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Published on: June 24, 2014
Analysis of Serum microRNA Expression Profiles and Comparison with Small Intestinal microRNA Expression Profiles in
Xin Tao1, Ziwei Xu1, Xiaoming Men1
1Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Insights
Weaning stress alters microRNA (miRNA) profiles in piglet serum. Specifically, serum miR-194b-5p levels decrease, mirroring changes in the small intestine, indicating its potential as a biomarker for weaning stress.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Weaning stress negatively impacts piglet health and growth, causing tissue injury.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of stress responses and disease development.
- Previous research identified differentially expressed miRNAs in the piglet small intestine post-weaning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the serum miRNA expressional profile in piglets experiencing weaning stress.
- To identify specific miRNAs affected by weaning stress and their correlation with intestinal changes.
Main Methods:
- Serum miRNA expression analysis was performed using miRNA microarray technology on weaned and suckling piglets.
- Results were validated using quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR).
- Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses were used to predict the biological functions of differentially expressed miRNAs.
Main Results:
- A total of 300 miRNAs were detected, with 179 showing differential expression between weaned and control piglets.
- Ten miRNAs were highly expressed in weaned piglets, including upregulated miR-31, miR-205, miR-21 and downregulated miR-144, miR-30c-5p, miR-363, miR-194a, miR-186, miR-150, and miR-194b-5p.
- miR-194b-5p was significantly downregulated in both serum and small intestine of weaned piglets.
Conclusions:
- Weaning stress significantly alters the serum miRNA profile in piglets.
- Serum miR-194b-5p levels serve as a reliable indicator of its expression changes in the small intestine affected by weaning stress.
Abstract:
Weaning stress induces tissue injuries and impairs health and growth in piglets, especially during the first week post-weaning. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles in regulating stresses and diseases. Our previous study found multiple differentially expressed miRNAs in small intestine of piglets at four days post-weaning. To better understand the roles of miRNAs during weaning stress, we analyzed the serum miRNA expressional profile in weaned piglets (at four days post-weaning) and in suckling piglets (control) of the same age using miRNA microarray technology. We detected a total of 300 expressed miRNAs, 179 miRNAs of which were differentially expressed between the two groups. The miRNA microarray results were validated by RT-qPCR. The biological functions of these differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted by GO terms and KEGG pathway annotations. We identified 10 highly expressed miRNAs in weaned piglets including miR-31, miR-205, and miR-21 (upregulated) and miR-144, miR-30c-5p, miR-363, miR-194a, miR-186, miR-150, and miR-194b-5p (downregulated). Additionally, miR-194b-5p expression was significantly downregulated in serum and small intestine of weaned piglets. Our results suggest that weaning stress affects serum miRNA profiles in piglets. And serum miR-194b-5p levels can reflect its expressional changes in small intestine of piglets by weaning stress.
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