MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs responsible for mediating
[www.isaaa.org] gene
expressions after transcription. Previous studies have reported on miRNA in
various plants, but, its role in pear (Pyrus bretschneideri) fruit
development is still unclear. Jun Wu and Shaoling Zhang, researchers from
Nanjing Agricultural University, investigated the miRNA of pear fruits from
different stages of development.

Profiling showed about 90 miRNAs that were expressed differently between
stages. Analysis of the target
[www.isaaa.org] genes
of miRNAs showed that miRNAs are widely involved in the regulation of fruit
development. Eleven miRNAs participate in lignin biosynthesis, nine miRNAs
take part in sugar and acid metabolism, and MiR160 regulates auxin response
factor.

MiRNAs were proven to be involved in regulation of fruit development and
fruit quality. This contributes valuable information for further research of
miRNA in fruit development for pear and other species.

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