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Expression profiles of MicroRNAs from multiple lumbar spine in sheep

Xiangyu Zhang1, Cunyuan Li1, Xiaoyue Li1

  • 1College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China.

Gene
|August 10, 2018
PubMed

Insights

This study identifies key microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in sheep spine development. Understanding these regulatory RNAs offers insights into vertebrae formation and potential improvements in meat production traits.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Genetics
  • Animal Science

Background:

  • Spine formation is crucial for mammalian development, impacting traits like meat production in sheep.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs that control gene expression post-transcriptionally.
  • Identifying miRNAs in sheep vertebrae development can reveal regulatory mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To screen for candidate microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with sheep spine development.
  • To analyze miRNA expression profiles in sheep lumbar vertebrae (L6 and L7).
  • To identify differentially expressed miRNAs and their target genes.

Main Methods:

  • High-throughput sequencing was employed to analyze miRNA expression profiles of L6 and L7 sheep lumbar vertebrae.
  • Differential expression analysis identified significant miRNA expression changes.
  • Target gene prediction and network analysis were used to explore miRNA functions.

Main Results:

  • A total of 223 miRNAs were detected, with 150 and 148 conserved miRNAs in L6 and L7, respectively.
  • Five miRNAs showed significant differential expression between L6 and L7 (P < 0.05), with four down-regulated and one up-regulated in L6.
  • 1298 target genes were predicted, including the NDRG2 gene targeted by novel miR-391, potentially crucial for spine development.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides a valuable transcriptomic resource for understanding multiple vertebral traits in sheep.
  • The identified differentially expressed miRNAs and their targets offer insights into the genetic regulation of sheep spine development.
  • Further research into novel miR-391 and its target NDRG2 could elucidate specific roles in vertebrae formation.
Keywords:
Differentially expressed genesMultiple spinesRNA-seqmiRNA

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