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.
Publication Date: 2025-08-29 PubMed ID: 40949872PubMed Central: PMC12425706DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2025.1651628Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
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
Researcher Affiliations
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Xinjiang, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Xinjiang, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Xinjiang, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Xinjiang, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Xinjiang, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Xinjiang, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Xinjiang, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Xinjiang, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Xinjiang, China.
- 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.
References
This article includes 49 references
- Akizuki K, Ono A, Xue H C, Kameshita I, Ishida A, Sueyoshi N. Biochemical characterization of four splice variants of mouse Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Iδ. J. Biochem. 169, 445–458.
- Ana C, Pedro M, Sonia T, Gomez-Cabrero D, Cervera A, McPherson A. A survey of best practices for RNA-Seq data analysis. Genome Biol. 17 (1), 13.
- Bouwman W, Verhaegh W, van Doorn A, Raymakers R, van der Poll T, van de Stolpe A. Quantitative characterization of immune cells by measuring cellular signal transduction pathway activity. Sci. Rep-UK 14, 24487.
- Bryan K, McGivney B A, Farries G, McGettigan P A, McGivney C L, Gough K F. Equine skeletal muscle adaptations to exercise and training: evidence of differential regulation of autophagosomal and mitochondrial components. BMC Genomics 18, 595.
- Cappelli K, Capomaccio S, Viglino A, Silvestrelli M, Beccati F, Moscati L. Circulating miRNAs as putative biomarkers of exercise adaptation in endurance horses. Front. Physiol. 9, 429.
- Chan R J, Walker A, Vardy J, Chan A, Oppegaard K, Conley Y P. Perturbations in the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and renin angiotensin system pathways are associated with cancer-related cognitive impairment. Support Care Cancer 33, 254.
- Christopoulos P F, Msaouel P, Koutsilieris M. The role of the insulin-like growth factor-1 system in breast cancer. Mol. Cancer 14, 43.
- de Almeida R M C, Clendenon S G, Richards W G, Boedigheimer M, Damore M, Rossetti S. Transcriptome analysis reveals manifold mechanisms of cyst development in ADPKD. Hum. Genomics 10, 37.
- Farries G, Bryan K, McGivney C L, McGettigan P A, Gough K F, Browne J A. Expression quantitative trait loci in equine skeletal muscle reveals heritable variation in metabolism and the training responsive transcriptome. Front. Genet. 10, 1215.
- Flick M, Vinther A M L, Jacobsen S, Berg L C, Gimeno M, Verwilghen D. Effect of exercise on serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin concentration in racehorses. Vet. Clin. Path 50, 551–554.
- Fu X K, Zhou B, Yan Q N, Tao C, Qin L, Wu X H. Kindlin-2 regulates skeletal homeostasis by modulating PTH1R in mice. Signal Transduct. Tar 5, 297.
- Gesty-Palmer D, Chen M, Reiter E, Ahn S, Nelson C D, Wang S. Distinct beta-arrestin- and G protein-dependent pathways for parathyroid hormone receptor-stimulated ERK1/2 activation. J. Biol. Chem. 281, 10856–10864.
- Giers J, Bartel A, Kirsch K, Mueller S F, Horstmann S, Gehlen H. Blood-based assessment of oxidative stress, inflammation, endocrine and metabolic adaptations in eventing horses accounting for plasma volume shift after exercise. Vet. Med. Sci. 10, e1409.
- Glebov-McCloud A G P, Saide W S, Gaine M E, Strack S. Protein kinase A in neurological disorders. J. Neurodev. Disord. 16, 9.
- Goltzman D, Hendy G N. The calcium-sensing receptor in bone-mechanistic and therapeutic insights. Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. 11, 298–307.
- Goyal A, Agrawal A, Verma A, Dubey N. The PI3K-AKT pathway: a plausible therapeutic target in parkinson's disease. Exp. Mol. Pathol. 129, 104846.
- Harari S, Deretz S, Saint Priest BD, Richard E, Ricard A. Comparison of blood parameters in two genetically different groups of horses for functional longevity in show jumping. Front. Genet. 15, 1455790.
- Heckman PRA, Blokland A, Bollen EPP, Prickaerts J. Phosphodiesterase inhibition and modulation of corticostriatal and hippocampal circuits: clinical overview and translational considerations. Neurosci. Biobehav R. 87, 233–254.
- Hondares E, Gallego-Escuredo JM, Flachs P, Frontini A, Cereijo R, Goday A. Fibroblast growth factor-21 is expressed in neonatal and pheochromocytoma-induced adult human brown adipose tissue. Metabolism 63, 312–317.
- Huangsaksri O, Sanigavatee K, Poochipakorn C, Wonghanchao T, Yalong M, Thongcham K. Physiological stress responses in horses participating in novice endurance rides. Heliyon 10, e31874.
- Hutchinson JA. Quantification of mRNA expression by RT-qPCR. Transplantation 99 (10), 2009–2011.
- Javier AJS, Kennedy FM, Yi X, Wehling-Henricks M, Tidball JG, White KE. Klotho is cardioprotective in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Am. J. Pathol. 29, 923–940.
- Jia W, Dan H, Lina H, Qinzhen Z, Shaozhuang L, Jiapeng Hu. Protective effect of micheliolide against inflammation and oxidative stress in asthma through the MAPK/NF-κB signalling pathway. World Allergy Organ. J. 18 (8), 101091.
- Jin R, Pei HL, Yue F, Zhang XD, Zhang ZC, Xu Y. Network pharmacology combined with metabolomics reveals the mechanism of yangxuerongjin pill against type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy in rats. Drug Des. Dev. Ther. 19, 325–347.
- Lee J, Hong SW, Park SE, Rhee EJ, Park CY, Oh KW. Exendin-4 regulates lipid metabolism and fibroblast growth factor 21 in hepatic steatosis. Metabolism 63, 1041–1048.
- Li DJ, Fu H, Zhao T, Ni M, Shen FM. Exercise-stimulated FGF23 promotes exercise performance controlling the excess reactive oxygen species production and enhancing mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle. Metabolism 65, 747–756.
- Li PP, Wang JJ, Zou Y, Sun ZL, Zhang MH, Geng ZM. Interaction of Hsp90AA1 with phospholipids stabilizes membranes under stress conditions. BBA-Biomembranes 1861, 457–465.
- Li JT, Gao H, Wang P, Sun C, Wei ZL, Yi XC. Plumbagin induces G2/M arrest and apoptosis and ferroptosis ROS/p38 MAPK pathway in human osteosarcoma cells. Alex Eng. J. 103, 222–236.
- Lin ZY, Lin BW, Hang CW, Lu RH, Xiong H, Liu JY. A new paradigm for generating high-quality cardiac pacemaker cells from mouse pluripotent stem cells. Signal Transduct. Tar 9, 230.
- Liu F, Fu P, Fan WX, Gou R, Huang YQ, Qiu HY. Involvement of parathyroid hormone-related protein in vascular calcification of chronic haemodialysis patients. Nephrology 17, 552–560.
- Liu J, Xu Y, Hu YJ, Wang G. The role of fibroblast growth factor 21 in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and implications for therapy. Metabolism 64, 380–390.
- Masko M, Domino M, Jasinski T, Witkowska-Pilaszewicz O. The physical activity-dependent hematological and biochemical changes in school horses in comparison to blood profiles in endurance and race horses. Animals 11, 1128.
- Menetrey J, Kasemkijwattana C, Day CS, Bosch P, Vogt M, Fu FH. Growth factors improve muscle healing. J. Bone Jt. Surg. Br. 82, 131–137.
- Mir S, Cai WK, Carlson SW, Saatman KE, Andres DA. IGF-1 mediated neurogenesis involves a novel RIT1/Akt/Sox2 Cascade. Sci. Rep-UK 7, 3283.
- Neele AE, Gijbels MJJ, van der Velden S, Hoeksema MA, Boshuizen MCS, Prange KHM. Myeloid Kdm6b deficiency results in advanced atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis 275, 156–165.
- Porro A, Thiel G, Moroni A, Saponaro A. Cyclic AMP regulation and its command in the pacemaker channel HCN4. Front. Physiol. 11, 771.
- Reitzner SM, Emanuelsson EB, Arif M, Kaczkowski B, Kwon ATJ, Mardinoglu A. Molecular profiling of high-level athlete skeletal muscle after acute endurance or resistance exercise- A systems biology approach. Mol. Metab. 79, 101857.
- Saito Y, Nakamura K, Yoshida M, Sugiyama H, Akagi S, Miyoshi T. Enhancement of pacing function by HCN4 overexpression in human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Stem Cell Res. Ther. 13, 141.
- Seiradake E, Jones EY, Klein R. Structural perspectives on axon guidance. Annu. Rev. Cell Dev. Bi 32, 577–608.
- Shacham EC, Maman N, Lazareva T, Masalha R, Mahagna L, Sela G. Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism is an early stage of primary hyperparathyroidism according to fibroblast growth factor 23 level. Front. Endocrinol. 14, 1152464.
- Singh AT, Gilchrist A, Voyno-Yasenetskaya T, Radeff-Huang JM, Stern PH. G alpha12/G alpha13 subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins mediate parathyroid hormone activation of phospholipase D in UMR-106 osteoblastic cells. Endocrinology 146, 2171–2175.
- Song XT, Zhang JN, Zhao DW, Zhai YF, Lu Q, Qi MY. Molecular cloning, expression, and functional features of IGF1 splice variants in sheep. Endocr. Connect. 10, 980–994.
- Stefaniuk-Szmukier M, Ropka-Molik K, Piórkowska K, Zukowski K, Bugno-Poniewierska M. Transcriptomic hallmarks of bone remodelling revealed by RNA-seq profiling in blood of Arabian horses during racing training regime. Gene 676, 256–262.
- Tuerxun Z, He YX, Niu YX, Bao Z, Liu XM, Yang YC. Analysis of differentially expressed murine miRNAs in acute myocardial infarction and target genes related to heart rate. Cell Biochem. Biophys. 83, 963–975.
- Wang SS, Xu Q, Zhang Y, Cao HX, Wang N, Hu YF. The FGF23-Klotho axis promotes microinflammation in chronic kidney disease. Cytokine 184, 156781.
- Wilson J, De Donato M, Appelbaum B, Garcia CT, Peters S. Differential expression of innate and adaptive immune genes during acute physical exercise in American quarter horses. Animals 13, 308.
- Yang QJ, Yang GJ, Wan LL, Li B, Lu J, Yu Q. Serum metabolic profiles reveal the effect of formoterol on cachexia in tumor-bearing mice. Mol. Biosyst. 9, 3015–3025.
- Yang JH, Wu XX, You JH. Unveiling the potential of HSPA4: a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of HSPA4 in diagnosis, prognosis, and immunotherapy. Aging 16, 2517–2541.
- Zhang ZY, Xu Z, Wang S, Jia ZZ, Zhou Z, Wang C. Optimized new Shengmai Powder modulation of cAMP/Rap1A signaling pathway attenuates myocardial fibrosis in heart failure. Chin. Med-UK 19, 30.
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- 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).
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists