Abstract
Fat deposition is an important economic trait in farm animals as well as obesity related diseases in humans, and the liver is a central organ involved in regulating lipid synthesis and metabolism in mammals. In this study, the pig liver transcriptome of two groups (H and L) showing differences in backfat thickness were profiled using RNA-Seq and miRNA-Seq to further explore the molecular mechanism of fat deposition. A total of 238 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 58 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified between the H and L group. These genes and miRNAs were functionally related to lipid metabolism, including CYP1A1/2, HMGCS2, ACSS2, UBE2L6, miR-27a, and miR-31. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that genes associated with oxidative stress might be responsible for fat deposition in pigs. Two miRNA-mRNA interaction networks involved in lipid metabolism were identified, and these provided new insights into the molecular regulation that determines fat content in these pigs. Overall, our study furthers our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in fat deposition, and these results may help in the design of selection strategies to improve the quality of pork meat and to combat obesity in humans.
Highlights
IntroductionFat content is an important consideration and indicator, as it is correlated with meat quality and consumer palatability [1]
Pig (Sus scrofa) is a primary source of animal protein for human consumption
The miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks highlighted in this study have provided a comprehensive profile for understanding the mechanism of fat deposition in pigs
Summary
Fat content is an important consideration and indicator, as it is correlated with meat quality and consumer palatability [1]. Pigs served as an important model for the genetic basis of obesity, and this is due to their similarity to humans in terms of genetics, body size, and other physiological and anatomical features [2]. The liver plays a key role in regulating lipid synthesis and metabolism in mammals, especially in regard to the process of www.impactjournals.com/oncotarget triglyceride synthesis, as it is the central organ involved in de novo lipogenesis, gluconeogenesis, and cholesterol metabolism [3, 4], and the process of lipid synthesis in the liver can significantly influence intramuscular fat (IMF) and subcutaneous fat (SAT) deposition in pigs [5]
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