Embryonic response to high beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels in postpartum dairy cows

Parental Effects on Epigenetic Programming in Gametes and Embryos of Dairy Cows

“…However, there is a paucity of studies on the specific mechanisms underlying the effects of the maternal metabolism pre-conception or during gestation on offspring. Recently, embryos from dairy cows experiencing different levels of negative energy balance (NEB) were collected to study the influence of the maternal metabolic environment on the transcriptome and epigenome of early embryos by microarrays ( Chaput and Sirard, 2019 ). Transcriptomic data highlighted that the most significantly affected pathways were metabolism-related: such as protein synthesis (EIF2 Signaling and eIF4, translation factors), mitochondrial function (oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial dysfunction), and metabolism (Sirtuin signaling and mTOR Signaling) ( Chaput and Sirard, 2019 ).…”

“…Recently, embryos from dairy cows experiencing different levels of negative energy balance (NEB) were collected to study the influence of the maternal metabolic environment on the transcriptome and epigenome of early embryos by microarrays ( Chaput and Sirard, 2019 ). Transcriptomic data highlighted that the most significantly affected pathways were metabolism-related: such as protein synthesis (EIF2 Signaling and eIF4, translation factors), mitochondrial function (oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial dysfunction), and metabolism (Sirtuin signaling and mTOR Signaling) ( Chaput and Sirard, 2019 ). Gene expression levels do not provide any information about the amount of protein generated, or the extent of further modifications: such as phosphorylation, acylation, and/or methylation.…”

“…Meanwhile, to study the long-term effects of stressors, studies on epigenetic modifications are required, especially for those regions that are affected according to the transcriptomic results. Using a DNA methylation microarray, 462 DMRs were identified between embryos from cows in high and low NEB, with many of them being located in gene regions, including introns, exons, proximal promoters, promoters, and distal promoters ( Chaput and Sirard, 2019 ). Most of these genic regions, except exons, were more hypermethylated in embryos from cows experiencing severe NEB ( Chaput and Sirard, 2019 ).…”

“…Using a DNA methylation microarray, 462 DMRs were identified between embryos from cows in high and low NEB, with many of them being located in gene regions, including introns, exons, proximal promoters, promoters, and distal promoters ( Chaput and Sirard, 2019 ). Most of these genic regions, except exons, were more hypermethylated in embryos from cows experiencing severe NEB ( Chaput and Sirard, 2019 ). Functional analysis of DMRs located in gene regions was consistent with transcriptomic results and pointed toward metabolic related pathways (AMPK signaling and mTOR signaling) which are significantly affected by maternal energy deficits ( Chaput and Sirard, 2019 ).…”

“…Most of these genic regions, except exons, were more hypermethylated in embryos from cows experiencing severe NEB ( Chaput and Sirard, 2019 ). Functional analysis of DMRs located in gene regions was consistent with transcriptomic results and pointed toward metabolic related pathways (AMPK signaling and mTOR signaling) which are significantly affected by maternal energy deficits ( Chaput and Sirard, 2019 ). As a key switch for keep the energy balance, AMPK were also regulated by small non-coding RNAs to control cellular anabolic and catabolic processes in dairy cows ( Mahmoudi et al, 2015 ).…”