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A novel antisense long noncoding RNA , TWISTED LEAF , maintains leaf blade flattening by regulating its associated sense R2R3‐ MYB gene in rice
Author(s) -
Liu Xue,
Li Dayong,
Zhang Donglei,
Yin Dedong,
Zhao Yi,
Ji Chengjun,
Zhao Xianfeng,
Li Xiaobing,
He Qun,
Chen Runsheng,
Hu Songnian,
Zhu Lihuang
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/nph.15023
Subject(s) - myb , biology , rna , antisense rna , gene , chromatin , sense (electronics) , gene expression , transgene , transcription factor , rna interference , transcription (linguistics) , competing endogenous rna , microbiology and biotechnology , regulation of gene expression , long non coding rna , genetics , chemistry , linguistics , philosophy
Summary Natural antisense long noncoding RNA s (lnc RNA s) are widespread in many organisms. However, their biological functions remain largely unknown, particularly in plants. We report the identification and characterization of an endogenous lnc RNA , TWISTED LEAF ( TL ), which is transcribed from the opposite strand of the R2R3 MYB transcription factor gene locus, Os MYB 60 , in rice ( Oryza sativa ). TL and Os MYB 60 were found to be coexpressed in many different tissues, and the expression level of TL was higher than that of Os MYB 60 . Downregulation of TL by RNA interference ( RNA i) and overexpression of Os MYB 60 resulted in twisted leaf blades in transgenic rice. The expression level of Os MYB 60 was significantly increased in TL ‐ RNA i transgenic plants. This suggests that TL may play a cis ‐regulatory role on Os MYB 60 in leaf morphological development. We also determined that the antisense transcription suppressed the sense gene expression by mediating chromatin modifications. We further discovered that a C2H2 transcription factor, Os ZFP 7, is an Os MYB 60 binding partner and involved in leaf development. Taken together, these findings reveal that the cis ‐natural antisense lnc RNA plays a critical role in maintaining leaf blade flattening in rice. Our study uncovers a regulatory mechanism of lnc RNA in plant leaf development.