Abstract

In this study, computational prediction of miRNAs from banana EST and BAC sequences was performed, which resulted in the finding of 18 banana miRNAs belonging to 16 miRNA families. For the 18 miRNAs, 25 banana ESTs were found as their potential targets. Most of these targets encode transcriptional factors which play a role in banana development. Additionally, real time PCR assays were performed to profile the expression levels of three miRNAs (miR156, 159 and 166) after the infection of Banana streak Mysore virus (BSMYV). The results showed that symptom severity is correlated to the expression level of miRNAs, and a clear increased expression of miR166 during viral infection. This is the first report to predict and identify miRNAs in banana.

Keywords: Banana; EST; MicroRNA; RT-PCR; banana streak mysore virus (BSMYV).