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Frontiers in genetics2025; 16; 1651628; doi: 10.3389/fgene.2025.1651628

Comparative analysis of blood whole transcriptome profiles in Yili horses pre- and post-5000-meter racing.

Abstract: This study employed Yili horses participating in a 5000-meter race as a model to investigate exercise-induced gene expression alterations in peripheral blood using whole transcriptome sequencing. Jugular vein blood samples from the three leading horses were collected pre- and immediately post-race, yielding 2,171 differentially expressed mRNAs (2,080 upregulated, 91 downregulated), 4,375 differentially expressed LncRNAs (4,354 upregulated), and 68 differentially expressed circRNAs (64 upregulated). GO/KEGG analyses demonstrated significant enrichment of differential mRNAs in transmembrane transport function and pivotal signaling pathways (cAMP, MAPK, PI3K-Akt). Differential lncRNAs targeted neuro-signaling pathways (e.g., Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, Calcium signaling) and developmental regulators (stem cell pluripotency). Source genes of circRNAs were enriched in axon guidance and immune-related T cell receptor signaling. Molecular functions converged on transporter/receptor activity (mRNA/lncRNA) and nucleic acid/GTP binding (circRNA source genes). The protein-protein interaction analysis identified ten central genes within the heat shock protein family, such as and . Notably, significant upregulation of and indicated their potential roles in modulating cardiac rhythm, promoting tissue repair, and maintaining calcium-phosphorus homeostasis during exercise adaptation. This study provides comprehensive overview of transcriptomic regulatory mechanisms in the blood of Yili horses, offering a molecular framework for advancing understanding of physiological adaptation to exercise and optimizing equine exercise protocols.
Copyright © 2025 Su, Ren, Ma, Meng, Yao, Zeng, Li, Li, Wang and Wang.
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Publication Date: 2025-08-29 PubMed ID: 40949872PubMed Central: PMC12425706DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2025.1651628Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This study examined how a 5000-meter race affects gene expression in the blood of Yili horses by comparing blood transcriptome profiles before and after racing.
  • The research aimed to identify key changes in RNA molecules and biological pathways involved in exercise-induced physiological adaptations.

Study Design and Methods

  • The subjects were Yili horses participating in a 5000-meter race, a model to study exercise effects on gene expression.
  • Jugular vein blood samples were collected from the top three performing horses immediately before and after the race.
  • Whole transcriptome sequencing was conducted to profile:
    • mRNAs (messenger RNAs)
    • lncRNAs (long non-coding RNAs)
    • circRNAs (circular RNAs)

Differential Expression Findings

  • mRNAs:
    • Total of 2,171 differentially expressed mRNAs detected post-race compared to pre-race.
    • Most were upregulated (2,080), indicating increased gene activity following exercise.
    • A smaller subset (91) were downregulated.
  • lncRNAs:
    • 4,375 differentially expressed, with 4,354 upregulated post-race.
    • These non-coding RNAs likely play regulatory roles in exercise response.
  • circRNAs:
    • 68 differential circRNAs identified, 64 upregulated post-exercise.
    • Circular RNAs often modulate gene expression and stability.

Functional Enrichment Analyses (GO and KEGG)

  • Analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs showed:
    • Significant enrichment in transmembrane transport functions, implying changes in molecule movement across cell membranes during exercise.
    • Activation of key signaling pathways:
      • cAMP signaling pathway – involved in energy balance and cellular responses.
      • MAPK pathway – regulates cell growth and stress responses.
      • PI3K-Akt pathway – important in metabolism and cell survival.
  • Differentially expressed lncRNAs targeted pathways:
    • Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction – indicating modulation of nervous system signaling during exercise.
    • Calcium signaling pathway – crucial for muscle contraction and cellular signaling.
    • Stem cell pluripotency regulation – suggesting roles in cellular regeneration or repair mechanisms post-exercise.
  • Source genes of circRNAs were enriched in:
    • Axon guidance pathway – relating to neural development and function.
    • T cell receptor signaling pathway – indicating immune system involvement in exercise adaptation.
  • Molecular function convergences included:
    • Transporter and receptor activities for mRNAs and lncRNAs, suggesting modifications in cellular communication and nutrient transport.
    • Nucleic acid and GTP binding functions for circRNA source genes, implying regulation of genetic material and signaling molecules.

Protein-Protein Interaction and Key Genes

  • Ten central hub genes in the protein interaction network belonged to the heat shock protein (HSP) family, known for their role in protecting cells from stress.
  • Two genes, notably upregulated post-race and linked to:
    • Cardiac rhythm regulation – important for maintaining heart function during and after exertion.
    • Tissue repair processes – facilitating recovery from exercise-induced damage.
    • Calcium and phosphorus homeostasis – critical in muscle contraction and bone maintenance during physical stress.

Significance and Applications

  • This research provides a comprehensive molecular overview of how Yili horses adapt physiologically to exercise at the transcriptome level in blood cells.
  • The identification of key RNA molecules and pathways offers insights into:
    • The regulatory mechanisms that underpin exercise response and adaptation in horses.
    • Potential biomarkers for monitoring training effects and health status.
    • Guiding the development of optimized training regimens tailored to molecular responses.

Cite This Article

APA
Su Y, Ren W, Ma S, Meng J, Yao X, Zeng Y, Li Z, Li L, Wang R, Wang J. (2025). Comparative analysis of blood whole transcriptome profiles in Yili horses pre- and post-5000-meter racing. Front Genet, 16, 1651628. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2025.1651628

Publication

Frontiers in genetics
ISSN: 1664-8021
NlmUniqueID: 101560621
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 16
Pages: 1651628
PII: 1651628

Researcher Affiliations

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

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Huang Q, Ren W, Shan D, Su Y, Li Z, Li L, Wang R, Ma S, Wang J. Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Differences in Athletic Ability in Racehorses Based on Whole Transcriptome Sequencing. Biology (Basel) 2025 Oct 5;14(10).
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