Research Advances in MicroRNA-Mediated Regulation of Bamboo Organ Development

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, playing multiple roles in plant growth and development, signal transduction, environmental stress response, and secondary metabolite formation. The biological functions of miRNAs are relatively conserved in plants, yet certain miRNAs display regulatory functions and mechanisms that are species-specific. Increasing evidence underscores the significance of miRNA-transcription factor (TF) molecular modules in plant organ development. Compared to other Poaceae plants such as Oryza sativa, bamboo (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) exhibits a greater diversity of developmental patterns in organ development throughout its life cycle. However, current research on miRNA-mediated bamboo organ development remains relatively scattered, and the mechanisms of action of key miRNA-TF modules are still poorly understood in bamboo plants. In the review, we outlined the unique biological characteristics of root, shoot, culm, leaf, and flower in bamboo plants and synthesized the research progress on miRNA-mediated regulation of bamboo organ development. Prominently, we focused on the potential regulatory functions of miRNA-TF modules in shaping developmental characteristics of bamboo organs. Last but not least, we summarized the current research limitations in this field and proposed future directions and strategic approaches to facilitate further in-depth exploration. This review not only deepens our understanding of the unique developmental characteristics of bamboo organs but also clarifies the research framework of miRNA-TF modules governing these processes, thereby providing theoretical references for innovative breeding and genetic improvement of bamboo plants.