Screening of M6a methylated genes associated with preovulatory follicle development in Bashang long-tailed chicken

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, a pivotal post-transcriptional modification, regulates RNA metabolism and biological processes, including reproduction. However, its role in poultry follicular development remains unclear. This study integrated MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq analyses to profile m6A modifications and gene expression in preovulatory follicles of Bashang Long-tailed chickens. We identified 14,024 m6A peaks in small yellow follicles(SYF) and 14,063 in small white follicles(SWF) . A total of 651 differential m6A peaks (DMPs), with 562 upregulated and 89 downregulated in SWF compared to SYF were identified. Transcriptome analysis identified 3,250 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 319 upregulated and 2,931 downregulated in SWF. Integrated multi-omics analysis identified 95 genes with concurrent m6A and expression changes, of which MAP1LC3C were identified as target of post-transcriptional m6A regulation. We then constructed the regulation network of MAP1LC3C gene in pre-ovulatory follicle development of chickens. These findings provide insights into epigenetic mechanisms underlying avian reproduction, offering potential targets for improving egg production in native breeds of China.