DNA methylation pattern of the goat <i>PITX1</i> gene and its effects on milk performance
<p>Paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 1 (<i>PITX1</i>) is a pivotal gene in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, which is a well-known pathway affecting lactation performance. The aim of this study was to analyze the DNA methylation profile of the <i>PITX1</i...
Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2019-02-01
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Series: | Archives Animal Breeding |
Online Access: | https://www.arch-anim-breed.net/62/59/2019/aab-62-59-2019.pdf |
Summary: | <p>Paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 1 (<i>PITX1</i>) is a pivotal
gene in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, which is a well-known
pathway affecting lactation performance. The aim of this study was to analyze
the DNA methylation profile of the <i>PITX1</i> gene and its relevance to
milk performance in Xinong Saanen dairy goats; thus, potential epigenetic
markers of lactation performance were identified. A total of 267 goat blood
samples were divided into “low” and “high” groups according to two milk
traits: the average milk yield (AMY) and the average milk density (AMD). One
CpG island in the 3<span class="inline-formula"><sup>′</sup></span>-flanking region of the <i>PITX1</i> gene was
identified as being related to milk performance. Fisher's exact test
demonstrated that the methylation rates of the overall CpG island and the 3rd
and 12th CpG-dinucleotide loci in the blood were significantly associated
with the AMY, and the overall methylation rate of the high AMY group was
relative hypomethylation compared with the low AMY group. The overall
methylation rates of this CpG island in mammary gland tissue from dry and
lactation periods again exhibited a significant difference: the lactation
period showed relative hypomethylation compared with the dry period.
Bioinformatic transcription factor binding site prediction identified some
lactation performance related transcription factors in this CpG island, such
as CTCF, STAT, SMAD, CDEF, SP1, and KLFS. Briefly, overall methylation
changes of the CpG island in the <i>PITX1</i> gene are relevant to
lactation performance, which will be valuable for future studies and
epigenetic marker-assisted selection (eMAS) in the breeding of goats with
respect to lactation performance.</p> |
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ISSN: | 0003-9438 2363-9822 |