Breeding, Genetics and Safety Production of Dairy Cattle

A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Farm Animal Production".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 February 2023) | Viewed by 26275

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Special Issue Editors

College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
Interests: milk fat traits; gene regulation network construction; gene expression; epigenetic; circRNA; lincRNA miRNA; mRNA
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
Interests: gene regulation; functional genomics; genetic polymorphisms; genetic heritability; gwas; bioinformatics; milk component; fatty acids; proteins
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Tens of thousands of years of wild animal domestication, natural selection, and artificial selection have led to the emergence of the livestock species we have all over the world today. With the improvement of genetic theories, conventional animal breeding techniques have developed from general phenotypic selection to the use of genetic methods to estimate breeding values. Moreover, great contributions have been made to the genetic improvement of livestock in the past few decades. Since the 1980s, the appearance of various molecular genetic markers and the development of modern biotechnology have provided new methods for improving animal genetic breeding. The integration of various omics information—such as DNA, RNA, protein, and epigenetic regulation—brings new opportunities for the mining of important economic traits of animals and the analysis of molecular genetic mechanisms. Functional genes can be mined and screened from different levels (including circRNA, lincRNA miRNA and mRNA) and perspectives by obtaining information on the genome, transcriptome, proteome, epigenome, and metagenome. In this way, gene networks and regulatory pathways can be studied more efficiently, thus laying a solid foundation for analysing the mechanisms of functional genes.

Over the last three decades, world milk production has increased by more than 59%, from 530 million tonnes to 843 million tonnes. Yet, the genetic mechanisms behind milk fat traits remain largely undetermined. Milk is rich in fatty acids, proteins, and eight essential amino acids needed by the human body. The fatty acids in milk, namely, dodecylic acid, myristic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid, are the main energy substances in the human body, accounting for approximately 5, 10, 8, and 27 % of the total fatty acids, respectively. Thus, decoding the genetics of milk fat traits can have a potential impact on product development, international trade, and consumption of milk components. This Special Issue will focus on applying the aforementioned advances to explore gene regulation and its molecular mechanisms in milk fat traits.

We would like to welcome investigators in relevant fields to contribute original research, reviews, and method articles. Potential subtopics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Research and application surrounding the genetic basis of important milk fat traits;
  • Mining and function of excellent genetic resources for milk fat traits;
  • Genetics of nutrition metabolism regulation and efficient production of milk fat;
  • Epigenetic research on genes implicated in milk fat traits;
  • High-throughput sequencing research surrounding genetics of milk fat traits;
  • Construction of gene (including circRNA, lincRNA miRNA, and mRNA) expression regulatory network maps.

Prof. Dr. Zhi Chen
Prof. Dr. Cong Li
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • milk fat traits
  • gene regulation network construction
  • gene expression
  • epigenetic
  • circRNA
  • lincRNA miRNA
  • mRNA

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 176 KiB  
Editorial
Genetics and Production of Safe, High-Quality Milk by Dairy Cattle
by Sitian Yang, Xiang Cao, Yu Wang, Cong Li and Zhi Chen
Agriculture 2023, 13(7), 1348; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13071348 - 04 Jul 2023
Viewed by 805
Abstract
A crucial part of the livestock industry is dairy cattle which contribute significantly to the livestock economy [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Genetics and Safety Production of Dairy Cattle)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

10 pages, 1887 KiB  
Communication
Regulation of bta-miRNA29d-3p on Lipid Accumulation via GPAM in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells
by Xin Zhao, Jun Li, Shuying Zhao, Lili Chen, Man Zhang, Yi Ma and Dawei Yao
Agriculture 2023, 13(2), 501; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13020501 - 20 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1160
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules consisting of approximately 22 nucleotides that are engaged in the regulation of various bio-processes. There is growing evidence that miR-29 is a key regulator of hepatic lipid metabolism. Mimics and inhibitors of bta-miRNA29d-3p were transiently transfected in [...] Read more.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules consisting of approximately 22 nucleotides that are engaged in the regulation of various bio-processes. There is growing evidence that miR-29 is a key regulator of hepatic lipid metabolism. Mimics and inhibitors of bta-miRNA29d-3p were transiently transfected in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) to reveal the regulation of bta-miRNA29d-3p on lipid accumulation in BMECs. Results showed that overexpression of bta-miRNA29d-3p significantly inhibited the expression of genes related to triglyceride (TAG) synthesis, namely DGAT1 and mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAM, p < 0.01) and down-regulated TAG levels in cells (p < 0.05). The expression of fatty acid synthesis and desaturation-related genes FASN, SCD1, and ACACA, and transcription factor SREBF1 also decreased. Interference of bta-miRNA29d-3p significantly increased the expression of GPAM, DGAT1, FASN, SCD1, ACACA, and SREBF1 (p < 0.01), and significantly upregulated the concentration of TAG in cells. Furthermore, a luciferase reporter assay confirmed that GPAM is a direct target of bta-miRNA29d-3p. In summary, bta-miRNA29d-3p modulates fatty acid metabolism and TAG synthesis by regulating genes related to lipid metabolism in BMECs and targeting GPAM. Thus, bta-miRNA29d-3p plays an important role in controlling mammary lipid synthesis in cows. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Genetics and Safety Production of Dairy Cattle)
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13 pages, 1203 KiB  
Article
Genetic Polymorphism and mRNA Expression Studies Reveal IL6R and LEPR Gene Associations with Reproductive Traits in Chinese Holsteins
by Hailiang Zhang, Abdul Sammad, Rui Shi, Yixin Dong, Shanjiang Zhao, Lin Liu, Gang Guo, Qing Xu, Aoxing Liu and Yachun Wang
Agriculture 2023, 13(2), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13020321 - 28 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1232
Abstract
Genetic selection of milk yield traits alters the energy distribution of high producing cows, resulting in gene-induced negative energy balance, and consequently, poor body condition scores and reduced reproductive performances. Here, we investigated two metabolic-syndrome pathway genes, IL6R (Interleukin 6 receptor) and LEPR [...] Read more.
Genetic selection of milk yield traits alters the energy distribution of high producing cows, resulting in gene-induced negative energy balance, and consequently, poor body condition scores and reduced reproductive performances. Here, we investigated two metabolic-syndrome pathway genes, IL6R (Interleukin 6 receptor) and LEPR (Leptin receptor), for their polymorphism effects on reproductive performance in dairy cows, by applying polymorphism association analyses in 1588 Chinese Holstein cows (at population level) and gene expression analyses in granulosa cells isolated from eight cows (at cell level). Among the six single nucleotide polymorphisms we examined (two SNPs for IL6R and four SNPs for LEPR), five were significantly associated with at least one reproductive trait, including female fertility traits covering both the ability to recycle after calving and the ability to conceive and keep pregnancy when inseminated properly, as well as calving traits. Notably, the identified variant SNP g.80143337A/C in LEPR is a missense variant. The role of IL6R and LEPR in cattle reproduction were further confirmed by observed differences in relative gene expression levels amongst granulosa cells with different developmental stages. Collectively, the functional validation of IL6R and LEPR performed in this study improved our understanding of cattle reproduction while providing important molecular markers for genetic selection of reproductive traits in high-yielding dairy cattle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Genetics and Safety Production of Dairy Cattle)
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12 pages, 1604 KiB  
Article
DDIT3 Governs Milk Production Traits by Targeting IL-6 to Induce Apoptosis in Dairy Cattle
by Xiaogang Cui, Changqing Li, Zhangqi Wei, Hangting Meng, Fengfeng Zhang, Yue Liu, Changxin Wu and Shaohua Yang
Agriculture 2023, 13(1), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13010117 - 31 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1701
Abstract
The mechanisms of modulating milk production traits remain largely unknown. Based on our previous RNA-seq, DDIT3 was presumed as a novel, promising candidate gene for regulating milk protein and fat traits in dairy cattle. To further detect the genetic effect of DDIT3 and [...] Read more.
The mechanisms of modulating milk production traits remain largely unknown. Based on our previous RNA-seq, DDIT3 was presumed as a novel, promising candidate gene for regulating milk protein and fat traits in dairy cattle. To further detect the genetic effect of DDIT3 and its potential molecular mechanisms in regulating milk production traits in dairy cattle, here, we performed a genotype-phenotype association study. Two SNPs, g.-1194 C>T and g.-128 C>T, were significantly associated with MY (p = 0.0063), FY (p = 0.0001) and PY (p = 0.0216), respectively. A luciferase assay demonstrated that the allele T of g.-128 C>T increased the promoter activity by binding the HSF2, while allele C did not. To further reveal the molecular regulatory mechanisms, the DDIT3-knockdown MAC-T cells were established. It was observed that DDIT3 silencing could induce apoptosis and increase the number of PI-positive cells. Meanwhile, DDIT3 silencing led to increased expression of inflammatory markers, such as IL-6, IL6R, IL1B, IL7R, IL1RL2, IL1A, STAT1-5, MYC, IGFBP4, and IGFBP5, and especially for IL-6 (log2FC = 4.22; p = 3.49 × 10−112). Additionally, compared with the control group, increased lipid accumulation was found in the DDIT3-knockdown MAC-T cells. Thus, our results proved that lower expression of DDIT3 could result in increased lipid accumulation and apoptosis via up-regulating the expression of IL-6. These findings provided clues about the regulatory mechanisms of milk production traits in dairy cattle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Genetics and Safety Production of Dairy Cattle)
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10 pages, 1124 KiB  
Communication
The Prevalence of Escherichia coli Derived from Bovine Clinical Mastitis and Distribution of Resistance to Antimicrobials in Part of Jiangsu Province, China
by Tianle Xu, Wendi Cao, Yicai Huang, Jingwen Zhao, Xinyue Wu and Zhangping Yang
Agriculture 2023, 13(1), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13010090 - 29 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1943
Abstract
Bovine mastitis is often taken as one of the most common diseases in dairy farms, which its pathophysiology leads to a reduction of milk production and its quality. The penetration of pathogenic bacteria into the mammary gland, through either a contagious or environmental [...] Read more.
Bovine mastitis is often taken as one of the most common diseases in dairy farms, which its pathophysiology leads to a reduction of milk production and its quality. The penetration of pathogenic bacteria into the mammary gland, through either a contagious or environmental approach, has been determined the way of infection. The mastitis derived bacteria have become a challenge in practice, since the increasing exposure of antimicrobial. In order to identify characteristics of the epidemiological regulation and drug resistance of the pathogenic bacteria of bovine mastitis in northern Jiangsu, 156 clinical mastitis milk samples were collected from 3 large-scale farms for the epidemiological investigation and analysis of the drug resistance of E. coli. The bacteria were positively isolated in a total of 143 milk samples. The results showed that 78 strains of E. coli were detected, with a prevalence rate of 26.99%, followed by 67 strains of K. pneumoniae, with a prevalence of 23.19%, and 38 strains of Staphylococcus, with a prevalence of spp. 13.15%. In addition, 78 strains of E. coli isolated from bovine mastitis were tested for susceptibility to 8 kinds of antibiotics. It was shown that gentamicin and tetracycline were the most effective against E. coli, with the susceptibility rate of 83.3%, followed by streptomycin and ciprofloxacin, with 73.1% and 71.8% respectively. However, β-lactams including penicillin, cefothiophene, and amoxicillin showed serious resistance to E. coli isolates. There were 12 drug resistance genes detected by PCR, including β-lactam (blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaSHV), aminoglycoside (armA and armB), tetracycline (tetA, tetB, and tetC), and quinolone (qnrS, qepA, oqxA, and oqxB) related genes. Notably, all E. coli isolates carried blaTEM gene (100%). The detection rate of blaCTX-M was 53.8%, followed by the detection of blaSHV (20.5%), armA (9.0%), tetA (26.9%), tetB (2.6%), tetC (20.5%), qnrS (29.5%), oqxA (37.2%) and oqxB (1.3%). The present study provides crucial information on the distribution of bovine mastitis derived bacterial pathogens in Jiangsu province, as well as highlighting the antimicrobial resistance which might help to improve the efficiency of antibiotics treatment on bovine mastitis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Genetics and Safety Production of Dairy Cattle)
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14 pages, 2373 KiB  
Article
Functional and Comparative Analysis of Two Subtypes of Cofilin Family on Cattle Myoblasts Differentiation
by Yujia Sun, Yaoyao Ma, Xinyi Wu, Tianqi Zhao, Lu Lu and Zhangping Yang
Agriculture 2022, 12(9), 1420; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12091420 - 08 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1378
Abstract
Agricultural meat composition and quality are not independent of the effects of skeletal muscle growth and development in animals. Cofilin is distributed extensively in muscle and non-muscle cells, and its function is tightly regulated in the cell. Cofilin has two variants in mammals, [...] Read more.
Agricultural meat composition and quality are not independent of the effects of skeletal muscle growth and development in animals. Cofilin is distributed extensively in muscle and non-muscle cells, and its function is tightly regulated in the cell. Cofilin has two variants in mammals, cofilin-1 (CFL1, non-muscle type) and cofilin-2 (CFL2, muscle type), and has a dual function on skeletal muscle fibers. Our study examined the expression pattern of CFL1 and CFL2 in different fetal bovine, calf, and adult cattle tissues. The content of the CFL2 gene increased significantly with the increase in cattle age in muscle tissues; CFL1 showed the opposite trend. In muscle tissues, DNA methylation levels of CFL1 and CFL2 were high in fetal bovine, and the mRNA level of CFL2 was significantly lower compared to CFL1. However, DNA methylation levels of CFL2 were lower than CFL1, and the mRNA level of CFL2 was remarkably higher compared to CFL1 in adult cattle. Overexpression of CFL1 or knockdown CFL2 reduced the expression levels of muscle differentiation markers, i.e., MYOD, MYOG, and MYH3. Overexpression of CFL2 or knockdown CFL1 stimulated the expression of these marker genes. Therefore, CFL2 may be superior to CFL1 as a candidate gene for subsequent research on cattle genetics and breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Genetics and Safety Production of Dairy Cattle)
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13 pages, 2925 KiB  
Article
Lycium barbarum Polysaccharide Inhibits E. coli-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Mammary Epithelial Cells of Dairy Cows via SOCS3 Activation and MAPK Suppression
by Run Liu, Hao Zhu, Jingwen Zhao, Xinyue Wu, Xubin Lu, Tianle Xu and Zhangping Yang
Agriculture 2022, 12(5), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12050598 - 24 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1859
Abstract
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the main causative agents of mastitis in dairy cows. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) has a variety of physiological effects as it has antioxidants, it is hypoglycemic, it has anti-aging properties, it is neuroprotective, immune [...] Read more.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the main causative agents of mastitis in dairy cows. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) has a variety of physiological effects as it has antioxidants, it is hypoglycemic, it has anti-aging properties, it is neuroprotective, immune boosting, and it has anti-inflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we examined whether LBP affects the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway via activation of the suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3) in E. coli-induced primary bovine mammary epithelial cell (pbMEC) inflammatory responses. The experiment was designed with the control group (NC), cells were treated with E. coli for 6 h as the E. coli group (E. coli), and cells were pretreated with 100 μg/mL or 300 μg/mL of LBP for 24 h, followed by the addition of E. coli for 6 h as the E. coli + low level (E + LL) or E. coli + high level (E + HL) groups. The addition of LBP did not alter the cell viability of pbMEC in a dose-dependent assay. Pretreatment with LBP significantly decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory genes (IL1B, MAPK14, COX-2, iNOS) and proteins (COX-2, IL-1β, TNF-α) in the cells challenged by E. coli as compared with the control group (p < 0.05). E. coli stimulation significantly increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in pbMEC, and decreased the antioxidants’ capacity with regard to decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC); however, pretreatment with LBP reversed the oxidative stress and inhibition of antioxidants in cells challenged by E. coli. Moreover, LBP reversed the upregulated expression of the components of the MAPK pathway (increased phosphorylation level of p38, JNK, and ERK), followed by E. coli stimulation. Consistently, cells exposed to E. coli strengthened the staining of p38, whereas pretreatment of LBP weakened the staining of p38 in cells challenged by E. coli. Notably, the expression of SOCS3 was increased by LBP added to the cells in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the level of decreased expression of proinflammatory factors (IL-1β, TNF-α, and COX-2) was higher in the E + LL group than in the E + HL group. These results indicate that LBP pretreatment is effective in the alleviation of E. coli-induced inflammatory and oxidative responses in pbMEC through activation of SOCS3 and depression of MAPK signaling. As such, this might help us to develop molecular strategies for mitigating the detrimental effects of clinical bovine mastitis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Genetics and Safety Production of Dairy Cattle)
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14 pages, 2115 KiB  
Article
Bta-miR-125a Regulates Milk-Fat Synthesis by Targeting SAA1 mRNA in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells
by Xiaogang Cui, Tianqi Yuan, Zhengyu Fang, Jiao Feng and Changxin Wu
Agriculture 2022, 12(3), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12030344 - 28 Feb 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2035
Abstract
The nutritional value of cow milk mainly depends on its fatty acid content and protein composition. The identification of genes controlling milk production traits and their regulatory mechanisms is particularly important for accelerating genetic progress in the breeding of dairy cows. On the [...] Read more.
The nutritional value of cow milk mainly depends on its fatty acid content and protein composition. The identification of genes controlling milk production traits and their regulatory mechanisms is particularly important for accelerating genetic progress in the breeding of dairy cows. On the basis of mammary gland transcriptome analyses, in this study we identified an miRNA, bta-miR-125a, that could control bovine milk-fat production by targeting the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of the serum amyloid A-1 (SAA1) mRNA. The presence of synthetic bta-miR-125a (i.e., an miR-125a mimic) significantly down-regulated the expression of luciferase from mRNAs containing the binding sequence for bta-miR-125a in the 3′-UTR in a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, the presence of the miR-125a mimic decreased the steady-state level of the SAA1 protein, but increased the accumulation of triglycerides and cholesterol content in bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC-Ts). Blocking the function of bta-miR-125a using a specific inhibitor decreased the level of triglycerides and cholesterol content in the cells. These results indicate that bta-miR-125a can serve as a positive regulator of lipid synthesis in mammary epithelial cells, which acts by targeting SAA1 gene expression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Genetics and Safety Production of Dairy Cattle)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

16 pages, 1076 KiB  
Review
Genetic Load of Mutations Causing Inherited Diseases and Its Classification in Dairy Cattle Bred in the Russian Federation
by Saida N. Marzanova, Davud A. Devrishov, Irina S. Turbina, Nurbiy S. Marzanov, Darren K. Griffin and Michael N. Romanov
Agriculture 2023, 13(2), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13020299 - 26 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2489
Abstract
This review addresses the concept of genetic load from the point of view of molecular genetics, development and efforts in selective breeding. As typical examples, the assessment of animals in the Holstein breed and its high-blooded crossbreeds is considered for mutations that cause [...] Read more.
This review addresses the concept of genetic load from the point of view of molecular genetics, development and efforts in selective breeding. As typical examples, the assessment of animals in the Holstein breed and its high-blooded crossbreeds is considered for mutations that cause three inherited diseases: bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (CD18 locus), complex vertebral malformation (SLC35A3 locus), and brachyspina (FANCI locus). The reasons for their occurrence and accumulation in the breeding herds of the black-pied genealogical root are discussed. These include an intense artificial-selection of bulls and cows in highly productive herds and the intensive sale (within and between countries) of breeding material (animals, semen, embryos) from a small population of sires from countries with a high level of dairy-cattle breeding development. There is a founder effect when the source of mutant-allele spread is a prominent sire. For example, the greatest contribution to the spread of mutant alleles CD18G, SLC35A3T and FANCIBY was made by the descendants of three closely related bulls. A genogeographic generalization of the mutation occurrence in the world and Russia is provided for these hereditary-disease loci and, includes a total of 31 countries where these mutations were detected. The genetic-load classification for these and other mutations is given. The mutations are inherited both recessively (CD18G, SLC35A3T, FANCIBY) and codominantly (CSN3A, CSN3C, CSN3E, CSN2A1, CSN2B). Genetic load is classified into the following types: mutational, segregation, substitutional, and immigration. For each of these, examples are given that explain their occurrence. Overall, it can be concluded that the phenomenon of genetic load in industrial herds of dairy cattle requires special attention when creating healthy livestock and obtaining high-quality dairy products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Genetics and Safety Production of Dairy Cattle)
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18 pages, 2697 KiB  
Review
Progress of m6A Methylation in Lipid Metabolism in Humans and Animals
by Zimeng Xin, Tianying Zhang, Qinyue Lu, Zhangping Yang and Zhi Chen
Agriculture 2022, 12(10), 1683; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12101683 - 13 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1677
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is a type of methylation modification discovered on RNA molecules, mainly on mRNAs, as well as on other RNAs. Similar to DNA methylation, m6A methylation regulates the post-transcriptional expression level of genes without altering their base [...] Read more.
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is a type of methylation modification discovered on RNA molecules, mainly on mRNAs, as well as on other RNAs. Similar to DNA methylation, m6A methylation regulates the post-transcriptional expression level of genes without altering their base sequences. It modulates gene expression mainly by affecting the binding of mRNAs to reader proteins, thereby regulating variable splicing, translation efficiency, and stability of mRNAs. Early in the research, the study of m6A-related biological functions was greatly hindered due to the lack of effective detection methods. As second-generation sequencing and bioinformatics develop, several methods have been available to detect and predict m6A methylation sites in recent years. Moreover, m6A methylation is also closely related to the development of lipid metabolism, as shown in current studies. Combined with recent research, this paper reviews the concept, detection, and prediction means of m6A methylation, especially the relationship between m6A and lipid metabolism, providing a new clue to enrich the molecular mechanism of lipid metabolism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Genetics and Safety Production of Dairy Cattle)
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21 pages, 3626 KiB  
Review
The Overlooked Transformation Mechanisms of VLCFAs: Peroxisomal β-Oxidation
by Qinyue Lu, Weicheng Zong, Mingyixing Zhang, Zhi Chen and Zhangping Yang
Agriculture 2022, 12(7), 947; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12070947 - 30 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3403
Abstract
Beta-oxidation(β-oxidation) is an important metabolic process involving multiple steps by which fatty acid molecules are broken down to produce energy. The very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), a type of fatty acid (FA), are usually highly toxic when free in vivo, and their oxidative [...] Read more.
Beta-oxidation(β-oxidation) is an important metabolic process involving multiple steps by which fatty acid molecules are broken down to produce energy. The very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), a type of fatty acid (FA), are usually highly toxic when free in vivo, and their oxidative metabolism depends on the peroxisomal β-oxidation. For a long time, although β-oxidation takes place in both mitochondria and peroxisomes, most studies have been keen to explore the mechanism of β-oxidation in mitochondria while ignoring the importance of peroxisomal β-oxidation. However, current studies indicate that it is hard to provide effective treatment for diseases caused by the disorder of peroxisomal β-oxidation, such as X-ALD, SCOX deficiency, and D-BP deficiency; thus, actions should be taken to solve this problem. Based on existing research results, this review will summarize the importance of peroxisomal β-oxidation and help further learning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Genetics and Safety Production of Dairy Cattle)
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10 pages, 463 KiB  
Review
Diagnostic Use of Serum Amyloid A in Dairy Cattle
by Michał Trela, Dominika Domańska and Olga Witkowska-Piłaszewicz
Agriculture 2022, 12(4), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12040459 - 25 Mar 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4799
Abstract
Checking the health status of the individual animal and/or herd in a farm is one of the most important factors in diary production. Because of its high economical value, the early detection of ongoing disease is of high interest in breeders and veterinary [...] Read more.
Checking the health status of the individual animal and/or herd in a farm is one of the most important factors in diary production. Because of its high economical value, the early detection of ongoing disease is of high interest in breeders and veterinary clinical practitioners. The acute phase response (APR) is a non-specific systemic reaction for any type of tissue injury leading to disturbances in homeostasis. During this reaction, the production of acute-phase proteins (APPs) is changed. APPs may act as biomarkers of inflammation, allowing researchers to study the progression of the inflammatory response. One of the major APPs in cows is serum amyloid A (SAA). Due to its short half-life and the fast dynamic of changes in blood concentration, SAA seems to be a reliable indicator of several pathologies and treatment effectiveness. Because the blood-based and milk protein biomarkers of the herd’s health status are of great interest, this article reviews the current information about changes in SAA concentrations in the blood and milk of cattle in health and disease. It summarizes its clinical usefulness as a health status indicator in diary production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Genetics and Safety Production of Dairy Cattle)
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