Identification of UV-B-induced microRNAs in wheat

Genet Mol Res. 2013 Oct 7;12(4):4213-21. doi: 10.4238/2013.October.7.7.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in post-transcriptional gene regulation and act as important endogenous regulators to various stressors. Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation is a major factor influencing crop growth and development. In this study, we isolated a novel wheat miRNA, named Tae-miR6000, and confirmed its expression diversity after UV-B treatments. Additionally, using the Northern blotting technique, we found that six miRNAs were highly responsive to UV-B stress in wheat. Of these six miRNAs, miR159, miR167a, and miR171 were significantly upregulated, and the remaining three miRNAs were downregulated, at different time points after UV-B treatment. This result indicates that miRNAs may be involved in the regulation of targets after induction by UV-B stress. Furthermore, promoter analysis of the UV-B-responsive miRNA genes revealed some light-relevant cis-elements, such as the I-box and G-box. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that wheat miRNAs play important roles in the response to UV-B stress.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / radiation effects*
  • Genes, Plant
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • RNA, Plant / genetics*
  • RNA, Plant / metabolism
  • Transcriptome
  • Triticum / genetics*
  • Triticum / metabolism
  • Triticum / radiation effects
  • Ultraviolet Rays*

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Plant