Comparative analysis of miRNA expression in Yili horses pre- and post-5000-m race.
Abstract: Equine athletic performance is modulated by both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. As dynamic regulators of gene expression, MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a central role in the physiological response to exercise-induced stress18. This study focused on the top three elite Yili horses from a 5000-m race, collecting peripheral blood samples pre-race (group B) and post-race (group A). A longitudinal comparative analysis integrating miRNA omics profiling and target gene functional enrichment was performed. Nineteen miRNAs exhibited significant differential expression (10 upregulated, 9 downregulated), with their associated genes primarily implicated in small GTPase-mediated signal transduction, supramolecular complex, and molecular function regulator. Pathway enrichment analysis identified significant associations with Rap1, Ras, and Phospholipase D signaling pathways. These findings suggest that miRNA-mediated regulation may contribute to exercise adaptation by modulating cytoskeletal remodeling and metabolic reprogramming. The study elucidates epigenetic regulatory features underpinning the 5000-m race stress response in Yili horses via omics technology, offering novel insights into the molecular basis of exercise adaptation and establishing quantifiable miRNA markers to inform early-stage equine breeding strategies.
Copyright © 2025 Ma, Ren, Li, Li, Wang, Su, Huang, Dehaxi and Wang.
Publication Date: 2025-10-01 PubMed ID: 41098164PubMed Central: PMC12520636DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2025.1676558Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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Overview
- This study analyzed changes in microRNA (miRNA) expression in elite Yili horses before and after a 5000-meter race to understand how exercise impacts gene regulation and athletic performance.
- The researchers identified specific miRNAs linked to key cellular pathways, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms underlying horses’ adaptation to intense physical activity.
Background and Purpose
- Equine athletic performance is influenced by both genetic factors and epigenetic regulation mechanisms, including the role of miRNAs.
- miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that control gene expression post-transcriptionally, playing crucial roles in response to physiological stress such as exercise.
- The goal was to investigate how miRNA expression changes in Yili horses as a result of running a 5000-meter race, facilitating an understanding of exercise-induced molecular adaptations.
Methods
- Subjects: The study focused on the top three elite Yili horses competing in a 5000-m race.
- Sample collection: Peripheral blood samples were taken from each horse at two time points — before the race (pre-race, group B) and after the race (post-race, group A).
- miRNA profiling: A longitudinal comparative analysis was conducted using miRNA omics techniques to quantify expression changes.
- Functional enrichment analysis: Target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs were analyzed to identify associated biological functions and signaling pathways.
Key Findings
- Identified 19 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs between pre- and post-race samples.
- Of these, 10 miRNAs were upregulated post-race, and 9 were downregulated, indicating dynamic miRNA regulation in response to exercise.
- Target genes of these miRNAs were primarily involved in:
- Small GTPase-mediated signal transduction, a process critical for intracellular signaling and cytoskeletal dynamics.
- Functions related to supramolecular complexes, which are large assemblies of proteins that mediate cellular processes.
- Molecular function regulation, highlighting control over various biochemical activities inside cells.
- Pathway enrichment analysis revealed significant involvement of:
- Rap1 signaling pathway, significant for cell adhesion, cell junction formation, and cytoskeletal remodeling.
- Ras signaling pathway, important for cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival.
- Phospholipase D signaling pathway, linked to membrane lipid signaling and metabolic regulation.
Interpretation and Implications
- The changes in miRNA expression suggest that miRNAs actively regulate gene networks responsible for adapting to exercise-induced stress.
- Specifically, adaptations may include cytoskeletal remodeling, which is necessary for muscle and cellular structural adjustments during high-intensity activity.
- Metabolic reprogramming through these signaling pathways allows efficient energy use and recovery post-exercise.
- The study provides insights into epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in horses under physical stress and improves understanding of exercise physiology at the molecular level.
Applications and Future Directions
- Identification of miRNA markers opens avenues for developing molecular tools to assess and predict athletic capacity and stress response in horses.
- These molecular markers can aid in refining early-stage selection and breeding strategies to improve equine performance.
- Further research might explore how modulating these miRNAs could enhance training protocols or recovery strategies for elite equine athletes.
- The integration of omics technologies in sports science offers a promising pathway to personalized and optimized animal breeding and athletic performance enhancement.
Cite This Article
APA
Ma S, Ren W, Li Z, Li L, Wang R, Su Y, Huang Q, Dehaxi S, Wang J.
(2025).
Comparative analysis of miRNA expression in Yili horses pre- and post-5000-m race.
Front Genet, 16, 1676558.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2025.1676558 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi, China.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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Citations
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