Maternal Hypermethylated Genes Contribute to Intrauterine Growth Retardation of Piglets in Rongchang Pigs
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Published:2024-06-12
Issue:12
Volume:25
Page:6462
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ISSN:1422-0067
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Container-title:International Journal of Molecular Sciences
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language:en
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Short-container-title:IJMS
Author:
Wu Pingxian123, Wang Junge4ORCID, Ji Xiang4, Chai Jie123, Chen Li123, Zhang Tinghuan12, Long Xi123, Tu Zhi123, Chen Siqing12, Zhang Lijuan12, Wang Ketian12, Zhang Liang12, Guo Zongyi123, Wang Jinyong123
Affiliation:
1. Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Rongchang, Chongqing 402460, China 2. National Center of Technology Innovation for Pigs, Rongchang, Chongqing 402460, China 3. Chongqing Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System, Chongqing 401120, China 4. Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Abstract
The placenta is a crucial determinant of fetal survival, growth, and development. Deficiency in placental development directly causes intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). IUGR can lead to fetal growth restriction and an increase in the mortality rate. The genetic mechanisms underlying IUGR development, however, remain unclear. In the present study, we integrated whole-genome DNA methylation and transcriptomic analyses to determine distinct gene expression patterns in various placental tissues to identify pivotal genes that are implicated with IUGR development. By performing RNA-sequencing analysis, 1487 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 737 upregulated and 750 downregulated genes, were identified in IUGR pigs (H_IUGR) compared with that in normal birth weight pigs (N_IUGR) (p < 0.05); furthermore, 77 miRNAs, 1331 lncRNAs, and 61 circRNAs were differentially expressed. The protein–protein interaction network analysis revealed that among these DEGs, the genes GNGT1, ANXA1, and CDC20 related to cellular developmental processes and blood vessel development were the key genes associated with the development of IUGR. A total of 495,870 differentially methylated regions were identified between the N_IUGR and H_IUGR groups, which included 25,053 differentially methylated genes (DMEs); moreover, the overall methylation level was higher in the H_IUGR group than in the N_IUGR group. Combined analysis showed an inverse correlation between methylation levels and gene expression. A total of 1375 genes involved in developmental processes, tissue development, and immune system regulation exhibited methylation differences in gene expression levels in the promoter regions and gene ontology regions. Five genes, namely, ANXA1, ADM, NRP2, SHH, and SMAD1, with high methylation levels were identified as potential contributors to IUGR development. These findings provide valuable insights that DNA methylation plays a crucial role in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression and mammalian development and that DNA-hypermethylated genes contribute to IUGR development in Rongchang pigs.
Funder
Special Funding for Postdoctoral Research Projects in Chongqing National Center of Technology Innovation for Pigs Performance Incentive and Guidance Special Project of Scientific Research Organization of Chongqing Science and Technology Committee
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