miR156 functions in the induction of flowering by suppressing the transcripts of SQUAMOSA-PROMOTER BINDING LIKE (SPL) transcription factors gene family. It was suggested that the loading into ARGONAUTE1 and ARGONAUTE5 is required for miR156 functionality in Arabidopsis thaliana. In plants the precursor sequences may be longer, and the carpel factory (caf) enzyme appears to be involved in processing.
miR156 plays a role in initiating flowering by suppressing SPL transcription factor genes. It was suggested that miR156 requires loading onto ARGONAUTE1 and ARGONAUTE5 to function properly in Arabidopsis thaliana. In plants, precursor sequences may be longer, and the carpel factory (caf) enzyme is involved in processing.