Identification and expression analysis of microRNAs in medaka gonads.

In this study, two small RNA libraries from the ovaries and testes were constructed and sequenced. A total of 285 conserved and 388 novel miRNAs were obtained, among which, 142 mature miRNAs were significantly (> two-fold change) up or down regulated in the testis compared to the ovary. Quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that miR-430c, miR-26a and miR-202-5p were expressed in a gonad-specific or sex-biased pattern. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) indicated that miR-202-5p was present throughout spermatogenesis and was only detected at the early stages of oogenesis, this sex biased expression pattern suggested that miR-202-5p might be a crucial candidate in male differentiation and development. Our study provides the repertoire, a comprehensive annotation of miRNAs from gonads and provides a reference for functional studies of miRNAs in medaka. PMID: 29305975 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Gene - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Tags: Gene Source Type: research