ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Exploring high temperature responsive novel non coding RNAs and functional annotations from Niger (Guizotia abyssinica)

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs which regulate gene expression by cleavage or repression of target genes at post-transcriptional level by translational inhibition/ mRNA degradation. Niger (Guizotia abyssinica) is an important oilseed crop widely grown in India. Identification and expression of non-coding RNAs during abiotic remains unclear till date.

Methodology: Small RNA library was constructed by high throughput sequencing from control and stress tissues. Target genes of identified miRNAs were predicted using psRNATarget and their GO terms were annotated. The results were validated using RT-qPCR.

Results: In this study, we constructed the RNA libraries using next generation sequencing and 125 candidate miRNAs associated to high temperature stress were identified. The qPCR revealed miR395, miR396, miR319 were up-regulated by >15 folds. Most of the targets identified were transcription factors (SPL, MYB, GRF, NAC and GRAS) and oxidative stress.

Conclusion: This is to our knowledge the first report for identifying the high temperature stress responsive miRNAs in Niger. Further, characterization and functional annotations of the target genes would provide insights into the regulatory mechanism employed to sustain extreme temperature.