Regulating life or death: Potential role of microRNA in rescue of the corpus luteum

•Small RNAseq identified 590 luteal miRNA of which 544 are known and 46 are novel.•Fifteen miRNA were differentially expressed during maternal recognition of pregnancy.•The 15 miRNA targeted genes enriched for apoptosis and immune signaling pathways.

The role of miRNA in tissue biology has added a new level of understanding of gene regulation and function. The corpus luteum (CL) is a transitory endocrine gland; the dynamic nature of the CL makes it a candidate for regulation by miRNA. Rescue of the CL from luteolysis is essential for the maintenance of pregnancy in all eutherian mammals. Using next generation sequencing, we profiled miRNA expression in the bovine CL during maternal recognition of pregnancy. We identified 590 luteal miRNA, of which 544 were known and 46 were novel miRNAs. Fifteen (including 3 novel) miRNAs were differentially expressed between CL of pregnant vs. cyclic animals. Target analysis of the differentially expressed miRNA resulted in genes involved in regulating apoptosis and immune response, providing evidence that miRNAs regulate the intracellular pathways that lead to either luteal regression or survival.