ABSTRACT
Objective: To provide a good start for understanding the roles of micoRNA in Glycyrrhiza uralensis, the microRNAs and their target genes were predicted using bioinformatic approach. Methods: The deep sequencing data and EST sequences downloaded from public database were assembled using the Trinity and Assembler softwares to establish the transcriptome database. Since most of the plant miRNAs were conserved in plant species, all plant miRNAs stem-loop precursors were aligned to the assembled transcriptome database and the putative miRNA precursors were identified according to a rigorous criterion. psRNATarget was employed to predicted the targets of miRNA. Results: A general transcriptome database with 88 and 263 sequences was obtained. Based on the transcriptomic sequences, 49 miRNA, classified into 17 families, arising from 30 stem-loop precursors, were identified. A total of 172 genes were predicted to be regulated by these miRNA, and these genes were involved into diversified biological processes including gene transcription regulation, signal transduction, development regulation, and defense response. Conclusion: The miRNAs and the corresponding target genes identified in this study will provide a solid basis for understanding their biological functions in G. uralensis.