Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), an annual plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family, exhibits nutrient response patterns similar to small-grained cereals. While nitrogen and sulfur are essential for its growth, achieving maximum yield potential necessitates adequate phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) supply. In the present study, the relative expression patterns of selected microRNAs (miRNAs), their target genes, and two types of tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) were investigated in response to varying phosphate levels (100%, 50%, 25%, and 0%) using a randomized complete block design with three biological replicates. Root and leaf tissues were sampled from each analysis treatment. The results revealed that in root tissues, under P-deficiency conditions, the expression of NAC and SPL9 genes was upregulated, whereas their corresponding miRNAs (miR164 and miR156) were downregulated. The target genes bHLH and GRF8 exhibited decreased expression under P-deficiency, while their related miRNAs (miR396 and miR390) displayed initially increased and then decreased in expression. Similarly, HDZIP genes and their target miRNAs showed a similar pattern, characterized by an initial increase followed by a decrease in relative expression across phosphate treatments. In leaf tissues, phosphate treatments led to the upregulation of HDZIP and GRF8 genes along with their respective miRNAs (miR166 and miR390). In contrast, NAC, bHLH, and SPL9 genes exhibited a biphasic expression pattern (initial downregulation followed by upregulation) at the other phosphate treatment levels, while their associated miRNAs (miR164, miR396, and miR156) were consistently upregulated. This study demonstrates the expression profiles of miRNAs and tsRNAs activated in response to P-deficiency, contributing to a deeper understanding of the miRNA-mediated regulation of phosphorus homeostasis.
Type of Study:
Applicable |
Subject:
Subject 01 Received: 2026/04/25 | Accepted: 2026/08/21