Differences in gene expression and variable splicing events of ovaries between large and small litter size in Chinese Xiang pigs

Abstract

Background Although lots of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and genes present roles in litter size of some breeds, the information might not make it clear for the huge diversity of reproductive capability in pig breeds. To elucidate the inherent mechanisms of heterogeneity of reproductive capability in litter size of Xiang pig, we performed transcriptome analysis for the expression profile in ovaries using RNA-seq method. Results We identified 1,419 up-regulated and 1,376 down-regulated genes in Xiang pigs with large litter size. Among them, 1,010 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were differently spliced between two groups with large or small litter sizes. Based on GO and KEGG analysis, numerous members of genes were gathered in ovarian steroidogenesis, steroid biosynthesis, oocyte maturation and reproduction processes. Conclusions Combined with gene biological function, twelve genes were found out that might be related with the reproductive capability of Xiang pig, of which, eleven genes were recognized as hub genes. These genes may play a role in promoting litter size by elevating steroid and peptide hormones supply through the ovary and facilitating the processes of ovulation and in vivo fertilization.

CircRNAs in Xiang pig ovaries among diestrus and estrus stages

“…Xiang pig sows after weaning were obtained from the Guizhou Dachang pig breeding company, Guizhou, China. The animal preparation and estrus detection were referred to the methods of Tang et al (2018) and Ran et al (2021) [ 2 , 36 ]. Four animals from each group were regarded as biological replicates.…”

Comparative transcriptome analysis of longissimus dorsi muscle reveal potential genes affecting meat trait in Chinese indigenous Xiang pig

“…Primers were designed by Primer 5.0, and the PCR condition and proportion were the same as our previous work with each primer concentration of 10 pmol/μL, the GAPDH gene and β-actin gene Vol:. ( 1234567890 www.nature.com/scientificreports/ were used as internal controls 27 . Based on dissociation curve analysis for PCR products, the amplification efficiency was controlled within range of 100 ± 10%.…”

Narrow-Headed Voles Species Complex (Cricetidae, Rodentia): Evidence for Species Differentiation Inferred from Transcriptome Data

“…Two genes under positive selection in L. raddei were associated with different kinds of environmental adaptations-MRPS31, which is probably related to the ability to adapt to temperature gradients [57], and DSG2, which may be helpful for high-altitude adaptation [58] (Figure 4). Four genes were under weakening of negative selection (dN/dS < 1, but biased between species): two of them in L. raddei-GNL3L, which inhibits estrogen-related receptor activity [59], and DHRS4, which is involved in altering hormone-associated reproductive traits [60][61][62][63][64]; and two in L. gregalis-EFL1, which is associated with oogenesis and early embryogenesis [65], and CPT2, which is involved in oocyte maturation [66,67] and embryo developmental competence [68]. Interestingly, all three genes under selective pressure distinguished for L. gregalis are related to various aspects of oogenesis.…”