Skip to main content
ARS Home » Plains Area » Manhattan, Kansas » Center for Grain and Animal Health Research » Hard Winter Wheat Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #336295
Title: MicroRNA variants, expression, and putative target genes in the Gall Midge Mayetiola destructor

Author
item DU, CHEN - Kansas State University
item WHITWORTH, R. JEFF - Kansas State University
item Chen, Ming-Shun

Submitted to: Journal of Molecular Biology and Techniques
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/2/2017
Publication Date: 6/6/2017
Publication URL: https://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/5801899
Citation: Du, C., Whitworth, R., Chen, M. 2017. MicroRNA variants, expression, and putative target genes in the Gall Midge Mayetiola destructor. Journal of Molecular Biology and Techniques. 1(1):103. https://elynsgroup.com.

Interpretive Summary: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that are thought to participate in gene regulation and play roles in nearly all biological processes. Therefore, miRNAs may provide opportunities to develop new means to combat the Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor, a destructive pest of wheat. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of miRNAs from Hessian fly larvae, pupae and adults. A large number of miRNA species and variants were identified from this study. In addition, we analyzed the expression patterns of the identified miRNA species and variants among different developmental stages of the Hessian fly. We also identified putative target genes and their functions. Our results provide a foundation for future analysis of miRNA functions and application in controlling the Hessian fly pest.

Technical Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play roles in nearly all biological processes and therefore may provide opportunities to develop new means to combat the Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor, a gall midge and a destructive pest of wheat. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of miRNAs via deep-sequencing samples from Hessian fly larvae, pupae and adults. A large number of miRNA species and variants were identified from approximately 30 million sequence reads. The abundance of miRNA species and variants based on sequence reads varied greatly among the three analyzed fly stages, with 319 exclusively expressed in adults, 30 exclusively expressed in pupae, and 30 exclusively expressed in larvae. For miRNAs expressed in all stages, a great proportion of the miRNAs exhibited more than four-fold variation in miRNA abundance among different stages, indicating that each developmental stage expressed a set of unique miRNA genes. In addition, 1516 putative target genes were identified for 486 miRNAs based on known criteria for miRNA target genes. The putative target genes are involved in a wide range of physiological processes from nutrient metabolism to effector proteins. Our results provide a foundation for future analysis of miRNA functions and application in the Hessian fly pest.