas; CRISPR/Cas) has allowed unprecedented advances in the field of plant functional genomics and crop improvement. Even though CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing system has been widely used to elucidate the biological significance of a number of plant protein-coding genes, this technology has been barely applied in the functional analysis of those non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that modulate gene expression, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Nevertheless, compelling findings indicate that CRISPR/Cas-based ncRNA editing has remarkable potential for deciphering the biological roles of ncRNAs in plants, as well as for plant breeding. For instance, it has been demonstrated that CRISPR/Cas tool could overcome the challenges associated with other approaches employed in functional genomic studies (e.g., incomplete knockdown and off-target activity). Thus, in this review article, we discuss the current status and progress of CRISPR/Cas-mediated ncRNA editing in plant science in order to provide novel prospects for further assessment and validation of the biological activities of plant ncRNAs and to enhance the development of ncRNA-centered protocols for crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Alberto Bravo-Vázquez
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Campus Querétaro, Av. Epigmenio González, No. 500 Fracc. San Pablo, 76130, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Andrea Méndez-García
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Campus Querétaro, Av. Epigmenio González, No. 500 Fracc. San Pablo, 76130, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Verenice Chamu-García
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Campus Puebla, Atlixcáyotl 5718, Reserva Territorial Atlixcáyotl, 72453, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Alma L Rodríguez
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Campus Querétaro, Av. Epigmenio González, No. 500 Fracc. San Pablo, 76130, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Anindya Bandyopadhyay
- International Rice Research Institute, 4031, Manila, Philippines.
- Reliance Industries Ltd., Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400701, India.
| | - Sujay Paul
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Campus Querétaro, Av. Epigmenio González, No. 500 Fracc. San Pablo, 76130, Querétaro, Mexico.
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Larran AS, Pajoro A, Qüesta JI. Is winter coming? Impact of the changing climate on plant responses to cold temperature. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2023; 46:3175-3193. [PMID: 37438895 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14669] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is causing alterations in annual temperature regimes worldwide. Important aspects of this include the reduction of winter chilling temperatures as well as the occurrence of unpredicted frosts, both significantly affecting plant growth and yields. Recent studies advanced the knowledge of the mechanisms underlying cold responses and tolerance in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. However, how these cold-responsive pathways will readjust to ongoing seasonal temperature variation caused by global warming remains an open question. In this review, we highlight the plant developmental programmes that depend on cold temperature. We focus on the molecular mechanisms that plants have evolved to adjust their development and stress responses upon exposure to cold. Covering both genetic and epigenetic aspects, we present the latest insights into how alternative splicing, noncoding RNAs and the formation of biomolecular condensates play key roles in the regulation of cold responses. We conclude by commenting on attractive targets to accelerate the breeding of increased cold tolerance, bringing up biotechnological tools that might assist in overcoming current limitations. Our aim is to guide the reflection on the current agricultural challenges imposed by a changing climate and to provide useful information for improving plant resilience to unpredictable cold regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Santiago Larran
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) IRTA-CSIC-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alice Pajoro
- National Research Council, Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Rome, Italy
| | - Julia I Qüesta
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) IRTA-CSIC-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Barcelona, Spain
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Kumar RS, Sinha H, Datta T, Asif MH, Trivedi PK. microRNA408 and its encoded peptide regulate sulfur assimilation and arsenic stress response in Arabidopsis. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 192:837-856. [PMID: 36682886 PMCID: PMC10231396 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play a central role in regulating various developmental and biological processes. The expression of miRNAs is differentially modulated in response to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Recent findings have shown that some pri-miRNAs encode small regulatory peptides known as microRNA-encoded peptides (miPEPs). miPEPs regulate the growth and development of plants by modulating corresponding miRNA expression; however, the role of these peptides under different stress conditions remains unexplored. Here, we report that pri-miR408 encodes a small peptide, miPEP408, that regulates the expression of miR408, its targets, and associated phenotype in Arabidopsis. We also report that miR408, apart from Plantacyanin (ARPN) and Laccase3 (LAC3), targets a glutathione S-transferase (GSTU25) that plays a role in sulfur assimilation and exhibits a range of detoxification activities with the environmental pollutant. Plants overexpressing miR408 showed severe sensitivity under low sulfur (LS), arsenite As(III), and LS + As(III) stress, while miR408 mutants developed using the CRISPR/Cas9 approach showed tolerance. Transgenic lines showed phenotypic alteration and modulation in the expression of genes involved in the sulfur reduction pathway and affect sulfate and glutathione accumulation. Similar to miR408 overexpressing lines, the exogenous application of synthetic miPEP408 and miPEP408OX lines led to sensitivity in plants under LS, As(III), and combined LS + As(III) stress compared to the control. This study suggests the involvement of miR408 and miPEP408 in heavy metal and nutrient deficiency responses through modulation of the sulfur assimilation pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Shankar Kumar
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Hiteshwari Sinha
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Tapasya Datta
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow 226015, India
| | - Mehar Hasan Asif
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Prabodh Kumar Trivedi
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow 226015, India
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Erokhina TN, Ryazantsev DY, Zavriev SK, Morozov SY. Regulatory miPEP Open Reading Frames Contained in the Primary Transcripts of microRNAs. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032114. [PMID: 36768436 PMCID: PMC9917039 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aims to consider retrospectively the available data on the coding properties of pri-microRNAs and the regulatory functions of their open reading frames (ORFs) and the encoded peptides (miPEPs). Studies identifying miPEPs and analyzing the fine molecular mechanisms of their functional activities are reviewed together with a brief description of the methods to identify pri-miRNA ORFs and the encoded protein products. Generally, miPEPs have been identified in many plant species of several families and in a few animal species. Importantly, molecular mechanisms of the miPEP action are often quite different between flowering plants and metazoan species. Requirement for the additional studies in these directions is highlighted by alternative findings concerning negative or positive regulation of pri-miRNA/miRNA expression by miPEPs in plants and animals. Additionally, the question of how miPEPs are distributed in non-flowering plant taxa is very important for understanding the evolutionary origin of such micropeptides. Evidently, further extensive studies are needed to explore the functions of miPEPs and the corresponding ORFs and to understand the full set of their roles in eukaryotic organisms. Thus, we address the most recent integrative views of different genomic, physiological, and molecular aspects concerning the expression of miPEPs and their possible fine functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana N. Erokhina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitriy Y. Ryazantsev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey K. Zavriev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Y. Morozov
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology and Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence:
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