New study shows how regulating the degradation of messenger RNAs allows plants to grow organs properly

The degradation of messenger RNA (mRNA) is a process present in all living organisms and conserved throughout evolution. This mechanism is incredibly important for maintaining homeostasis within cells. This degradation process involves a number of different enzymatic processes which, until now, have remained largely unknown.

Using genetic and transcriptomic approaches, the team has succeeded in testing the importance of one of these degradation pathways in Arabidopsis leaves and roots. The fine characterization of this degradation process has shown that it is essential for maintaining general mRNA homeostasis and that it is indispensable for proper organ development.