Genomics and Applied Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 132-141 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/gab 135 Recent advances in technologies like RNA sequencing have provided deeper insights into how nutrients regulate gene expression at a cellular level. For instance, studies using RNA-Seq technology have revealed that dietary interventions can trigger widespread changes in gene expression that influence metabolic pathways, immune responses, and even behavior in animals (Hasan et al., 2019). By examining the entire transcriptome, researchers have identified how specific nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids or certain amino acids, can upregulate or downregulate genes involved in fat metabolism, inflammation, and antioxidant defenses. This ability to monitor changes in gene expression helps to fine-tune dietary interventions, making it possible to design precise diets that can prevent or mitigate genetic risks in pets. For example, a dog with a predisposition to arthritis could benefit from a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which downregulates pro-inflammatory genes, potentially delaying the onset of the disease or alleviating symptoms. Understanding nutrient-gene interactions allows for these tailored approaches, ensuring that each pet receives a diet that supports its unique genetic makeup. 3.2 Epigenetic modifications induced by diet Epigenetic modifications refer to changes in gene expression that occur without altering the underlying DNA sequence, primarily through mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA interactions. These modifications can be significantly influenced by diet, with certain nutrients acting as modulators of gene expression. For example, folate and other B vitamins are key components in the methylation cycle, contributing to DNA methylation processes that regulate gene activity. Diets rich in methyl donors (such as folate, choline, and methionine) can lead to increased DNA methylation, potentially silencing genes associated with disease pathways, such as inflammation or cancer (Andreescu et al., 2018). These modifications are crucial for maintaining homeostasis and regulating various physiological functions in pets, influencing everything from metabolic pathways to immune responses. Furthermore, dietary components such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, have been shown to influence histone modifications, thereby regulating genes involved in inflammation and metabolism. Omega-3 fatty acids, for instance, can decrease the expression of pro-inflammatory genes by altering histone acetylation patterns. This is particularly relevant for pets with a predisposition to inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, where dietary interventions could modulate gene expression to reduce inflammation (Simopoulos, 2019). Epigenetic changes induced by diet are not only critical for short-term health outcomes but can also have long-lasting effects across generations. Emerging evidence suggests that these epigenetic modifications can be inherited, meaning that a pet’s nutritional environment can impact not only its own gene expression but also that of its offspring, influencing health outcomes in future generations. This highlights the importance of diet in the broader context of pet health and longevity, as well as the potential for personalized nutrition to optimize epigenetic health across generations. 3.3 Impact of macronutrient composition on gene expression The composition of macronutrients in a pet’s diet—proteins, carbohydrates, and fats—has a direct influence on gene expression, regulating key metabolic pathways that affect health and performance. Protein intake, for instance, is closely associated with the expression of genes involved in muscle growth and tissue repair. High-protein diets can upregulate anabolic pathways, enhancing muscle synthesis and promoting lean body mass in both dogs and cats. This is particularly important in active and working pets, where the demand for muscle maintenance is high. Studies in animal models have demonstrated that protein-rich diets can activate genes involved in the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway, which is crucial for muscle development and overall growth (Rapkin et al., 2018). On the other hand, carbohydrate-rich diets influence genes related to glucose metabolism, promoting the expression of genes that regulate insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. This can have significant implications for pets with metabolic disorders, such as obesity and diabetes, as excessive carbohydrate consumption may dysregulate these pathways and exacerbate insulin resistance. Similarly, the type and amount of fat in the diet can alter the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism and inflammation. Diets high in omega-3 fatty acids, for example, have been shown to downregulate the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, such as those involved in the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, while
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==