MicroRNA–target gene responses to lead-induced stress in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

He, Qiuling; Zhu, Shuijin; Zhang, Baohong

doi:10.1007/s10142-014-0378-z

Original Paper
Published: 31 May 2014

MicroRNA–target gene responses to lead-induced stress in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Qiuling He^1,2,
Shuijin Zhu² &
Baohong Zhang¹

Functional & Integrative Genomics volume 14, pages 507–515 (2014)Cite this article

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Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in plant responses to various metal stresses. To investigate the miRNA-mediated plant response to heavy metals, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), the most important fiber crop in the world, was exposed to different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µM) of lead (Pb) and then the toxicological effects were investigated. The expression patterns of 16 stress-responsive miRNAs and 10 target genes were monitored in cotton leaves and roots by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR); of these selected genes, several miRNAs and their target genes are involved in root development. The results show a reciprocal regulation of cotton response to lead stress by miRNAs. The characterization of the miRNAs and the associated target genes in response to lead exposure would help in defining the potential roles of miRNAs in plant adaptation to heavy metal stress and further understanding miRNA regulation in response to abiotic stress.

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Affiliations

Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
Qiuling He & Baohong Zhang
Department of Agronomy, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
Qiuling He & Shuijin Zhu

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Qiuling He
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Shuijin Zhu
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Baohong Zhang
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Correspondence to Baohong Zhang.

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He, Q., Zhu, S. & Zhang, B. MicroRNA–target gene responses to lead-induced stress in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Funct Integr Genomics 14, 507–515 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10142-014-0378-z

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Received: 14 February 2014
Revised: 27 April 2014
Accepted: 12 May 2014
Published: 31 May 2014
Issue Date: September 2014
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10142-014-0378-z

Keywords

Cotton
MicroRNA
Target
Metal stress
Gene regulation