Sequestering miR165/166 enhances seed germination in Arabidopsis thaliana under normal condition and ABA treatment

Abstract

Seed germination is a dynamic process involving imbibition, increased metabolic activity and protrusion of a tiny plantlet rupturing the seed coat. Many genes, phytohormones like ABA and GA have been implicated in germination of Arabidopsis thaliana seeds. Although many microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to be differentially expressed during seed germination process, their role remains mostly unaddressed. Here we address the role of developmentally important miR165/166 in the process of seed germination. We demonstrate that the seeds of transgenic A. thaliana having target mimic-miR165/166 (eTM-miR165/166), where miR165/166 is sponged, show better germination efficiency. The seeds of this line also maintain better germination even under ABA treatment, which is a negative regulator of seed germination. Thus, our results suggest that, sequestering miR165/166 activity enhances seed germination efficiency under normal and ABA-stress condition.