Analysis of differential gene expression in the brain tissue transcriptome of Jiangkou radish piglets infected with porcine pseudorabies virus.

BACKGROUND: The research focused on the effects of pseudorabies virus on gene expression in piglet brain tissue. OBJECTIVES: The goal was to understand the changes in gene expression in piglet brains due to pseudorabies virus infection. DESIGN: The study used a comparative approach with infected and control piglet groups. METHODS: Twelve 2-month-old piglets were divided into pseudorabies virus-infected and PBS-treated control groups, with brain tissue analyzed after 7 days. RESULTS: Infected piglets showed increased oligodendrocyte counts and pseudorabies virus-positive signals. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 269 differentially expressed genes, with 149 up-regulated and 120 down-regulated. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses indicated these genes are involved in signal transduction, transmembrane transport, apoptosis, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction. Quantitative fluorescent PCR validated these findings, particularly for genes related to neuroactive pathways, ferroptosis, and IL-17 signaling. CONCLUSION: The study provides valuable insights into the molecular alterations caused by pseudorabies virus in piglet brain tissue, enhancing our understanding of pseudorabies virus's pathogenic mechanisms.