Integrated Transcriptomics and Targeted Metabolomics Approaches: Comparative Analysis of the Ileum in Neonatal...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Developmental Biology
• Metabolomics

Background:

• Birth weight significantly impacts neonatal piglet development and intestinal maturation.
• Understanding molecular and metabolic differences is crucial for optimizing piglet growth and health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate molecular and metabolic distinctions in ileal development between high (H) and low (L) birth weight neonatal piglets.
• To identify potential molecular targets for enhancing intestinal development and growth performance in piglets.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of ileal tissues from H group (top 5% birth weight) and L group (bottom 5% birth weight) piglets (n=126).
• Transcriptomic analysis using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and targeted metabolomic analysis via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
• Validation of selected differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR).

Main Results:

• 112 DEGs identified; RFC3, PCNA, MCM3, AURKA, CCNB2, and SI were upregulated in the H group (p < 0.05).
• Upregulated genes are primarily involved in DNA replication, cell division, and nutrient absorption pathways.
• Higher pyruvic acid concentrations in the H group indicate activated energy metabolism.

Conclusions:

• High-birth-weight piglets exhibit a genetic predisposition for increased cellular proliferation and energy metabolism in the ileum.
• Identified DEGs and metabolic pathways provide insights into ileal development regulation.
• Findings suggest potential strategies for improving growth and intestinal development in low-birth-weight piglets.