Omics multi-layers networks and identification of genes involved in fat storage and metabolism in poultry using interactomics approach

Abstract

Background Fatty acid metabolism in animals has a major impact on production and disease resistance traits. According to the high rate of interactions between lipid metabolism and its regulating properties, a holistic approach is necessary. Methods To study multi-omics layers of adipose tissue and identification of genes involved in fat metabolism, storage and endocrine signaling pathways in two groups of broiler chickens with high and low abdominal fat, high-throughput screening (HTS) techniques were used. The Gene-miRNA interacting bipartite and metabolic-signaling networks were reconstructed using their interactions. Results In the analysis of microarray and RNA-Seq data, 1835 genes were detected by comparing the identified genes with significant expression differences. Then, by comparing, 34 genes and 19 miRNAs were detected as common and main nodes. The literature mining approach was used and 7 genes were identified and added to the common gene set. Module finding revealed three important and functional modules. The detected modules 1, 2, and 3 were involved in the PPAR signaling pathway, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and Alzheimer's disease metabolic pathway, adipocytokine, insulin, PI3K-Akt, mTOR and AMPK signaling pathway. Conclusions This approach revealed a new insight for a better understanding of the biological processes associated with adipose tissue.