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Temporal dynamics of the bat wing transcriptome: Insight into gene-expression changes that enable protection against
Aoqiang Li1,2, Haixia Leng1, Zhongle Li1,3
1Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China.
Virulence
|January 4, 2023
Summary
Bat skin immune responses change during hibernation. Post-hibernation, bats enhance skin immunity and integrity to clear pathogens like Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd).
Area of Science:
- Comparative genomics
- Immunology
- Mammalian physiology
Background:
- Skin serves as a crucial mechanical and immunological barrier.
- Limited understanding exists regarding skin's physiological responses to environmental changes and pathogen challenges.
- Hibernation significantly alters mammalian physiology, impacting immune function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gene expression changes in bat wing skin across different physiological stages (pre-hibernation, hibernation, post-hibernation).
- To analyze gene expression patterns in bats infected with Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd).
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying skin's role in bat resistance to pathogens during hibernation.
Main Methods:
- RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on the wings of Rhinolophus ferrumequinum.
- Gene expression was assessed at four physiological stages: pre-hibernation, early-hibernation, late-hibernation, and post-hibernation.
- Gene expression profiles were compared between bats infected and uninfected with Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd).
Main Results:
- Significant differences in gene expression were observed between distinct physiological stages.
- Hibernating bats showed down-regulated immune response and phosphorus metabolism pathways, indicating metabolic suppression and reduced immune function.
- Post-hibernating bats exhibited up-regulated C-type lectin receptor signalling, Toll-like receptor signalling, and cell adhesion genes, suggesting enhanced immune response and skin integrity for pathogen clearance.
- Genes related to cytokine/chemokine activity were upregulated in late-hibernation compared to early-hibernation.
- FOSB regulation of immune cell activation was differentially expressed in Pd-infected bats during late-hibernation, implying enhanced innate immunity.
Conclusions:
- Bat skin exhibits dynamic gene expression changes correlating with physiological state.
- Metabolic suppression and reduced immune function characterize hibernation, while post-hibernation recovery involves enhanced skin immunity and integrity.
- Intrinsic immunity maintenance is crucial for protecting bats against pathogenic infections, particularly during vulnerable periods.
