Abstract
In this study we investigated the methylome of chickens immunized with Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) vaccine derived from chicken embryos. Methyl-CpG binding domain protein-enriched genome sequencing (MBD-Seq) method was employed in the detection of the 1,155 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) across the entire genome. After validation, we ascertained the genomic DMRs distribution and annotated them regarding genes, transcription start sites (TSS) and CpG islands. We found that global DNA methylation decreased in vaccinated birds, presenting 704 hypomethylated and 451 hypermethylated DMRs, respectively. Additionally, we performed an enrichment analysis detecting gene networks, in which cancer and RNA post-transcriptional modification appeared in the first place, followed by humoral immune response, immunological disease and inflammatory disease. The top four identified canonical pathways were EIF2 signaling, regulation of EIF4 and p70S6K signaling, axonal guidance signaling and mTOR signaling, providing new insight regarding the mechanisms of ILT etiology. Lastly, the association between DNA methylation and differentially expressed genes was examined, and detected negative correlation in seventeen of the eighteen genes.
Highlights
Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a disease caused by the Gallid herpesvirus 1 (GaHV-1)
There have been several methods applied to DNA methylation analysis [25]
Methyl-CpG binding domain proteinenriched genome sequencing (MBD-Seq) constitutes a good alternative for detection of DNA methylation in genome wide studies [21]
Summary
Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a disease caused by the Gallid herpesvirus 1 (GaHV-1). The disease spreads worldwide and presents a challenge for the poultry industry due to its detrimental economic impact. Morbidity varies from 50 to 100%, and mortality between 10 and 20%, reaching sometimes 70% of the flocks [1]. ILT is associated with chicken in areas of high poultry production but the disease affects other birds such pheasants, peafowls and turkeys [2]. After the incubation period of 6 to 12 days, infected birds could display different symptoms, such as conjunctivitis, sinusitis and nasal discharge, bloody mucous exudate, PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0100476. After the incubation period of 6 to 12 days, infected birds could display different symptoms, such as conjunctivitis, sinusitis and nasal discharge, bloody mucous exudate, PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0100476 June 24, 2015
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