Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Profiles of Fast-Growing and Slow-Growing Weaning Piglets

Growth rate is one of the main economic traits of concern in pig production. However, there is limited knowledge on its epigenetic regulation, such as DNA methylation. We conducted MBD-seq to compare genome-wide DNA methylation profile of small intestine and liver tissue between fast- and slow-growing weaning piglets and differentially methylated regions and genes were also identified for downstream analysis. In canonical pathway analysis using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis with differentially methylated genes, pathways (triacylglycerol pathway, some cell cycle related pathways, and insulin receptor signaling pathway) related to the growth rate were enriched in the two organ tissues. Differentially methylated genes were also organized in gene networks related to the cellular development, growth, and carbohydrate metabolism. The result of this study may expand our knowledge for understanding of the epigenetic regulation concern with pig growth.