Drought-Associated MicroRNAs in Cowpea
Author Information
Author(s): Barrera-Figueroa Blanca E, Gao Lei, Diop Ndeye N, Wu Zhigang, Ehlers Jeffrey D, Roberts Philip A, Close Timothy J, Zhu Jian-Kang, Liu Renyi
Primary Institution: University of California, Riverside
Hypothesis
How do microRNAs contribute to drought tolerance in different cowpea genotypes?
Conclusion
MicroRNAs play important roles in drought tolerance in cowpea and may determine the level of drought tolerance in different genotypes.
Supporting Evidence
- 157 miRNA genes were identified, belonging to 89 families.
- 44 drought-associated miRNAs were found, with 30 upregulated and 14 downregulated under drought conditions.
- Nine miRNAs were predominantly or exclusively expressed in one of the two genotypes.
Takeaway
This study found that certain tiny molecules called microRNAs help cowpea plants survive drought better, and different cowpea types use them in different ways.
Methodology
Deep sequencing of small RNA libraries from two cowpea genotypes grown under well-watered and drought stress conditions.
Limitations
The complete cowpea genome sequence is not available, which may have led to missing some miRNA genes.
Statistical Information
P-Value
5e-63
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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