Analysis of Cadmium-Stress-Induced microRNAs and Their Targets Reveals bra-miR172b-3p as a Potential Cd2+-Specific Resistance Factor in Brassica juncea

The contamination of soil with high levels cadmium (Cd) is increasing concern, as Cd a heavy metal element that seriously limits crop productivity and quality, thus affecting human health. (1) Background: Some miRNAs play key regulatory roles in response to stress, but few have been explored the highly Cd-enriched coefficient oilseed crop, Brassica juncea. (2) Methods: genome-wide identification characterization their targets leaves roots juncea exposed stress was undertaken using strand specific transcript sequencing miRNA sequencing. (3) Results: In total, 11 known novel miRNAs, well 56 target transcripts, were identified Cd-responsive transcripts. Additionally, four corresponding transcripts six including FLA9 (Fasciclin-Like Arabinogalactan-protein 9), ATCAT3 (catalase 3), DOX1 (dioxygenases) ATCCS (copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase), found be involved plant’s biotic pathway. We further validated expression three genes Cd, hydrargyrum (Hg), manganese (Mn), plumbum (Pb) or natrium (Na) Mucor infection by qRT-PCR, show significantly differentially regulated Cd-treated leaves. addition, our results showed obviously induced Pb stress. Among respective bra-miR172b-3p (target ATCCS) ra-miR398-3p FLA9) down-regulated (4) Conclusions: potential Cd-specific resistant inhibitor, which may negatively These findings could provide insight into networks