IDENTIFICATION OF MICRO-RNAS IN CALENDULA OFFICINALIS: NEW INSIGHTS INTO HERBAL MEDICINE

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of single stranded, non-coding, small RNAs (18–22 nucleotides) that play important roles in plant and animal biological processes by acting as gene expression regulators at a post-transcriptional level. Nevertheless, no miRNA has been identified in marigold (Calendula officinalis), a very well known medicinal plant.In this study, total RNA from marigold was extracted, then, using Nextgeneration sequencing and homology approaches, potential miRNAs were predicted. A total of 4 conserved miRNAs, with 0 mismatches, were identified in marigold: ath-miR166a, osa-miR166h, ppt-miR894 and ath-miR817. The miR166 family is one of the most conserved family in the plant kingdom, as well as in many medicinal plants with a potential impact on mammals. The potentially conserved miRNAs from Calendula were identified only in the inflorescence, which is the part used for medicinal purposes. Our findings provide new information regarding plant miRNAs in marigold. This approach could open up the way for further researches regarding miRNAs and their role as possible novel therapeutic options in medicinal plants. The potential of miRNA therapeutics, could lead to a modern definition of pharmacognosy

Keywords

• plant microRNA
• herbal medicine
• calendula officinalis
• bioinformatics