Multi-Omics Integration and Network Analysis Reveal Potential Hub Genes and Genetic Mechanisms Regulating Bovine...

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Science

Background:

• Mastitis is a major economic and welfare issue in dairy cattle.
• Understanding the genetic basis of mastitis is crucial for developing control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the genetic underpinnings of bovine mastitis.
• To identify candidate genes, biomarkers, and molecular mechanisms associated with mastitis.

Main Methods:

• Integrated analysis of microarray and RNA-Seq data from healthy and mastitic cattle.
• Comparative transcriptome analysis combined with literature mining of genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
• Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and gene regulatory network construction.

Main Results:

• Identified 33 common genes associated with bovine mastitis.
• Highlighted seven hub genes (CXCR1, HCK, IL1RN, MMP9, S100A9, GRO1, SOCS3) crucial for mastitis susceptibility and resistance.
• Revealed significant enrichment in immune and inflammatory signaling pathways, including cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and the IL-17 signaling pathway.

Conclusions:

• The identified genes and pathways provide a foundation for understanding mastitis genetics.
• This research offers potential targets for improving mastitis resistance in dairy cattle.
• Contributes to enhanced animal welfare and dairy farm profitability.