The role of RNA-binding protein, microRNA and alternative splicing in seed germination: a field need to be discovered

Abstract

Seed germination is the process through which a quiescent organ reactivates its metabolism culminating with the resumption cell divisions. It is usually the growth of a plant contained within a seed and results in the formation of a seedling. Post-transcriptional regulation plays an important role in gene expression. In cells, post-transcriptional regulation is mediated by many factors, such as RNA-binding proteins, microRNAs, and the spliceosome. This review provides an overview of the relationship between seed germination and post-transcriptional regulation. It addresses the relationship between seed germination and RNA-binding proteins, microRNAs and alternative splicing. This presentation of the current state of the knowledge will promote new investigations into the relevance of the interactions between seed germination and post-transcriptional regulation in plants.

Keywords: Alternative splicing; RNA-binding protein; Seed germination; microRNA.

Fig. 1

The relationship between seed germination and reported RNA-binding proteins. ABA influence the transcription of ARP1, whose level is important for seed germination. ABA also stimulates the transcription of MCT1, that inhibit seed germination directly or indirectly. Besides, ABA inhibits the the transcription of AtPRP4 which regulate seed germination positively. In addition, ROS homeostasis is also important for seed germination

Fig. 2

Various processes are regulated by RNA-binding proteins, miRNAs and alternative splicing during seed germination. There are also interactions between RNA-binding proteins, miRNAs and alternative splicing. miRNA biosynthesis is regulated by RNA-binding protein in plants [83, 84]. Alternative splicing can influence miRNA binding site [85]. Studies also showed that alternative splicing is mediated by RNA-binding proteins [86, 87]