Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Yorkshire Pig Liver Reveals Its Response to High Altitude

In this study, the protein profiles in the livers of Shannan Yorkshire pigs (SNY), Linzhi Yorkshire pigs (LZY), and Jiuzhaigou Yorkshire pigs (JZY) were comparatively analyzed using quantitative proteomics. A total of 6804 proteins were identified, of which 6471 were quantified and 774 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were screened. The higher level of energy metabolism in LZY livers was in response to the critical altitude environment compared to that in JZY, while the high-altitude environment suppressed energy output in SNY livers. Several key antioxidant enzymes were locally regulated in Yorkshire pig liver to balance antioxidant levels in a high-altitude, low-oxygen environment. In addition, ribosomal proteins were differentially expressed in Yorkshire pig livers in response to different altitudinal environments. These findings provide clues to the adaptation of the Yorkshire pig liver to the three altitudinal environments and the molecular links that exist between them.

Automated summary

This study compared the protein profiles in the livers of three different Yorkshire pig breeds (SNY, LZY, JZY) using quantitative proteomics. A total of 6804 proteins were identified, 6471 of which were quantified, and 774 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified. The study found that LZY pigs had higher energy metabolism levels in response to high altitudes, while SNY pigs had suppressed energy output. The liver of Yorkshire pigs locally regulated antioxidant enzymes and showed differential expression of ribosomal proteins in different altitudinal environments.