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Transcriptome analysis reveals key genes and pathways associated with piglet fetal mummification
Shujie Wang1, Pingxian Wu1, Kai Wang1
1Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China.
Genome
|June 17, 2021
Summary
Identifying genes linked to piglet fetal mummification is crucial for improving swine reproduction. This study highlights IL-9R and TLR8 as key candidates potentially involved in immune and reproductive pathways affecting mummified piglets.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Piglet fetal mummification impacts swine reproductive efficiency in China, a major pork producer.
- The genetic underpinnings of piglet fetal mummification remain largely unknown, hindering reproductive capacity improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify candidate genes associated with piglet fetal mummification using transcriptomic analysis.
- To elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying fetal mummification in pigs.
Main Methods:
- RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was employed to compare blood transcriptome profiles of healthy and mummified piglets across four gestational stages (35, 56, 77, and 98 days).
- Differential gene expression analysis was performed to identify significant gene expression changes between groups.
Main Results:
- A total of 137-420 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at each stage.
- Seven DEGs, including IL-9R, TLR8, ABLIM3, FSH-α, ASCC1, PRKCZ, and GCK, were consistently differentially expressed.
- Enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were primarily associated with immune/inflammation regulation and reproductive processes.
Conclusions:
- IL-9R and TLR8 are proposed as the most promising candidate genes implicated in piglet fetal mummification.
- The study suggests that a combination of inflammation, immune response, and reproduction-related pathways may contribute to fetal mummification and impact overall pig reproduction.
