Computational identification of miRNA & targets in Jatropha curcas EST

The present study is based on the computational approach for new miRNA identification from plant species whose genome is not yet sequenced. We have identified seven mature miRNAs long with their target genes in Jatropha curcas. This is a first step towards the identification of miRNAs in Jatropha curcas and further experimental and in silico studies leading to understand the function and processing of miRNAs are in progress. Thus, the identification of miRNAs and their target genes can serve as an initial point for the characterization of their roles in gene regulation in this important economic crop.