Integrated Multi-Omics Unveils Region-Specific Molecular Signatures and Metabolic Hubs in Bactrian Camel Milk from Inner Mongolia
Description
Camel milk composition is strongly affected by geographic origin, yet the region-specific molecular modules and their cross-omics coordination remain poorly defined. Here, Bactrian camel milk was collected from four regions in Inner Mongolia: Alxa Left Banner (Z), Alxa Right Banner (Y), Alateng’aobao (B), and Sonid Left Banner (S). Basic composition, DIA proteomics, LC-MS/MS untargeted metabolomics, and GC-MS volatile metabolomics were integrated with WGCNA. Fat, protein, lactose, and total solids differed significantly among regions. We identified 2,446 proteins and 1,709 LC-MS and 227 GC-MS metabolites. WGCNA generated 10 protein, 13 LC-MS, and 4 GC-MS co-expression modules. Region-correlated modules included: S green4 protein (calcium ion binding; glycolysis/gluconeogenesis) and cornflowerblue LC-MS (protein digestion and absorption; aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis); Z darkorange protein (N-glycan biosynthesis; AMPK signaling); B yellowgreen protein (nicotinate/nicotinamide and pyrimidine metabolism); and Y cornflowerblue protein (cysteine/methionine metabolism; glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis). Cross-omics correlation indicated region-specific candidate hubs: glycolysis/TCA/butanoate metabolism in Y; AMPK-linked lipolysis/oxidative phosphorylation in Z; carbon-metabolism coordination involving glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, branched-chain amino acid degradation, and fatty acid biosynthesis in S; and purine/pyrimidine nucleotide metabolism in B. These findings provide candidate molecular markers for geographic traceability and a module-level framework for understanding how environment shapes the molecular phenotype of camel milk. Validation in larger cohorts and controlled environmental designs is needed.
Files
Institutions
- Inner Mongolia Normal UniversityInner Mongolia, Hohhot