Identification of novel miRNAs from the microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae.

Previously, six miRNAs were identified from the microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae. By taking advantage of the recently updated N. ceranae and honey bee genome assemblies, we re-analyzed the deep sequencing datasets. Three novel miRNAs were identified, which were further validated by plasmid cloning and sequencing. The miRNAs correlated with significantly higher number of genes from the parasite than the host. Our data suggest the parasitic miRNAs are involved in self-regulation during the proliferation.