Integrated Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analyses of Antler Growth and Ossification Mechanisms

Antlers are the sole mammalian organs capable of continuous regeneration. This distinctive feature has evolved into various biomedical models. Research on mechanisms of antler growth, development, and ossification provides valuable insights for limb regeneration, cartilage-related diseases, and cancer mechanisms. Here, ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-seq) and four-dimensional data-independent acquisition (4D DIA) technologies were employed to examine gene and protein expression differences among four tissue layers of the Chinese milu deer antler: reserve mesenchyme (RM), precartilage (PC), transition zone (TZ), cartilage (CA). Overall, 4611 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 2388 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in the transcriptome and proteome, respectively. Among the 828 DEGs common to both omics approaches, genes from the collagen, integrin, and solute carrier families, and signaling molecules were emphasized for their roles in the regulation of antler growth, development, and ossification. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that in addition to being regulated by vascular and nerve regeneration pathways, antler growth and development are significantly influenced by numerous cancer-related signaling pathways. This indicates that antler growth mechanisms may be similar to those of cancer cell proliferation and development. This study lays a foundation for future research on the mechanisms underlying the rapid growth and ossification of antlers.