Comparative profiling of differentially expressed microRNAs between the follicular and luteal phases ovaries of goats

To explore if the regulation at post-transcriptional level of follicular phase (Fols) to luteal phase (Luts) transition occurs in the ovaries of Anhuai goats, the differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) of ovaries in the Fols and Luts were analyzed using Solexa sequencing in the study. In total, 320 known miRNAs were co-expressed in the two phases, 339 and 353 known miRNAs were expressed in the ovary in the Fols and Luts, respectively. In addition, 45 novel miRNAs were co-expressed in the two phases, 70 and 94 novel miRNAs were expressed in the ovary in the Fols and Luts, respectively. Let-7f was the highest expressed significantly different known miRNA in the two phases, and mir-159 was the highest expressed significantly different novel miRNA in the two phases, which may participate in the follicular-luteal transition of Anhuai goats. GO annotation and KEGG pathway analysis were applied to analyze the target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs detected in the two phases. The results will help to further understand the role of miRNAs in the regulation of follicular to luteal transition in goat ovaries.