Comprehensive Analysis of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network for Intramuscular Fat in Pigs

Area of Science:

• Animal Genetics
• Molecular Biology
• Meat Science

Background:

• Intramuscular fat (IMF) significantly impacts meat quality.
• IMF is a complex trait regulated by numerous genes.
• Understanding IMF deposition mechanisms is crucial for livestock breeding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify differentially expressed mRNA, miRNA, and lncRNA in the longissimus dorsi muscle of Songliao Black (SL) and Landrace pigs.
• To explore key genes and regulatory RNAs involved in IMF deposition.
• To construct a regulatory network for IMF-related genes.

Main Methods:

• Differential gene expression analysis of mRNA, miRNA, and lncRNA.
• Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis.
• Construction of an lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction network.

Main Results:

• Identified 606 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 55 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs), and 30 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs).
• DEGs are involved in fatty acid metabolism and glycogen synthesis pathways.
• A network highlighted potential key genes (e.g., ARID5B, CPT1B, ACSL1) and regulatory RNAs (e.g., MSTRG.19948.1, ssc-miRNA-429).

Conclusions:

• Several genes and non-coding RNAs play a significant role in IMF deposition.
• The identified regulatory network offers a reference for understanding IMF mechanisms.
• This research contributes to improving meat quality through genetic insights.