Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Precocious puberty can shorten reproductive cycles, enhance reproductive capacity, and reduce feeding costs. Consequently, precocious livestock are widely utilized in cross-breeding. This study aims to elucidate the key molecular mechanisms by which circular RNA (circRNA) regulates the sexual maturation of sexually precocious goats. METHODS: In this study, we analyzed the circRNA expression profiles of hypothalamic tissue from Jining grey goats at four distinct postnatal developmental stages (1 day, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months). RESULTS: A total of 23,993 circRNAs were identified across these stages, predominantly derived from exonic regions, with 1,052 circRNAs exhibiting differential expression. Additionally, competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) analysis suggested that novel_ circ_0002274/chi-miR-197-5p/ estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) and novel_circ_0002274/chimiR-30c-3p/oxytocin/neurophysin I prepropeptide (OXT) may regulate sexual maturation in goats via the estrogen signaling pathway and the oxytocin signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to understanding the function of circRNAs in hypothalamic regulation of sexual maturation and provides valuable insights for breeding superior goat breeds.