Identification of microRNA-like small RNAs from fungal parasite Nosema ceranae

Abstract

We previously found transcripts encoding Dicer and Argonaute which are involved in the production of microRNAs, in the honey bee parasite Nosema ceranae. In order to identify microRNAs in N. ceranae, we sequenced small RNAs from midgut tissues of infected honey bees at 24h intervals for 6days post infection, covering the complete reproduction cycle for this intracellular parasite. We predicted six microRNA-like small RNAs, all of which were confirmed via RT-qPCR assays. This is the first evidence for microRNA-like small RNAs generated by a microsporidian species, providing new insights into host–parasite interactions involving this widespread taxonomic group.