Identification of novel and conserved microRNAs involved in fruit development and ripening in Fragaria vesca

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are class of noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, either by endonucleolytic cleavage or by translational inhibition. Strawberry is a popular worldwide fresh fruit and is believed to benefit human health. However, the function of miRNAs during this fruit development and ripening remains unknown and miRNAs for specific for these processes are expected to be discovered. In the study, we identified 218 conserved miRNAs and 87 novel miRNAs in Fragaria vesca . Expression profiling of miRNAs during fruit development and ripening was performed, and the expression of targets of the miRNAs was validated by qRT-PCR (quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction). This study provided data for further research on molecular mechanisms involved in fruit development and ripening.