Metabolome and Transcriptome Integration for a Systems Perspective of Carbon Flux Under Heat Stress

We apply computational approaches to relate the metabolome and transcriptome of the chicken liver under heat stress and control conditions. Correlation based analyses can be useful in determining network topologies. We extend the approach to determine the directionality of a network when many of the connections between nodes are previously established. This elucidates regulation of the heat stress response from a many -omics perspective. Specifically, we show increased gluconeogenesis related to transport of lactate Glucogenic amino acids show correlation patterns consistent with catabolism and entrance into gluconeogenesis. As glycolytic processes reverse, carbon is also directed to glycerol species to become the backbone of fatty acids. This model provides a systems context for dietary studies that note amino acid supplementation improves bird performance under heat stress. Multi –omics studies allow better understanding of the economy of resources in a living organism. Such avenues of research could prove invaluable for studies optimizing feed under stress conditions. In addition to clarifying the coupling of the transcriptome and metabolome in the broiler liver under heat stress, this analysis provides a general framework for integrating multi-omics datasets to yield biological insight.