Lactation performance is a pivotal economic trait in sheep production, yet its underlying epigenetic regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. In the present study, we integrated ATAC-seq and RNA-seq to compare chromatin accessibility landscapes and transcriptomic in mammary gland tissues from Sewa sheep (SWS) and East Friesian sheep (EFS). Histological characterization revealed that SWS exhibited significantly smaller mammary acini area, smaller lipid droplet area, and reduced lipid droplet diameter compared to EFS. ATAC-seq analysis identified 15,902 differentially accessible regions (DARs) between the two breeds, with motif enrichment analysis uncovering key transcription factors potentially governing lactation traits. RNA-seq analysis revealed 1163 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were involved in lactation regulation. Integrated analysis identified 441 overlapping genes, and enriched in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis (e.g., PGAM1, ENO1) and pyruvate metabolism (e.g., ACACA, ACSS1, ACYP1). Collectively, our study provides new insights into the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms underlying lactation performance differences in sheep.
The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in immune regulation and metabolic homeostasis in ruminants; however, the systemic effects of rumen fluid transfer (RFT) on the gut-liver axis remain unclear. In this study, Xizang sheep were used as the animal model to investigate the effects of RFT using multi-omics approaches, including transcriptomics, metabolomics, and 16S rRNA sequencing. The results showed that RFT was associated with changes in immune- and metabolism-related genes (e.g., TLR4, NOD2, PPARA, and ABCG2) and alterations in several key metabolites, including tryptophan-related compounds, amino acids, and bile acid-associated metabolites. RFT was also associated with shifts in gut microbial composition, as reflected by changes in the relative abundance of genera such as Prevotella, Ruminococcus, and Lactobacillus. Integrated multi-omics analysis indicated coordinated associations among gut microbiota, metabolites, and host gene expression along the gut-liver axis. These findings indicate that RFT may be linked to immune and metabolic regulation in Xizang sheep, providing a systems-level framework for understanding microbiota-host interactions.
Xiaofeng Luo, Yangzong Zhaxi, Junru Pan et al.· Veterinary Immunology and Im...· 0 citations
Zhangmu goats and Chentang black goats are valuable local goat genetic resources in Shigatse, Xizang. Due to long-term geographic isolation and small population size, their genetic diversity and adaptive genetic basis remain poorly understood. In this study, whole-genome resequencing was performed on 30 Zhangmu goats and 30 Chentang black goats. By calculating indicators such as observed heterozygosity (HO), expected heterozygosity (HE), nucleotide diversity (π), and inbreeding coefficient (FIS), the genetic diversity of the two populations was comprehensively assessed, and their selection signatures were analyzed using both Fst and XP-CLR. The results showed that both Zhangmu goats and Chentang black goats exhibited relatively low but detectable levels of genetic diversity, with clear genetic differentiation from wild goats. Population structure analysis indicated that the two indigenous populations possessed relatively independent genetic backgrounds. Combined Fst and XP-CLR analyses identified multiple candidate genes associated with hypoxia adaptation (ARNT), immune response (CD274, PTPN7), growth and development (FGF5, MYOM3), and reproductive regulation (GDF5, MEIOB). Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these candidate genes were mainly enriched in GO terms such as nucleoplasm, and in pathways such as the calcium signaling pathway and propanoate metabolism. These results provide genomic insights into the genetic characteristics of Zhangmu goats and Chentang black goats, and offer a theoretical basis for the conservation and sustainable utilization of indigenous goat genetic resources in Xizang.
Tingxiang Chen, Ting Wang, Wenrui Ye et al.· Animal Genetics· 0 citations