Evolution of MIR159/319 microRNA genes and their regulatory link to siRNA pathways
Author Information
Author(s): Li Yang, Li Chaoqun, Ding Guohui, Jin Youxin
Primary Institution: Shanghai University
Hypothesis
The phylogeny of MIR159 and MIR319 genes and the conservation of their unusual style of miRNA production during evolution are not well understood.
Conclusion
MIR159 and MIR319 genes evolved from a common ancestor and are regulated at the post-transcriptional level to express multiple mature products in a spatio-temporal specific manner.
Supporting Evidence
- MIR159 and MIR319 are essential for plant development and fertility.
- The phylogeny suggests that MIR159/319 genes formed at least ten extant early-branching clades.
- The expression of MIR159/319 is regulated at the post-transcriptional level.
Takeaway
This study looks at how certain plant genes, called MIR159 and MIR319, have changed over time and how they help plants grow and respond to stress.
Methodology
Phylogenetic analysis of MIR159/319 genes was conducted using structural alignment and RNA models for paired and unpaired nucleotides.
Limitations
The analyses do not include all species in a given clade and whole genomes are only available for a small number of species.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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