Study Reveals Role of miR396a in Soybean Development and Salinity Tolerance
October 30, 2024| |
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) and partners report the role of microRNA (miR396a) in soybean development and salinity tolerance. The findings are published in The Crop Journal.
MiRNAs control gene expression during transcription and post-transcription levels. Previous studies have revealed that miR396 is important in growth, development, and resistance to abiotic stresses in several plants. However, the function of miR396 in soybeans was unclear to experts. Thus, the CAAS researchers and partners developed gene-edited soybeans with modified miR396a expression levels and found that it was responsive to salt stress.
CRISPR-edited lines (miR396a-GEs) showed more branches, higher grain yields, and greater salinity tolerance compared to control plants; while overexpression of the Gm-miR396a precursor (pre-miR396a-OE) led to developmental deficiencies such as dwarfness, abnormal inflorescences and flowers, smaller and fewer seeds, and small leaves with larger and more numerous stomata. Further analysis revealed that photosynthesis-related genes were downregulated in pre-miR396a-OE plants.
The results of the study provide guidance for enhancing soybean yield and salinity tolerance.
Read the research article in The Crop Journal.
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