Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been extensively studied in recent years. Numerous lncRNAs have been identified in mice, rats, and humans, some of which play important roles in muscle formation and development. However, little is known about lncRNA regulators that affect muscle development in yak (Bos grunniens). LncRNA expression during skeletal muscle development in yak was analyzed by RNA sequencing at three development stages: 3 years (group A), 6 months (group M), and 90-day-old fetuses (group E). A total of 1180 lncRNAs were identified in the three development stages. Compared with group E, 154 were upregulated and 130 were downregulated in group A. Compared with group A, 31 were upregulated and 29 were downregulated in group M. Compared with group E, 147 were upregulated and 149 were downregulated in group M (padj < 0.001, |log2FC| > 1.2). In addition, functional annotation analysis based on gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto protocol encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) database showed that differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) were cis–trans target genes. The results showed that DElncRNAs were mainly involved in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, focal adhesion, MAPK signaling pathway, apoptosis, and p53 signaling pathway. Furthermore, RTL1, IGF2, MEF2C, Pax7, and other well-known muscle development regulators were included in a co-expression network of differentially expressed target genes and lncRNAs. These data will help to further clarify the function of lncRNAs in the different stages of skeletal muscle developmental in yak.
Highlights
The yak (Bos grunniens) is a unique mammal that inhabits the plateau, with 14 million animals worldwide (Wiener et al, 2011; Qiu et al, 2012), distributed at high altitudes of 3000–5000 m
This study is the first to provide a systematic description of Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) at different stages of yak muscle development
A series of lncRNAs and target genes related to yak muscle development were screened by Illumina sequencing platform
Summary
The yak (Bos grunniens) is a unique mammal that inhabits the plateau, with 14 million animals worldwide (Wiener et al, 2011; Qiu et al, 2012), distributed at high altitudes of 3000–5000 m. Yak were domesticated by humans between 7000 and 10,000 years ago (Qi et al, 2013) and have since migrated along with the Tibetan population throughout the plateau, providing local residents with meat, milk, transportation, shelter, and fuel (Wang et al, 2018). Compared with other yak breeds, these animals have a gentle and calm temperament, reducing the natural injury rate. Polled yak are easy to raise and manage, which is beneficial for increasing the stock density and facilitating the feeding.
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