DRB1 as a mediator between transcription and microRNA processing

DRB1 (HYL1) is a double-stranded RNA binding protein involved in miRNA processing in plants. It is a core component of the Microprocessor complex and enhances the efficiency and precision of miRNA processing by DCL1 protein. In this work, we report a novel function of DRB1 protein in the transcription of MIR genes. DRB1 co-localizes with RNA Polymerase II and affects its distribution along MIR genes. Moreover, proteomic experiments revealed that DRB1 protein interacts with many transcription factors. Finally, we show that the action of DRB1 is not limited to MIR genes as it impacts expression of many other genes, majority of which are involved in plant response to light. These discoveries add DRB1 as another player of gene regulation at transcriptional level, independent of its role in miRNA biogenesis.