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Transcriptome analysis reveals immune function-related mRNA expression in donkey mammary glands during four
Xinyue Wang1, Yaqi Fei1, Yang Shao1
1Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China.
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part D, Genomics & Proteomics
|December 14, 2023
Summary
Donkey mammary gland immunity involves key genes like toll-like receptors (TLR2, TLR4) and beta-2-microglobulin (B2M). This research uncovers genetic insights into why jennies rarely get mastitis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Comparative Genomics
- Mammalian Physiology
Background:
- Donkey (jenny) mammary glands show low mastitis susceptibility and donkey milk has strong immune properties.
- However, the specific genes governing mammary gland immunity in jennies remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore jenny mammary gland transcriptomes using RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics.
- To identify differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs related to immunity across four developmental stages: foetal (F), pubertal (P), non-lactation (N), and lactation (L).
Main Methods:
- RNA-sequencing was employed to analyze mammary gland transcriptomes.
- Bioinformatics analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, were performed.
- Differentially expressed mRNAs were identified comparing developmental stages (F vs. P, P vs. N, N vs. L).
Main Results:
- A significant number of DE mRNAs were identified across developmental stages (2497 in F vs. P, 583 in P vs. N, 1820 in N vs. L).
- GO and KEGG analyses highlighted immune function-related terms, particularly between foetal and pubertal stages.
- Key immune-related genes such as beta-2-microglobulin (B2M), immunoglobulin heavy constant mu (IGHM), toll-like receptors (TLR2, TLR4), and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MYD88) were identified, involved in pathways like PI3K-Akt, phagosome, and NF-kappa B signalling.
Conclusions:
- This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of jenny mammary gland immunity.
- The identified genes and pathways contribute to understanding the genetic basis for the low incidence of mastitis in donkeys.
- Findings lay the groundwork for future research into donkey mammary health and immune function.
