MicroRNAs contribute to enhanced salt adaptation of the autopolyploid Hordeum bulbosum compared to its diploid ancestor
By Beibei LiuSeveral studies have shown that autopolyploid species can tolerate abiotic stresses better than their diploid ancestor. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is poorly understood. Whole genome duplication can result in the expansion of miRNA families, and the innovative miRNA-target interaction is vital for adaptive response to various environments. The new microRNAs which were induced by genome duplication, also associated with stress response, and the distinctive microRNA networks in tetraploid and diploid Hordeum bulbosum by using high-throughput sequencing. Five miRNAs affected by genome doubling were involved in salt stress response. Of these, miR528b-3p was only detected in the tetraploid plants, and down -regulated in salt stress tetraploid plants relative to that in tetraploid check (CK). Moreover, it was found that miR528b-3p was not only involved in DNA replication and repair but also affected salt stress response. Finally, distinguished microRNAs-targets regulatory networks in both diploid and tetraploid plants were discovered.
July 2017
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DedicationI would like to dedicate this work to my boyfriend Chao Wang who has graduated last year. To wait for me graduating, he stays here for another year with me. There is no doubt that without his support and help in my work, I could not finish this work. I also want to express my special thanks to my loving parents. Although they didn't live with me here, it is their words of encouragement and love that support me to complete my graduate study.IV