Genome-Wide Investigation of MicroRNAs and Their Targets in Response to Freezing Stress in Medicago sativa L., Based on High-Throughput Sequencing.

ABSTRACT: Winter damage, especially in northern climates, is a major limitation of the utilization of perennial forages such as alfalfa. Therefore, improving freezing tolerance is imperative in alfalfa genetic breeding. However, freezing tolerance is a complex trait that is determined by many genes. To understand the complex regulation mechanisms of freezing tolerance in alfalfa, we performed small RNA sequencing analysis under cold (4°) and freezing (-8°) stress. The sequencing results revealed that 173 known, and 24 novel miRNAs were expressed, and that the expression of 35 miRNAs was affected by cold and/or freezing stress. Meanwhile, 105 target genes cleaved by these miRNAs were characterized by degradome sequencing. These targets were associated with biological regulation, cellular processes, m

SUBMITTER: Shu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4777136 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature