Long Noncoding RNAs in Dogs: Comparative Insights Across Species and Breeds

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Transcriptomics
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key gene expression regulators.
• lncRNA annotation and functional studies are challenging, particularly in non-model organisms.
• Dogs offer a valuable model for genotype-phenotype research due to breed diversity and well-defined diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state of lncRNA discovery and characterization in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and related species.
• To highlight advancements in genomic and transcriptomic resources and computational tools for lncRNA identification.
• To discuss the potential of canine lncRNAs in understanding genotype-phenotype relationships and their biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing short- and long-read RNA-sequencing technologies.
• Integrating curated reference annotations (Ensembl, RefSeq).
• Employing comparative genomics for cross-species and cross-breed lncRNA analysis.

Main Results:

• Detection of thousands of novel canine lncRNAs.
• Identification of lncRNA conservation across dog breeds and species.
• Emerging examples of phenotype-associated and differentially expressed lncRNAs.

Conclusions:

• Discrepancies in assemblies and annotations necessitate multi-omic data integration and refined pipelines.
• Pangenome and pan-transcriptome approaches are crucial for capturing transcript diversity and structural variations.
• Canine lncRNAs hold significant potential for veterinary and human biomedical research.