High-throughput transcriptomic analyses have identified numerous candidate miRNA–mRNA and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) regulatory networks in teleosts, but most remain without systematic functional validation or mechanistic definition. Here, by interrogating miRNA–lncRNA networks in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) gonads, we define their roles in meiotic progression and gonadal development. From preliminary screening, we identified lncRNA74687 as a central node and characterised its function. Subcellular localisation showed predominant nuclear enrichment of lncRNA74687 in gonadal cells. Dual-luciferase assays confirmed miR-15a-5p targeting of Cyclin E (CCNE1) and lncRNA74687. Functional studies showed that concurrent overexpression of lncRNA74687 and inhibition of miR-15a-5p synergistically increased the CCNE1 protein to maximal levels. 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays showed that knockdown of lncRNA74687 and CCNE1 in rainbow trout gonadal (RTG-2) cells reduced proliferation by 36.4% and 41.2%, respectively (p < 0.05). Immunofluorescence indicated that lncRNA74687 increased Synaptonemal Complex Protein 1 (SYCP1) signalling 6.93-fold in gonadal cells via CCNE1. In vivo, lncRNA74687 knockdown increased miR-15a-5p expression 6.34-fold relative to the wild-type controls (p < 0.01). Transcriptomic profiling revealed broad downregulation of meiosis-related genes in lncRNA74687-deficient gonads, with the strongest reduction in mstrg1 expression, indicating a key role of lncRNA74687 in germ-cell meiotic progression. Together, these data show that lncRNA74687 enhances CCNE1 mRNA and the CCNE1 protein in rainbow trout by competitively binding miR-15a-5p. This lncRNA74687–miR-15a-5p–CCNE1 axis regulates gonadal cell proliferation and meiotic gene expression during gonadal development.
Huang et al. (2025) studied this question.