Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-protein coding transcripts that are involved in a broad range of biological processes. Here, we examined the functional roles of lncRNAs in feather regeneration. RNA-seq profiling of the regenerating feather blastema revealed that the Wnt signaling is among the most active pathways during feather regeneration, with the Wnt ligands and their inhibitors showing distinct expression patterns. Co-expression analysis identified hundreds of lncRNAs with similar expression patterns to either the Wnt ligands (the Lwnt group) or their downstream target genes (the Twnt group). Among these, we randomly picked two lncRNAs in the Lwnt group, and three lncRNAs in the Twnt group to validate their expression and function. Members in the Twnt group regulated feather regeneration and axis formation, whereas members in the Lwnt group showed no obvious phenotype. Further analysis confirmed that the three Twnt group members inhibit Wnt signal transduction and at the same time are down-stream target genes of this pathway. Our results suggested that the feather regeneration model can be utilized to systematically annotate the functions of lncRNAs in the chicken genome.
Long noncoding RNAs regulate Wnt signaling during feather regeneration
Equal contribution.
Currently Viewing Accepted Manuscript - Newer Version Available
Xiang Lin, QingXiang Gao, LiYan Zhu, GuiXuan Zhou, ShiWei Ni, Hao Han, ZhiCao Yue; Long noncoding RNAs regulate Wnt signaling during feather regeneration. Development 2018; dev.162388. doi: https://doi.org/10.1242/dev.162388
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