MicroRNA-mediated surveillance of phosphate transporters on the move

• Published in: Trends in plant science Vol. 19; no. 10; pp. 647 - 655
• Main Authors: Liu, Tzu-Yin, Lin, Wei-Yi, Huang, Teng-Kuei, Chiou, Tzyy-Jen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2014
• Subjects: Adaptation, Physiological; Biological Transport; Cell Membrane - metabolism; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Homeostasis; MicroRNAs - genetics; Models, Biological; Phenotype; Phosphate Transport Proteins - genetics; Phosphate Transport Proteins - metabolism; Phosphates - metabolism; Plant Proteins - genetics; Plant Proteins - metabolism; Plants - genetics; Plants - metabolism; RNA, Plant - genetics; Signal Transduction
• ISSN: 1360-1385; 1878-4372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2014.06.004

•Trafficking and degradation of the phosphate (Pi) transporter is modulated by miRNA.•miR399 enhances Pi acquisition and xylem loading by suppressing PHO2.•PHO2 controls the radial symplastic flow of Pi within the root.•miR827 enhances Pi acquisition by suppressing NLA.•miR399-PHO2 and miR827-NLA modules cooperatively regulate Pi acquisition. Phosphate (Pi), which is indispensable for the structural and metabolic needs of plants, is acquired and translocated by Pi transporters. Deciphering the regulatory network of Pi signaling and homeostasis that involves the control of Pi transporters trafficking to, and their activity at, the plasma membrane provides insight into how plants adapt to environmental changes in Pi availability. Here, we review recent studies that revealed the involvement of microRNA399-PHOSPHATE 2 (PHO2) and microR827-NITROGEN LIMITATION ADAPTATION (NLA) modules in mediating the ubiquitination and degradation of PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER 1 (PHT1) and/or PHOSPHATE 1 (PHO1). These discoveries show that miRNAs are an effective way for plants to monitor the turnover of Pi transporters in the membrane system by modulating the functioning of the membrane-associated ubiquitin machinery.