MicroRNA-mediated regulation in anoxic Lithobates sylvaticus liver

Abstract

The wood frog, Lithobates sylvaticus (formerly Rana sylvatica), endures various physiological stressors including freezing, anoxia, dehydration, and hyperglycemia during winter, relying on metabolic stress response to survive. microRNA (miRNA)-mediated gene regulation is a well-documented stress response, however, its role during anoxia in L. sylvaticus liver remains underexplored. This research identifies seven miRNAs with significant differential expression during anoxia. Bioinformatic analyses predicted downregulation of monounsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and membrane fluidity pathways, alongside upregulation of insulin signalling pathways (PI3K/Akt, mTOR). These results suggest that miRNAs contribute to gene regulation in L. sylvaticus during anoxia.