Bp-miR408a participates in osmotic and salt stress responses by regulating BpBCP1 in Betula platyphylla

Abstract The microRNAs, which are small RNAs of 18–25 nt in length, act as key regulatory factors in posttranscriptional gene expression during plant growth and development. However, little is known about their regulatory roles in response to stressful environments in birch (Betula platyphylla). Here, we characterized and further explored miRNAs from osmotic- and salt-stressed birch. Our analysis revealed a total of 190 microRNA (miRNA) sequences, which were classified into 180 conserved miRNAs and 10 predicted novel miRNAs based on sequence homology. Furthermore, we identified Bp-miR408a under osmotic and salt stress and elucidated its role in osmotic and salt stress responses in birch. Notably, under osmotic and salt stress, Bp-miR408a contributed to osmotic and salt tolerance sensitivity by mediating various physiological changes, such as increases in reactive oxygen species accumulation, osmoregulatory substance contents and Na+ accumulation. Additionally, molecular analysis provided evidence of the in vivo targeting of BpBCP1 (blue copper protein) transcripts by Bp-miR408a. The overexpression of BpBCP1 in birch enhanced osmotic and salt tolerance by increasing the antioxidant enzyme activity, maintaining cellular ion homeostasis and decreasing lipid peroxidation and cell death. Thus, we reveal a Bp-miR408a–BpBCP1 regulatory module that mediates osmotic and salt stress responses in birch.