Protein profile in mitochondria of pigs selected for residual feed intake

Abstract

The efficiency nutrients utilization depends partially on mitochondrial efficiency and function. Additionally, mitochondria are a prime source of reactive oxygen species. The purpose of this study was to compare mitochondria protein profile in pigs (n = 11 per line) divergently selected for feed efficiency (low or high residual feed intake, RFI). Mitochondria were freshly isolated from the longissimus dorsi muscle by differential centrifugation, leaving an enriched mitochondria pellet. The pellets were solubilized and 2D‐Differential In Gel Electrophoresis, pH 3–10 11cm strips in the first dimension and 12.5 % acrylamide gels in the second dimension, were performed. Proteins were identified by electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI/MS). ERO1α was found to be increased in high RFI pigs (P = 0.073). ERO1α impacts mitochondria permeability transition pore through production of reactive oxygen species. SLC41a2, a Mg transporter, was increased (P = 0.13), possibly impacting superoxide dismutase conversion of superoxide to hydrogen peroxide. Cytochrome P450 4A11, a potential source of oxidative stress, was found to be increased (P = 0.14) in high RFI pigs. These data tend to indicate less efficient, high RFI, pigs may be more prone to intracellular oxidative stress than low RFI pigs. This research was supported by USDA‐AFRI grant# 2010‐65206‐20670.