DNA Imprinting and Gene Expression in Cattle Muscle
Author Information
Author(s): Gustavo Tinoco, Gustavo Russo, Rogério Curi, Marcelo Vicari, Paloma Melo, Isabella Souza, Juliana Torrecilhas, Philipe Moriel, Welder Baldassini, Luis Chardulo, Otávio Neto, Guilherme Pereira
Primary Institution: São Paulo State University (Unesp)
Hypothesis
The study aimed to compare the DNA methylation profile of Nellore cattle subjected to different weaning managements and correlate it with gene expression.
Conclusion
The study suggests that early weaning affects DNA methylation and gene expression related to fat deposition in beef cattle.
Supporting Evidence
- 481 differentially methylated regions were identified in the study.
- 52% of these regions were hypermethylated, while 48% were hypomethylated.
- The ADCY3 gene was significantly hypomethylated in the promoter region and upregulated.
- Functional enrichment analysis highlighted pathways related to lipid metabolism.
- Early weaning led to significant changes in gene expression associated with fat deposition.
Takeaway
This study shows that how and when calves are weaned can change their DNA and affect how much fat they have in their meat.
Methodology
The study used Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing (RRBS) and RNA-Sequencing techniques to analyze DNA methylation and gene expression.
Participant Demographics
Nellore cattle, 20 early weaned and 20 conventionally weaned.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0002
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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