Identification and expression analysis of microRNAs in coumarin biosynthesis of Angelica dahurica, via deep sequencing.

• Weevaluated the miRNAs and their target genesin A. dahurica. • 23 miRNAs were found participating in the regulation of coumarin biosynthesis. • Four miRNAs were identified as differentially expressed miRNAs. • A positive correlation between 4DEMs and their targets were verified using RT-qPCR. • Our findings established a basis for further studies of coumarin biosynthesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), are endogenous non-coding small RNAs that fulfill various roles in the regulation of plant growth and development. Angelica dahurica is a traditional Chinese herbal plant known for its coumarins which are used in medicine and food. However, the miRNAs involved in the regulation of coumarin biosynthesis in A. dahurica are not yet known. In this study, we identified these miRNAs and their target genes and constructed a database of miRNAs in roots, stems, and leaves of A. dahurica. A total of 23 miRNAs were found participating in the regulation of coumarin biosynthesis, among which four miRNAs were identified as differentially expressed miRNAs. The qRT-PCR expression analysis revealed a positive correlation between those four miRNAs and their targets; hence, these four differentially expressed miRNAs are possibly involved in regulating the biosynthesis of coumarins in A. dahurica. These findings may help to improve our understanding of the mechanisms by miRNA regulates coumarin biosynthesis in A. dahurica and perhaps other similar plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]