BookCélia Miguel, Tamas Dalmay, Inês Chaves, editors.
Summary: This book summarizes the latest findings on the functions of microRNAs in the regulation of plant development and responses to the surrounding environment. MicroRNAs are an important class of molecules that can be found in diverse groups of organisms, including plants and animals, and the investigation of their roles is a highly dynamic and "hot" research topic. The respective chapters address four main aspects, namely: microRNA investigation and annotation, the regulatory roles of microRNAs in various developmental processes, in response to abiotic factors, and in the context of biotic stress response regulation. Systematically reviewing the most important findings in this field, the book offers an essential guide for undergraduate and graduate students, teachers, and plant science researchers. Due to the potential applications of microRNAs in crop breeding and plant protection, it also represents a valuable resource for scientists in academia and the private sector alike.
Contents:
Intro
Preface
Contents
Editors and Contributors
List of Figures
List of Tables
Studying microRNAs in Plants
1 Regulation of Plant microRNA Biogenesis
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Regulation of microRNA Biogenesis Via Regulation of Microprocessor Complex
1.3 Regulation of microRNA Biogenesis Via pri-miRNA Splicing, Alternative polyA Site Selection and miPEPs
1.4 microRNA Action and Turnover in the Cytoplasm
1.4.1 Export of miRNAs from Nucleus to the Cytoplasm
1.4.2 microRNA Strand Selection in RISC Complex
1.4.3 Stabilization of microRNA in Cytoplasm 1.4.4 microRNA Mode of Action: mRNA Cleavage or Translational Inhibition?
1.5 Conclusions
References
2 Technologies to Address Plant microRNA Functions
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Gain-of-Function Strategies
2.3 Loss-of-Function Strategies
2.3.1 Targeting Mature miRNAs
2.3.2 Targeting pri/pre-miRNAs
2.4 Expressing Cleavage-Resistant Target Genes
2.5 Delivering TMs and STTMs or Overexpressing miRNAs in Plants Through Viral Vectors
2.6 Studying Interactions of miRNAs
2.7 Conclusions and Future Perspectives
References 3 Strategies and Resources for the Identification of microRNAs in Non-model Plants
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Available Tools and Resources
3.3 Further Considerations
References
4 microRNAs in the Formation of Epigenetic Memory in Plants: The Case of Norway Spruce Embryos
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Environmentally Induced Epigenetic Memory
4.3 Identification of Conserved and Novel miRNAs in Spruce
4.4 miRNAs and Their Targets Profiling in Spruce Embryos During Formation of an Epigenetic Memory
4.5 Differentially Expressed miRNAs Targeting Epigenetic Regulators
4.6 Conclusion 6.4 miRNAs in the Control of Embryo/Seed Maturation
6.5 miRNAs Highlighted During Embryogenesis of Non-model Species
6.6 miRNAs in the Induction and Development of Somatic Embryos
6.7 Conclusions
References
7 Emerging of microRNAs as Key Regulators in Plant Secondary Metabolism
7.1 Introduction
7.2 miRNA Roles in the Biosynthesis of Terpenoids
7.3 miRNA Roles in the Biosynthesis of Flavonoids
7.4 miRNA Roles in the Biosyhthesis of Alkaloids and Nitrogen-Containing Secondary Compounds