Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Differentially Expressed Genes and Long Non-coding RNAs Associated With Fecundity in Sheep Hypothalamus With Different FecB Genotypes

Small-tailed Han sheep, with different FecB genotypes, manifest distinct ovulation rates and fecundities, which are due to differences in reproductive hormones secreted by the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis. Nevertheless, the function of the hypothalamus against a FecB mutant background on increasing ovulation rate is rarely reported. Therefore, we determined the expression profiles of hypothalamus tissue collected from six wild-type (WW) and six FecB mutant homozygous (BB) ewes at the follicular and luteal phases by whole-transcriptome sequencing. We identified 53 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs) and 40 differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (DELs) between the two estrus states. Functional annotation analysis revealed that one of the DEGs, PRL, was particularly enriched in the hypothalamic function, hormone-related, and reproductive pathways. The lncRNA–target gene interaction networks and KEGG analysis in combination suggest that the lncRNAs LINC-676 and WNT3-AS cis-acting on DRD2 and WNT9B in different phases may induce gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. Furthermore, there were differences of regulatory elements and WNT gene family members involved in the follicular–luteal transition in the reproductive process between wild-type (WNT7A) and FecB mutant sheep (WNT9B). We combined the DEG and DEL data sets screened from different estrus states and genotypes. The overlap of these two sets was identified to select the mRNAs and lncRNAs that have major effects on ovulation. Among the overlapping molecules, seven DEGs and four DELs were involved in the follicular–luteal transition regulated by FecB mutation. Functional annotation analysis showed that two DEGs (FKBP5 and KITLG) were enriched in melanogenesis, oxytocin, and GnRH secretion. LINC-219386 and IGF2-AS were highly expressed in the BB ewes compared with WW ewes, modulating their target genes (DMXL2 and IGF2) to produce more GnRH during follicular development, which explains why mutated ewes produced more mature follicles. These results from expression profiling of the hypothalamus with the FecB mutation at different estrus states provide new insights into how the hypothalamus regulates ovulation under the effect of the FecB mutation.

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RNA-Seq Reveals the Expression Profiles of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Lactating Mammary Gland from Two Sheep Breeds with Divergent Milk Phenotype

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani10091565 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 1565

Author(s):

Zhiyun Hao ◽

Yuzhu Luo ◽

Jiqing Wang ◽

Jiang Hu ◽

Xiu Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mammary Gland ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Target Genes ◽

Mammary Epithelial Cells ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Wnt Signaling Pathway ◽

Mammary Epithelial ◽

Differentially Expressed ◽

Rna Seq ◽

Non Coding Rnas

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a kind of non-coding RNA with >200 nucleotides in length. Some lncRNAs have been proven to have clear regulatory functions in many biological processes of mammals. However, there have been no reports on the roles of lncRNAs in ovine mammary gland tissues. In the study, the expression profiles of lncRNAs were studied using RNA-Seq in mammary gland tissues from lactating Small-Tailed Han (STH) ewes and Gansu Alpine Merino (GAM) ewes with different milk yield and ingredients. A total of 1894 lncRNAs were found to be expressed. Compared with the GAM ewes, the expression levels of 31 lncRNAs were significantly up-regulated in the mammary gland tissues of STH ewes, while 37 lncRNAs were remarkably down-regulated. Gene Ontogeny (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis found that the target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs were enriched in the development and proliferation of mammary epithelial cells, morphogenesis of mammary gland, ErbB signaling pathway, and Wnt signaling pathway. Some miRNA sponges of differentially expressed lncRNAs, reported to be associated with lactation and mammary gland morphogenesis, were found in a lncRNA-miRNA network. This study reveals comprehensive lncRNAs expression profiles in ovine mammary gland tissues, thereby providing a further understanding of the functions of lncRNAs in the lactation and mammary gland development of sheep.

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Regulatory Potential of Long Non-Coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in Boar Spermatozoa with Good and Poor Freezability

Life ◽

10.3390/life10110300 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. 300

Author(s):

Leyland Fraser ◽

Łukasz Paukszto ◽

Anna Mańkowska ◽

Paweł Brym ◽

Przemysław Gilun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Target Genes ◽

De Novo ◽

Transcriptome Assembly ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Differentially Expressed ◽

Biological Processes ◽

Protein Coding ◽

Protein Coding Genes ◽

Potential Target ◽

Non Coding Rnas

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are suggested to play an important role in the sperm biological processes. We performed de novo transcriptome assembly to characterize lncRNAs in spermatozoa, and to investigate the role of the potential target genes of the differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) in sperm freezability. We detected approximately 4007 DElncRNAs, which were differentially expressed in spermatozoa from boars classified as having good and poor semen freezability (GSF and PSF, respectively). Most of the DElncRNAs were upregulated in boars of the PSF group and appeared to significantly affect the sperm’s response to the cryopreservation conditions. Furthermore, we predicted that the potential target genes were regulated by DElncRNAs in cis or trans. It was found that DElncRNAs of both freezability groups had potential cis- and trans-regulatory effects on different protein-coding genes, such as COX7A2L, TXNDC8 and SOX-7. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment revealed that the DElncRNA target genes are associated with numerous biological processes, including signal transduction, response to stress, cell death (apoptosis), motility and embryo development. Significant differences in the de novo assembled transcriptome expression profiles of the DElncRNAs between the freezability groups were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. This study reveals the potential effects of protein-coding genes of DElncRNAs on sperm functions, which could contribute to further research on their relevance in semen freezability.

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Identification of Circular RNAs in the Anterior Pituitary in Rats Treated with GnRH

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11092557 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 2557

Author(s):

Hai-Xiang Guo ◽

Bao Yuan ◽

Meng-Ting Su ◽

Yi Zheng ◽

Jin-Yu Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pituitary Gland ◽

Rna Sequencing ◽

Target Genes ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Reproductive Hormones ◽

Differentially Expressed ◽

Circular Rnas ◽

Mammalian Development ◽

Expression Levels ◽

Animal Reproduction

The pituitary gland, an important endocrine organ, can secrete a variety of reproductive hormones under the action of hypothalamus-secreted gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and plays important roles in animal reproduction. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of RNA molecules with stable covalently closed circular structures. CircRNAs are equipped with miRNA response elements (MREs), which can regulate the expression of target genes by competitively binding miRNAs. However, whether the expression levels of circRNAs in the pituitary gland change under the action of GnRH and whether such changes can further affect the secretion of reproductive hormones are still unclear. In this study, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) of GnRH-treated rats to identify differentially expressed circRNAs. The results revealed 1433 related circRNAs, 14 of which were differentially expressed. In addition, we randomly selected five differentially expressed circRNAs and tested their relative expression levels by RT-qPCR, the results of which were consistent with the RNA sequencing results. Finally, we predicted targeted relationships between the differentially expressed circRNAs and FSHb-LHb-associated miRNAs. In all, a total of 14 circRNAs were identified that may act on the secretion and regulation of reproductive hormones in GnRH-treated rats. Our expression profiles of circRNAs in the anterior pituitaries of rats treated with GnRH can provide insights into the roles of circRNAs in mammalian development and reproduction.

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Genome-wide transcriptome profiling uncovers differential miRNAs and lncRNAs in ovaries of Hu sheep at different developmental stages

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-85245-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Samina Shabbir ◽

Prerona Boruah ◽

Lingli Xie ◽

Muhammad Fakhar-e-Alam Kulyar ◽

Mohsin Nawaz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Target Genes ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Ovarian Follicle ◽

Follicular Development ◽

Differentially Expressed ◽

Ovary Development ◽

Estrogen Metabolism ◽

Genome Wide ◽

Micro Rnas ◽

Hu Sheep

AbstractOvary development is an important determinant of the procreative capacity of female animals. Here, we performed genome-wide sequencing of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs on ovaries of 1, 3 and 8 months old Hu sheep to assess their expression profiles and roles in ovarian development. We identified 37,309 lncRNAs, 45,404 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and 330 novel micro RNAs (miRNAs) from the transcriptomic analysis. Six thousand, seven hundred and sixteen (6716) mRNAs and 1972 lncRNAs were significantly and differentially expressed in ovaries of 1 month and 3 months old Hu sheep (H1 vs H3). These mRNAs and target genes of lncRNAs were primarily enriched in the TGF-β and PI3K-Akt signalling pathways which are closely associated with ovarian follicular development and steroid hormone biosynthesis regulation. We identified MSTRG.162061.1, MSTRG.222844.7, MSTRG.335777.1, MSTRG.334059.16, MSTRG.188947.6 and MSTRG.24344.3 as vital genes in ovary development by regulating CTNNB1, CCNA2, CDK2, CDC20, CDK1 and EGFR expressions. A total of 2903 mRNAs and 636 lncRNAs were differentially expressed in 3 and 8 months old ovaries of Hu sheep (H3 vs H8); and were predominantly enriched in PI3K-Akt, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, estrogen metabolism, ovulation from the ovarian follicle and oogenesis pathways. These lncRNAs were also found to regulate FGF7, PRLR, PTK2, AMH and INHBA expressions during follicular development. Our result indicates the identified genes participate in the development of the final stages of follicles and ovary development in Hu sheep.

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Transcriptome analysis reveals potential function of long non-coding RNAs in 20-hydroxyecdysone regulated autophagy in Bombyx mori

BMC Genomics ◽

10.1186/s12864-021-07692-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Huili Qiao ◽

Jingya Wang ◽

Yuanzhuo Wang ◽

Juanjuan Yang ◽

Bofan Wei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bombyx Mori ◽

Target Gene ◽

Fat Body ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Functional Characterization ◽

Differentially Expressed ◽

Post Injection ◽

Biological Processes ◽

Potential Target ◽

Non Coding Rnas

Abstract Background 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) plays important roles in insect molting and metamorphosis. 20E-induced autophagy has been detected during the larval–pupal transition in different insects. In Bombyx mori, autophagy is induced by 20E in the larval fat body. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) function in various biological processes in many organisms, including insects. Many lncRNAs have been reported to be potential for autophagy occurrence in mammals, but it has not been investigated in insects. Results RNA libraries from the fat body of B. mori dissected at 2 and 6 h post-injection with 20E were constructed and sequenced, and comprehensive analysis of lncRNAs and mRNAs was performed. A total of 1035 lncRNAs were identified, including 905 lincRNAs and 130 antisense lncRNAs. Compared with mRNAs, lncRNAs had longer transcript length and fewer exons. 132 lncRNAs were found differentially expressed at 2 h post injection, compared with 64 lncRNAs at 6 h post injection. Thirty differentially expressed lncRNAs were common at 2 and 6 h post-injection, and were hypothesized to be associated with the 20E response. Target gene analysis predicted 6493 lncRNA-mRNA cis pairs and 42,797 lncRNA-mRNA trans pairs. The expression profiles of LNC_000560 were highly consistent with its potential target genes, Atg4B, and RNAi of LNC_000560 significantly decreased the expression of LNC_000560 and Atg4B. These results indicated that LNC_000560 was potentially involved in the 20E-induced autophagy of the fat body by regulating Atg4B. Conclusions This study provides the genome-wide identification and functional characterization of lncRNAs associated with 20E-induced autophagy in the fat body of B. mori. LNC_000560 and its potential target gene were identified to be related to 20-regulated autophagy in B. mori. These results will be helpful for further studying the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs in autophagy and other biological processes in this insect model.

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Non-Coding RNAs as Biomarkers of Tumor Progression and Metastatic Spread in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13081839 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 1839

Author(s):

Karolina Seborova ◽

Radka Vaclavikova ◽

Lukas Rob ◽

Pavel Soucek ◽

Pavel Vodicka

Keyword(s):

Ovarian Cancer ◽

Tumor Progression ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Gene Expression Profiles ◽

Distant Metastases ◽

Regulatory Elements ◽

Metastatic Spread ◽

Response To Treatment ◽

Primary Tumors ◽

Non Coding Rnas

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common causes of death among gynecological malignancies. Molecular changes occurring in the primary tumor lead to metastatic spread into the peritoneum and the formation of distant metastases. Identification of these changes helps to reveal the nature of metastases development and decipher early biomarkers of prognosis and disease progression. Comparing differences in gene expression profiles between primary tumors and metastases, together with disclosing their epigenetic regulation, provides interesting associations with progression and metastasizing. Regulatory elements from the non-coding RNA families such as microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs seem to participate in these processes and represent potential molecular biomarkers of patient prognosis. Progress in therapy individualization and its proper targeting also rely upon a better understanding of interactions among the above-listed factors. This review aims to summarize currently available findings of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs linked with tumor progression and metastatic process in ovarian cancer. These biomolecules provide promising tools for monitoring the patient’s response to treatment, and further they serve as potential therapeutic targets of this deadly disease.

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Integrated Analysis of Long Non-Coding RNA and mRNA Expression Profiles in Testes of Calves and Sexually Mature Wandong Bulls (Bos taurus)

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11072006 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 2006

Author(s):

Hongyu Liu ◽

Ibrar Muhammad Khan ◽

Huiqun Yin ◽

Xinqi Zhou ◽

Muhammad Rizwan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Target Genes ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Age Groups ◽

Adherens Junction ◽

Integrated Analysis ◽

Sequencing Data ◽

Non Coding Rna ◽

Non Coding Rnas ◽

Rna Interaction ◽

Long Non Coding Rna

The mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs axes are playing a vital role in the regulating of post-transcriptional gene expression. Thereby, elucidating the expression pattern of mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs underlying testis development is crucial. In this study, mRNA and long non-coding RNAs expression profiles were investigated in 3-month-old calves and 3-year-old mature bulls’ testes by total RNA sequencing. Additionally, during the gene level analysis, 21,250 mRNAs and 20,533 long non-coding RNAs were identified. As a result, 7908 long non-coding RNAs (p-adjust < 0.05) and 5122 mRNAs (p-adjust < 0.05) were significantly differentially expressed between the distinct age groups. In addition, gene ontology and biological pathway analyses revealed that the predicted target genes are enriched in the lysine degradation, cell cycle, propanoate metabolism, adherens junction and cell adhesion molecules pathways. Correspondingly, the RT-qPCR validation results showed a strong consistency with the sequencing data. The source genes for the mRNAs (CCDC83, DMRTC2, HSPA2, IQCG, PACRG, SPO11, EHHADH, SPP1, NSD2 and ACTN4) and the long non-coding RNAs (COX7A2, COX6B2, TRIM37, PRM2, INHBA, ERBB4, SDHA, ATP6VOA2, FGF9 and TCF21) were found to be actively associated with bull sexual maturity and spermatogenesis. This study provided a comprehensive catalog of long non-coding RNAs in the bovine testes and also offered useful resources for understanding the differences in sexual development caused by the changes in the mRNA and long non-coding RNA interaction expressions between the immature and mature stages.

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Long-non Coding RNAs Related to Fat Deposition in Pigs Included lncRNA Corresponding to Human MALAT1

10.20944/preprints202103.0356.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Katarzyna Piórkowska ◽

Kacper Żukowski ◽

Katarzyna Ropka-Molik ◽

Mirosław Tyra

Keyword(s):

Regulatory Elements ◽

Fat Deposition ◽

Differentially Expressed ◽

Rna Molecules ◽

Non Coding Rna ◽

Sequencing Method ◽

Non Coding Rnas ◽

Potential Interactions ◽

Long Non Coding Rna ◽

Generation Sequencing

Obesity is a problem in the last decades since the development of different technologies forced the submission of a faster pace of life, resulting in nutrition style changes. In turn, domestic pigs are an excellent animal model in recognition of adiposity-related processes, corresponding to the size of individual organs, the distribution of body fat in the organism, and similar metabolism. The present study applied the next-generation sequencing method to identify adipose tissue (AT) transcriptomic signals related to increased fat content by identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs), included long-non coding RNA molecules. The Freiburg RNA tool was applied to recognise predicting hybridisation energy of RNA-RNA interactions. The results indicated several long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) whose expression was significantly positively or negatively associated with fat deposition. lncRNAs play an essential role in regulating gene expression by sponging miRNA, binding transcripts, facilitating translation, or coding other smaller RNA regulatory elements. In the pig fat tissue of obese group, increased expression of lncRNAs corresponding to human MALAT1 was observed that previously recognised in the obesity-related context. Moreover, hybridisation energy analyses pinpointed numerous potential interactions between identified differentially expressed lncRNAs, and obesity-related genes and miRNAs expressed in AT.

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Integrated analysis profiles of long non–coding RNAs reveal potential biomarkers across brain regions in post–traumatic stress disorder

10.21203/rs.3.rs-15824/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yaoyao Bian ◽

Lili Yang ◽

Zhongli Wang ◽

Wen Li ◽

Qing Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Traumatic Stress ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Differentially Expressed ◽

Integrated Analysis ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Post Traumatic ◽

Non Coding Rnas ◽

Potential Biomarkers

Abstract Background Post–traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by impaired fear extinction, excessive anxiety and depression. However, underlying mechanisms, especially the function roles of long non–coding RNAs (lncRNAs) involved in PTSD is still unclear. We argued that the lncRNAs, co–expressed mRNAs, as well as the associated pathways, are altered and may thus serve as potential biomarkers and key pathways related to PTSD.Methods The gene expression profiles of GSE68077 was downloaded from the GEO database, and the differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were identified. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed. Subsequently, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was analyzed, and module analysis of the differentially expressed mRNAs was performed with Cytoscape software. Finally, lncRNAs–mRNAs co–expression network was constructed and core pair lncRNAs involved in PTSD were mapped.Results A total of 45 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 726 differentially expressed mRNAs were obtained. Among of which, 17 lncRNAs and 86 mRNAs were inter–regulated, and most of the lncRNAs–mRNAs co–expression showed positive correlations. The lncRNAs–mRNAs co–expressed network suggested the potentially functional roles of lncRNAs, regulated mRNAs and related pathways in PTSD. By implication of the core pair network, lncRNA–NONMMUT010120.2 synergistically up–regulated Ppargc1a and down–regulated Cir1, Slc38a9, Atp6v0a2. Moreover, lncRNA–NONMMUT023440.2, NONMMUT034155.2, NONMMUT105407.1 and NONMMUT149972.1 were co–expressed with 10 co–expressed mRNAs, which indicated that lncRNAs involved in PTSD might work by regulating the co–expressed mRNAs.

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Identification of Exogenous Nitric Oxide-Responsive miRNAs from Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) under Drought Stress by High-Throughput Sequencing

Genes ◽

10.3390/genes11010030 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 30

Author(s):

Yaodong Zhao ◽

Wenjing Ma ◽

Xiaohong Wei ◽

Yu Long ◽

Ying Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nitric Oxide ◽

Drought Stress ◽

Medicago Sativa ◽

High Throughput ◽

Drought Resistance ◽

High Throughput Sequencing ◽

Target Genes ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Differentially Expressed ◽

Medicago Sativa L

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a high quality leguminous forage. Drought stress is one of the main factors that restrict the development of the alfalfa industry. High-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the microRNA (miRNA) profiles of alfalfa plants treated with CK (normal water), PEG (polyethylene glycol-6000; drought stress), and PEG + SNP (sodium nitroprusside; nitric oxide (NO) sprayed externally under drought stress). We identified 90 known miRNAs belonging to 46 families and predicted 177 new miRNAs. Real-time quantitative fluorescent PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to validate high-throughput expression analysis data. A total of 32 (14 known miRNAs and 18 new miRNAs) and 55 (24 known miRNAs and 31 new miRNAs) differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in PEG and PEG + SNP samples. This suggested that exogenous NO can induce more new miRNAs. The differentially expressed miRNA maturation sequences in the two treatment groups were targeted by 86 and 157 potential target genes, separately. The function of target genes was annotated by gene ontology (GO) enrichment and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis. The expression profiles of nine selected miRNAs and their target genes verified that their expression patterns were opposite. This study has documented that analysis of miRNA under PEG and PEG + SNP conditions provides important insights into the improvement of drought resistance of alfalfa by exogenous NO at the molecular level. This has important scientific value and practical significance for the improvement of plant drought resistance by exogenous NO.

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