Identification and characterization of MicroRNAs in pig liver after the LPS challenge using RNA-seq

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to test the expression profiles of miRNAs in the liver in piglets after the LPS challenge using sequencing technology. Twelve barrows were assigned to two groups, including the saline group and the LPS group. Six small RNA (sRNA) libraries were constructed, and novel miRNAs were identified using mirevo and mirdeep2 software and validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results showed the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the liver increased after the LPS challenge (P < .05). A total of 29 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in the liver after the LPS challenge. And 11 miRNAs were validated by qRT-PCR. In addition, the results of statistics of pathway enrichment showed that these miRNAs could be related to lipid metabolism response. This study provides the first miRNA expression profiles of LPS-mediated changes in the liver, which might provide potential insights into miRNAs involved in regulating lipid metabolism in pigs challenged by LPS.