Expression analysis of miR-221-3p and its target genes in horses

Abstract

Background

A microRNA (miRNA) is a small non-coding RNA (ncRNA) approximately 20 nucleotides long and it affects gene expression through mRNA cleavage or translational repression. Horses (Equus caballus) have been domesticated and bred to enhance their speed for racing. It has been studied extensively with genetic diversity, origins and evolution.

Objectives

We examined expression patterns of miR-221-3p and its target gene CDKN1C in various horse tissues.

Methods

We used bioinformatic tools to examine target gene, seed region and evolutionary conservation of miR-221-3p. The expression patterns of miR-221-3p and its target gene CDKN1C were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Results

Among eight tissues of horse, miR-221-3p was highly expressed in cerebellum and spleen. On the other hand, only medulla was highly expressed in CDKN1C gene.

Conclusion

Our study provides expression data of miR-221-3p and CDKN1C gene in horse and suggests the fundamental information for future studies in relation to functional importance.

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