Identification and analysis of microRNAs in the SAM and leaves of Populus tomentosa

High-throughput sequencing was performed to build four sRNA libraries (each sample with two replications) derived from shoot tips and mature leaf tissues of P. tomentosa. Millions of small RNA (sRNA) reads were obtained, and many known and novel miRNAs in SAM and leaf libraries were established. Several miRNAs that were differentially expressed between the SAM and its surrounding tissues, and their targets involved in important biological processes were identified and analyzed. Our study provide insights for better understanding the regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs involved in the SAM of woody plants. Small RNA sequencing in SAM and leaves of P. tomentosa