Genome-wide analysis of DNA Methylation profiles on sheep ovaries associated with prolificacy using whole-genome Bisulfite sequencing.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ovulation rate and litter size are important reproductive traits in sheep with high economic value. Recent work has revealed a potential link between DNA methylation and prolificacy. However, a genome-wide study that sought to identify potential DNA methylation sites involved in sheep prolificacy indicated that it is still unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate the genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of Hu sheep ovaries by comparing a high-prolificacy group (HP, litter size of three for at least 2 consecutive lambings) and low prolificacy group (LP, litter size of one for at least 2 consecutive lambings) using deep whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS).

Results

First, our results demonstrated lower expression levels of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) genes in the

SUBMITTER: Zhang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5625832 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature