GSE131839
Expression profile analysis of circular RNAs during embryonic lung development of C57BL/6 mice
Objectives: The contribution of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the regulation of embryonic lung development is not yet clear. This study aims to uncover the differentially expressed circRNAs in mouse embryonic lung tissue. Methods: High-throughput sequencing (HTS) was used to determine the cirRNA expression profiles at four time points of mouse embryonic lung tissue [embryonic (E) Day 14.5 (E14.5/S1), (E16.5/S2), (E18.5/S3), and newborn (N) Day 7.5 (N7.5/S4)]. CircRNAs that were significantly differential were subjected to bioinformatic analysis and functional prediction for their host genes. Finally, quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to examine their levels. Results: Dynamically expressed circRNAs in the mouse embryonic lung tissue were identified. After that, a total of 231 circRNAs differentially expressed between the three groups (S1 vs. S2, S1 vs. S3 and S1 vs. S4) in embryonic lung tissue (fold change = 2.0; p < 0.05). These circRNAs were subjected to bioinformatic analysis to predict their potential biological functions. Finally, six circRNAs (circRNA3_Ttn, circRNA56_Galnt18, circRNA38_Alg12, circRNA42_Filip1l, circRNA43_Ptprm, and circRNA57_Ncoa3) that were further validated using qRT-PCR. Conclusions: These findings illustrate the vital functions of circRNAs in mouse embryonic lung development. Combined with our results and previous researches, circRNAs may serve as potential miRNA sponges in the embryonic lung development. Our research is conducive to further explore the development of embryonic lungs, and the dynamic expressed circRNAs may be novel molecules that regulate mouse lung development. Overall design: High-throughput sequencing was conducted assess the differentially expressed circRNAs in embryonic lung tissues divided into four different groups: pseudo glandular phase (S1), canalicular phase (S2), terminal sac phase (S3), and alveolar phase (S4) .