Abstract
Maternal nutrient restriction impairs placental growth and development, but available evidence suggests that adaptive mechanisms exist, in a subset of nutrient restricted (NR) ewes, that support normal fetal growth and do not result in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). This study utilized Affymetrix GeneChip Bovine and Ovine Genome 1.0 ST Arrays to identify novel placental genes associated with differential fetal growth rates within NR ewes. Singleton pregnancies were generated by embryo transfer and, beginning on Day 35 of pregnancy, ewes received either a 100% National Research Council (NRC) (control-fed group; n = 7) or 50% NRC (NR group; n = 24) diet until necropsy on Day 125. Fetuses from NR ewes were separated into NR non-IUGR (n = 6) and NR IUGR (n = 6) groups based on Day 125 fetal weight for microarray analysis. Of the 103 differentially expressed genes identified, 15 were upregulated and 88 were downregulated in NR non-IUGR compared to IUGR placentomes. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that upregulated gene clusters in NR non-IUGR placentomes associated with cell membranes, receptors, and signaling. Downregulated gene clusters associated with immune response, nutrient transport, and metabolism. Results illustrate that placentomal gene expression in late gestation is indicative of an altered placental immune response, which is associated with enhanced fetal growth, in a subpopulation of NR ewes.
Highlights
Maternal nutrient restriction during pregnancy impairs placental and fetal growth in humans and livestock species, often resulting in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) [1,2,3]
Results illustrate that placentomal gene expression in late gestation is indicative of an altered placental immune response, which is associated with enhanced fetal growth, in a subpopulation of nutrient restricted (NR) ewes
The specific nutrient transporters that were upregulated in the non-IUGR compared to IUGR placentomes from NR ewes previously, were not detected in this microarray [15]
Summary
Maternal nutrient restriction during pregnancy impairs placental and fetal growth in humans and livestock species, often resulting in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) [1,2,3]. In response to reduced nutrient delivery from the dam, the fetus undergoes a number of adaptations to reset critical metabolic and physiologic functions that will allow for enhanced survival in postnatal life [6,8]. The mechanisms regulating this adaptation in fetal growth, development, and programming are not fully understood
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
