The microRNA response associated with methyl jasmonate-induced resistance in Norway spruce bark

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment elicits induced resistance (IR) against pests and diseases in Norway spruce (Picea abies). We recently demonstrated using mRNA-seq that this MeJA-IR is associated with both a prolonged upregulation of inducible defenses defense priming. Gene expression can be regulated at transcriptional post-transcriptional level by small RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs). Here we explore the effects MeJA subsequent challenge wounding on miRNA transcriptome. found clusters down- or upregulated miRNAs as well whose was primed after challenge. Differentially expressed included miR160, miR167, miR172, miR319, miR482/2118 superfamily. The most prominent mRNA targets predicted to differentially activity belonged nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) family. Among other were genes regulating jasmonic acid biosynthesis. Our results indicate have an important role regulation spruce.