Identification of potential miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks contributing to Changthangi sheep hair follicle development


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Authors

  • Mahanthi Vasu Author
  • Sonika Ahlawat Author
  • Pooja Chhabra Author
  • Upasna Sharma Author
  • Rekha Sharma Author
  • Reena Arora Author
  • Mohsin Ayoub Mir Author
  • Manoj Kumar Singh Author

Keywords:

Fiber, mRNA, Non-coding RNAs, RNA sequencing, Sheep, Skin

Abstract

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.

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Submitted

2024-10-09

Published

2025-05-20

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Mahanthi Vasu, Sonika Ahlawat, Pooja Chhabra, Upasna Sharma, Rekha Sharma, Reena Arora, Mohsin Ayoub Mir, & Manoj Kumar Singh. (2025). Identification of potential miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks contributing to Changthangi sheep hair follicle development. Journal of Livestock Biodiversity, 12(1). https://epubs.icar.org.in/index.php/JLB/article/view/157990