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Comparative Hepatic Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Metabolic Regulatory Differences Between Qilian and Oula Sheep
Yaxiong Ren1, Qi-Tala An1, Xiaohua Du1
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
Veterinary Sciences
|May 26, 2026
Summary
Qilian sheep exhibit distinct liver gene expression compared to Oula sheep, particularly in pathways for lipid and amino acid metabolism. This research identifies key genes and pathways for understanding breed-specific hepatic functions in cold-adapted sheep.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Comparative Genomics
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Qilian sheep are an indigenous Tibetan breed adapted to harsh, high-altitude environments.
- Understanding hepatic nutrient metabolism is crucial for optimizing livestock production and adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare liver transcriptomic profiles between Qilian sheep and Oula sheep.
- To identify differentially expressed genes and pathways related to nutrient metabolism in Qilian sheep.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptome sequencing of liver RNA from Qilian and Oula sheep.
- Bioinformatic analysis including KEGG enrichment analysis.
- Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) for gene expression validation.
Main Results:
- 1640 differentially expressed genes were identified between the two sheep breeds.
- Key pathways affected include lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and fatty acid biosynthesis.
- Eleven candidate genes were validated for their differential expression.
Conclusions:
- Qilian and Oula sheep possess distinct hepatic gene expression patterns.
- Differences are linked to lipid utilization, amino acid metabolism, and energy regulation.
- Identified genes and pathways offer insights into breed-specific metabolic adaptations.
