Evolution, regulation, and function of porcine selenogenome

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Animal Nutrition
• Genomics

Background:

• Limited research exists on selenoprotein regulation and function in domestic pigs compared to rodents and humans.
• Pigs serve as a valuable model for human nutrition and medicine, and pork is a globally significant meat source.
• The porcine selenoproteome shows evolutionary links to sheep and cattle, despite similarities to human and rodent selenoproteins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of dietary selenium (Se) and fat intake on the expression and function of selenoproteins in pigs.
• To understand the role of selenoproteins in metabolic processes within pigs, particularly in response to varying dietary Se levels and high-fat diets.
• To compare the evolutionary relationships of the porcine selenoproteome with other species.

Main Methods:

• Phylogenetic analysis of 25 identified porcine selenoproteins.
• Assessment of selenoprotein expression (mRNA, protein, enzyme activity) in various pig tissues under different dietary Se intakes.
• Evaluation of the effects of high-fat diets on selenoprotein expression.
• Analysis of metabolic changes (glucose, lipid, protein) in pigs subjected to excessive dietary Se intake.

Main Results:

• Dietary Se intake affected the expression of two-thirds of the 25 porcine selenoproteins.
• Fourteen selenoproteins responded to a high-fat diet.
• Dietary Se deficiency generally down-regulated selenoprotein expression, while Se excess had diverse effects.
• Excessive dietary Se induced hyperinsulinemia and altered lipid and protein metabolism in the liver and muscle.

Conclusions:

• Porcine selenoprotein expression is highly sensitive to dietary Se and fat levels.
• Selenoproteins in pigs play a role in glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism, similar to their roles in rodents and humans.
• Pigs represent a relevant model for studying selenoprotein functions and their metabolic implications in human health and nutrition.