Expression relationship between microRNA and transcription factors in Stephania japonica

Abstract

MicroRNAs are a group of endogenous small non-coding RNAs, they can guide silencing complex to degrade mRNA or hinder its translation by pairing with the target gene mRNA base. In this study, applying high stringent genome-wide computational-based approaches, a total of 31 putative microRNAs were predicted in Stephania japonica. After strict secondary structure screening, seven microRNAs with high reliability were identified and classified into three microRNA families. Using Targetfinder tool, a total of 47 potential target transcription factors of microRNAs were identified, including bHLH, SBP, TCP, ERF transcription factors. The co-expression network of transcription factors and three important cepharanthine-biosynthetic genes shown that microRNAs might be involved in regulating the biosynthesis of cepharanthine and its precursors by regulating potential target transcription factors. Additionally, correlation analysis of microRNAs and transcription factors indicated that the tissue expression patterns of Sja-miR8528, Sja-miR156a and Sja-miR156c showed positive correlation with six transcription factors, while Sja-miR535 showed a negative correlation with five transcription factors. This is the first study explored putative microRNA and analyzed their predictive target transcription factors in S. japonica, providing useful information for future microRNA research in herbal plants.

Keywords

• microrna
• transcription factor
• stephania japonica
• correlation analysis