Role of small RNA in plant interaction with microbes

Abstract Plants constantly interact with different microorganisms, which may be pathogenic or beneficial. Small RNAs, like microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNA (siRNAs), play important roles in plant-microbe interaction. The dynamics of regulation of plant miRNAs during colonization by beneficial microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) can help us understand the complex process of plant-microorganism interaction, contributing to possible future biotechnological applications and breeding of cultivars. Considering pathogen attacks, sRNAs also have an outstanding role. RNAi can be used by hosts to prevent attacks, but the pathogens can also use RNAi to manipulate plant defenses. These strategies must be carefully studied in plant-microorganism interactions to be applied as biotechnological tools.