Identification of Stress-induced miRNAs and their Targets in Solanum lycopersicum

Abstract

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous non-coding RNAs that are roughly 18-22 nucleotides long. They play important roles in different natural procedures. As of now, little is known about their role in plant stress. The use of computational homology-based techniques for Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) with the Ambros exact method and other structural component criteria is a rational approach for the disclosure and confinement of conserved miRNAs from several species. Aims: The study aimed to identify novel stress induced miRNAs in tomato, using a computational approach. Methods: We used previously known sequences of mature miRNAs of different plants; Vitis, Oryza, Triticum and Sorghum for the prediction of potential novel miRNAs in tomatoes. The hairpin strucutres of miRNAs were predicted, their functional annotations were performed, and the targeted genes were identified. Results: Only two miRNAs were predicted and validated to be novel belonging to the family of miRNA1301. The expression analysis of the novel miRNAs showed their significant role in the growth and development of the respective tissues. We have found that the miRNAs in the leaf are highly conserved related to the seed. This discovery significantly broadens the understanding of the functions of miRNA in tomatoes. MiR1301 was found to play a role in transcriptional activation and transporter activity, also involved in ubiquitin-protein ligase translation and transcription. 7 potential targets were predicted for the two identified miRNAs. Conclusion: Identification of new miRNAs and their target genes will establish the potential roadmap for understanding the core regulatory interactions during abiotic stress in S. Lycopersicum.