MicroRNA sequencing in control and dehydrated Xenopus laevis plasma

Xenopus laevis is capable of surviving prolonged periods of dehydration during dry seasons where they can lose ~30% of total body water. To survive this, they must enter a hypometabolic state, which is facilitated through many molecular mechanisms including microRNA-mediated gene regulation. microRNAs are known to regulate translation by targeting mRNA for degradation or temporary storage. Next-generation sequencing was used to assess changes in circulating microRNA expression in Xenopus laevis in response to 30% dehydration.