Intercellular movement of small RNAs (sRNAs) is fundamental to the growth and survival of plants. Mobile sRNAs function as short- and long-range signals that coordinate developmental patterning, integrate physiological and stress responses, and safeguard reproductive success and genome integrity. Recent advances show that sRNA mobility is not governed simply by plasmodesmata (PD) permeability. Instead, multiple regulatory layers govern which sRNAs become mobile, which cell-cell interfaces they can travers, and where they act. Specialized nuclear export pathways and cytoskeleton-dependent mechanisms enable mobile sRNAs to escape sequestration into cell-autonomous ARGONAUTE proteins. In parallel, gatekeeping factors, potentially localized at PDs, generate selective and directional mobility-particularly in stem-cell niches and the central vasculature-to ensure that mobile sRNAs deliver precise positional information. In this review, we summarize contributions from mobile sRNAs to development and synthesize recent advances in understanding how the mobile sRNA pool is generated, how sRNAs traverse plasmodesmata, and how developmental context shapes mobility. We highlight unresolved questions and emerging concepts that explain how plants impose precision on these central organizers of development and environmental adaptability.
Keywords: ARGONAUTE protein, RNA interference, Small RNA mobility, cell-to-cell communication, developmental patterning, gene regulation, miRNA, plasmodesmata, siRNA
Journal of experimental botany
Journal Article
English
41999188
Guideline Central and select third party use “cookies” on this website to enhance the user experience.
This technology helps us gather statistical and analytical information to optimize the relevant content for you.
The user also has the option to opt-out which may have an effect on the browsing experience.