Transcriptome sequencing of sheep hypothalamic tissue reveals the regulatory role of lncRNA in the mechanism of pubertal estrus initiation.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Pubertal estrus in sheep is crucial for reproductive maturation, with the hypothalamus playing a key role in its regulation. While long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have gained attention for their involvement in the nervous system, their specific role in regulating pubertal estrus remains unclear.

Methods

This study performed transcriptome sequencing on hypothalamic tissues from Dolang sheep at pre-pubertal, pubertal, and post-pubertal stages. Identified lncRNAs were characterized based on genomic features, differential expression, potential cis-regulatory targets, and ceRNA relationships.

Results

A total of 1,589 lncRNAs were identified, including 848 known and 741 novel lncRNAs, with intergenic lncRNAs being most abundant. The majority of lncRNAs were 200-2

SUBMITTER: Xuan R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12439674 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature