Abstract: | Mimicry target-directed micro RNA degradation is widespread and highly conserved among eukaryotes. However, little is known about its mechanism of action. In this letter, by using STTM160(target mimic of mi R160) as a reporter, we show that dysfunction of HAWAIIAN SKIRT(HWS) suppresses the pleiotropic phenotype of STTM160. Small RNA sequencing and Northern blot analyses suggested that HWS only affects a subset of micro RNAs. Intriguingly,we identified a stable coexistence of mi R160/mi R399 and their mimicry targets within the AGO1 complex when HWS is compromised, pointing to a possible role of HWS in the clearance of RNA-induced silencing complexes associated with mimicry target. |