Identification and Profiling of Conserved MicroRNAs in Different Developmental Stages of Crown Imperial (Fritillaria Imperialis L.) using High-throughput Sequencing

Abstract Novel strategies for improvement of plants’ ornamental and other properties relay on miRNA control of differential plant gene expression modulation. Still, in response to the same abiotic stresses, some conserved miRNA families show different expression patterns in different plant species. In parallel, the use of deep sequencing technologies reveals new levels of complexity of regulatory networks in plants through identification of new miRNAs. These are two major reasons why more studies are needed before envisioned new strategies may take their course in practical application domain. This research revealed 21 conserved miRNAs, matching 15 miRNA families, in Fritilaria imperialis. Among identified conserved miRNA families in crown imperial, miR166, miR169 and miR396 families were the most abundant ones. The expression of seven conserved miRNAs (Fim-miR156b, Fim-miR159, Fim-miR166a-5p, Fim-miR169d-5p, Fim-miR171c, Fim-miR393 and Fim-miR396e-3p) was further investigated in different tissues and three developmental stages, suggesting different roles these miRNAs have in growth and development of crown imperial. Gained knowledge from this research can open the door to find efficient ways to secure crown imperial survival, preservation and utilization and if proven useful may be applied in other plant species as well.