Integrated analyses of the methylome and transcriptome to unravel sex differences in the perirenal fat from suckling lambs

Abstract

In sheep, differences were observed regarding fat accumulation and fatty acid (FA) composition between males and females, which may impact the quality and organoleptic characteristics of the meat. The integration of different omics technologies is a relevant approach for investigating biological and genetic mechanisms associated with complex traits. Here, the perirenal tissue of six male and six female Assaf suckling lambs was evaluated using RNA sequencing and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). A multiomic discriminant analysis using multiblock (s)PLS-DA allowed the identification of 314 genes and 627 differentially methylated regions (within these genes), which perfectly discriminate between males and females. These candidate genes overlapped with previously reported QTLs for carcass fat volume and percentage of different FAs in milk and meat from sheep. Additionally, differentially coexpressed (DcoExp) modules of genes between males (nine) and females (three) were identified that harbour 22 of these selected genes. Interestingly, these DcoExp were significantly correlated with fat percentage in different deposits (renal, pelvic, subcutaneous and intramuscular) and were associated with relevant biological processes for adipogenesis, adipocyte differentiation, fat volume and FA composition. Consequently, these genes may potentially impact adiposity and meat quality traits in a sex-specific manner, such as juiciness, tenderness and flavour.

Reproduction characteristic of local sheep in North Sumatra Province, Indonesia

“…Lack of methionine in prepuberal rams could influence fetal programming [19] and resulted in low sperm quality at adultery, suggesting that the epigenetic marks influenced by the paternal diet may possibly be transmitted to the embryo. The effect of nutritional protein restriction in the prepuberal stage of Assaf ewes influence was evaluated regarding the impact over methylation marks across the genome of their suckling lambs [20]. Epigenetic marks in relation to the growth rate and meat quality of mutton was also investigated in Tan sheep, Hu sheep and Tan-Hu hybrid F2, by genomic DNA methylation sequencing [21] and resulted that muscle growth of the progeny was influenced by the paternal nutrition factors.…”

Pan-Omics in Sheep: Unveiling Genetic Landscapes

“…This multiomics approach identified 314 genes and 627 differentially methylated regions within these genes, differentiating between males and females. Moreover, it pinpointed differential coexpression (DcoExp) gene modules between genders, featuring 22 selected genes potentially influencing fat and meat quality characteristics due to sex differences [78]. This highlights the potential of RNA sequencing and WGBS technology in exploring sex-related characteristics in sheep.…”