Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Differences in Athletic Ability in Racehorses Based on Whole Transcriptome Sequencing.
Abstract: This study aimed to compare blood samples from Yili horses with outstanding and average performance in 5000 m races through transcriptome sequencing, identify key differentially expressed genes, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, as well as related enriched pathways, and elucidate their regulatory networks. This study used six healthy four-year-old Yili stallions as subjects, divided into an excellent group (E group, = 3) and an ordinary group (O group, = 3) based on their 5000-m race performance. Blood RNA-Seq technology was used to analyze differentially expressed mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs. A total of 2298 mRNAs, 264 lncRNAs, and 215 circRNAs were identified as differentially expressed. Key genes such as EGR1, FOSB, MRPL1, LOC100049811, SIRPB2, and CYTB regulate athletic performance. These genes and their associated RNAs synergistically participate in energy metabolism, protein homeostasis, and muscle remodeling processes, revealing the molecular mechanisms influencing athletic performance and providing important references for identifying candidate genes associated with equine athletic performance.
Publication Date: 2025-10-05 PubMed ID: 41154767PubMed Central: PMC12561781DOI: 10.3390/biology14101364Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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Overview
- This study investigated differences in gene expression between high-performing and average-performing Yili racehorses using whole transcriptome sequencing of blood samples.
- The research identified specific genes and RNA molecules linked to athletic ability, shedding light on molecular pathways influencing racehorse performance.
Study Objectives
- Compare gene expression profiles between two groups of Yili stallions differentiated by their 5000 m racing performance: an excellent group and an ordinary group.
- Identify differentially expressed messenger RNAs (mRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) related to athletic ability.
- Elucidate molecular pathways and regulatory networks that underlie variations in athletic performance.
Experimental Design and Methods
- Subjects: Six healthy four-year-old Yili stallions were selected and divided equally into two performance groups:
- Excellent group (E group, n = 3)
- Ordinary group (O group, n = 3)
- Sample Collection: Blood samples were collected from all horses for genetic analysis.
- Transcriptome Sequencing: RNA-Seq technology was applied to sequence the whole transcriptome in the blood samples, enabling comprehensive profiling of gene expression.
- Data Analysis:
- Identification of differentially expressed RNAs, including mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, between groups.
- Bioinformatic analyses to investigate the biological pathways enriched by these differentially expressed RNAs.
- Building regulatory interaction networks to understand how these RNAs work together to influence athletic traits.
Key Findings
- A total of 2298 mRNAs showed differential expression between excellent and ordinary performers.
- 264 lncRNAs and 215 circRNAs were also differentially expressed, highlighting the role of non-coding RNAs in athletic performance.
- Several key genes were identified as crucial regulators of athletic ability:
- EGR1 (Early Growth Response 1): Known to be involved in muscle adaptation and growth response to stimuli.
- FOSB: Participates in gene regulation under physiological stress and muscle remodeling.
- MRPL1: Mitochondrial ribosomal protein potentially linked to energy metabolism.
- LOC100049811: A gene locus associated with performance differences, though its exact function may require further research.
- SIRPB2: Involved in immune regulation, possibly influencing recovery or endurance.
- CYTB (Cytochrome b): Critical component of mitochondrial electron transport chain and ATP production.
- Identified genes and associated RNAs work synergistically in:
- Energy metabolism — important for sustained physical exertion during racing.
- Protein homeostasis — maintaining muscle protein balance and repair.
- Muscle remodeling — adaptations required for enhanced muscular performance and endurance.
Scientific and Practical Implications
- The study provides insight into the molecular basis of athletic performance differences in racehorses, emphasizing the roles of both coding and non-coding RNAs.
- Understanding these molecular mechanisms helps identify candidate genetic markers for breeding programs aimed at improving racehorse performance.
- Findings may contribute to the development of targeted interventions or training regimens that enhance energy metabolism and muscle adaptation based on an individual horse’s genetic profile.
- The regulatory networks uncovered can guide future research on how gene expression modulation impacts athletics in horses and potentially other animals.
Summary
- This research leveraged whole transcriptome sequencing of blood samples from Yili racehorses with varying athletic performance to pinpoint key genes and RNA molecules linked to superior racing ability.
- The study highlights complex interactions involving energy production, protein dynamics, and muscular remodeling as fundamental biological processes underpinning athletic differences.
- The identification of these molecular signatures paves the way for genetic and genomic approaches to optimizing equine athletic performance.
Cite This Article
APA
Huang Q, Ren W, Shan D, Su Y, Li Z, Li L, Wang R, Ma S, Wang J.
(2025).
Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Differences in Athletic Ability in Racehorses Based on Whole Transcriptome Sequencing.
Biology (Basel), 14(10), 1364.
https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14101364 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 / Major Science and Technology Special Project of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
- ZYYD2025JD02 / Central Guidance for Local Science and Technology Development Fund
- XJEDU2025J057 / Basic Research Funding Projects for Scientific Research in Xinjiang Universities
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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