Exogenous application of leaf-derived extracts from the miR156- and miR172-overexpressing Arabidopsis and analysis of their effects on early plant development

• Grant number: 25/22805-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Botany - Pant Physiology
• Principal Investigator: Fabio Tebaldi Silveira Nogueira
• Grantee: Ana Luiza Ribeiro
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 25/00622-9 - Exploring the roles of extracellular microRNAs in plant development and in interactions with the rhizosphere microbiome, AP.R

Abstract

Extracellular small RNAs (sRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), have emerged as important molecules mediating inter-organismal interactions, including plant-to-plant communication and interactions between plants and microorganisms. Although it is not yet reported in the literature, plant-derived extracts enriched in certain miRNAs might be another way to deliver miRNAs to plant cells. Because miRNA-regulated pathways modulate the accumulation of primary/secondary metabolites, plant-derived extracts enriched in certain miRNAs and specific metabolites may be an attractive alternative and more eco-friendly method to modulate plant development and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Given the need for the application of ecological strategies in agriculture, there is an increasing interest in exploring the potentialities of the plant extracts in agriculture. Therefore, this study aims to answer whether exogenous application of leaf-derived extracts enriched in specific miRNAs and metabolites can modulate germination and seedling development.