Biology

Dr. P. V. Shivaprasad
NCBS, Bangalore

Micro (mi)RNAs are a class of small RNA molecules resulting from RNA silencing pathways across eukaryotes.  These 21-22 nt RNAs associate with protein partners called Argonautes to target nucleic acids having high base-pair complementarity.  miRNAs regulate various aspects of plant development. They function as second-generation gene switches controlling expression of primary gene switches, the transcription factors and their co-factors.  Our lab focuses on various aspects of miRNA biogenesis and their functions, using genetic, molecular, bioinformatic and biochemical approaches. Although functions of most conserved miRNAs are well-known, functions of less conserved miRNAs are relatively unknown. We study functions of a set of less-conserved miRNAs in non-traditional model systems such as grapes, Brassicas, and wild rice.  I will discuss functions of selected miRNAs that regulate phenotypes such as leaf area, plant architecture, anthocyanin development and male sterility.