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Athar F, Karmani M, Templeman N. Metabolic hormones are integral regulators of female reproductive health and function. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231916. [PMID: 38131197 PMCID: PMC10830447 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The female reproductive system is strongly influenced by nutrition and energy balance. It is well known that food restriction or energy depletion can induce suppression of reproductive processes, while overnutrition is associated with reproductive dysfunction. However, the intricate mechanisms through which nutritional inputs and metabolic health are integrated into the coordination of reproduction are still being defined. In this review, we describe evidence for essential contributions by hormones that are responsive to food intake or fuel stores. Key metabolic hormones-including insulin, the incretins (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1), growth hormone, ghrelin, leptin, and adiponectin-signal throughout the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis to support or suppress reproduction. We synthesize current knowledge on how these multifaceted hormones interact with the brain, pituitary, and ovaries to regulate functioning of the female reproductive system, incorporating in vitro and in vivo data from animal models and humans. Metabolic hormones are involved in orchestrating reproductive processes in healthy states, but some also play a significant role in the pathophysiology or treatment strategies of female reproductive disorders. Further understanding of the complex interrelationships between metabolic health and female reproductive function has important implications for improving women's health overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faria Athar
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Muskan Karmani
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Nicole M. Templeman
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
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Zhang X, Guo SM, Zhu DW, Li Y, Wen F, Xian M, Hu ZT, Zou QL, Zhang LK, Chen YL, Hu JH. Metformin improves sheep sperm cryopreservation via vitalizing the AMPK pathway. Theriogenology 2023; 208:60-70. [PMID: 37301167 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key regulator of sperm function and physiological metabolism. Metformin, an inexpensive and effective antioxidant, is known to play an important role in the activation of AMPK. Therefore metformin has potential to improve sperm cryopreservation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of metformin during semen cryopreservation of sheep and to find the most effective concentration in freezing extender. Semen were cryopreserved with extender containing different concentrations of metformin (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mmol/L). Sperm motility, acrosome integrity and plasma membrane integrity were measured after semen freezing and thawing. All results showed that sperm quality was significantly increased in the 1.0 mmol/L metformin-treated group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the study showed that metformin effectively reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of freeze-thawed sperm (P < 0.05). The optimal concentration of metformin was 1.0 mmol/L. Moreover, the results showed that AMPK was localized in the acrosome region, junction and midsection of sperm, and p-AMPK was distributed in the post-acrosomal region, junction and midsection. Western blot analysis indicated that 1.0 mmol/L metformin stimulated the phosphorylation of AMPK in sperm. Further results showed that 1.0 mmol/L metformin significantly increased the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), ATP content, glucose uptake and lactate efflux of post-thawed sperm through the AMPK pathway, improved sperm quality, and increased the cleavage rate of in vitro fertilization (P < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Song-Mao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Da-Wei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fei Wen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ming Xian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhang-Tao Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qian-Long Zou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Li-Kun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu-Lin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Jian-Hong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
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Elcombe CS, Monteiro A, Ghasemzadeh-Hasankolaei M, Evans NP, Bellingham M. Morphological and transcriptomic alterations in neonatal lamb testes following developmental exposure to low-level environmental chemical mixture. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 86:103670. [PMID: 33964400 PMCID: PMC8316325 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2021.103670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to anthropogenic environmental chemical mixtures could be contributing to the decline in male reproductive health. This study used the biosolid treated pasture (BTP) sheep model to assess the effects of exposure to low-dose chemical mixtures. Maternal BTP exposure was associated with lower plasma testosterone concentrations, a greater proportion of Sertoli cell-only seminiferous tubules, and fewer gonocytes in the testes of neonatal offspring. Transcriptome analysis highlighted changes in testicular mTOR signalling, including lower expression of two mTOR complex components. Transcriptomic hierarchical analysis relative to the phenotypic severity demonstrated distinct differential responses to maternal BTP exposure during pregnancy. Transcriptome analysis between phenotypically normal and abnormal BTP lambs demonstrated separate responses within the cAMP and PI3K signalling pathways towards CREB. Together, the results provide a potential mechanistic explanation for adverse effects. Exposure could lower gonocyte numbers through mTOR mediated autophagy, but CREB mediated survival factors may act to increase germ cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris S Elcombe
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK; School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK.
| | - Ana Monteiro
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Mohammad Ghasemzadeh-Hasankolaei
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Neil P Evans
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Michelle Bellingham
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK.
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Pazzola M, Vacca GM, Paschino P, Bittante G, Dettori ML. Novel Genes Associated with Dairy Traits in Sarda Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082207. [PMID: 34438665 PMCID: PMC8388407 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present research was to analyze the variability of 45 SNPs from different genes involved in metabolism and innate immunity to perform an association analysis with the milk yield, composition and milk coagulation traits. A population of 1112 Sarda breed sheep was sampled. Genotyping was generated by a TaqMan Open ArrayTM. Thirty out of the 45 SNPs were polymorphic, and 12 displayed a minor allele frequency higher than 0.05. An association analysis showed that the variability at genes PRKAG3 and CD14 was significantly associated with the daily milk yield. The variability at PRKAG3 was also associated with the protein and casein content, somatic cell score and bacterial score. The variation at the PRKAA2 gene was associated with the milk lactose concentration. The SNPs at CD14 were also associated with the traditional milk coagulation properties, while the SNPs at GHR and GHRHR were associated with kSR, a derived coagulation parameter related to the rate of syneresis. The information provided here is new and increases our knowledge of genotype-phenotype interactions in sheep. Our findings might be useful in appropriate breeding schemes to be set up for the Sarda sheep breed, but these should be confirmed by further studies, possibly performed on independent populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Pazzola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, SS, Italy; (M.P.); (P.P.); (M.L.D.)
| | - Giuseppe Massimo Vacca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, SS, Italy; (M.P.); (P.P.); (M.L.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-079229442
| | - Pietro Paschino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, SS, Italy; (M.P.); (P.P.); (M.L.D.)
| | - Giovanni Bittante
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy;
| | - Maria Luisa Dettori
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, SS, Italy; (M.P.); (P.P.); (M.L.D.)
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Estienne A, Bongrani A, Ramé C, Kurowska P, Błaszczyk K, Rak A, Ducluzeau PH, Froment P, Dupont J. Energy sensors and reproductive hypothalamo-pituitary ovarian axis (HPO) in female mammals: Role of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) and SIRT1 (Sirtuin 1). Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 521:111113. [PMID: 33301839 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In female, energy metabolism influences reproductive function by modulating the Hypothalamic Pituitary Ovarian axis including the hypothalamic GnRH neuronal network, the pituitary gonadotropin secretion and the ovarian follicle growth and steroidogenesis. Several hormones and neuropeptides or metabolites are important signals between energy balance and reproduction. These energy sensors mediate their action on reproductive cells through specific kinases or signaling pathways. This review focuses on the role of three main enzymes-specifically, mTOR, AMPK, and SIRT1 at the hypothalamic pituitary and ovarian axis in normal female fertility and then we discuss their possible involvement in some women reproductive disorders known to be associated with metabolic complications, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and premature ovarian failure (POF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Estienne
- INRAE UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380, Nouzilly, France; CNRS UMR7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380, Nouzilly, France; Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041, Tours, France; IFCE, F-37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Alice Bongrani
- INRAE UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380, Nouzilly, France; CNRS UMR7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380, Nouzilly, France; Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041, Tours, France; IFCE, F-37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Christelle Ramé
- INRAE UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380, Nouzilly, France; CNRS UMR7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380, Nouzilly, France; Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041, Tours, France; IFCE, F-37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Patrycja Kurowska
- Department of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Klaudia Błaszczyk
- Department of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Rak
- Department of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Pierre-Henri Ducluzeau
- INRAE UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380, Nouzilly, France; CNRS UMR7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380, Nouzilly, France; Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041, Tours, France; IFCE, F-37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Pascal Froment
- INRAE UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380, Nouzilly, France; CNRS UMR7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380, Nouzilly, France; Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041, Tours, France; IFCE, F-37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Joëlle Dupont
- INRAE UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380, Nouzilly, France; CNRS UMR7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380, Nouzilly, France; Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041, Tours, France; IFCE, F-37380, Nouzilly, France.
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Li RN, Zhu ZD, Zheng Y, Lv YH, Tian XE, Wu D, Wang YJ, Zeng WX. Metformin improves boar sperm quality via 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase-mediated energy metabolism in vitro. Zool Res 2021; 41:527-538. [PMID: 32738111 PMCID: PMC7475019 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2020.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm are specialized cells that require adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to support their function. Maintaining sperm energy homeostasis in vitro is vitally important to improve the efficacy of boar sperm preservation. Metformin can activate 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) to improve metabolic flexibility and maintain energy homeostasis. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether metformin can improve boar sperm quality through AMPK mediation of energy metabolism. Sperm motility parameters, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), ATP content, glucose uptake, and lactate efflux were analyzed. Localization and expression levels of AMPK and phospho-Thr172-AMPK (p-AMPK) were also detected by immunofluorescence and western blotting. We found that metformin treatment significantly increased sperm motility parameters, ΔΨm, and ATP content during storage at 17 °C. Moreover, results showed that AMPK was localized at the acrosomal region, connecting piece, and midpiece of sperm and p-AMPK was distributed at the post-acrosomal region, connecting piece, and midpiece. When sperm were incubated with metformin for 4 h at 37 °C, sperm motility parameters, ΔΨm, ATP content, p-AMPK, glucose uptake, and lactate efflux all significantly increased, whereas the addition of Compound C treatment, an inhibitor of AMPK, counteracted these positive effects. Together, our results suggest that metformin promotes AMPK activation, which contributes to the maintenance of energy hemostasis and mitochondrial activity, thereby maintaining boar sperm functionality and improving the efficacy of semen preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Nan Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Zhen-Dong Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Ying-Hua Lv
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xiu-E Tian
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - De Wu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611100, China
| | - Yong-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China. E-mail:
| | - Wen-Xian Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China. E-mail:
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Shpakov AO. Improvement Effect of Metformin on Female and Male Reproduction in Endocrine Pathologies and Its Mechanisms. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14010042. [PMID: 33429918 PMCID: PMC7826885 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin (MF), a first-line drug to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), alone and in combination with other drugs, restores the ovarian function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and improves fetal development, pregnancy outcomes and offspring health in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and T2DM. MF treatment is demonstrated to improve the efficiency of in vitro fertilization and is considered a supplementary drug in assisted reproductive technologies. MF administration shows positive effect on steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in men with metabolic disorders, thus MF treatment indicates prospective use for improvement of male reproductive functions and fertility. MF lacks teratogenic effects and has positive health effect in newborns. The review is focused on use of MF therapy for restoration of female and male reproductive functions and improvement of pregnancy outcomes in metabolic and endocrine disorders. The mechanisms of MF action are discussed, including normalization of metabolic and hormonal status in PCOS, GDM, T2DM and metabolic syndrome and restoration of functional activity and hormonal regulation of the gonadal axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander O Shpakov
- I.M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 Saint Petersburg, Russia
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Moriyama R, Iwamoto K, Hagiwara T, Yoshida S, Kato T, Kato Y. AMP-activated protein kinase activation reduces the transcriptional activity of the murine luteinizing hormone β-subunit gene. J Reprod Dev 2019; 66:97-104. [PMID: 31813919 PMCID: PMC7175385 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2019-143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Malnutrition is one of the factors that induces reproductive disorders. However, the underlying biological processes are unclear. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an enzyme that plays crucial role as a cellular energy sensor. In the present study, we examined the effects of AMPK activation on the transcription of the murine gonadotropin subunit genes Cga, Lhb, and Fshb, and the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor Gnrh-r. Real-time PCR and transcription assay using LβT2 cells demonstrated that 5-amino-imidazole carboxamide riboside (AICAR), a cell-permeable AMP analog, repressed the expression of Lhb. Next, we examined deletion mutants of the upstream region of Lhb and found that the upstream regulatory region of Lhb (-2527 to -2198 b) was responsible for the repression by AICAR. Furthermore, putative transcription factors (SP1, STAT5a, and TEF) that might mediate transcriptional control of the Lhb repression induced by AICAR were identified. In addition, it was confirmed that both AICAR and a competitive inhibitor of glucose metabolism, 2-deoxy-D-glucose, induced AMPK phosphorylation in LβT2 cells. Therefore, the upstream region of Lhb is one of the target sites for glucoprivation inducing AMPK activation. In addition, AMPK plays a role in repressing Lhb expression through the distal -2527 to -2198 b region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryutaro Moriyama
- Laboratory of Environmental Physiology, Department of Life Science, School of Science and Engineering, Kindai University, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Koichi Iwamoto
- Laboratory of Environmental Physiology, Department of Life Science, School of Science and Engineering, Kindai University, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Teruki Hagiwara
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Life Science, School of Science and Engineering, Kindai University, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Saishu Yoshida
- Department of Biochemistry, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan.,Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Gene Regulation, Department of Life Science, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kanagawa 214-8571, Japan
| | - Takako Kato
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Gene Regulation, Department of Life Science, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kanagawa 214-8571, Japan
| | - Yukio Kato
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Gene Regulation, Department of Life Science, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kanagawa 214-8571, Japan
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Zhang Z, Tang J, He X, Zhu M, Gan S, Guo X, Zhang X, Zhang J, Hu W, Chu M. Comparative Transcriptomics Identify Key Hypothalamic Circular RNAs that Participate in Sheep ( Ovis aries) Reproduction. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9080557. [PMID: 31416269 PMCID: PMC6721059 DOI: 10.3390/ani9080557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The hypothalamus plays crucial roles in sheep reproduction. However, the expression profiles of sheep hypothalamic circular RNA (circRNA), which has been proved to exert important functions in many physiological processes, remain largely unknown. In this study, we used RNA sequencing to explore the expression of circRNAs in the hypothalamus of sheep with the FecB ++ genotype. The results suggested that several key hypothalamic circRNAs may participate in sheep reproduction by influencing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) activities or affecting key gene expression indirectly or directly. This study provides a further reference for understanding the differences of sheep fecundity. Abstract Circular RNA (circRNA), as an emerging class of noncoding RNA, has been found to play key roles in many biological processes. However, its expression profile in the hypothalamus, a powerful organ initiating the reproductive process, has not yet been explored. Therefore, we used RNA sequencing to explore the expression of circRNAs in the hypothalamus of sheep with the FecB ++ genotype. We totally identified 41,863 circRNAs from sheep hypothalamus, in which 333 (162 were upregulated, while 171 were downregulated) were differentially expressed in polytocous sheep in the follicular phase versus monotocous sheep in the follicular phase (PF vs. MF), moreover, 340 circRNAs (163 were upregulated, while 177 were downregulated) were differentially expressed in polytocous sheep in the luteal phase versus monotocous sheep in the luteal sheep (PL vs. ML). We also identified several key circRNAs including oar_circ_0018794, oar_circ_0008291, oar_circ_0015119, oar_circ_0012801, oar_circ_0010234, and oar_circ_0013788 through functional enrichment analysis and oar_circ_0012110 through a competing endogenous RNA network, most of which may participate in reproduction by influencing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) activities or affecting key gene expression, indirectly or directly. Our study explored the overall expression profile of circRNAs in sheep hypothalamus, which potentially provides an alternative insight into the mechanism of sheep prolificacy without the effects of FecB mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuangbiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jishun Tang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Xiaoyun He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Mingxia Zhu
- Agricultural College, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China
| | - Shangquan Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi 832000, China
| | - Xiaofei Guo
- Tianjin Institute of Animal Sciences, Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin 300381, China
| | - Xiaosheng Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Animal Sciences, Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin 300381, China
| | - Jinlong Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Animal Sciences, Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin 300381, China
| | - Wenping Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Mingxing Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
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