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Published on: May 4, 2021
Genome-Wide Analysis of microRNAs Identifies the Lipid Metabolism Pathway to Be a Defining Factor in Adipose Tissue
Tian-Yi Liu1, Hui Feng1, Salsabeel Yousuf1
1State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
microRNAs are a class of important non-coding RNAs, which can participate in the regulation of biological processes. In recent years, miRNA has been widely studied not only in humans and mice, but also in animal husbandry. However, compared with other livestock and poultry breeds, the study of miRNA in subcutaneous adipose tissue of sheep is not comprehensive. Transcriptome analysis of miRNAs in subcutaneous adipose tissue of Duolang sheep, and Small Tail Han sheep was performed using RNA-Seq technology. Differentially expressed miRNAs were screened between different breeds. Target genes were predicted, and then the joint analysis of candidate genes were conducted based on Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment. Finally, the RNA-Seq data were verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Herein, we identified 38 differentially expressed miRNAs (9 novel miRNAs and 29 known miRNAs). In addition, a total of 854 target genes were predicted by miRanda software. GO and KEGG pathway analysis demonstrated that regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes plays a key role in the deposition of subcutaneous adipose tissue in Duolang sheep and Small Tail Han sheep. The miRNAs might regulate fat deposits by regulating genes involved in regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes. Specifically, NC_ 040278.1_ 37602, oar-mir-493-3p, NC_ 040278.1_ 37521 and NC_ 040255.1_ 11627 might target PTGS2, AKT2, AKT3, and PIK3CA, respectively, and then play critical regulatory role. In conclusion, all the results provide a good idea for further revealing the mechanism of subcutaneous adipose tissue deposition and improving the meat production performance of sheep, and lay a foundation for promoting the development of animal husbandry.
Insights
This study analyzed microRNAs in sheep subcutaneous adipose tissue, identifying 38 differentially expressed microRNAs. These microRNAs regulate fat deposition by influencing lipolysis in adipocytes, crucial for improving sheep meat production.
Area of Science:
- Genomics and Molecular Biology
- Animal Science and Husbandry
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of biological processes, with growing interest in their role in livestock.
- Research on miRNAs in sheep subcutaneous adipose tissue is less comprehensive compared to other livestock.
- Understanding miRNA function is vital for improving meat production traits in sheep breeds like Duolang and Small Tail Han.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform transcriptome analysis of miRNAs in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of Duolang and Small Tail Han sheep.
- To identify differentially expressed miRNAs between the two sheep breeds.
- To elucidate the role of these miRNAs in regulating subcutaneous adipose tissue deposition.
Main Methods:
- RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology was employed for miRNA transcriptome analysis.
- Bioinformatic analyses, including differential expression screening, target gene prediction (miRanda), and GO/KEGG enrichment, were conducted.
- Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used for data validation.
Main Results:
- Identified 38 differentially expressed miRNAs, comprising 9 novel and 29 known miRNAs.
- Predicted 854 target genes, with Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analyses highlighting the regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes.
- Specific miRNAs (e.g., oar-mir-493-3p) were implicated in targeting key genes (e.g., AKT2, PIK3CA) involved in fat deposition.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs play a critical role in regulating subcutaneous adipose tissue deposition in sheep through lipolysis pathways.
- The findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms governing fat deposition in Duolang and Small Tail Han sheep.
- This research lays a foundation for enhancing sheep meat production performance and advancing animal husbandry.
