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Published on: October 25, 2015
Gestational Feed Restriction Induces Differential Expression of Novel Long Non-Coding RNAs in Offspring Skeletal
Maria M M Muniz1,2, Thaís C Costa1,2, Lívia S Rodrigues1,2
1Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil.
Animal Genetics
|June 30, 2026
Summary
Maternal feed restriction during gestation alters long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression in goat offspring skeletal muscle, impacting fetal programming and muscle development. This study identified key lncRNAs potentially regulating gene expression.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial regulators of biological processes, including muscle development (myogenesis).
- The role of lncRNAs in fetal programming, particularly concerning maternal nutrition, is not well understood.
- Understanding lncRNA expression changes offers insights into developmental adaptations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of maternal feed restriction at different gestational stages on lncRNA expression in goat offspring skeletal muscle.
- To identify novel differentially expressed lncRNAs and their potential regulatory roles in fetal programming.
- To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying maternal nutritional effects on offspring muscle development.
Main Methods:
- RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was employed to analyze lncRNA expression in the Longissimus thoracis muscle of goat kids.
- Goats were subjected to early or late gestation feed restriction diets.
- Bioinformatic analyses (Cufflinks, FEELnc) were used for quality control, alignment, assembly, and differential expression analysis.
Main Results:
- Three differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs were identified (FDR ≤ 0.05).
- Upregulated lncRNA_10996.1 (in early restriction) was linked to acyl-CoA dehydrogenase and Ran-like genes.
- Downregulated lncRNAs (lncRNA_1180.1, lncRNA_7992.1) were associated with genes including ZNF546, PSMC4, and RPL12.
Conclusions:
- Maternal nutritional restriction during gestation alters the lncRNA expression profile in goat offspring skeletal muscle.
- Identified lncRNAs may play regulatory roles in muscle development through interactions with protein-coding genes.
- These findings provide insights into the molecular basis of fetal programming in livestock due to maternal nutrition.
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