Comparative analysis of immune related genes between domestic pig and germ-free minipig

Abstract

Recently, minipig has been considered as an animal model that is appropriate for human disease model to study toxicology, pharmacology, and xenotransplantation. Nevertheless, minipigs are bred in various environment according to their use. Here, we suggest that minipigs used for research should be bred in well-controlled facility, comparing immune status of pigs raised in different breeding environment. DNA microarray was performed with ear skin and placenta of Landrace domestic pigs (DPs) and Minnesota germ-free minipigs (GPs). Their immune transcriptome was analyzed by gene ontology (GO) annotation database, based on criteria of |log2 fold change| ≥1 with P ≤ 0.05. As a result, we found that immune related genes in the ear skin of DPs were highly activated, compared to GPs. On the other hand, no significant s were found in the placenta. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed in five candidate immune genes. Their fold changes were consistent with the results from DNA microarray (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, we experimentally proved that porcine immune system was affected by different breeding environment, suggesting the importance of controlling microbes in animal room for the qualified research.

Comparison of structural characteristics and molecular markers of rabbit skin, pig skin, and reconstructed human epidermis for an ex vivo human skin model

“…The pig skin closely resembles the human skin from both histological and physiological aspects [ 8 – 10 ]. In particular, the thickness of the epidermis, cornified layer, and dermal-epidermal thickness ratio were confirmed to be very similar between the human and pig skin [ 11 ].…”

Pig Genomics and Genetics

“…Microarray approach also serves as a research tool in pig breeding, as well. For example, Lee et al [11] used it to prove that the porcine immune system was affected by different breeding environments, suggesting the importance of controlling microbes in the animal room for qualified research. Another kind of microarray is used to identification of gene expression.…”