Fig. 2
Comparison of expression levels between differentially expressed miRNAs and their target genes. a Comparison of expression levels between differentially expressed miRNAs and their target genes in soybean roots based on sRNA-seq, degradome-seq and mRNA-seq data. The original expression values underwent a Z-score normalization; normalized signal values = log10(FPKM). b Results of a RT-qPCR confirmation of three miRNAs and their target genes identified in sequencing data. Expression levels of each gene in soybean plants cultured under normal conditions served as the controls. c Drought stress-induced tissue-specific expression of miR398s and their targets in soybean plants. Expression analyses of mature gma-miR398s and their targets in soybean leaves and roots cultured under normal conditions. Expression levels of mature gma-miR398a/b and GmCSD2a in roots served as controls. (D) Expression of gma-MIR398c and gma-MIR398d during water deficit. Total RNA samples obtained from 8% PEG treated or control soybean roots for 1, 3, 6, 9 or 12 h were used to determine precursor gma-miR398c and precursor gma-miR398d abundance by RT-qPCR. Values are average of three biological replicates ± SD, different letters and asterisks indicate significant difference applying ANOVA (*, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001)