MicroRNA: A Mobile Signal Mediating Information Exchange within and beyond Plant Organisms

This review encapsulates the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs), small endogenous noncoding RNAs, in mediating information exchange within plant organisms and between plants and diverse biological organisms. The mobility of miRNAs is focused upon various contexts, such as intraplant and interplant communication, grafting, and within parasitic plant complexes. Furthermore, the movement of miRNAs between plants and pathogens, as well as their transfer from plants to insects, is explored, underlining their broader biological significance. The possible mechanisms of miRNA mobility are summarized, including plasmodesmata (PD)-mediated, vesicle-mediated, and phloem-based transport, which are thoroughly examined. Finally, we discuss and summarize the biotechnological and agricultural applications of mobile miRNAs in crop improvement and disease resistance, pointing out future research directions and unresolved questions in the field.