RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Mammalian hibernation is a fascinating phenomenon that involves multiple molecular and biochemical changes to proceed. While the molecular picture associated with torpor has become clearer in recent years, the function of non-coding RNAs, and especially of microRNAs, solicited during this process is not well understood. OBJECTIVE: To better characterize a signature of cold torpor-associated miRNAs in the hibernating thirteen-lined ground squirrel Ictidomys tridecemlineatus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Next-generation sequencing and qRT-PCR approaches were conducted in euthermic and hibernating ground squirrel liver tissues. RESULTS: This high-throughput approach notably revealed modulation during hibernation of various miRNAs previously associated with lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism and antioxidant responses such as miR-145a-3p, miR-22-3p and miR-25-3p, respectively. CONCLUSION: Overall, these results present a group of miRNAs differentially expressed in hibernating ground squirrel liver and provide additional knowledge on the underlying functions of these small non-coding molecules during cold torpor.
Assuntos
Hibernação/genética , Sequenciamento de Nucleotídeos em Larga Escala/métodos , Fígado/metabolismo , MicroRNAs/genética , Sciuridae/genética , Sciuridae/fisiologia , Torpor/genética , Animais , Sequência Conservada/genética , Regulação da Expressão Gênica , MicroRNAs/metabolismo , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase em Tempo Real , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Análise de Sequência de RNARESUMO
Numerous species will confront severe environmental conditions by undergoing significant metabolic rate reduction. Mammalian hibernation is one such natural model of hypometabolism. Hibernators experience considerable physiological, metabolic, and molecular changes to survive the harsh challenges associated with winter. Whether as fuel source or as key signaling molecules, lipids are of primary importance for a successful bout of hibernation and their careful regulation throughout this process is essential. In recent years, a plethora of non-coding RNAs has emerged as potential regulators of targets implicated in lipid metabolism in diverse models. In this review, we introduce the general characteristics associated with mammalian hibernation, present the importance of lipid metabolism prior to and during hibernation, as well as discuss the potential relevance of non-coding RNAs such as miRNAs and lncRNAs during this process.
