Transcriptional Characteristics Show That miR-144-y/FOXO3 Participates in Embryonic Skin and Feather Follicle Development in Zhedong White Goose

The study explored the role of miR-144-y and FOXO3 in the development of skin and feather follicles in Zhedong White geese. Researchers used high-throughput sequencing and various assays to analyze gene expression across five embryonic stages from 200 fertilized eggs. They identified 8,276 differentially expressed genes and key pathways like Wnt signaling and cell cycle regulation. A strong negative correlation was found between miR-144-y and FOXO3, with miR-144-y suppressing FOXO3 expression. The study highlighted the complex regulatory network of non-coding RNAs and signaling pathways, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of feather development, which could inform future agricultural practices and breeding techniques.