Work

Integration of mRNA and MiRNA analysis reveals the molecular mechanisms of testicular development in newborn and adult sheep

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Fecundity limits sheep industry development, but crossbreeding can help. Yet, mechanisms of testis development in Southdown × Hu F 1 , especially differential mechanisms at key stages, are rarely studied. Recent miRNA-mRNA analyses have enhanced our understanding of testicular sexual development stages. We conducted histological, physiological, and transcriptomic analyses on neonatal (M0) and adult (Y1) testis tis-sues of Southdown × Hu F 1 . Results showed Y1 testes were fully developed with more germ cells than M0. miRNA-seq identified 405 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMIs) (43 existing, 212 known from 175 families, and 150 novel), and mRNA-seq found 9794 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs). miRNA-mRNA integration analysis yielded 20 miRNA-target gene pairs (20 DEMIs and 145 DEMs). Key pathways like Rap1 signaling, ECM-receptor interaction, and MAPK were identified. miR-29a, miR-544-z, and miR-128-z were found to regulate ITGB1 , MAP3K13 , and Rap1 respectively, along with key genes KITLG , GATA4 , and CDC42 in testicular development, affecting male reproduction. This study clarifies testicular development mechanisms and offers candidate genes for molecular breeding.

Source: BMC Genomics

DOI: 10.1186/s12864-025-12290-6