Correlating Differential Peptidomics and Transcriptomics Data for Assessing Seasonal Changes in the Camel Brain

摘要

The integration of omics' data types provides a multi-dimensional picture of complex biological systems and useful insights not inferred individually. Here we combine peptide profiling by MALDI-TOF MS, peptidomics and transcriptomic platforms to determine subtle chemical changes and to link neuropeptides and genes to biochemical pathways underlying seasonal adaptations in one-humped Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius). Camels have a striking ability to survive extended periods of water deprivation and water loss of up to 30% their body weight during arid summers in deserts. The brain regulates water balance through the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system (HNS). We have assessed components of HNS (pituitary, Pit, and supraoptic nucleus, SON) by sampling and comparing mRNA and peptides.