Identification of miRNAs and their target genes in Papaver somniferum

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are A group of 17_22 nucleotides that derived from its precursor sequence and show an enormous role in various biological and metabolic processes in both animals and plants. There are several ways to identify miRNAs. One of the easiest and cheapest way to identify miRNAs is bioinformatics methods. In this study¡ a bioinformatics approach was used to identify potential miRNAs in Papaver somniferum. We blasted publicly available EST sequences obtained from NCBI GenBank against previously known plant miRNAs and ultimately distinguished seven potential miRNA in Papaver somniferum. Target genes predicted miRNA are a protein serine / threonine kinase (signal transduction)¡ PPR protein family (Edit and stability of RNA) and globulins 7 S (hydration and dehydration cells), phototropin (response phototropism), protein of serine / threonine phosphatase (glycogen metabolism), TIR protein family (defense against bacteria). These genes play an important role in growth and development¡ metabolism¡ morphology and determine flowering time and response to biotic and abiotic stresses.