Dataset Information

Functional and gene network analyses of transcriptional signatures characterizing pre-weaned bovine mammary parenchyma or fat pad uncovered novel inter-tissue signaling networks during development.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The neonatal bovine mammary fat pad (MFP) surrounding the mammary parenchyma (PAR) is thought to exert proliferative effects on the PAR through secretion of local modulators of growth induced by systemic hormones. We used bioinformatics to characterize transcriptomics differences between PAR and MFP from approximately 65 d old Holstein heifers. Data were mined to uncover potential crosstalk through the analyses of signaling molecules preferentially expressed in one tissue relative to the other.

Results

Over 9,000 differentially expressed genes (DEG; False discovery rate or=1.5-fold difference between PAR and MFP. Within the DEG highly-expressed in PAR vs. MFP (n = 736) we noted significant enrichment of functions related to cell cycle, structural organization, signaling, and DNA/RNA metabolism. Only actin cytoskeletal signaling was significant among canonical pathways. DEG more highly-expressed in MFP vs. PAR (n = 742) belong to lipid metabolism, signaling, cell movement, and immune-related functions. Canonical pathways associated with metabolism and signaling, particularly immune- and metabolism-related were significantly-enriched. Network analysis uncovered a central role of MYC, TP53, and CTNNB1 in controlling expression of DEG highly-expressed in PAR vs. MFP. Similar analysis suggested a central role for PPARG, KLF2, EGR2, and EPAS1 in regulating expression of more highly-expressed DEG in MFP vs. PAR. Gene network analyses revealed putative inter-tissue crosstalk between cytokines and growth factors preferentially expressed in one tissue (e.g., ANGPTL1, SPP1, IL1B in PAR vs. MFP; ADIPOQ, IL13, FGF2, LEP in MFP vs. PAR) with DEG preferentially expressed in the other tissue, particularly transcription factors or pathways (e.g., MYC, TP53, and actin cytoskeletal signaling in PAR vs. MFP; PPARG and LXR/RXR Signaling in MFP vs. PAR).

Conclusions

Functional analyses underscored a reciprocal influence in determining the biological features of MFP and PAR during neonatal development. This was exemplified by the potential effect that the signaling molecules (cytokines, growth factors) released preferentially (i.e., more highly-expressed) by PAR or MFP could have on molecular functions or signaling pathways enriched in the MFP or PAR. These bidirectional interactions might be required to coordinate mammary tissue development under normal circumstances or in response to nutrition.

SUBMITTER: Piantoni P

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2890563 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:Direct transcriptomics comparison corroborated by functional and gene network analyses of pre-weaned bovine mammary parenchyma and fat pad shed light on potential cross-talk between these developing tissues. Transcriptomic characterization of mammary parenchyma and fat pad and their interaction is still incomplete. In the present experiment, the molecular epithelial-fat pad cross-talk during mammary development was assessed by transcript profiling and functional analyses. Background: Interactions between bovine mammary parenchyma (PAR) and fat pad (MFP) during neonatal tissue development are still not fully understood. It is thought that the MFP surrounding the parenchymal tissue exerts proliferative effects on the PAR through secretion of local modulators of growth induced by systemic hormones. Main objectives in the present study were to use bioinformatics tools to characterize differences in transcript profiles between mammary PAR and MFP from Holstein heifers at ca. 65 d age and uncover potential cross-talk between the two tissues via the analyses of signaling molecules (e.g., cytokines and growth factors) preferentially expressed in one tissue relative to the other. Results: Over 9,000 differentially expressed genes (DEG; False discovery rate ≤ 0.05) were found of which 1,478 had a ≥1.5-fold difference. Within these DEG in PAR vs. MFP (n = 736) we noted enrichment of functions related to cell cycle, structural organization, signaling, and DNA/RNA metabolism. Few canonical pathways were among DEG and were mostly involved in cell cycle and tissue organization (p53 signaling). Enriched among DEG more highly-expressed in MFP vs. PAR (n = 742) were genes involved in lipid metabolism, signaling, cell movement, and immune-related functions. Canonical pathways associated with metabolism (fatty acid metabolism) and signaling, particularly immune- (acute phase response) and metabolism-related (cAMP signaling), were significantly enriched. Network analysis uncovered a central role of MYC, TP53, and CTNNB1 in controlling expression of DEG highly-expressed in PAR vs. MFP. Similar analysis revealed a central role of PPARG, KLF2, EGR2, and EPAS1 in regulating expression of highly-expressed DEG in MFP vs. PAR. Analyses revealed putative crosstalk between tissues via differential expression of cytokines and growth factors highly-expressed in PAR (angiopoietin-1, osteopontin, interleukin-1β) or in MFP (adiponectin, interleukin-13, fibroblast growth factor-2, leptin) during bovine mammary development. Conclusions: We uncovered specific transcriptomic signatures characterizing MFP and PAR tissue. Not surprisingly, the expression profile of the MFP is characteristic of adipose tissue, and the one of PAR is characteristic of an epithelial tissue undergoing expansion and remodeling. Overall, our data highlighted a large degree of interaction between the two tissues and allowed envisaging a reciprocal influence in determining the biological features (and perhaps the fate) of each of the two tissues during this stage of development. This is strongly suggested by the potential effect that the signaling molecules released preferentially by PAR have on lipid metabolism-related pathways, which from our data was what most distinguished the MFP from PAR. Similarly, the cytokines and growth factors largely expressed in MFP potentially affect the pathways related to cell cycle, development, and proliferation in PAR, which our data highlighted as the main functions represented among the genes highly expressed in PAR vs. MFP. Based on the current analysis, the number of cytokines and growth factors that potentially are secreted by each tissue and affect molecules in the other underscores the concept of crosstalk. Ultimately, these bidirectional interactions might be required to coordinate mammary tissue development under normal circumstances or in response to environmental stimuli, such as nutrition.

Project description:BACKGROUND:To reduce costs of rearing replacement heifers, researchers have focused on decreasing age at breeding and first calving. To increase returns upon initiation of lactation the focus has been on increasing mammary development prior to onset of first lactation. Enhanced plane of nutrition pre-weaning may benefit the entire replacement heifer operation by promoting mammary gland development and greater future production. METHODS:Twelve Holstein heifer calves (<?1?week old) were reared on 1 of 2 dietary treatments (n?=?6/group) for 8?weeks: a control group fed a restricted milk replacer at 0.45?kg/d (R, 20% crude protein, 20% fat), or an accelerated group fed an enhanced milk replacer at 1.13?kg/d (EH, 28% crude protein, 25% fat). At weaning (8?weeks), calves were euthanized and sub-samples of mammary parenchyma (PAR) and mammary fat pad (MFP) were harvested upon removal from the body. Total RNA from both tissues was extracted and sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq2500 platform. The Dynamic Impact Approach (DIA) and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) were used for pathway analysis and functions, gene networks, and cross-talk analyses of the two tissues. RESULTS:When comparing EH vs R 1561 genes (895 upregulated, 666 downregulated) and 970 genes (506 upregulated, 464 downregulated) were differentially expressed in PAR and MFP, respectively. DIA and IPA results highlight a greater proliferation and differentiation activity in both PAR and MFP, supported by an increased metabolic activity. When calves were fed EH, the PAR displayed transcriptional signs of greater overall organ development, with higher ductal growth and branching, together with a supportive blood vessel and nerve network. These activities were mediated by intracellular cascades, such as AKT, SHH, MAPK, and Wnt, probably activated by hormones, growth factors, and endogenous molecules. The analysis also revealed strong communication between MFP and PAR. CONCLUSION:The transcriptomics and bioinformatics approach highlighted key mechanisms that mediate the mammary gland response to a higher plane of nutrition in the pre-weaning period.

Project description:Background: To reduce costs of rearing replacement heifers, researchers have focused on decreasing age at breeding and first calving, and to increase returns upon initiation of lactation the focus has been on increasing mammary development prior to onset of first lactation. Enhanced plane of nutrition pre-weaning may benefit the entire replacement heifer operation by promoting mammary gland development and greater future production. Methods: Twelve Holstein heifer calves (<1 wk old) were reared on 1 of 2 dietary treatments (n = 6/group) for 8 wk: a control group fed a restricted milk replacer at 0.45 kg/d (R, 20% crude protein, 20% fat), or an accelerated group fed an enhanced milk replacer at 1.13 kg/d (EH, 28% crude protein, 25% fat). At weaning (8 wk), calves were euthanized and sub-samples of mammary parenchyma (PAR) and mammary fat pad (MFP) were harvested upon removal from the body. Total RNA from both tissues was extracted and sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq2500 platform. The Dynamic Impact Approach (DIA) and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) were used for pathway analysis and functions, gene networks, and cross-talk analyses of the two tissues. Results: When comparing EH vs R 1,561 genes (↑895, and ↓666) and 970 genes (↑506, and ↓464) were found differentially expressed in PAR and MFP, respectively. DIA and IPA results highlight a greater proliferation and differentiation activity in both PAR and MFP, supported by an increased metabolic activity. When calves were fed EH, the PAR displayed transcriptional signs of greater overall organ development, with higher ductal growth and branching, together with a supportive blood vessel and nerve network. These activities were mediated by intracellular cascades, such as AKT, SHH, MAPKs, and Wnt, probably activated by hormones, growth factors, and endogenous molecules. The analysis also revealed strong communication between MFP and PAR, with the first enhancing the development of PAR through secreted growth factors and the recruitment of immune cells. Conclusion: The transcriptomics and bioinformatics approach highlighted the mechanisms that mediate the mammary gland response to a higher plane of nutrition in the pre-weaning period.