microRNA-7调控猪松果体褪黑素昼夜节律性合成的分子机制

褪黑素是维持生物体昼夜节律的关键激素，脊椎动物的褪黑素主要由松果体合成与分泌。申请者前期的研究结果证明，microRNA-7对猪松果体褪黑素的合成具有重要的调节功能，但相关的分子机制仍远未阐明。本项目主要以申请者的前期研究结果为基础，重点研究褪黑素的节律性合成与microRNA-7时空表达的变化关系；发现并研究microRNA-7调控褪黑素昼夜节律的上游信号转导以及下游靶基因和/或分子交汇点；揭示microRNA-7调节褪黑素合成的分子网络调控机制。研究结果为认识褪黑素节律性合成的调控机理奠定重要的理论基础，同时对包括猪在内的家畜健康养殖具有重要的指导意义。

Melatonin is a key hormone in maintaining the circadian rhythms of organisms. In vertebrates, it is mainly synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland. Previous studies of the applicant have proved that microRNA-7 plays an important role in regulating the synthesis of melatonin in pig pineal gland. However, the related molecular mechanisms have not been clarified clearly. Basing on the previous researches by the applicant, this project is thus proposed to: Investigate the relationship between the rhythmic synthesis of melatonin and the spatiotemporal expression of microRNA-7; Identify and research the upstream signal transduction pathway as well as downstream target genes and/or molecular intersections of microRNA-7 in regulating melatonin circadian rhythm; Reveal the molecular network mechanism of microRNA-7 regulating melatonin synthesis. These results are critical for understanding the regulatory mechanisms of circadian melatonin synthesis, and will have important guiding significance for the healthy breeding of livestock including pigs.