Comparative Analysis of MiRNA Expression Profiles of Yak Milk-derived Exosomes at Different Altitudes
Yaks are a rare and unique animal species inhabiting the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known for their remarkable resilience. Milk-derived exosomes, tiny vesicles containing various biological molecules, play crucial roles in numerous pathological and physiological processes, including cell growth, development, and immune regulation. This study conducted small RNA sequencing to characterize the miRNA expression profiles of yak milk-derived exosomes from high and low altitudes, aiming to identify differentially expressed miRNAs. Our findings revealed that these differentially expressed miRNAs are involved in mammary gland inflammation, virus infection regulation, and heat stress response. Through GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, we discovered that the target genes of these differentially expressed miRNAs are enriched in signaling pathways related to Th17 cell differentiation and the Ras-MAPK signaling pathway. In conclusion, this research sheds light on the differential expression of miRNAs in yak milk-derived exosomes under varying environmental conditions. This new knowledge provides a theoretical foundation for further exploring yak resilience and the potential role of milk-derived exosomes in disease and immune modulation. Overall design: small RNA sequence of yak milk-derived exosomes at dDifferent altitudes