Characterization of Circular RNAs in Chinese Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Adipose Tissue: A Focus on Circular RNAs Involved in Fat Deposition

Buffalo play a vital role in several southeastern and middle-eastern Asian countries and Africa. Fat deposition has received increased attention because of its importance to meat quality. However, information on the development of buffalo adipose tissue is poorly understood and requires further investigation. This study characterized circular RNA (circRNA) profiles of adipose tissues in different developmental stages in buffalo. Co-expression analysis and functional enrichment revealed a considerable number of circRNAs which may function in fat deposition. Further qRT-PCR analysis identified two circRNAs with a significant association with PR/SET domain 16, a fat metabolism gene. Our results identified candidate regulators of fat deposition in buffalo, which may be valuable for buffalo breeding