Long non-coding RNAs and mRNAs profiling during spleen development in pig.

Area of Science:

• Comparative genomics
• Developmental biology
• Mammalian transcriptomics

Background:

• Genome-wide transcriptomic studies are mature in humans and mice.
• A systematic understanding of pig spleen development, including protein-coding genes and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), is lacking.
• LncRNAs are recognized for their roles in regulating biological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create the first comprehensive catalog of protein-coding genes and lncRNAs during pig spleen development.
• To analyze the temporal expression patterns and functional relationships of these transcripts.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying mammalian spleen development.

Main Methods:

• Construction of 18 RNA libraries from pig spleens at various developmental stages (fetal, postnatal, and adult) and wild boar.
• Identification and analysis of 15,040 lncRNA transcripts.
• Time-series and co-expression network analyses of protein-coding genes and lncRNAs.

Main Results:

• A total of 15,040 lncRNA transcripts were identified.
• LncRNA temporal expression patterns were more restricted than protein-coding genes.
• Two major modules were identified: one enriched for immune/inflammatory functions (up-regulated), and another for cell proliferation (down-regulated).
• Co-expression networks highlighted functional relatedness between protein-coding genes and lncRNAs.
• Numerous differentially expressed genes and lncRNAs were found across all developmental stages, including ceruloplasmin precursor (CP).

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first catalog of the developing pig spleen.
• It reveals distinct temporal expression dynamics and functional modules for protein-coding genes and lncRNAs.
• The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing mammalian spleen development.