Novel and nodulation-regulated microRNAs in soybean roots

Abstract
Small RNAs regulate a number of developmental processes in plants and animals. However, the role of small RNAs in legume-rhizobial symbiosis is largely unexplored. Symbiosis between legumes (e.g. soybean) and rhizobia bacteria (e.g. Bradyrhizobium japonicum) results in root nodules where the majority of biological nitrogen fixation occurs. We sought to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) regulated during soybean-B. japonicum symbiosis.