Differences in gene expression and variable splicing events of ovaries between large and small litter size in Chinese Xiang pigs

Porcine Health Management

Longjiang You¹  Fuping Zhang¹  Xueqin Ran¹  Xi Niu¹  Fengbin Hu¹  Sheng Li¹  Ning Mao¹  Liangting Tang¹  Shihui Huang¹  Fanli Yi¹  Yiqi Ruan¹  Jiafu Wang¹  Jianfeng Liu² 

[1] College of Animal Science, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplam Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University;National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University;

关键词: Transcriptome;    Alternative splicing;    Ovary;    Litter size;    Xiang pig;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s40813-021-00226-x

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Although lots of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and genes present roles in litter size of some breeds, the information might not make it clear for the huge diversity of reproductive capability in pig breeds. To elucidate the inherent mechanisms of heterogeneity of reproductive capability in litter size of Xiang pig, we performed transcriptome analysis for the expression profile in ovaries using RNA-seq method. Results We identified 1,419 up-regulated and 1,376 down-regulated genes in Xiang pigs with large litter size. Among them, 1,010 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were differently spliced between two groups with large or small litter sizes. Based on GO and KEGG analysis, numerous members of genes were gathered in ovarian steroidogenesis, steroid biosynthesis, oocyte maturation and reproduction processes. Conclusions Combined with gene biological function, twelve genes were found out that might be related with the reproductive capability of Xiang pig, of which, eleven genes were recognized as hub genes. These genes may play a role in promoting litter size by elevating steroid and peptide hormones supply through the ovary and facilitating the processes of ovulation and in vivo fertilization.

【 授权许可】

Unknown