Global gene expression analysis of neutrophils from Periparturient Holstein Cows

This study aimed at evaluating the global gene expression of blood-derived neutrophils from periparturient cows. Blood was collected from Holstein Friesian periparturient cows (N=3) at −14 d relative to expected calving date and 7 d relative to actual calving date. Neutrophils were isolated and subsequently used for transcriptional profiling using the Agilent bovine (v2) 4 × 44 K array. Calculation of fold change in gene expression and pathway analysis was conducted using the GeneSpring GX software 13.0. Periparturient period impacted global gene expression and resulted in 249 genes that were differentially expressed (FC≥2, p<0.05.); 162 were upregulated post-calving 87 of these were downregulated. Genes that code for proinflammatory receptors (CD58, GLRX3), chemokines (CMKLR1), and transcriptional regulation (MTA) were upregulated. Concurrently, genes that code for cellular adhesion and migration (ADRM1 and THY1), and immune induction (CATHL2) and homeostasis were downregulated gene. Pathway analysis revealed that 118 pathways are affected in bovine neutrophils during the periparturient period (p<0.05). These pathways included the Wnt signaling, one carbon Metabolism, TLR, inflammation response, Oxidative Stress, T-Cell Receptor signaling, adipogenesis, and MAPK Signaling Pathways. Blood was sampled from the jugular vein of three Holstein Friesian periparturient cows at -14 d relative to expected calving date and at 7 d relative to actual calving date. Extracted RNA from isolated neutrophils were used for transcriptional profiling .