Comparative transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of FTO knockout and wild-type porcine iliac artery endothelial cells

Abstract

The fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene, previously identified as a pivotal genetic locus associated with adiposity, has recently been linked to various cancers. In this study, we established an FTO knockout (KO) cell line in porcine iliac artery endothelial cells (PIECs) utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 technology to systematically investigate the gene’s function and effect through transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis. Our results revealed significant gene expression and metabolic profiles differences between the FTO KO and wild-type (WT) cells. Furthermore, enrichment analysis highlighted the involvement of differentially expressed genes in metabolic processes, cellular components, and molecular functions, as well as in complement and coagulation cascades, mineral absorption, glutathione metabolism, insulin signaling, fluid shear stress, and atherosclerosis pathways. The metabolomic profiling revealed clear distinctions between the FTO KO and WT cells, indicating profound modifications in cellular metabolism. Correlation analysis of transcriptomic and metabolomic data revealed a significant association between six metabolites and twenty genes, with melatonin showing specific correlations with the expression of several genes, indicating a complex regulatory network between gene expression and metabolic changes. This study provides a foundation for further research on the FTO gene’s role in cellular processes and molecular mechanisms underlying physiological and pathological conditions.