[Role of miRNA in plant seed development].

MicroRNA (miRNA), a class of non-coding small RNAs, has been reported to be involved in a broad range of metabolic and physiological processes in plants, such as plant growth, development and responses to stresses. They participate in gene expression by degrading target genes at post-transcriptional levels. Seeds are the basic elements of plant growth and important materials for agriculture. miRNAs have been identified to be involved in seed development in many plants. Herein we review recent progresses on the miRNAs involved in seed development and their regulatory mechanisms, which will help to provide insights into further research to improve seed quality.