CircUBE3A promotes myoblasts proliferation and differentiation by sponging miR-28-5p to enhance expression

circRNAs have been found to be involved in the regulatory network of skeletal muscle development in studies. However, their precise functions and regulatory mechanisms remain unknown. The expression patterns and alterations of circRNAs in the longissimus dorsi muscle of two major developmental stages of goats (D75 fetus and D1 kid) were studied using high-throughput sequencing technology and bioinformatics tools in this study. In kid skeletal muscles, 831 differently expressed circRNAs were found, comprising 486 up-regulated circRNAs and 345 down-regulated circRNAs. In skeletal muscle, we focused on the highly expressed and variably expressed circUBE3A. CircUBE3A levels were discovered to be much higher in kid skeletal muscle and differentiated myoblasts. Knocking down circUBE3A resulted in a significant increase in cell proliferation and differentiation in goat myoblasts. CircUBE3A specifically binds to and inhibits miR-28-5p, boosting the expression of Hydroxyacyl Coenzyme A Dehydrogenase Beta (HADHB) and contributing to goat myoblast proliferation and differentiation, according to the mechanistic investigation. The above results indicated that circUBE3A could regulate HADHB expression by targeting miR-28-5p, consequently increasing goat myoblast proliferation and differentiation. Our findings offer fresh perspectives on goat breeding and growth regulation, as well as substantial theoretical basis.