Cross-species analysis of differential transcript usage in humans and chickens with fatty liver disease

Research (Published online: 23-09-2023)

23. Cross-species analysis of differential transcript usage in humans and chickens with fatty liver disease

Kaj Chokeshaiusaha, Thanida Sananmuang, Denis Puthier, and Catherine Nguyen

Veterinary World, 16(9): 1964-1973

Kaj Chokeshaiusaha: Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-OK, Chonburi, Thailand.

Thanida Sananmuang: Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-OK, Chonburi, Thailand.

Denis Puthier: Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM, UMR 1090, TAGC, Marseille, France.

Catherine Nguyen: Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM, UMR 1090, TAGC, Marseille, France.

Background and Aim: Fatty liver disease is a common condition, characterized by excess fat accumulation in the liver. It can contribute to more severe liver-related health issues, making it a critical concern in avian and human medicine. Apart from modifying the gene expression of liver cells, the disease also alters the expression of specific transcript isoforms, which might serve as new biological markers for both species. This study aimed to identify cross-species genes displaying differential expressions in their transcript isoforms in humans and chickens with fatty liver disease.

Materials and Methods: We performed differential gene expression and differential transcript usage (DTU) analyses on messenger RNA datasets from the livers of both chickens and humans with fatty liver disease. Using appropriate cross-species gene identification methods, we reviewed the acquired candidate genes and their transcript isoforms to determine their potential role in fatty liver disease’s pathogenesis.

Results: We identified seven genes - ALG5, BRD7, DIABLO, RSU1, SFXN5, STIMATE, TJP3, and VDAC2 - and their corresponding transcript isoforms as potential candidates (false discovery rate ≤0.05). Our findings showed that these genes most likely contribute to fatty disease development and progression.

Conclusion: This study successfully identified novel human-chicken DTU genes in fatty liver disease. Further research is encouraged to verify the functions and regulations of these transcript isoforms as potential diagnostic markers for fatty liver disease in humans and chickens.

Keywords: cross-species biomarkers, differential gene expression, differential transcript usage, fat metabolism, fatty liver disease, lipidosis, transcript isoforms.