Project description:Microbiome analysis has relied largely on metagenomics to characterize microbial populations and predict their functions. Here, we used a TMT LC-MSMS metaproteomic analysis of the fecal microbiome in piglets before and after weaning to compare protein abundances as they pertain to microbial populations specific to either a milk- or plant-based diet. Fecal samples were collected from six piglets on the day of weaning and four weeks after transitioning to a standard nursery diet. Using the 12,554 protein groups identified in samples, we confirmed the shift in protein composition that takes place in response to the microbial succession following weaning and demonstrated the redundancy in metabolic processes between taxa. We identified taxa with roles as primary degraders based on corresponding proteins synthesized, thereby providing evidence for cross-feeding. Proteins associated with the breakdown of milk-specific carbohydrates were common among pre-weaned pigs, whereas the proteome of post-weaned piglets contained a greater abundance of proteins involved in the breaking down plant-specific carbohydrates. Furthermore, output revealed that production of propionate takes place via the propionaldehyde pathway in pre-weaned piglets, but changes to production via the succinate pathway in post-weaned piglets. Finally, a disproportionate quantity of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) (~8%) were produced by fungi, which typically only represent ~0.1% of the microbiome taxa. Information gathered through this characterization of the metaproteome before and after weaning revealed important differences regarding the role of members in the microbial community, thereby providing information for the optimization of diets and products for both piglet and microbiome health.
Project description:Thymol (5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl) phenol, PubChem CID: 6989) has been extensively reported to have antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, the growth of F. oxysporum was significantly inhibited by thymol in vitro. The dry weight of F. oxysporum was decreased significantly. Thymol-induced cell membrane damage was observed at 24 hpi (hours post incubation). Therefore, the changes in the gene expression level of F. oxysporum after treatment with 80 μg/mL (average EC50 value) of thymol were analyzed using RNA-seq to reveal the underlying fungicidal mechanisms of thymol.
Project description:To investigate the effect of short distance transport on jejunal tissueof weaned piglets, We then performed gene expression profiling analysis using data obtained from RNA-seq in jejunal tissues of weaned piglets after transport and without transport
Project description:Transcriptional profiling of 25d old piglets comparing control untreated suckling jejunum with weaned piglets' jejunum. The goal was to gain new insight into the interaction between weaning and intestinal function.A keen interest is paid in deciphering expression changes of apoptosis or cell cycle control genes. The statistical analysis of gene ontology revealed that most of these altered genes are metabolic-related enzymes and regulators which may involved in the biological regulation, developmental process, and cellular process. Weaning also causes alterations in various immune response pathways. Results likely indicate that weaning induced cell cycle arrest, enhanced apoptosis, and inhibited cell proliferation. Two-condition experiment, suckling control piglets' jejunum vs. weaned piglets' jejunum. Biological replicates: 4 control replicates, 4 weaned replicates.
Project description:The transcriptome changes of the ileal mucosa in suckling piglets during early postnatal life were analysed to contribute to the knowledge of a pig’s gut development. In addition, the ileal transcriptome of suckling piglets was compared with that of age-matched weaned piglets (weaned at the age of 21 days) to elucidate the effect of weaning on the developing gut. DNA microarray was used to analyse the change of transcriptome profiles and biological pathways in porcine ileum that occurred during the developmental or the weaning process.
Project description:In order to test the development of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in pre-weaned cavles, the GIT tissues were collected from day 0, day 7, day 21 and day 42 calves. RNA-seq was used to measure the transcriptome profiles. The RNA-seq analysis revealed the fast development of small intestine and rumen tissue during the first week after birth.
Project description:The majority of babies in the US are formula-fed instead of breast fed. There are major differences in the composition of formulas and breast milk and yet little is known about metabolic differences in babies as the result of feeding these very different diets and how that might affect development or disease risk in later life. One concern is that soy-based formulas might have adverse health effects in babies as a result of the presence of low levels of estrogenic phytochemicals genistein and daidzein which are normally present in soy beans. In the current study, we used a piglet model to look at this question. Piglets were either fed breast milk from the sow or were fed two different infant formulas (cow's milk-based or soy-based) from age 2 days to 21 days when pigs are normally weaned onto solid food. Blood glucose and lipids were measured. Formula-fed pigs were found to have lower cholesterol than breast fed piglets and in addition had larger stores of iron in their liver.Microarray analysis was carried out to see if changes in liver gene expression could explain these effects of formula feeding. It was found that overall gene expression profiles were influenced by formula feeding compared to breast fed neonates. Gender-independent and unique effects of formula influenced cholesterol and iron metabolism. Further, soy formula feeding in comparison to milk-based formula failed to reveal any estrogenic actions on hepatic gene expression in either male or female pigs. Piglets (female, male) were either fed breast milk from the sow or were fed two different infant formulas (cow's milk-based or soy-based) from age 2 days to 21 days when pigs are normally weaned onto solid food.
Project description:To explore the difference in gene expression in the small intestine of weaned piglets who metasilicate-based alkaline mineral water or basic water.