A comparison of genome-wide DNA methylation profiles between Tibetan and Yorkshire pigs

We investigated the heart tissue whole-genome DNA methylation data of Tibetan and Yorkshire pigs raised at high and low altitudes using MeDIP-seq (methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing) technologies, in order to comparatively analyze epigenetic regulation in the two breeds under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. In addition, we aimed to identify the key genes and molecular mechanisms that are involved in adaptation to high altitude in the Tibetan pig. The results of bisulphite sequencing and RT-qPCR indicated that the differentially methylated genes identified in MeDIP-seq were credible. Our results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms and the epigenetic mechanism involved in hypoxic adaptation in pigs, and a greater understanding of human hypoxic diseases. Overall design: Examination of heart tissue whole-genome DNA methylation in Tibetan and Yorkshire pigs raised at high and low altitudes.