Analysis of differential expression of microRNA, bta-miR-93 in lipopolysaccharide challenged peripheral blood mononuclear cells of cattle

The present study was undertaken to analyse the differences in the microRNA (miRNA) expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenged and unchallenged peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of cattle. The research work was carried out in adult apparently healthy female crossbred cattle maintained at the University Livestock Farm and Fodder Research and Development Scheme, Mannuthy. The expression of miRNA and bta-miR-93 was profiled in the present study by qRT-PCR assay. In silico analysis was done using various online bioinformatic tools for the prediction of target genes, gene ontology analysis and also to study the cellular pathways associated to the target genes of bta-miR-93. The expression analysis of bta-miR- 93 showed decrease in its expression in LPS treated PBMCs when compared to control cells. Besides, significant enrichment of target genes of bta-miR-93 was noticed in many immune-related GO terms and in critical immune-associated cellular pathways. The findings of the current study will help in understanding the regulatory role of bta-miR-93 in LPS-mediated immune responses in cattle.