Transcriptome Profile of Key CircRNAs and MiRNAs in Oviduct that Affect Sheep Reproduction

Abstract

Background: CircRNA and miRNA, as classes of non-coding RNA, have been found to play pivotal roles in sheep reproduction. There are many reports of circRNA and miRNA in ovary and uterus, but few in oviduct. In this study, RNA-Seq was performed to analyze the expression profile of circRNA and miRNA in oviduct between follicular phase and luteal phase in FecBBB (MM) and FecB++ (WW) sheep.Results: The result showed that 15 circRNAs were found differentially expressed between the follicular phase and luteal phase of FecBBB genotype (MF VS. ML), no circRNAs were found differentially expressed between the follicular phase and luteal phase of FecB++ genotype (WF VS. WL). 9 and 1 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in MF VS. ML, and WF VS. WL, respectively. GO and KEGG analysis showed that the host genes of circRNAs in MF VS. ML were mainly involved in the Rap1 signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. GO and KEGG analysis of miRNAs showed that the predicted target genes were mainly involved in the Insulin secretion and Rap1 signaling pathway in MF VS. ML. In WF VS. WL, the result showed that the predicted target genes were mainly involved in the TGF-β signaling pathway, Insulin secretion and Rap1 signaling pathway. In 3 comparison groups, GO and KEGG analysis indicated that a number of host genes and target genes (XPR1, LPAR3, SLC7A11, RAB3A, PLCB3, CREB3L4, LPAR1, LPAR2, FGF18, TACR3, BMP6, SMAD4, SKP1) were found to influence sheep reproduction. Conclusion: The results of the study will help to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs and miRNAs in sheep reproduction. And, this study will enrich the sheep circRNA and miRNA databases, which provide a basis for further research on sheep reproduction.

Genomic Regions Associated with Wool, Growth and Reproduction Traits in Uruguayan Merino Sheep

“…This gene has already been associated with several reproduction traits, including pregnancy [67][68][69][70]. The genes GHR and LPAR2 are associated with sheep reproduction [71,72], while DMXL1 is related to reproduction traits in heifers [73]. Therefore, there is evidence supporting the concept that the genes located on chromosomes 4 and 16 play an important role in the reproduction traits of Merino sheep.…”