Computational identification of miRNA genes and their targets in mulberry

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are a class of tiny non protein coding and regulatory RNA molecules about 18 to 26 nt in length. miRNA regulate gene expression via the degradation or translational inhibition of their target mRNAs. Nucleotide sequences of miRNAs are highly conserved among various organisms; this forms the key feature behind the identification of miRNAs in plant species by homology alignment. So far, little is known about miRNA in mulberry (Morus alba L.) species. In our study, a computational method was used for detection of mulberry miRNAs. A total of six miRNAs were identified. The six miRNAs may regulate twenty-two potential targets, which are predicted to encode transcription factors that regulate plant development, signaling, and metabolism. To validate the prediction of miRNAs in mulberry, a RT-PCR experimental method was performed and five of these miRNAs were found to be expressed.