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Title: ONTOGENY OF HYPOTHALAMIC GENE EXPRESSION DURING PREPUBERAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE GILT

Author
item Barb, Claude
item Richardson, Richard
item REKAYA, ROMDHANE - UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
item Kraeling, Robert
item Hausman, Gary

Submitted to: Journal of Animal Science Supplement
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/27/2005
Publication Date: 7/20/2005
Citation: Barb, C.R., Richardson, R.L., Rekaya, R., Kraeling, R.R., Hausman, G.J. 2005. Ontogeny of hypothalamic gene expression during prepuberal development in the gilt [abstract]. Journal of Animal Science Supplement. 83(1):40.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The molecular mechanisms that regulate hypothalamic development in the pig are complex. To understand physiological pathways controlling age related changes in hypothalamic development, a custom microarray was utilized to profile differential gene expression. Total hypothalamic RNA was isolated from gilts at 90, 150 and 210 days (d) of age and used to prepare dye labeled cDNA probes, which were hybridized to arrays representing about 600 pig genes involved in growth and reproduction. Mixed linear model was used to analyze log transformed intensities in both channels. Sixty three genes were differentially expressed (P<0.01) from 90 to 210 d of age, which included genes involved in feed intake regulation, steroid binding, growth hormone secretion and intracellular signaling. The gene, AGRP and melanocortin-3-receptor involved in feed intake were up-regulated at 150 d and 210 d, respectively. Somatostatin (SS) was up-regulated and SS receptor-1 was down-regulated at 150 and 210 d, respectively. The progesterone receptor, steroid membrane binding protein, janus kinase-1 and MAPK3 were up-regulated at 210d. Neuronal protein, NP25, involved in brain development was also up-regulated at 210d. These results demonstrate, for the first time, differentially expressed hypothalamic genes in the prepuberal pig. The ontogeny of expression of key hypothalamic genes that regulate development, appetite and reproductive function will lead to a more detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling growth and the onset of puberty in the pig.