Mapping the Expression Profiles of Grain Yield QTL Associated miRNAs in Rice Varieties with Different Grain Size

Abstract

microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulatory molecules that fine tune gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels through the RNA silencing pathways. They play an important role in regulating plant growth, development and response to a/biotic stress conditions. Grain yield is a complex trait that is governed by the coordinated action of several genetic and environmental factors. A number of genes and miRNAs have been identified to affect the grain productivity and yield. In this study, we identified the miRNAs that map to grain yield QTLs in rice. The expression variations of these miRNAs and their target transcript were studied across different tissues of three indica rice varieties with different grain morphology. The varieties used include the extra-long and slender grained Pusa Basmati 1 (PB1), medium grain sized IR64 and the short grained Pokkali (PK). The windows for miRNA target correlation were captured and their putative role in regulating rice grain yield is discussed.