Transcriptome Analysis of circRNA and mRNA in Theca Cells during Follicular Development in Chickens

Development of ovarian follicles requires interactions between granulosa cells, theca cells, and oocytes. Multiple transcription levels are involved but information about the role of noncoding RNAs, especially circular RNAs (circRNAs), is lacking. Here, we used RNA sequencing to profile circRNAs and mRNAs in theca cells from three types of follicle: small yellow follicles (SYF), the smallest hierarchical follicles (F6), and the largest hierarchical follicles (F1). Using bioinformatics analysis, we identified a total of 14,502 circRNAs in all theca cells, with 5622 widely distributed in all stages of development. Differential expression analysis suggested that some genes display differential isoforms during follicular development. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed enrichment of both differentially expressed circRNAs and mRNAs in pathways associated with reproduction, including the TGF-b signaling pathway, oocyte meiosis, and vascular smooth muscle contraction. Our study provides the first visual information about circRNAs and mRNAs in theca cells during follicle development in chickens and adds to the growing body of knowledge about theca cells.