Integrated Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals Stage-Specific Molecular Modules Regulating Uterine Function and Fecundity in...

This study systematically explored the regulatory mechanisms of uterine function across four reproductive stages: sexual maturity sow (SMS), low-yield sow (LYS), high-yield sow (HYS), and culled sow (CS) in Large White (LW) pigs through integrated transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses. Twelve healthy LW sows were selected, and uterine tissues were collected for multi-omics detection. Combined with bioinformatics analysis, molecular regulatory networks were constructed. Results showed that transcriptomics identified 12 types of alternative splicing and 1243 novel genes, which were enriched in energy metabolism and signal transduction pathways. Proteomics revealed 430 differentially co-expressed proteins, indicating high protein synthesis activity in the SMS stage and extracellular inflammatory characteristics in the CS stage. Metabolomics detected numerous differential metabolites, among which XTP and DHA ethyl ester were associated with high fecundity and aging, respectively. Integrated multi-omics analysis identified hub genes such as PLA2G4A, which influence reproductive performance by regulating inflammatory and metabolic balance, and clarified stage-specific "gene-protein-metabolite" modules. This study provides a molecular map for understanding dynamic changes in uterine function in Large White pigs and offers a theoretical basis for optimizing reproductive lifespan and breeding strategies.