CircRNA Expression in Chicken Granulosa Cells Illuminated with Red Light

Background: Our previous work revealed that red light (RL) can improve egg production by Jinghai Yellow hens. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel non-coding RNAs, but the molecular mechanism underpinning their functions during follicular development of hens under monochromatic light remains unknown. Results: We compared expression profiles of granulosa cells (GCs) of small yellow follicles (SYFs) from hens under RL and white light (WL). A total of 2,468 circRNAs were identified, of which 22 were differentially expressed (DE) between RL and WL groups. Host genes of DE circRNAs were enriched in ovarian steroidogenesis, and MAPK signalling and PI3K-Akt signalling pathways. Furthermore, DE circRNA_0320 and circRNA_0185 interact with miR-143-3p targeting FSHR, which is essential for GC differentiation and follicle development. Conclusions: These findings will facilitate further analysis of the molecular mechanism of circRNAs in GCs of SYFs, and expand our understanding of follicle development, which could lead to increased egg production.