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Genetic manipulation of microRNAs: approaches and limitations

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Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, small regulatory RNAs (20–24 nt) that bind to complementary sites in the target mRNA molecules and lead to their degradation or translational inhibition. miRNAs regulate the spatial–temporal accumulation of target mRNAs, thereby governing several downstream biological processes and pathways. Various studies over the years have revealed that miRNAs play essential roles in controlling key developmental processes such as embryogenesis, development of root and shoot, leaf polarity, and phase transition along with the plant responses toward numerous biotic and/or abiotic stresses. The functional characterization of miRNAs and fine-tuning of the approaches using miRNAs to boost productivity and tolerance towards abiotic or biotic stresses in commercially important crops are very important. Mostly, approaches used for the functional characterization of miRNAs are based on modulating transcription of miRNA genes by employing genetic engineering tools. These approaches include the use of artificial miRNA genes, target mimic, editing of miRNAs using ZNF proteins, meganucleases, TALENs and most newly emerged CRISPR/Cas9. This review offers a brief overview of the biogenesis and functions of miRNAs in governing key biological processes. It also provides an insight into different approaches and bottlenecks to improve biologically and agronomically important traits through the modulation of miRNA function.

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Abbreviations

amiRNA :

Artificial microRNA

ABA :

Abscisic acid

AGO :

ARGONAUTE

ARF :

AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR

Cas9 :

CRISPR-associated protein 9

CRISPR :

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats

DCL1 :

DICER-LIKE1

HYL1 :

HYPONASTIC LEAVES1

miPEP :

microRNA encoded peptides

miRNA :

microRNAs

SDN :

SMALL RNA DEGRADING NUCLEASE

siRNA :

small interfering RNA

SPL :

Squamosa Promoter Binding Protein-Like

TALEN :

Transcription activator-like effector-based nuclease

ZFN :

Zinc-finger nucleases

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi, in the form of NCP Project No. MLP06. P.K.T. also acknowledges the Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi, for financial support in the form of JC Bose National Fellowship. A.S. and H.G. acknowledge the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi for a Senior Research Fellowship. CSIR-CIMAP Publication Number: CIMAP/PUB/2023/26.

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  1. CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-NBRI), Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, 226001, India

    Ashish Sharma, Himanshi Gautam & Prabodh Kumar Trivedi

  2. Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India

    Ashish Sharma, Himanshi Gautam & Prabodh Kumar Trivedi

  3. CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Near Kukrail Picnic Spot, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow, 226 015, India

    Ashish Sharma & Prabodh Kumar Trivedi

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Sharma, A., Gautam, H. & Trivedi, P.K. Genetic manipulation of microRNAs: approaches and limitations. J. Plant Biochem. Biotechnol. 32, 705–717 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13562-023-00833-5

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