Blood-Based Whole-Genome Methylation Analysis of Yili Horses Pre- and Post-Racing.
- Journal Article
Summary
The study examines changes in genes (methylation) of Yili horses before and after they participate in a race, exploring the genetic mechanisms behind the physical performance of horses. It finds various regions and genes where changes occur and suggests possible candidate genes related to horse athletic performance.
Whole-Genome Methylation Analysis
The study investigates how the process of methylation in the DNA of Yili horses is affected before and after racing. Methylation is a chemical process that can modify the function of the genes, and changes in its patterns can influence physical performance:
- Blood samples were taken from the top 3 Yili horses both before and after a 5000 m race.
- The DNA was then extracted from these samples and sequenced using Whole-Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS), a technique that allows researchers to measure the level of DNA methylation.
Identifying Changes in Methylation
Significant differences in methylation were found in the horse DNA after the race, particularly within specific differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and genes (DMGs):
- The study identified 18,374 differentially methylated CG regions, 254 differentially methylated CHG regions, and 584 differentially methylated CHH regions. These are areas of the DNA where methylation changes were observed.
- It further discovered 4293 DMGs located within gene bodies, and 2187 DMGs in promoter regions of the DNA. These genes are areas of the DNA where the functionality was altered due to changes in methylation.
Functional Analysis and Candidate Genes
Based on the changes in methylation observed, the study then tried to identify potential genes that could be associated with horse athletic performance:
- Utilizing Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses, they observed these DMGs were mainly enriched in terms related to binding and kinase activity. This signifies they potentially have an impact on horse physiology and performance.
- Pathways such as PI3K-Akt signaling and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection were especially noted. These pathways are of importance in cellular function and could likely impact the physical performance of the horses.
- The study suggested possible candidate genes that could be associated with equine athletic performance, giving a baseline for further targeted research in the field.
The research contributes to our understanding of how genetics can influence the physical performance of horses. Such insights could be valuable in training or breeding programmes, helping to optimize athletic performance in horses.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China.
Grant Funding
- 32302735 / National Natural Science Foundation of China
- 2022A02013-1 / The Autonomous Region Major Science and Technology Project
- PT2311 / The Autonomous Region Innovation Environment (Talent and Base) Construction Project
Conflict of Interest Statement
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