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Chan S, Wang Y, Luo Y, Zheng M, Xie F, Xue M, Yang X, Xue P, Zha C, Fang M. Differential Regulation of Male-Hormones-Related Enhancers Revealed by Chromatin Accessibility and Transcriptional Profiles in Pig Liver. Biomolecules 2024; 14:427. [PMID: 38672444 PMCID: PMC11048672 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Surgical castration can effectively avoid boar taint and improve pork quality by removing the synthesis of androstenone in the testis, thereby reducing its deposition in adipose tissue. The expression of genes involved in testis-derived hormone metabolism was altered following surgical castration, but the upstream regulatory factors and underlying mechanism remain unclear. In this study, we systematically profiled chromatin accessibility and transcriptional dynamics in liver tissue of castrated and intact full-sibling Yorkshire pigs. First, we identified 897 differentially expressed genes and 6864 differential accessible regions (DARs) using RNA- and ATAC-seq. By integrating the RNA- and ATAC-seq results, 227 genes were identified, and a significant positive correlation was revealed between differential gene expression and the ATAC-seq signal. We constructed a transcription factor regulatory network after motif analysis of DARs and identified a candidate transcription factor (TF) SP1 that targeted the HSD3B1 gene, which was responsible for the metabolism of androstenone. Subsequently, we annotated DARs by incorporating H3K27ac ChIP-seq data, marking 2234 typical enhancers and 245 super enhancers involved in the regulation of all testis-derived hormones. Among these, four typical enhancers associated with HSD3B1 were identified. Furthermore, an in-depth investigation was conducted on the androstenone-related enhancers, and an androstenone-related mutation was identified in a newfound candidatetypical enhancer (andEN) with dual-luciferase assays. These findings provide further insights into how enhancers function as links between phenotypic and non-coding area variations. The discovery of upstream TF and enhancers of HSD3B1 contributes to understanding the regulatory networks of androstenone metabolism and provides an important foundation for improving pork quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuheng Chan
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (S.C.); (Y.L.); (P.X.)
| | - Yubei Wang
- Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya 572025, China
| | - Yabiao Luo
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (S.C.); (Y.L.); (P.X.)
| | - Meili Zheng
- Beijing General Station of Animal Husbandry, Beijing 100107, China
| | - Fuyin Xie
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (S.C.); (Y.L.); (P.X.)
| | - Mingming Xue
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (S.C.); (Y.L.); (P.X.)
| | - Xiaoyang Yang
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (S.C.); (Y.L.); (P.X.)
| | - Pengxiang Xue
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (S.C.); (Y.L.); (P.X.)
| | - Chengwan Zha
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (S.C.); (Y.L.); (P.X.)
| | - Meiying Fang
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (S.C.); (Y.L.); (P.X.)
- Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya 572025, China
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Dauben CM, Große-Brinkhaus C, Heuß EM, Henne H, Tholen E. Comparison of the choice of animals for re-sequencing in two maternal pig lines. Genet Sel Evol 2022; 54:16. [PMID: 35183111 PMCID: PMC8858453 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-022-00706-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing is a promising approach for the detection of causal variants within previously identified quantitative trait loci. Because of the costs of re-sequencing experiments, this application is currently mainly restricted to subsets of animals from already genotyped populations. Imputation from a lower to a higher marker density could represent a useful complementary approach. An analysis of the literature shows that several strategies are available to select animals for re-sequencing. This study demonstrates an animal selection workflow under practical conditions. Our approach considers different data sources and limited resources such as budget and availability of sampling material. The workflow combines previously described approaches and makes use of genotype and pedigree information from a Landrace and Large White population. Genotypes were phased and haplotypes were accurately estimated with AlphaPhase. Then, AlphaSeqOpt was used to optimize selection of animals for re-sequencing, reflecting the existing diversity of haplotypes. AlphaSeqOpt and ENDOG were used to select individuals based on pedigree information and by taking into account key animals that represent the genetic diversity of the populations. After the best selection criteria were determined, a subset of 57 animals was selected for subsequent re-sequencing. In order to evaluate and assess the advantage of this procedure, imputation accuracy was assessed by setting a set of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip genotypes to missing. Accuracy values were compared to those of alternative selection scenarios and the results showed the clear benefits of a targeted selection within this practical-driven approach. Especially imputation of low-frequency markers benefits from the combined approach described here. Accuracy was increased by up to 12% compared to a randomized or exclusively haplotype-based selection of sequencing candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Dauben
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Esther M Heuß
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Henne
- BHZP GmbH, An der Wassermühle 8, 21368, Dahlenburg-Ellringen, Germany
| | - Ernst Tholen
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
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Pork Production with Entire Males: Directions for Control of Boar Taint. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091665. [PMID: 32947846 PMCID: PMC7552340 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Castration of male piglets has traditionally been carried out to control boar taint, but animal welfare concerns about surgical castration has brought this practice under scrutiny. In addition, castration decreases growth performance and increases the environmental impact of pork production, so alternatives to castration are needed to control boar taint. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on boar taint metabolism and outline some key areas that require further study. We also describe some opportunities for controlling the boar taint problem and propose that by defining the differences in metabolic processes and the genetic variations that can lead to boar taint in individual pigs, we can design effective custom solutions for boar taint. Abstract Boar taint is caused by the accumulation of androstenone and skatole and other indoles in the fat; this is regulated by the balance between synthesis and degradation of these compounds and can be affected by a number of factors, including environment and management practices, sexual maturity, nutrition, and genetics. Boar taint can be controlled by immunocastration, but this practice has not been accepted in some countries. Genetics offers a long-term solution to the boar taint problem via selective breeding or genome editing. A number of short-term strategies to control boar taint have been proposed, but these can have inconsistent effects and there is too much variability between breeds and individuals to implement a blanket solution for boar taint. Therefore, we propose a precision livestock management approach to developing solutions for controlling taint. This involves determining the differences in metabolic processes and the genetic variations that cause boar taint in specific groups of pigs and using this information to design custom treatments based on the cause of boar taint. Genetic, proteomic or metabolomic profiling can then be used to identify and implement effective solutions for boar taint for specific populations of animals.
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Brinke I, Große-Brinkhaus C, Roth K, Pröll-Cornelissen MJ, Henne H, Schellander K, Tholen E. Genomic background and genetic relationships between boar taint and fertility traits in German Landrace and Large White. BMC Genet 2020; 21:61. [PMID: 32513168 PMCID: PMC7282179 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-020-00865-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to ethical reasons, surgical castration of young male piglets in their first week of life without anesthesia will be banned in Germany from 2021. Breeding against boar taint is already implemented in sire breeds of breeding organizations but in recent years a low demand made this trait economically less important. The objective of this study was to estimate heritabilities and genetic relationships between boar taint compounds androstenone and skatole and maternal/paternal reproduction traits in 4'924 Landrace (LR) and 4'299 Large White (LW) animals from nucleus populations. Additionally, genome wide association analysis (GWAS) was performed per trait and breed to detect SNP marker with possible pleiotropic effects that are associated with boar taint and fertility. RESULTS Estimated heritabilities (h2) were 0.48 (±0.08) for LR (0.39 ± 0.07 for LW) for androstenone and 0.52 (±0.08) for LR (0.32 ± 0.07 for LW) for skatole. Heritabilities for reproduction did not differ between breeds except age at first insemination (LR: h2 = 0.27 (±0.05), LW: h2 = 0.34 (±0.05)). Estimates of genetic correlation (rg) between boar taint and fertility were different in LR and LW breeds. In LR an unfavorable rg of 0.31 (±0.15) was observed between androstenone and number of piglets born alive, whereas this rg in LW (- 0.15 (±0.16)) had an opposite sign. A similar breed-specific difference is observed between skatole and sperm count. Within LR, the rg of 0.08 (±0.13) indicates no relationship between the traits, whereas the rg of - 0.37 (±0.14) in LW points to an unfavorable relationship. In LR GWAS identified QTL regions on SSC5 (21.1-22.3 Mb) for androstenone and on SSC6 (5.5-7.5 Mb) and SSC14 (141.1-141.6 Mb) for skatole. For LW, one marker was found on SSC17 at 48.1 Mb for androstenone and one QTL on SSC14 between 140.5 Mb and 141.6 Mb for skatole. CONCLUSION Knowledge about such genetic correlations could help to balance conventional breeding programs with boar taint in maternal breeds. QTL regions with unfavorable pleiotropic effects on boar taint and fertility could have deleterious consequences in genomic selection programs. Constraining the weighting of these QTL in the genomic selection formulae may be a useful strategy to avoid physiological imbalances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Brinke
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Katharina Roth
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Maren J Pröll-Cornelissen
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany.,Association for Bioeconomy Research (FBF e.V.), Adenauerallee 174, 53113, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Henne
- BHZP GmbH, An der Wassermühle 8, 21368 Dahlenburg-Ellringen, Germany
| | - Karl Schellander
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ernst Tholen
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
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Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms for PRRSV Pathogenesis and Host Response to Infection. Virus Res 2020; 286:197980. [PMID: 32311386 PMCID: PMC7165118 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2020.197980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PRRSV has evolved to arm with various strategies to modify host antiviral response. Viral modulation of homeostatic cellular processes provides favorable conditions for PRRSV survival during infection. PRRSV modulation of cellular processes includes pathways for interferons, apoptosis, microRNAs, cytokines, autophagy, and viral genome recombination.
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has caused tremendous amounts of economic losses to the swine industry for more than three decades, but its control is still unsatisfactory. A significant amount of information is available for host cell-virus interactions during infection, and it is evident that PRRSV has evolved to equip various strategies to disrupt the host antiviral system and provide favorable conditions for survival. The current study reviews viral strategies for modulations of cellular processes including innate immunity, apoptosis, microRNAs, inflammatory cytokines, and other cellular pathways.
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Drag MH, Kogelman LJA, Maribo H, Meinert L, Thomsen PD, Kadarmideen HN. Characterization of eQTLs associated with androstenone by RNA sequencing in porcine testis. Physiol Genomics 2019; 51:488-499. [PMID: 31373884 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00125.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Characterization of genetic variants affecting genome-wide gene expression levels (expression quantitative trait loci or eQTLs) in pig testes may improve our understanding of genetic architecture of boar taint (an animal welfare trait) and helps in genome-assisted or genomic selection programs. The aims of this study were to identify eQTLs associated with androstenone, to find candidate eQTLs for low androstenone, and to validate the top eQTL by reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Gene expression profiles were obtained by RNA sequencing in testis from Danish cross-bred pigs and genotype data by 80K single nucleotide polymorphism panel. A total of 262 eQTLs [false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05] were identified by using two software packages: Matrix eQTL and Krux eQTL. Of these, 149 cis-acting eQTLs were significantly associated with androstenone concentrations and gene expression (FDR < 0.05). The eQTLs were associated with several genes of boar taint relevance including CYP1A2, CYB5D1, and SPHK2. One eQTL gene, AMPH, was differentially expressed (FDR < 0.05) and affected by chicory. Five candidate eQTLs associated with low androstenone concentrations were discovered, including the top eQTL associated with CYP1A2. RT-qPCR confirmed target gene expression to be significantly (P < 0.05) different based on eQTL genotypes. Furthermore, eQTLs were enriched as QTLs for 15 boar taint related traits from the PigQTLdb. This is the first study to report eQTLs in testes of commercial crossbred pigs used in pork production and to reveal genetic architecture of boar taint. Potential applications include development of a DNA test and in advanced genomic selection models for boar taint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus H Drag
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lisette J A Kogelman
- Department of Neurology, Danish Headache Center, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Hanne Maribo
- SEGES, Danish Pig Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene Meinert
- Danish Meat Research Institute (DMRI), Danish Technological Institute, Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Preben D Thomsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Haja N Kadarmideen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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