Project description:We found four circulating miRNAs showing high levels in plasma of pregnant Japanese Black cows. Since these miRNAs are less affected by the measurement system due to hemolysis, it was suggested that they may be used as markers for early pregnancy diagnosis in cattle.
Project description:We aimed to elucidate the effects of feeding condition (indoor grain-feeding vs. grazing on pasture) on c-miRNAs in Japanese Black (JB) cattle (Wagyu). The cattle at 18 months old were divided into pasture feeding and conventional indoor grain feeding for 5 months. Microarray analysis of c-miRNAs from the plasma extracellular vesicles led to the detection of a total of 202 bovine miRNAs in the plasma, including 15 miRNAs that differed between the feeding conditions.
Project description:Comparative transcriptome profile of genes differentially expressed in longissimus dorsi muscles between Japanese black (Wagyu) and Chinese Red Steppes cattle by RNA-seq
Project description:We performed a comparative genome-wide methylation analysis of longissimus dorsi muscles between the Japanese Black (Wagyu) and Chinese Red Steppes cattle, which exhibit significant differences in meat quality traits. This will allow us to better understand the correlation between DNA methylation variants and meat quality traits.
Project description:We explored the effect of long-term high-concentrate diet feeding on ruminal pH and fermentation, and its effect on the rumen epithelial transcriptomes in Japanese Black beef cattle during a 20-month fattening period.
Project description:Background: Plasma microRNAs (miRNAs), which exist in exosomal (EX) and non-exosomal free circulating (FC) fractions, can be utilized as blood biomarkers. To identify early indicators of carcass traits, we performed comprehensive analysis of plasma miRNAs separately on EX and FC fractions in Japanese Black cattle at 20, 25, and 30 months of age. Results: We found a total of 1,071 miRNAs including 39 novel miRNA candidates, in which 345 and 358 miRNAs exhibited in measurable amounts in EX and FC fractions, respectively. Profiles of these miRNAs were similar at 20 and 25 months, but collectively different from those at 30 months. We identified 86 and 80 differentially existed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) between 25 and 30 months in EX and FC fractions, respectively. Among the DE-miRNAs, we revealed significant correlations of bta-miR-150 (EX and FC), -30b-5p (EX), -423-3p (EX), and -222 (FC) with several carcass traits including marbling score. Interestingly, target genes of these DE-miRNAs were functionally enriched in KEGG pathways such as PI3-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways, suggesting their functional relevance to carcass quality and quantity traits. Conclusions: We clarified changes in plasma EX and FC miRNA profiles during the fattening period and identified several miRNAs having correlations with carcass traits. These results could support the utility of plasma miRNAs as potential early indicators of carcass traits in Japanese Black cattle.
Project description:Microarray gene expression profiling to identify differentially regulated genes in Musculus longissimus dorsi (MLD) of Japanese Black (JB) steers compared to Holstein steers (HS)
Project description:Three Japanese Black (JB) and 3 Holstein (HS) steers were fed a high energy diet and were slaughtered with 26 months of age. Intramuscular (IMF) and subcutaneous fat (SCF) was sampled to reveal differences in the expression profiles between the breeds and adipose depots.
Project description:Three Japanese Black (JB) and 3 Holstein (HS) steers were fed a high energy diet and were slaughtered with 26 months of age. Intramuscular (IMF) and subcutaneous fat (SCF) was sampled to reveal differences in the expression profiles between the breeds and adipose depots. Pair wise comparison of JB and HS within IMF and SCF; pairwise comparision of IMF and SCF over both breeds.