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Computational identification and characteristics of novel microRNAs from the silkworm (Bombyx mori L.)

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Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-protein coding small RNAs that regulate expression of genes at post-transcriptional levels. Increasing evidence has shown that miRNAs play multiple roles in biological processes, including development, cell proliferation and apoptosis. Based on the conservation of miRNAs sequence, using a computational homology search based on genomic survey sequence analysis, a total of 16 novel miRNAs were identified and characteristics such as family and evolutionary conservation have been described. By using these newly identified miRNAs, the mRNA database of silkworm was blasted and 21 potential targets of miRNAs were detected. Most of these miRNA targeted genes were predicted to encode transcription factors. The semi-stem loop RT–PCR based assays were performed and found that silkworm miRNAs have diverse expression patterns during development.

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Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge the technique assistance of Dr. Y. X. Yu at Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. This research was partly supported by research grants form the National High Tech Development Project of China, the 863 Program (2007AA100504) and the National Basic Research 973 Program (2005CB121004).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province, 212018, People’s Republic of China

    Yong Huang, Shun Ming Tang, Li Gang Wang & Xing Jia Shen

  2. School of Information Science and Technology of Xiamen University, Xiamen City, Fujian Province, 361005, People’s Republic of China

    Quan Zou

  3. The Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province, 212018, People’s Republic of China

    Yong Huang, Shun Ming Tang, Li Gang Wang & Xing Jia Shen

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  1. Yong Huang
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Correspondence to Xing Jia Shen.

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Huang, Y., Zou, Q., Tang, S.M. et al. Computational identification and characteristics of novel microRNAs from the silkworm (Bombyx mori L.). Mol Biol Rep 37, 3171–3176 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-009-9897-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-009-9897-4

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