Functional analysis of miR160 and miR397 microRNAs in the response to abiotic stress in amaranth and their physiological impact for possible agrobiotechnological application
Resumen
The project aims at the functional analysis of miR160 and miR397 microRNAs in the response to abiotic stress in Amaranthus hypochondriacus (amaranth) and its potential agrobiotechnological application. Amaranth emerges as a key crop due to its high tolerance to abiotic stress factors and its nutritional value. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the overexpression of Ahyp-miR160 and Ahyp-miR397 microRNAs on the physiology and yield of amaranth plants under stress conditions, in order to develop strategies to improve crop tolerance to environmental adversities and knowledge generation.
The methodology employed includes the generation of transgenic constructs using Gateway technology and the floral dip method for plant transformation using Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The effects of overexpression of these microRNAs on physiological, molecular and metabolic parameters will be evaluated. Target genes involved in abiotic stress tolerance, such as auxin response factors (ARFs) and laccases (LACs), which are key in lignification and cell wall integrity, were also identified.
Preliminary results indicate that the manipulation of these microRNAs could confer adaptive advantages to amaranth, improving its resistance to factors such as drought and extreme temperatures, suggesting its application in crop improvement to face the challenges of climate change. This work contributes to agricultural biotechnology, providing the basis for the development of more resilient and sustainable crops.