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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2021.08.24.457464

24-nt phasiRNAs move from tapetal to meiotic cells in maize anthers

Walbot, V.·Meyers, B. C.·Zhou, X.·Huang, K.·Teng, C.·Batish, M.
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Abstract

O_LIIn maize, 24-nt phased, secondary small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs) are abundant in meiotic stage anthers, but their distribution and functions are not precisely known. C_LIO_LIUsing laser capture microdissection, we analyzed tapetal cells, meiocytes, and other somatic cells at several stages of anther development to establish the timing of 24-PHAS precursor transcripts and the 24-nt phasiRNA products. C_LIO_LIBy integrating RNA and small RNA profiling plus single-molecule and small RNA FISH (smFISH or sRNA-FISH) spatial detection, we demonstrate that the tapetum is the primary site of 24-PHAS precursor and Dcl5 transcripts and the resulting 24-nt phasiRNAs. Interestingly, 24-nt phasiRNAs accumulate in all cell types, with the highest levels in meiocytes, followed by tapetum. C_LIO_LIOur data support the conclusion that 24-nt phasiRNAs are mobile from tapetum to meiocytes and to other somatic cells. We discuss possible roles for 24-nt phasiRNAs in anther cell types. C_LI

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Walbot, V., Meyers, B. C., Zhou, X., Huang, K., Teng, C., Batish, M.. 2021-08-25. 24-nt phasiRNAs move from tapetal to meiotic cells in maize anthers. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.08.24.457464

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