Computational Identification of MicroRNAs and Their Targets in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non coding small RNAs that regulate gene expression by translational repression or transcript degradation. A large number of miRNAs have been identified from model plant species; however, the character of conserved miRNAs is poorly understood. Conserved miRNAs in wheat are identified using ESTs (Expressed Sequence Tags) and GSS analysis. All previously known miRNAs in other plant species were blasted against wheat EST and GSS sequences to select novel miRNAs in wheat by a series of filtering criteria. From total of 37 conserved miRNAs belonging to 18 miRNA families, 10 conserved miRNAs comprising 4 families were reported in wheat. MiR395 is found to be a special family, as three members belonging to the same miR395 family are clustered together. MiRNA targets are transcription factors involved in wheat growth and development, metabolism, and stress responses.