Identification and differential expression analysis of microRNAs in the liver and spleen tissues of Yunnan Zebu and Holstein cattle

Rong Liu ^1,2, Hesong Liu ², Rong Li ³

⁰School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, China.

Tropical Animal Health and Production +

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March 4, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study identified key microRNAs (miRNAs) in Yunnan Zebu and Holstein cattle liver and spleen tissues, revealing their roles in immune function and metabolism. Findings enhance understanding of cattle miRNA expression profiles.

Area Of Science

Genomics
Molecular Biology
Animal Science

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are vital regulators of biological processes.
Understanding tissue-specific miRNA expression is crucial for cattle health and productivity.
Yunnan Zebu and Holstein cattle represent distinct breeds with potential genetic differences in miRNA regulation.

Purpose Of The Study

To identify differentially expressed miRNAs in Yunnan Zebu and Holstein cattle.
To investigate the association of these miRNAs with immune function and tissue-specific expression.
To enrich the miRNA database for cattle liver and spleen tissues.

Main Methods

High-throughput miRNA sequencing of liver and spleen tissues from 20 cattle (Yunnan Zebu and Holstein).
Identification of known and novel miRNAs, including abundance and differential expression analysis.
Validation of selected miRNAs using stem-loop RT-qPCR.
Functional enrichment analysis of target genes for immune and metabolic pathways.

Main Results

Identified bta-miR-122 and bta-miR-143 as abundant known miRNAs; AC_000181.1_27195 and AC_000168.1_14386 as highly expressed novel miRNAs.
Novel miRNAs showed homology to human counterparts hsa-miR-3591-3p and hsa-miR-126-3p.
Validated differential expression of six miRNAs, consistent with sequencing data.
Functional analysis linked target genes to insulin, mTOR, IFN-γ, IL5, and IL3 signaling pathways.

Conclusions

Established comprehensive miRNA expression profiles for Yunnan Zebu and Holstein cattle liver and spleen.
Highlighted the involvement of specific miRNAs in critical metabolic and immune pathways in cattle.
Provided valuable data for future research on cattle miRNA functions and applications.

Keywords:

Differential expression High-throughput sequencing Holstein cattle Immune function MicroRNAs Yunnan Zebu