RNA sequencing reveals lncRNAs that specifically regulate unsaturated fatty acid generation in buffaloes

The content of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) is significantly associated with the flavor, taste, and nutritional value of beef. Adipose tissue (AT) develops in multiple depots, and the UFA content of AT varies among different depots. To elucidate the regulatory role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in UFA synthesis across different AT depots in buffaloes, we conducted RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) on AT samples from six distinct depots. A total of 8926 lncRNAs were identified and 1363 of them were novel. The numbers of lncRNAs identified in different AT depots were similar. Through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), a module including 207 lncRNAs with a high correlation with UFA content was revealed. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these lncRNAs were significantly enriched in fat deposition and fatty acid metabolism. Notably, two lncRNAs (MSTRG.11229 and MSTRG.16994) were further identified. Both lncRNAs exhibited predominant expression in sternum subcutaneous AT (SSAT) and were upregulated during adipogenic differentiation in SSAT-derived adipocytes. What is more, the expressions of the two lncRNAs presented a high correlation to adipogenesis and UFA synthesis genes as well as UFA content. Collectively, this study provides a comprehensive atlas of lncRNA profiles across six AT depots and identifies two lncRNAs with high correlation with UFA content in buffaloes. These findings offer valuable insights and lncRNAs for the regulation of UFA synthesis in buffaloes.