Pattern formation via small RNA mobility.
MicroRNAs and trans-acting siRNAs (ta-siRNAs) have important regulatory roles in development. Unlike other developmentally important regulatory molecules, small RNAs are not known to act as mobile signals during development. Here, we show that low-abundant, conserved ta-siRNAs, termed tasiR-ARFs, move intercellularly from their defined source of biogenesis on the upper (adaxial) side of leaves to the lower (abaxial) side to create a gradient of small RNAs that patterns the abaxial determinant AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR3. Our observations have important ramifications for the function of small RNAs and suggest they can serve as mobile, instructive signals during development.
Chitwood
Daniel H
DH
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA.
Nogueira
Fabio T S
FT
Howell
Miya D
MD
Montgomery
Taiowa A
TA
Carrington
James C
JC
Timmermans
Marja C P
MC
D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D029681:Arabidopsis Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D019521:Body Patterning; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000378:metabolism; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D018520:Plant Shoots / Q000378:metabolism; D018749:RNA, Plant / Q000378:metabolism; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D029681:Arabidopsis Proteins; D035683:MicroRNAs; D018749:RNA, Plant; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; C486145:ZIPPY protein, Arabidopsis