Emerging Connections between Small RNAs and Phytohormones

Trends Plant Sci. 2020 Sep;25(9):912-929. doi: 10.1016/j.tplants.2020.04.004. Epub 2020 May 4.

Abstract

Small RNAs (sRNAs), mainly including miRNAs and siRNAs, are ubiquitous in eukaryotes. sRNAs mostly negatively regulate gene expression via (post-)transcriptional gene silencing through DNA methylation, mRNA cleavage, or translation inhibition. The mechanisms of sRNA biogenesis and function in diverse biological processes, as well as the interactions between sRNAs and environmental factors, like (a)biotic stress, have been deeply explored. Phytohormones are central in the plant's response to stress, and multiple recent studies highlight an emerging role for sRNAs in the direct response to, or the regulation of, plant hormonal pathways. In this review, we discuss recent progress on the unraveling of crossregulation between sRNAs and nine plant hormones.

Keywords: development; hormones; miRNA; sRNA; siRNA; stress response.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / genetics
  • MicroRNAs* / genetics
  • Plant Growth Regulators*
  • Plants / genetics
  • RNA, Small Interfering

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • Plant Growth Regulators
  • RNA, Small Interfering