Roles of miR319-regulated TCPs in plant development and response to abiotic stress

Elaborate regulation of gene expression is required for plants to maintain normal growth, development, and reproduction. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors are key players that control gene expression in plant regulatory networks. The TEOSINTE BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PROLIFERATING CELL FACTOR (TCP) family comprises plant-specific transcription factors that contain a conserved TCP domain of 59 amino acids. Some members of this family are targeted by miR319, one of the most ancient and evolutionarily conserved miRNAs in plants. Accumulating evidence has revealed that miR319-regulated TCP (MRTCP) genes participate extensively in plant development and responses to environmental stress. In this review, the structural characteristics and classifications of TCP transcription factors and the regulatory relationships between TCP transcription factors and miRNAs are introduced. Current knowledge of the regulatory functions of MRTCP genes in multiple biological pathways including leaf development, vascular formation, flowering, hormone signaling, and response to environmental stresses such as cold, salt, and drought is summarized. This review will be beneficial for understanding the roles of the MRTCP-mediated regulatory network and its molecular mechanisms in plant development and stress response, and provides a theoretical basis for plant genetic improvement. (C) 2020 Crop Science Society of China and Institute of Crop Science, CAAS. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co. Ltd.

Automated summary

Elaborate regulation of gene expression is essential for plants to maintain normal growth, development, and reproduction. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors play key roles in controlling gene expression in plant regulatory networks, with some members of the TCP family being targeted by miR319. These miR319-regulated TCP (MRTCP) genes are involved in various biological pathways and responses to environmental stresses in plants.