Resetting of a tandem microRNA156 enables vegetative perennial growth in rice

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Source: Science Magazine

Original: https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.adv2188?af=R...

Published: 2026-03-19T06:00:06Z

The article describes the resetting of tandem microRNA156, which allows vegetative perennial growth in rice without transition to the generative phase.[1][2] MicroRNA156 is highly expressed in juvenile tissues and its level decreases with plant age, thereby regulating development.[1] The interaction of miR156 with SPL target genes promotes a positive regulatory loop that affects flowering time and growth.[1] In rice, this reset maintains the vegetative state, leading to persistent growth.[2] The study identifies dominant resistant alleles rSPL3, rSPL4 and rSPL13 that accelerate flowering under both optimal and suboptimal conditions.[1] Genotypes show significant effects on flowering time (P < 0.001), vernalization (P < 0.001) and their interaction (P = 0.0016).[1] These genetic resources serve to fine-tune flowering time and adapt to changing environments.[1]