Identification and characterization of conserved miRNAs of Coriandrum sativum L. using next-generation sequencing data

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small and noncoding RNAs with length of 18-24 nucleotides that control the expression of target genes at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels in plants. The miRNAs play an important role in different processes such as growth and development, cell proliferation and response to stresses in plants. Coriander or Coriandrum sativum L. is a plant of Apiaceae family with different nutritional and pharmaceutical applications. Up to now, the genome of this plant has not been sequenced and there is no report of miRNAs identification has been recorded for it. The present study was performed to identify the conserved miRNAs and their target genes in transcriptome of coriander plant. Firstly, Transcriptome of seed and leaf tissues was assembled and non-coding transcripts were identified and considered as miRNA precursor. Finally, among candidate sequences, three miRNAs named csa-miR162, csa-miR169 and csa-miR399 belong to three conserved families were identified after strict filtering. Identified miRNAs showed differential expression between seed and leaf tissues and also role of their target genes in different biological processes was confirmed. In general, given the regulatory roles of identified miRNAs on broad spectrum of gene networks and biological processes of coriander plant in the present study, these miRNAs can be used as candidate genes to improve qualitative and quantitative yield and resistance to different stresses in this plant.