Non-coding RNAs in plant development
20/08/2015 15:49
Long and small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) regulate transcriptionally and posttranscriptionally gene expression, shaping the transcriptome and the proteome of the cells. Amongst them, microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in plant development. Deep sequencing approaches helped us to identify hundreds of distinct sRNAs that may have important roles in sugarcane axillary bud development. Currently, we are studying the roles of specific miRNAs in tomato fruit development and vegetative branching. Also, we are looking at the roles of microRNAs in root development.
To study these molecular mechanisms, we are using a variety of tools such as: cloning, next-generation deep sequencing, generation of transgenic and mutant plants and in situ hybridization.
You can have a look in our main projects going on in the lab.