Transcriptome analysis of mRNA and microRNAs in intramuscular fat tissues of castrated and intact male Chinese Qinchuan cattle

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185961
• Publication Date: 2017-10-26T17:48:08Z
• Authors: Ying-Ying Zhang; Hong-Bao Wang; Ya-Ning Wang; Hong-Cheng Wang; Song Zhang; Jie-Yun Hong; Hong-Fang Guo; Dai Chen; Yang Yang; Lin-Sen Zan
• Keywords: Intramuscular fat

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is known to enhance beef palatability and can be markedly increased by castration. However, there little understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying IMF deposition after castration cattle. We hypothesize that genetic regulators function differently in from bulls steers. Therefore, detecting serum testosterone lipid parameter, as well contents at 6, 12, 18 24 months, we have investigated differentially expressed (DE) microRNAs (miRNAs) mRNAs steers months age Qinchuan cattle using next-generation sequencing, then explored possible biopathways regulating deposition. Serum levels were significantly decreased steers, whereas content, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) triglycerides (TGs) Comparing results bulls, 580 upregulated genes 1,120 downregulated tissues identified DE correlated with The mainly associated metabolism, lipogenesis fatty acid transportation signalling pathways, immune response intracellular signal transduction. Concurrently, miRNAs—important players adipose tissue accumulation induced castration—were also examined tissues; 52 miRNAs identified. expression profiles selected confirmed quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assays. Using integrated analysis, constructed microRNA-target regulatory network which was supported target validation dual luciferase reporter system. Moreover, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software used construct a interaction could involved detected closely metabolism adipocyte differentiation, functional identification bta-let-7i on bovine preadipocytes. These provided valuable insights into mechanisms phenotype differences between bulls.