IDENTIFICATION OF ABIOTIC STRESS-RESPONSIVE MIRNA TARGET NETWORK IN PHOENIX SP, A MANGROVE SPECIES

A very tiny non-coding RNA molecule with a length of 20 to 24 nucleotides, called microRNAs or miRNAs. They control gene expression by targeting mRNAs with sequence-specificity. Depending on the degree of complementarity with the target mRNA sequences, this might result in translational repression or mRNA destruction. They are very crucial for controlling growth and development in plants. Researchers also agreed with the point that miRNAs are responsive to stress in plants. Growing in tropical and subtropical estuaries, mangrove is a very significant ecosystem both environmentally and commercially. But several natural processes, like sea level rise, salinity rise, and global warming, are disastrous for this flora, and some species are disappearing at a startling rate. Studying the function of these miRNAs in controlling mangrove homeostasis in that situation would be of utmost significance. In the most recent research, we discovered three miRNAs: ph-miR10630, ph-miR11471, and ph-miR10341 in Phoenix sp, that react to abiotic stress. This finding unmistakably indicates that miRNAs play a regulatory function in preserving cellular homeostasis. When compared to plants that are close to extinction, the experimental validation and molecular characterization of these miRNAs might provide important insights into their role in battling biotic and abiotic stress. This information would then be extremely helpful for planning the proper conservation of those plant species.