[objective] Through the analysis of gene expression characteristics, this study aims to reveal the key genes and pathways involved in the formation of bovine embryonic horn bud tissues, thereby gaining deeper insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying horn bud development and providing a theoretical basis for the breeding of polled cattle. [methods] RNA-seq from bovine embryonic horn bud tissues, frontal skin tissues, brain, heart, kidney, liver, lung, rumen, skeletal muscle, and spleen were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA), differential gene expression analysis, and gene enrichment analysis to decipher the gene expression characteristics of horn bud tissues. [results] Comparative analysis of gene expression across multiple tissues identified 810 genes specifically highly expressed in horn bud tissues. Principal component analysis revealed that the gene expression pattern of bovine embryonic horn bud tissues was most similar to that of frontal skin tissues, yet there were 1695 significantly upregulated genes (adjusted p <= 0.05). These genes were functionally enriched in pathways related to neural and bone development. [conclusion] Through comparative analysis across multiple tissues and differential comparison between horn bud tissues and frontal skin, the gene expression characteristics of horn bud tissues were identified. The enrichment of specifically highly expressed genes in horn bud tissues in pathways related to bone, neural, and skin development implies the involvement of multiple tissues and complex regulatory mechanisms in horn bud development. |