Profiling of MicroRNAs Activity in Response to Gamma Radiation in Arabidopsis thaliana

Research output

Abstract

The objective of this study was to understand if microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in responses to gamma radiation, and if these responses are conserved across different species. The miRNAs participate on different stress responses as fast regulatory elements controlling gene expression of their specific targets. Previously, it has been identified that gamma radiation exposure promotes changes on the levels of miRNAs in rice. In the present work, the profiling of miRNAs activity in response to gamma radiation was performed using as readout their precursors (primary miRNAs), and the model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana. The gene expression analysis was conducted on wild-type plants, while the accumulation of the miRNAs’ targets was also investigated on a miRNA activity mutant, ago1-27. The results indicate that A. thaliana exposure to gamma radiation results on different expression patterns of the primary miRNAs, which range from miRNA-specific to family-specific ones. The responses of rice and A. thaliana were found to be contrasting, although the same set of miRNAs was differentially regulated by gamma radiation exposure on both species. Although pri-miRNAs may be used as readouts for the assessment of their respective mature miRNAs, they may not fully reflect the miRNA regulation. Finally, the obtained results indicate that other regulatory elements may be involved in the gene expression control of the miRNA targets in response to gamma radiation.
Original languageEnglish
QualificationOther
Awarding Institution
  • Katholieke Hogeschool Kempen
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Turqueto Duarte, Gustavo, SCK CEN Mentor
  • Schoone, Kristien, Supervisor, External person
Date of Award30 Jun 2023
Publisher
StatePublished - 30 Jun 2023

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