Genome-wide comparative analysis in Solanaceae plants reveals evolution of novel miRNAs targeting defense genes in Capsicum spp.

ABSTRACT: Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play roles in various biological processes including growth, development, and defense in plants. Recent studies revealed that some plant miRNAs could produce secondary small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) such as phased, secondary siRNAs (phasiRNAs) and they regulate cascade of gene expression. Results: We performed genome-wide comparative analysis of miRNAs and their targets in Solanaceae plants in an evolutionary perspective. miRNAs were mapped onto 12 chromosomes and microsynteny analysis, based on miRNAs and their flanking genes, revealed about 86% of conserved miRNAs in pepper maintained synteny with those of tomato or potato. Degradome analysis revealed that many of genes related to transcription or defense response are regulated by miRNAs in Solanaceae plants. We found several miRNAs in pepper targeting a number of genes encoding nucleotide-binding and leucine rich repeat (NLR) or receptor-like protein (RLP), known as major players in defense responses. In addition, resistance-related miRNAs trigger phasiRNA production indicating amplification of regulation of the disease-resistant gene families. Among them, specifically evolved miRNAs in pepper, can-miR-n033a and can-miR-n026, targets many NLRs and RLPs in an expanded subgroup in pepper, respectively. Conclusions: Taken together, miRNAs might be generated and evolved to regulate diverse genes involved in plant immunity in Solanaceae. This study provides an insight into possible co-evolution between resistance-related miRNAs and defense genes in pepper.

ORGANISM(S): Solanum lycopersicum Capsicum annuum Solanum tuberosum

PROVIDER: GSE102781 | GEO | 2018/07/18

REPOSITORIES: GEO