关键词: miRNA, 胚, 胚乳, 发育, 调控

Abstract: Kernel trait is important to yield, it is the final embodiment of grain yield and one of the most complicated traits in breeding. Kernel is mainly composed of embryo and endosperm. Endosperm is the organ where nutrients are accumulated and stored, which mainly provides nutrition for embryo germination and growth. The development, proliferation and enrichment of endosperm cells determine the weight and quality of kernel. Kernel development is a very complicated biological process, involving the temporal and spatial expression of many genes and the regulation of transcription level and post-transcription level. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous non-coding small RNA (21～24 nt), which can regulate gene expression in plants at post-transcriptional level through targeted degradation and translation inhibition. miRNA and its target genes form a precise regulatory network to participate in seed development. Based on this, the generation and mechanism of plant miRNAs was summarized, and the research progress of miRNAs regulatory function in plant embryo and endosperm development was also summarized, so as to provide better research direction for further identification of miRNAs related to maize kernel development and analysis of their regulatory function.

Key words: miRNA, embryo, endosperm, development, regulation