Analysis of Genome DNA Methylation at Inherited Coat Color Dilutions of Rex Rabbits

Background: The dilution of color in rabbits is associated with many different genetic mechanisms that form groups. A number previous studies have revealed potential regulatory by which epigenetics regulate pigmentation. However, the genome-wide DNA methylation involved animal coat remains unknown. Results: We compared profiles Rex rabbit hair follicles a Chinchilla group (Ch) and diluted (DCh) through whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). Approximately 3.5% cytosine sites were methylated both groups, CG type was greatest abundance. In total, we identified 126,405 differentially regions (DMRs) between two corresponding to 11,459 DMR-associated genes (DMGs). Gene ontology Kyoto Encyclopedia Genes Genomes pathway analysis these DMGs principally developmental pigmentation Wnt signaling pathways. addition, DMRs randomly selected verify WGBS data reliable using PCR, seven analyzed establish relationship level mRNA expression qRT-PCR. Due limitation small sample size, replication results larger size would be important future studies. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence there an association inherited alterations follicles, greatly contributing our understanding epigenetic regulation