摘要
Small RNAs are non-coding RNA molecules with 20-30 nucleotides （nt） in length that mainly play regulatory roles in gene expression at the post-transcription level by directly cutting target mRNA or inhibiting its translation. Small RNAs play regulatory roles in the growth and development process of plants at the core of gene regulatory networks, which has been widely studied and confirmed in sporophyte generation of plants. However, few researches have been conducted on small RNAs and gametophyte generation. It is reported that small RNAs play important roles in floral organ development, gametogenesis, fertilization, and early zygotic development of plants. In addition, various small RNAs also play roles in controlling genetic integrity, cell differentiation and functions during the sexual reproduction process of plants. However, most of the specific functions of small RNAs in the sexual reproduction process are unknown yet. This study mainly aimed to introduce small RNAs in plants, summarize the latest advances in researches of small RNAs and plant sexual reproduction, and make prospect on its future.
小分子RNA(smallRNA)是一类长20～30核苷酸(nucleotide,nt)的非编码RNA分子,其主要是通过对目标mRNA直接切割或抑制其翻译而在转录后水平对基因表达起到调控作用。小分子RNA在植物生长发育过程中起调控作用,并处于基因调控网络的核心位置,这在植物孢子体世代得到广泛研究和证实,但关于小分子RNA对植物配子体世代的相关研究较少,有研究指出小RNA在植物花器官发育、配子体形成,以及受精、合子早期发育等过程中均有作用,且各种小分子RNA在植物有性生殖过程中对控制基因完整性、细胞分化和功能等方面亦有作用,但大多数小分子RNA在有性生殖过程中的具体功能尚待明确。该研究主要介绍了植物中的小分子RNA,综述了小分子RNA与植物有性生殖过程相关的最新研究进展,并对其前景进行了展望。
基金
Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(30971986)
Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China(20110182110013)
Doctoral Fund of Southwestern University(SWU111016)~~
