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Title: Hairpin in a haystack : In silico identification and characterization of plant-conserved microRNA in Rafflesiaceae
Abstract Rafflesiaceae is a family of endangered plants whose members are solely parasitic to the tropical grape vineTetrastigma(Vitaceae). Currently, the genetics of their crosstalk with the host remains unexplored. In this study, we use homology-basedin silicoapproaches to characterize micro-RNAs (miRNAs) expressed bySapria himalayanaandRafflesia cantleyifrom published omics data. Derived from secondary structures or hairpins, miRNAs are small regulators of gene expression. We found that some plant-conserved miRNA still exists in Rafflesiaceae. Out of 9 highly conserved miRNA families in plants, 7 families (156/157, 159/319, 160, 165/166, 171, 172, 390) were identified with a total of 22 variants across Rafflesiaceae. Some miRNAs were missing endogenous targets and may have evolved to target host miRNA, though this requires experimental verification. Rafflesiaceae miRNA promoters are mostly inducible by ethylene that mediates stress response in the host but could be perceived by the parasites as a signal for growth. This study provides evidence that certain miRNAs with ancient origins in land plants still exist in Rafflesiaceae, though some may have been coopted by parasites to target host genes.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2346626
PAR ID:
10582394
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
deGruyter
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Open Life Sciences
Volume:
20
Issue:
1
ISSN:
2391-5412
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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