《植物生理学报》 2015, 51(7): 1009-1016

植物microRNA的长距离移动与养分平衡的系统性调控

曾后清^*, 张亚仙, 王慧中, 杜立群

杭州师范大学生命与环境科学学院, 杭州310036

通信作者：曾后清；E-mail: zenghq@hznu.edu.cn；Tel: 0571-28865199

摘　要：

microRNA (miRNA)是一种广泛存在于动植物体内的长度为20~24个核苷酸的非编码的小RNA。miRNA在植物的生长发育、逆境反应和养分平衡等方面都发挥了非常重要的调节作用。近年来研究表明miRNA作为信号分子可以在细胞间移动, 也可以通过韧皮部进行长距离运输。本文简述了植物韧皮液中的miRNA及其对养分胁迫的响应、miRNA的长距离运输及其对养分平衡的系统性调控以及miRNA在植物体内移动的可能的机理, 并展望了进一步的研究方向。

关键词：microRNA; 移动; 长距离移动; 韧皮部; 系统性信号; 养分平衡

收稿：2015-05-19   修定：2015-05-28

资助：国家自然科学基金(31201679和U1130304)和浙江省自然科学基金(LY15C020006)。

Systemic Regulation of Nutrient Homeostasis by Long-Distance Movement of Plant microRNAs

ZENG Hou-Qing^*, ZHANG Ya-Xian, WANG Hui-Zhong, DU Li-Qun

College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China

Corresponding author: ZENG Hou-Qing; E-mail: zenghq@hznu.edu.cn; Tel: 0571-28865199

Abstract:

As a class of small RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous noncoding RNAs with a length of 20 to 24 nt and exist extensively in animals and plants. miRNAs play critical roles in various developmental and physiological processes in plants, including stress responses and nutrient homeostasis. Over the past years, some miRNAs have been demonstrated to function as signal molecules in a non-cell autonomous manner by moving between cells or over long distance via phloem. In this article, we reviewed the responses of miRNAs in phloem sap to nutrient stress, the systemic regulation of nutrient homeostasis by the long-distance movement of miRNAs, and the possible mechanisms of the movement of miRNAs within plants. We also suggested the perspective on future research based on the current understandings.

Key words: microRNA; movement; long-distance movement; phloem; systemic signal; nutrient homeostasis