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

Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) undergoes a metamorphosis from aquatic larvae to terrestrial adults, with concomitant transfer of respiration from gills to lungs prior to metamorphosis. These two tissues, as well as skin, were sampled to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs.