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Published on: January 7, 2019
MicroRNA expression profiling of lactating mammary gland in divergent phenotype swine breeds
Jing Peng1, Jun-Sheng Zhao2, Yi-Fei Shen3
1College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China. pennypeng1987@163.com.
Abstract:
MicroRNA (miRNA) plays a key role in development and specific biological processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Extensive studies of mammary miRNAs have been performed in different species and tissues. However, little is known about porcine mammary gland miRNAs. In this study, we report the identification and characterization of miRNAs in the lactating mammary gland in two distinct pig breeds, Jinhua and Yorkshire. Many miRNAs were detected as significantly differentially expressed between the two libraries. Among the differentially expressed miRNAs, many are known to be related to mammary gland development and lactation by interacting with putative target genes in previous studies. These findings suggest that miRNA expression patterns may contribute significantly to target mRNA regulation and influence mammary gland development and peak lactation performance. The data we obtained provide useful information about the roles of miRNAs in the biological processes of lactation and the mechanisms of target gene expression and regulation.
Insights
This study identifies microRNAs (miRNAs) in lactating porcine mammary glands, revealing differential expression between Jinhua and Yorkshire breeds. These findings highlight miRNA roles in mammary development and lactation performance.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
- Animal Science
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of gene expression involved in development and biological processes.
- Previous research extensively studied mammary miRNAs in various species, but knowledge regarding porcine mammary glands remains limited.
- Understanding porcine mammary gland miRNAs is essential for improving lactation performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize microRNAs in the lactating mammary gland of two distinct pig breeds: Jinhua and Yorkshire.
- To investigate the differential expression of miRNAs between these two breeds.
- To explore the potential roles of identified miRNAs in mammary gland development and lactation.
Main Methods:
- Small RNA sequencing was employed to profile miRNAs in lactating mammary glands.
- Bioinformatic analyses were used to identify and quantify differentially expressed miRNAs.
- Putative target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted and analyzed.
Main Results:
- A comprehensive set of miRNAs was identified in the lactating porcine mammary gland.
- Significant differences in miRNA expression profiles were observed between Jinhua and Yorkshire breeds.
- Many differentially expressed miRNAs were found to be associated with mammary gland development and lactation through interactions with target genes.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNA expression patterns significantly influence target mRNA regulation in the porcine mammary gland.
- These miRNAs play a key role in mammary gland development and peak lactation performance.
- The study provides valuable insights into the functions of miRNAs in lactation and gene expression regulation in pigs.
