Establishing a ceRNA regulatory network for reproductive performance in Tibetan chickens via whole transcriptome sequencing.

As an indigenous poultry genetic resource, Tibetan chickens (TC) demonstrate notable germplasm characteristics: nutritionally enriched eggs, and distinctive ornamental traits. These attributes position TC as a valuable candidate for conservation and selective breeding. Nevertheless, their suboptimal growth performance and low reproductive efficiency have restricted the broader application of this genetic resource. To date, few studies have explored the molecular mechanisms underlying reproductive function in TC ovarian tissues. In this study, we conducted a 30-day monitoring of egg production rates in TC and Romaine chickens (RC). During the peak laying period, we measured the expression levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and progesterone (P4). Additionally, we performed whole transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) on ovarian tissues collected from three TC and RC specimens to construct a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network associated with the reproductive performance of TC. RC hens showed a higher egg-laying rate (P < 0.001) and higher expression levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and progesterone (P < 0.01) than TC hens. Whole-transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed substantial differences in gene expression profiles, identifying 2314 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), 532 differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (DElncRNAs), and 148 differentially expressed microRNAs (DEmiRNAs) between the two groups. Based on these findings, ceRNA network was constructed. In summary, the mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs identified in the ceRNA network constructed in this study may play critical roles in regulating follicular development and hormone secretion in TC. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for further investigation into the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying TC reproductive performance.