Comparative expression analysis identifies the respiratory transition-related miRNAs and their target genes in tissues of metamorphosing Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus).

This study provides the first large-scale miRNA expression profile overview during the respiration transition from gills to lungs in Chinese giant salamander. Five differentially expressed miRNAs and their target genes were identified among skin, gill and lung tissues. These results suggest that miRNA profiles in respiratory tissues play an important role in the regulation of respiratory transition.