Differential expression of seven conserved microRNAs in response to abiotic stress and their regulatory network in Helianthus annuus.

Biotic and abiotic stresses affect plant development and production through alternation of the gene expression pattern. Gene expression itself is under the control of different regulators such as miRNAs and transcription factors (TFs). MiRNAs are known to play important roles in regulation of stress responses via interacting with their target mRNAs.