Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026
A Complete Pipeline for Isolating and Sequencing MicroRNAs, and Analyzing Them Using Open Source Tools
Published on: August 21, 2019
Comparison of liver microRNA transcriptomes of Tibetan and Yorkshire pigs by deep sequencing
Yanyue Li1, Xiaocheng Li2, Wen-Kui Sun3
1Key Laboratory of Bioresource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety of Sichuan Province, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, China.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the modulation of various metabolic processes in the liver, yet little is known about the liver microRNAome (miRNAome) of the Tibetan pig. Here we used the Yorkshire pig as a control to analyze the Tibetan pig-specific liver miRNAome, and for preliminary investigation of differentially expressed miRNAs participating in metabolism. A comprehensive analysis of Tibetan and Yorkshire pig liver miRNAomes by small RNA sequencing identified 362 unique miRNAs. Among these, 304 were co-expressed in both libraries, and 10 and 48 miRNAs were specifically expressed. Differential expression analysis of miRNAs, miRNA target prediction and KEGG analysis revealed that differentially expressed miRNAs were associated mainly with the metabolism of glucose, lipid and protein. Six differentially expressed miRNAs (miR-34a, miR-326, miR-1, miR-335, miR-185 and miR-378) participating in the metabolism of glucose and lipid were identified. Additionally, qPCR results revealed that a lower expression of miR-34a in Tibetan pig liver may promote gluconeogenesis by increasing the expression of Sirtuin type 1 (Sirt1); a lower expression of miR-1 in Tibetan pig liver may promote the synthesis and accumulation of lipid by increasing the expression of Liver X receptor α (LXRα); and a lower expression of miR-185 in Tibetan pig liver may promote the uptake of cholesterol from blood and secretion of bile by increasing the expression of the scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI). Our results provide new information and understanding of porcine miRNA profiles, which may help explain the regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in the metabolic functions of Tibetan pig liver, and provide new biomarkers to assist in the development of Tibetan pig breeding characteristics.
Insights
Tibetan pigs exhibit unique liver microRNAomes (miRNAomes) involved in glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism. Specific microRNAs (miRNAs) like miR-34a, miR-1, and miR-185 influence key metabolic pathways, offering insights into Tibetan pig breeding characteristics.
Area of Science:
- * Animal Genetics and Genomics
- * Molecular Biology
- * Metabolic Biochemistry
Background:
- * MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of liver metabolic processes.
- * The liver microRNAome (miRNAome) of Tibetan pigs remains largely uncharacterized.
- * Understanding these miRNAs is vital for elucidating metabolic regulation in this unique breed.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To analyze and compare the liver miRNAomes of Tibetan pigs and Yorkshire pigs (control).
- * To identify differentially expressed miRNAs involved in metabolic pathways in Tibetan pigs.
- * To investigate the potential roles of specific miRNAs in glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism.
Main Methods:
- * Small RNA sequencing was employed to profile liver miRNAomes.
- * Differential expression analysis and miRNA target prediction were conducted.
- * Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to validate key miRNA expressions.
Main Results:
- * 362 unique miRNAs were identified in Tibetan and Yorkshire pig livers; 58 were differentially expressed.
- * Differentially expressed miRNAs were significantly associated with glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism.
- * Lower expression of miR-34a, miR-1, and miR-185 in Tibetan pigs was linked to enhanced gluconeogenesis, lipid synthesis, and cholesterol uptake, respectively.
Conclusions:
- * Distinct liver miRNA profiles in Tibetan pigs are associated with unique metabolic functions.
- * Specific miRNAs (miR-34a, miR-1, miR-185) play key roles in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism.
- * These findings provide insights into metabolic regulation and potential biomarkers for Tibetan pig breeding.
