circKIF27 inhibits melanogenesis and proliferation by targeting miR-129-5p/TGIF2 pathway in goat melanocytes1

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.02.008
• Publication Date: 2024-02-08T04:14:15Z
• Authors: JI Kai-yuan; Yi-wei ZHAO; Xin YUAN; Chun-e LIANG; Xue-qing ZHANG; Wen-li TIAN; Tong YU; Yang-yang MA; Ying-hui LING; Yun-hai ZHANG

Skin and hair pigmentation in animals involve intricate regulatory processes. Circular RNA-microRNA (circRNA-miRNA) networks play vital roles various biological processes, although their involvement has been underexplored. This study focused on circKIF27 expression, which differs significantly melanocytes isolated from white brown Boer coat-colored skin, yet its function remains unclear. Here, we investigated the of melanocytes. In situ hybridization assays demonstrated that is expressed cytoplasm qRT-PCR results revealed differential expression levels tissues male female goats. Functional analysis showed overexpression reduces melanin production (P<0.01) inhibits cell proliferation (P<0.0001). Bioinformatics identified a putative miR-129-5p binding site circKIF27, luciferase reporter confirmed interaction. Overexpression enhances promotes (P0.05). Further TGIF2 possesses two potential sites, (P0.0001), suggesting targeted relationship between these molecules. Silencing via siRNA-TGIF2 transfection leads to increased melanocyte (P0.0001) (P0.01). These findings highlight circRNA-miRNA network pigmentation, offering new insights into molecular mechanisms underlying guiding animal color breeding strategies.