Identification of potential miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks contributing to Changthangi sheep hair follicle development
55 / 95
Keywords:
Fiber, mRNA, Non-coding RNAs, RNA sequencing, Sheep, SkinAbstract
Changthangi sheep, native to the high-altitude regions of Ladakh, are recognized for their fine fiber production
and are distinguished by their grey skin and coats that can be either black or white. In this study, various non-
coding RNAs (circRNAs, miRNAs, piRNAs, snRNAs, snoRNAs, and tRNAs) were mined from the RNA sequencing
data of the skin tissue of four Changthangi sheep. Subsequently, the specific role of microRNAs was deciphered
to uncover the molecular drivers and pathways that might contribute to fiber quality and resulting adaptation
to the inimitable agroecological conditions. The miRNA–mRNA interactions at a genomic scale were examined
utilizing miRNet and miRBD algorithms. Enriched KEGG pathways of the predicted genes werethe MAPK signaling
pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway, endocytosis and oxytocin signaling. Notably, NRAS
gene was identified as a key participant in the prominent MAPK, Ras, and PI3K signaling pathways which play a
significant role in melanogenesis and adaptation. Moreover, highly interconnected genes associated with fiber
quality and development were identified through network analysis, including collagen genes (COL1A2, COL3A1
and COL15A1), MAPK signaling pathway genes (MAP3K1, MAP4K3 and MAPK8), and HOX genes in the Changthangi
sheep from Ladakh. In conclusion, our findings provide a foundation for further research examining the role of
microRNA-mRNA interactions in controlling hair development in Changthangi sheep.
Downloads
Downloads
Submitted
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2023 Journal of Livestock Biodiversity

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.