Identification of specific miRNAs in early-stage mung bean ( <i>Vigna radiata</i> ) using DNA/AgNCs sensors and miRNAtome analysis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs, ~21-24 nucleotides in length, that play a pivotal role in post-transcriptional gene regulation by inducing cleavage or translational repression of target mRNAs with complementary sequences. In this study, we identified miRNAs expressed during the early developmental stage of mung bean (<i>Vigna radiata</i>), a major legume crop, using small RNA sequencing (sRNA-seq), and analyzed their expression profiles across various mung bean tissues. Mung bean-specific miRNAs were found to be highly expressed in the aerial parts of seedlings, particularly in the leaves. Furthermore, the expression of these miRNAs was effectively validated using Tailed-Hoogsteen triplex DNA-encapsulated silver nanocluster (DNA/AgNC) sensors. The nanosensor enables rapid detection of target miRNAs within 30 min and is easy to apply for field-based assessments. The predicted target mRNAs of the identified miRNAs were associated with a range of biological processes relevant to early-stage development. This study highlights the potential of nanosensor-based approaches for the efficient identification of novel miRNAs in staple crops, offering a promising strategy to reduce the cost, time, and labor required during the transition from laboratory research to field applications.