A Quick HYL1-Dependent Reactivation of MicroRNA Production Is Required for a Proper Developmental Response after Extended Periods of Light Deprivation

Light is the most influential environmental stimulus for plant growth. In response to deficient light, plants reprogram their development to adjust their growth in search for a light source. A fine reprogramming of gene expression orchestrates this adaptive trait. Here we show that plants alter microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis in response to light transition. When plants suffer an unusual extended period of light deprivation, the miRNA biogenesis factor HYPONASTIC LEAVES 1 (HYL1) is degraded but an inactive pool of phosphorylated protein remains stable inside the nucleus. Degradation of HYL1 leads to the release of gene silencing, triggering a proper response to dark and shade. Upon light restoration, a quick dephosphorylation of HYL1 leads to the reactivation of miRNA biogenesis and a switch toward a developmental program that maximizes the light uptake. Our findings define a unique and fast regulatory mechanism controlling the plant silencing machinery during plant light response.