Bioinformatic prediction and validation of conserved microRNAs and their target genes in Rehmannia glutinosa / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: In order to establish the material basis for future studies on the biological function of miRNAs, we aimed to predict novel miRNAs from EST sequences of Rehmannia glutinosa by using bioinformatic strategies. Methods: Since most of the plant miRNAs were conserved in plant species, all plant miRNAs deposited in miRNase were aligned to the 93 172 EST sequences generated by next generation high-throughput RNA sequencing technology and the putative miRNA precursors were screened according to serious criteria. Results: Eight novel rehmannia miRNAs were identified which belonged to eight different families that were further validated by real-time PCR analysis. Then the eight rehmannia miRNAs were subjected to target prediction analysis, and the results showed that the target genes encoded the proteins related to root growth, metabolism, stress responses and other processes. Conclusion: The miRNAs and their target genes identified in this study will provide clues to their biological functions in R. glutinosa.