Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore whether global nutrient (GN) restriction of pregnant gilts influences fetal expression of miRNAs and mRNAs involved in small intestine development and metabolism. Pregnant gilts (n=8) were randomly assigned into full-fed control (no feed intake restriction) or GN restricted (50-70% feed intake restriction) groups. Fetal pigs were delivered by C-section on day 110 ± 2 and fetal ileum samples were collected and frozen immediately in liquid nitrogen. Total RNA was extracted using Trizol, and miRNA libraries was constructed using the total RNA with Ion Total RNA-Seq kit v2, and sequenced using the Ion Proton Sequencing Platform. When mapped against the swine database, expressed miRNAs showed that abundance of miR-20a, miR-let-7a, miR-let-7c, miR-let-7e, miR-17-5p, miR-18a, miR-155-5p and miR-181b associated with regulation of ileum development and immune response were modified in offspring from GN restricted gilts as compared to control gilts. Additionally, alterations were observed in mRNA of genes related to growth axis and gluconeogenesis. The expressions of CREB1, CRTC2, FoxO1, G-6-pase, PCK1, PCK2, PPARGC-1, SIRT-1, CAT-1, GHR, GLUT-2, I-FABP, IGF-1, IGF-1R and L-FABP measured using real-time qPCR are 2.4-12.7 folds higher in ileal of offspring from GN restricted than control gilts. These results strongly suggest that nutrient restriction during pregnancy can affect the programming of fetal ileum development and metabolism via regulation of gene expression and that post-transcriptional mechanisms might be involved in. Supported by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, GCE OPP1061037.
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 call
