Analysis Of DNA Methylome Of The Dizygotic Sheep

As one of the domesticated livestock all around the world, sheep is popularfor its dairy, meat and wool. The third version of reference sheep genome was recently reported to facilitate the investigation of its economical traits. DNA methylation is now found to be essential forsheep development, however, there is no sheep DNA methylome study reported yet. In this study, a high-coverage (94.38% of genome) base-resolution sheep DNA methylome was profiled. DNA samples were extracted from the Longissimusdorsi of twofemale dizygotic sheep, which were separated after birth, and raised in different habitats. DNA methylation status from several functional genomic regions unveiled potential mechanismsby whichDNA methylation regulates gene expression.Difference between the DNA methylomes of the dizygotic twin sheep were analysed to define 948 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in the genome.248 DMR-containingwere identified. These DMR-containing genes were then annotated against GO and KEGG databases.Overrepresentation analysis was performedto predict in silicogene function. Enrichnments of DMR-containing genes were observed in sexual maturity, lipid metabolismand tumor-associated pathways that maybe easily affected by environmental factors. These observationsand data could be used to reveal the potential links between phenotypic changes and DNA methylation variations in sheep.