Integrated Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis of the Porcine Small Intestine During Weaning

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Weaning stress in piglets leads to intestinal dysfunction, impacting growth and causing economic losses in the swine industry.
• Current strategies to mitigate post-weaning intestinal issues are insufficient.
• Understanding the molecular basis of weaning-induced intestinal dysfunction is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biomolecular alterations in the piglet intestine caused by weaning stress.
• To identify key genes, pathways, and metabolic changes associated with weaning-induced intestinal dysfunction.
• To provide insights for developing strategies to mitigate weaning stress in piglets.

Main Methods:

• Gene expression profiling of intestinal samples from piglets at different time points relative to weaning.
• Metabolome analysis of intestinal samples to identify altered metabolic pathways.
• Integrated analysis of transcriptomic and metabolomic data to understand biological responses.

Main Results:

• Identified 701 differentially expressed genes linked to immune and inflammatory responses, cell proliferation, adhesion, and nutrient metabolism.
• Metabolome analysis revealed enrichment in pathways such as ABC transporter, purine/pyrimidine metabolism, and the urea cycle.
• Results suggest that energy and protein metabolism play a role in repairing intestinal structural damage post-weaning.

Conclusions:

• Integrated molecular and metabolic analyses are essential for understanding complex biological responses to weaning stress.
• Identified molecular and metabolic markers can inform the development of strategies to reduce weaning-related challenges in pigs.
• This research contributes to improving piglet health and economic outcomes in the swine industry.