Transcriptome Data Revealed the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network during the Proliferation and Differentiation of Myoblasts in Shitou Goose

Simple Summary The Shitou goose, derived from the swan goose (Anser cygnoides), is an excellent large goose breed in China and has high economic value. Therefore, it is imperative to delve into the study of its muscle characteristics. Circular RNA (CircRNA), acting as a molecular sponge, binds to miRNA, thereby intricately modulating targeted gene expression and influencing muscle growth and development. To unravel these complexities, we employed transcriptome sequencing to scrutinize the myoblasts and myotubes of Shitou geese, generating comprehensive circRNA and mRNA maps for two distinct developmental stages. In the subsequent analysis, a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction network emerged, delineating a regulatory framework for muscle growth and development. This network is pivotal in understanding the underlying mechanisms of goose myogenesis and contributes new ideas and perspectives concerning the role of non-coding RNAs in the regulation of growth in geese.Abstract CircRNA, a recently characterized non-coding RNA (ncRNA) variant, functions as a molecular sponge, exerting regulatory control by binding to microRNA (miRNA) and modulating the expression of downstream proteins, either promoting or inhibiting their expression. Among poultry species, geese hold significant importance, prized by consumers for their delectable taste and rich nutritional content. Despite the prominence of geese, research on the growth and development of goose muscle, particularly the regulatory role of circRNAs in goose muscle formation, remains insufficiently explored. In this study, we constructed comprehensive expression profiles of circRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) within the myoblasts and myotubes of Shitou geese. We identified a total of 96 differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) and 880 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs). Notably, the parental genes of DEcircRNAs and DEmRNAs exhibited enrichment in the Wnt signaling pathway, highlighting its potential impact on the proliferation and differentiation of goose myoblasts. Employing RNAhybrid and miRDB, we identified circRNA-miRNA pairs and mRNA-miRNA pairs that may play a role in regulating myogenic differentiation or muscle growth. Subsequently, utilizing Cytoscape, we constructed a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction network aimed at unraveling the intricate regulatory mechanisms involved in goose muscle growth and development, which comprises 93 circRNAs, 351 miRNAs, and 305 mRNAs. Moreover, the identification of 10 hub genes (ACTB, ACTN1, BDNF, PDGFRA, MYL1, EFNA5, MYSM1, THBS1, ITGA8, and ELN) potentially linked to myogenesis, along with the exploration of their circRNA-miRNA-hub gene regulatory axis, was also conducted. These competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks elucidate the molecular regulatory mechanisms associated with muscle growth in Shitou geese, providing deeper insights into the reciprocal regulation of circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA in the context of goose muscle formation.