MicroRNA miR396, GRF transcription factors and GIF co-regulators: a conserved plant growth regulatory module with potential for breeding and biotechnology

LIEBSCH, DANIELA; PALATNIK, JAVIER F

CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY

CURRENT BIOLOGY LTD

Año: 2020 vol. 53 p. 31 - 42

1369-5266

Multicellular life relies on complex regulatory mechanisms ensuring proper growth and development. In plants, these mechanisms construct a body plan that is both reproducible, and highly flexible for adaptation to different environmental conditions. A crucial regulatory module ? consisting of microRNA miR396, GROWTH REGULATING FACTORS (GRFs) and GRF-INTERACTING FACTORS (GIFs) ? has been shown to control growth of multiple tissues and organs in a variety of species. Especially in the last few years, research has expanded our knowledge of miR396?GRF/GIF function to crops, where it affects agronomically important traits, and highlighted its role in coordinating growth with endogenous and environmental factors. Special properties make the miR396?GRF/GIF system highly efficient in growth regulation and a promising target for improving plant yield.