SummaryA precursor of miR156 (MsmiR156d) was cloned and overexpressed in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) as a means to enhance alfalfa biomass yield. Of the five predicted SPL genes encoded by the alfalfa genome, three (SPL6, SPL12 and SPL13) contain miR156 cleavage sites and their expression was down-regulated in transgenic alfalfa plants overexpressing miR156. These transgenic plants had reduced internode length and stem thickness, enhanced shoot branching, increased trichome density, a delay in flowering time and elevated biomass production. Minor effects on sugar, starch, lignin and cellulose contents were also observed. Moreover, transgenic alfalfa plants had increased root length, while nodulation was maintained. The multitude of traits affected by miR156 may be due to the network of genes regulated by the three target SPLs. Our results show that the miR156/SPL system has strong potential as a tool to substantially improve quality and yield traits in alfalfa.

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MicroRNA156 (miR156) regulates a network of downstream genes to affect plant growth and development. We previously generated alfalfa (Medicago sativa) plants that overexpress homologous miR156 (MsmiR156OE), and identified three of its SPL target genes. These plants exhibited increased vegetative yield, delayed flowering and longer roots. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the effect of miR156 on the root system, including effect on nodulation and nitrogen fixation. We found that MsmiR156 overexpression increases root regeneration capacity in alfalfa, but with little effect on root biomass at the early stages of root development. MsmiR156 also promotes nitrogen fixation activity by upregulating expression of nitrogenase-related genes FixK, NifA and RpoH in roots inoculated with Sinorrhizobium meliloti. Furthermore, we conducted transcriptomics analysis of MsmiR156OE alfalfa roots and identified differentially expressed genes belonging to 132 different functional categories, including plant cell wall organization, peptidyl-hypusine synthesis, and response to water stress. Expression analysis also revealed miR156 effects on genes involved in nodulation, root development and phytohormone biosynthesis. The present findings suggest that miR156 regulates root development and nitrogen fixation activity. Taken together, these findings highlight the important role that miR156 may play as a tool in the biotechnological improvement of alfalfa, and potentially other crops.