Exploring the epigenetic role of the circular RNA ciR-01114 in porcine ovarian cell functions.

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging epigenetic regulators in reproductive biology, but specific functions of many ovarian circRNAs remain uncharacterized. This study investigates the functional significance of circRNA ciR-01114, previously identified in porcine ovarian tissue, in modulating ovarian cell functions.

METHODS AND

RESULTS

To evaluate the impact of ciR-01114 on the regulation of basic porcine ovarian granulosa cell functions, we performed experiments to increase (using an overexpressing vector) and decrease (using a shRNA vector) the expression of this circRNA. We assessed the relative expression levels of ciR-01114, cell viability, proliferation (measured by the accumulation of PCNA and cyclin B1), cytoplasmic (assessed via the accumulation of bax and caspase-3), and nuclear (DNA fragmentation) apoptosis, and the release of progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, IGF-I, and oxytocin. The overexpression of ciR-01114 significantly enhanced cell viability, proliferation, and the release of progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, and oxytocin, while suppressing apoptosis. Conversely, ciR-01114 knockdown yielded opposing effects.

CONCLUSIONS

These preliminary findings suggest that ciR-01114 may regulate porcine ovarian cell functions, including cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and secretory activity. However, further validation and in-depth studies are necessary to confirm these observations and fully understand the mechanisms underlying ciR-01114's role in ovarian biology.