The present invention provides molecular constructs and methods for use thereof, including constructs including
heterologous miRNA recognition sites, constructs for
gene suppression including a
gene suppression element embedded within an
intron flanked on one or on both sides by non-
protein-coding sequence, constructs containing engineered miRNA or miRNA precursors, and constructs for suppression of production of mature
microRNA in a
cell. Also provided are transgenic
plant cells, plants, and seeds containing such constructs, and methods for their use. The invention further provides transgenic
plant cells, plants, and seeds containing
recombinant DNA for the ligand-controlled expression of a target sequence, which may be endogenous or exogenous. Also disclosed are novel miRNAs and miRNA precursors from
crop plants including maize and soy.