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Thakore P, Delany AM. miRNA-based regulation in growth plate cartilage: mechanisms, targets, and therapeutic potential. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2025; 16:1530374. [PMID: 40225327 PMCID: PMC11985438 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2025.1530374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2025] [Indexed: 04/15/2025] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of the skeleton. In the growth plate, these small non-coding RNAs modulate gene networks that drive key stages of chondrogenesis, including proliferation, differentiation, extracellular matrix synthesis and hypertrophy. These processes are orchestrated through the interaction of pivotal pathways including parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), Indian hedgehog (IHH), and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. This review highlights the miRNA-mRNA target networks essential for chondrocyte differentiation. Many miRNAs are differentially expressed in resting, proliferating and hypertrophic cartilage zones. Moreover, differential enrichment of specific miRNAs in matrix vesicles is also observed, providing means for chondrocytes to influence the function and differentiation of their neighbors by via matrix vesicle protein and RNA cargo. Notably, miR-1 and miR-140 emerge as critical modulators of chondrocyte proliferation and hypertrophy by regulating multiple signaling pathways, many of them downstream from their mutual target Hdac4. Demonstration that a human gain-of-function mutation in miR-140 causes skeletal dysplasia underscores the clinical relevance of understanding miRNA-mediated regulation. Further, miRNAs such as miR-26b have emerged as markers for skeletal disorders such as idiopathic short stature, showcasing the translational relevance of miRNAs in skeletal health. This review also highlights some miRNA-based therapeutic strategies, including innovative delivery systems that could target chondrocytes via cartilage affinity peptides, and potential applications related to treatment of physeal bony bridge formation in growing children. By synthesizing current research, this review offers a nuanced understanding of miRNA functions in growth plate biology and their broader implications for skeletal health. It underscores the translational potential of miRNA-based therapies in addressing skeletal disorders and aims to inspire further investigations in this rapidly evolving field.
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Yu Q, Xiao Y, Guan M, Zhou G, Zhang X, Yu J, Han M, Yang W, Wang Y, Li Z. Regulation of ferroptosis in osteoarthritis and osteoarthritic chondrocytes by typical MicroRNAs in chondrocytes. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1478153. [PMID: 39564502 PMCID: PMC11573538 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1478153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 10/01/2024] [Indexed: 11/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative disorder impacting bones and joints, worsened by chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, mechanical stress, metabolic disturbances, and various other contributing factors. The complex interplay of cartilage damage, loss, and impaired repair mechanisms remains a critical and formidable aspect of OA pathogenesis. At the genetic level, multiple genes have been implicated in the modulation of chondrocyte metabolism, displaying both promotive and inhibitory roles. Recent research has increasingly focused on the influence of non-coding RNAs in the regulation of distinct cell types within bone tissue in OA. In particular, an expanding body of evidence highlights the regulatory roles of microRNAs in OA chondrocytes. This review aims to consolidate the most relevant microRNAs associated with OA chondrocytes, as identified in recent studies, and to elucidate their involvement in chondrocyte metabolic processes and ferroptosis. Furthermore, this study explores the complex regulatory interactions between long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in OA, with an emphasis on microRNA-mediated mechanisms. Finally, critical gaps in the current research are identified, offering strategic insights to advance the understanding of OA pathophysiology and guide therapeutic developments in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyuan Yu
- Clinical College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yanan Xiao
- Clinical College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Mengqi Guan
- Clinical College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Guohui Zhou
- Clinical College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xianshuai Zhang
- Clinical College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jianan Yu
- Clinical College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Mingze Han
- Clinical College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Clinical College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Scientific Research Center, China-Japan Friendship Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhenhua Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
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Huang J, Ren Q, Jiao L, Niu S, Liu C, Zhou J, Wu L, Yang Y. TMF suppresses chondrocyte hypertrophy in osteoarthritic cartilage by mediating the FOXO3a/BMPER pathway. Exp Ther Med 2024; 28:283. [PMID: 38800044 PMCID: PMC11117099 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease of the joints, characterized by chronic inflammation, cartilage destruction and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Aberrant chondrocyte hypertrophy promotes cartilage destruction and OA development. Collagen X, the biomarker of chondrocyte hypertrophy, is upregulated by runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), which is mediated by the bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4)/Smad1 signaling pathway. BMP binding endothelial regulator (BMPER), a secreted glycoprotein, acts as an agonist of BMP4. 5,7,3',4'-tetramethoxyflavone (TMF) is a natural flavonoid derived from Murraya exotica L. Results of our previous study demonstrated that TMF exhibits chondroprotective effects against OA development through the activation of Forkhead box protein O3a (FOXO3a) expression. However, whether TMF suppresses chondrocyte hypertrophy through activation of FOXO3a expression and inhibition of BMPER/BMP4/Smad1 signaling remains unknown. Results of the present study revealed that TMF inhibited collagen X and Runx2 expression, inhibited BMPER/BMP4/Smad1 signaling, and activated FOXO3a expression; thus, protecting against chondrocyte hypertrophy and OA development. However, BMPER overexpression and FOXO3a knockdown impacted the protective effects of TMF. Thus, TMF inhibited chondrocyte hypertrophy in OA cartilage through mediating the FOXO3a/BMPER signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jishang Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Qun Ren
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Linhui Jiao
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Shuo Niu
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Chenghong Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Juan Zhou
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Longhuo Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Yadong Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
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Aravindraja C, Jeepipalli S, Duncan WD, Vekariya KM, Rahaman SO, Chan EKL, Kesavalu L. Streptococcus gordonii Supragingival Bacterium Oral Infection-Induced Periodontitis and Robust miRNA Expression Kinetics. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6217. [PMID: 38892405 PMCID: PMC11172800 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus gordonii (S. gordonii, Sg) is one of the early colonizing, supragingival commensal bacterium normally associated with oral health in human dental plaque. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the inflammation-mediated pathways and are involved in periodontal disease (PD) pathogenesis. PD is a polymicrobial dysbiotic immune-inflammatory disease initiated by microbes in the gingival sulcus/pockets. The objective of this study is to determine the global miRNA expression kinetics in S. gordonii DL1-infected C57BL/6J mice. All mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 mice/group; 5 males and 5 females). Bacterial infection was performed in mice at 8 weeks and 16 weeks, mice were euthanized, and tissues harvested for analysis. We analyzed differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in the mandibles of S. gordonii-infected mice. Gingival colonization/infection by S. gordonii and alveolar bone resorption (ABR) was confirmed. All the S. gordonii-infected mice at two specific time points showed bacterial colonization (100%) in the gingival surface, and a significant increase in mandible and maxilla ABR (p < 0.0001). miRNA profiling revealed 191 upregulated miRNAs (miR-375, miR-34b-5p) and 22 downregulated miRNAs (miR-133, miR-1224) in the mandibles of S. gordonii-infected mice at the 8-week mark. Conversely, at 16 weeks post-infection, 10 miRNAs (miR-1902, miR-203) were upregulated and 32 miRNAs (miR-1937c, miR-720) were downregulated. Two miRNAs, miR-210 and miR-423-5p, were commonly upregulated, and miR-2135 and miR-145 were commonly downregulated in both 8- and 16-week-infected mice mandibles. Furthermore, we employed five machine learning (ML) algorithms to assess how the number of miRNA copies correlates with S. gordonii infections in mice. In the ML analyses, miR-22 and miR-30c (8-week), miR-720 and miR-339-5p (16-week), and miR-720, miR-22, and miR-339-5p (combined 8- and 16-week) emerged as the most influential miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chairmandurai Aravindraja
- Department of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (C.A.); (S.J.); (K.M.V.)
| | - Syam Jeepipalli
- Department of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (C.A.); (S.J.); (K.M.V.)
| | - William D. Duncan
- Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Krishna Mukesh Vekariya
- Department of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (C.A.); (S.J.); (K.M.V.)
| | - Shaik O. Rahaman
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
| | - Edward K. L. Chan
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Lakshmyya Kesavalu
- Department of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (C.A.); (S.J.); (K.M.V.)
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
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Yao Q, He T, Liao JY, Liao R, Wu X, Lin L, Xiao G. Noncoding RNAs in skeletal development and disorders. Biol Res 2024; 57:16. [PMID: 38644509 PMCID: PMC11034114 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-024-00497-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein-encoding genes only constitute less than 2% of total human genomic sequences, and 98% of genetic information was previously referred to as "junk DNA". Meanwhile, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) consist of approximately 60% of the transcriptional output of human cells. Thousands of ncRNAs have been identified in recent decades, and their essential roles in the regulation of gene expression in diverse cellular pathways associated with fundamental cell processes, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and metabolism, have been extensively investigated. Furthermore, the gene regulation networks they form modulate gene expression in normal development and under pathological conditions. In this review, we integrate current information about the classification, biogenesis, and function of ncRNAs and how these ncRNAs support skeletal development through their regulation of critical genes and signaling pathways in vivo. We also summarize the updated knowledge of ncRNAs involved in common skeletal diseases and disorders, including but not limited to osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, scoliosis, and intervertebral disc degeneration, by highlighting their roles established from in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Tailin He
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jian-You Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Rongdong Liao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Xiaohao Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Lijun Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China.
| | - Guozhi Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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Jiang P, Liang D, Wang H, Zhou R, Che X, Cong L, Li P, Wang C, Li W, Wei X, Li P. TMT quantitative proteomics reveals key proteins relevant to microRNA-1-mediated regulation in osteoarthritis. Proteome Sci 2023; 21:21. [PMID: 37993861 PMCID: PMC10664301 DOI: 10.1186/s12953-023-00223-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the second-commonest arthritis, but pathogenic and regulatory mechanisms underlying OA remain incompletely understood. Here, we aimed to identify the mechanisms associated with microRNA-1 (miR-1) treatment of OA in rodent OA models using a proteomic approach. First, N = 18 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats underwent sham surgery (n = 6) or ACL transection (n = 12), followed at an interval of one week by randomization of the ACL transection group to intra-articular administration of either 50 µL placebo (control group) or miR-1 agomir, a mimic of endogenous miR-1 (experimental group). After allowing for eight weeks of remodeling, articular cartilage tissue was harvested and immunohistochemically stained for the presence of MMP-13. Second, N = 30 Col2a1-cre-ERT2 /GFPf1/fl -RFP-miR-1 transgenic mice were randomized to intra-articular administration of either placebo (control group, N = 15) or tamoxifen, an inducer of miR-1 expression (experimental group, N = 15), before undergoing surgical disruption of the medial meniscus (DMM) after an interval of five days. After allowing for eight weeks of remodeling, articular cartilage tissue was harvested and underwent differential proteomic analysis. Specifically, tandem mass tagging (TMT) quantitative proteomic analysis was employed to identify inter-group differentially-expressed proteins (DEP), and selected DEPs were validated using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) technology. Immunohistochemically-detected MMP-13 expression was significantly lower in the experimental rat group, and proteomic analyses of mouse tissue homogenate demonstrated that of 3526 identified proteins, 345 were differentially expressed (relative up- and down-regulation) in the experimental group. Proteins Fn1, P4ha1, P4ha2, Acan, F2, Col3a1, Fga, Rps29, Rpl34, and Fgg were the *top ten most-connected proteins, implying that miR-1 may regulate an expression network involving these proteins. Of these ten proteins, three were selected for further validation by RT-qPCR: the transcript of Fn1, known to be associated with OA, exhibited relative upregulation in the experimental group, whereas the transcripts of P4ha1 and Acan exhibited relative downregulation. These proteins may thus represent key miR-1 targets during OA-regulatory mechanisms, and may provide additional insights regarding therapeutic mechanisms of miR-1 in context of OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinpin Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Dan Liang
- Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Hang Wang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Raorao Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xianda Che
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Linlin Cong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Penghua Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Fenyang Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Fenyang, China
| | - Chunfang Wang
- Laboratory Animal Center of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Wenjin Li
- Department of Stomatology, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaochun Wei
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Pengcui Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.
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Roles of Local Soluble Factors in Maintaining the Growth Plate: An Update. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030534. [PMID: 36980807 PMCID: PMC10048135 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The growth plate is a cartilaginous tissue found at the ends of growing long bones, which contributes to the lengthening of bones during development. This unique structure contains at least three distinctive layers, including resting, proliferative, and hypertrophic chondrocyte zones, maintained by a complex regulatory network. Due to its soft tissue nature, the growth plate is the most susceptible tissue of the growing skeleton to injury in childhood. Although most growth plate damage in fractures can heal, some damage can result in growth arrest or disorder, impairing leg length and resulting in deformity. In this review, we re-visit previously established knowledge about the regulatory network that maintains the growth plate and integrate current research displaying the most recent progress. Next, we highlight local secretary factors, such as Wnt, Indian hedgehog (Ihh), and parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP), and dissect their roles and interactions in maintaining cell function and phenotype in different zones. Lastly, we discuss future research topics that can further our understanding of this unique tissue. Given the unmet need to engineer the growth plate, we also discuss the potential of creating particular patterns of soluble factors and generating them in vitro.
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Zhang Z, He C, Bao C, Li Z, Jin W, Li C, Chen Y. MiRNA Profiling and Its Potential Roles in Rapid Growth of Velvet Antler in Gansu Red Deer ( Cervus elaphus kansuensis). Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:424. [PMID: 36833351 PMCID: PMC9957509 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
A significant variety of cell growth factors are involved in the regulation of antler growth, and the fast proliferation and differentiation of various tissue cells occur during the yearly regeneration of deer antlers. The unique development process of velvet antlers has potential application value in many fields of biomedical research. Among them, the nature of cartilage tissue and the rapid growth and development process make deer antler a model for studying cartilage tissue development or rapid repair of damage. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the rapid growth of antlers are still not well studied. MicroRNAs are ubiquitous in animals and have a wide range of biological functions. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the miRNA expression patterns of antler growth centers at three distinct growth phases, 30, 60, and 90 days following the abscission of the antler base, in order to determine the regulatory function of miRNA on the rapid growth of antlers. Then, we identified the miRNAs that were differentially expressed at various growth stages and annotated the functions of their target genes. The results showed that 4319, 4640, and 4520 miRNAs were found in antler growth centers during the three growth periods. To further identify the essential miRNAs that could regulate fast antler development, five differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were screened, and the functions of their target genes were annotated. The results of KEGG pathway annotation revealed that the target genes of the five DEMs were significantly annotated to the "Wnt signaling pathway", "PI3K-Akt signaling pathway", "MAPK signaling pathway", and "TGF-β signaling pathway", which were associated with the rapid growth of velvet antlers. Therefore, the five chosen miRNAs, particularly ppy-miR-1, mmu-miR-200b-3p, and novel miR-94, may play crucial roles in rapid antler growth in summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxiang Zhang
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Adaptive Management on Alpine Grassland, Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
- College of Eco–Environmental Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Caixia He
- College of Eco–Environmental Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Changhong Bao
- College of Eco–Environmental Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Zhaonan Li
- College of Eco–Environmental Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Wenjie Jin
- College of Eco–Environmental Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Changzhong Li
- College of Eco–Environmental Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Yanxia Chen
- College of Eco–Environmental Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
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