Global Long Noncoding RNA and mRNA Expression Changes between Prenatal and Neonatal Lung Tissue in Pigs

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Genomics
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Early lung development, particularly the saccular stage, is critical for postnatal respiratory function.
• Understanding gene expression shifts between fetal and neonatal stages is crucial for respiratory health.
• Limited data exists on transcriptomic changes during mammalian lung development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate messenger RNA (mRNA) and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) expression differences in fetal versus neonatal piglet lungs.
• To identify key genes and lncRNAs involved in early lung development and maturation.
• To provide foundational data for studying neonatal lung diseases using pig models.

Main Methods:

• Transcriptomic analysis of mRNA and lncRNA from fetal and neonatal piglet lung tissues.
• Identification and quantification of expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs.
• Statistical analysis to determine significantly differentially expressed genes and lncRNAs (FDR-adjusted p ≤ 0.05).

Main Results:

• Over 14,000 mRNAs and 19,000 lncRNAs were identified.
• 3,248 mRNAs and 452 lncRNAs showed significant differential expression.
• Upregulated genes (e.g., CCNA2) and lncRNAs were linked to cell proliferation, immune response, and mitochondrial activity.
• A specific lncRNA (TU64359) may enhance lung development by increasing HB-EGF expression.

Conclusions:

• Differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs likely co-regulate early pig lung development.
• Identified lncRNAs and mRNAs provide potential targets for understanding and treating neonatal lung conditions.
• This study establishes a valuable dataset for future research on respiratory diseases in newborns.