Final Report Summary - MICROMECCA (Molecular mechanisms underlying plant miRNA action)
The MICROMECCA project aimed to better understand a specific set of molecular processes that allow plant cells to control gene activity. We obtained a series of novel insights into these molecular processes. We have been able to connect dots in the puzzle of gene regulation that had previously not been thought of as being related, and have published our results in major scientific journals. One of the unexpected outcomes of the project is new insight into how plants can be engineered to exhibit increased drought resistance. These new insights are being patented and will be exploited in collaboration with a small biotech company.