Global changes of miRNA expression indicates an increased reprogramming efficiency of induced mammary epithelial cells by repression of miR-222-3p in fibroblasts

Background Our previous studies have successfully reported the reprogramming of fibroblasts into induced mammary epithelial cells (iMECs). However, the regulatory relationships and functional roles of MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in the progression of fibroblasts achieving the cell fate of iMECs are insufficiently understood. Methods First, we performed pre-and post-induction miRNAs sequencing analysis by using high-throughput sequencing. Following that, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment studies were used to determine the primary roles of the significantly distinct miRNAs and targeted genes. Finally, the effect of miR-222-3p on iMECs fate reprogramming in vitro by transfecting. Results As a result goat ear fibroblasts (GEFs) reprogramming into iMECs activates a regulatory program, involving 79 differentially expressed miRNAs. Besides, the programming process involved changes in multiple signaling pathways such as adherens junction, TGF-β signaling pathway, GnRH secretion and the prolactin signaling pathway, etc. Furthermore, it was discovered that the expression of miR-222-3p downregulation by miR-222-3p inhibitor significantly increase the reprogramming efficiency and promoted lipid accumulation of iMECs.