Investigation of the composition, function and evolutionary dynamics of microRNAs ...
| Grant number: | 11/06465-0 |
| Support type: | Regular Research Grants |
| Duration: | July 01, 2011 - June 30, 2013 |
| Field of knowledge: | Biological Sciences - Genetics |
| Principal Investigator: | César Martins |
| Grantee: | César Martins |
| Home Institution: | Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil |
| Assoc. researchers: | Alexandre Wagner Silva Hilsdorf ; Robson Francisco Carvalho |
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules (~20 nucleotides) that regulate post-transcriptionally the expression of endogenous genes, shaping the transcriptome and protein production. In general, miRNAs are highly conserved in the genome of eukaryotes and considered important elements in many biological processes during development, such as cell growth, differentiation and death. Moreover, owing to the correspondence between abundance and diversity of miRNAs and increased complexity of taxonomic groups, miRNAs become key elements, both in the speciation process and as phylogenetic markers for evolutionary studies. The large diversity of miRNAs identified is somewhat restricted to a few species and only a fraction of the predicted miRNAs targets has been functionally characterized. In this sense, the use of next generation sequencing technology coupled with gene expression analysis by RT-qPCR enable both the identification of the microRNome and the experimental validation of miRNA gene targets in a species. The Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, can be considered an excellent biological model for miRNAs investigation in vertebrates due to its economic importance and full genome sequenced. Moreover, O. niloticus belongs to the African cichlid group, which has undergone rapid and extensive adaptive radiation, being an excellent target for evolutionary studies. Therefore, this proposal aims to (i) identify, map and determine the genomic organization of miRNAs, and (ii) evaluate the temporal and spatial expression patterns of miRNAs and their impact on Nile Tilapia growth. Advances through evolutionary inferences derived from genomic analysis are also predictable as well as the determination of miRNAs protagonists and their role in regulatory pathways of Nile tilapia growth, intended for aquaculture improvement. (AU)