Construction of Coexpression Networks Affecting Litter Size in Goats Based on Transcriptome Analysis

Area of Science:

• Animal Genetics
• Reproductive Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Litter size is crucial for goat farm productivity and economic efficiency.
• The ovary and uterus are vital reproductive organs, but specific genes regulating litter size are not well-defined.
• Identifying reliable genetic markers for litter size is essential for selective breeding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key regulatory genes associated with litter size in Jining Grey goats.
• To explore gene expression patterns in ovarian and uterine tissues related to litter size.
• To discover potential molecular markers for enhancing goat reproductive performance.

Main Methods:

• RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on ovarian and uterine tissues from high- and low-yield Jining Grey goats.
• Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and differential gene expression (DEG) analysis were employed.
• Candidate genes were identified by overlapping DEGs with significant coexpression modules.

Main Results:

• A total of 1224 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between high- and low-litter size groups.
• Fifteen coexpression modules were identified by WGCNA, with four significantly correlated with litter size.
• Three candidate genes (FOXC1, FOSB, FGL2) showed significant roles in both ovarian and uterine tissues, involved in transcription regulation and extracellular processes.

Conclusions:

• Several gene modules and candidate genes, including FOXC1, FOSB, and FGL2, are associated with litter size in Jining Grey goats.
• These findings provide potential molecular markers for future research and breeding strategies to improve goat litter size.
• The identified genes offer insights into the genetic regulation of reproductive traits in goats.