利用基因芯片技术筛选秦川牛公牛与阉牛肌肉组织差异表达基因

为了筛选秦川牛公牛和阉牛肌肉组织差异表达的基因,探讨二者肉质差异的分子生物学机理,文章利用Affymetrix公司生产的牛基因组芯片技术,分别检测了3头36月龄秦川牛公牛与阉牛背最长肌肌肉组织的mRNA表达水平变化;运用Significance Analysis of Microarrays(SAM)法对秦川牛公牛和阉牛基因表达谱进行了差异分析;并通过分子注释系统平台(MAS2.0)对差异表达基因进行了功能富集类分析和调控通路分析;最后应用实时定量PCR技术对部分差异表达基因进行了验证。基因表达谱分析结果显示,在36月龄秦川牛的肌肉组织中,共检测到约11000个探针,代表大约10000个基因。共筛选出差异表达基因143条,主要涉及胶原纤维的组织和合成、细胞粘附、细胞生长调控、泛素介导的蛋白分解代谢和横纹肌收缩等生物学过程;在分子注释系统数据库中注释到的显著调控通路为细胞外基质受体反应、细胞通讯、焦点粘连和紧密连接等;所验证的差异表达基因的荧光定量PCR结果与芯片结果基本一致。结合已有的文献报道,文章初步认为ECM受体反应、细胞通讯、焦点粘连、紧密接头等调控通路及COL3A1、COL1A1、COL1A2、SPP1、FBN1、MMP2、ECM1、MYH3、MYH8、S100A4、ASPN、CFD等基因可能是参与调控秦川牛阉割前后肉质性状差异的重要调控通路和基因。此外,还筛选出一些尚未在GenBank上登陆的序列,推测可能是未知的新基因,它们在牛肉质代谢过程中的作用还需进一步的研究证明。     

Use of a bovine genome chip to identify new biological pathways for beef quality in cattle

The accumulation of muscle is largely influenced by the genetic background of cattle. Muscle tissue was collected from the longissimus muscle of Lilu beef cattle at 12, 18, 24 and 30?months old. Using meat quality analysis, we found that the Lilu beef cattle have good production and slaughter performance, the performance meets the criterion of beef cattle. Microarray analysis was able to identify a total of 4,219 genes that are differentially expressed (P?≤?0.01) between the two groups of cattle (12 vs 18; 18 vs 24; 24 vs 30). Bioinformatics analysis results suggested that most of the differentially expressed genes are involved in the metabolic pathways and neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction pathways. In the future study that aims to look for genes relating to growth and meat quality, we will focus on the genes that have been shown to have a significant variation between groups and are involved in the two pathways.     

四个牦牛品种MC1R基因部分序列的多态性研究

为探索4个牦牛品种MC1R基因多态性的相关信息,选取甘南牦牛、天祝白牦牛、青海高原牦牛、大通牦牛4个品种共408头个体为研究对象,采用PCR-SSCP方法分析牦牛MC1R基因部分序列的基因多态性。结果表明,与GenBank中牛MCIR基因序列(登录号:AF445641.1)比对发现,该扩增片段在3 891 bp处发生C→G的突变,在3 912 bp处发生T→C的突变,共发现CC、DD、EE、CD、CE和DE 6种基因型。4个牦牛品种中CD、CE和DE 3种基因型在青海高原牦牛和大通牦牛中占主要优势,这3种基因型频率总和在青海高原牦牛和大通牦牛群体中分别是0.778和0.781。DD和CD两基因型是甘南牦牛群里中的优势基因型,其基因型频率分别是0.351和0.328。天祝白牦牛中优势基因型是DD,其基因型频率是0.500。D等位基因是4个地方品种牦牛中的优势等位基因。4个地方品种在该基因座上都处于Hardy-Weinberg平衡状态(P>0.05)。青海高原牦牛和大通牦牛两个群体处于高度多态(PIC>0.5),甘南牦牛和天祝白牦牛处于中度多态(0.25相似文献   

The pulmonary circulation of some domestic animals at high altitude

Pulmonary haemodynamics and the histology of the pulmonary vasculature have been studied at high altitude in the yak, in interbreeds between yaks and cattle, and in domestic goats and sheep indigenous to high altitudes together with crosses between them and low-altitude strains. Cattle at high altitude had a higher pulmonary arterial pressure than cattle at low altitude. The yak and two interbreeds with cattle (dzos and stols) had a low pulmonary arterial pressure compared with cattle, while the medial thickness of the small pulmonary arteries was less than would be expected in cattle, suggesting that the yak has a low capacity for hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and that this characteristic is transmitted genetically. Goats and sheep showed haemodynamic evidence of a limited response of the pulmonary circulation to high altitude, but no evidence that the high altitude breeds had lost this response. There were no measurable differences in the thickness of the media of the small pulmonary arteries between high- and low-altitude breeds of goats and sheep. All these species showed prominent intimal protrusions of muscle into the pulmonary veins but no specific effect of high altitude in this respect.     

不同海拔饲育的麦洼牦牛肺脏组织转录组学分析

为了探讨牦牛适应高海拔低氧环境的基因表达特征与规律,对在高海拔（3 560 m）和低海拔地区（478 m）饲育4个月的2.5~3岁健康雄性麦洼牦牛肺组织进行转录组测序。转录组测序采用Illumina高通量测序平台(HiSeqTM2500/4000)进行,并以qRT-PCR验证差异表达基因的表达量。结果显示,高海拔组牦牛肺脏转录组平均每个测序样本得到约5.76亿条Clean Reads,低海拔组牦牛中得到约6.10亿条Clean Reads,比对到参考基因组上的Reads数分别占91.74%和91.28%以上,共发现了2 047个新转录本。低海拔组与高海拔组牦牛肺脏组织之间共有199个差异表达基因,其中含89个差异上调表达基因和110个差异下调表达基因。所得差异表达基因富集在297个GO条目和146个KEGG通路中,包含62个低氧适应相关的GO条目和35个低氧适应相关代谢通路。其中低氧适应相关GO条目在生物过程、细胞组成和分子功能三种类别中占比最多的分别为细胞粘附、蛋白复合物和钙离子结合。低氧适应相关KEGG通路中占比最多的为肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)信号通路,其次为低氧诱导因子1(HIF-1)信号通路。qRT-PCR验证结果显示,Ⅱ类人类白细胞抗原α链(HLA-DOA、HLA-DRA)、补体因子 (C2)和甘露糖结合凝集素相关丝氨酸蛋白酶1（MASP1）基因的表达量变化与转录组测序结果相符。本研究为全局和深入理解牦牛肺组织转录本表达对高海拔低氧的响应提供了有价值的切入点。     

NCAPG is differentially expressed during longissimus muscle development and is associated with growth traits in Chinese Qinchuan beef cattle

Based on RNA-seq analysis, we recently found that the bovine NCAPG (non-SMC condensin I complex, subunit G) gene is differentially expressed during development of the longissimus muscle. In the present study, we validated this result and, using quantitative real-time PCR analysis, identified two adjacent genes, LCORL and DCAF16, that are more abundant in fetal muscle tissue; further analysis of tissue-specific expression patterns indicated high abundance of NCAPG in muscle. Since no polymorphisms were detected in a previous study of Qinchuan cattle, we extended our investigation to examine the occurrence of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the NCAPG gene. Three SNPs, i.e., one located in the intron region (g47747: T > G), a synonymous mutation (g52535: A > G) and a missense mutation (g53208: T > G) that leads to a change in the amino acid of interest (pIle442Met), were detected in a population of Qinchuan beef cattle (n = 300). Association analysis showed that these SNPs were significantly associated with the growth traits of Qinchuan beef cattle. Our results indicate that the bovine NCAPG gene may be involved in the development of the longissimus muscle. These polymorphisms in the NCAPG gene may be useful for marker-assisted selection of optimal body size in Qinchuan beef cattle.     

Novel Muscle-Specific Genes TCAP,TNNI1, and FHL1 in Cattle: SNVs,Linkage Disequilibrium,Combined Genotypes,Association Analysis of Growth Performance,and Carcass Quality Traits and Expression Studies

TCAP, TNNI1, and FHL1 regulate muscle growth and development. In this study, four single nucleotide variants (SNVs) were discovered in almost all of the exon and intron regions of the TCAP, TNNI1, and FHL1 genes using DNA pooled sequencing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-RFLP, and forced-PCR-RFLP methods in 576 cattle. Four SNVs were significantly associated with the growth performance and carcass quality traits of the cattle. In addition, the haplotype, haplotype frequency, and linkage disequilibrium coefficient of three sequence variants were also evaluated in the cattle population. Haplotype analysis demonstrated that eight haplotypes were present in the Qinchuan cattle population and no haplotypes were present in the Chinese Holstein population; haplotype 1 had the highest frequency in the Qinchuan (42.7%) population. Statistical analyses of 12 combined genotypes indicated that some were significantly associated with the growth performance and carcass quality traits of the Qinchuan cattle population. Moreover, the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results demonstrated that the bovine TCAP, TNNI1, and FHL1 genes were exclusively expressed in muscle tissue. These data support the high potentials of the TCAP, TNNI1, and FHL1 as marker genes to improve the growth performance and carcass quality traits of Qinchuan cattle or other animals selection programs.     

秦川牛脂联素基因SNPs检测及其与胴体、肉质性状的相关性

利用PCR-SSCP结合测序技术对405头24月龄秦川牛脂联素基因SNPs位点进行检测, 运用SPSS统计程序中的GLM模型将检测到的SNPs位点与部分胴体及肉质性状的相关性进行了分析。结果检测到AA、AB、BB、CC、CD 5种基因型, 其中AB、BB型个体在脂联素基因第2外显子 64 bp处发现G→C突变, CD型个体第3外显子50 bp处发现C→T的突变, G→C导致谷氨酸(GGA)转化为谷氨酰胺(GCA), C→T导致丝氨酸(TCA)转化为亮氨酸(TTA)。方差分析结果表明: AA型个体的宰前活重、胴体重、眼肌面积显著高于BB型(P<0.05), 而在胴体腿臀围方面, AA型个体极显著高于AB型、BB型个体(P<0.01)。CD型个体的宰前活重、胴体腿臀围、皮下脂肪厚、背膘厚、嫩度都显著优于CC型个体(P<0.05)。脂联素基因该位点可能是影响秦川牛胴体及肉质性状的主效QTL或与之紧密连锁, 可作为秦川牛高档牛肉生产的候选分子标记。     

Structural Variants Selected during Yak Domestication Inferred from Long-Read Whole-Genome Sequencing

Structural variants (SVs) represent an important genetic resource for both natural and artificial selection. Here we present a chromosome-scale reference genome for domestic yak (Bos grunniens) that has longer contigs and scaffolds (N50 44.72 and 114.39 Mb, respectively) than reported for any other ruminant genome. We further obtained long-read resequencing data for 6 wild and 23 domestic yaks and constructed a genetic SV map of 372,220 SVs that covers the geographic range of the yaks. The majority of the SVs contains repetitive sequences and several are in or near genes. By comparing SVs in domestic and wild yaks, we identified genes that are predominantly related to the nervous system, behavior, immunity, and reproduction and may have been targeted by artificial selection during yak domestication. These findings provide new insights in the domestication of animals living at high altitude and highlight the importance of SVs in animal domestication.     

Associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms in candidate genes with the polled trait in Datong domestic yaks

The domestic yak (Bos grunniens) is an iconic symbol of animal husbandry at high altitudes. Yaks exhibit unique external characteristics including long hair and large horns. However, hornless yaks can be found in different breeds and different populations. The hornless trait is also known as polled, and the POLL locus has been fine‐mapped to chromosome 1 in cattle (Bos taurus), although the underlying genetic basis of the polled trait is still unclear in the yak. Thus, we performed an association study to identify the genetic polymorphisms responsible for the polled trait in the yak. Fifty polled Datong domestic yaks and 51 horned individuals were selected randomly from a huge herd and were used as the case and control groups respectively for the association analysis. Twelve genes located in the candidate region of the POLL locus in cattle were used as references to detect DNA polymorphisms related to yak polledness, which were analyzed by sequencing and a high‐resolution melting test. We applied Fisher's exact test and haplotype analysis to show that a 147‐kb segment that included three protein‐coding genes C1H21orf62, GCFC1 and SYNJ1 was the most likely location of the POLL mutation in domestic yaks.     

秦川牛IGF2基因SNPs检测及其与胴体、肉质性状的相关性

采用PCR-SSCP方法对186头24月龄秦川牛IGF2基因进行了SNPs多态性检测, 并将其与部分胴体和肉质性状进行关联分析。在IGF2基因120碱基处发现C→T 突变, 在279碱基处发现 A→G 突变。方差分析结果表明: BB、DD 两个位点与胴体性状中与宰前活重、胴体重、胴体长、胴体胸深、眼肌面积显著相关(P<0.05), 其中背部皮下脂肪厚达到差异极显著(P<0.01); 与肉质性状大理石花纹、嫩度、pH24 (牛肉排酸24 h后的酸度值)显著相关(P<0.05)。但是在胴体深、系水力指标中差异不显著(P>0.05)。A、D 等位基因是群体中的优势等位基因, AA、DD 基因型是优势基因型, 而含有B、D 等位基因的个体的胴体和肉质性状优于其他个体, 尤其有着极强脂肪沉积能力     

Rumen ciliated protozoan fauna of the yak (Bos grunniens) in China with the description of Entodinium monuo n. sp

Rumen ciliate species composition was surveyed in domestic yaks kept in Tibet, Sichuan, and Inner Mongolia, China. Twelve genera including 36 species with 18 formae were identified. The species compositions were slightly different among the three areas: yaks in Tibet had the simplest fauna, in contrast, the fauna of yaks in Inner Mongolia were the most abundant and similar to those found in the cattle kept in the same area. This suggests that the rumen ciliate composition of yaks is affected by that of cattle kept together or in proximity. A new species belonging to the genus Entodinium, Entodinium monuo n. sp., was recognized from the yaks in all areas. This new species was common in the yaks but was not detected in the cattle fed near yaks in Inner Mongolia. There was a similar generic ciliate composition in yaks kept in respective areas. Entodinium was the most predominate ciliate (51.9-61.0%) with total ciliate densities estimated as 10(5)/ml per yak.     

Genome-wide analysis reveals the effects of artificial selection on production and meat quality traits in Qinchuan cattle

A new strain of Qinchuan cattle (QNS) has been obtained after more than forty years of selective breeding, and it shows good performance and production traits. To characterize the genetic changes that have resulted from breeding, we sequenced 10 QNS and 10 of the original breed Qinchuan cattle (QCC) for the first time, with average of 12.5-fold depth. A total of 31,242,284 and 29,612,517 SNPs were identified in the QCC and QNS genomes, 47.81% and 44.36% of which were found to be novel, respectively. Furthermore, population structure analysis revealed the selection that these cattle had experienced. Then, 332 and 571 potential selected genes were obtained, associated with enhanced immunity and acclimatization in QCC (CD5, SMARCA2, CATHL2, etc.) and production or meat quality traits in QNS (PLCD3, MB, PPARGC1A, etc.). These results revealed the efforts of selective breeding for Chinese Qinchuan cattle, and will be helpful for future cattle breeding.     

Screening for signatures of selection of Tianzhu white yak using genome‐wide re‐sequencing

The Tianzhu white yak, a domestic yak indigenous to the Qilian Mountains, migrated inland from the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. Specific ecological and long‐term artificial selection influenced the evolution of its pure white coat and physiological characteristics. Therefore, it is not only a natural population that represents a genomic selective region of environmental adaptability but is also an animal model for studying the pigmentation of the yak coat. A total of 24 261 829 variants, including 22 445 252 SNPs, were obtained from 29 yaks by genome‐wide re‐sequencing. According to the results of a selective sweep analysis of Tianzhu white yak in comparison to Tibetan yaks, nine candidate genes under selection in Tianzhu white yak were identified by combining π, Tajima's D, πA/πB and F_ST statistics, with threshold standards of 5%. These genes include PDCD1, NUP210, ABCG8, NEU4, LOC102287650, D2HGDH, COL4A1, RTP5 and HDAC11. Five of the nine genes were classified into 12 molecular signaling pathways, and most of these signaling pathways are involved in environmental information processing, organismal systems and metabolism. A majority of these genes has not been implicated in previous studies of yak coat color and high‐altitude animals. Our findings are helpful not only for explaining the molecular mechanism of yak coat pigmentation but also for exploring the genetic changes in Tianzhu white yak due to environmental adaptation.     

牦牛SRY和TRO基因部分序列克隆与测序分析

对牦牛SRY和TRO的部分基因克隆和序列分析,以期为进一步开展该基因与其性别相关分析,进行性染色体的基因定位、以及分子标记辅助选择等研究提供了理论依据。用特定引物对牦牛和西门塔尔牛的SRY、TRO基因部分序列进行扩增并进行TA克隆和测序。通过测序结果与普通牛的比对分析表明,这两个基因区域在牛种中有极高的保守性。牦牛与普通牛SRY和TRO基因这两个区域的核酸同源性分别达到了99．08％和99．39％。根据对这两个基因序列的研究为精子或者胚胎的性别鉴定提供有力的理论基础。     

Phylogeographical analysis shows the need to protect the wild yaks' last refuge in Nepal

The wild yak Bos mutus was believed to be regionally extinct in Nepal for decades until our team documented two individuals from Upper Humla, north‐western Nepal, in 2014. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) seeks further evidence for the conclusive confirmation of that sighting. We conducted line transects and opportunistic sign surveys in the potential wild yak habitats of Humla, Dolpa, and Mustang districts between 2015 and 2017 and collected genetic samples (present and historic) of wild and domestic yaks Bos grunniens. We also sighted another wild yak in Upper Humla in 2015. Phylogenetic and haplotype network analyses based on mitochondrial D‐loop sequences (~450 bp) revealed that wild yaks in Humla share the haplotype with wild yaks from the north‐western region of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau in China. While hybridization with domestic yaks is a major long‐term threat, illegal hunting for meat and trophy put the very small populations of wild yaks in Nepal at risk. Our study indicates that the unprotected habitat of Upper Humla is the last refuge for wild yaks in Nepal. We recommend wild yak conservation efforts in the country to focus on Upper Humla by (i) assigning a formal status of protected area to the region, (ii) raising awareness in the local communities for wild yak conservation, and (iii) providing support for adaptation of herding practice and pastureland use to ensure the viability of the population.     

Differences in mitochondrial gene expression profiles, enzyme activities and myosin heavy chain types in yak versus bovine skeletal muscles

Hypoxia can affect energy metabolism. We examined gene expression and enzyme activity related to mitochondrial energy metabolism, as well as myosin heavy chain (MyHC) types in yaks (Bos grunniens) living at high altitudes. Real-time quantitative PCR assays indicated that the yak has significantly lower levels of carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) mRNA in the biceps femoris and lower levels of uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) mRNA in both biceps femoris and longissimus dorsi than in Yellow cattle. No significant differences between yak and Yellow cattle were observed in the activities of mitochondrial β-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase in the same muscles. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that the MyHC 1 mRNA levels in yak biceps femoris was lower than in Yellow cattle. We conclude that the yak has significantly lower mRNA levels of CPT, UCP3, and MyHC 1 in biceps femoris than in Yellow cattle, suggesting that the yak biceps femoris has lower fatty acid oxidation capacity and greater glycolytic metabolic potential.