MicroRNA control of stem cell reconstitution and growth in root regeneration.

Plants display a remarkable regeneration capacity, which allows them to replace damaged or lost cells, tissues and organs, and thus recover from a broad spectrum of injuries. Even lost stem cells can be regenerated from non-stem cells after competence acquisition, highlighting the enormous plasticity of plant cells. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process are still poorly understood.

Potent inhibition of TCP transcription factors by miR319 ensures proper root growth in Arabidopsis.

Proper root growth depends on the clearance of TCP transcripts from the root apical meristem by microRNA miR319. The evolutionarily conserved microRNA miR319 regulates genes encoding TCP transcription factors in angiosperms. The miR319-TCP module controls cell proliferation and differentiation in leaves and other aerial organs.