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Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Multilayer Regulation Underlying Development and Pregnancy in the Malayan Pangolin
Xianghui Liang1,2, Miaomiao Jia3, Zhiguang Wang4
1College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
Animal Genetics
|June 30, 2026
Summary
This study reveals key molecular differences in Malayan pangolin (Manis javanica) development and pregnancy. Findings provide crucial insights into gene regulation for conservation efforts.
Area of Science:
- Genomics and Molecular Biology
- Conservation Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The Malayan pangolin (Manis javanica) is critically endangered, with limited understanding of its molecular mechanisms for development and reproduction.
- Effective conservation strategies are hindered by inadequate characterization of its genetic underpinnings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of Malayan pangolin tissues across different life stages (adult, fetal, pregnant).
- To identify stage-specific genes, pathways, and regulatory mechanisms involved in pangolin development and reproduction.
- To provide candidate biomarkers for assessing reproductive health and informing conservation.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptomic analysis of six tissues (intestine, kidney, liver, lung, muscle, spleen) from adult, fetal, and pregnant Malayan pangolins.
- Differential gene expression (DGE) and differential alternative splicing (DAS) analyses.
- Co-expression network analysis to identify key regulatory genes (hub genes).
Main Results:
- The fetal stage showed the highest abundance of stage-specific genes, enriched in developmental pathways.
- Adults showed upregulated genes related to metabolism and immunity, while fetuses had upregulated genes linked to development and cell cycle.
- Key hub genes (e.g., GLDC in adults, NCAM1 in fetuses) and extensive differential alternative splicing events (primarily exon skipping) were identified.
- Integrative analysis revealed independent and coordinated roles of DGE and DAS in regulating pangolin biology.
Conclusions:
- This study provides a detailed transcriptomic atlas of Malayan pangolin development and pregnancy.
- Identified candidate biomarker genes can aid in evaluating reproductive health and developmental status.
- The findings offer valuable molecular data to support conservation initiatives for this endangered species.
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