Metabolic Labeling of RNAs Uncovers Hidden Features and Dynamics of the Arabidopsis Transcriptome.

Transcriptome analysis by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) has become an indispensable research tool in modern plant biology. Virtually all RNA-seq studies provide a snapshot of the steady state transcriptome, which contains valuable information about RNA populations at a given time but lacks information about the dynamics of RNA synthesis and degradation. Only a few specialized sequencing techniques, such as global run-on sequencing, have been used to provide information about RNA synthesis rates in plants.

The U1 snRNP Subunit LUC7 Modulates Plant Development and Stress Responses via Regulation of Alternative Splicing.

Introns are removed by the spliceosome, a large macromolecular complex composed of five ribonucleoprotein subcomplexes (U snRNPs). The U1 snRNP, which binds to 5' splice sites, plays an essential role in early steps of the splicing reaction. Here, we show that LETHAL UNLESS CBC7 (LUC7) proteins, which are encoded by a three-member gene family in Arabidopsis, are important for plant development and stress resistance.

Arabidopsis RNA processing factor SERRATE regulates the transcription of intronless genes.

Intron splicing increases proteome complexity, promotes RNA stability, and enhances transcription. However, introns and the concomitant need for splicing extend the time required for gene expression and can cause an undesirable delay in the activation of genes. Here, we show that the plant microRNA processing factor SERRATE (SE) plays an unexpected and pivotal role in the regulation of intronless genes.