Identifying sex-based disparities in porcine mitochondrial function.

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Cell Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• The influence of sex on production and reproductive traits in pigs is well-documented.
• However, the specific role of sex in regulating mitochondrial function remains largely uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the sex-specific effects on mitochondrial function and gene expression in pigs.
• To identify molecular mechanisms underlying sex-based regulation of energy metabolism traits.

Main Methods:

• Fibroblast cell lines (15 male, 15 female) were established from pigs at various developmental stages (fetuses, newborns, 1-year-olds).
• Mitochondrial functions including oxygen consumption, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number were assessed.
• Gene expression analysis of mitochondrial biogenesis and mitoprotease genes was performed.

Main Results:

• Significant sex-dependent differences were observed in cellular and molecular characteristics, including energy metabolism and mtDNA replication/transcription.
• Male pigs exhibited higher oxygen consumption rates, ROS levels, and mtDNA copy numbers compared to females in muscle and ear fibroblasts.
• Specific mitochondrial biogenesis genes (POLG, PPARGC1A, TFAM, TWNK) and XPNPEP3 showed higher expression in male ear fibroblasts from adult pigs.

Conclusions:

• Sex exerts a significant influence on mitochondrial function and gene expression in pigs.
• These findings provide crucial data for understanding the mechanisms of sex-based regulation of energy metabolism in swine.