Sorghum mRNA and micro RNA profiling

We conducted analyses of genome wide gene expression profile in sorghum in response to fungal infection in genetically defined resistant and susceptible genotypes. In addition, miRNAs and their corresponding target genes that are differentially expressed in resistant and susceptible genotypes during anthracnose infection were identified paving the way for future studies on the regulatory role of miRNA in host responses to fungal infection. Combining transcriptomics and small RNAs, key miRNAs and target genes involved in the regulation of host responses to fungi were identified. Our data provide fresh insight into the dynamics of molecular and cellular processes underlying the sorghum anthracnose disease. Ultimately, the study elucidates the cellular processes that underpin differences in anthracnose resistant and susceptible responses in sorghum.