Comprehensive microRNA-seq transcriptomic profiling across 11 organs, 4 ages, and 2 sexes of Fischer 344 rats

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Research
• Toxicology
• Genomics

Background:

• Rats are crucial models in chemical safety and biomedical research.
• Limited knowledge exists on rat microRNA (miRNA) expression across organs and developmental stages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a comprehensive rat miRNA expression BodyMap.
• To provide a resource for studying miRNA expression and miRNA-mRNA interactions in rats.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 320 RNA samples from 11 organs of Fischer 344 rats (both sexes, four age groups).
• Generated high-quality miRNA sequencing (miRNA-seq) data using the Illumina TruSeq Small RNA protocol.
• Ensured data quality through raw sequence analysis, mapping, and biological reproducibility.

Main Results:

• Created a comprehensive rat miRNA expression BodyMap.
• Generated 1.6 billion high-quality miRNA-seq reads.
• Established a valuable dataset for miRNA research.

Conclusions:

• The rat miRNA BodyMap is a significant resource for understanding miRNA expression patterns.
• Integrative analysis with existing mRNA data facilitates biomarker discovery.
• Enhances the utility of rats in chemical safety and biomedical research.