Computational Identification of Conserved MicroRNA and their Targets in Coffea canephora by EST Analysis

Comparative genomic tools have been successfully used to predict new miRNAs in different plant and animal species using express
ed
sequence tag (EST) and genome survey sequence (GSS) analysis. In the present study we identified conserved microRNAs in
Coffea
canephora
identified by EST analysis using a new modified comparative genomics method. Use of this method eliminates false positives
to a greater extent. Conserved microRNA belonging to 12 families was identified. All identified miRNA were used to search their
potential target genes from the SGN (Solanaceace Genome Network) EST database and a total of 42 potential targets were identifi
ed for
miRNA families from
C. canephora
. Most of the miRNA targets were transcription factors which appeared to be involved in plant growth,
development and stress responses according to the mRNA target in
formation provided by NCBI. The newly identified microRNA can
help in better understanding of growth and development
Coffea
. The improved method can be used for more accurate prediction of
microRNA from other plant species with sufficient EST database.