A Genome-Wide Characterization of MicroRNA Genes in Maize

ABSTRACT: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play essential roles in plant growth and development. We conducted a genome-wide survey of maize miRNA genes, characterizing their structure, expression, and evolution. Computational approaches based on homology and secondary structure modeling identified 150 high-confidence genes within 26 miRNA families. For 25 families, expression was verified by deep-sequencing of small RNA libraries that were prepared from an assortment of maize tissues. PCR-RACE amplification of 68 miRNA transcript precursors, representing 18 families conserved across several plant species, showed that splice variation and the use of alternative transcriptional start and stop sites is common within this class of genes. Comparison of sequence variation data from divers

ORGANISM(S): Zea mays

SUBMITTER: Jer-M Chia 

PROVIDER: E-GEOD-17943 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress