Deciphering the molecular mechanisms of heat stress tolerance in goats: Insights from transcriptome and Gene Co-expression analysis

• Published in: Journal of thermal biology 2024-10, Vol.125, p.104007, Article 104007
• Main Authors: Dige, Mahesh Shivanand, Gurao, Ankita, Mehrotra, Arnav, Singh, Manoj Kumar, Kumar, Amit, Kaushik, Rakesh, Kataria, Ranjit Singh, Rout, Pramod Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Gene co-expression analysis; Gene Expression Profiling; Goat; Goats - genetics; Goats - physiology; Heart Rate; Heat stress; Heat-Shock Response - genetics; Thermotolerance - genetics; Thermotolerence; Transcriptome; transcriptome analysis
• ISSN: 0306-4565
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.104007

Climate change poses a significant threat to the sustainability of livestock production systems in developing countries, particularly impacting small ruminants like goats, which are highly susceptible to heat stress. This stressor not only reduces productivity but also undermines economic viability. This study aimed to delve into the molecular mechanisms underlying heat stress tolerance in goats by conducting a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of heat-tolerant (HT, n = 4) and heat-susceptible (HS, n = 6) Jamunapari goats. Physiological metrics, such as rectal temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate, were meticulously monitored under extreme environmental conditions (Temperature Humidity Index >92) to effectively classify goats based on their distinct heat stress responses. Samples of blood were obtained, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were extracted for subsequent RNA extraction. RNA-Seq analysis revealed a sum of 734 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), comprising 251 upregulated and 483 downregulated genes in HT goats compared to their HS counterparts. The WGCNA revealed three key modules, darkorange (tolerance), paleturquoise (respiration rate), and darkmagenta (heart rate). Moreover, functional enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs within these modules played intricate roles in crucial biological processes and pathways, including mitochondrial function, cardiac function, immune response, genomic stability, and metabolic regulation. This research notably enhances our comprehension of the genetic underpinnings of thermo-tolerance in goats and provides invaluable guidance for formulating breeding strategies aimed at bolstering livestock resilience against the challenges of climate change. [Display omitted] •Substantial variations in gene expression patterns were noted between goats subjected to heat stress.•Transcriptome analysis revealed 734 differentially expressed genes in heat-tolerant goats: 251 upregulated and 483 downregulated.•Gene co-expression network analysis revealed critical gene modules linked to heat tolerance, respiratory rate, and heart rate.•Functional enrichment analysis showed critical pathways related to mitochondrial function, immune response, and metabolic regulation.