Integrated Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis of the Porcine Small Intestine During Weaning

TL;DR

This study explores how weaning affects piglet intestines by analyzing gene and metabolite changes, aiming to find ways to reduce weaning stress in the pork industry.

Contribution

The study provides a novel integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis of weaning stress in piglets.

Findings

701 differentially expressed genes were identified, linked to immune and inflammatory responses.

Metabolome analysis revealed enriched pathways in energy and protein metabolism related to intestinal repair.

Integrated analysis highlights molecular and metabolic mechanisms involved in weaning stress.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Intestinal dysfunction during weaning in piglets causes declines in growth through hindered absorption capacity and intestinal barrier function, equating to economic losses for the porcine industry. Established strategies for mitigating these negative issues are currently lacking. Methods: We evaluated biomolecular alterations induced by weaning stress through gene expression profiling and metabolome analysis using intestinal samples collected from piglets before weaning, 1 week after weaning, and 2 weeks after weaning. Results: We identified 701 differentially expressed genes related to weaning stress, representing the enrichment of Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways associated with immune response; inflammatory response; cell proliferation; cell adhesion; and carbohydrate, lipid, and calcium ion binding. In the metabolome analysis, ABC transporter; purine, pyrimidine, and Gly-Ser-Thr metabolisms; and the urea cycle were clustered as enriched KEGG pathways. Our results suggest that energy metabolism, including protein metabolism, is involved in the repair of the structural damage occurring in the intestine during weaning. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of integrated analyses synthesizing molecular and metabolic mechanisms in elucidating complex biological responses and provides insights into markers that can be used to develop strategies for mitigating weaning stress in the porcine industry.

Figures