micro RNA directed gene regulation in potato

In order to identify key factors of potato development we investigate the role of micro RNAs (miRNAs) in gene regulation. miRNAs are short, single stranded, non-coding RNAs which can inhibit gene expression through RNA cut and degradation or translational inhibition.

We aim to identify and characterize differentially expressed miRNAs in potato. We use genome-wide high-throughput sequencing approach and molecular biology tools (including radioactive small RNA gel blot, hairpin qPCR, MiScript Plant RT and qPCR system) to investigate these non-coding RNAs. We use bioinformatics tools to predict potential targets of miRNAs revealing new players of biological pathways or the fine tuning of gene expression regulated by miRNAs during development.

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