Integrative analysis of long noncoding RNA and mRNA reveals candidate lncRNAs responsible for meat quality at different physiological stages in Gushi chicken

PLoS One. 2019 Apr 9;14(4):e0215006. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215006. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation. However, the effects of lncRNAs on the meat quality of chicken hasn't been elucidated clearly yet. Gushi chickens are popular in China because of their superior meat quality, particularly the tender flesh, and unique flavor. Gushi chickens are popular in China because of their superior meat quality, delicate flesh, and unique flavor. We performed RNA-Seq analysis of breast muscle from Gushi chicken at two physiological stages, including juvenile (G20W) and laying (G55W). In total, 186 lncRNAs and 881 mRNAs were differentially expressed between G20W and G55W (fold change ≥ 2.0, P < 0.05). Among them, 131 lncRNAs presented upregulated and 55 were downregulated. We identified the cis and trans target genes of the differentially expressed lncRNAs, and constructed lncRNA-mRNA interaction networks. The results showed that differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs were mainly involved in ECM-receptor interaction, glycerophospholipid metabolism, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, and the biosynthesis of amino acids. In summary, our study utilized RNA-seq analysis to predict the functions of lncRNA on chicken meat quality. Furthermore, comprehensive analysis identified lncRNAs and their target genes, which may contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying in poultry meat quality and provide a theoretical basis for further research.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chickens / genetics
  • Chickens / metabolism
  • Food Quality*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology*
  • Poultry Proteins*
  • RNA, Long Noncoding* / biosynthesis
  • RNA, Long Noncoding* / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger* / biosynthesis
  • RNA, Messenger* / genetics

Substances

  • Poultry Proteins
  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • RNA, Messenger

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the NSFC-Henan joint grant (U1804107), the China Agriculture Research System (CARS-40-K04), the Program for Innovation Research Team of Ministry of Education (IRT16R23), and the Key Science and Technology Research Project of Henan Province (151100110800).