microRNA profiling of ileum of Japanese quails differing in their Phosphorus utilization

MicroRNAs, a class of small non-coding RNAs, play an important role as gene regulators in an array of biological pathways and physiological functions across animal species including Japanese quails. In this study, we profiled and cataloged microRNAs derived from ileum mucosa of Japanese quails with different Phosphorus (P) utility. The aims of this study were to identify differentially expressed miRNAs between high- and low-P utilization groups and to determine candidate microRNAs, target genes and pathways related to P utility in Quail.