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Published on: February 13, 2021
Identification and profiles of microRNAs in different development stages of miniature pig secondary palate
Ying Xu1, Dong Yuan1, Zhipeng Fan2
1Department of geriatric dentistry, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology, Tiantan Xili No.4, Beijing 100050, China.
Abstract:
Cleft palate is one of the most frequent craniofacial malformation birth defects. Miniature pigs (Sus scrofa) are a valuable alternative large animal model to explore human palate development. Presently, the microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in miniature pigs during palatogenesis from embryonic day (E) 30 to 50 were identified. A total of 2044 known miRNAs and 192 novel miRNAs were identified. The functional characteristics of their potential target genes were identified using Gene Ontology function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. MiRNAs displayed diverse expression levels among the different stages. Using Short Time-series Expression Miner software to investigate the expression patterns of miRNAs from E30-50, all miRNAs were clustered into 20 profiles. The profiles showing miRNAs expression decreased (profile 0)/increased (profile 19) from E30-50 were the main patterns during palatogenesis. Hub genes of four significant modules were identified by weighted correlation network analysis, including ssc-miR-98, ssc-miR-27a_R + 1, and ssc-miR-150, etc. which might be novel potential targets for regulating palate development. The data are expected to improve the understanding of palate development and the etiology of cleft palate in further studies.
Insights
This study identified microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in miniature pigs during palate development. Key miRNA patterns and potential regulatory targets were discovered, offering insights into cleft palate etiology.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Animal Models
Background:
- Cleft palate is a common craniofacial birth defect.
- Miniature pigs serve as a valuable large animal model for studying human palate development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles during palatogenesis in miniature pigs.
- To analyze the functional characteristics of miRNA target genes and identify key regulatory miRNAs.
Main Methods:
- MicroRNA sequencing was performed on miniature pigs from embryonic day 30 to 50.
- Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analyses were used for functional annotation.
- Short Time-series Expression Miner and weighted gene co-expression network analysis were employed.
Main Results:
- A total of 2044 known and 192 novel miRNAs were identified.
- MiRNA expression patterns varied across developmental stages, with distinct decreasing and increasing profiles observed.
- Key miRNAs, including ssc-miR-98, ssc-miR-27a, and ssc-miR-150, were identified as potential regulators of palate development.
Conclusions:
- The identified miRNA profiles provide a comprehensive dataset for understanding palate development.
- These findings offer novel potential targets for regulating palate development and may elucidate the etiology of cleft palate.
