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Poster

Session: Session 1 Presenting Authors at Posters (Odds)

P-327 - miRNA-based Regulation of Defense Responses in Hops Against Verticillium Wilt

Monday, July 14, 2025
13:30 - 15:15  
Location: Confex Hall 3
RNA on the move: Advances in Cross-Species communiation &Translational Research

    Presenting Author(s)

  • ES

    Ester Stajic

    University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty
    Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    • Author(s)

  • NĊ

    NataĊĦa Ċ tajner

    University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty
    Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia

  • UK

    Urban Kunej

    University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty
    Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia

  • JJ

    Jernej JakĊĦe

    Biotechnical faculty, University of Ljubljana
    Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia

  • SR

    Sebastjan RadiĊĦek

    Slovenian Institute of Hop Research and Brewing
    Ċ½alec, Zalec, Slovenia

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 21-24 nucleotide non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by targeting transcripts to prevent protein translation. They play a key role in various biological processes, including plant defense against fungal pathogens. Verticillium wilt, caused by Verticillium nonalfalfae, is a major threat to hops (Humulus lupulus L.), causing significant yield losses with no effective treatment available. Our aim is to examine the miRNA response to fungal infection in hops, focusing on resistant and susceptible cultivars. In our studies we found differential miRNA expression between the cultivars, suggesting that miRNAs contribute to defense mechanisms in resistant hops. Specifically, increased expression of hlu-miR160a (involved in auxin signaling) and hlu-miR319f (related to root growth) was observed in the resistant cultivar. These miRNAs may play a role in the hop’s defense against infection. Using RLM-RACE, we confirmed miRNA-target interactions during disease progression. Future work will involve characterization of these interactions using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to further understand the molecular basis of resistance in hops.