An integrative transcriptome analysis indicates regulatory mRNA-miRNA networks for residual feed intake in Nelore cattle

Author(s):Show less -

De Oliveira, Priscila S. N. ^[1] ; Coutinho, Luiz L. ^[2] ; Tizioto, Polyana C. ^[3] ; Cesar, Aline S. M. ^[2] ; de Oliveira, Gabriella B. ^[2] ; Diniz, Wellison J. da S. ^[4] ; De Lima, Andressa O. ^[4] ; Reecy, James M. ^[5] ; Mourao, Gerson B. ^[2] ; Zerlotini, Adhemar ^[6] ; Regitano, Luciana C. A. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Embrapa Pecuaria Sudeste, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Anim Sci, BR-13418900 Piracicaba, SP - Brazil

^[3] NGS Genom Solut, BR-13418900 Piracicaba, SP - Brazil

^[4] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Genet & Evolut, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[5] Iowa State Univ, Dept Anim Sci, Ames, IA 50011 - USA

^[6] Embrapa Informat Agr, BR-770901 Campinas, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 8, NOV 20 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

Residual Feed Intake (RFI) is an economically relevant trait in beef cattle. Among the molecular regulatory mechanisms, microRNAs (miRNAs) are an important dimension in post-transcriptional regulation and have been associated with different biological pathways. Here, we performed differential miRNAs expression and weighted gene co-expression network analyses (WGCNA) to better understand the complex interactions between miRNAs and mRNAs expressed in bovine skeletal muscle and liver. MiRNA and mRNA expression data were obtained from Nelore steers that were genetically divergent for RFI (N=10 {[}low RFI or feed efficient]; N=10 {[}high RFI or feed inefficient]). Differentially expressed and hub miRNAs such as bta-miR-486, bta-miR-7, bta-miR15a, bta-miR-21, bta-miR 29, bta-miR-30b, bta-miR-106b, bta-miR-199a-3p, bta-miR-204, and bta-miR 296 may have a potential role in variation of RFI. Functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed (DE) miRNA's target genes and miRNA-mRNA correlated modules revealed that insulin, lipid, immune system, oxidative stress and muscle development signaling pathways might potentially be involved in RFI in this population. Our study identified DE miRNAs, miRNA - mRNA regulatory networks and hub miRNAs related to RFI. These findings suggest a possible role of miRNAs in regulation of RFI, providing new insights into the potential molecular mechanisms that control feed efficiency in Nelore cattle. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/23638-8 - Molecular basis of meat quality in Nelore beef cattle
• Grantee: Luciana Correia de Almeida Regitano
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/03291-4 - Cross-species expression profile of miRNAs related to fatty acids
• Grantee: Priscila Silva Neubern de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor