Comprehensive Analysis of Differentially Expressed mRNA and Long Non-Coding RNAs in Ovaries of Ovis Aries

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in almost all biological processes. However, there is little research on the effects of lncRNAs on estrus and early fetal development. In this study, 12 lncRNA libraries were constructed by high-throughput sequencing using sheep ovaries at luteal phase, follicular phase, 30, and 45 days of pregnancy. The target genes of DElncRNAs were predicted as cis or trans, to which functional and pathway analysis were performed. A total of 21 125 mRNAs and 5084 lncRNAs were identified in 12 samples from Dolang sheep. Among these, 418 mRNAs and 49 lncRNAs were differentially expressed. 341 target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) were obtained for enrichment analyses using the GO and KEGG. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis showed that differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNA target genes were mainly involved in signal transduction, metabolic pathways, immune system, endocrine, AMPK signaling pathway, etc. It was realized that LOC105612389, BGIG9940_27655, RPS28, BGIG9940_27548 and BGIG9940_27563 lncRNA were significantly elevated at 30 and 45 days of gestation and were involved in early fetal development, which had a significant prognosis value for early pregnancy. Our study highlighted the putative contributions of lncRNAs in regulating expression of genes associated with early fetal development and regulation in sheep.