Not AvailablemiRNAs are 21–24 nt non-coding RNAs
involved in negative regulation of the target gene expression
in response to stress and developmental cues. Wheat,
the major staple food crop, is highly sensitive to heat stress
(HS). Even moderate high temperatures during critical
stages causes reduction in yield and quality of the grains.
Here, we identified a novel miRNA (candidate miR430)
from wheat using de novo assembly, and cloned it from
wheat cv. HD2985 using universal adaptor. The identified
miRNA was mapped on to the Chromosome 3B and predicted
to have more than 30 target genes. Most of the
targets identified were associated with heat shock proteins.
Expression analysis of miR430 in contrasting wheat cultivars
by quantitative real-time PCR revealed significant
genotypic variations under HS. Tissue specific expression
analysis showed relatively low expression in leaves, as
compared with stem and root under HS. A negative correlation
was found between the expression of miR430 and
their respective target genes under HS. MiR430 can be
used to manipulate the expression of target genes under HS
towards enhancing HS tolerance for the development of
‘climate-smart’ wheat crop.Not Availabl