Spatially restricted microRNA directs leaf polarity through ARGONAUTE1

Gene regulation by RNA interference requires the functions of the PAZ domain protein Argonaute. In plants, mutations in ARGONAUTE1 (AGO1) are associated with distinctive developmental defects that suggest a role for microRNA (miRNA) in organ polarity. Potential targets of miRNA regulation are the ho...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nature 2004-03, Vol.428 (6978), p.81-84
Main Authors: Martienssen, Robert A, Kidner, Catherine A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
ago1 gene
Alleles
Arabidopsis - embryology
Arabidopsis - genetics
Arabidopsis - metabolism
Arabidopsis Proteins - genetics
Arabidopsis Proteins - metabolism
Argonaute Proteins
ARGONAUTE1 protein
Biological and medical sciences
Body Patterning
Cell differentiation, maturation, development, hematopoiesis
Cell physiology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Genes, Plant - genetics
Genes, Reporter
homeodomains
Humanities and Social Sciences
Leaves
letter
Meristem - embryology
Meristem - genetics
Meristem - metabolism
MicroRNAs - genetics
MicroRNAs - metabolism
miRNA
Molecular and cellular biology
multidisciplinary
Mutation
Mutation - genetics
PHABULOSA protein
Plant Leaves - embryology
Plant Leaves - genetics
Plant Leaves - metabolism
Proteins
Ribonucleic acid
RNA
RNA, Messenger - genetics
RNA, Messenger - metabolism
RNA, Plant - genetics
RNA, Plant - metabolism
Science
Science (multidisciplinary)
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Summary:Gene regulation by RNA interference requires the functions of the PAZ domain protein Argonaute. In plants, mutations in ARGONAUTE1 (AGO1) are associated with distinctive developmental defects that suggest a role for microRNA (miRNA) in organ polarity. Potential targets of miRNA regulation are the homeodomain/leucine zipper genes PHABULOSA (PHB) and PHAVOLUTA (PHV). These genes are expressed in a polar fashion in leaf primordia and are required for adaxial cell fate. Here we show that a 21-nucleotide miRNA that directs cleavage of PHB/PHV messenger RNA accumulates first in the embryonic meristem, and then in the abaxial domain of the developing leaf. miRNA distribution is disrupted by mutations in AGO1, indicating that AGO1 affects the regulation of miRNA. In addition, interactions between homeodomain/leucine zipper genes and an allelic series of ago1 indicate that miRNA acts as a signal to specify leaf polarity.
ISSN:0028-0836
1476-4687
DOI:10.1038/nature02366