MicroRNAs as potential biomarkers in ruminant, avian and porcine

Abstract

In recent years, studies on microRNAs have increased considerably. miRNAs are small RNA molecules, ranging from 19 to 25 nucleotides in length, that control the suppression of target genes after transcription. MiRNAs serve as fine-tuning factors that influence the expression of up to 60% of all mammalian protein-coding genes. Unlike proteins, miRNA sequences are widely conserved across species. This conservation strongly suggests that miRNAs emerged early in evolution and maintain their functional importance. It has been revealed that these small structures containing a small number of nucleotides can act as critical points in the organism. While traditional cancer biomarkers are mainly produced by tumor tissues or normal embryo tissues, they are absent or present in small amounts in tissue organs and the blood of healthy adults. MiRNAs can be easily detected in the blood, making them selectable candidates as biomarkers for disease. The ruminant family, one of the most diverse subspecies of terrestrial mammals, lives in a wide variety of environments worldwide and is known to have a major impact on various ecosystems and industries, including agriculture, daily activities, and cultures. MiRNAs have a significant impact on the physiology of farm animals, biological development, and cell differentiation. In this review, we will examine miRNAs that have been identified as candidates or potential candidates for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases seen in ruminants, pigs, and avians in recent years. In this way, we will provide a perspective to prevent diseases that can cause great economic losses in veterinary medicine and the production industry.