Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 20, 2025
Identification of Coding and Non-coding RNA Classes Expressed in Swine Whole Blood
Published on: November 28, 2018
Identifying Candidate Genes for Short Gestation Length Trait in Chinese Qingping Pigs by Whole-Genome Resequencing
Zezhang Liu1, Jun Yang2, Hong Li3
1Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Agricultural Ministry and Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.
Researchers identified genetic factors contributing to short gestation length in Qingping (QP) pigs. Key genes, including EGFR, were highlighted, offering insights into pig fetal development and potential genetic improvements for gestation length.
Area of Science:
- * Animal Genetics
- * Reproductive Biology
- * Genomics
Background:
- * Gestation length is a complex polygenic trait influencing pig fetal development.
- * Qingping (QP) pigs, a Chinese breed, exhibit a naturally short gestation length.
- * The genetic basis for this trait in QP pigs remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To elucidate the genetic architecture underlying the short gestation length in QP pigs.
- * To identify candidate genes associated with this trait at both genomic and transcriptomic levels.
- * To provide a resource for genetic improvement of gestation length in pigs.
Main Methods:
- * Selective sweep analyses were conducted comparing QP pigs with 15 other breeds.
- * RNA sequencing was used to identify differentially expressed genes between QP and Large White pigs.
- * Candidate genes were compared with known human preterm birth genes and functionally prioritized.
Main Results:
- * 111 known preterm birth genes were identified as candidate genes.
- * 839 novel candidate genes with functional similarity to preterm birth genes were discovered.
- * EGFR was highlighted as a top novel candidate, showing high expression in QP pigs and potential regulation of the NF-κB pathway and PTGS2 expression.
Conclusions:
- * The study comprehensively identified candidate genes for short gestation length in QP pigs using genomic and transcriptomic approaches.
- * EGFR emerged as a key gene potentially regulating gestation length via the NF-κB pathway.
- * Findings provide a valuable resource for understanding and improving gestation length in swine.
