Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulators that have multiple functions in a variety of biological processes. However, the contributions of lncRNAs to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion remain largely unknown. In this study, we first identified a novel lncRNA, lncRNAm433s1, as an intergenic lncRNA located in the cytoplasm. We next used MS2-RIP assays to demonstrate that lncRNA-m433s1 interacted with miR-433. Furthermore, we detected the levels of lncRNA-m433s1, miR-433, and Fshβ expression, FSH concentrations, and apoptosis upon overexpression and knockdown of lncRNA-m433s1, revealing that lncRNA-m433s1 upregulated Fshβ expression. Globally, lncRNA-m433s1 reduced the inhibitory effect of miR-433 on Fshβ and further regulated FSH secretion as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sponging miR-433. This ceRNA model will provide novel insight into the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs associated with rat reproduction.

Summary Sentence

A regulatory mechanism of lncRNA in rat anterior pituitary cell which was that lncRNA-m433s1 reduced the inhibitory effect of miR-433 on Fshβ and further regulated FSH secretion by acting as a ceRNA to sponge miR-433.