Effects of Different Sources of Fat in the Diet of Pigs on the Liver Transcriptome Estimated by RNA-Seq

In this study, we have attempted to analyse the impact of dietary fats on the liver transcriptome in pigs. Four nutritional groups were created. The animals’ diets differed among groups in terms of the presence of corn dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) (group I - no DDGS, groups II, III, IV - 20% DDGS) as well as the type of fat (rapeseed oil - groups I and II, beef tallow - group III, coconut oil - group IV) used. Using the RNA-Seq method we identified 39 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) as a result of Cuffdiff analysis of the differences among all groups. Analysis of these genes with Panther Gene Classification System revealed that among identified DEGs, genes responsible for lipid and fatty acids metabolism are overrepresented as well as the genes engaged in oxidoreductase and catalytic activity. The article presents for the first time the RNAseq analysis of the liver transcriptome in pigs fed with different sources of fats. The results may be useful for the elaboration of new therapies for cardiovascular diseases in humans as well as for the preparation of new nutrition strategies in animals.