ABSTRACT. Peanut is one of the most important oilseed crops in the world that provides a significant amount of lipids and protein for many people. The gynophore plays an important role in gynophore development after fertilization of the peanut ovule. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in numerous developmental and physiological plant processes. Therefore, it is essential to analyze the miRNA sequences at different gynophore stages to explore and validate gene function. Multiple small RNAs were sequenced and collected from gynophore stages A1, A2, and A3 (5, 10, and 20 days of development, respectively) for further prediction. We obtained 266 known and 357 novel miRNAs from the three different stages. Stage A3 had the largest number of reads. Genes involved in the lignin catabolic process 2 Y. Shen et al. Genetics and Molecular Research 15 (4): gmr15048691were identified only at stage A1. The copper ion-binding process also specifically emerged at stage A1, whereas negative regulation of biological processes occurred only in stages A2 and A3. The genes related to growth were found only at stage A3, suggesting that the gynophore may contribute to rapid development of the gynophore at this stage. Our identification and assessment of miRNAs from different gynophore stages may serve as a basis for further studies of gynophore miRNA regulation mechanisms. Some biological processes were specifically regulated at different gynophore stages indicating that miRNAs play an important role in the gynophore development.

ABSTRACT. Starch is the major storage product in the endosperm of cereals. Its synthesis is closely related to sucrose metabolism. In our previous study, we found that the expression of most of the genes involved in starch synthesis might be regulated by sugars and hormones in the maize endosperm. However, little is known regarding the transcriptional regulation of genes involved in sucrose metabolism. Thus, in this study, maize endosperms were treated with different sugars and hormones and the expression of genes involved in sucrose metabolism (including synthesis, degradation, and transport) were evaluated using real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. We found that genes affected by different sugars and hormones were primarily regulated by abscisic acid. Sucrose and abscisic acid showed an additive effect on the expression of some genes. Differences in the transcriptional 1671-1678 (2015) regulation of genes involved in sucrose metabolism and starch biosynthesis were observed.

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