Expression Profile of Selected Genes Involved in Na+ Homeostasis and In Silico miRNA Identification in Medicago sativa and Medicago arborea under Salinity Stress

The accumulation of ions due to increased salinity in the soil is one major abiotic stressors cultivated plants that negatively affect their productivity. model plant, Medicago truncatula, only species has been extensively studied, whereas research into adaptation two important forage legumes, M. sativa and arborea, limited. In present study, expression six genes, namely SOS1, SOS3, NHX2, AKT, AVP HKT1 was monitored investigate manner which sodium are blocked transferred various plant parts. addition, silico miRNA analysis performed identify miRNAs possibly control genes studied. following treatments were applied: (1) salt stress, with initial treatment 50 mM NaCl gradual acclimatization every 10 days, (2) shock, continuous application 100 concentration (3) no NaCl. Results showed arborea appeared overexpress activate all available mechanisms resistance conditions salinity, while acted a more targeted way, overexpressing AKT contribute ions, particularly root. Regarding analysis, five significant complementarity putative target AKT1, SOS3 identified served as first step investigating regulatory networks. Further studies will validate these results. Our findings understanding molecular underlying salt-responsiveness could be used future for generating salt-tolerant genotypes crop improvement programs.