Comparative analysis of microRNA and messengerRNA expression profiles in plateau zokor testicular cells under reproductive suppression

INTRODUCTION: Reproductive suppression is an adaptive strategy that affects the success rate and reproductive efficiency in animals, which in turn affects population continuation and evolution. However, no studies on the miRNAs in testicular development and spermatogenesis regulatory mechanisms under reproductive suppression have been reported. METHODS: In this study, the differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs, miRNA–mRNA interaction network and function of the plateau zokor testicular cells of non-breeders and breeders during the breeding season were comprehensively analyzed by transcriptomics. RESULTS: In total, 381 known and 94 novel miRNAs were determined. Compared with that in the breeders, 70 downregulated and 68 upregulated DE miRNAs were identified in the non-breeders. We predicted 1670 significant target mRNAs by analyzing the miRNA and mRNA expression profiles. According to the miRNA–mRNA interaction network, the target mRNAs of the DE miRNAs were related to testicular development and spermatogenesis. GO indicate that the target mRNAs were related to testicular development and spermatogenesis. KEGG indicate that pathways of target mRNAs enrichment related to testicular development, spermatogenesis, and energy metabolism. PROK2 was determined as the target mRNA of rno-miR-143-3p. DISCUSSION: Our study offers a basis for the regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in testicular development and spermatogenesis in plateau zokor under reproductive suppression and offers a reference for reproductive regulation.