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Yamanaka R, Ichii O, Nakamura T, Otani Y, Namaba T, Kon Y. Effects of autoimmune abnormalities on fertility and placental morphology in mice. Autoimmunity 2024; 57:2319209. [PMID: 38389171 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2024.2319209] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) alter the placental immune environment leading to fetal loss. This study investigated the effects of AIDs on pregnancy and the placenta in AID-prone MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/lpr mice and wild-type MRL/MpJ, which were mated with male MRL/MpJ and MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/lpr at five months and defined as moLpr and moMpJ, respectively. AID indices (spleen weight and serum autoantibody levels) and fertility status (number and size of fetuses, morphology, and comprehensive gene expression of placentas) were evaluated on gestational day 15.5. Both strains showed equivalent fertility, but moLpr showed lighter placentas and fetuses than moMpJ, and decreased fertility with AID severity. moLpr placentas had a higher number of T cells, higher expression of genes associated with T helper 2 and T follicular helper functions, and altered expression of genes (Krt15, Slc7a3, Sprr2a3) that significantly regulate pregnancy or immunity. The gene expression of T cell migration-associated chemokines (Ccl5, Cxcl9) was significantly increased in moLpr placentas, and CCL5 and CXCL9 were detected in moLpr placentas, particularly in T cells and placenta-component cells, respectively. Thus, AID altered placental morphofunction and fertility in mice; however, fertility was maintained at the examined time points. This study enhances our understanding of placental alterations and gestational risk due to AIDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risa Yamanaka
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Osamu Ichii
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Laboratory of Agrobiomedical Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Teppei Nakamura
- Laboratory of Agrobiomedical Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Laboratory of Laboratory Animal Science and Medicine, Department of Applied Veterinary Sciences, Hokkaido Universityty, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yuki Otani
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takashi Namaba
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kon
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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2
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Lefevre CM, Cain JW, Kramer AC, Seo H, Lopez AN, Sah N, Wu G, Bazer FW, Johnson GA. Evidence for metabolism of creatine by the conceptus, placenta, and uterus for production of adenosine triphosphate during conceptus development in pigs†. Biol Reprod 2024; 111:694-707. [PMID: 38836439 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae088] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
In pigs, the majority of embryonic mortality occurs when free-floating conceptuses (embryos/fetuses and associated placental membranes) elongate, and the uterine-placental interface undergoes folding and develops areolae. Both periods involve proliferation, migration, and changes in morphology of cells that require adenosine triphosphate (ATP). We hypothesize that insufficient ATP in conceptus and uterine tissues contributes to conceptus loss in pigs. Creatine is stored in cells as phosphocreatine for ATP regeneration through the creatine-creatine kinase- phosphocreatine pathway. However, the expression of components of this pathway in pigs has not been examined throughout gestation. Results of qPCR analyses indicated increases in AGAT, GAMT, CKM, CKB, and SLC6A8 mRNAs in elongating porcine conceptuses, and immunofluorescence microscopy localized guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase, creatine kinase M, and creatine kinase B proteins to the trophectoderm of elongating conceptuses, to the columnar chorionic epithelial cells at the bottom of chorioallantoic troughs, and to endometrial luminal epithelium at the tops of the endometrial ridges of uterine-placental folds on Days 40, 60, and 90 of gestation. Guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase protein is expressed in endometrial luminal epithelium at the uterine-placental interface, but immunostaining is more intense in luminal epithelium at the bottoms of the endometrial ridges. Results of this study indicate that key elements of the pathway for creatine metabolism are expressed in cells of the conceptus, placenta, and uterus for potential production of ATP during two timepoints in pregnancy with a high demand for energy; elongation of the conceptus for implantation and development of uterine-placental folding during placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carli M Lefevre
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Joe W Cain
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Avery C Kramer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Heewon Seo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Arianna N Lopez
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Nirvay Sah
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Gregory A Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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3
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Herring CM, Bazer FW, Johnson GA, Seo H, Hu S, Elmetwally M, He W, Long DB, Wu G. Dietary supplementation with 0.4% L-arginine between days 14 and 30 of gestation enhances NO and polyamine syntheses and water transport in porcine placentae. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:134. [PMID: 36476252 PMCID: PMC9730586 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00794-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most embryonic loss in pigs occurs before d 30 of gestation. Dietary supplementation with L-arginine (Arg) during early gestation can enhance the survival and development of conceptuses (embryo/fetus and its extra-embryonic membranes) in gilts. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. METHODS Between d 14 and 30 of gestation, each gilt was fed daily 2 kg of a corn- and soybean-meal based diet (12% crude protein) supplemented with either 0.4% Arg (as Arg-HCl) or an isonitrogenous amount of L-alanine (Control). There were 10 gilts per treatment group. On d 30 of gestation, gilts were fed either Arg-HCl or L-alanine 30 min before they were hysterectomized, followed by the collection of placentae, embryos, fetal membranes, and fetal fluids. Amniotic and allantoic fluids were analyzed for nitrite and nitrate [NOx; stable oxidation products of nitric oxide (NO)], polyamines, and amino acids. Placentae were analyzed for syntheses of NO and polyamines, water and amino acid transport, concentrations of amino acid-related metabolites, and the expression of angiogenic factors and aquaporins (AQPs). RESULTS Compared to the control group, Arg supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the number of viable fetuses by 1.9 per litter, the number and diameter of placental blood vessels (+ 25.9% and + 17.0% respectively), embryonic survival (+ 18.5%), total placental weight (+ 36.5%), the total weight of viable fetuses (+ 33.5%), fetal crown-to-rump length (+ 4.7%), and total allantoic and amniotic fluid volumes (+ 44.6% and + 75.5% respectively). Compared to control gilts, Arg supplementation increased (P < 0.05) placental activities of GTP cyclohydrolase-1 (+ 33.1%) and ornithine decarboxylase (+ 29.3%); placental syntheses of NO (+ 26.2%) and polyamines (+ 28.9%); placental concentrations of NOx (+ 22.5%), tetrahydrobiopterin (+ 21.1%), polyamines (+ 20.4%), cAMP (+ 27.7%), and cGMP (+ 24.7%); total amounts of NOx (+ 61.7% to + 96.8%), polyamines (+ 60.7% to + 88.7%), amino acids (+ 39% to + 118%), glucose (+ 60.5% to + 62.6%), and fructose (+ 41.4% to + 57.0%) in fetal fluids; and the placental transport of water (+ 33.9%), Arg (+ 78.4%), glutamine (+ 89.9%), and glycine (+ 89.6%). Furthermore, Arg supplementation increased (P < 0.05) placental mRNA levels for angiogenic factors [VEGFA120 (+ 117%), VEGFR1 (+ 445%), VEGFR2 (+ 373%), PGF (+ 197%), and GCH1 (+ 126%)] and AQPs [AQP1 (+ 280%), AQP3 (+ 137%), AQP5 (+ 172%), AQP8 (+ 165%), and AQP9 (+ 127%)]. CONCLUSION Supplementing 0.4% Arg to a conventional diet for gilts between d 14 and d 30 of gestation enhanced placental NO and polyamine syntheses, angiogenesis, and water and amino acid transport to improve conceptus development and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra M. Herring
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
| | - Fuller W. Bazer
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
| | - Gregory A. Johnson
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
| | - Heewon Seo
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
| | - Shengdi Hu
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
| | - Mohammed Elmetwally
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
| | - Wenliang He
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
| | - Daniel B. Long
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
| | - Guoyao Wu
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
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Sozoniuk M, Jamioł M, Kankofer M, Kowalczyk K. Reference gene selection in bovine caruncular epithelial cells under pregnancy-associated hormones exposure. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12742. [PMID: 35882953 PMCID: PMC9325760 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17069-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Examination of transcriptional regulation occurring during pregnancy establishment and maintenance requires the identification of endogenous reference genes characterized by high expression stability. Since the expression of some reference genes may be modulated by pregnancy-associated hormones, the goal of our study was to identify suitable reference genes unaffected by hormonal treatment. In our study bovine caruncular epithelial cells were subjected to progesterone, estrogen and prostaglandin F2α treatment. Ten candidate reference genes (ACTR1A, CNOT11, HDAC1, HPRT1, RPL19, RPS9, SDHA, SUZ12, UXT and ZNF131) were evaluated with the use of four approaches (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, delta Ct). We found that RPS9 and SUZ12 displayed the highest expression stability in the tested material. Moreover, HPRT1 and SDHA were found inappropriate for RT-qPCR data normalization as they demonstrated the highest expression variability out of all candidates analysed. Hence geNorm calculations shown that the use of just two best-performing genes would be sufficient for obtaining reliable results, we propose that RPS9 and SUZ12 be used as suitable endogenous controls in future studies investigating gene expression in normal and compromised pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Sozoniuk
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka Street 15, 20-950, Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Jamioł
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Science in Lublin, Akademicka Street 12, 20-033, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Marta Kankofer
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Science in Lublin, Akademicka Street 12, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kowalczyk
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka Street 15, 20-950, Lublin, Poland
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Zhao XM, Jiang XR, Xia T, Arévalo Sureda E, Schroyen M, Everaert N, Li XL. Effect of dietary protein and energy intake on embryonic survival and gene expression in the uterine endometrium of early pregnant gilts. Animal 2022; 16:100540. [PMID: 35594693 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2022.100540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Porcine embryonic loss during early gestation is a serious problem in swine production. Improving embryonic survival can be achieved by maternal manipulation. Protein and energy are two major components of the diet, which play decisive roles in embryonic survival. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of enhancing maternal protein or energy intake on embryonic survival during early gestation in gilts and to explore the underlying mechanism. From day (d) 0 to 30 of gestation, 40 gilts (Landrace × York) were randomly allocated to 5 diets according to daily intake of low (L, National Research Council (NRC) recommendation for gestation gilts), medium (M, 20% higher than NRC) or high (H, 40% higher than NRC) CP or metabolisable energy (ME) (LCPLME, MCPLME, HCPLME, LCPHME, HCPHME). Gilts were sacrificed on d 30 of gestation, and number of foetuses and corpora lutea, embryonic survival rate, uterine weight, and total volume of allantoic fluid were recorded or calculated. Gene expression was determined by Quantitative Real-time PCR (qPCR), western blot or immunohistochemistry. Results showed that increasing protein or ME intake significantly increased embryonic survival rate. Compared with diet LCPLME, plasma progesterone (P4) concentration in diet LCPHME increased at d 14 and d 30 of gestation. Progesterone receptor (PGR) was found not to be expressed in the epithelia but was strongly expressed in the stroma of the endometrium. Increasing protein or ME intake did not alter PGR expression in the endometrium. There was also no change in the amount of P4, hepatocyte growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor-7 in the endometrium. The mRNA abundance of cationic amino acid transporter 1 in the endometrium in diet LCPHME and HCPHME was significantly lower than in diet LCPLME. Diet HCPLME showed a tendency to increase neutral amino acid transporter 1 mRNA expression in the endometrium compared to diet LCPLME (P = 0.087). In conclusion, increasing maternal protein or ME intake had a positive effect on the embryonic survival. Increased protein intake by 20 or 40% did not alter plasma P4 level, but increasing ME intake by 40% improved plasma P4 concentration at d 14 and 30 of gestation. Increasing maternal protein or ME intake did not induce PGR expression in the endometrium. Maternal protein and energy intake likely mediate transportation of cationic and neutral amino acids from mother to foetus to affect embryonic survival and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- X M Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Precision Livestock and Nutrition Unit, TERRA Teaching and Research Centre, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux 5030, Belgium
| | - X R Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - T Xia
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - E Arévalo Sureda
- Precision Livestock and Nutrition Unit, TERRA Teaching and Research Centre, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux 5030, Belgium
| | - M Schroyen
- Precision Livestock and Nutrition Unit, TERRA Teaching and Research Centre, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux 5030, Belgium
| | - N Everaert
- Precision Livestock and Nutrition Unit, TERRA Teaching and Research Centre, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux 5030, Belgium
| | - X L Li
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
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6
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Elmetwally MA, Li X, Johnson GA, Burghardt RC, Herring CM, Kramer AC, Meininger CJ, Bazer FW, Wu G. Dietary supplementation with L-arginine between days 14 and 25 of gestation enhances NO and polyamine syntheses and the expression of angiogenic proteins in porcine placentae. Amino Acids 2021; 54:193-204. [PMID: 34741684 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-03097-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Dietary supplementation with 0.4 or 0.8% L-arginine (Arg) to gilts between days 14 and 25 of gestation enhances embryonic survival and vascular development in placentae; however, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. This study tested the hypothesis that Arg supplementation stimulated placental expression of mRNAs and proteins that enhance angiogenesis, including endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PGF), GTP cyclohydrolase-I (GTP-CH1), ornithine decarboxylase (ODC1), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1 and 2 (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2). Beginning on the day of breeding, gilts were fed daily 2 kg of a corn-soybean meal-based diet supplemented with 0.0 (control), 0.4, or 0.8% Arg. On day 25 of gestation, gilts were hysterectomized to obtain uteri and conceptuses for histochemical and biochemical analyses. eNOS and VEGFR1 proteins were localized to endothelial cells of maternal uterine blood vessels and to the uterine luminal epithelium, respectively. Compared with the control, dietary supplementation with 0.4 or 0.8% Arg increased (P < 0.05) the amounts of nitrite plus nitrate (NOx; oxidation products of NO) and polyamines in allantoic and amniotic fluids, concentrations of NOx, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4, an essential cofactor for all NOS isoforms) and polyamines in placentae, as well as placental protein abundances of GTP-CH1 (the key enzyme for BH4 production) and ODC1 (the key enzyme for polyamine synthesis). Placental mRNA levels for GTP-CH1, eNOS, PGF, VEGF, and VEGFR2 increased in response to both 0.4% and 0.8% Arg supplementation. Collectively, these results indicate that dietary Arg supplementation to gilts between days 14 and 25 of pregnancy promotes placental angiogenesis by increasing the expression of mRNAs and proteins for angiogenic factors as well as NO and polyamine syntheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Elmetwally
- Departments of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Xilong Li
- Departments of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Gregory A Johnson
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Robert C Burghardt
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Cassandra M Herring
- Departments of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Avery C Kramer
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | | | - Fuller W Bazer
- Departments of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Departments of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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7
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Kramer AC, Steinhauser CB, Gao H, Seo H, McLendon BA, Burghardt RC, Wu G, Bazer FW, Johnson GA. Steroids Regulate SLC2A1 and SLC2A3 to Deliver Glucose Into Trophectoderm for Metabolism via Glycolysis. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5859544. [PMID: 32556218 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The conceptuses (embryo/fetus and placental membranes) of pigs require energy to support elongation and implantation, and amounts of glucose and fructose increase in the uterine lumen during the peri-implantation period. Conceptuses from day 16 of pregnancy were incubated with either 14C-glucose or 14C-fructose and amounts of radiolabeled CO2 released from the conceptuses measured to determine rates of oxidation of glucose and fructose. Glucose and fructose both transport into conceptuses, and glucose is preferentially metabolized in the presence of fructose, whereas fructose is actively metabolized in the absence of glucose and to a lesser extent in the presence of glucose. Endometrial and placental expression of glucose transporters SLC2A1, SLC2A2, SCL2A3, and SLC2A4 were determined. SLC2A1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein, and SLC2A4 mRNA were abundant in the uterine luminal epithelium of pregnant compared to cycling gilts, and increased in response to progesterone and conceptus-secreted estrogen. SLC2A2 mRNA was expressed weakly by conceptus trophectoderm on day 15 of pregnancy, whereas SLC2A3 mRNA was abundant in trophectoderm/chorion throughout pregnancy. Therefore, glucose can be transported into the uterine lumen by SLC2A1, and then into conceptuses by SLC2A3. On day 60 of gestation, the cell-specific expression of these transporters was more complex, suggesting that glucose and fructose transporters are precisely regulated in a spatial-temporal pattern along the uterine-placental interface of pigs to maximize hexose sugar transport to the pig conceptus/placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery C Kramer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College Station, Texas
| | | | - Haijun Gao
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Heewon Seo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College Station, Texas
| | - Bryan A McLendon
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College Station, Texas
| | - Robert C Burghardt
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College Station, Texas
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Greg A Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College Station, Texas
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8
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Stenhouse C, Hogg CO, Ashworth CJ. Identification of appropriate reference genes for qPCR analyses of porcine placentae and endometria, supplying foetuses of different size and sex, at multiple gestational days. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:785-794. [PMID: 32297689 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies suggest associations exist between foetal size and sex, and gene expression at the porcine feto-maternal interface. It is essential to identify reference genes which have stable expression throughout gestation in feto-placental units associated with foetuses of different size and sex. qPCR was performed for 11 genes within porcine placentae and endometria at gestational days (GD) 30, 60 and 90. Several reference genes were found to have stable expression in these samples. The combination of B2m1 and Tbp1, and Hprt1 and Tbp1 had the most stable expression in endometria and placentae, respectively. Reference genes identified as having stable expression were utilized in a larger experiment with placentae and endometria associated with foetuses of different size and sex at four GD. The average expression of B2m1 and Tbp1 mRNAs was suitable for the normalization of temporal changes in endometria, and comparison between endometria supplying foetuses of different size throughout gestation. The average expression of Hprt1 and Tbp1 mRNAs was suitable for the normalization of placental mRNA expression for comparison of temporal changes and sex differences between placentae supplying foetuses of different sex throughout gestation. This combination was suitable for the normalization of mRNA expression in placentas supplying GD30, GD60 and GD90 foetuses of different size. This study has identified reference genes with stable expression in placentae and endometria across multiple gestational days, in tissues associated with foetuses of different size and sex. The results of these experiments highlight the importance of selecting appropriate reference genes for the biological comparison under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Stenhouse
- Functional Genetics and Development Division, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Charis O Hogg
- Functional Genetics and Development Division, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Cheryl J Ashworth
- Functional Genetics and Development Division, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
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9
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George AF, Ho TY, Prasad N, Keel BN, Miles JR, Vallet JL, Bartol FF, Bagnell CA. Neonatal lactocrine deficiency affects the adult porcine endometrial transcriptome at pregnancy day 13. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:71-85. [PMID: 30107478 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive performance of female pigs that do not receive sufficient colostrum from birth is permanently impaired. Whether lactocrine deficiency, reflected by low serum immunoglobulin immunocrit (iCrit), affects patterns of endometrial gene expression during the periattachment period of early pregnancy is unknown. Here, objectives were to determine effects of low iCrit at birth on the adult endometrial transcriptome on pregnancy day (PxD) 13. On the first day of postnatal life, gilts were assigned to high or low iCrit groups. Adult high (n = 8) and low (n = 7) iCrit gilts were bred (PxD 0), and humanely slaughtered on PxD 13 when tissues and fluids were collected. The endometrial transcriptome was defined for each group using mRNAseq and microRNAseq. Reads were mapped to the Sus scrofa 11.1 genome build. Mature microRNAs were annotated using miRBase 21. Differential expression was defined based on fold change (≥ ±1.5). Lactocrine deficiency did not affect corpora lutea number, uterine horn length, uterine wet weight, conceptus recovery, or uterine luminal fluid estrogen content on PxD 13. However, mRNAseq revealed 1157 differentially expressed endometrial mRNAs in high versus low iCrit gilts. Differentially expressed genes had functions related to solute transport, endometrial receptivity, and immune response. Six differentially expressed endometrial microRNAs included five predicted to target 62 differentially expressed mRNAs, affecting similar biological processes. Thus, lactocrine deficiency on the first day of postnatal life can alter uterine developmental trajectory with lasting effects on endometrial responses to pregnancy as reflected at the level of the transcriptome on PxD 13.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley F George
- Department of Animal Sciences, Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences Program, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Teh-Yuan Ho
- Department of Animal Sciences, Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences Program, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Nripesh Prasad
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, Alabama, USA
| | - Brittney N Keel
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC), Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jeremy R Miles
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC), Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Vallet
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC), Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - Frank F Bartol
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Cellular and Molecular Biosciences Program, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Carol A Bagnell
- Department of Animal Sciences, Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences Program, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
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La Y, Liu Q, Zhang L, Chu M. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in SLC5A1, CCNA1, and ABCC1 and the Association with Litter Size in Small-Tail Han Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9070432. [PMID: 31323962 PMCID: PMC6681111 DOI: 10.3390/ani9070432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Litter size is one of the most important reproductive traits in sheep. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), g.70067210 T > C in SLC5A1, g.25350431 C > T and g.25360220 T > C in CCNA1, and g.14413132 C > T in ABCC1, were identified by mass spectrometry and may be associated with litter size in sheep. Four SNPs were genotyped in Small-Tail Han, Hu, Cele Black, Suffolk, Sunite, Prairie Tibetan, and Tan sheep, and the expression patterns of SLC5A1, CCNA1, and ABCC1 were determined in Small-Tail Han sheep with different fecundities. Furthermore, we also studied the FecB mutation’s association with litter size in Small-Tail Han sheep. The results indicated that all genes included in this study were differentially expressed in the ovary and uterus of polytocous and monotocous Small-Tail Han sheep. Furthermore, association analysis indicated that both g.70067210 T > C in SLC5A1 and the FecB mutation in BMPR-IB were significantly associated with litter size in Small-Tail Han sheep. Linear regression analysis of the association of multiple markers (FecB and g.70067210 T > C in SCL5A1) with litter size indicated that homozygous ewes carrying the BB/TT genotype had a larger litter size than any other genotype. Abstract SLC5A1, CCNA1, and ABCC1 have been extensively studied as candidate genes because of their great influence on the reproductive traits of animals. However, little is known about the association between polymorphisms of the SLC5A1, CCNA1, and ABCC1 genes and litter size in Small-Tail Han sheep. In this study, the expression levels of SLC5A1, CCNA1, and ABCC1 in HPG (hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal) axis tissues of polytocous and monotocous Small-Tail Han sheep were analyzed by qPCR. To better understand the effects of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) comprising of g.70067210 T > C in SLC5A1, g.25350431 C > T and g.25360220 T > C in CCNA1, and g.14413132 C > T in ABCC1, a population genetic analysis was conducted using data obtained from genotyping in 728 sheep from seven breeds. The results indicated that all genes included in this study were differentially expressed in the pituitary and uterus of polytocous and monotocous Small-Tail Han sheep (p < 0.05). The associations of these four SNPs and the FecB mutation with litter size in 384 Small-Tail Han sheep were analyzed, therefore, and it was found that both g.70067210T > C and the FecB mutation were significantly associated with litter size (p < 0.05). The linear regression analysis of the association of multiple markers (FecB and g.70067210 T > C in SCL5A1) with litter size indicated that homozygous ewes carrying the BB/TT genotype had larger litter size than any ewes with any other genotype. In conclusion, the SLC5A1 SNPs significantly affect litter size in sheep and are useful as genetic marker for litter size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfu La
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Qiuyue Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Liping Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
| | - Mingxing Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
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La Y, Tang J, He X, Di R, Wang X, Liu Q, Zhang L, Zhang X, Zhang J, Hu W, Chu M. Identification and characterization of mRNAs and lncRNAs in the uterus of polytocous and monotocous Small Tail Han sheep ( Ovis aries). PeerJ 2019; 7:e6938. [PMID: 31198626 PMCID: PMC6535221 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate endometrial secretion and uterine volume. However, there is little research on the role of lncRNAs in the uterus of Small Tail Han sheep (FecB++). Herein, RNA-seq was used to comparatively analyze gene expression profiles of uterine tissue between polytocous and monotocous sheep (FecB++) in follicular and luteal phases. Methods To identify lncRNA and mRNA expressed in the uterus, the expression of lncRNA and mRNA in the uterus of Small Tail Han sheep (FecB++) from the polytocous group (n = 6) and the monotocous group (n = 6) using RNA-sequencing and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Identification of differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were performed between the two groups and two phases . Gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses were performed to analyze the biological functions and pathways for the differentially expressed mRNAs. LncRNA-mRNA co-expression network was constructed to further analyses the function of related genes. Results In the follicular phase, 473 lncRNAs and 166 mRNAs were differentially expressed in polytocous and monotocous sheep; in the luteal phase, 967 lncRNAs and 505 mRNAs were differentially expressed in polytocous and monotocous sheep. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed lncRNAs and their target genes are mainly involved in ovarian steroidogenesis, retinol metabolism, the oxytocin signaling pathway, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and the Foxo signaling pathway. Key lncRNAs may regulate reproduction by regulating genes involved in these signaling pathways and biological processes. Specifically, UGT1A1, LHB, TGFB1, TAB1, and RHOA, which are targeted by MSTRG.134747, MSTRG.82376, MSTRG.134749, MSTRG.134751, and MSTRG.134746, may play key regulatory roles. These results offer insight into molecular mechanisms underlying sheep prolificacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfu La
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Beijing, China.,Gansu Agricultural University, College of Animal Science and Technology, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jishun Tang
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Beijing, China.,Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoyun He
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Di
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyu Wang
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Beijing, China
| | - Qiuyue Liu
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Beijing, China
| | - Liping Zhang
- Gansu Agricultural University, College of Animal Science and Technology, Lanzhou, China
| | | | - Jinlong Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Animal Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenping Hu
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Beijing, China
| | - Mingxing Chu
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Beijing, China
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Spencer TE, Kelleher AM, Bartol FF. Development and Function of Uterine Glands in Domestic Animals. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2019; 7:125-147. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-020518-115321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
All mammalian uteri contain glands that synthesize or transport and secrete substances into the uterine lumen. Uterine gland development, or adenogenesis, is uniquely a postnatal event in sheep and pigs and involves differentiation of glandular epithelium from luminal epithelium, followed by invagination and coiling morphogenesis throughout the stroma. Intrinsic transcription factors and extrinsic factors from the ovary and pituitary as well as the mammary gland (lactocrine) regulate uterine adenogenesis. Recurrent pregnancy loss is observed in the ovine uterine gland knockout sheep, providing unequivocal evidence that glands and their products are essential for fertility. Uterine gland hyperplasia and hypertrophy during pregnancy are controlled by sequential actions of hormones from the ovary and/or pituitary as well as the placenta. Gland-derived histotroph is transported by placental areolae for fetal growth. Increased knowledge of uterine gland biology is expected to improve pregnancy outcomes, as well as the health and productivity of mothers and their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E. Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA;,
| | - Andrew M. Kelleher
- Division of Animal Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA;,
| | - Frank F. Bartol
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849-5517, USA
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Okino CH, Ibelli AMG, Brentano L, Zanella R, Groke Marques M. Evaluation of candidate reference genes for investigation of the uterine tissue and corpus luteum of pigs on day 6 after artificial insemination. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 198:202-209. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Gibson C, de Ruijter-Villani M, Rietveld J, Stout TA. Expression of glucose transporters in the endometrium and early conceptus membranes of the horse. Placenta 2018; 68:23-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.06.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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