Comparative Genome-Wide Analysis of MicroRNAs and Their Target Genes in Roots of Contrasting Indica Rice Cultivars under Reproductive-Stage Drought

Recurrent occurrence of drought stress in varying intensity has become a common phenomenon the present era global climate change, which not only causes severe yield losses but also challenges cultivation rice. This raises serious concerns for sustainable food production and security. The root plant is primarily responsible to perceive acquire sufficient water survival/optimal growth under extreme climatic conditions. Earlier studies reported involvement/important roles microRNAs (miRNAs) plants’ responses environmental/abiotic stresses. A number (738) miRNAs known be expressed different tissues environmental conditions rice, our understanding role, mode action, target genes are still elusive. Using contrasting rice [IR-64 (reproductive-stage sensitive) N-22 (drought-tolerant)] cultivars, imposed with terminal (reproductive-stage) stress, we demonstrate differential expression 270 91 novel roots cultivars response stress. Among miRNAs, osamiR812, osamiR166, osamiR156, osamiR167, osamiR396 were most differentially between cultivars. In N-22, 18 12 observed exclusively expressed, while two (zero novels) IR-64. majority gene(s) drought-responsive transcription factors playing important flower, grain development, auxin signaling, phytohormone-crosstalk. identified this study may serve as good candidates genetic improvement towards developing climate-smart production.