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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2025; 15(3); doi: 10.3390/ani15030326

Blood-Based Whole-Genome Methylation Analysis of Yili Horses Pre- and Post-Racing.

Abstract: This study aims to analyze the whole-genome DNA methylation differences in Yili horses before and after racing, with the goal of identifying differentially methylated genes associated with racing performance and exploring the epigenetic mechanisms underlying exercise in horses. Blood samples were collected from the jugular veins of the top 3 Yili horses in a 5000 m race, which included 25 competitors, both prior to and within 5 min after the race. Genomic DNA was extracted, followed by sequencing using Whole-Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS) to assess DNA methylation levels, differentially methylated regions (DMRs), and differentially methylated genes (DMGs). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the identified DMGs to select candidate genes potentially associated with equine exercise. A total of 18,374 differentially methylated CG regions, 254 differentially methylated CHG regions, and 584 differentially methylated CHH regions were identified. A total of 4293 DMGs were anchored in gene bodies and 2187 DMGs in promoter regions. Functional analysis revealed that these DMGs were mainly enriched in terms related to binding and kinase activity, as well as pathways such as PI3K-Akt signaling and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection. Further analysis indicated that genes such as IFNAR2, FGF4, and DGKH could be potential candidate genes associated with equine athletic performance. The findings of this study contribute to understanding the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of equine athletic performance, providing a reference for further in-depth research on horse racing.
Publication Date: 2025-01-24 PubMed ID: 39943096PubMed Central: PMC11815882DOI: 10.3390/ani15030326Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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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

APA
Wang J, Ren W, Li Z, Ma S, Li L, Wang R, Zeng Y, Meng J, Yao X. (2025). Blood-Based Whole-Genome Methylation Analysis of Yili Horses Pre- and Post-Racing. Animals (Basel), 15(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15030326

Publication

ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 3

Researcher Affiliations

Wang, Jianwen
  • College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
  • Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China.
Ren, Wanlu
  • College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
  • Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China.
Li, Zexu
  • College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
Ma, Shikun
  • College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
Li, Luling
  • College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
Wang, Ran
  • College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
Zeng, Yaqi
  • College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
  • Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China.
Meng, Jun
  • College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
  • Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China.
Yao, Xinkui
  • 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

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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