Deciphering the transcription regulation of bovine papillomavirus (BPV)-associated equine sarcoids through OMIC integrated approach

Sarcoids are the most common cutaneous tumors in horses, representing up to 90% (35–90%) of skin neoplasms. Mostly caused by Bovine Papillomavirus (BPVs) infections, sarcoids are highly resistant to therapy and prone to recurring, posing a significant threat to equine health. The aim of this study is to explore molecular pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the development of BPVs-associated sarcoids, by applying transcriptomic approach. After testing samples for viral DNA, both mRNA and small RNA expression was analyzed via high-throughput Illumina sequencing comparing 12 sarcoids and 12 healthy skin samples as controls. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs), DE miRNAs (sarcoids vs controls) and miRNA-DEG couples with opposite expression trends, were retrieved and subjected to a functional analysis. Over 6K DEGs emerged, 3620 down-regulated and 2415 up-regulated along with 145 DE miRNAs, 56 down-regulated and 89 up-regulated. Among the enriched biological processes for DEGs, some were related to growth factors production and collagen binding, cell migration and proliferation, tissue morphogenesis and inflammatory response. Interestingly, “ Pathways in cancer ” and “ Hippo signaling pathway ” were enriched KEGG pathways for the miRNA-DEG couples. Our data identified a great transcription discrepancy between sarcoid lesions and healthy skin with an overall enrichment for processes related to cellular transformation.