Integrated Genome-Wide Analysis of MicroRNA Expression Quantitative Trait Loci in Pig Longissimus Dorsi Muscle.

Determining mechanisms regulating complex traits in pigs is essential to improve the production efficiency of this globally important protein source. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs known to post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression affecting numerous phenotypes, including those important to the pig industry. To facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanisms controlling growth, carcass composition, and meat quality phenotypes in pigs, we integrated miRNA and gene expression data from muscle samples with genotypic and phenotypic data from the same animals.

Genetic control of longissimus dorsi muscle gene expression variation and joint analysis with phenotypic quantitative trait loci in pigs.

Background: Economically important growth and meat quality traits in pigs are controlled by cascading molecular events occurring during development and continuing throughout the conversion of muscle to meat. However, little is known about the genes and molecular mechanisms involved in this process. Evaluating transcriptomic profiles of skeletal muscle during the initial steps leading to the conversion of muscle to meat can identify key regulators of polygenic phenotypes.

Profiling and characterization of a muscle microRNA dataset from an F Duroc × Pietrain pig resource population.

To elucidate the effects of microRNA (miRNA) regulation in skeletal muscle of adult pigs, miRNA expression profiling was performed with RNA extracted from (LD) muscle samples from 174 F pigs (~ 5.5 months of age) from a Duroc × Pietrain resource population. Total RNA was extracted from LD samples, and libraries were sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform in 1 × 50 bp format.