Sexual dimorphism floral microRNA profiling and target gene expression in andromonoecious poplar (Populus tomentosa).

ABSTRACT: Although the molecular basis of poplar sex-specific flower development remains largely unknown, increasing evidence indicates an essential role for microRNAs (miRNAs). The specific miRNA types and precise miRNA expression patterns in dioecious plant flower development remain unclear. Here, we used andromonoecious poplar, an exceptional model system, to eliminate the confounding effects of genetic background of dioecious plants. This system, combined with high-throughput sequencing and computational analysis, allowed us to characterize sex-specific miRNAomes from female and male flowers. Comparative miRNAome analysis combined with quantitative real-time PCR revealed the expression patterns of 27 miRNAs in poplar flower and showed that the targets of these miRNAs are involved in flower organ

SUBMITTER: Song Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3646847 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature