Epigenetics

Integrating omics data to investigate molecular responses to diverging environmental conditions in livestock

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Abstract

Understanding how livestock respond at the molecular level to heterogeneous and changing environments is essential for improving animal resilience, productivity, and sustainability. Recent advances in high-throughput technologies provide unprecedented opportunities to integrate multi-omics data and uncover the biological mechanisms underlying environmental adaptation. In this study, we combined epigenomic (RRBS), transcriptomic (RNA-Seq), proteomic and metabolomic (LC-MS/MS) datasets to characterize molecular responses to diverging environmental conditions (pastur vs stable) in two different livestock populations including cattle (Pezzata Rossa) and sheep (Massese). In this context, a total of 20 individuals of each species have been sampled in stabled conditions during spring (T0). After moving 10 individuals to the mountain pastures all samples, including those remained in stabling, have been resampled at the end of the summer (T1). Using integrative analytical frameworks as implemented in DIABLO (Data Integration Analysis for Biomarker Discovery using Latent Variable Approaches for Omics Studies), positive and negative correlations among the most significant CpG sites, transcripts, proteins and metabolites have been identified. This workflow allowed to identify key regulatory networks and candidate biomarkers associated with antioxidant, oxygen transport, stress response and immune system. The converging signals linked to O2/CO2 exchange and oxygen transport might be related to the relevant altitudinal change to which the animals were subjected (from about 400 to about 2000 m.a.s.l) while antioxidants are probably related to differences in dietary regimes between the two conditions. Our results reveal specific signatures of plasticity and conserved molecular mechanisms contributing to adaptive capacity. This multi-layered approach offers a comprehensive view of how environmental pressures can shape livestock biology in short time processes mediated by epigenetic changes during acclimation. Indeed, in both species we found a number of differentially methylated CpG sites when contrasting animals translocated from stable to pasture. In addition, the study provides actionable insights for breeding programs, precision livestock management, and strategies aimed at enhancing resilience to face of ongoing climate challenges.

Keywords: 2026

How to Cite:

Senczuk, G., Di Civita, M., Persichilli, C., Francioso, A., Cassandro, M., Stella, A. & Pilla, F., (2026) “Integrating omics data to investigate molecular responses to diverging environmental conditions in livestock”, World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production Digital Archive 2026(1): 2286623. doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/wcgalp.24072

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