Sequence and Expression Differences Underlie Functional Specialization of Arabidopsis MicroRNAs miR159 and miR319

Many microRNAs (miRNAs) are encoded by small gene families. In a third of all conserved Arabidopsis miRNA families, members vary at two or more nucleotide positions. We have focused on the related miR159 and miR319 families, which share sequence identity at 17 of 21 nucleotides, yet affect different...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Developmental cell 2007-07, Vol.13 (1), p.115-125
Main Authors: Palatnik, Javier F., Wollmann, Heike, Schommer, Carla, Schwab, Rebecca, Boisbouvier, Jerôme, Rodriguez, Ramiro, Warthmann, Norman, Allen, Edwards, Dezulian, Tobias, Huson, Daniel, Carrington, James C., Weigel, Detlef
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Arabidopsis
Arabidopsis - genetics
Arabidopsis - growth & development
Arabidopsis Proteins - genetics
Arabidopsis Proteins - metabolism
Base Sequence
Biological and medical sciences
Cell differentiation, maturation, development, hematopoiesis
Cell physiology
DEVBIO
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
MicroRNAs - genetics
Molecular and cellular biology
Point Mutation
RNA
RNA, Plant - genetics
Transcription Factors - genetics
Transcription Factors - metabolism
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Summary:Many microRNAs (miRNAs) are encoded by small gene families. In a third of all conserved Arabidopsis miRNA families, members vary at two or more nucleotide positions. We have focused on the related miR159 and miR319 families, which share sequence identity at 17 of 21 nucleotides, yet affect different developmental processes through distinct targets. MiR159 regulates MYB mRNAs, while miR319 predominantly acts on TCP mRNAs. In the case of miR319, MYB targeting plays at most a minor role because miR319 expression levels and domain limit its ability to affect MYB mRNAs. In contrast, in the case of miR159, the miRNA sequence prevents effective TCP targeting. We complement these observations by identifying nucleotide positions relevant for miRNA activity with mutants recovered from a suppressor screen. Together, our findings reveal that functional specialization of miR159 and miR319 is achieved through both expression and sequence differences.
ISSN:1534-5807
1878-1551
DOI:10.1016/j.devcel.2007.04.012