Postnatal development of stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase gene expression and adiposity in bovine subcutaneous adipose tissue

This investigation addressed the hypothesis that stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) gene expression would serve as a postnatal marker of adipocyte differentiation in bovine s.c. adipose tissue. Samples of tailhead s.c. adipose tissue were obtained by biopsy from preweaning steer calves 2.5 wk, 5 mo, and 7.5 mo of age and from yearling steers 12 mo of age. Samples also were obtained at slaughter when the steers were 18 mo of age. The steers sampled as yearlings were fed native pasture from weaning until 12 mo of age, and the steers sampled at slaughter were fed a high-concentrate diet from 12 to 18 mo of age. Major peak adipocyte volumes for the 2.5-wk-, 5-mo-, and 7.5-mo-old steers were 14, 270, and 700 pL, respectively (P < .001). The steers did not gain weight during pasture feeding, and at 12 mo of age peak adipocyte volume had decreased (P = .009) to 270 pL. At this time, a second, smaller population of adipocytes had appeared with a peak volume of 115 pL. At slaughter, adjusted fat thickness of the steers was 1.60 +/- .13 cm, the USDA yield grade of the carcasses was 3.51 +/- .31, and peak adipocyte volume had increased (P = .01) to over 2,500 pL. The number of adipocytes per 100 mg of adipose tissue doubled (P = .006) between 2.5 wk and 5 mo of age, concurrent with the nearly 20-fold increase in peak adipocyte volume, indicating that this was a period of apparent adipocyte hyperplasia. Uncoupling protein mRNA was undetectable at all stages of postnatal growth, indicating that differentiating tailhead s.c. adipocytes do not acquire brown adipocyte characteristics postnatally. Lipogenesis expressed on a cellular basis was low in all preweaning samples and increased significantly above preweaning values only in the 18-mo-old steers. Stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase mRNA concentration also was low in all preweaning samples, but it peaked (P = .07) at 12 mo of age. Because the peak in SCD mRNA concentration preceded a significant rise in lipogenesis and lipid filling, we conclude that the level SCD gene expression may be indicative of the extent of terminal differentiation in bovine tailhead s.c. adipose tissue.     

Effects of propylene glycol on carcass traits and its related gene expression in Korean native steers

The effects of propylene glycol (PEG) on performance, ruminal fermentation, blood glucose and insulin, carcass traits, and abundance of IGF-1 mRNA in LM and leptin mRNA in adipose tissue were examined in 20 Korean native steers, with 10 each in control and PEG-fed groups, respectively. Propylene glycol mixed with concentrate diet was provided daily at a rate of 2.5 mL/kg BW(0.75). Experimental animals were fed a concentrate diet to 1.8% of BW twice daily plus rice straw ad libitum during the 4-mo period before marketing. Daily DMI and ADG did not differ between control and PEG-fed steers. Steers receiving PEG displayed an increase (P = 0.044) in propionate concentration, whereas acetate concentration decreased (P = 0.032). Although blood glucose was not affected, serum insulin was increased (P = 0.047) by PEG feeding. Propylene glycol did not affect carcass weight, 13th-rib fat depth, marbling score, or lipid content of LM. The backfat of PEG-fed steers did not differ in leptin mRNA from control steers, whereas increased leptin mRNA was found in i.m. fat with PEG feeding. There was no treatment effect on the level of IGF-1 mRNA in the LM of the tested steers. These results indicate that the amount of PEG fed to steers was not sufficient to improve marbling score through enhanced ruminal propionate and insulin. The role of increased i.m. leptin mRNA level in PEG-fed steers remains to be further elucidated.     

Relationship of the bovine growth hormone gene to carcass traits in Japanese black cattle.

The bovine growth hormone gene (bGH) possesses three haplotypes, A, B and C, that differ by amino acid mutations at positions 127 and 172 in the fifth exon: (leucine 127, threonine 172), (valine 127, threonine 172) and (valine 127, methionine 172) respectively. The correlation between meat quality or carcass weight and these haplotypes was investigated in Japanese black cattle. Altogether, 940 bGH haplotypes were compared with respect to six carcass traits: carcass weight, longissimus muscle area, rib thickness, subcutaneous fat thickness, beef marbling score and beef colour. The frequency of the B haplotype was higher (0.421) than that of A (0.269) and C (0.311). High carcass weight and low beef marbling were associated with haplotype A (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 respectively), whereas beef marbling was increased by haplotype C (p < 0.05). Estimated regression coefficient of the A haplotype substitution effect for carcass weight and beef marbling score were 5.55 (13.1% of the phenotypic SD) and -0.31 (17.0%) respectively. That of the C haplotype for beef marbling score was 0.20 (11.0%). The other traits showed no relationship to the haplotypes examined. The results of this investigation suggest that information pertaining to bGH polymorphisms in Japanese black cattle could be used to improve the selection of meat traits.     

The expression of genes related to adipocyte differentiation in pigs

The purpose of this study was to detect differential expression of genes related to adipocyte differentiation in pigs by suppression subtractive hybridization. Adipocytes and stromal vascular cells (a fraction containing preadipocytes) from pig adipose tissue were isolated for mRNA extraction. The cDNA from preadipocytes was subtracted from the cDNA from adipocytes. The subtracted gene fragments were cloned into pGEM-T Easy TA cloning vector. We selected 384 clones for gene sequence determination and for further analysis. These genes were subjected to a differential screening procedure to confirm the differential expression of genes between the 2 cell types. We found that at least 36 genes were highly expressed in the adipocytes compared with preadipocytes. Among these, 6 genes including 2 novel genes with the greatest differences were selected and confirmed by Northern analysis. We found that angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), ataxia-telangiectasia mutated protein (ATM), calpain 1, and stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) were highly expressed in adipocytes compared with preadipocytes (P < 0.05). The relative mRNA abundance of ACE, ATM, calpain 1, SCD1, and 2 novel genes discovered in the current study was increased at the later stages of adipocyte differentiation (P < 0.05). The results confirmed that the genes involved in lipid metabolism and adipocyte differentiation were highly expressed in porcine adipocytes. However, further investigation is needed to demonstrate specific functions of the novel genes discovered in the current study.     

Isolation of genes showing increased expression during bovine adipocyte differentiation

The adipocyte is important not only for the storage of excess energy as fat, but also for the secretion of homeostatic factors. Gene expression profiles during adipocyte differentiation have been reported previously for mouse 3T3‐L1 cells. However, the profiles of adipogenic gene expression in mice and cattle may be different because several metabolic pathways of the ruminant adipose tissue are different from those of non‐ruminants. The gene expression profile in a clonal bovine intramuscular preadipocyte cell line during adipogenesis was examined using the polymerase chain reaction‐subtraction method. Six hundred and twenty‐one clones, which were expressed at an early stage of differentiation, from the preadipocyte to adipocyte, were isolated and characterized. Further detailed studies were carried out for 86 selected genes using northern blotting. Ten genes were found to be highly expressed after differentiation of bovine intramuscular preadipocyte cells. In particular, the expression profiles of genes for stearoyl CoA desaturase and FK506 binding protein were quite different from the time course of differentiation of that seen in the 3T3‐L1 cells reported previously. In addition, these genes were assigned to bovine chromosomes using a bovine/hamster somatic cell hybrid panel and public database.     

牛肌肉生成抑制素基因功能区的克隆与原核表达

根据GenBank中牛肌肉生成抑制素（MSTN）基因序列设计了1对引物，在引物两端分别加EcoRⅠ和XhoⅠ识别位点。利用RT—PCR技术扩增出了牛MSTN功能区序列。分别构建克隆和原核表达载体，酶切、PCR鉴定及测序分析表明，该基因功能区序列的克隆载体和原核表达载体已成功构建。筛选阳性菌，经IPTG诱导，牛MSTN基因功能区在大肠埃希氏菌中成功表达。     

Bovine claw and limb disorders related to culling and carcass characteristics

As part of a cross-sectional study in Norwegian Red Cattle, associations of lameness, lesions at the tarsus, claw shapes and claw lesions to time of culling and carcass characteristics were examined. Fifty-five tie-stall herds and 57 free-stall herds were sampled by computerized systematic selection and 2665 cows were trimmed by 13 specifically trained claw trimmers, during the late winter and spring of 2002. After exclusions, 2645 cows were included in this study. Most claw lesions were mild (score 1). The prevalence of moderate and severe lesions (2 + 3) did not exceed 5% for any of the lesions. The hazard ratios (HR) for time of culling were identified using Cox regression analyses incorporating herd as a random effect in a positive stable frailty model. Associations to carcass characteristics were examined using regression analysis (Proc Mixed) with lameness and each disorder as independent fixed variables. Lameness in lactation 1 was associated with earlier culling (HR = 4.2) and lower conformation class of the carcass (− 0.76) whereas lameness in lactation 2 was associated with lower carcass weight (− 42.5 kg) and economic value (− 2113 Norwegian kroner, 8.1 NOK = 1 €). Lameness in lactations ≥ 3 was associated with lower conformation class (− 0.57). Lesions at the tarsus in lactations ≥ 3 were associated with lower carcass weight (− 15.9 kg), conformation class (− 0.51), fat cover class (− 1.2) and economic value (− 650 NOK). Corkscrewed claws in lactation 2 were associated with lower weight (− 21.6 kg). Heel-horn erosions score 1–2–3 in lactation 1 were associated with lower fat cover class (− 0.68), and heel-horn erosions score 3 in lactations ≥ 2 were associated with earlier culling (HR = 7.7). Haemorrhages of the white line score 1–2–3 in lactation 2 were associated with higher economic value (506 NOK). Haemorrhages of the sole score 2–3 in lactation ≥ 2 were associated with earlier culling (HR = 2.1). Sole ulcers score 1–2–3 in lactation 2 were associated with higher conformation class (0.95).     

Ruminant alphaherpesviruses related to bovine herpesvirus 1

Herpesviruses have mainly co-evolved with their hosts for millions of years. Consequently, different related host species may have been infected by various genetically related herpesviruses. Illustrating this concept, several ruminant alphaherpesviruses have been shown to form a cluster of viruses closely related to bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1): namely bovine herpesvirus 5, bubaline herpesvirus 1, caprine herpesvirus 1, cervid herpesviruses 1 and 2 and elk herpesvirus 1. These viruses share common antigenic properties and the serological relationships between them can be considered as a threat to BoHV-1 eradication programmes. BoHV-1 is a herpesvirus responsible for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, which is a disease of major economic concern. In this article, the genetic properties of these ruminant alphaherpesviruses are reviewed on a comparative basis and the issue of interspecific recombination is assessed. The pathogenesis of these infections is described with emphasis on the host range and crossing of the host species barrier. Indeed, the non bovine ruminant species susceptible to these ruminant alphaherpesviruses may be potential BoHV-1 reservoirs. The differential diagnosis of these related infections is also discussed. In addition, available epidemiological data are used to assess the potential of cross-infection in ruminant populations. A better knowledge of these ruminant alphaherpesvirus infections is essential to successfully control infectious bovine rhinotracheitis.     

梅山猪前体脂肪细胞的分离培养及分化相关基因的表达规律研究

本试验旨在建立梅山猪前体脂肪细胞的体外培养体系,从细胞和分子水平探索梅山猪脂肪组织增生的生物学特征。采集3日龄梅山猪仔猪颈、背部皮下脂肪组织,采用Ⅰ型胶原酶分离前体脂肪细胞,进行前体脂肪细胞的原代和传代培养,并对其进行形态学观察、生长曲线测定、油红O染色鉴定及脂肪含量的测定,且采用实时荧光定量RT-PCR的方法检测脂肪细胞分化关键基因PPARγ、CEBPα、LPL、DLK1、FABP4及ADIPOQ mRNA在梅山猪前体脂肪细胞分化过程中的表达。结果表明:分离的梅山猪原代前体脂肪细胞约6 h开始贴壁,贴壁的细胞呈小梭形或不规则的三角形,经传代后成分均一,贴壁良好,呈成纤维细胞样形态,第1~9天细胞进入指数生长期,细胞生长曲线近似S形;诱导培养第11天细胞充脂率高,油红O染色呈红色,细胞内脂肪含量显著高于未诱导组,具有前体脂肪细胞的典型特征;PPARγ在猪前体脂肪细胞分化早期就有表达,分化第3天高度表达,CEBPα和LPL随着分化过程表达量逐渐增加,而DLK1表达量逐渐下降,FABP4和ADIPOQ在第6天高度表达。综上,本研究成功建立了梅山猪前脂肪细胞的培养方法和诱导分化方法,为进一步研究梅山猪体脂沉积和改善肉品质奠定基础。     

Sunflower-seed oil,rapidly-degradable starch,and adiposity up-regulate leptin gene expression in lactating goats

We conducted experiments to evaluate the effects of lipid supplementation and the nature of starchy concentrate on the regulation of leptin synthesis in lactating goats. Multiparous goats in mid- to late lactation received diets based on different forages and containing plant oil or seeds rich in either 18:1c9, 18:2n-6 or 18:3n-3 corresponding to 3%–7% dry matter (DM) as lipid supplements, or diets based on concentrate as either rapidly or slowly degradable starch. The isoenergetic replacement of a part of the concentrate by either oleic sunflower-seed oil, formaldehyde-treated linseeds, or linseed oil did not modify leptinemia and the leptin mRNA concentration in adipose tissues, suggesting a lack of effect of 18:1c9, 18:3n-3, or their biohydrogenation products. Conversely, leptinemia and the leptin mRNA abundance were increased (by 20% and 140%, respectively, P < 0.05) in goats fed sunflower-seed oil under a grassland hay-based diet but not a maize silage-based diet, at similar energy intakes and adiposity. Thus, 18:2n-6 per se may up-regulate leptin gene expression, but the effect could be blunted by other fatty acids formed during the ruminal digestion of sunflower-seed oil when combined with maize silage. Consumption of rapidly but not slowly degradable starch increased (by 17%, P < 0.05) leptinemia. Moreover, during lactation, plasma leptin was positively correlated (P < 0.05) to adiposity parameters and negatively correlated to fiber intake. The results suggest that leptinemia responds poorly to nutritional factors in lactating goats, thus highlighting the physiological need to sustain hypoleptinemia during lactation.     

牛脂联素基因的克隆及在毕赤酵母中的表达

应用RT-PCR方法扩增牛脂联素(Bovine adiponectin,BovADPN)基因,连接到载体pMD18-T中;测序并利用BLAST工具对比证明该基因序列正确,经EcoR Ⅰ和Not Ⅰ双酶切,回收目的基因片段,并将其定向克隆到pPICZαA载体中,构建重组质粒pPICZαA-BovADPN.用Sac Ⅰ酶切使其线性化,以化学方法(LiCl)转化入感受态毕赤酵母细胞GS115;重组子经高质量浓度Zeocin(1 000 mg/L)筛选、MDH/MMH平板筛选、PCR鉴定后,用1%甲醇诱导表达,SDS-PAGE及Western-blot分析.结果表明,所获得的酵母重组子能够分泌表达出相对分子质量为40 000的重组蛋白.     

BoLA-Ⅰ类基因在牛体细胞克隆胚早期发育中的表达

体外培养成熟的卵母细胞,通过核移植(Nuclear transfer,NT)技术,构建体细胞克隆(Somatic cell nuclear transfer,SCNT)胚胎,以体外受精胚胎作为对照组。收集MⅡ期卵母细胞、2细胞胚胎、4细胞胚胎、8细胞胚胎、16细胞胚胎、桑椹胚和囊胚,采用实时荧光定量PCR的方法检测经典BoLA-I基因和非经典BoLA-I基因在MⅡ期卵母细胞及各期胚胎中的相对表达量。结果显示,BoLA-I类基因在在牛MⅡ期卵母细胞中的相对表达量显著高于其在其他各时期胚胎的相对表达量(P0.05);BoLA-I类基因在牛SCNT胚和IVF胚中相对表达量随胚胎发育的变化趋势类似,随着第1次及随后的卵裂,经典BoLA-I、NC1、NC2基因mRNA的表达下降到极微的水平;NC3、NC4在整个发育阶段均表达很低甚至难以检测到它们表达。结果表明,本试验通过在体外制备及培养SCNT胚胎,初步建立BoLA-I类基因在其的表达模式,为BoLA-I类基因参与母胎免疫机制的研究奠定基础,为进一步寻找评估胚胎质量的标志物提供依据。     

牛瑟氏泰勒虫MPSP双表位基因的克隆及原核表达

为了探究表位疫苗是否可以应用于预防牛瑟氏泰勒虫(Theileria sergenti),根据MPSP (Major piroplasm surface protein)基因序列(FJ515689.1)设计合成了2对引物,以T.sergenti基因组DNA为模板,通过SOE-PCR扩增出长约361 bp的双表位基因融合片段,2个表位基因通过linker (Gly4Ser)3相连.将该片段连接pGEX-4T-2,构建pGEX-4T-E1-2重组表达载体,转化BL21,IPTG诱导表达,经SDS-PAGE电泳显示表达了约39 ku的融合蛋白.Westem blot分析表明该双表位重组蛋白可与T.sergenti阳性血清发生特异性反应,表明融合蛋白具有反应原性.