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Zaheer U, Munir F, Salum YM, He W. Function and regulation of plant ARGONAUTE proteins in response to environmental challenges: a review. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17115. [PMID: 38560454 PMCID: PMC10979746 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental stresses diversely affect multiple processes related to the growth, development, and yield of many crops worldwide. In response, plants have developed numerous sophisticated defense mechanisms at the cellular and subcellular levels to react and adapt to biotic and abiotic stressors. RNA silencing, which is an innate immune mechanism, mediates sequence-specific gene expression regulation in higher eukaryotes. ARGONAUTE (AGO) proteins are essential components of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). They bind to small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) and target complementary RNAs, causing translational repression or triggering endonucleolytic cleavage pathways. In this review, we aim to illustrate the recently published molecular functions, regulatory mechanisms, and biological roles of AGO family proteins in model plants and cash crops, especially in the defense against diverse biotic and abiotic stresses, which could be helpful in crop improvement and stress tolerance in various plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uroosa Zaheer
- Plant Protection, State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Plant Protection, International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Plant Protection, Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Faisal Munir
- Plant Protection, State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Plant Protection, International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Plant Protection, Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yussuf Mohamed Salum
- Plant Protection, State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Plant Protection, International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Plant Protection, Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Weiyi He
- Plant Protection, State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Plant Protection, International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Plant Protection, Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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2
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Sharma D, Koul A, Bhushan S, Gupta S, Kaul S, Dhar MK. Insights into microRNA-mediated interaction and regulation of metabolites in tomato. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2023; 25:1142-1153. [PMID: 37681459 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
microRNAs direct regulation of various metabolic pathways in plants and animals. miRNAs may be useful in developing novel/elite genotypes, with enhanced metabolites and disease resistance. We examined miRNAs in tomato. In tomato, miRNAs in the carotenoid pathway have not been fully elucidated. We examined the potential role of miRNAs in biosynthesis of carotenoids, transcript profiling of miRNAs and their possible targets (genes and transcription factors) at different development stages of tomato using stem-loop PCR and RT-qPCR. We also identified miRNAs targeting key flavonoid genes, such as chalcone isomerase (CHI), and dihydroflavonol-4-reductase (DFR). Distinct expression profiles of miRNAs and their targets were found in fruits of three tomato accessions, suggesting carotenoid regulation by miRNAs at various stages of fruit development. This was also confirmed using HPLC of the carotenoids. The present study may help in understanding possible regulation of carotenoid biosynthesis. The identified miRNAs can be exploited to enhance biosynthesis of different carotenoids in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sharma
- Genome Research Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
| | - A Koul
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - S Bhushan
- Department of Botany, Central University of Jammu, Bagla (Rahya Suchani), Samba, Jammu, India
| | - S Gupta
- Genome Research Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
| | - S Kaul
- Genome Research Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
| | - M K Dhar
- Genome Research Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
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3
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de Felippes FF, Waterhouse PM. Plant terminators: the unsung heroes of gene expression. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:2239-2250. [PMID: 36477559 PMCID: PMC10082929 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
To be properly expressed, genes need to be accompanied by a terminator, a region downstream of the coding sequence that contains the information necessary for the maturation of the mRNA 3' end. The main event in this process is the addition of a poly(A) tail at the 3' end of the new transcript, a critical step in mRNA biology that has important consequences for the expression of genes. Here, we review the mechanism leading to cleavage and polyadenylation of newly transcribed mRNAs and how this process can affect the final levels of gene expression. We give special attention to an aspect often overlooked, the effect that different terminators can have on the expression of genes. We also discuss some exciting findings connecting the choice of terminator to the biogenesis of small RNAs, which are a central part of one of the most important mechanisms of regulation of gene expression in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter M Waterhouse
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Institute for Future Environments, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature & Agriculture, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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4
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Raval M, Mishra S, Tiwari AK. Epigenetic regulons in Alzheimer's disease. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 198:185-247. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
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5
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Karthik K, Hada A, Bajpai A, Patil BL, Paraselli B, Rao U, Sreevathsa R. A novel tasi RNA-based micro RNA-induced gene silencing strategy to tackle multiple pests and pathogens in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). PLANTA 2022; 257:20. [PMID: 36538040 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-022-04055-2] [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: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study demonstrates the combinatorial management of multiple pests through a trans-acting siRNA (tasiRNA)-based micro RNA-induced gene silencing (MIGS) strategy. Transgenic cotton events demonstrated improved efficacy against cotton leaf curl disease, cotton leaf hopper and root-knot nematode. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), an important commercial crop grown worldwide is confronted by several pests and pathogens, thus reiterating interventions for their management. In this study, we report, the utility of a novel Arabidopsis miRNA173-directed trans-acting siRNA (tasiRNA)-based micro RNA-induced gene silencing (MIGS) strategy for the simultaneous management of cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD), cotton leaf hopper (CLH; Amrasca biguttula biguttula) and root-knot nematode (RKN, Meloidogyne incognita). Cotton transgenics were developed with the MIGS construct targeting a total of 7 genes by an apical meristem-targeted in planta transformation strategy. Stable transgenics were selected using stringent selection pressure, molecular characterization and stress-specific bio-efficacy studies. We identified 8 superior events with 50-100% resistance against CLCuD, while reduction in the root-knot nematode multiplication factor in the range of 35-75% confirmed resistance to RKN. These transgenic cotton events were also detrimental to the growth and development of CLH, as only 43.3-62.5% of nymphs could survive. Based on the corroborating evidences obtained by all the bioefficacy analyses, 3 events viz., L-75-1, E-27-11, E-27-7 were found to be consistent in tackling the target pests. To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first of its kind demonstrating the possibility of combinatorial management of pests/diseases in cotton using MIGS approach. These identified events demonstrate immense utility of the strategy towards combinatorial stress management in cotton improvement programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kesiraju Karthik
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, National Biotech Cluster, Faridabad-Gurugram Highway, New Delhi, India
| | - Alkesh Hada
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Akansha Bajpai
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Basavaprabhu L Patil
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Uma Rao
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India.
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India.
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6
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Loreti E, Perata P. Mobile plant microRNAs allow communication within and between organisms. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 235:2176-2182. [PMID: 35794849 PMCID: PMC10114960 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Plant microRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs that are encoded by endogenous miRNA genes and regulate gene expression through gene silencing, by inducing degradation of their target messenger RNA or by inhibiting its translation. Some miRNAs are mobile molecules inside the plant, and increasing experimental evidence has demonstrated that miRNAs represent molecules that are exchanged between plants, their pathogens, and parasitic plants. It has also been shown that miRNAs are secreted into the external growing medium and that these miRNAs regulate gene expression and the phenotype of nearby receiving plants, thus defining a new concept in plant communication. However, the mechanism of miRNA secretion and uptake by plant cells still needs to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Loreti
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, CNRNational Research CouncilVia Moruzzi56124PisaItaly
| | - Pierdomenico Perata
- PlantLab, Center of Plant SciencesSant'Anna School of Advanced StudiesVia Giudiccioni 1056010San Giuliano TermePisaItaly
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7
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Bilir Ö, Göl D, Hong Y, McDowell JM, Tör M. Small RNA-based plant protection against diseases. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:951097. [PMID: 36061762 PMCID: PMC9434005 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.951097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plant diseases cause significant decreases in yield and quality of crops and consequently pose a very substantial threat to food security. In the continuous search for environmentally friendly crop protection, exploitation of RNA interferance machinery is showing promising results. It is well established that small RNAs (sRNAs) including microRNA (miRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) are involved in the regulation of gene expression via both transcriptional and post-transcriptional RNA silencing. sRNAs from host plants can enter into pathogen cells during invasion and silence pathogen genes. This process has been exploited through Host-Induced Gene Silencing (HIGS), in which plant transgenes that produce sRNAs are engineered to silence pest and pathogen genes. Similarly, exogenously applied sRNAs can enter pest and pathogen cells, either directly or via the hosts, and silence target genes. This process has been exploited in Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS). Here, we focus on the role of sRNAs and review how they have recently been used against various plant pathogens through HIGS or SIGS-based methods and discuss advantages and drawbacks of these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özlem Bilir
- Department of Biotechnology, Trakya Agricultural Research Institute, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Deniz Göl
- Department of Biology, School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester, United Kingdom
| | - Yiguo Hong
- Department of Biology, School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester, United Kingdom
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - John M. McDowell
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Mahmut Tör
- Department of Biology, School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester, United Kingdom
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8
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de Felippes FF, Shand K, Waterhouse PM. Identification of a Transferrable Terminator Element That Inhibits Small RNA Production and Improves Transgene Expression Levels. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:877793. [PMID: 35651775 PMCID: PMC9149433 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.877793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The role of terminators is more commonly associated with the polyadenylation and 3' end formation of new transcripts. Recent evidence, however, suggests that this regulatory region can have a dramatic impact on gene expression. Nonetheless, little is known about the molecular mechanisms leading to the improvements associated with terminator usage in plants and the different elements in a plant terminator. Here, we identified an element in the Arabidopsis HSP18.2 terminator (tHSP) to be essential for the high level of expression seen for transgenes under the regulation of this terminator. Our molecular analyses suggest that this newly identified sequence acts to improve transcription termination, leading to fewer read-through events and decreased amounts of small RNAs originating from the transgene. Besides protecting against silencing, the tHSP-derived sequence positively impacts splicing efficiency, helping to promote gene expression. Moreover, we show that this sequence can be used to generate chimeric terminators with enhanced efficiency, resulting in stronger transgene expression and significantly expanding the availability of efficient terminators that can be part of good expression systems. Thus, our data make an important contribution toward a better understanding of plant terminators, with the identification of a new element that has a direct impact on gene expression, and at the same time, creates new possibilities to modulate gene expression via the manipulation of 3' regulatory regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Fenselau de Felippes
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Institute for Future Environments, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kylie Shand
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Institute for Future Environments, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter M. Waterhouse
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Institute for Future Environments, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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9
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Jyothsna S, Alagu M. Role of phasiRNAs in plant-pathogen interactions: molecular perspectives and bioinformatics tools. PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 28:947-961. [PMID: 35722509 PMCID: PMC9203634 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-022-01189-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The genome of an organism is regulated in concert with the organized action of various genetic regulators at different hierarchical levels. Small non-coding RNAs are one of these regulators, among which microRNAs (miRNAs), a distinguished sRNA group with decisive functions in the development, growth and stress-responsive activities of both plants as well as animals, are keenly explored over a good number of years. Recent studies in plants revealed that apart from the silencing activity exhibited by miRNAs on their targets, miRNAs of specific size and structural features can direct the phasing pattern of their target loci to form phased secondary small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs). These trigger-miRNAs were identified to target both coding and long non-coding RNAs that act as potent phasiRNA precursors or PHAS loci. The phasiRNAs produced thereby exhibit a role in enhancing further downstream regulation either on their own precursors or on those transcripts that are distinct from their genetic source of origin. Hence, these tiny regulators can stimulate an elaborative cascade of interacting RNA networks via cis and trans-regulatory mechanisms. Our review focuses on the comprehensive understanding of phasiRNAs and their trigger miRNAs, by giving much emphasis on their role in the regulation of plant defense responses, together with a summary of the computational tools available for the prediction of the same.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Jyothsna
- Department of Genomic Science, Central University of Kerala, Periye, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316 India
| | - Manickavelu Alagu
- Department of Genomic Science, Central University of Kerala, Periye, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316 India
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10
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Abbas A, Shah AN, Tanveer M, Ahmed W, Shah AA, Fiaz S, Waqas MM, Ullah S. MiRNA fine tuning for crop improvement: using advance computational models and biotechnological tools. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:5437-5450. [PMID: 35182321 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07231-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
MiRNAs modulate target genes expression at post-transcriptional levels, by reducing spatial abundance of mRNAs. MiRNAs regulats plant metabolism, and emerged as regulators of plant stress responses. Which make miRNAs promising candidates for fine tuning to affectively alter crop stress tolerance and other important traits. With recent advancements in the computational biology and biotechnology miRNAs structure and target prediction is possible resulting in pin point editing; miRNA modulation can be done by up or down regulating miRNAs using recently available biotechnological tools (CRISPR Cas9, TALENS and RNAi). In this review we have focused on miRNA biogenesis, miRNA roles in plant development, plant stress responses and roles in signaling pathways. Additionally we have discussed latest computational prediction models for miRNA to target gene interaction and biotechnological systems used recently for miRNA modulation. We have also highlighted setbacks and limitations in the way of miRNA modulation; providing entirely a new direction for improvement in plant genomics primarily focusing miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asad Abbas
- School of Horticulture, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Adnan Noor Shah
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan 64200, Punjab, Pakistan.
| | - Mohsin Tanveer
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Waseem Ahmed
- Department of Horticulture, The University of Haripur, Hatatr Road, Haripur, 22620, Pakistan
| | - Anis Ali Shah
- Department of Botany, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sajid Fiaz
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, The University of Haripur, Haripur, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Mohsin Waqas
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan 64200, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Sami Ullah
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Fei Y, Feng J, Wang R, Zhang B, Zhang H, Huang J. PhasiRNAnalyzer: an integrated analyser for plant phased siRNAs. RNA Biol 2021; 18:1622-1629. [PMID: 33541212 PMCID: PMC8594884 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.1879543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Phased siRNAs (phasiRNAs) are a class of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) which play essential roles in plant development and defence. However, only a few phasiRNAs have been extensively studied due to the difficulties in identifying and characterizing plant phasiRNAs by plant biologists. Herein, we describe a comprehensive and multi-functional web server termed PhasiRNAnalyzer, which is able to identify all crucial components in plant phasiRNA's regulatory pathway (phase-initiator→PHAS gene→phasiRNA cluster→target gene). Currently, PhasiRNAnalyzer exhibits the following advantages: I) It is the most comprehensive platform which hosts 170 plant species with 256 genome data, 438 cDNA data and 271 degradome data. II) It can identify all crucial components in phasiRNA's regulatory pathway, and verify the interactions between phasiRNAs and their target genes based on degradome data. III) It can perform differential expression analysis of phasiRNAs on each PHAS gene locus between different samples conveniently. IV) It provides the user-friendly interfaces and introduces several improvements, primarily by making more accurate and efficient analysis when dealing with deep sequencing data. In summary, PhasiRNAnalyzer is a comprehensive and systemic phasiRNA analysis server with high sensitivity and efficiency. It can be freely accessed at https://cbi.njau.edu.cn/PPSA/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Fei
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiejie Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Baoyi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongsheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ji Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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12
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Anand A, Pandi G. Noncoding RNA: An Insight into Chloroplast and Mitochondrial Gene Expressions. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11010049. [PMID: 33450961 PMCID: PMC7828403 DOI: 10.3390/life11010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of gene expression in any biological system is a complex process with many checkpoints at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and translational levels. The control mechanism is mediated by various protein factors, secondary metabolites and a newly included regulatory member, i.e., noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). It is known that ncRNAs modulate the mRNA or protein profiles of the cell depending on the degree of complementary and context of the microenvironment. In plants, ncRNAs are essential for growth and development in normal conditions by controlling various gene expressions and have emerged as a key player to guard plants during adverse conditions. In order to have smooth functioning of the plants under any environmental pressure, two very important DNA-harboring semi-autonomous organelles, namely, chloroplasts and mitochondria, are considered as main players. These organelles conduct the most crucial metabolic pathways that are required to maintain cell homeostasis. Thus, it is imperative to explore and envisage the molecular machineries responsible for gene regulation within the organelles and their coordination with nuclear transcripts. Therefore, the present review mainly focuses on ncRNAs origination and their gene regulation in chloroplasts and plant mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asha Anand
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (G.P.); Tel.: +91-452-245-8230 (G.P.)
| | - Gopal Pandi
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (G.P.); Tel.: +91-452-245-8230 (G.P.)
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13
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Zhang YC, Lei MQ, Zhou YF, Yang YW, Lian JP, Yu Y, Feng YZ, Zhou KR, He RR, He H, Zhang Z, Yang JH, Chen YQ. Reproductive phasiRNAs regulate reprogramming of gene expression and meiotic progression in rice. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6031. [PMID: 33247135 PMCID: PMC7695705 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19922-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant spermatogenesis is a complex process that directly affects crop breeding. A rapid change in gene abundance occurs at early meiosis prophase, when gene regulation is selective. However, how these genes are regulated remains unknown. Here, we show that rice reproductive phasiRNAs are essential for the elimination of a specific set of RNAs during meiotic prophase I. These phasiRNAs cleave target mRNAs in a regulatory manner such that one phasiRNA can target more than one gene, and/or a single gene can be targeted by more than one phasiRNA to efficiently silence target genes. Our investigation of phasiRNA-knockdown and PHAS-edited transgenic plants demonstrates that phasiRNAs and their nucleotide variations are required for meiosis progression and fertility. This study highlights the importance of reproductive phasiRNAs for the reprogramming of gene expression during meiotic progression and establishes a basis for future studies on the roles of phasiRNAs with a goal of crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chan Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China.
| | - Meng-Qi Lei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Fei Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Wei Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Ping Lian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Yang Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Zhao Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Ke-Ren Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Rui-Rui He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Huang He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Hua Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Yue-Qin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China.
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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14
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F de Felippes F, McHale M, Doran RL, Roden S, Eamens AL, Finnegan EJ, Waterhouse PM. The key role of terminators on the expression and post-transcriptional gene silencing of transgenes. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 104:96-112. [PMID: 32603508 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Transgenes have become essential to modern biology, being an important tool in functional genomic studies and also in the development of biotechnological products. One of the major challenges in the generation of transgenic lines concerns the expression of transgenes, which, compared to endogenes, are particularly susceptible to silencing mediated by small RNAs (sRNAs). Several reasons have been put forward to explain why transgenes often trigger the production of sRNAs, such as the high level of expression induced by commonly used strong constitutive promoters, the lack of introns, and features resembling viral and other exogenous sequences. However, the relative contributions of the different genomic elements with respect to protecting genes from the silencing machinery and their molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we present the results of a mutagenesis screen conceived to identify features involved in the protection of endogenes against becoming a template for the production of sRNAs. Interestingly, all of the recovered mutants had alterations in genes with proposed function in transcription termination, suggesting a central role of terminators in this process. Indeed, using a GFP reporter system, we show that, among different genetic elements tested, the terminator sequence had the greatest effect on transgene-derived sRNA accumulation and that a well-defined poly(A) site might be especially important. Finally, we describe an unexpected mechanism, where transgenes containing certain intron/terminator combinations lead to an increase in the production of sRNAs, which appears to interfere with splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe F de Felippes
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Institute for Future Environments, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Marcus McHale
- Plant Systems Biology Laboratory, Áras de Brún, National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), Research Road, Galway, H91TK33, Ireland
| | - Rachel L Doran
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Institute for Future Environments, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Sally Roden
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Institute for Future Environments, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Andrew L Eamens
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - E Jean Finnegan
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Peter M Waterhouse
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Institute for Future Environments, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
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15
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Millar AA. The Function of miRNAs in Plants. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9020198. [PMID: 32033453 PMCID: PMC7076417 DOI: 10.3390/plants9020198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small RNAs (sRNAs) that repress gene expression via high complementary binding sites in target mRNAs (messenger RNAs). Many miRNAs are ancient, and their intricate integration into gene expression programs have been fundamental for plant life, controlling developmental programs and executing responses to biotic/abiotic cues. Additionally, there are many less conserved miRNAs in each plant species, raising the possibility that the functional impact of miRNAs extends into virtually every aspect of plant biology. This Special Issue of Plants presents papers that investigate the function and mechanism of miRNAs in controlling development and abiotic stress response. This includes how miRNAs adapt plants to nutrient availability, and the silencing machinery that is responsible for this. Several papers profile changes in miRNA abundances during stress, and another study raises the possibility of circular RNAs acting as endogenous decoys to sequester and inhibit plant miRNA function. These papers act as foundational studies for the more difficult task ahead of determining the functional significance of these changes to miRNA abundances, or the presence of these circular RNAs. Finally, how miRNAs trigger the production of secondary sRNAs is reviewed, along with the potential agricultural impact of miRNAs and these secondary sRNA in the exemplar crop maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony A Millar
- Division of Plant Science, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
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16
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de Felippes FF, Waterhouse PM. The Whys and Wherefores of Transitivity in Plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:579376. [PMID: 32983223 PMCID: PMC7488869 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.579376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Transitivity in plants is a mechanism that produces secondary small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) from a transcript targeted by primary small RNAs (sRNAs). It expands the silencing signal to additional sequences of the transcript. The process requires RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RDRs), which convert single-stranded RNA targets into a double-stranded (ds) RNA, the precursor of siRNAs and is critical for effective and amplified responses to virus infection. It is also important for the production of endogenous secondary siRNAs, such as phased siRNAs (phasiRNAs), which regulate several genes involved in development and adaptation. Transitivity on endogenous transcripts is very specific, utilizing special primary sRNAs, such as miRNAs with unique features, and particular ARGONAUTEs. In contrast, transitivity on transgene and virus (exogenous) transcripts is more generic. This dichotomy of responses implies the existence of a mechanism that differentiates self from non-self targets. In this work, we examine the possible mechanistic process behind the dichotomy and the intriguing counter-intuitive directionality of transitive sequence-spread in plants.
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17
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Carbonell A. Secondary Small Interfering RNA-Based Silencing Tools in Plants: An Update. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:687. [PMID: 31191587 PMCID: PMC6547011 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
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