Promoter and first exon methylation regulate porcine FASN gene expression.

Area of Science:

• Epigenetics
• Molecular Biology
• Animal Science

Background:

• DNA methylation is a key epigenetic regulator of gene expression, vital for processes like aging and development.
• Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is crucial for de novo lipogenesis, synthesizing long-chain fatty acids.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the FASN gene expression pattern and DNA methylation status in Jinhua pigs.
• To understand the epigenetic regulation of FASN during different developmental stages.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of FASN gene expression and DNA methylation in pig backfat across developmental stages.
• Statistical analysis to determine correlations between gene expression, methylation, and adipocyte volume.

Main Results:

• FASN gene expression increases with age and positively correlates with adipocyte volume (r = 0.98).
• FASN promoter and first exon DNA methylation are significantly and negatively correlated with FASN gene expression (r = -0.944 and r = -0.774, respectively).
• DNA methylation levels were significantly lower in the first exon compared to the promoter.

Conclusions:

• Epigenetic regulation via DNA methylation plays a significant role in controlling FASN gene expression.
• These findings provide insights into the epigenetic mechanisms influencing lipogenesis and fat deposition in pigs.