Invited review: Genomic analysis of data from physiological studies

Abstract

Physiology deals with the functions of living organisms and their systems, and its scientific endeavors can be viewed as having temporally occurred in 3 phases. The first phase of physiology studies focused on determining the functions of particular organs and tissues and their functional differences according to physiological status. The second phase of studies focused on characterizing differences in these functions according to the environment, or productivity. The third phase of studies focuses on determining the physiological causes of differences in productivity. Distinguishing cause from effect in physiological systems of inter-related processes is problematic, such that science has struggled to identify the root physiological mechanisms and their role in the network of genes leading to differences in productivity. Genomics is the study of the entire genome and provides powerful new tools that will accelerate third-phase discoveries of causal physiological processes. That research exploits information on DNA polymorphisms known as markers, complete DNA sequence, RNA sequence, and RNA expression in particular tissues at specific life stages. Physiologists can determine the genetic cause of mutant animals, identify genetic differences between cases and controls, and identify genes responsible for differences in performance between average and above-average animals. In some species, physiologists can leverage genomic data being used to predict genetic merit in elite seedstock populations, as a starting point to identify genes that will then motivate detailed physiological studies in the organs or tissues and stages of life in which those genes are expressed. Such work will increase our knowledge of biology and may lead to novel approaches to manipulate animal performance.

Early pregnancy: Concepts, challenges, and potential solutions

“…However, it is clear that genetic variability exists within livestock for important fertility traits as well as resistance to body condition loss, heat stress, and disease. Importantly, recent developments in molecular genetics and genotyping platforms and our understanding of breeding and reproduction offer a unique opportunity to identify loci and genomic rearrangements associated with fertility and other production traits in livestock (Garrick et al, 2012). In example, testing of AI sires has significantly reduced the frequency of heterozygous sires and of homozygous recessive embryos and can be used to eliminate them as a cause of fertility losses.…”

Short communication: Effects of meloxicam administration on protein metabolism and growth performance in transported Jersey calves

“…Changes in cellular metabolism, which are affected by age (Garrick and Baumgard, 2012), determine the severity of transport-related stress in cattle (Hulbert and Moisá, 2016). Calves <4 wk of age tend to have higher rates of morbidity and mortality than older calves because of their naïve immune system, inability to effectively regulate body temperature, and the novelty of the experiences associated with transportation.…”

Proteogenomic Study of the Effect of an Improved Mixed Diet of Live Preys on the Aquaculture of Octopus vulgaris Paralarvae

“…Altogether, overrepresentation of these genes and proteins showed that a proper development and correct growth were occurring in paralarvae fed on M diet. Another over-expressed protein was kielin/chordin-like protein, which plays a role in dorso-ventral patterning (Garrick et al, 2012). Additional genes, such as those that encode D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase and phosphoserine aminotransferase, both involved in the serine biosynthetic pathway, were upregulated in the M group.…”