The role of RNA-binding protein, microRNA and alternative splicing in seed germination: a field need to be discovered
Xiaofei Xue, Fuchao Jiao, Haicheng Xu, Qiqing Jiao, Xin Zhang, Yong Zhang, Shangyi Du, Menghan Xi, Aiguo Wang, Jingtang Chen, Ming Wang
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.