Differential microRNA and Target Gene Expression in Scots Pine ( L.) Needles in Response to Methyl Jasmonate Treatment.

Methyl jasmonate is a plant signaling molecule involved in a wide range of functions, including stress responses. This study investigates the relative differential expression of microRNAs and their target genes in response to methyl jasmonate treatment of Scots pine needles. A combined strategy of high-throughput sequencing and in silico prediction of potential target genes was implemented.

Differentially Expressed Conserved Plant Vegetative Phase-Change-Related microRNAs in Mature and Rejuvenated Silver Birch In Vitro Propagated Tissues.

In plants, phase change from the juvenile stage to maturity involves physiological and anatomical changes, which are initiated and controlled by evolutionary highly conserved microRNAs. This process is of particular significance for the in vitro propagation of woody plant species, as individuals or tissues that have undergone the transition to vegetative maturity are recalcitrant to propagation. Conserved miRNAs differentially expressed between juvenile (including rejuvenated) and mature silver birch tissues were identified using high-throughput sequencing of small RNA libraries.