MicroRNA clusters integrate evolutionary constraints on expression and target affinities : the miR-6/5/4/286/3/309 cluster in Drosophila

This research was supported by the Hong Kong Research Grant Council GRF Grant (14103516), The Chinese University of Hong Kong Direct Grant (4053248), and TUYF Charitable Trust (6903957) (JHLH).A striking feature of microRNAs is that they are often clustered in the genomes of animals. The functional and evolutionary consequences of this clustering remain obscure. Here, we investigated a microRNA cluster miR-6/5/4/286/3/309 that is conserved across drosophilid lineages. Small RNA sequencing revealed expression of this microRNA cluster in Drosophila melanogaster leg discs, and conditional overexpression of the whole cluster resulted in leg appendage shortening. Transgenic overexpression lines expressing different combinations of microRNA cluster members were also constructed. Expression of individual microRNAs from the cluster resulted in a normal wild-type phenotype, but either the expression of several ancient microRNAs together (miR-5/4/286/3/309) or more recently evolved clustered microRNAs (miR-6-1/2/3) can recapitulate the phenotypes generated by the whole-cluster overexpression. Screening of transgenic fly lines revealed down-regulation of leg patterning gene cassettes in generation of the leg-shortening phenotype. Furthermore, cell transfection with different combinations of microRNA cluster members revealed a suite of downstream genes targeted by all cluster members, as well as complements of targets that are unique for distinct microRNAs. Considered together, the microRNA targets and the evolutionary ages of each microRNA in the cluster demonstrates the importance of microRNA clustering, where new members can reinforce and modify the selection forces on both the cluster regulation and the gene regulatory network of existing microRNAs.PostprintPeer reviewe

Terpenes and Terpenoids in Plants: Interactions with Environment and Insects

The interactions of plants with environment and insects are bi-directional and dynamic. Consequently, a myriad of mechanisms has evolved to engage organisms in different types of interactions. These interactions can be mediated by allelochemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which include volatile terpenes (VTs). The emission of VTs provides a way for plants to communicate with the environment, including neighboring plants, beneficiaries (e.g., pollinators, seed dispersers), predators, parasitoids, and herbivores, by sending enticing or deterring signals. Understanding terpenoid distribution, biogenesis, and function provides an opportunity for the design and implementation of effective and efficient environmental calamity and pest management strategies. This review provides an overview of plant–environment and plant–insect interactions in the context of terpenes and terpenoids as important chemical mediators of these abiotic and biotic interactions

Erratum:Micro-RNA Clusters Integrate Evolutionary Constraints on Expression and Target Affinities: The miR-6/5/4/286/3/309 Cluster in Drosophila (Molecular Biology and Evolution (2020) 37:10 (2955–2965) DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msaa146)

This is a correction to: Qu Zhe, Wing Chung Yiu, Ho Yin Yip, Wenyan Nong, Clare W C Yu, Ivy H T Lee, Annette Y P Wong, Nicola W Y Wong, Fiona K M Cheung, Ting Fung Chan, Kwok Fai Lau, Silin Zhong, Ka Hou Chu, Stephen S Tobe, David E K Ferrier, William G Bendena, Jerome H L Hui, Micro-RNA Clusters Integrate Evolutionary Constraints on Expression and Target Affinities: The miR-6/5/4/286/3/309 Cluster in Drosophila, Molecular Biology and Evolution, Volume 37, Issue 10, October 2020, Pages 2955–2965, https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaa146 Upon original publication, the term ‘microRNA’ was incorrectly given as ‘micro-RNA’ in the title, Key words and throughout the main body of the paper. In addition, the name and surname of author Zhe Qu were inadvertently transposed. These details have been corrected only in this correction notice to preserve the published version of record.</p

Erratum:Micro-RNA Clusters Integrate Evolutionary Constraints on Expression and Target Affinities: The miR-6/5/4/286/3/309 Cluster in Drosophila (Molecular Biology and Evolution (2020) 37:10 (2955–2965) DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msaa146)

This is a correction to: Qu Zhe, Wing Chung Yiu, Ho Yin Yip, Wenyan Nong, Clare W C Yu, Ivy H T Lee, Annette Y P Wong, Nicola W Y Wong, Fiona K M Cheung, Ting Fung Chan, Kwok Fai Lau, Silin Zhong, Ka Hou Chu, Stephen S Tobe, David E K Ferrier, William G Bendena, Jerome H L Hui, Micro-RNA Clusters Integrate Evolutionary Constraints on Expression and Target Affinities: The miR-6/5/4/286/3/309 Cluster in Drosophila, Molecular Biology and Evolution, Volume 37, Issue 10, October 2020, Pages 2955–2965, https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaa146 Upon original publication, the term ‘microRNA’ was incorrectly given as ‘micro-RNA’ in the title, Key words and throughout the main body of the paper. In addition, the name and surname of author Zhe Qu were inadvertently transposed. These details have been corrected only in this correction notice to preserve the published version of record.</p