In silico prediction of microRNA families involved in the biosynthesis of lignans and cyanogenic glycosides in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Abstract

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is renowned for having the highest concentration of lignans among all plant species worldwide. However, it also contains a notable amount of cyanogenic glycosides, prompting efforts to reduce their levels. MicroRNAs, recognized as significant epigenetic factors, hold the potential to serve as genetic markers in achieving this breeding goal. In this study, 44,885 mature microRNAs were utilized alongside one genome and four transcriptomes of flax. Twelve gene sequences were obtained for five lignan enzymes and three enzymes related to cyanogenic glycosides. Based on our in silico approach, we identified 15 microRNA families for the lignan metabolic pathway, 10 for the cyanogenic glycoside pathway, and 6 regulating both pathways. Additionally, we contributed to the annotation of the used transcriptomes and verified the functionality of the “Finding genes by keyword” algorithm available on Phytozome 13. The results obtained led to the design of a unique schema for microRNA mediated regulation in the biosynthetic pathways of lignans and cyanogenic glycosides. This research will enhance our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of microRNA in these biosynthetic pathways, along with other specialized metabolites. The predicted microRNAs can be employed in marker-assisted selection with the breeding objective of optimizing the ratio of nutritional and antinutritional components in flaxseed while maintaining current physiological parameters.