Authors : Jiang Caode, Huang Chenchen, Yang Yongsheng and Zhang Jiahua
Abstract: Imprinted genes are generally essential for the adequate development and functions of the placenta in human and mice. To identify links between gene imprinting and porcine placental biology, researchers characterized expression of 32 candidates in Meishan and Duroc placentas on day 25, 55 and 105 of gestation using real-time PCR. The results revealed 14 genes differentially expressed between Meishan and Duroc placentas or over gestation stages. In Meishan placentas, GO terms involving regulation of blood vessel size, organ morphogenesis, secretion and cell differentiation were over-represented in the genes showing decreased expression with gestation ages or higher expression than in Duroc placentas at day 25 of gestation while cell cycle arrest was enriched in the genes of higher levels in expression at day 105 of gestation. In contrast in Duroc placentas, genes which expression decreased at late gestation were enriched in cell cycle process and cell cycle arrest whereas genes which expression increased at late gestation were associated with organ development and cell differentiation. Furthermore, 13 differential genes had marked deletion effects involving embryonic and placental growth and embryonic lethality. Interestingly, transcripts of 29 imprinted genes demonstrated high expression correlation, thus forming co-regulation network in porcine placenta. The research indicates the essential roles and fine-tuned compensatory regulation of imprinted genes in porcine placenta. It has highlighted 14 potential important imprinted candidates responsible for porcine placental development or the regulation of placental efficiency in Meishan and Duroc breeds with PEG10 being a key regulator.
Jiang Caode, Huang Chenchen, Yang Yongsheng and Zhang Jiahua, 2014. Characterization of Imprinted Gene Expression in Porcine Placenta. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 13: 711-718.