Seed germination represents a metabolically active but transcriptionally limited transition that depends largely on post-transcriptional regulation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression through mRNA slicing or translational inhibition, and may play an important role in controlling stored mRNAs during early germination. In this study, we combined bioinformatic analysis and experimental validation to identify conserved miRNAs involved in maize (Zea mays) germination. Mature miRNA sequences from Zea mays and Oryza sativa were retrieved from PMRD and miRBase v22.1, identifying conserved candidates across cereals. From this set, ten miRNAs were selected based on sequence conservation and reported roles in seed biology. Target prediction using thermodynamic modelling (ViennaRNA; MFE ≤ −25 kcal/mol) revealed potential interactions between specific miRNAs and mRNAs encodi...

Artículo sustentado el 20 de febrero 2023 para la obtención del grado académico de Maestro en Ingeniería Civil.