Identification and expression pattern analysis of miRNAs in pectoral muscle during pigeon (Columba livia) development

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of crucial regulators in the process of animal growth and development. However, little is known about the expression and function of miRNAs in pigeon muscles. To identify the miRNAs participating in the rapid development of pigeon pectoral muscles and quantitate their expression levels of pectoral muscles in different age stages, we performed miRNA transcriptome analysis in pigeon pectoral muscles by sequencing small RNAs over three different age stages (1-day old, 28 days old, and 2 years old). Dual-luciferase reporter assay was applied to validate the interaction between miRNA and its target gene. We identified 304 known miRNAs, 201 conserved miRNAs, and 86 novel miRNAs in pigeon pectoral muscles. 189 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were screened out during pigeon development. A short time-series expression miner (STEM) analysis indicated 89 DE miRNAs were significantly clustered in a progressively decreasing expression profile, and mainly enriched in biosynthesis-related GO categories and signaling pathways for MAPK and TGF-β. Dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that a progressively down-regulated miRNA (miR-20b-5p) could directly target Krüppel-like factor 3 (KLF3) gene. To sum-up, our data expand the repertoire of pigeon miRNAs and enhance understanding of the mechanisms underlying rapid development in squabs.