基于转录组数据挖掘塔里木马鹿干旱环境适应性相关基因OA

Cervus elaphus yarkandensis have adapted to extreme arid conditions in the Tarim Basin,such as severe drought,high temperatures,and intense ultraviolet radiation.To investigate their adaptation mechanisms,we conducted a comparative transcriptome analysis on the skin tissues of C.e.yarkandensis and C.e.xanthopygus using RNA-seq technology.Our analysis identified 3 562 differentially expressed genes,including 1 279 upregulated genes and 2 283 downregulated genes.Upregulated genes were significantly enriched in 174 GO categories,including regulating water loss through the skin,establishing skin barriers,water balance,and 49 KEGG pathways,such as steroid hormone biosyn-thesis,asthma,and arachidonic acid metabolism.Downregulated genes were significantly enriched in 453 GO catego-ries,including regulation of developmental processes,angiogenesis development,blood pressure regulation,and 60 KEGG pathways such as platelet activation and vascular smooth muscle contraction,and ECM-receptor interaction.qRT-PCR analysis confirmed the reliability of the RNA-seq results.These differentially expressed genes related to skin protection,moisture control,and stress responses likely help the species adapt to arid conditions by maintaining body temperature and preventing water loss.