Transcriptome signatures of host tissue infected with African swine fever virus reveal differential expression of associated oncogenes.

African swine fever (ASF) has emerged as a threat to swine production worldwide. Evasion of host immunity by ASF virus (ASFV) is well understood. However, the role of ASFV in triggering oncogenesis is still unclear. In the present study, ASFV-infected kidney tissue samples were subjected to Illumina-based transcriptome analysis. A total of 2463 upregulated and 825 downregulated genes were differentially expressed (p < 0.05). A literature review revealed that the majority of the differentially expressed host genes were key molecules in signaling pathways involved in oncogenesis. Bioinformatic analysis indicated the activation of certain oncogenic KEGG pathways, including basal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, transcriptional deregulation in cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Analysis of host-virus interactions revealed that the upregulated oncogenic RELA (p65 transcription factor) protein of Sus scrofa can interact with the A238L (hypothetical protein of unknown function) of ASFV. Differential expression of oncogenes was confirmed by qRT-PCR, using the H3 histone family 3A gene (H3F3A) as an internal control to confirm the RNA-Seq data. The levels of gene expression indicated by qRT-PCR matched closely to those determined through RNA-Seq. These findings open up new possibilities for investigation of the mechanisms underlying ASFV infection and offer insights into the dynamic interaction between viral infection and oncogenic processes. However, as these investigations were conducted on pigs that died from natural ASFV infection, the role of ASFV in oncogenesis still needs to be investigated in controlled experimental studies.

Incidences of Helicobacter infection in pigs and tracing occupational hazard in pig farmers.

Helicobacter species (spp.) is a gram-negative spiral-shaped motile bacterium that causes gastritis in pigs and also colonizes in the human stomach. The present study assessed the prevalence of Helicobacter spp. in pig gastric mucosa and the stool of pig farmers in Assam, India. A total of 403 stomach samples from pig slaughter points, 74 necropsy samples of pigs from pig farms, and 97 stool samples from pig farmers were collected. Among the pig stomach samples, 43 (20.09%) of those with gastritis showed the presence of Gram-negative, spiral-shaped organisms, while only 3.04% of stomach samples without lesions had these organisms. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of urease-positive stomach samples revealed tightly coiled Helicobacter bacteria in the mucus lining. Histopathological examination showed chronic gastritis with hemorrhagic necrosis, leucocytic infiltration, and lymphoid aggregates. PCR confirmed the presence of Helicobacter suis in 19.63% of pig stomach samples and 2.08% of pig farmer stool samples. Additionally, 3.12% of the stool samples from pig farmers were positive for Helicobacter pylori. Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct clusters of Helicobacter suis with other Helicobacter spp. These findings highlight the prevalence of Helicobacter in both pig gastric mucosa and pig farmer stool. The findings highlight the need for improved sanitation and hygiene practices among pig farmers to minimize the risk of Helicobacter infection in humans.

Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of Porcine Zoonotic Bacterial Pathogens in India: A 13-Year (2010-2023) Study.

The presence of bacterial pathogens such as Brucella spp., Clostridium spp., E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Streptococcus suis not only hampers pig production but also carries significant zoonotic implications. The present study aims to conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis spanning over 13 years (2010-2023) to ascertain the prevalence of these zoonotic bacterial pathogens in Indian pig populations. The study seeks to synthesize data from diverse geographic regions within India and underscores the relevance of the One Health framework. A systematic search of electronic databases was meticulously performed. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies detailing zoonotic bacterial pathogen prevalence in pigs within India during the specified timeframe. Pertinent information including authors, publication year, geographical location, sampling techniques, sample sizes, and pathogen-positive case counts were meticulously extracted. The meta-analysis of zoonotic bacterial pathogens in Indian pig populations (2010-2023) unveiled varying prevalence rates: 9% Brucella spp., 22% Clostridium spp., 19% E. coli, 12% Listeria monocytogenes, 10% Salmonella spp. and Streptococcus suis, and 24% Staphylococcus spp. The application of random effects further revealed additional variability: 6% Brucella spp., 23% Clostridium spp., 24% E. coli, 14% Listeria monocytogenes, 10% Salmonella spp. and Streptococcus suis, and 35% Staphylococcus spp. Notably, the observed heterogeneity (I2) varied significantly from 87% to 99%. The meta-analysis findings underscore the pervasive nature of these diseases throughout India's pig populations, accentuating the substantial impact of these pathogens on pig health and the potential for zoonotic transmission. The present study reinforces the importance of the adoption of a comprehensive One Health approach that acknowledges the intricate interplay between animal, human and environmental health.

Whole genome sequencing-based cataloguing of antibiotic resistant genes in piggery waste borne samples.

The growing use of antibiotics in livestock is one of the main causes of the rapid global spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, extensive research on AMR in animals is currently absent. In this article, we provide the bacterial antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from piggery waste samples in West Bengal, India, based on whole genome sequencing (WGS). According to the study, there are alarmingly high levels of Enterobacteriaceae in piggery waste, especially slaughterhouse waste, that are resistant to beta-lactam, aminoglycoside, sulphonamide, and tetracycline. We found several plasmids carrying multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae including resistant to last-resort medications like colistin and carbapenems. Our findings will serve as a guide for developing AMR management policies for livestock in India and aid in understanding the current AMR profiles of pigs. To grasp the actual situation with AMR in the pig sector, large scale sample screening must be done.

Characterization of piggery farm waste-borne bacterial transposable elements associated with antimicrobial resistance phenotypes.

Even though there is a link between antibiotic resistance and the presence of transposable elements few research has looked at the prevalence and distribution of transposable elements/ integrons in piggery farm samples. Present study identified the presence of six transposable elements namely Tn6763 (Accession number: OQ565300), Tn6764, (Accession number: OQ565299), Tn6765 (Accession number: OQ409902), Tn2003 (Accession number: OQ503494), Tn6072 (Accession number: OQ565298) and Tn6020 (Accession number: OQ503493) in piggery farm waste from India which are belongs to Enterobacteriaceae family. In a conjugative experiment, Klebsiella isolates carrying Tn6020 having the resistant phenotypes for nalidixic acid was used as donor cells while Escherichia coli DH5α Cells carrying chloramphenicol resistant plasmid was employed as recipient cells. Transconjugant bacterial colonies were shown to carry the Tn6020 transposable elements with both nalidixic acid (donor cell origin) and chloramphenicol (recipient cell origin) resistant antibiotic phenotypes. Given the presence of transposable elements in 21.4% of resistant Enterobacteriaceae strains, preventative measures are vital for avoiding the spread of mobile genetic resistance determinants in the piggery sector and to monitor their emergence.

Japanese Encephalitis Virus Genotype III Strains Detection and Genome Sequencing from Indian Pig and Mosquito Vector.

Japanese encephalitis viruses (JEVs) are globally prevalent as deadly pathogens in humans and animals, including pig, horse and cattle. Japanese encephalitis (JE) still remains an important cause of epidemic encephalitis worldwide and exists in a zoonotic transmission cycle. Assam is one of the highly endemic states for JE in India. In the present study, to understand the epidemiological status of JE circulating in pigs and mosquito, particularly in Assam, India, molecular detection of JEV and the genome sequencing of JEV isolates from pigs and mosquitoes was conducted. The genome analysis of two JEV isolates from pigs and mosquitoes revealed 7 and 20 numbers of unique points of polymorphism of nucleotide during alignment of the sequences with other available sequences, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolates of the present investigation belong to genotype III and are closely related with the strains of neighboring country China. This study highlights the transboundary nature of the JEV genotype III circulation, which maintained the same genotype through mosquito-swine transmission cycles.

Development of multiplex PCR assay for simultaneous detection of African swine fever, porcine circo and porcine parvo viral infection from clinical samples.

A diagnostic method for simultaneously detecting and distinguishing African Swine Fever (ASF), porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), and porcine parvovirus (PPV) in clinical specimens is critical for differential diagnosis, monitoring, and control in the field. Three primer pairs were designed and used to create a multiplex PCR assay. In addition, 356 porcine post mortem tissue samples from various parts of India's North Eastern region were tested by the developed multiplex PCR assay to demonstrate its accuracy. Using the designed primers, each of the ASF, PCV2 and PPV target genes was amplified, but no other porcine virus genes were detected. The assay's limit of detection was 102 copies/µl of PCV2, PPV, or ASFV. The detection of PCV2, PPV, and ASF in postmortem tissue samples revealed that they are co-circulating in India's North-Eastern region. The percentage positivity (PP) for PCV2, PPV and ASF single infection were 7.02% (25/356), 3.93% (14/356), and 3.37% (12/356), respectively, while the PP for PCV2& PPV co-infection was 2.80% (10/356), ASF & PCV2 co infection was 1.4% (5/356) and the ASF, PPV& PCV2 co-infection was1.40% (5/356). The results also indicate that the ASF can infect pigs alongside PCV and PPV.

Differentially expressed microRNAs in biochemically characterized FrieswalTM crossbred bull semen.

In addition to the transmission of paternal genome, spermatozoa also carry coding as well as noncoding microRNAs (miRNAs) into the female oocyte during the process of biological fertilization. Based on RNA deep sequencing, a total 28 number of differentially expressed miRNAs were cataloged in categorized FrieswalTM crossbred (Holstein Friesian X Sahiwal) bull semen on the basis of conception rate (CR) in field progeny testing program. Validation of selected miRNAs viz. bta-mir-182, bta-let-7b, bta-mir-34c and bta-mir-20a revealed that, superior bull semen having comparatively (p < .05) lower level of all the miRNAs in contrast to inferior bull semen. Additionally, it was illustrated that, bta-mir-20a and bta-mir-34c miRNAs are negatively (p < .01) correlated with seminal plasma catalase (CAT) activity and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) level. Interactome studies identified that bta-mir-140, bta-mir-342, bta-mir-1306 and bta-mir-217 can target few of the important solute carrier (SLC) proteins viz. SLC30A3, SLC39A9, SLC31A1 and SLC38A2, respectively. Interestingly, it was noticed that all the SLCs were significantly (p < .05) expressed at higher level in superior quality bull semen and they are negatively correlated (p < .01) with their corresponding miRNAs as mentioned. This study may reflect the role of miRNAs in regulating few of the candidate genes and thus may influence the bull semen quality traits.

Profiling of key heat shock proteins and their relationship with male sexual behavior and seminal characteristics in Kankrej (Bos indicus) breeding bulls during different seasons.

The goal of this study is to use indirect ELISA to determine the concentration of major heat shock proteins (Hsps) in Kankrej (Bos indicus) breeding bulls and their relationship with certain male phenotypic traits including sexual behavior, sperm quality, and bull fertility in different seasons. The seasonal fluctuation in the concentration of three major Hsps (60, 70, and 90) was determined using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). According to the findings, Hsps levels are significantly higher during the summer season and are associated with both fresh and post-thawed semen quality traits in Kankrej breeding bulls. The better sexual behavior of bulls and seminal parameters of fresh or thawed semen was observed in the winter season together with the lower concentrations of HSPs. These could suggest negative association between HSPs with bull sexual behavior and seminal parameters. As a result, the concentration of Hsps in breeding bulls may be a useful indicator for determining fertility traits.

Development of CD163 receptor-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for diagnosis of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is an important economical disease in the global swine industry. The accurate detection of the PRRS virus (PRRSV) antigen is essential for the disease control and prevention programme. In this study, an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent test (PRRSVCD163-iELISA) was developed for the detection of the PRRSV antigen in samples of post-mortem swine tissue using the recombinant pig CD163 receptor protein as the capture ligand. The test was found to be specific for PRRSV, with no cross-reactions with other prevalent pig viral pathogens. The assay was validated by testing 217 post-mortem porcine tissue samples and the results were found to be satisfactory with a relative accuracy of 88.88%. Our assay is also quite precise, with intra- and inter-assay CVs of 6% and 10%, respectively. These findings imply that the PRRSVCD163-iELISA developed is capable of detecting the PRRSV antigen in swine post-mortem tissue samples. This research showed that porcine CD163, the PRRSV cellular receptor, can be exploited to build a diagnostic technique for the detection of PRRSV antigen. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03376-z.

Porcine Circovirus type 2 infected myocardial tissue transcriptome signature.

The goal of this study was to compare the global gene expression profile in cardiac tissues of pig infected with porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) to that of healthy cells. Since PCV2 infection causes severe cardiovascular lesions, the myocardial tissue model was chosen for this study. In High-throughput transcriptome analysis, DESeq2 and CLC genomics workbench analyses revealed a total of 196 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (p-value < 0.05). Furthermore, 194 transcripts were upregulated, while only two were downregulated (HSPA6 and DNAJA1), with fold changes ranging from 16.293 to -10.002. Among the KEGG canonical pathways targeted by the DEGs in the functional analysis, adrenergic signalling in cardiomyocytes, Cardiac Muscle Contraction, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) tends to be enriched. The differentially expressed highly connected (DEHC) biomarker genes in pathogenicity of PCV2 infection, such as LDB3, MYOZ2, CASQ2, TNNT2, MLC2V, MYBPC3, ACTC1, TCAP, TNNI3, TRDN, CSRP3, MYL3, RYR2, LMOD2, MYH7, etc., were identified using protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. The study might provide detailed information on the dysregulated genes and biological pathways in infected myocardial tissues that may be essential for PCV2-related heart pathology.

Comparative miRNA signatures among Sahiwal and Frieswal cattle breeds during summer stress.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to take part in different biological mechanisms, including biotic as well as abiotic cellular stresses. The present investigation was aimed to identify comparative expression profile of differentially expressed miRNAs among Sahiwal (Bos indicus) and Frieswal (Bos indicus × Bos taurus) cattle breeds during summer stress. Stress responses in animals were characterized by recording various physiological parameters, biochemical assays and expression profiling of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) during elevated environmental temperature. Ion Torrent-based deep sequencing as well as CLC-genomic analysis identified 322 and 420 Bos taurus annotated miRNAs among Sahiwal and Frieswal, respectively. A total 69 common miRNAs were identified to be differentially expressed during summer among the breeds. Out of the 69, a total 14 differentially expressed miRNAs viz. bta-mir 6536-2, bta-mir-2898, bta-mir-let-7b, bta-mir-425, bta-mir-2332, bta-mir-2478, bta-mir-150, bta-mir142, bta-mir-16a, bta-mir-2311, bta-mir-1839, bta-mir-1248-1, bta-mir-103-2 and bta-mir-181b were randomly selected for qRT-PCR-based validation. bta-mir-2898, bta-mir-6536-1, bta-mir-let-7b, bta-mir-2478, bta-mir-150, bta-mir-16a, bta-mir-2311, bta-mir-1032-b and bta-mir-181-b were significantly (p < 0.01) upregulated during summer among Frieswal in comparison to Sahiwal while, bta-mir 6536-2, bta-mir-2332, bta-mir142, bta-mir-1839 and bta-mir-1248-1 was significantly (p < 0.01) expressed at higher level in Sahiwal in contrast to Frieswal correlation coefficient analysis revealed that bta-mir(s)-150, 16a and 181b are negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with Hsp70 expression. Thus, this study identified that miRNA expression during summer stress can vary between the breeds which may reflect their differential post-transcriptional regulation. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-020-02608-4.

Expression pattern of bta-mir-2898 miRNA and their correlation with heat shock proteins during summer heat stress among native vs crossbred cattle.

Earlier studies identified the role of bta-mir-2898 in bovine. Our earlier study identified that, bta-mir-2898 can be over expressed in crossbred cattle during heat stress. Nevertheless the differential expression of bta-mir-2898 among native vs crossbred cattle during summer stress along with it's correlation with different heat shock proteins (HSPs) is not yet studied. In the present context, we studied the differential expression of bta-mir-2898 among Frieswal (Bos indicus x Bos taurus) and Sahiwal (Bos indicus) breeds of cattle during a range of environmental air temperatures and further investigated the correlation of bta-mir-2898 with different HSPs (HSP70, HSP90, HSP60. HSF, HSPB8 and HSP27). It was observed that, at peak air temperature the relative miRNA expression level (p < 0.05) of bta-mir-2898 was 3.4 ± 0.41 and 0.79 ± 0.22 among Frieswal and Sahiwal, respectively. We also observed significant levels (p < 0.05) of mRNA abundance of HSP70, HSP90, HSPB8 and HSP27 among the breeds. In all the cases Sahiwal found to exhibited higher level of HSPs in comparison to Frieswal. Studies revealed that the expression profile of bta-mir-2898 was negatively correlated with the expression of all the HSPs during thermal stress in post anti-mir2898 treated PBMC invitro cultured model originated from both Frieswal and Sahiwal cattle breeds. However, significantly (p < 0.05) higher negative correlations were observed between bta-mir-2898 and HSP70, HSP60 and HSPB8. Present findings highlighted the preliminary role of overexpressed bta-mir-2898 in cattle during thermal stress and its impact on different heat shock proteins.

Characterization of a putative ribosome binding site at the 5' untranslated region of bovine heat shock protein 90.

Untranslated regions (UTRs) of the transcripts play significant roles in translation regulation and continue to raise many intriguing questions in our understanding of cellular stress physiology. Internal ribosome entry site (IRES) mediated alternative translation initiations are emerging as unique mechanisms. Present study is aimed to indentify a functional short 92 base pair length putative sequence located at the 5' untranslated region of bovine heat shock protein 90 AA1 (Hsp90AA1) may interact with ribosomal as well as eukaryotic initiation factor binding site. Here we have predicted both the two and three dimensional structures of bovine Hsp90AA1 IRES (MF400854) element with their respective free energy. Molecular interactions between bovine RPS5 and IRES have been determined after the preparation of docking complex of IRES bound RPS5. Structure of bovine ribosomal translational initiation factor (TIF) has also been determined and docked with IRES. Molecular interaction between bovine TIF and IRES was analyzed from the complex structure. We further detected the relative expression efficiency of the viral (original) in relation with Hsp90AA1 IRES-driven GFP expression, which revealed that efficiency under the control of identified bovine Hsp90AA1 IRES was slightly lower than viral origin. It was also noted that identified bovine HSP90 IRES may increase the expression level of GFP under in vitro heat stressed condition.

Association of bovine KISS1 single nucleotide polymorphisms with reproductive traits in Indian Cattle.

Kisspeptins, a family of neuropeptide encoded by the Kiss1 gene, have emerged as crucial regulator of fertility and reproduction by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The present study was aimed to identify and associate SNPs in the KISS1 gene with reproductive traits in cattle of Indian origin. DNA samples collected from 300 individual cows of three Indian dairy breeds (Gir, Kankrej and Frieswal) of cattle were used in the study. The SNPs of KISS1 gene were identified with PCR-RFLP and sequence analysis using two sets of primer pairs. A total of 5 SNPs were identified in the targeted region of which, two were selected for screening the population and association studies. The analysis revealed that genotypes of rs442633552G>A and rs42022871C>T had a significant association with dry period. The SNP rs42022871C>T also established significant role in milk production traits, and selection of TT-genotyped animals will improve the reproduction and production potential of the animals.

Database on spermatozoa transcriptogram of catagorised Frieswal crossbred (Holstein Friesian X Sahiwal) bulls.

Bull spermatozoa contain different functional genes and many of them plays important roles in different stages of spermatogenesis, spermatozoa kinetics, fertilization as well as embryonic development. RNA deep sequencing is one of the preferred tools for absolute quantification of messenger RNA. The intention of the current study was to investigate the abundance of spermatozoal transcripts in categorized Frieswal (Holstein-Friesian X Sahiwal) crossbred bull semen through RNA deep sequencing. A total 1546561 and 1019308 numbers of reads were identified among good and poor quality bull spermatozoa based on their conception rate. Post mapping with Bos taurus reference genome identified 1,321,236 and 842,022 number of transcripts among good and poor quality RNA libraries, respectively. However, a total number of 3510 and 6759 functional transcripts were identified among good and poor quality bull spermatozoa, respectively. Most of the identified transcripts were related to spermatozoa functions, embryonic development and other functional aspects of fertilization. Wet laboratory validation of the top five selected transcripts (AKAP4, PRM1, ATP2B4, TRIM71 and SLC9B2) illustrated the significant (p < 0.01) level of expression in the good quality crossbred bull semen than the poor quality counterparts. The present study with comprehensive profiling of spermatozoal transcripts provides a useful non-invasive tool to understand the causes of as well as an effective way to predict male infertility in crossbred bulls.

Deciphering foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus-host tropism.

The pattern of interactions between foot and mouth disease (FMD) viral protein 1 (VP1) with susceptible and resistant host integrins were deciphered. The putative effect of site-directed mutation on alteration of interaction is illustrated using predicted and validated 3D structures of VP1, mutated VP1 and integrins of Bos taurus, Gallus and Canis. Strong interactions were observed between FMDV-VP1 protein motifs at conserved tripeptide, Arg-Gly-Asp 143RGD145 and at domain 676SIPLQ680 in alpha-integrin of B. taurus. Notably, in-silico site-directed mutation in FMDV-VP1 protein led to complete loss of interaction between FMD-VP1 protein and B. taurus integrin, which confirmed the active role of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) domain. Interestingly, in-vitro analysis demonstrates the persistence of the putative tropism site 'SIPLQ' in different cattle breeds undertaken. Thus, the attempt to decipher the tropism of FMDV at host receptor level interaction might be useful for future FMD control strategies through development of mimetic marker vaccines and/or host receptor manipulations. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Small interfering RNA based knock down of acute heat shock and or GGA inducible bovine heat shock protein 70 may interfere invitro expression pattern of TLR2/4 and NOD1/2.

Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) is a widely known mammalian stress-inducible protein critical for cytoprotection against different stressors. Despite the chaperone based cytoprotective functions, intracellular Hsp70 also participates in diverse immune modulatory activities. To investigate the immune modulatory effect of inducible bovine Hsp70, we examined the expression profile of four major pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) viz. TLR2/4 and NOD1/2 using two different invitro cell cultured models. We observed that, invitro acute heat stress and Geranylgeranylacetone (GGA) induction increased the level of Hsp70 which upregulated the expression of all the four PRRs in both the cell cultured models. However, the expression level of TLR4 was found to be highest followed by NOD2, TLR2 and NOD1. Conversely, specific siRNA based knockdown of Hsp70 showed a decreased expression level of all the four PRRs. This study may add some references pertaining to the innate immune modulatory effects of bovine heat shock protein 70.

Identification of differentially expressed microRNAs in Sahiwal (Bos indicus) breed of cattle during thermal stress.

microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that play key roles in post transcriptional gene regulation that influence various fundamental cellular processes, including the cellular responses during environmental stresses. However, perusal of literatures revealed few reports on the differential expression of miRNA during thermal stress in Indian native (Bos indicus) cattle breeds. The present investigation aimed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs during thermal stress in Sahiwal (Bos indicus) dairy cattle breed of India, adapted with tropical climate over a long period of time. Stress responses of the animals were characterized by determining various physiological as well as biochemical parameters and differential expression profile of major heat shock protein genes. Ion Torrent deep sequencing and CLC-genomic analysis identified a set of differentially expressed miRNAs during summer and winter seasons. Most of the identified differentially expressed miRNAs were found to target heat shock responsive genes especially members of heat shock protein (HSP) family. Real-time quantification-based analysis of selected miRNAs revealed that bta-mir-1248, bta-mir-2332, bta-mir-2478, and bta-mir-1839 were significantly (p < 0.01) over expressed while bta-mir-16a, bta-let-7b, bta-mir-142, and bta-mir-425 were significantly (p < 0.01) under expressed during summer in comparison to winter. The present study enlists differentially expressed miRNAs at different environmental temperatures in Sahiwal (Bos indicus) that may be importance for further understanding the role of miRNAs on thermo-regulatory mechanisms.

A Synonymous Mutation at Bovine Alpha Vitronectin Domain of Integrin Host Receptor (ITGAV) Gene Effect the Susceptibility of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Crossbred Cattle.

Integrins are one of the major biologically active proteins responsible for Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV)- host interaction. Out of various heterodimeric integrins discovered, αVß6 heterodimer serves as the chief receptor for FMDV host tropism. Earlier studies reported that, SNPs at beta 6 subunit (ITGB6) were associated with the occurrence of the diseases in cattle. In this study we report the association between a synonymous SNP (rs719257875) at bovine alpha vitronectin domain of integrin receptor (ITGAV) gene and FMD susceptibility in cattle. A strong significant association (P < 0.0001) of the genotypes with FMD susceptibility were obtained, where the CC genotypes play a major role in occurrence of FMD in crossbred cattle.