Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly being recognized as key regulators of gene expression in several organisms. In this study, we aimed to identify lncRNAs that may regulate protein-coding genes that had been previously associated with fertility in Retinta cattle via the formation of DNA:RNA triplexes. Sixteen lncRNAs located within ±50 kb genomic windows, mainly found on BTA5, around the transcription start sites of target genes linked with female fertility or male scrotal circumference were further selected. We observed a range of distances, from 0.61 to 49.8 kb, which is compatible with cis-regulation. A total of 341 triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) of high quality were identified by LongTarget, with TFO lengths falling between 20 and more than 70 nucleotides. AMHR2 was the target gene with the higher proportion of lncRNA-binding sites, as well as the one with the most stable interactions. Furthermore, the accessibility of the lncRNAs in the context of their secondary structure was predicted using RNAplfold, revealing the presence of predicted TFOs in exposed regions for two lncRNAs, ENSBTAT00000117549 and ENSBTAT00000088580, located in the proximity of genes AMHR2 and KRT8, respectively. Our results also showed that the presence of lncRNA-binding sites in DNA are frequent in the upstream regions of the target genes, where promoters and other regulatory regions lie. This observation is consistent with the putative regulatory role of lncRNAs at the gene expression level. Our findings provide a first step towards improving our understanding of the molecular basis behind the lncRNA-mediated regulation of the reproductive performance in cattle.
Previous Article in event
Next Article in event
In Silico Prediction of DNA-RNA Triplex Formation Sites Reveals Novel Regulatory Links Between Key Fertility Genes and lncRNAs in Retinta Beef Cattle
Published:
12 March 2026
by MDPI
in The 4th International Online Conference on Animals
session Animal Genetics and Genomics
Abstract:
Keywords: Fertility, long non-coding RNAs, triplex-forming oligonucleotides, cis-regulation, beef cattle
