Novel DICER-LIKE1 siRNAs Bypass the Requirement for DICER-LIKE4 in Maize Development

ABSTRACT: Dicer enzymes function at the core of RNA silencing to defend against exogenous RNA, or as an endogenous mechanism of gene regulation. Plant DICER-LIKE4 (DCL4) performs dual functions, acting in antiviral defense, as well as in development via the biogenesis of tasiR-ARFs. These small RNAs play an essential role in the grasses and act to spatially define the expression domain of AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR3 (ARF3) transcription factors. However, contrary to tasiR-ARFs’ essential function in development, DCL4 proteins exhibit strong evidence of recurrent adaptation typical of host factors involved in antiviral immunity. Here, we address how DCL4 balances its role in development with pressures to diversify in response to viral attack. We show that, in contrast to other tasiR-ARF biogenesis mutants

ORGANISM(S): Zea mays

SUBMITTER: Marja Timmermans 

PROVIDER: E-GEOD-66986 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress