Data from: High throughput sequencing of small RNAs reveals dynamic microRNAs expression of lipid metabolism during Camellia oleifera and C. meiocarpa seed natural drying

Background: Camellia species are ancient oilseed plants with a history of
cultivation over two thousand years. Prior to oil extraction, natural seed
drying is often practiced, a process affecting fatty acid quality and
quantity. MicroRNAs (miRNA) of lipid metabolism associated with camellia
seed natural drying are unexplored. To obtain insight into the function of
miRNAs in lipid metabolism during natural drying, Illumina sequencing of
C. oleifera and C. meiocarpa small-RNA was conducted. Results: A total of
274 candidate miRNAs were identified and 3733 target unigenes were
annotated by performing a BLASTX. Through integrated GO and KEGG function
annotation, 23 miRNA regulating 131 target genes were identified as lipid
metabolism, regulating fatty acid biosynthesis, accumulation and
catabolism. We observed one, two, and four miRNAs of lipid metabolism
which were specially expressed in C. Meiocarpa, C. oleifera, and the two
species collectively, respectively. At 30% moisture contents, C. meiocarpa
and C. oleifer produced nine and eight significant differentially
expressed miRNAs, respectively, with high fatty acid synthesis and
accumulation activities. Across the two species, 12 significant
differentially expressed miRNAs were identified at the 50% moisture
content. Conclusions: Sequencing of small-RNA revealed the presence of 23
miRNAs regulating lipid metabolism in camellia seed during natural drying
and permitted comparative miRNA profiles between C. Meiocarpa and C.
oleifera. Furthermore, this study successfully identified the best drying
environment at which the quantity and quality of lipid in camellia seed
are at its maximum.