Transcriptomes reveal microRNAs and mRNAs in different photoperiods influencing cashmere growth in goat

PLoS One. 2023 Mar 17;18(3):e0282772. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282772. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Cashmere goat has a typical characteristic in seasonal growth of cashmere. Studies have shown that one of the main factors affecting the cyclical growth of the cashmere is the photoperiod, however, its molecular mechanism remains unclear. Inner Mongolia Arbas cashmere goat was used to reveal the mRNA-microRNA regulatory mechanisms of cashmere growth in different photoperiod. Skin samples from cashmere goats under light control (short photoperiod) and normal conditions (long photoperiod) were collected. Sequencing was performed after RNA extraction. The differentially expressed miRNA and mRNA expression profiles were successfully constructed. We found 56 significantly differentially expressed known mRNAs (P<0.01) and 14 microRNAs (P<0.05). The association analysis of the microRNAs and mRNAs showed that two differentially expressed miRNAs might be targeted by six differentially expressed genes. Targeting relationships of these genes and miRNAs are revealed and verified. In all, the light control technology provides a new way to promote cashmere growth. Our results provide some references in the cashmere growth and development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Goats
  • Hair Follicle / metabolism
  • MicroRNAs* / genetics
  • MicroRNAs* / metabolism
  • Photoperiod
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Transcriptome

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Messenger

Grants and funding

This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China in the form of grants to BL [31760653, 32161143026] and JY [31960126]; the Innovation Fund of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in the form of a grant to BL [2020CXJJM01]; the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Science and Technology Project in the form of a grant to BL [2020GG0095]; and the Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goat Science and Technology Major Project in the form of a grant to BL [2017]. There was no additional external funding received for this study.