摘要
This study aims to analyze the whole-genome DNA methylation differences in Yili horses before and after racing, with the goal of identifying differentially methylated genes associated with racing performance and exploring the epigenetic mechanisms underlying exercise in horses. Blood samples were collected from the jugular veins of the top 3 Yili horses in a 5000 m race, which included 25 competitors, both prior to and within 5 min after the race. Genomic DNA was extracted, followed by sequencing using Whole-Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS) to assess DNA methylation levels, differentially methylated regions (DMRs), and differentially methylated genes (DMGs). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the identified DMGs to select candidate genes potentially associated with equine exercise. A total of 18,374 differentially methylated CG regions, 254 differentially methylated CHG regions, and 584 differentially methylated CHH regions were identified. A total of 4293 DMGs were anchored in gene bodies and 2187 DMGs in promoter regions. Functional analysis revealed that these DMGs were mainly enriched in terms related to binding and kinase activity, as well as pathways such as PI3K-Akt signaling and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection. Further analysis indicated that genes such as IFNAR2, FGF4, and DGKH could be potential candidate genes associated with equine athletic performance. The findings of this study contribute to understanding the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of equine athletic performance, providing a reference for further in-depth research on horse racing.
摘要译文
这项研究旨在分析赛车前后YILI马的全基因组DNA甲基化差异，目的是鉴定与赛车性能相关的差异甲基化基因，并探索马中运动中的表观遗传机制。在5000 m的比赛中，从前三名YILI马的颈静脉中收集了血液样本，其中包括25个竞争对手，无论是在比赛结束前和5分钟之内。提取基因组DNA，然后使用全基因组亚硫酸盐测序（WGB）进行测序，以评估DNA甲基化水平，差异甲基化区域（DMR）和差异甲基化基因（DMG）。基因本体论（GO）和基因和基因组（KEGG）途径富集分析的京都百科全书进行了鉴定的DMGS进行选择，以选择可能与马运动相关的候选基因。确定了总共18,374个差异甲基化的CG区域，254个差异甲基化的CHG区域和584个差异甲基化的CHH区域。在启动子区域中，共有4293个DMG锚定在基因体和2187 DMG中。功能分析表明，这些DMG主要用与结合和激酶活性有关的术语以及PI3K-AKT信号传导和Kaposi肉瘤相关的疱疹病毒感染等途径。进一步的分析表明，诸如IFNAR2，FGF4和DGKH之类的基因可能是与马运动性能相关的潜在候选基因。这项研究的发现有助于理解马运动表现的表观遗传调节机制，从而参考了对赛马的进一步深入研究。
Jianwen Wang; Wanlu Ren; Zexu Li; Shikun Ma; Luling Li; Ran Wang; Yaqi Zeng; Jun Meng; Xinkui Yao. Blood-Based Whole-Genome Methylation Analysis of Yili Horses Pre- and Post-Racing[J]. Animals, 2025,15(3): 326