Xist RNA binds select autosomal genes and depends on Repeat B to regulate their expression.

Xist, a pivotal player in X chromosome inactivation (XCI), has long been perceived as a cis-acting long noncoding RNA that binds exclusively to the inactive X chromosome (Xi). However, Xist's ability to diffuse under select circumstances has also been documented, leading us to suspect that Xist RNA may have targets and functions beyond the Xi. Here, using female mouse embryonic stem cells (ES) and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) as models, we demonstrate that Xist RNA indeed can localize beyond the Xi.

The key micronutrient copper orchestrates broad-spectrum virus resistance in rice.

Copper is a critical regulator of plant growth and development. However, the mechanisms by which copper responds to virus invasion are unclear. We previously showed that SPL9-mediated transcriptional activation of adds a previously unidentified regulatory layer to the established ARGONAUTE (AGO18)-miR528- () antiviral defense.

A plant immune protein enables broad antitumor response by rescuing microRNA deficiency.

Cancer cells are featured with uncontrollable activation of cell cycle, and microRNA deficiency drives tumorigenesis. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDR) is essential for small-RNA-mediated immune response in plants but is absent in vertebrates. Here, we show that ectopic expression of plant RDR1 can generally inhibit cancer cell proliferation.

Suppression of rice miR168 improves yield, flowering time and immunity.

MicroRNA168 (miR168) is a key miRNA that targets Argonaute1 (AGO1), a major component of the RNA-induced silencing complex. Previously, we reported that miR168 expression was responsive to infection by Magnaporthe oryzae, the causal agent of rice blast disease. However, how miR168 regulates immunity to rice blast and whether it affects rice development remains unclear.

Jasmonate Signaling Enhances RNA Silencing and Antiviral Defense in Rice.

Small RNA-mediated RNA silencing is an important antiviral mechanism in higher plants. It has been shown that RNA silencing components can be upregulated by viral infection. However, the mechanisms underlying the upregulation remain largely unknown.

Transcriptional Regulation of miR528 by OsSPL9 Orchestrates Antiviral Response in Rice.

Many microRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of plant antiviral defense. However, little is known about how these miRNAs respond to virus invasion at the transcriptional level. We previously show that defense against Rice stripe virus (RSV) invasion entailed a reduction of miR528 accumulation in rice, alleviating miR528-mediated degradation of L-Ascorbate Oxidase (AO) mRNA and bolstering the antiviral activity of AO.

ROS accumulation and antiviral defence control by microRNA528 in rice.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of plant-pathogen interactions. Modulating miRNA function has emerged as a new strategy to produce virus resistance traits. However, the miRNAs involved in antiviral defence and the underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive.