scholarly journals Transcriptome analysis of oil palm inflorescences revealed candidate genes for an auxin signaling pathway involved in parthenocarpy

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5975
Author(s):  
Suthasinee Somyong ◽  
Kitti Walayaporn ◽  
Nukoon Jomchai ◽  
Chaiwat Naktang ◽  
Tanapong Yodyingyong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candidate Genes ◽  
Oil Palm ◽  
Fruit Development ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Auxin Signaling ◽  
Parthenocarpic Fruit ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Auxin Treatment ◽  
Auxin Signaling Pathway ◽  
Average Size

Oil palm parthenocarpic fruits, which are produced without fertilization, can be targeted to increase oil content because the majority of the fruit is occupied by mesocarp, the part in which palm oil is stored. Consequently, gaining an understanding of the parthenocarpic mechanism would be instrumental for producing parthenocarpic oil palm. This study aims to determine effects of auxin treatment and analyze differentially expressed genes in oil palm pistils at the pollination/anthesis stage, using an RNA sequencing (RNA seq) approach. The auxin treatment caused 100% parthenocarpy when auxin was sprayed before stigmas opened. The parthenocarpy decreased to 55%, 8% and 5% when the auxin was sprayed 1, 2 and 3 days after the opening of stigmas, respectively. Oil palm plants used for RNA seq were plants untreated with auxin as controls and auxin-treated plants on the day before pollination and 1 day after pollination. The number of raw reads ranged from 8,425,859 to 11,811,166 reads, with an average size ranging from 99 to 137 base pairs (bp). When compared with the oil palm transcriptome, the mapped reads ranged from 8,179,948 to 11,320,799 reads, representing 95.85–98.01% of the oil palm matching. Based on five comparisons between RNA seq of treatments and controls, and confirmation using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and quantitative real-time RT-PCR expression, five candidate genes, including probable indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-amido synthetase GH3.8 (EgGH3.8), IAA-amido synthetase GH3.1 (EgGH3.1), IAA induced ARG7 like (EgARG7), tryptophan amino transferase-related protein 3-like (EgTAA3) and flavin-containing monooxygenase 1 (EgFMO1), were differentially expressed between auxin-treated and untreated samples. This evidence suggests a pathway of parthenocarpic fruit development at the beginning of fruit development. However, more research is needed to identify which genes are definitely involved in parthenocarpy.

scholarly journals Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Key Genes and Pathways Associated with Mummify Piglets

Genome ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shujie Wang ◽  
Pingxian Wu ◽  
Kai Wang ◽  
Xiang Ji ◽  
Dong Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candidate Genes ◽  
Transcriptome Profiling ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Reproductive Capacity ◽  
Signal Pathways ◽  
Comparative Transcriptome ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Promising Candidate ◽  
Pork Consumption ◽  
Differential Genes

China is the country with the largest pork consumption in the world. However, the incidence of high mummify piglets (3-5%) is one of the important factors that cause the slow improvement of pig reproductive capacity, and the genetic mechanism is still unclear. This study aimed to identify candidate genes related to high mummify piglets. RNA-seq technology was used to comparative transcriptome profiling of blood from high piglets mummified and healthy sow at different stages of pregnancy (35d, 56d, 77d and 98d). A total of 137 to 420 DEGs were detected in each stage. Seven differentially expressed genes were significantly differentially expressed at various stages. IL-9R, TLR8, ABLIM3, FSH-α, ASCC1, PRKCZ, and GCK may play an important role in course of mummify piglets. The differential genes we identified between the groups were mainly enriched in immune and inflammation regulation, and others were mainly enriched in reproduction. Considering the function of candidate genes, IL-9R and TLR8 were suggested as the most promising candidate genes involved in mummify piglet traits. We speculate that during pregnancy, it may be the combined effects of the above-mentioned inflammation, immune response, and reproduction-related signal pathways that affect the occurrence of mummifying piglets, and further affect pig reproduction.

scholarly journals Genome-wide association and differential expression analysis of salt tolerance in Gossypium hirsutum L at the germination stage

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanchao Yuan ◽  
Huixian Xing ◽  
Wenguan Zeng ◽  
Jialing Xu ◽  
Lili Mao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salt Stress ◽  
Salt Tolerance ◽  
Candidate Genes ◽  
Upland Cotton ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Genome Wide Association ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Salt Tolerant ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Germination Stage

Abstract Background Salinity is a major abiotic stress seriously hindering crop yield. Development and utilization of tolerant varieties is the most economical way to address soil salinity. Upland cotton is a major fiber crop and pioneer plant on saline soil and thus its genetic architecture underlying salt tolerance should be extensively explored. Results In this study, genome-wide association analysis and RNA sequencing were employed to detect salt-tolerant qualitative-trait loci (QTLs) and candidate genes in 196 upland cotton genotypes at the germination stage. Using comprehensive evaluation values of salt tolerance in four environments, we identified 33 significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including 17 and 7 SNPs under at least two and four environments, respectively. The 17 stable SNPs were located within or near 98 candidate genes in 13 QTLs, including 35 genes that were functionally annotated to be involved in salt stress responses. RNA-seq analysis indicated that among the 98 candidate genes, 13 were stably differentially expressed. Furthermore, 12 of the 13 candidate genes were verified by qRT-PCR. RNA-seq analysis detected 6640, 3878, and 6462 differentially expressed genes at three sampling time points, of which 869 were shared. Conclusions These results, including the elite cotton accessions with accurate salt tolerance evaluation, the significant SNP markers, the candidate genes, and the salt-tolerant pathways, could improve our understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanisms under salt stress tolerance and genetic manipulation for cotton improvement.

scholarly journals Isolation and characterization of protein differentially expressed during oil palm mesocarp development Isolasi dan karakteristik protein terekpresi secara diferensial selama perkembangan mesokarp pada kelapa sawit

2016 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A BUDIANI ◽  
D SANTOSO ◽  
H ASWINDINNOOR ◽  
A SUWANTO ◽  
S SUDIATSO
Keyword(s):  
Oil Palm ◽  
Fruit Development ◽  
Oil Content ◽  
Sodium Dodecyl ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Oil Biosynthesis ◽  
Isolation And Characterization ◽  
Oil Synthesis ◽  
Sds Page

RingkasanPada kelapa sawit, mesokarp merupakan jaringan yang lebih dikhususkan untuk mensintesis minyak. Akumulasi minyak pada jaringan ini terjadi selama perkembangan buah. Beberapa enzim yang terlibat dalam biosintesis minyak tampaknya disintesis hanya pada periode tertentu dari biosintesis minyak. Sedangkan protein regulator diduga ada pada saat minyak mulai disintesis atau beberapa saat sebelumnya. Sebagai bagian dari usaha mengklon gen kunci untuk biosintesis minyak, penelitian ini bertujuan mengidentifikasi dan mengisolasi protein yang terekspresi secara diferensial sesuai perkembangan buah. Sebagai bahan penelitian digunakan jaringan mesokarp dari berbagai umur buah sawit. Untuk setiap fase perkembangan buah dilakukan analisis kandungan minyak dan protein total. Elektroforesis gel poliakrilamid-SDS (SDS – PAGE) dan elektroforesis dua dimensi (2-D) digunakan untuk mempelajari dan mendeteksi adanya pita protein spesifik yang terekspresi secara diferensial sejalan dengan peningkatan kandungan minyaknya. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa minyak mulai aktif disintesis pada saat buah berumur 17 minggu setelah antesis. Konsentrasi protein total tidak meningkat sejalan dengan peningkatan kandungan minyaknya. Dari hasil SDS-PAGE terdeteksi dua protein, yaitu protein dengan berat molekul (BM) 31,0 kDa dan 34,3 kDa yang meningkat ekspresinya pada awal dan menjelang periode aktif sintesis minyak. Analisis lebih lanjut dengan elektroforesis 2-D menunjukkan bahwa protein 31,0 kDa terdiri dari dua protein dengan pI 4,64 dan pI 4,95, sedangkan protein 34,3 kDa merupakan protein tunggal dengan pI 4,56. Sikuensing secara parsial kedua protein tersebut menunjukkan adanya dua polipeptida dari protein 31,0 kDa yang mempunyai homologi tinggi dengan subunit biotin karboksilase ht-ACCase, dan empat polipeptida yang mempunyai homologi dengan enoilACP reduktase. Sedangkan protein 34,3 kDa mempunyai homologi dengan gliseraldehida 3-fosfat dehidrogenase. SummaryIn oil palm, mesocarp is tissue specialized for oil synthesis. Accumulation of oil in this tissue occurs during fruit development. It is likely that some enzymes involved in oil biosynthesis are synthesized only in a certain period of oil biosynthesis, while regulatory proteins may present at the beginning or right before the period of active oil synthesis. As a part of research work on cloning of gene encoding key enzymes for oil biosynthesis in palm mesocarp, this research was aimed to identify and isolate proteins differentially expressed during fruit development. Mesocarps from different developmental stage of fruit were used for analysis of oil content and protein concentra-tion. Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and two dimentional (2-D) electrophoresis were used to study and detect specific protein bands differentially expressed during fruit development. It was shown that oil synthesis was started at 17 weeks after anthesis (WAA). There was no correlation between concentrations of total protein with oil content during mesocarp development. From the SDS-PAGE, two protein of 31.0 kDa and 34.3 kDa were detected that their expression increased at the beginning and just before the period of active oil biosynthesis respectively. Further analysis with 2-D electrophoresis showed that 31.0 kDa-protein consist of two proteins, with pI 4,64 and pI 4,95, while 34.3 kDa protein is a single protein with pI 4,56. Partial amino acid sequencing data of the 31.0 kD protein showed that two polypeptides highly homologous with ht-ACCase biotin carboxylase subunit and four polypeptides homologuus with enoyl-ACP reductase, whereas 34.3 kD protein showed homology with glyceraldehyde-3 phosphate dehydrogenase.

scholarly journals Effect of phyB and phyC loss-of-function mutations on the wheat transcriptome under short and long day photoperiods

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nestor Kippes ◽  
Carl VanGessel ◽  
James Hamilton ◽  
Ani Akpinar ◽  
Hikmet Budak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candidate Genes ◽  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Red Light ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Long Day ◽  
Alternatively Spliced ◽  
Null Mutants

AbstractBackgroundPhotoperiod signals provide important cues by which plants regulate their growth and development in response to predictable seasonal changes. Phytochromes, a family of red and far-red light receptors, play critical roles in regulating flowering time in response to changing photoperiods. A previous study showed that loss-of-function mutations in either PHYB or PHYC result in large delays in heading time and in the differential regulation of a large number of genes in wheat plants grown in an inductive long day (LD) photoperiod.ResultsWe found that under non-inductive short-day (SD) photoperiods, phyB-null and phyC-null mutants were taller, had a reduced number of tillers, longer and wider leaves, and headed later than wild-type plants. Unexpectedly, both mutants flowered earlier in SD than LD, the inverse response to that of wild-type plants. We observed a larger number of differentially expressed genes between mutants and wild-type under SD than under LD, and in both cases, the number was larger for phyB than for phyC. We identified subsets of differentially expressed and alternatively spliced genes that were specifically regulated by PHYB and PHYC in either SD or LD photoperiods, and a smaller set of genes that were regulated in both photoperiods. We observed significantly higher transcript levels of the flowering promoting genes VRN-A1, PPD-B1 and GIGANTEA in the phy-null mutants in SD than in LD, which suggests that they could contribute to the earlier flowering of the phy-null mutants in SD than in LD.ConclusionsOur study revealed an unexpected reversion of the wheat LD plants into SD plants in the phyB-null and phyC-null mutants and identified candidate genes potentially involved in this phenomenon. Our RNA-seq data provides insight into light signaling pathways in inductive and non-inductive photoperiods and a set of candidate genes to dissect the underlying developmental regulatory networks in wheat.

scholarly journals Transcriptome analysis of the induction of somatic embryogenesis in Coffea canephora and the participation of ARF and Aux/IAA genes

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e7752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana O. Quintana-Escobar ◽  
Geovanny I. Nic-Can ◽  
Rosa María Galaz Avalos ◽  
Víctor M. Loyola-Vargas ◽  
Elsa Gongora-Castillo
Keyword(s):  
Somatic Embryogenesis ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Differentially Expressed Genes ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Coffea Canephora ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Auxin Signaling ◽  
Quantitative Expression ◽  
Sequencing Technologies ◽  
Auxin Signaling Pathway

Background Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a useful biotechnological tool to study the morpho-physiological, biochemical and molecular processes during the development of Coffea canephora. Plant growth regulators (PGR) play a key role during cell differentiation in SE. The Auxin-response-factor (ARF) and Auxin/Indole-3-acetic acid (Aux/IAA) are fundamental components involved in the signaling of the IAA. The IAA signaling pathway activates or represses the expression of genes responsive to auxins during the embryogenic transition of the somatic cells. The growing development of new generation sequencing technologies (NGS), as well as bioinformatics tools, has allowed us to broaden the landscape of SE study of various plant species and identify the genes directly involved. Methods Analysis of transcriptome expression profiles of the C. canephora genome and the identification of a particular set of differentially expressed genes (DEG) during SE are described in this study. Results A total of eight ARF and seven Aux/IAA differentially expressed genes were identified during the different stages of the SE induction process. The quantitative expression analysis showed that ARF18 and ARF5 genes are highly expressed after 21 days of the SE induction, while Aux/IAA7 and Aux/IAA12 genes are repressed. Discussion The results of this study allow a better understanding of the genes involved in the auxin signaling pathway as well as their expression profiles during the SE process.

scholarly journals Transcriptome regulation of carotenoids in five flesh-colored watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pingli Yuan ◽  
Muhammad Jawad Umer ◽  
Nan He ◽  
Shengjie Zhao ◽  
Xuqiang Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Candidate Genes ◽  
Differentially Expressed Genes ◽  
Fruit Development ◽  
Citrullus Lanatus ◽  
Carotenoid Biosynthesis ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Flesh Color ◽  
Hub Genes ◽  
Data Resource

Abstract Background: Fruit flesh color in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a great index for evaluation of the appearance quality and a key contributor influencing consumers' preferences, but the molecular mechanism of this intricate trait remain largely unknown. Here, the carotenoids and transcriptome dynamics during the fruit development of cultivated watermelon with five different flesh colors were analyzed.Results: A total of 13 carotenoids and 16781 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) including 1295 transcription factors (TFs) were detected in five watermelon genotypes during the fruit development. The comprehensive accumulation patterns of carotenoids were closely related to flesh color. A number of potential structural genes and transcription factors were found to be associated with the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway using comparative transcriptome analysis. The differentially expressed genes were divided into six subclusters and distributed in different GO terms and metabolic pathways. Furthermore, we performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis and predicted hub genes in six main modules determining carotenoid contents. Cla018406 (a chaperone protein dnaJ-like protein) may be a candidate gene for β-carotene accumulation and highly expressed in orange flesh-colored fruit. Cla007686 (a zinc finger CCCH domain-containing protein) was highly expressed in the red flesh-colored watermelon, maybe a key regulator of lycopene accumulation. Cla003760 (membrane protein) and Cla021635 (photosystem I reaction center subunit II) were predicted to be hub genes and may play an essential role in yellow flesh formation.Conclusions: The composition and contents of carotenoid in five watermelon genotypes vary greatly. A series of candidate genes were revealed through combined analysis of metabolites and transcriptome. These results provide an important data resource for dissecting the candidate genes and molecular basis governing flesh color formation in watermelon fruit.

scholarly journals Transcriptional Regulatory Network of GA Floral Induction Pathway in LA Hybrid Lily

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (11) ◽  
pp. 2694 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenqi Li ◽  
Yubing Yong ◽  
Yue Zhang ◽  
Yingmin Lyu
Keyword(s):  
Signal Transduction ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Low Temperature ◽  
Candidate Genes ◽  
Floral Induction ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Transcriptional Analysis ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Exogenous Gibberellin

Background: The LA hybrid lily ‘Aladdin’ has both excellent traits of Longiflorum hybrids and Asiatic hybrids—such as big and vivid flower, strong stem, high self-propagation coefficient, and shorter low temperature time required to release bulb dormancy in contrast to Oriental hybrids. A genome-wide transcriptional analysis using transcriptome RNA-Seq was performed in order to explore whether there is a gibberellin floral induction pathway in the LA hybrid lily. Subsequently, gene co-expression network analysis was used to analyze the possible interactions of key candidate genes screened from transcriptome data. At the same time, a series of physiological, biochemical, and cultivation tests were carried out. Results: The content of five endogenous hormones changed sharply in the shoot apex during the treatment of 200 mg/L exogenous gibberellin and the ratio of ABA/GA3 dropped and stayed at a lower level after 4 hours’ treatment from the higher levels initially, reaching a dynamic balance. In addition, the metabolism of carbohydrates in the bulbs increase during exogenous gibberellin treatment. A total of 124,041 unigenes were obtained by RNA-seq. With the transcriptome analysis, 48,927 unigenes and 48,725 unigenes respectively aligned to the NR database and the Uniprot database. 114,138 unigenes, 25,369 unigenes, and 19,704 unigenes respectively aligned to the COG, GO, and KEGG databases. 2148 differentially expression genes (DEGs) were selected with the indicators RPKM ≥ 0, FDR ≤ 0.05 and |log2(ratio)| ≥ 2. The number of the upregulated unigenes was significantly more than the number of the downregulated unigenes. Some MADS-box genes related to flowering transformation—such as AGL20, SOC1, and CO—were found to be upregulated. A large number of gibberellin biosynthesis related genes such as GA2ox, GA3ox, GA20ox, Cytochrome P450, CYP81, and gibberellin signal transduction genes such as DELLA, GASA, and GID1 were significantly differentially expressed. The plant hormones related genes such as NCED3 and sugar metabolism related genes such as α-amylase, sucrose synthase hexokinase, and so on were also found expressing differentially. In addition, stress resistance related genes such as LEA1, LEA2, LEA4, serine/threonine protein kinase, LRR receptor-like serine/threonine protein kinase, P34 kinase, histidine kinase 3 and epigenetic related genes in DNA methylation, histone methylation, acetylation, ubiquitination of ribose were also found. Particularly, a large number of transcription factors responsive to the exogenous gibberellin signal including WRKY40, WRKY33, WRKY27, WRKY21, WRKY7, MYB, AP2/EREBP, bHLH, NAC1, NAC2, and NAC11 were found to be specially expressing. 30 gene sequences were selected from a large number of differentially expressed candidate genes for qRT-PCR expression verification (0, 2, 4, 8, and 16 h) and compared with the transcriptome expression levels. Conclusions: 200mg/L exogenous GA3 can successfully break the bulb’s dormancy of the LA hybrid lily and significantly accelerated the flowering process, indicating that gibberellin floral induction pathway is present in the LA lily ‘Aladdin’. With the GCNs analysis, two second messenger G protein-coupled receptor related genes that respond to gibberellin signals in the cell were discovered. The downstream transport proteins such as AMT, calcium transport ATPase, and plasma membrane ATPase were also discovered participating in GA signal transduction. Transcription factors including WRKY7, NAC2, NAC11, and CBF specially regulated phosphorylation and glycosylation during the ubiquitination degradation process of DELLA proteins. These transcription factors also activated in abscisic acid metabolism. A large number of transcription factors such as WRKY21, WRKY22, NAC1, AP2, EREB1, P450, and CYP81 that both regulate gibberellin signaling and low-temperature signals have also been found. Finally, the molecular mechanism of GA floral induction pathway in the LA hybrid lily ‘Aladdin’ was constructed.

scholarly journals Transcriptomic analysis of temporal shifts in berry development between two grapevine cultivars of the Pinot family reveals potential genes controlling ripening time

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Theine ◽  
Daniela Holtgräwe ◽  
Katja Herzog ◽  
Florian Schwander ◽  
Anna Kicherer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candidate Genes ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Pinot Noir ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Auxin Signaling ◽  
Potential Candidate ◽  
Berry Development ◽  
Ripening Time ◽  
Berry Ripening

Abstract Background Grapevine cultivars of the Pinot family represent clonally propagated mutants with major phenotypic and physiological differences, such as different colour or shifted ripening time, as well as changes in important viticultural traits. Specifically, the cultivars ‘Pinot Noir’ (PN) and ‘Pinot Noir Precoce’ (PNP, early ripening) flower at the same time, but vary in the beginning of berry ripening (veraison) and, consequently, harvest time. In addition to genotype, seasonal climatic conditions (i.e. high temperatures) also affect ripening times. To reveal possible regulatory genes that affect the timing of veraison onset, we investigated differences in gene expression profiles between PN and PNP throughout berry development with a closely meshed time series and over two separate years. Results The difference in the duration of berry formation between PN and PNP was quantified to be approximately two weeks under the growth conditions applied, using plant material with a proven PN and PNP clonal relationship. Clusters of co-expressed genes and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected which reflect the shift in the timing of veraison onset. Functional annotation of these DEGs fit to observed phenotypic and physiological changes during berry development. In total, we observed 3,342 DEGs in 2014 and 2,745 DEGs in 2017 between PN and PNP, with 1,923 DEGs across both years. Among these, 388 DEGs were identified as veraison-specific and 12 were considered as berry ripening time regulatory candidates. The expression profiles revealed two candidate genes for ripening time control which we designated VviRTIC1 and VviRTIC2 (VIT_210s0071g01145 and VIT_200s0366g00020, respectively). These genes likely contribute the phenotypic differences observed between PN and PNP. Conclusions Many of the 1,923 DEGs show highly similar expression profiles in both cultivars if the patterns are aligned according to developmental stage. In our work, putative genes differentially expressed between PNP and PN which could control ripening time as well as veraison-specific genes were identified. We point out connections of these genes to molecular events during berry development and discuss potential candidate genes which may control ripening time. Two of these candidates were observed to be differentially expressed in the early berry development phase. Several down-regulated genes during berry ripening are annotated as auxin response factors / ARFs. Conceivably, general changes in auxin signaling may cause the earlier ripening phenotype of PNP.

scholarly journals Changes in Ovary Transcriptome and Alternative splicing at estrus from Xiang pigs with Large and Small Litter Size

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuping Zhang ◽  
Liangting Tang ◽  
Xueqin Ran ◽  
Ning Mao ◽  
Yiqi Ruan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Splicing ◽  
Candidate Genes ◽  
Differentially Expressed Genes ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Small Litter ◽  
Small Litter Size

AbstractBackground/AimsLitter size is one of the most important reproductive traits in pig breeding, which is affected by multiple genes and the environment. Ovaries are the most important reproductive organs and have a profound impact on the reproduction efficiency. Therefore, genetic differences in the ovaries may contribute to the observed differences in litter size. Although QTLs and candidate genes have been reported to affect the litter size in many pig breeds, however, the findings cannot elucidate the marked differences of the reproductive traits between breeds. The aim of present work is to elucidate the mechanisms of the differences for the reproductive traits and identify candidate genes associated with litter size in Xiang pig breed.MethodsThe changes in ovary transcriptome and alternative splicing were investigated at estrus between Xiang pigs with large and small litter size by RNA-seq technology. The RNA-seq results were confirmed by RT-qPCR method.ResultsWe detected 16,219 - 16,285 expressed genes and 12 types of alternative splicing (AS) events in Xiang pig samples. A total of 762 differentially expressed genes were identified by XL (Xiang pig group with larger litter size) vs XS (Xiang pig group with small litter size) sample comparisons. A total of 34 genes were upregulated and 728 genes were downregulated in XL ovary samples compared with the XS samples. Alternative splicing (AS) rates in XL samples were slightly lower than that observed in XS samples. Most of differentially expressed genes were differentially regulated on AS level. Eleven candidate genes were potentially identified to be related to Xiang pig fecundity and litter size, which may be closely related to the gonad development, oocyte maturation or embryo quality.ConclusionThe significant changes in the expression of the protein-coding genes and the level of alternative splicing in estrus ovarian transcriptome between XL and XS groups probably are the molecular mechanisms of phenotypic variation in litter size.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document