A near complete genome assembly of the East Friesian sheep genome.

Advancements in sequencing have enabled the assembly of numerous sheep genomes, significantly advancing our understanding of the link between genetic variation and phenotypic traits. However, the genome of East Friesian sheep (Ostfriesisches Milchschaf), a key high-yield milk breed, remains to be fully assembled. Here, we constructed a near-complete and gap-free East Friesian genome assembly using PacBio HiFi, ultra-long ONT and Hi-C sequencing. The resulting genome assembly spans approximately 2.96 Gb, with a contig N50 length of 104.1 Mb and only 164 unplaced sequences. Remarkably, our assembly has captured 41 telomeres and 24 centromeres. The assembled sequence is of high quality on completeness (BUSCO score: 97.1%) and correctness (QV: 69.1). In addition, a total of 24,580 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 97.2% (23,891) carried at least one conserved functional domain. Collectively, this assembly provides not only a near T2T gap-free genome, but also provides a valuable genetic resource for comparative genome studies of sheep and will serve as an important tool for the sheep research community.

Cystathionine γ-lyase contributes to exacerbation of periodontal destruction in experimental periodontitis under hyperglycemia.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is one of the major inflammatory comorbidities of periodontitis via 2-way interactions. Cystathionine γ-lyase (CTH) is a pivotal endogenous enzyme synthesizing hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and CTH/H2S is crucially implicated in modulating inflammation in various diseases. This study aimed to explore the potential role of CTH in experimental periodontitis under a hyperglycemic condition. METHODS: CTH-silenced and normal human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) were cultured in a high glucose and Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (P.g-LPS) condition. The effects of CTH on hPDLCs were assessed by Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8), real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The model of experimental periodontitis under hyperglycemia was established on both Cth-/- and wild-type (WT) mice, and the extent of periodontal destruction was assessed by micro-CT, histology, RNA-Seq, Western blot, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and immunostaining. RESULTS: CTH mRNA expression increased in hPDLCs in response to increasing concentration of P.g-LPS stimulation in a high glucose medium. With reference to WT mice, Cth-/- mice with experimental periodontitis under hyperglycemia exhibited reduced bone loss, decreased leukocyte infiltration and hindered osteoclast formation, along with reduced expression of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in periodontal tissue. RNA-seq-enriched altered NF-κB pathway signaling in healthy murine gingiva with experimental periodontitis mice under hyperglycemia. Accordingly, phosphorylation of p65 (P-p65) was alleviated in CTH-silenced hPDLCs, leading to decreased expression of IL6 and TNF. CTH knockdown inhibited activation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway and decreased production of proinflammatory cytokines under high glucose and P.g-LPS treatment. CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest the potential of CTH as a therapeutic target for tackling periodontitis in diabetic patients.

Effect of Steam Pressure Toasting Duration on Snowbird Faba Bean Seeds and the Impact on the Intestinal and Metabolic Characteristics in Dairy Cows.

The response of feedstuffs to thermal processing depends on the type of feed and the thermal processing methods being applied. Steam pressure toasting (SPT) has been used to modify the nutrient degradability and enhance the nutritional quality of pulses, including faba bean seeds (FBS). Strategic feeding approaches are essential for balancing diets and maintaining adequate nutrition, especially in high-performing ruminants. This research aimed to determine the effects of SPT duration in FBS on the intestinal and metabolic characteristics of dairy cows. Faba Bean seeds (three harvesting years) were processed at 121 °C for 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min. Rumen degradation and intestinal digestion were determined using the in situ and modified in vitro three-step techniques. The true protein supplied to the small intestine was also determined using the NRC and DVE systems. Our results showed a reduced total digested DM (TDDM) with longer SPT duration (quadratic, p = 0.02). The intestinally digested crude protein (IADP) increased from 62 to 220 g/kg DM with 0 to 120 min of SPT, respectively (p < 0.01), whereas the total tract digestible starch (TDSt) gradually decreased from 321 to 182 g/kg DM based on SPT time (p < 0.01). On the other hand, the truly digested protein in the small intestine (DVE) and the total metabolizable protein (MP) increased from 138 to 282 g/kg DM and 129 to 282 g/kg DM, respectively, with 0 to 120 min of SPT (quadratic, p < 0.01). The Feed Milk Value (FMV), based on both the DVE/OEB and NRC dairy nutrition systems, also increased with SPT (Quadratic, p < 0.01). The processing of FBS with SPT at 121 °C effectively reduced the highly degradable protein fraction in the rumen, shifting to a higher rumen undegraded protein (RUP) which was able to reach the small intestine. In the current study, the total MP, DVE, and FMV in dairy cows showed an overall increase with SPT in FBS.