Genome wide expression analysis of circular RNAs in mammary epithelial cells of cattle revealed difference in milk synthesis

Abstract

Milk is an excellent source of nutrients for humans. Therefore, in order to enhance the quality and production of milk in cattle, it is interesting to examine the underlying mechanisms. A number of new investigations and research have found that, circRNA; a specific class of non-coding RNAs, is linked with the development of mammary gland and lactation. In the present study, genome wide identification and expression of the circRNAs in mammary epithelial cells of two distinct cattle breeds viz Jersey and Kashmiri at peak lactation was conducted. We reported 1554 and 1286 circRNA in Jersey and Kashmiri cattle, respectively, with 21 circRNAs being differentially expressed in the two breeds. The developmental genes of the established differentially expressed circRNAs were found to be largely enriched in antioxidant activity, progesterone, estradiol, lipid, growth hormone, and drug response. Certain pathways like MAPK, IP3K and immune response pathways were found significantly enriched in KEGG analysis. These results add to our understanding of the controlling mechanisms connected with the lactation process, as well as the function of circRNAs in bovine milk synthesis. Additionally, the comparative analysis of differentially expressed circRNAs showed significant conservation across different species.

CircRNA Profiling of Skeletal Muscle in Two Pig Breeds Reveals CircIGF1R Regulates Myoblast Differentiation via miR-16

“…To date, circRNAs have been detected in many species [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]; they are plentiful in skeletal muscle [ 12 , 13 ] and are key regulators of skeletal muscle development [ 14 , 15 , 16 ]. CircRNAs regulate myoblast differentiation through a ceRNA mechanism.…”

Genome-Wide Association Studies of Live Weight at First Breeding at Eight Months of Age and Pregnancy Status of Ewe Lambs

“…The potential genetic improvement of these two traits is dependent on their heritability and genetic correlation. Previous studies reported that the heritability of live weight of lambs at nine months of age ranged from 0.17–0.41 [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ], and the heritability of ewe lamb fertility (defined as pregnant or not) was 0.09 [ 4 ]. In the same study, a negative genetic correlation (−0.25) was reported between ewe lamb fertility and ewe lamb live weight at three months of age [ 4 ], indicating that a genetically heavier ewe at three months of age would be less likely to get pregnant as an ewe lamb.…”