Comprehensive analysis of differential mRNA, lncRNA and circRNA and their ceRNA network in the Longissimus Dorsi Muscle of Jerseyyak in response to dietary protein levels.

INTRODUCTION: The Jersey-yak, a hybrid offspring of Jersey cattle and yak, exhibits characteristics such as strong adaptability, rapid growth and development, and outstanding production performance. Therefore, Jersey-yaks were fed diets with different crude protein (CP) levels (0%, 15.16%, and 17.90% CP, respectively), and the regulatory mechanisms underlying their growth and development were elucidated. METHODS: In this study, we generated transcriptomic profiles of lncRNAs, circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs from the skeletal muscle tissues of Jersey-yaks, and constructed a ceRNA network using differentially expressed RNAs. RESULTS: We identified 429, 298, and 84 differentially expressed mRNAs, 394, 356, and 302 differentially expressed lncRNAs, 212, 234, and 20 differentially expressed circRNAs, and 6, 7, and 6 differentially expressed miRNAs in LP vs. MP, LP vs. HP, and MP vs. HP, respectively. These genes were found to be involved in signaling pathways related to skeletal muscle development, cell proliferation, and differentiation, such as the PI3K-Akt, MAPK, HIF-1, Wnt, and Notch signaling pathways. The ceRNA network mainly comprised 6 miRNAs, 6 circRNAs, 8 mRNAs, and multiple lncRNAs. These interactions may affect specific biological processes involved in the growth and development of Jersey-yaks. In addition, association analysis identified genes such as LASP1, DUSP29, and PDLIM7. DISCUSSION: These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle development in yak and their hybrids.