Role of MicroRNA Regulation in Salt Stress Tolerance in Rice

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression under abiotic stress. This study investigated the role of specific miRNAs (osa-miR393, osa-miR398, and osa-miR528) in rice plants exposed to salt stress (100 mM NaCl). Transcriptome analysis and qRT-PCR revealed altered expression of target genes involved in ion homeostasis, oxidative stress responses, and hormonal signaling.
Overexpression of osa-miR398 led to increased antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced lipid peroxidation, improving seedling survival under salinity. These findings suggest that targeted manipulation of miRNAs can enhance rice tolerance to saline conditions and serve as a foundation for transgenic or breeding-based strategies.