Newly identified miRNAs may contribute to aerenchyma formation in sugarcane roots

Author(s)

de Pinho Tavares, Eveline Queiroz ^[1] ; Mattos Martins, Marina Camara ^[1] ; Grandis, Adriana ^[1] ; Romim, Grayce H. ^[1] ; Piovezani, Amanda Rusiska ^[1] ; Gaiarsa, Jonas Weissmann ^[2] ; Buckeridge, Marcos Silveira ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Dept Bot, Rua Matao 277, Room 126, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Ctr Facilidades Pesquisa, Inst Ciencias Biomed, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PLANT DIRECT; v. 4, n. 3 MAR 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Small RNAs comprise three families of noncoding regulatory RNAs that control gene expression by blocking mRNA translation or leading to mRNA cleavage. Such post-transcriptional negative regulation is relevant for both plant development and environmental adaptations. An important biotechnological application of miRNA identification is the discovery of regulators and effectors of cell wall degradation, which can improve/facilitate hydrolysis of cell wall polymers for second-generation bioethanol production. The recent characterization of plant innate cell wall modifications occurring during root aerenchyma development triggered by ethylene led to the possibility of prospection for mechanisms of cell wall disassembly in sugarcane. By using next-generation sequencing, 39 miRNAs were identified in root segments along the process of aerenchyma development. Among them, 31 miRNAs were unknown to the sugarcane miRBase repository but previously identified as produced by its relative Sorghum bicolor. Key putative targets related to signal transduction, carbohydrate metabolic process, and cell wall organization or biogenesis were among the most representative gene categories targeted by miRNA. They belong to the subclasses of genes associated with the four modules of cell wall modification in sugarcane roots: cell expansion, cell separation, hemicellulose, and cellulose hydrolysis. Thirteen miRNAs possibly related to ethylene perception and signaling were also identified. Our findings suggest that miRNAs may be involved in the regulation of cell wall degradation during aerenchyma formation. This work also points out to potential molecular tools for sugarcane improvement in the context of second-generation biofuels. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/13479-8 - Using systems biology approach to develop a model for whole plant functioning
• Grantee: Eveline Queiroz de Pinho Tavares
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 11/52065-3 - Using systems biology approach to develop a model for whole plant functioning
• Grantee: Marcos Silveira Buckeridge
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Partnership for Technological Innovation - PITE
• FAPESP's process: 08/57908-6 - National Institute of Science and Technology of Bioethanol
• Grantee: Marcos Silveira Buckeridge
• Support Opportunities: Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/50884-5 - INCT 2014: National Institute of Science and Technology of Bioethanol
• Grantee: Marcos Silveira Buckeridge
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants