1
|
Liu Y, Chen L, Jiang H, Wang H, Zhang Y, Yuan Z, Ma Y. N 6-Methyladenosine Modification-Related Genes Express Differentially in Sterile Male Cattle-Yaks. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:1155. [PMID: 39337938 PMCID: PMC11433611 DOI: 10.3390/life14091155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), an RNA post-transcriptional modification, plays a crucial role in spermatogenesis. Cattle-yaks are interspecific hybrid offsprings of yak and cattle, and male cattle-yaks are sterile. This study aims to investigate the role of m6A modification in male cattle-yak infertility. Herein, testicular tissues were analyzed via histological observations, immunohistochemical assays, reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays. The results revealed that male cattle-yaks presented smaller testes (5.933 ± 0.4885 cm vs. 7.150 ± 0.3937 cm), with only single cell layers in seminiferous tubules, and weakened signals of m6A regulators such as METTL14 (methyltransferase-like 14), ALKBH5 (alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent hydroxylase homolog 5), FTO (fat mass and obesity-associated protein), and YTHDF2 (YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein F2), both at the RNA and protein levels, compared with those of yaks. Altogether, these findings suggest that m6A modification may play a crucial role in male cattle-yak sterility, providing a basis for future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Liu
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary, Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin 300381, China; (Y.L.); (L.C.)
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lili Chen
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary, Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin 300381, China; (Y.L.); (L.C.)
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Breeding and Biotechnology, Tianjin 300381, China
- Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Animal Healthy Farming, Tianjin 300381, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Xizang Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Lhasa 850002, China; (H.J.); (H.W.)
| | - Hongzhuang Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Xizang Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Lhasa 850002, China; (H.J.); (H.W.)
| | - Yujiao Zhang
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China;
| | - Zhengrong Yuan
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China;
| | - Yi Ma
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary, Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin 300381, China; (Y.L.); (L.C.)
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Breeding and Biotechnology, Tianjin 300381, China
- Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Animal Healthy Farming, Tianjin 300381, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ribeiro RP, Null RW, Özpolat BD. Sex-biased gene expression precedes sexual dimorphism in the agonadal annelid Platynereis dumerilii. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.12.598746. [PMID: 38915681 PMCID: PMC11195272 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.12.598746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Gametogenesis is the process by which germ cells differentiate into mature sperm and oocytes, cells essential for sexual reproduction. The sex-specific molecular programs that drive spermatogenesis and oogenesis can also serve as sex identification markers. Platynereis dumerilii is a research organism that has been studied in many areas of developmental biology. However investigations often disregard sex, as P. dumerilii juveniles lack sexual dimorphism. The molecular mechanisms of gametogenesis in the segmented worm P. dumerilii are also largely unknown. In this study, we used RNA sequencing to investigate the transcriptomic profiles of gametogenesis in P. dumerilii juveniles. Our analysis revealed that sex-biased gene expression becomes increasingly pronounced during the advanced developmental stages, particularly during the meiotic phases of gametogenesis. We identified conserved genes associated with spermatogenesis, such as dmrt1, and a novel gene psmt, that is associated with oogenesis. Additionally, putative long non-coding RNAs were upregulated in both male and female gametogenic programs. This study provides a foundational resource for germ cell research in P. dumerilii, markers for sex identification, and offers comparative data to enhance our understanding of the evolution of gametogenesis mechanisms across species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rannyele P Ribeiro
- Department of Biology. Washington University in St. Louis. St. Louis, MO, USA
- Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Medicine, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Ryan W Null
- Department of Biology. Washington University in St. Louis. St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - B Duygu Özpolat
- Department of Biology. Washington University in St. Louis. St. Louis, MO, USA
- Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Medicine, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang X, Guo S, Xiong L, Wu X, Bao P, Kang Y, Cao M, Ding Z, Liang C, Pei J, Guo X. Complete characterization of the yak testicular development using accurate full-length transcriptome sequencing. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 271:132400. [PMID: 38759851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132400] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Alternative splicing is a prevalent phenomenon in testicular tissues. Due to the low assembly accuracy of short-read RNA sequencing technology in analyzing post-transcriptional regulatory events, full-length (FL) transcript sequencing is highly demanded to accurately determine FL splicing variants. In this study, we performed FL transcriptome sequencing of testicular tissues from 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, and 4-year-old yaks and 4-year-old cattle-yaks using Oxford Nanopore Technologies. The obtained sequencing data were predicted to have 47,185 open reading frames (ORFs), including 26,630 complete ORFs, detected 7645 fusion transcripts, 15,355 alternative splicing events, 25,798 simple sequence repeats, 7628 transcription factors, and 35,503 long non-coding RNAs. A total of 40,038 novel transcripts were obtained from the sequencing data, and the proportion was almost close to the number of known transcripts identified. Structural analysis and functional annotation of these novel transcripts resulted in the successful annotation of 9568 transcripts, with the highest and lowest annotation numbers in the Nr and KOG databases, respectively. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed the key regulatory pathways and hub genes at various stages of yak testicular development. Our findings enhance our comprehension of transcriptome complexity, contribute to genome annotation refinement, and provide foundational data for further investigations into male sterility in cattle-yaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingdong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Shaoke Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Lin Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Xiaoyun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Pengjia Bao
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Yandong Kang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Mengli Cao
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Ziqiang Ding
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Chunnian Liang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Jie Pei
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, PR China.
| | - Xian Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dordas-Perpinyà M, Sergeant N, Yánez-Ortiz I, Mevel V, Catalán J, Bruyas JF, Briand-Amirat L, Miró J. ProAKAP4 as a motility long-lasting marker in Catalan donkey spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 262:107427. [PMID: 38367572 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107427] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
ProAKAP4 is identified within the flagellum of spermatozoa in various mammalian species, serving as a structural protein associated with motility parameters. This investigation focuses on the presence of proAKAP4 in donkey sperm, elucidating its localization, molecular characteristics, and its correlation with motility descriptors and mitochondrial membrane potential. Twelve ejaculates from Catalan donkeys were analyzed in this study. The initial steps involved proAKAP4 sequencing and detection through Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Post-thaw assessments were conducted at 0, 1, and 3 h, encompassing proAKAP4 levels, sperm motility analyzed via Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA), and mitochondrial membrane potential determined by flow cytometry using the JC-1 stain. The findings reveal that proAKAP4 in donkeys exhibits a characteristic localization at the principal piece of the flagellum, consistent with observations in other mammals. The molecular weight of proAKAP4 is determined to be 100 kDa. Significantly, a positive correlation (p ≤ 0.05) is established between proAKAP4 concentration and both total and progressive motility. The presence of cryoprotectant is associated with a lower proAKAP4 concentration. Notably, proAKAP4 experiences a substantial decrease (p ≤ 0.05) during the initial hour post-thawing. In conclusion, proAKAP4 is identified in donkey sperm, akin to its presence in other mammals. It exhibits a positive correlation with total and progressive motility, its concentration is notably affected by the presence of cryoprotectant with significant consumption observed during the initial hour following thawing. These findings contribute to our understanding of proAKAP4 dynamics in donkey sperm, providing insights that may have implications for semen preservation and reproductive technologies in equids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Dordas-Perpinyà
- Oniris, Nantes Veterinary College, 44307 Nantes Cedex 03, France; Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Nicolas Sergeant
- University of Lille, INSERM, UMRS 1172, Lille, France; SPQI, 4bioDx - Breeding Section, Lille, France
| | - Iván Yánez-Ortiz
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, International University of Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Vincent Mevel
- Oniris, Nantes Veterinary College, 44307 Nantes Cedex 03, France
| | - Jaime Catalán
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | | | | | - Jordi Miró
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hong R, Wu J, Chen X, Zhang Z, Liu X, Li M, Zuo F, Zhang GW. mRNA-Seq of testis and liver tissues reveals a testis-specific gene and alternative splicing associated with hybrid male sterility in dzo. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skae091. [PMID: 38551023 PMCID: PMC11135213 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae091] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) plays an important role in the co-transcription and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression during mammalian spermatogenesis. The dzo is the male F1 offspring of an interspecific hybrid between a domestic bull (Bos taurus ♂) and a yak (Bos grunniens ♀) which exhibits male sterility. This study aimed to identify the testis-specific genes and AS associated with hybrid male sterility in dzo. The iDEP90 program and rMATS software were used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEG) and differential alternative splicing genes (DSG) based on RNA-seq data from the liver (n = 9) and testis (n = 6) tissues of domestic cattle, yak, and dzo. Splicing factors (SF) were obtained from the AmiGO2 and the NCBI databases, and Pearson correlation analysis was performed on the differentially expressed SFs and DSGs. We focused on the testis-specific DEGs and DSGs between dzo and cattle and yak. Among the top 3,000 genes with the most significant variations between these 15 samples, a large number of genes showed testis-specific expression involved with spermatogenesis. Cluster analysis showed that the expression levels of these testis-specific genes were dysregulated during mitosis with a burst downregulation during the pachynema spermatocyte stage. The occurrence of AS events in the testis was about 2.5 fold greater than in the liver, with exon skipping being the major AS event (81.89% to 82.73%). A total of 74 DSGs were specifically expressed in the testis and were significantly enriched during meiosis I, synapsis, and in the piRNA biosynthesis pathways. Notably, STAG3 and DDX4 were of the exon skipping type, and DMC1 was a mutually exclusive exon. A total of 36 SFs were significantly different in dzo testis, compared with cattle and yak. DDX4, SUGP1, and EFTUD2 were potential SFs leading to abnormal AS of testis-specific genes in dzo. These results show that AS of testis-specific genes can affect synapsis and the piRNA biosynthetic processes in dzo, which may be important factors associated with hybrid male sterility in dzo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Hong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Rongchang, 402460 Chongqing, China
| | - Jiaxin Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Rongchang, 402460 Chongqing, China
| | - Xining Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Rongchang, 402460 Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenghao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Rongchang, 402460 Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyue Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Rongchang, 402460 Chongqing, China
| | - Meichen Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Rongchang, 402460 Chongqing, China
| | - Fuyuan Zuo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Rongchang, 402460 Chongqing, China
- Beef Cattle Engineering and Technology Research Center of Chongqing, Southwest University, Rongchang, 402460 Chongqing, China
| | - Gong-Wei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Rongchang, 402460 Chongqing, China
- Beef Cattle Engineering and Technology Research Center of Chongqing, Southwest University, Rongchang, 402460 Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang X, Pei J, Xiong L, Kang Y, Guo S, Cao M, Ding Z, Bao P, Chu M, Liang C, Yan P, Guo X. Single-cell RNA sequencing and UPHLC-MS/MS targeted metabolomics offer new insights into the etiological basis for male cattle-yak sterility. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:126831. [PMID: 37716658 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126831] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
The variety of species can be efficiently increased by interspecific hybridization. However, because the males in the hybrid progeny are usually sterile, this heterosis cannot be employed when other cattle and yaks are hybridized. While some system-level studies have sought to explore the etiological basis for male cattle-yak sterility, no systematic cellular analyses of this phenomenon have yet been performed. Here, single-cell RNA sequencing and UPHLC-MS/MS targeted metabolomics methods were used to study the differences in testicular tissue between 4-year-old male yak and 4-year-old male cattle-yak, providing new and comprehensive insights into the causes of male cattle-yak sterility. Cattle-yak testes samples detected 6 somatic cell types and one mixed germ cell type. Comparisons of these cell types revealed the more significant differences in Sertoli cells (SCs) and [Leydig cells and myoid cells (LCs_MCs)] between yak and cattle-yak samples compared to other somatic cell clusters. Even though the LCs and MCs from yaks and cattle-yaks were derived from the differentiation of the same progenitor cells, a high degree of overlap between LCs and MCs was observed in yak samples. Still, only a small overlap between LCs and MCs was observed in cattle-yak samples. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that genes down-regulated in cattle-yak SCs were primarily enriched in biological activity, whereas up-regulated genes in these cells were enriched for apoptotic activity. Furthermore, the genes of up-regulated in LCs_MCs of cattle-yak were significantly enriched in enzyme inhibitor and molecular function inhibitor activity. On the other hand, the genes of down-regulated in these cells were enriched for signal receptor binding, molecular function regulation, positive regulation of biological processes, and regulation of cell communication activity. The most significant annotated differences between yak and cattle-yak LCs_MCs were associated with cell-to-cell communication. While yak LCs_MCs regulated spermatogenic cells at spermatogonia, spermatocyte, and spermatid levels, no such relationships were found between cattle-yak LCs_MCs and germ cells. This may suggest that the somatic niche in male cattle-yak testes is a microenvironment that is ultimately not favorable for spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingdong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Jie Pei
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Lin Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Yandong Kang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Shaoke Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Mengli Cao
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Ziqiang Ding
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Pengjia Bao
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Min Chu
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Chunnian Liang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Ping Yan
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xian Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pallotti S, Picciolini M, Antonini M, Renieri C, Napolioni V. Genome-wide scan for runs of homozygosity in South American Camelids. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:470. [PMID: 37605116 PMCID: PMC10440933 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09547-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpaca (Vicugna pacos), llama (Lama glama), vicugna (Vicugna vicugna) and guanaco (Lama guanicoe), are the camelid species distributed over the Andean high-altitude grasslands, the Altiplano, and the Patagonian arid steppes. Despite the wide interest on these animals, most of the loci under selection are still unknown. Using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data we investigated the occurrence and the distribution of Runs Of Homozygosity (ROHs) across the South American Camelids (SACs) genome to identify the genetic relationship between the four species and the potential signatures of selection. RESULTS A total of 37 WGS samples covering the four species was included in the final analysis. The multi-dimensional scaling approach showed a clear separation between the four species; however, admixture analysis suggested a strong genetic introgression from vicugna and llama to alpaca. Conversely, very low genetic admixture of the guanaco with the other SACs was found. The four species did not show significant differences in the number, length of ROHs (100-500 kb) and genomic inbreeding values. Longer ROHs (> 500 kb) were found almost exclusively in alpaca. Seven overlapping ROHs were shared by alpacas, encompassing nine loci (FGF5, LOC107034918, PRDM8, ANTXR2, LOC102534792, BSN, LOC116284892, DAG1 and RIC8B) while nine overlapping ROHs were found in llama with twenty-five loci annotated (ERC2, FZD9, BAZ1B, BCL7B, LOC116284208, TBL2, MLXIPL, PHF20, TRNAD-AUC, LOC116284365, RBM39, ARFGEF2, DCAF5, EXD2, HSPB11, LRRC42, LDLRAD1, TMEM59, LOC107033213, TCEANC2, LOC102545169, LOC116278408, SMIM15, NDUFAF2 and RCOR1). Four overlapping ROHs, with three annotated loci (DLG1, KAT6B and PDE4D) and three overlapping ROHs, with seven annotated genes (ATP6V1E1, BCL2L13, LOC116276952, BID, KAT6B, LOC116282667 and LOC107034552), were detected for vicugna and guanaco, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The signatures of selection revealed genomic areas potentially selected for production traits as well as for natural adaptation to harsh environment. Alpaca and llama hint a selection driven by environment as well as by farming purpose while vicugna and guanaco showed selection signals for adaptation to harsh environment. Interesting, signatures of selection on KAT6B gene were identified for both vicugna and guanaco, suggesting a positive effect on wild populations fitness. Such information may be of interest to further ecological and animal production studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Pallotti
- Genomic And Molecular Epidemiology (GAME) Lab, School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy.
| | | | - Marco Antonini
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Development (ENEA), Roma, Italy
| | - Carlo Renieri
- School of Pharmacy and Health Products, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Valerio Napolioni
- Genomic And Molecular Epidemiology (GAME) Lab, School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hernández-Delgado P, Felix-Portillo M, Martínez-Quintana JA. ADAMTS Proteases: Importance in Animal Reproduction. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1181. [PMID: 37372361 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Many reproductive physiological processes, such as folliculogenesis, ovulation, implantation, and fertilization, require the synthesis, remodeling, and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ADAMTS (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs) family genes code for key metalloproteinases in the remodeling process of different ECM. Several genes of this family encode for proteins with important functions in reproductive processes; in particular, ADAMTS1, 4, 5 and 9 are genes that are differentially expressed in cell types and the physiological stages of reproductive tissues. ADAMTS enzymes degrade proteoglycans in the ECM of the follicles so that the oocytes can be released and regulate follicle development during folliculogenesis, favoring the action of essential growth factors, such as FGF-2, FGF-7 and GDF-9. The transcriptional regulation of ADAMTS1 and 9 in preovulatory follicles occurs because of the gonadotropin surge in preovulatory follicles, via the progesterone/progesterone receptor complex. In addition, in the case of ADAMTS1, pathways involving protein kinase A (PKA), extracellular signal regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) might contribute to ECM regulation. Different Omic studies indicate the importance of genes of the ADAMTS family from a reproductive aspect. ADAMTS genes could serve as biomarkers for genetic improvement and contribute to enhance fertility and animal reproduction; however, more research related to these genes, the synthesis of proteins encoded by these genes, and regulation in farm animals is needed.
Collapse
|
9
|
Mipam T, Chen X, Zhao W, Zhang P, Chai Z, Yue B, Luo H, Wang J, Wang H, Wu Z, Wang J, Wang M, Wang H, Zhang M, Wang H, Jing K, Zhong J, Cai X. Single-cell transcriptome analysis and in vitro differentiation of testicular cells reveal novel insights into male sterility of the interspecific hybrid cattle-yak. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:149. [PMID: 36973659 PMCID: PMC10045231 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09251-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interspecific hybridization plays vital roles in enriching animal diversity, while male hybrid sterility (MHS) of the offspring commonly suffered from spermatogenic arrest constitutes the postzygotic reproductive isolation. Cattle-yak, the hybrid offspring of cattle (Bos taurus) and yak (Bos grunniens) can serve as an ideal MHS animal model. Although meiotic arrest was found to contribute to MHS of cattle-yak, yet the cellular characteristics and developmental potentials of male germline cell in pubertal cattle-yak remain to be systematically investigated. RESULTS Single-cell RNA-seq analysis of germline and niche cell types in pubertal testis of cattle-yak and yak indicated that dynamic gene expression of developmental germ cells was terminated at late primary spermatocyte (meiotic arrest) and abnormal components of niche cell in pubertal cattle-yak. Further in vitro proliferation and differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis of specific type of cells revealed that undifferentiated spermatogonia of cattle-yak exhibited defects in viability and proliferation/differentiation potentials. CONCLUSION Comparative scRNA-seq and in vitro proliferation analysis of testicular cells indicated that not only meiotic arrest contributed to MHS of cattle-yak. Spermatogenic arrest of cattle-yak may originate from the differentiation stage of undifferentiated spermatogonia and niche cells of cattle-yak may provide an adverse microenvironment for spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- TserangDonko Mipam
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wangsheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhixin Chai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Binglin Yue
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Luo
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Jikun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhijuan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiabo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingxiu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongying Wang
- College of Chemistry & Environment, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Kemin Jing
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jincheng Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhu Y, Pan B, Fei X, Hu Y, Yang M, Yu H, Li J, Xiong X. The Biological Characteristics and Differential Expression Patterns of TSSK1B Gene in Yak and Its Infertile Hybrid Offspring. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020320. [PMID: 36670860 PMCID: PMC9854725 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020320] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the spatially and temporally expressed patterns and biological characteristics of TSSK1B in male yaks and explore the potential correlation between TSSK1B and male sterility of the yak hybrid offspring (termed cattle-yak). First, the coding sequence (CDS) of TSSK1B was cloned by RT-PCR, and bioinformatics analysis was conducted with relevant software. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) was employed to detect the expression profile of TSSK1B in various tissues of male adult yaks, the spatiotemporal expression of TSSK1B in different stages of yak testes, and the differential expression of TSSK1B between yak and cattle-yak testes. The cellular localization of TSSK1B was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Furthermore, the methylation status of the TSSK1B promoter region was analyzed by bisulfite-sequencing PCR (BSP). The results showed that TSSK1B was 1235 bp long, including 1104 bp of the CDS region, which encoded 367 amino acids. It was a conserved gene sharing the highest homology with Bos mutus (99.67%). In addition, the bioinformatics analysis revealed that TSSK1B was an unstable hydrophilic protein mainly containing the alpha helix of 34.06% and a random coil of 44.41%, with a transmembrane structure of 29 amino acids long. The RT-qPCR results demonstrated that TSSK1B was specifically expressed in yak testes compared with that in other tissues and especially highly expressed in adult yak testes. On the contrary, TSSK1B was hardly expressed in the testis of adult cattle-yak. IHC confirmed that TSSK1B protein was more strongly expressed in the testes of adult yaks than in their fetal and juvenile counterparts. Interestingly, nearly no expression was observed in the testes of cattle-yak compared with the corresponding testes of yak. Bisulfite-sequencing PCR (BSP) revealed that the methylated CpG sites in the TSSK1B promoter region of cattle-yak was significantly higher than that in the yak. Taken together, this study revealed that TSSK1B was specifically expressed in yak testes and highly expressed upon sexual maturity. Moreover, the rare expression in cattle-yak may be related to the hypermethylation of the promoter region, thereby providing a basis for further studies on the regulatory mechanism of TSSK1B in male cattle-yak sterility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanjin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bangting Pan
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xixi Fei
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yulei Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Manzhen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hailing Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xianrong Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Neumann GB, Korkuć P, Arends D, Wolf MJ, May K, König S, Brockmann GA. Genomic diversity and relationship analyses of endangered German Black Pied cattle (DSN) to 68 other taurine breeds based on whole-genome sequencing. Front Genet 2023; 13:993959. [PMID: 36712857 PMCID: PMC9875303 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.993959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
German Black Pied cattle (Deutsches Schwarzbuntes Niederungsrind, DSN) are an endangered dual-purpose cattle breed originating from the North Sea region. The population comprises about 2,500 cattle and is considered one of the ancestral populations of the modern Holstein breed. The current study aimed at defining the breeds closest related to DSN cattle, characterizing their genomic diversity and inbreeding. In addition, the detection of selection signatures between DSN and Holstein was a goal. Relationship analyses using fixation index (FST), phylogenetic, and admixture analyses were performed between DSN and 68 other breeds from the 1000 Bull Genomes Project. Nucleotide diversity, observed heterozygosity, and expected heterozygosity were calculated as metrics for genomic diversity. Inbreeding was measured as excess of homozygosity (FHom) and genomic inbreeding (FRoH) through runs of homozygosity (RoHs). Region-wide FST and cross-population-extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH) between DSN and Holstein were used to detect selection signatures between the two breeds, and RoH islands were used to detect selection signatures within DSN and Holstein. DSN showed a close genetic relationship with breeds from the Netherlands, Belgium, Northern Germany, and Scandinavia, such as Dutch Friesian Red, Dutch Improved Red, Belgian Red White Campine, Red White Dual Purpose, Modern Angler, Modern Danish Red, and Holstein. The nucleotide diversity in DSN (0.151%) was higher than in Holstein (0.147%) and other breeds, e.g., Norwegian Red (0.149%), Red White Dual Purpose (0.149%), Swedish Red (0.149%), Hereford (0.145%), Angus (0.143%), and Jersey (0.136%). The FHom and FRoH values in DSN were among the lowest. Regions with high FST between DSN and Holstein, significant XP-EHH regions, and RoH islands detected in both breeds harbor candidate genes that were previously reported for milk, meat, fertility, production, and health traits, including one QTL detected in DSN for endoparasite infection resistance. The selection signatures between DSN and Holstein provide evidence of regions responsible for the dual-purpose properties of DSN and the milk type of Holstein. Despite the small population size, DSN has a high level of diversity and low inbreeding. FST supports its relatedness to breeds from the same geographic origin and provides information on potential gene pools that could be used to maintain diversity in DSN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme B. Neumann
- Animal Breeding Biology and Molecular Genetics, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paula Korkuć
- Animal Breeding Biology and Molecular Genetics, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Danny Arends
- Animal Breeding Biology and Molecular Genetics, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Manuel J. Wolf
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katharina May
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sven König
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Giessen, Germany
| | - Gudrun A. Brockmann
- Animal Breeding Biology and Molecular Genetics, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany,*Correspondence: Gudrun A. Brockmann,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Analysis of Chromatin Openness in Testicle Tissue of Yak and Cattle-Yak. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415810. [PMID: 36555451 PMCID: PMC9785434 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cattle-yak, a crossbreed of yak and cattle, which can exhibit obvious heterosis and can adapt to the harsh environmental conditions of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau (QTP). However, F1 cattle-yak were found to be sterile because they were unable to produce sperm, which adversely restricted the fixation of heterosis. Many prior attempts have been made to decipher the mechanism underlying the spermatogenesis stagnation of cattle-yak. However, the open chromatin region (OCR) map of yak and cattle-yak testes has not been generated yet. Here, we have analyzed the OCRs landscape of testicular tissues of cattle-yak and yaks by performing ATAC-seq technology. The OCRs of cattle-yak and yak testes displayed similar genome distribution and showed priority in intergenic regions, introns and promoters. The pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the differential OCRs-related genes were involved in spermatogenesis, involving the cell cycle, as well as Hippo, mTOR, MAPK, Notch, and Wnt signaling pathways. The integration of ATAC-seq and mRNA-seq indicated that the majority of the gene expression levels were positively correlated with chromatin openness. At the same time, we have identified a number of transcription factors (TFs) related to spermatogenesis and the differential expression of these TFs may contribute to the spermatogenesis stagnation of the cattle-yak. Overall, the findings of this study provide valuable information for advancing the research related to yak crossbreeding improvement and sperm production stagnation of cattle-yak.
Collapse
|
13
|
Carracedo S, Briand-Amirat L, Dordas-Perpinyà M, Ramos Escuredo Y, Delcombel R, Sergeant N, Delehedde M. ProAKAP4 protein marker: Towards a functional approach to male fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 247:107074. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
|
14
|
Zhang P, Wang M, Chen X, Jing K, Li Y, Liu X, Ran H, Qin J, Zhong J, Cai X. Dysregulated genes in undifferentiated spermatogonia and Sertoli cells are associated with the spermatogenic arrest in cattleyak. Mol Reprod Dev 2022; 89:632-645. [PMID: 36409004 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Hybrid male sterility (HMS) is a reproductive isolation mechanism limiting the formation of fertile offspring through interspecific fertilization. Cattleyak is the interspecific hybrid presenting significant heterosis in several economic traits, but HMS restricted its wide reproduction in cettleyak breeding. In this study, we detected the specifically expressed genes of a variety of cells (undifferentiated spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, haploid spermatids, sperm, Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and macrophages) in the testis of yak and cattleyak, and found that the spermatogenesis of cattleyak might be blocked at meiosis I, and the expression of niche factors (NR5A1, GATA4, STAR, CYP11A1, CD68, TNF, and CX3CR1) in undifferentiated spermatogonia niche was abnormal. Then we isolated the undifferentiated spermatogonia and Sertoli cells from yak and cattleyak by enzyme digestion, and detected the specific genes in the two bovid testicular cells as well as the proliferation capacity of the undifferentiated spermatogonia. These results indicated that weak proliferation ability and scarce number of undifferentiated spermatogonia and abnormal gene expressions in Sertoli cells may contribute to male sterility of cattleyak.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingxiu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kemin Jing
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuqian Li
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinrui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongbiao Ran
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Qin
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jincheng Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cao M, Wang X, Guo S, Kang Y, Pei J, Guo X. F1 Male Sterility in Cattle-Yak Examined through Changes in Testis Tissue and Transcriptome Profiles. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192711. [PMID: 36230452 PMCID: PMC9559613 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192711] [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: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cattle-yak, a crossbreed of cattle and yak, has evident heterosis but F1 male cattle-yak is unable to generate sperm and is sterile, which limits the fixation of heterosis. This study analyzed the differences in testicular tissue development between four-year-old yak and cattle-yak from the perspective of histomorphological changes and sequenced the testicular tissue of the two using RNA-seq technology, examining the differential gene expression related to spermatogenesis and apoptosis. These findings offer a theoretical explanation for the sterility in F1 male cattle-yak that can help yak hybridization. Abstract Male-derived sterility in cattle-yaks, a hybrid deriving from yak and cattle, is a challenging problem. This study compared and analyzed the histomorphological differences in testis between sexually mature yak and cattle-yak, and examined the transcriptome differences employing RNA-seq. The study found that yak seminiferous tubules contained spermatogenic cells at all levels, while cattle-yak seminiferous tubules had reduced spermatogonia (SPG) and primary spermatocyte (Pri-SPC), fewer secondary spermatocytes (Sec-SPC), an absence of round spermatids (R-ST) and sperms (S), and possessed large vacuoles. All of these conditions could have significantly reduced the volume and weight of cattle-yak testis compared to that of yak. RNA-seq analysis identified 8473 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; 3580 upregulated and 4893 downregulated). GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) enrichment evaluations for DEGs found their relation mostly to spermatogenesis and apoptosis. Among the DEGs, spermatogonia stem cell (SSCs) marker genes (Gfra1, CD9, SOHLH1, SALL4, ID4, and FOXO1) and genes involved in apoptosis (Fas, caspase3, caspase6, caspase7, caspase8, CTSK, CTSB and CTSC) were significantly upregulated, while differentiation spermatogenic cell marker genes (Ccna1, PIWIL1, TNP1, and TXNDC2) and meiosis-related genes (TEX14, TEX15, MEIOB, STAG3 and M1AP) were significantly downregulated in cattle-yak. Furthermore, the alternative splicing events in cattle-yak were substantially decreased than in yak, suggesting that the lack of protein subtypes could be another reason for spermatogenic arrest in cattle-yak testis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengli Cao
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xingdong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Shaoke Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Yandong Kang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Jie Pei
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xian Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-18993037854
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhao S, Sun W, Chen SY, Li Y, Wang J, Lai S, Jia X. The exploration of miRNAs and mRNA profiles revealed the molecular mechanisms of cattle-yak male infertility. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:974703. [PMID: 36277066 PMCID: PMC9581192 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.974703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cattle-yak, the first-generation offspring of cattle and yak, inherited many excellent characteristics from their parents. However, F1 male hybrid infertility restricts the utilization of heterosis greatly. In this study, we first compared the testicular tissue histological characteristics of three cattle, three yaks, and three cattle-yak. Then we explored the miRNA profiles and the target functions of nine samples with RNA-seq technology. We further analyzed the function of DE gene sets of mRNA profiles identified previously with GSEA. Testicular histology indicated that the seminiferous tubules became vacuolated and few active germ cells can be seen. RNA-seq results showed 47 up-regulated and 34 down-regulated, 16 up-regulated and 21 down-regulated miRNAs in cattle and yaks compared with cattle-yak, respectively. From the intersection of DE miRNAs, we identified that bta-miR-7 in cattle-yak is down-regulated. Target prediction indicated that the filtered genes especially MYRFL, FANCA, INSL3, USP9X, and SHF of bta-miR-7 may play crucial roles in the reproductive process. With further network analysis and GSEA, we screened such hub genes and function terms, we also found some DE gene sets that enriched in ATP binding, DNA binding, and reproduction processes. We concluded that bta-miR-7 may play an important role in influencing fecundity. Our study provides new insights for explaining the molecular mechanism of cattle-yak infertility.
Collapse
|
17
|
Mészárosová M, Mészáros G, Moravčíková N, Pavlík I, Margetín M, Kasarda R. Within- and between-Breed Selection Signatures in the Original and Improved Valachian Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12111346. [PMID: 35681809 PMCID: PMC9179888 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explored the genomic diversity and selection signatures in two Slovakian national breeds, the Original Valachian and the Improved Valachian sheep. As they are an important animal genetic resource within the country, but with decreasing population size, our aim is to identify potentially valuable genomic regions. A total of 97 sheep (18 male and 79 female) from the Original Valachian, and 69 sheep (25 male and 44 female) from the Improved Valachian populations were genotyped using the GeneSeek GGP Ovine 50 K chip. The inbreeding levels were assessed with runs of homozygosity (ROH). The selection signatures within breeds were identified based on the top 1% of most homozygous regions within the breed, the so-called ROH islands. The selection signatures between breeds were assessed based on variance in linkage disequilibrium. Overall, we have identified selection signatures with quantitative trait loci (QTL) and genes pointing towards all three production purposes of the Valachian sheep, milk, meat, and wool, including their quality characteristics. Another group with apparent large importance was the various traits related to health and resistance to parasites, which is well in line with the sturdy nature of this breed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mária Mészárosová
- Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (M.M.); (R.K.)
| | - Gábor Mészáros
- Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Division of Livestock Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 33, 1180 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Nina Moravčíková
- Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (M.M.); (R.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ivan Pavlík
- Research Institute of Animal Production—NPPC Slovakia, Hlohovecká 2, 95141 Nitra—Lužianky, Slovakia;
| | - Milan Margetín
- Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Institute of Animal Science, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia;
| | - Radovan Kasarda
- Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (M.M.); (R.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Shimazaki M, Wittayarat M, Sambuu R, Sugita A, Kawaguchi M, Hirata M, Tanihara F, Takagi M, Taniguchi M, Otoi T, Sato Y. Disruption of cell proliferation and apoptosis balance in the testes of crossbred cattle-yaks affects spermatogenic cell fate and sterility. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:999-1006. [PMID: 35614560 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The balance between proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis is well-coordinated in spermatogenesis for the timely production of appropriate numbers of sperm in animals. Disruption or decrease in sperm production is due to many conditions, including changes in testicular cell fate balance. Interspecies hybridisation of domestic yaks and cattle results in sterility in males because of spermatogenic arrest; however, the underlying mechanisms involved in sterility are still unclear. In the present study, we investigated the proliferation and apoptosis status during the development of yaks and crossbred cattle-yaks using immunohistochemistry of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assays. Testicular tissues from yaks (immature: 1 year old, mature: 2-3 years old) and backcrossed hybrids (2 year old) were collected and used to investigate the expression of each parameter in testicular cells. During the maturation of yak testes, proliferation and apoptosis became active only in spermatogenic cells, and not in other somatic cells, such as Sertoli cells, myoid cells, and Leydig cells. Furthermore, hybrid cattle-yak testes maintained proliferation ability but less apoptotic ability in spermatogenic cells when compared to yaks of the same age, suggesting that normal spermatogenic cell fate control is disrupted by changes in the balance between proliferation and apoptosis. In addition, Leydig cell proliferation rate was higher than apoptosis rate in the cattle-yak testes, indicating an increased number of Leydig cells, which may affect spermatogenesis through changes in steroidogenesis. Although epigenetic changes may be involved in cattle-yak testes, further studies are needed to clarify the modulation of proliferation and apoptosis to elucidate the mechanisms of infertility in hybrid cattle-yak males.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Shimazaki
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Manita Wittayarat
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Rentsenkhand Sambuu
- Institute for Extension of Agricultural Advanced Technology, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Asami Sugita
- Department of Medical Engineering, Faculty of Allied Sciences, University of East Asia, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Masaki Kawaguchi
- Department of Medical Engineering, Faculty of Allied Sciences, University of East Asia, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Maki Hirata
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Fuminori Tanihara
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Takagi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Masayasu Taniguchi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Takeshige Otoi
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yoko Sato
- Department of Medical Engineering, Faculty of Allied Sciences, University of East Asia, Yamaguchi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Dordas-Perpinyà M, Sergeant N, Ruelle I, Bruyas JF, Charreaux F, Michaud S, Carracedo S, Catalán J, Miró J, Delehedde M, Briand-Amirat L. ProAKAP4 Semen Concentrations as a Valuable Marker Protein of Post-Thawed Semen Quality and Bull Fertility: A Retrospective Study. Vet Sci 2022; 9:224. [PMID: 35622752 PMCID: PMC9144616 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9050224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional sperm quality markers to predict bull fertility have been actively investigated. Among them, proAKAP4, which is the precursor of AKAP4, the main structural protein in the fibrous sheath of spermatozoa; appears to be promising, especially since spermatozoa lacking AKAP4 expression were shown to be immotile, abnormal, and infertile. In this study, the objective was to evaluate proAKAP4 concentration values with the classic sperm motility descriptors and fertility outcomes (NRR at 90 days) in post-thawed conditions of 10 bulls' semen. ProAKAP4 expression was confirmed by Western blotting and proAKAP4 concentrations were determined by ELISA. Variations in proAKAP4 concentrations were observed independently of the motility sperm descriptors measured using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). A ProAKAP4 concentration of 38.67 ± 8.55 ng/10 million spermatozoa was obtained as a statistical mean of all samples. Threshold values of proAKAP4 were then determined between 19.96 to 96.95 ng/10 million spermatozoa. ProAKAP4 concentrations were positively correlated with progressive motility and the linearity coefficient. The sperm showing the lowest progressive motility were the samples exhibiting proAKAP4 concentrations below 20 ng/10 million spermatozoa. Furthermore, proAKAP4 concentrations were significantly higher in bulls with a higher NRR in the field. Our results demonstrate a correlation between the semen concentration of proAKAP4 and NRR-90d (p = 0.05) in post-thawed bull semen, highlighting the potential of proAKAP4 as a predictive marker of bull fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Dordas-Perpinyà
- Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, 44300 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (I.R.); (J.-F.B.); (S.M.)
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (J.C.); (J.M.)
| | - Nicolas Sergeant
- U1172 LilNCog—Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, CHU Lille, Inserm, University Lille, 59000 Lille, France;
- SPQI S.A.S, 82 rue Jeanne d’Arc, 59000 Lille, France; (S.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Isabelle Ruelle
- Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, 44300 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (I.R.); (J.-F.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Jean-François Bruyas
- Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, 44300 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (I.R.); (J.-F.B.); (S.M.)
| | | | - Sandrine Michaud
- Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, 44300 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (I.R.); (J.-F.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Sara Carracedo
- SPQI S.A.S, 82 rue Jeanne d’Arc, 59000 Lille, France; (S.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Jaime Catalán
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (J.C.); (J.M.)
| | - Jordi Miró
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (J.C.); (J.M.)
| | - Maryse Delehedde
- SPQI S.A.S, 82 rue Jeanne d’Arc, 59000 Lille, France; (S.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Lamia Briand-Amirat
- Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, 44300 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (I.R.); (J.-F.B.); (S.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Khan IM, Liu H, Zhuang J, Khan NM, Zhang D, Chen J, Xu T, Avalos LFC, Zhou X, Zhang Y. Circular RNA Expression and Regulation Profiling in Testicular Tissues of Immature and Mature Wandong Cattle ( Bos taurus). Front Genet 2021; 12:685541. [PMID: 34880896 PMCID: PMC8647812 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.685541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Wandong cattle are an autochthonous Chinese breed used extensively for beef production. The breed tolerates extreme weather conditions and raw feed and is resistant to tick-borne diseases. However, the genetic basis of testis development and sperm production as well as breeding management is not well established in local cattle. Therefore, improving the reproductive efficiency of bulls via genetic selection is crucial as a single bull can breed thousands of cows through artificial insemination (AI). Testis development and spermatogenesis are regulated by hundreds of genes and transcriptomes. However, circular RNAs (circRNAs) are the key players in many biological developmental processes that have not been methodically described and compared between immature and mature stages in Bovine testes. In this study, we performed total RNA-seq and comprehensively analyzed the circRNA expression profiling of the testis samples of six bulls at 3 years and 3 months of developmental age. In total, 17,013 circRNAs were identified, of which 681 circRNAs (p-adjust < 0.05) were differentially expressed (DE). Among these DE circRNAs, 579 were upregulated and 103 were downregulated in calf and bull testes. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the identified target genes were classified into three broad functional categories, including biological process, cellular component, and molecular function, and were enriched in the lysine degradation, cell cycle, and cell adhesion molecule pathways. The binding interactions between DE circRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) were subsequently constructed using bioinformatics approaches. The source genes ATM, CCNA1, GSK3B, KMT2C, KMT2E, NSD2, SUCLG2, QKI, HOMER1, and SNAP91 were found to be actively associated with bull sexual maturity and spermatogenesis. In addition, a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis showed a strong correlation with the sequencing data. Moreover, the developed model of Bovine testes in the current study provides a suitable framework for understanding the mechanism of circRNAs in the development of testes and spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibrar Muhammad Khan
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Hongyu Liu
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Jingyi Zhuang
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Nazir Muhammad Khan
- Department of Zoology, University of Science and Technology, Bannu, Pakistan
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Jingmeng Chen
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Tengteng Xu
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Lourdes Felicidad Córdova Avalos
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Xinqi Zhou
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Yunhai Zhang
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhao S, Chen T, Luo X, Chen S, Wang J, Lai S, Jia X. Identification of Novel lncRNA and Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) of Testicular Tissues among Cattle, Yak, and Cattle-Yak Associated with Male Infertility. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082420. [PMID: 34438876 PMCID: PMC8388754 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cattle-yak is an excellent hybrid of male cattle and female yak, which has many more outstanding production traits, such as better adaptability to high altitudes and better meat quality. However, the male sterility of cattle-yak restricts the utilization of superior heterosis. Few studies have focused on the comprehensive analysis of cattle-yak and its parents, in order to find factors on infertility of the cattle-yak. This study comprehensively analyzed the mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles of testicular tissue samples of cattle, yak, and cattle-yak by RNA-seq technology, and identified some differentially expressed genes that may be related to male sterility of cattle-yak, in order to provide a theoretical basis for solving the problem of breeding work. Abstract Cattle-yak is an excellent hybrid of cattle and yak; they are characterized by better meat quality and stronger adaptability of harsh environments than their parents. However, male sterility of cattle-yak lay restraints on the transmission of heterosis. In this study, next generation sequence technology was performed to profile the testicular tissues transcriptome (lncRNA and mRNA) of cattle, yak, and cattle-yak. We analyzed the features and functions of significant differentially expressed genes among the three breeds. There are 9 DE lncRNAs and 46 DE mRNAs with comparisons of cattle, yak, and cattle-yak. Among them, the upregulated targeting genes, such as IGF1 and VGLL3 of cattle-yak lncRNA, may be related to the derangement of spermatocyte maturation and cell proliferation. Similarly, we found that the LDOC1 gene, which is related to the process of cellular apoptosis, is overexpressed in cattle-yak. GO enrichment analysis demonstrated that the cattle-yak is lacking the regulation of fertilization (GO: 0009566), spermatogenesis process (GO: 0007283), male gamete generation process (GO: 0048232), sexual reproduction (GO: 0019953), and multi-organism reproductive process (GO: 0044703), such processes may play important and positive roles in spermatogenesis and fertilization. Furthermore, the KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the upregulated DEGs of cattle-yak most enriched in Apoptosis (ko04210) and Hippo signaling pathway (ko04390), may lead to excessively dead of cell and inhibit cell growth, resulting in obstruction of meiosis and spermatogenesis processes. This study will enable us to deeper understand the mechanism of male cattle-yak infertility.
Collapse
|
22
|
Robert N, Yan C, Si-Jiu Y, Bo L, He H, Pengfei Z, Hongwei X, Jian Z, Shijie L, Qian Z. Expression of Rad51 and the histo-morphological evaluation of testis of the sterile male cattle-yak. Theriogenology 2021; 172:239-254. [PMID: 34298284 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Meiotic recombination is key to the repair of DNA double-strand break damage, provide a link between homologs for proper chromosome segregation as well as ensure genetic diversity in organisms. Defects in recombination often lead to sterility. The ubiquitously expressed Rad51 and the meiosis-specific DMC1 are two closely related recombinases that catalyze the key strand invasion and exchange step of meiotic recombination. This study cloned and sequenced the coding region of cattle-yak Rad51 and determined its mRNA and protein expression levels, evaluated its molecular and evolutionary relationship as well as evaluated the histo-morphological structure of testes in the yellow cattle, yak and the sterile cattle-yak hybrid. The Rad51 gene was amplified using PCR, cloned and sequenced using testicular cDNA from yak and cattle-yak. Real-time PCR was used to examine the expression levels of Rad51/DMC1 mRNA in the cattle, yak and cattle-yak testis while western blotting, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the protein expression and localization of Rad51/DMC1 protein in the testicular tissue sections. The results revealed that the mRNA and protein expression of Rad51 and DMC1 are extremely low in the male cattle-yak testis with a corresponding higher incidence of germ cell apoptosis. There was also thinning of the germinal epithelium possibly due to the depletion of the germ cells leading to the widening of the lumen area of the cattle-yak seminiferous tubule. Our findings provide support for the hypothesis that the low expression of Rad51 and DMC1 may contribute to the male hybrid sterility in the cattle-yak.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niayale Robert
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Cui Yan
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Yu Si-Jiu
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Liao Bo
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Honghong He
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhao Pengfei
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xu Hongwei
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhang Jian
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Li Shijie
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhang Qian
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhao W, Hussain Solangi T, Wu Y, Yang X, Xu C, Wang H, Zheng X, Cai X, Zhu J. Comparative rna-seq analysis of region-specific miRNA expression in the epididymis of cattleyak. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:555-576. [PMID: 33438262 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The epididymis is the site of post-testicular sperm maturation, which constitutes the acquisition of sperm motility and the ability to recognize and fertilize oocytes. The role of miRNA in male reproductive system, including the control of different steps leading to proper fertilization such as gametogenesis, sperm maturation and maintenance of male fertility where the deletion of Dicer in mouse germ cells led to infertility, has been demonstrated. The identification of miRNA expression in a region-specific manner will therefore provide valuable insight into the functional differences between the regions of the epididymis. In this study, we employed RNA-seq technology to explore the expression pattern of miRNAs and establish some miRNAs of significant interest with regard to epididymal sperm maturation in the CY epididymis. We identified a total of 431 DE known miRNAs; 119, 185 and 127 DE miRNAs were detected for caput versus corpus, corpus versus cauda and caput versus cauda region pairs, respectively. Our results demonstrate region-specific miRNA expression in the CY epididymis. The GO and KEGG enrichment for the predicted target genes indicated the functional values of miRNAs. Furthermore, we observed that the expression of miR-200a was downregulated in the caput, compared with cauda. Since the family of miR-200 has previously been suggested to contribute to the distinct physiological function of sperm maturation in epididymis of adult rat, we speculate that the downregulation of miR-200a in CY caput epididymis may play an important role of sperm maturation in the epididymis of CY. Therefore, our findings may not only increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulated by the miRNA functions in region-specific miRNA expression in the CY epididymis, it could provide a valuable information to understand the mechanism of male infertility of CY.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wangsheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Tajmal Hussain Solangi
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Yitao Wu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Xiankang Yang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Chuanfei Xu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Xuxin Zheng
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Xin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization (Southwest Minzu University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiangjiang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization (Southwest Minzu University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Niayale R, Cui Y, Adzitey F. Male hybrid sterility in the cattle-yak and other bovines: a review. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:495-507. [PMID: 33185248 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybridization is important for both animal breeders attempting to fix new phenotypic traits and researchers trying to unravel the mechanism of reproductive barriers in hybrid species and the process of speciation. In interspecies animal hybrids, gains made in terms of adaptation to environmental conditions and hybrid vigor may be offset by reduced fertility or sterility. Bovine hybrids exhibit remarkable hybrid vigor compared to their parents. However, the F1 male hybrid exhibits sterility, whereas the female is fertile. This male-biased sterility is consistent with the Haldane rule where heterogametic sex is preferentially rare, absent, or sterile in the progeny of two different species. The obstacle of fixing favorable traits and passing them to subsequent generations due to the male sterility is a major setback in improving the reproductive potential of bovines through hybridization. Multiperspective approaches such as molecular genetics, proteomics, transcriptomics, physiology, and endocrinology have been used by several researchers over the past decade in an attempt to unravel the potential mechanisms underlying male hybrid sterility. However, the mechanism of sterility in the hybrid male is still not completely unravelled. This review seeks to provide an update of the mechanisms of the sterility in the cattle-yak and other bovines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Niayale
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China.,Faculty of Agriculture, Animal Science Department, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Yan Cui
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Fredrick Adzitey
- Faculty of Agriculture, Animal Science Department, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|