ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Genet.
Sec. Livestock Genomics
Volume 16 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fgene.2025.1676558
This article is part of the Research TopicGenomic Selection and Evolution in Domestic AnimalsView all articles
Comparative Analysis of miRNA Expression in Yili Horses Pre-and Post-5000-m Race
Provisionally accepted
- Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
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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.
Keywords: Yili horse, Athletic Performance, epigenetics, miRNA, candidatetarget gene, signal transduction pathway
Received: 30 Jul 2025; Accepted: 17 Sep 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Ma, Ren, Li, Li, Wang, 苏, Huang, Dehaxi and Wang. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence:
Shikun Ma, 1915600848@qq.com
Jianwen Wang, dkwjw@xjau.edu.cn
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