Circadian Rhythm Enhances mTORC1/AMPK Pathway-Mediated Milk Fat Synthesis in Dairy Cows via the Microbial Metabolite Acetic Acid

Abstract

Livestock may respond differently to circadian rhythms, leading to differences in the composition of the animal products. Nevertheless, the circadian effects on rumen microorganisms and animal products are poorly understood. In the study, it was found that dairy cows exhibited increased milk fat levels, decreased acetic acid concentrations in the rumen fluid, and elevated acetic acid levels in the blood during the night compared to those of the day. Correlational analyses suggested a high association between Succiniclasticum, Lactobacillus, Prevotellacene NK3B31_group, Muribaculaceae_unclassified, etc., which were significantly enriched in rumen fluid at night, and milk fat levels. The differential metabolite Vitamin B6, significantly elevated at night, promoted the translocation of acetic acid into the circulation by increasing the level of rumen epithelial MCT1 protein expression. In addition, we found that both acetic acid treatment time and dose modulated the expression of lipid metabolism transcription factors (PPARγ, PPARα, and SREBP1c) and downstream genes (FASN, SCD1, ACCα, and CPT1A). Additionally, the mTORC1 and AMPK pathways were responsible for the effects of acetic acid on transcription factors and genes involved in lipid metabolism. Differences in rumen microbial taxa were observed between the day and night. Microbial metabolite (acetic acid) was found to be absorbed into the bloodstream and entered the mammary gland at night at a significantly elevated level. This regulation impacted the expression of lipid metabolism-related transcription factors (PPARγ, PPARα, and SREBP1c), as well as downstream genes through the mTORC1 and AMPK signaling pathways, ultimately affecting milk fat synthesis. These findings provide a new perspective for the microbial regulation of milk synthesis.