MicroRNAs and Target Mimics for Crop Improvement

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) negatively regulate the expression of specific target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) within the cell. Artificial miRNAs have also been developed and found effective in gene silencing. The activity of individual miRNAs in turn can be regulated by endogenous target mimics, which are also described as miRNA sponges or decoys. Artificial miRNA target mimics have also been shown to function as 'miRNA inhibitors', thus leading to increased expression of the miRNA targets (mRNAs). Since miRNA target genes in plants are known to control a variety of traits, including yield/biomass, resistance to biotic/ abiotic stresses and a number of other agronomically important characteristics, manipulation of miRNA and target mimics has the potential to be used for crop improvement programmes.