In this study, we used high-throughput technology to provide the first transcriptome dataset for differentially expressed miRNA in mixed pools of dermis tissue from black- and white-coated yak to research the possible molecular mechanisms of yak coat pigmentation. In this study, 92,636,002 and 95,917,842 clear reads were generated through Illumina paired-end sequencing. A total of 78 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified, including 59 upregulated and 19 downregulated miRNAs in the mixed pools of white-coated yak compared with the mixed pools of black-coated yak. In addition, 3634 genes were predicted as putative targets of DEMs. These DEGs related to 59 GO categories and were enriched in 216 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, including melanogenesis and the Wnt signaling pathway. The results of the current study indicated that the coat color of the yak involved the transcriptional regulation process of miRNAs. These results provide helpful data to understand the molecular mechanisms of yak coat pigmentation.
In the present study, the second exon of the DRB3 gene of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) from 94 Naqu yaks was amplified and sequenced, and its variation and phylogeny of nucleotides and haplotypes were analyzed. The results showed that 71 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) were identified, and 147 haplotypes were reconstructed. The average number of nucleotide differences was 16.80965, the nucleotide diversity was 0.05982, and the haplotype diversity was 0.9964. In addition, fewer haplotypes of exon 2 of DRB3 were shared among different ecotype strains, and a large number of privatized haplotypes (93.2%) were observed. Based on the results of the present study, the high genetic diversity of Naqu yaks could reflect their epidemic history and geographical distribution. In addition, the abundant diversity in the MHC region was estimated not only to enhance the current understanding of the status of genetic diversity for the conservation of Naqu yaks but also to improve the relative environmental suitability and disease-resistant breeding of these animals.
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