Ma Lin, Zhao Xianzhi, Wang Haiwei, Chen Zhuping, Zhang Keshan, Xue Jiajia, Luo Yi, Liu Hanyu, Jiang Xinshuai, Wang Jiayue, Ma Xiaohui, Mao Fanglei, Zhong Yuhan, Liu Yueyang, Deng Rui, Zhou Yanli, Wang Chao, Xie Youhui, Chen Ying, Wang Qigui, Gao Guangliang
Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Goose Genetic Improvement, Institute of Poultry Science, Chongqing Academy of Animal Science, Chongqing 402460, China.
College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Apr 5;26(7):3408. doi: 10.3390/ijms26073408.
Ovarian tissue is critical for goose reproduction. This study aimed to investigate gene regulation by DNA methylation in relation to the reproductive traits of geese. We performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) on ovarian tissues from Sichuan white geese (high-laying-rate group: HLRG, ♀ = 3; low-laying-rate group: LLRG, ♀ = 3) during the laying period. The results showed a higher level of hypermethylated differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in the HLRG, indicating a higher overall methylation level compared to the LLRG. In total, we identified 2831 DMRs and 733 differentially methylated genes (DMGs), including 363 genes with upregulated methylation. These DMGs were significantly enriched in pathways related to microtubule function (GO:0005874; GO:0000226), GnRH secretion, thyroid hormone signaling, ECM-receptor interaction, and PI3K-Akt signaling. Integration with RNA-seq data identified eight overlapping genes between DMGs and differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with five genes (, , , , ) exhibiting a correlation between hypomethylation and high expression. , in particular, emerged as a promising candidate, potentially regulating follicle growth and development in Sichuan white geese. Future studies should focus on further verifying the role of the gene. In conclusion, this study provides important insights into the regulatory mechanisms of DNA methylation influencing reproductive traits in geese, offering novel candidate markers for future goose breeding programs.
卵巢组织对鹅的繁殖至关重要。本研究旨在探讨DNA甲基化对鹅繁殖性状的基因调控作用。我们对产蛋期四川白鹅（高产蛋率组：HLRG，♀ = 3；低产蛋率组：LLRG，♀ = 3）的卵巢组织进行了全基因组亚硫酸氢盐测序（WGBS）。结果显示，HLRG中高甲基化差异甲基化区域（DMRs）水平较高，表明与LLRG相比，其整体甲基化水平更高。我们总共鉴定出2831个DMRs和733个差异甲基化基因（DMGs），其中包括363个甲基化上调的基因。这些DMGs在与微管功能（GO:0005874；GO:0000226）、GnRH分泌、甲状腺激素信号传导、ECM-受体相互作用和PI3K-Akt信号传导相关的通路中显著富集。与RNA-seq数据整合后，在DMGs和差异表达基因（DEGs）之间鉴定出8个重叠基因，其中5个基因（，，，，）表现出低甲基化与高表达之间的相关性。特别是，成为一个有前景的候选基因，可能调控四川白鹅卵泡的生长和发育。未来的研究应集中在进一步验证基因的作用。总之，本研究为DNA甲基化影响鹅繁殖性状的调控机制提供了重要见解，为未来的鹅育种计划提供了新的候选标记。
