A microRNA defines root regeneration

Abstract

Injury-induced regeneration allows plants to restore lost or damaged cells, tissues and organs and thus to survive severe injuries. A recent study shows that the microRNA396–GROWTH REGULATING FACTORs (miR396–GRFs) module has a bifunctional role in restoring a damaged root: miR396 bolsters regeneration potential, while its targets, the GRFs, accelerate regeneration speed.