Identification of bolting-related microRNAs and their targets reveals complex miRNA-mediated flowering-time regulatory networks in radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

• DOI: 10.1038/srep14034
• Publication Date: 2015-09-15T09:12:24Z
• Authors: Shanshan Nie; Liang Xu; Yan Wang; Danqiong Huang; Everlyne M. Muleke; Xiaochuan Sun; Ronghua Wang; Yang Xie; Yiqin Gong; Liwang Liu
• Keywords: Bolting; Raphanus

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital regulatory roles in plant growth and development. The phase transition from vegetative to flowering is crucial the life cycle of plants. To date, miRNA-mediated networks remain largely unexplored radish. In this study, two small RNA libraries radish leaves at reproductive stages were constructed sequenced by Solexa sequencing. A total 94 known miRNAs representing 21 conserved 13 non-conserved miRNA families, 44 potential novel miRNAs, identified libraries. addition, 42 17 significantly differentially expressed as bolting-related miRNAs. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that some exhibited tissue- or developmental stage-specific expression patterns. Moreover, 154 target transcripts for 50 which predominately involved development, signal transduction transcriptional regulation. Based on characterization their genes, a putative schematic model bolting network was proposed. These results could provide insights into radish, facilitate dissecting molecular mechanisms underlying time regulation vegetable crops.