Profiling microRNA expression in Arabidopsis pollen using microRNA array and real-time PCR.

ABSTRACT:

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are approximately 22-nt small non-coding RNAs that regulate the expression of specific target genes in many eukaryotes. In higher plants, miRNAs are involved in developmental processes and stress responses. Sexual reproduction in flowering plants relies on pollen, the male gametophyte, to deliver sperm cells to fertilize the egg cell hidden in the embryo sac. Studies indicated that post-transcriptional processes are important for regulating gene expression during pollen function. However, we still have very limited knowledge on the involved gene regulatory mechanisms. Especially, the function of miRNAs in pollen remains unknown.

Results

Using miRCURY LNA array technology, we have profiled the expression of 70 known miRNAs (representing 121 miRBa

SUBMITTER: Chambers C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2715406 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature