Unraveling the regulatory roles of microRNAs in livestock

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that play a central role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. They are essential regulators of key physiological processes in animals, including development, immunity, metabolism, and reproduction, thereby maintaining cellular homeostasis. In recent years, miRNA research in livestock has advanced rapidly, revealing that these molecules are not only fundamental biological regulators but also hold significant practical potential for applications such as monitoring reproductive performance, enhancing heat-stress tolerance, and enabling early detection of metabolic disorders. This review provides a comprehensive and comparative overview of recent miRNA studies conducted in major livestock species, including cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, and honey bees, highlighting species-specific regulatory patterns, molecular mechanisms, and emerging biotechnological applications. The reviewed evidence demonstrates that miRNA expression profiles vary across developmental stages, physiological conditions, and tissue types, offering valuable insights for the development of diagnostic biomarkers, molecular breeding strategies, and production optimization tools. However, the majority of existing studies remain focused on expression profiling, while the functional validation of miRNA-mRNA interactions is still underrepresented. As a result, many conclusions regarding miRNA function are limited to bioinformatic predictions rather than experimental verification. This review critically evaluates these methodological limitations and outlines future perspectives within the frameworks of functional genomics, systems biology, and molecular breeding. In conclusion, a deeper understanding of miRNA-mediated regulatory networks will not only advance fundamental biological knowledge but also drive practical innovations in sustainable livestock production, precision breeding, and animal health management.

Keywords

• Biomarker
• gene regulation
• livestock biotechnology
• microRNA (miRNA)
• species-specific regulation

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