Identification and characterization of functional microRNAs and their significant targets in maize plants

Abstract

Various metabolic and cell signaling processes influence the function of maize plant cells. miRNAs play numerous regulatory roles in regulating yield and protecting against various stressors. This study aims to identify and partially characterize some novel miRNAs in maize using in silico tools and provide a preliminary evaluation of their role. In this research, 20 novel conserved maize miRNAs belonging to 20 miRNA families were predicted using in silico tools and validated through RT-PCR. Consequently, 5850 different protein targets of these newly predicted miRNAs were identified via the psRNA Target approach. These targets included 20 significant ones involved in regulating metabolism, structural proteins, cell signaling proteins, and transportation factors. Moreover, the miRNA zma-miR5068 was predicted to be involved in the ubiquitin fusion protein process. Overall, this study examines novel maize miRNAs targeting several significant genes that could help manage the environment for better maize tolerance.