Abstract
We have previously identified components of the immune system contributing to feed intake and gain in both the rumen and small intestine of beef steers. In this study, we examined the spleen, a major lymphatic organ near the digestive tract, to determine whether it was also influencing individual feed efficiency status through immune responses. Animals (n = 16) that were divergent for gain and intake were selected for tissue sampling. The spleen transcriptomes were evaluated by microarray. A total of 1216 genes were identified as differentially expressed. Genes were over-represented in Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathways including biological regulation, protein folding, cell communication, immune systems process, response to stress, and RNA metabolic process. Several stress response or heat shock genes including HSPH1, HSPA1A, HSPA4, DNAJB4, DNAJA4, etc., were identified as a stress response functional gene cluster in the low gain-low intake animals. These genes were up-regulated amongst the low gain-low intake animals compared to all other groups. Canonical pathways associated with the differentially expressed genes included the coagulation system, extrinsic prothrombin activation, protein ubiquitination, unfolded protein response, and aldosterone signaling in epithelial cells. An analysis of expressed copy number variable (CNV) genes in the spleen produced some of the same genes and gene families that were differentially expressed. Our data suggests the splenic contribution to some of the underlying variation among gain and intake within this group of animals may be a result of immune function and stress response. In addition, some of the differences in immune response functions may be related to gene copy number.
Highlights
The spleen is responsible for filtering the blood of damaged red cells and microbes, and serves as an immune organ
The high gain-low intake animals gained an average of 166 kg and consumed 762 kg of dry matter over the study
High gain and low gain groups, as well as high intake and low intake groups are composed of 8 animals. bGain is expressed in total kg in body weight gained over the trial. cFeed intake is expressed in total kg of dry matter intake consumed during the feeding trial
Summary
The spleen is responsible for filtering the blood of damaged red cells and microbes, and serves as an immune organ. The spleen’s roles in immune functions include surveying the blood for antigens and producing antibodies. The spleen is composed of red and white pulp. The red pulp contains platelets and phagocytes, the latter of which engulf the red blood cells, and pathogens that are filtered out of the blood stream. The phagocytes and platelets are available for release into the blood stream when necessary to facilitate wound healing. The white pulp contains T and B cells, and macrophages and responds to the antigens circulating through the bloodstream
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