Issue Information

Abstract

DNA Weaving: Differences Between Eastern and Western Pig Breeds. This cover illustrates the genomic features and phenotypic differences of two distinct pig breeds. The study led by Prof. Zhonglin Tang's group uncovers the genetic mechanisms underlying phenotypic divergence and the formation of complex traits in pigs. In the image, two knitted pigs represent two typical breeds: the plump Tongcheng pig (an Eastern obese-type) at the top and the lean Landrace pig (a Western lean-type) at the bottom. The unraveling yarn forms a spiraling DNA structure, symbolizing the process and outcomes of genomic sequencing. The DNA of the Tongcheng pig is adorned with more fat cells and methylation, reflecting its greater capacity for fat deposition and higher global DNA methylation level, whereas the DNA of the Landrace pig features more muscle cells, highlighting its muscle growth advantage. This emphasizes the critical role of the genome, particularly the pangenome constructed from multiple breeds, and epigenetics, in deciphering the genetic basis of complex traits. The cover image was designed by Lei Liu and Zhonglin Tang at Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, as well as PaperArtist.