Insight into Liver lncRNA and mRNA Profiling at Four Developmental Stages in Ningxiang Pig

Area of Science:

• * Genomics and transcriptomics
• * Animal science and breeding
• * Molecular biology and gene regulation

Background:

• * Ningxiang pigs are a fat-type breed with a long history.
• * Understanding liver development and gene expression is crucial for pig health and productivity.
• * The roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in pig liver development are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To profile messenger RNA (mRNA) and lncRNA expression in Ningxiang pig livers at different developmental stages.
• * To identify functional interactions and regulatory networks between mRNAs and lncRNAs.
• * To elucidate the role of lncRNAs in liver development and metabolism in Ningxiang pigs.

Main Methods:

• * Collected liver tissues from Ningxiang piglets at four developmental stages (30, 90, 150, 210 days).
• * Performed mRNA and lncRNA expression profiling.
• * Utilized Short Time-series Expression Miner (STEM) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA).

Main Results:

• * Differential expression patterns observed for mRNAs (mostly upregulated at 30 days) and lncRNAs (mostly downregulated at 210 days).
• * Identified complex lncRNA-mRNA interactions, suggesting lncRNAs are critical regulators.
• * A specific gene module (profile 4) linked to fibril organization and kinase activity showed coordinated expression of mRNAs and lncRNAs, with key targets CAV1, PACSIN2, and CDC42.
• * Gene hubs and lncRNAs in the co-expression network are involved in carbohydrate, lipid, and glucose metabolism.

Conclusions:

• * lncRNAs are significant regulatory elements in Ningxiang pig liver development.
• * Specific lncRNAs and mRNAs in module profile 4 are crucial during the suckling period for meeting dietary needs.
• * lncRNA-mRNA networks are vital for liver metabolism and development in Ningxiang pigs, warranting further investigation.