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Simple Summary: Supernumerary teats (SNTs) refer to developmental anomalies that occur during the embryonic period and are commonly found around the mammary line. We performed a genome-wide selective sweep analysis on 37 goats using copy number variants, and identified multiple genes involved in embryonic mammary gland development and the biological process of breast cancer. Our findings can be used as a reference for the further investigation of SNT phenotypic candidate genes. Supernumerary teats (SNTs) or nipples often emerge around the mammary line. This study performed a genome-wide selective sweep analysis (GWS) at the copy number variant (CNV) level using two selected signal calculation methods (VST and FST) to identify candidate genes associated with SNTs in goats. A total of 12,310 CNVs were identified from 37 animals and 123 CNVs, with the top 1% VST values including 84 candidate genes (CDGs). Of these CDGs, minichromosome maintenance complex component 3, ectodysplasin A receptor associated via death domain, and cullin 5 demonstrated functions closely related to mammary gland development. In addition, 123 CNVs with the top 1% FST values were annotated to 97 CDGs. 5-Hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha, and the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor affect colostrum secretion through multiple signaling pathways. Two genes, namely, RNA-binding motif protein 46 and β-1,3-galactosyltransferase 5, showed a close relation to mammary gland development. Six CNVs were identified and annotated to five genes by intersecting the top 1% of candidate CNVs with both parameters. These genes include LOC102185621, LOC102190481, and UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase 2, which potentially affect the occurrence of BC through multiple biological processes, such as cell detoxification, glycogen synthesis, and phospholipid metabolism. In conclusion, we discovered numerous genes related to mammary development and breast cancer (BC) through a GWS, which suggests the mechanism of SNTs in goats and a certain association between mammary cancer and SNTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: CD161, encoded by the KLRB1 gene, is an inhibitory receptor expresses on various immune cell and has gained attention in immune checkpoint research. In recent studies, KLRB1 has been found to be one of the potential markers of liver diseases such as cirrhosis. Therefore, it will be important to understand what process KLRB1 involved in the liver for the prevention of liver diseases. Methods: We compared KO mice with wild-type controls by routine blood analysis and RNA-seq, and additionally performed H&E staining and qPCR to validate the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Results:KO mice had fewer lymphocytes compared to the wild-type mice. A transcriptomic analysis showed that Klrb1 loss causes the upregulation of immune-related genes and pathways like NOD-like receptor and p53 signaling, while causing the downregulation of lipid metabolism-related genes. A protein interaction analysis indicated a potential cancer risk under chronic inflammation. Histological examination with H&E staining reveals an inflammatory response around the central venous vessels in the liver tissue of the KO mice. Conclusions: We conclude that Klrb1 knockout disrupts the immune and metabolic functions in the liver, which may possibly lead to chronic inflammation and malignancy risks. These findings highlight the role of Klrb1 in hepatic health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Genomic selection (GS) is defined as a marker-assisted selection method that uses high-density molecular markers covering the entire genome combined with phenotypic data to estimate genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV). This paper reviews the principles, methods, and influencing factors of GS for breeding by using phenotypic information and genetic relationships simultaneously. It also covers the research progress of GS in meat, fiber, dairy, and reproductive traits in sheep and goats. Compared to other livestock, especially cattle, sheep and goat breeding is relatively small-scale and has lagged behind. GS combined with genomic information can help promote the breeding process and development in commercial farming of sheep and goats. We highlight the potential for phenotypic information and genetic relationships to work together to drive the breeding process, providing valuable insights for implementing GS in sheep and goat breeding. The advancement of sequencing technology and molecular breeding methods has provided technical support and assurance for accurate breeding. Genomic Selection (GS) utilizes genomic information to improve livestock breeding, and it is more accurate and more efficient than traditional selection methods. GS has been widely applied in domestic animal breeding, especially in cattle. However, there are still limited studies on the application and research of GS in sheep and goats. This paper outlines the principles, analysis methods, and influential factors of GS and elaborates on the research progress, challenges, and prospects of applying GS in sheep and goat breeding. Through the review of these aspects, this paper is expected to provide valuable references for the implementation of GS in the field of sheep and goat breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yudong black goats (YDGs) are a local breed in southwest China that possess unique meat qualities and produce a high meat yield, making them ideal models for studying goat meat quality. Castration may decrease off-odors, significantly change metabolites and improve meat quality. Using multi-omics techniques, this study focused on Yudong black goat wethers (YDW, n = 4) and Yudong black bucks (YDB, n = 4). The findings revealed that 33 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 279 significantly changed metabolites (SCMs) influenced goat meat quality by affecting fat accumulation and lipolysis regulatory processes. Herein, several candidate genes (IGF1, TNNT2, PPP2R2C, MAPK10 and VNN1, etc.) were identified that play a role in regulating meat quality, non-castrated and castrated, alongside a series of metabolites that may serve as potential meat quality biomarkers. Lipids (triglycerides, oxidized lipids_5-iso PGF2VI, ceramide (t18:1/36:2(2OH)) and Carnitine C20:5, etc.) were significantly higher in the castrated goats. These results revealed that lipids and hydrophilic metabolites were affected by castration, which might be beneficial in terms of goat meat quality. This study aimed to investigate the differences in meat quality between uncastrated and castrated male goats and the possible molecular regulatory mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproductive traits are essential economic traits in goats. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the genes of GLRB, GRIA2, and GASK1B, and reproductive traits (kidding traits and placental traits) in goats. We used the resequencing data of 150 Dazu Black Goats to perform correlation analysis with the average litter size. We screened thirteen SNPs loci in introns and then used the Sanger method to genotype the remaining 150 Dazu Black Goats. The results showed that a total of six SNPs were screened. Three SNPs related to litter size and live litter size (g.28985790T > G, g.28986352A > G, and g.28987976A > G); one SNP related to total cotyledon area (g.29203243G > A); two SNPs related to placental efficiency (g.30189055G > A and g.30193974C > T); one SNP associated with cotyledon support efficiency (g.30193974C > T). The qPCR results showed that GLRB, GRIA2, and GASK1B were all highly expressed in the udder, kidney, uterus, and ovary. It indicated that these three candidate genes might affect the reproductive traits, which could be used as candidate markers for reproductive traits in Dazu Black Goats. Moreover, association studies on a large scale are still needed to figure out what effect these SNPs have on reproductive traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serotonin (5-HT) has been reported to play an important role in mammary gland involution that is defined as the process through which the gland returns to a nonlactating state. However, the overall picture of the regulatory mechanisms of 5-HT and the effects of serotonylation on mammary gland involution still need to be further investigated. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of 5-HT on global gene expression profiles of bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC-T) and to preliminarily examine whether the serotonylation involved in the mammary gland involution by using Monodansylcadaverine (MDC), a competitive inhibitor of transglutaminase 2. Results showed that a high concentration of 5-HT decreased viability and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in MAC-T cells. Transcriptome analysis indicated that 2477 genes were differentially expressed in MAC-T cells treated with 200 μg/mL of 5-HT compared with the control group, and the Notch, p53, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways were enriched. MDC influenced 5-HT-induced MAC-T cell death, fatty acid synthesis, and the formation and disruption of tight junctions. Overall, a high concentration of 5-HT is able to accelerate mammary gland involution, which may be regulated through the Notch, p53, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Serotonylation is involved in bovine mammary gland involution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]