Role of sex‐biased miRNAs in teleosts – a review
Rayees Ahmad Bhat, Manisha Priyam, Md Javed Foysal, Sanjay Kumar Gupta, Jitendra Kumar Sundaray
Abstract
Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs that control the expression of genes by targeting specific mRNAs. Data related to miRNAs are limited for fish species, with only 16 out of the 30 000 fish species enlisted in miRBase. In the present review, we have summarized the recent findings on the implication of miRNAs in the teleost reproduction with an emphasis on commercially important candidates. The information related to various miRNAs and their roles during different developmental stages of gonads in nine important species has been compiled. We have focused on the trend of sexual dimorphism in the gonadal miRNA repertoire of teleost species. Species‐specific variability is observed in the expression pattern of gonadal miRNAs in both male and female fish. It is noteworthy that our summarization of teleost miRNAs in reproduction has highlighted the gaps in functional information on the identified miRNAs (both conserved and novel). It is only after functional validation of the miRNA targets, one can use these findings to enhance reproductive health and production of the commercial teleost species to boost overall aquaculture sector.