The Yili goose is the only indigenous goose breed that originates from Anser anser in China, known for its adaptability, strong flying ability, and tender meat with a low body lipid content. The liver plays a crucial role in lipid and glucose metabolism, including the intake, secretion, transportation, and storage of fatty acids (FAs). In this study, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) technology was performed to analyze the liver differentially expressed genes of Yili geese and their hybrid geese to investigate differences in liver lipid and glucose metabolism. A total of 452 differentially expressed genes (Q-value < 0.05) were identified. Notably, in KEGG enrichment analysis, four pathways (Q-value < 0.05) were enriched to be associated with lipid and glucose metabolism, including the metabolic pathway, PI3K–Akt signaling pathway, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and steroid biosynthesis. This study provides insights into potential candidate genes and metabolic pathways that affect the liver lipid metabolism of Yili goose. These findings provide a better understanding of animal liver lipid deposition and metabolism.

The continued diversification of the H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) into multiple antigenically and phylogenetically distinct lineages is promoting the emergence of strains with pandemic potential. Constant monitoring of the genetic evolution and changes in biological characteristics of the H9N2 viruses is therefore essential. In this study, we analyzed the genetic evolution of the H9N2 viruses isolated from poultry farms between 2022 and 2023 and evaluated their pathogenicity in chickens and mice. The HA genes of all ten isolates belonged to the h9.4.2.5 lineage, which is currently the predominant evolutionary lineage in China. Yet, their HA genes further divided into distinct subbranches within the h9.4.2.5 lineage. The NA genes of these viruses shared high homology with the prevalent H9N2 AIVs in recent years. However, these viruses were located in different evolutionary groups. Notably, the internal genes showed close relationships with those of recent H3, H6, and H9 subtype AIVs, suggesting active reassortment events among co-circulating viruses. Pathogenicity assessment in mice and chickens demonstrated divergent virulence between two representative isolates, FS22 and JM14, which clustered into different h9.4.2.5 subbranches. FS22 exhibited more efficient and prolonged replication in the lungs and turbinates of mice compared to JM14. Both viruses replicated efficiently in the lungs, kidneys, and trachea of chickens at 3 days post-infection (DPI), but differed in their horizontal transmission potential. Particularly, inoculated and contacted chickens all produced high antibody levels from the 5 DPI until the end of the experiment, and peak antibody titers for both viruses occurred at 7 DPI. These findings underscored the continuous evolution ofH9N2 AIV enhanced its genetic and phenotypic diversity, leading it to pose a threat to public health. Thus, continuous surveillance in poultry farms is necessary.

Cashmere goats possess two types of hair follicles, with the secondary hair follicles producing valuable cashmere fiber used for textiles. The growth of cashmere exhibits a seasonal pattern arising from photoperiod change. Transcription factors play crucial roles during this process. The transcription factor, cold-shock domain, containing C2 (Csdc2) plays a crucial role in modulating cell proliferation and differentiation. Our preceding research indicated that the expression of Csdc2 changes periodically during anagen to telogen. However, the mechanisms of Csdc2 in regulating SHF growth remain unclear. Here, we found that the knockdown of Csdc2 inhibits the proliferation of dermal papilla cells. ChIP-Seq analysis showed that Csdc2 had a unique DNA binding motif in SHFs. Through conjoint analysis of ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq, we revealed a total of 25 candidate target genes of Csdc2. Notably, we discovered a putative Csdc2 binding site within roundabout guidance receptor 2 (Robo2) on chromosome 1 of the goat genome. Furthermore, qRT-PCR and dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed Csdc2’s positive regulatory influence on Robo2. These findings expand the research field of hair follicle transcriptional regulatory networks, offering insights into molecular breeding strategies to enhance cashmere production in goats.

The gut microbiota, often referred to as the “forgotten organ”, plays an indispensable role in maintaining host physiological metabolism, immune function, and nutrient absorption. Moreover, the gut microbiome serves as a critical biological barrier against viral infections and is increasingly recognized as a potential target to augment antiviral therapies. Recent studies have revealed that microbial ligands and metabolites derived from the gut microbiota are pivotal in modulating respiratory immune responses, providing compelling evidence of the complex interaction network between microorganisms and the host, particularly the signaling pathways linking the gut to distal organs such as the lungs. This review examines the communication and regulatory mechanisms between the gut microbiota and pulmonary mucosal surfaces during influenza virus infection, emphasizing how gut microbial communities and probiotics influence host immune responses, promote the production of immune-related molecules, and enhance antiviral defenses. The aim is to provide comprehensive insights into the gut–lung axis and its implications for respiratory health.

Avian influenza, a disease caused by avian influenza virus (AIV), mainly infects birds but can also infect mammals, which poses a serious threat to public health. Therefore, thorough understanding of its pathogenic mechanism and the identification of antiviral targets are essential for the prevention, control, and treatment of AIV. The polymerase acidic protein (PA) is a core component of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase complex and plays a central role in viral transcription through its cap-snatching activity during early infection. We employed a multi-omics approach combining transcriptome analysis with PA interaction proteomics to characterize host responses during AIV infection and explore the PA–host interaction network. Transcriptomics revealed a polarized host response marked by activated translation-related processes, mitochondrial energy metabolism, and innate immune signaling, alongside broad suppression of nuclear transcriptional regulation and cell cycle pathways. Immunoprecipitation–mass spectrometry identified host proteins associated with PA that were enriched in RNA metabolism, ribosome biogenesis, and protein homeostasis. Integrative analysis of transcriptomic and interactome data, along with protein–protein interaction network analysis, prioritized a subset of high-confidence PA-interacting host factors. Among these, ribosomal protein RPS27A was validated to interact with PA and to support viral replication during early infection in this study.

The African swine fever virus (ASFV), particularly the genotypes I and II strains that have spread beyond Africa, continues to threaten global swine production and food security. Currently, African swine fever (ASF) control strategies rely heavily on biosecurity measures underpinned with molecular diagnostics. To address the need for genotyping, the present study developed a tetra‐primer amplification refractory mutation system PCR (ARMS‐PCR) assay capable of discriminating genotypes I and II ASFVs, as well as their mixed infections. The assay utilizes a multiplex of four primers: two outer universal primers and two allele‐specific inner primers targeting a conserved single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP, G1656A) of the B646L gene, specific to genotypes I and II ASFVs. The tetra‐primer ARMS‐PCR assay demonstrated a detection limit of 100 copies per reaction, which is comparable to that of the WOAH‐recommended PCR method, and no cross‐reactivity was observed with eight other porcine viruses. Furthermore, clinical validation confirmed that the assay demonstrated a 97.22% coincidence rate (35/36) with the standard WOAH‐recommended PCR method. In summary, the tetra‐primer ARMS‐PCR assay provides a practical, specific, and cost‐effective tool for ASF epidemiological surveillance, well‐suited for resource‐limited regions and those with cocirculation of genotypes I and II ASFVs.