Effects of microbiota-testis interactions on the reproductive health of male ruminants: A review.

Ruminants are one of the world's economically important species, and their reproductive health is critical to the economic development of the livestock industry. In recent years, research on the relationship between microbiota and reproductive health has received much attention. Microbiota disruption affects the developmental health of the testes and epididymis, the male reproductive organs of the host, which in turn is related to sperm quality. Maintaining a stable microbiota protects the host from pathogens and increases breeding performance, which in turn promotes the economic development of animal husbandry. In addition, the effects and mechanisms of microbiota on reproduction were further explored. These findings support new approaches to improving and managing reproductive health in ruminants through the microbiota and facilitate further systematic exploration of microbiota-mediated reproductive impacts.

Castration reshapes the liver by altering fatty acid composition and metabolism in male mice.

Castration promotes subcutaneous fat deposition that may be associated with metabolic adaptations in the liver. However, fatty acid composition, abundance, and metabolic characteristics of the liver after castration are not fully understood. Our results showed that surgical castration significantly reduced water and food intake, reduced liver weight, and induced liver inflammation in mice. Transcriptome analyses revealed that castration enhanced fatty acid metabolism, particularly that of arachidonic and linoleic acids metabolism. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that castration altered the composition and relative abundance of fatty acids in the liver. The relative abundances of arachidonic and linoleic acids were significantly decreased in 4-week-old castrated mice. Analysis of fatty acid synthesis- and metabolism-related genes revealed that castration enhanced the transcription of fatty acid synthesis- and oxidation-related genes. Analyzing the level of key enzymes in the ß-oxidation and tricarboxylic acid cycle pathways of fatty acids in mitochondria, we found that castration enhanced the ß-oxidation of fatty acids in mitochondria, and also enhanced the protein level of the rate-limiting enzyme in the tricarboxylic acid cycle pathway, isocitrate dehydrogenase 2. These results comprehensively clarify metabolic changes in liver fatty acids after castration in mice of different ages and provide a reference for understanding castration-induced fat deposition from the perspective of liver fatty acid metabolism in male mice.

Differential gene expression and gut microbiota composition in low-altitude and high-altitude goats.

Previous studies have presented evidence suggesting that altitude exerts detrimental effects on reproductive processes, yet the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Our study employed two distinct goat breeds inhabiting low and high altitudes, and conducted a comparative analysis of mRNA profiles in testis tissues and the composition of gut microbiota. The results revealed a reduced testis size in high-altitude goats. RNA-seq analysis identified the presence of 214 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the testis. These DEGs resulted in a weakened immunosuppressive effect, ultimately impairing spermatogenesis in high-altitude goats. Additionally, 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing recognized statistically significant variations in the abundance of the genera Treponema, unidentified_Oscillospiraceae, Desulfovibrio, Butyricicoccus, Dorea, Parabacteroides between the two groups. The collective evidence demonstrated the gut and testis played a synergistic role in causing decreased fertility at high altitudes. Our research provides a theoretical basis for future investigations into the reproductive fitness of male goats.

Testosterone regulates thymic remodeling by activating glucocorticoid receptor signaling pathway to accelerate thymocyte apoptosis in male rats.

Thymic atrophy affects T cell generation and migration to the periphery, thereby affecting T cell pool diversity. However, the mechanisms underlying thymic atrophy have not been fully elucidated. Here, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunization and surgical castration did not affect thymocyte proliferation, but significantly reduced the apoptosis and increased the survival rate of CD4-CD8-, CD4+CD8+, CD4+CD8-, and CD4-CD8+ thymocytes. Following testosterone supplementation in rats subjected to GnRH immunization and surgical castration, thymocyte proliferation remained unchange, but the apoptosis of CD4-CD8-, CD4+CD8+, CD4+CD8-, and CD4-CD8+ thymocytes significantly increased. Transcriptome analyses of the thymus after GnRH immunization and surgical castration showed a significant reduction in the thymus's response to corticosterone. Cholesterol metabolism and the synthesis and secretion of corticosterone were significantly reduced. Analysis of the enzyme levels involved in the corticosterone synthesis pathway revealed that corticosterone synthesis in thymocytes was significantly reduced after GnRH immunization and surgical castration, whereas exogenous testosterone supplementation relieved this process. Testosterone promoted thymocyte apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner, and induced corticosterone secretion in vitro. Blocking the intracellular androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway did not significantly affect thymocyte apoptosis, but blocking the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling pathway significantly reduced it. Our findings indicate that testosterone regulates thymus remodeling by affecting corticosterone synthesis in thymocytes, which activates GR signal transduction and promotes thymocyte apoptosis.

The walnut-derived peptide TW-7 improves mouse parthenogenetic embryo development of vitrified MII oocytes potentially by promoting histone lactylation.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that the vitrification of metaphase II (MII) oocytes significantly represses their developmental potential. Abnormally increased oxidative stress is the probable factor; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The walnut-derived peptide TW-7 was initially isolated and purified from walnut protein hydrolysate. Accumulating evidences implied that TW-7 was a powerful antioxidant, while its prospective application in oocyte cryopreservation has not been reported. RESULT: Here, we found that parthenogenetic activation (PA) zygotes derived from vitrified MII oocytes showed elevated ROS level and delayed progression of pronucleus formation. Addition of 25 µmol/L TW-7 in warming, recovery, PA, and embryo culture medium could alleviate oxidative stress in PA zygotes from vitrified mouse MII oocytes, furtherly increase proteins related to histone lactylation such as LDHA, LDHB, and EP300 and finally improve histone lactylation in PA zygotes. The elevated histone lactylation facilitated the expression of minor zygotic genome activation (ZGA) genes and preimplantation embryo development. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed the mechanism of oxidative stress inducing repressed development of PA embryos from vitrified mouse MII oocytes and found a potent and easy-obtained short peptide that could significantly rescue the decreased developmental potential of vitrified oocytes, which would potentially contribute to reproductive medicine, animal protection, and breeding.

Whole-genome resequencing reveals genetic diversity, differentiation, and selection signatures of yak breeds/populations in southwestern China.

The Sichuan-Yunnan region is the main production area of yaks in southwestern China, with rich genetic resources of Yaks. Nevertheless, there have been limited study on the genetic characteristics of the entire yak populations in Tibet and southwestern China. In this study, we performed whole-genome resequencing to identify genetic variation information in a total of 198 individuals from six yak breeds (populations) in Sichuan (Muli yak, Jinchuan yak, Changtai yak, Maiwa yak), Yunnan (Zhongdian yak), and Tibet (Tibetan yak). The aim was to investigate the whole-genome genetic diversity, population genetic structure, and genome selection signatures. We observed that all six populations exhibit abundant genetic diversity. Except for Tibetan yaks, which showed low nucleotide diversity (0.00104), the remaining yak populations generally displayed high nucleotide diversity (0.00129-0.00153). Population genetic structure analysis revealed that, among the six yak populations, Muli yak exhibited greater differentiation from other yak populations and formed a distinct cluster independently. The Maiwa yak population displayed a complex genetic structure and exhibited gene exchange with Jinchuan and Changtai yaks. Positive selection signals were detected in candidate genes associated with growth (GNB4, HMGA2, TRPS1, and LTBP1), reproduction (PI4KB, DYNC1I1, and GRIP1), immunity (CD200 and IL1RAP), lactation (SNX13 and CPM), hypoxia adaptation (NDUFB6, PRKN, and MRPS9), hair (KRT24, KRT25, and KRT26), meat quality (SUCLG2), digestion and absorption (CLDN1), and pigment deposition (OCA2) using the integrated Pi and F ST methods. This study provides significant insights into understanding the whole-genome genetic characteristics of yak populations in Tibet and southwestern China.

Coping with extremes: the rumen transcriptome and microbiome co-regulate plateau adaptability of Xizang goat.

The interactions between the rumen microbiota and the host are crucial for the digestive and absorptive processes of ruminants, and they are heavily influenced by the climatic conditions of their habitat. Owing to the harsh conditions of the high-altitude habitat, little is known about how ruminants regulate the host transcriptome and the composition of their rumen microbiota. Using the model species of goats, we examined the variations in the rumen microbiota, transcriptome regulation, and climate of the environment between high altitude (Lhasa, Xizang; 3650 m) and low altitude (Chengdu, Sichuan, China; 500 m) goats. The results of 16 S rRNA sequencing revealed variations in the abundance, diversity, and composition of rumen microbiota. Papillibacter, Quinella, and Saccharofermentans were chosen as potential microbes for the adaptation of Xizang goats to the harsh climate of the plateau by the Spearman correlation study of climate and microbiota. Based on rumen transcriptome sequencing analysis, 244 genes were found to be differentially expressed between Xizang goats and low-altitude goats, with 127 genes showing up-regulation and 117 genes showing down-regulation. SLC26A9, GPX3, ARRDC4, and COX1 were identified as potential candidates for plateau adaptation in Xizang goats. Moreover, the metabolism of fatty acids, arachidonic acids, pathway involving cytokines and their receptors could be essential for adaptation to plateau hypoxia and cold endurance. The expression of GPX3, a gene linked to plateau acclimatization in Xizang goats, was linked to the abundance of Anaerovibrio, and the expression of SLC26A9 was linked to the quantity of Selenomonas, according to ruminal microbiota and host Spearman correlation analysis. Our findings imply that in order to adapt harsh plateau conditions, Xizang goats have evolved to maximize digestion and absorption as well as to have a rumen microbiota suitable for the composition of their diet.

Testosterone regulates thymic remodeling by altering metabolic reprogramming in male rats.

The thymus is an energy-consuming organ, and its metabolism changes with atrophy. Testosterone regulates thymus remodeling (atrophy and regeneration). However, the characteristics of the energy metabolism during testosterone-mediated thymic atrophy and regeneration remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that testosterone ablation (implemented by immunocastration and surgical castration) induced global metabolic changes in the thymus. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment for differential metabolites and metabolite set enrichment analysis for total metabolites revealed that testosterone ablation affected thymic glycolysis, glutamate metabolism, and fatty acid ß-oxidation. Testosterone ablation-induced thymic regeneration was accompanied by attenuated glycolysis and glutamate metabolism and changed fatty acid composition and content. Testosterone supplementation in immunocastrated and surgically castrated rats enhanced glutaminolysis, reduced the level of unsaturated fatty acids, enhanced the ß-oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids in the mitochondria, boosted the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and accelerated thymic atrophy. Overall, these results imply that metabolic reprogramming is directly related to thymic remodeling.

Sulforaphane reduces adipose tissue fibrosis via promoting M2 macrophages polarization in HFD fed-mice.

Adipose tissue fibrosis has been identified as a novel contributor to the pathomechanism of obesity associated metabolic disorders. Sulforaphane (SFN) has been shown to have an anti-obesity effect. However, the impact of SFN on adipose tissue fibrosis is still not well understood. In this study, obese mice induced by high-fat diets (HFD) were used to examine the effects of SFN on adipose tissue fibrosis. According to the current findings, SFN dramatically enhanced glucose tolerance and decreased body weight in diet-induced-obesity (DIO) mice. Additionally, SFN therapy significantly reduced extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and altered the expression of genes related to fibrosis. Furthermore, SFN also reduced inflammation and promoted macrophages polarization towards to M2 phenotype in adipose tissue, which protected adipose tissue from fibrosis. Notably, SFN-mediated nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation was crucial in decreasing adipose tissue fibrosis. These results implied that SFN had favorable benefits in adipose tissue fibrosis, which consequently ameliorates obesity-related metabolic problems. Our research provides new treatment strategies for obesity and associated metabolic disorders.

Active immunization against gonadotropin-releasing hormone affects thymic T cell production, migration, and colonization in male rat lymphoid tissue.

Active immunization against gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) inhibits animal reproduction and has become a friendly alternative to surgical castration, which has been reported to affect the proportion of thymic T cell subpopulations. The effects of active immunization against GnRH on T cell migration from the thymus to the periphery and T cell distribution in lymphoid tissues remain unclear. Here, we showed that active immunization against GnRH increased thymic size and weight, enlarged the number of thymocytes, and enhanced CD4+ recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) and CD8+ RTEs migration to the blood and spleen. Active immunization against GnRH had no significant effect on naïve CD4+, naïve CD8+, CD4+ memory/activated, or CD8+ memory/activated T cells. In addition, active immunization against GnRH increased the proportion of CD3+ T cells in the spleen and lymph nodes. The percentages of CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ T cells in the blood, spleen, and lymph nodes were not significantly affected by GnRH immunization. Overall, these results enhance our understanding of thymic T cell production, migration, and colonization in rat lymphoid tissues affected by GnRH immunization.

Comparative Analysis of the Pre-Parturition and Post-Parturition Genital Tract Microbiota in Plateau Bangor Sewa Sheep.

(1) Background: Bangor Sewa sheep are an economically significant livestock species on the plateau. The roles of microbiota in reproduction are complex and critical for animal health. But little is known currently about the microbiome of plateau Bangor Sewa sheep. The purpose of this study was to discover the changes in the genital tract microbiota of pre- and post-partum Bangor Sewa sheep. (2) Methods: Samples from the birth canal were obtained for 16S rRNA sequencing, three days before and after delivery, respectively. (3) Results: The results showed that there was a noticeable difference in three phyla and 74 genera between the pre- and post-parturition groups in the microbiota of Bangor Sewa sheep. The changes included a decrease in the abundance of genera related to health (unclassified_Cellulomonadaceae, Cellulomonas, Fibrobacti, Flavobacterium, Eubacterium_ventriosum_group, Acetitomaculum, Aeromicrobium, Dietzia, Romboutsia, Ruminococcus, etc.) and an increased abundance of negatively related genera (Nocardioides, unclassified_Clostridia, Sphingobacteriaceae, unclassified_Ruminococcaceae, Prevotellaceae_UCG_004, Micromonospora, Streptococcus, Facklamia, Bosea, etc.) spp. (4) Conclusions: Microbes can serve as indicators of the physical state of Bangor Sewa sheep. These findings laid the foundation for deciphering the effects of microbial changes during birth on the reproductive health of plateau Bangor Sewa sheep.

The role of GnRH in Tibetan male sheep and goat reproduction.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis connects the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads. The regulation of reproductive processes includes integrating various factors from structural functions and environmental conditions in the HPG axis, with the outcome indication of these processes being the pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. These factors include feed consumption and nutritional condition, sex steroids, season/photoperiod, pheromones, age, and stress. GnRH pulsatile secretion affects the pattern of gonadotropin secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which then regulates both endocrine function and gamete maturation in the gonads. This regulates gonadotropins and testosterone (T) production. There is evidence that in males, GnRH participates in a variety of host behavioural and physiological processes such as the release of reproductive hormones, progression of spermatogenesis and sperm function, aggressive behaviour, and physiological metabolism. GnRH activates receptors expressed on Leydig cells and Sertoli cells, respectively to stimulate T secretion and spermatogenesis in the testis. Photoperiod affects the reproductive system of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis via rhythmic diurnal melatonin secretion. Increased release of melatonin promotes sexual activity, GnRH production, LH stimulation, and T production. This induces testicular functions, spermatogenesis, and puberty. GnRH reduces the release of LH by the pituitary through the cascade effect and decreases plasma concentration of T. Gut microbiota maintain sex steroid homeostasis and may induce reduction in reproduction productivity. Recently, findings of kisspeptin-neurokinin-dynorphin neuronal network in the brain have resulted in fast advances in how GnRH secretion is controlled. Emerging studies have also indicated that other neuropeptide analogues could be used in control reproduction procedures in various goat and sheep breeds. The Tibetan male sheep and goats reproduce on a seasonal basis and have high reproductive performance. This is a review for the role of GnRH in Tibetan male sheep and goats reproduction. This is intended to enhance reproductive knowledge for understanding the key roles of GnRH relating to male reproductive efficiency of Tibetan sheep or goats.

Polymorphisms Analysis of BMP15, GDF9 and BMPR1B in Tibetan Cashmere Goat (Capra hircus).

The Tibetan cashmere goat is a prolific goat breed in China. In sheep breeds, natural mutations have demonstrated that the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) super family ligands, such as growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and their type I receptor (bone morphogenetic protein receptor (BMPR1B), are essential for ovulation and increasing litter size. In this study, 216 female Tibetan cashmere goats were sampled, and candidate genes with fecundity traits were detected via restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequenced. Four polymorphic loci were found in specific amplification fragments of BMP15 and GDF9. Two SNP sites of the BMP15 gene were discovered, namely G732A and C805G. The G732A mutation did not cause the change in amino acids, and the frequencies of each genotype were 0.695 for the GG type, 0.282 for the GA type and 0.023 for the AA type. The C805G mutation caused amino acids to change from glutamine to glutamate. The genotype frequencies were 0.620 for the CC type, 0.320 for the CG type and 0.320 for the CG type. For the GG type 0.060, the G3 and G4 mutations of the GDF9 gene were all homozygous mutations. Two known SNP sites, C719T and G1189A, were detected in the Tibetan cashmere goat GDF9 gene, of which the C719T mutation caused a change of alanine to valine, with a genotype frequency of 0.944 for the CC type and 0.056 for the CT type, whereas no TT type was found. The G1189A mutation caused valine to become isoleucine, and the frequencies of each genotype were 0.579 for the GG type, 0.305 for the GA type and 0.116 for the AA type; G1, B2, B3, B4, FecXH, FecXI, FecXL, G2, G5, G6, G7, G8, FecGE, FecTT and FecB mutations were not found in Tibetan cashmere goats. The results of this study provide a data basis for future studies of BMP15, GDF9 and BMPR1B gene mutations in goats.

Complete mitochondrial genomes reveal the phylogenetic relationships of Duoma with eight representative sheep breeds and two ovis species.

The Ovis aries Duoma breed is one of the most important alpine grassland-type sheep breeds in China. In this current study, we first reported the complete mitochondrial genome of Duoma sheep. Mitochondrial genome is 16,618 bp in length and exhibits the same typical structure as the other published sheep breeds. The genome contains 37 genes (22 tRNA, two rRNA, and 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs)) and a control region (D-loop region). Phylogenetic analysis shows that the Duoma sheep breed is closer to Ganjia sheep. Our findings will help the further evolution and conservation studies of Duoma sheep.

Polymorphisms and mRNA Expression Levels of IGF-1, FGF5, and KAP 1.4 in Tibetan Cashmere Goats.

The Tibetan cashmere goat is a precious breed in China and its cashmere is widely used in clothing and textiles. The genes IGF-1, FGF5, and KAP 1.4 have been shown to be crucial regulators of cashmere growth. In this study, we examined mRNA expression levels of these three genes and detected IGF-1, FGF5, and KAP 1.4 SNP loci in the Tibetan cashmere goat. After amplification and sequence alignment of the genes IGF-1, FGF5, and KAP 1.4 among 206 Tibetan cashmere goats, two new SNP loci were detected in gene KAP 1.4, while no SNP loci were found in amplified fragments of genes IGF-1 and FGF5. The expression levels of gene IGF-1 in Baingoin and Nyima counties were significantly higher than in other counties (p < 0.05). Moreover, the expression level of gene FGF5 in Gêrzê was significantly higher than in Rutog. The expression levels of mRNA in KAP 1.4 showed significant variation among seven counties. There were no significant differences in mRNA expression levels of IGF-1, FGF5, and KAP 1.4 in Tibetan cashmere goats when analysed by sex. The gene IGF-1 was slightly up-regulated in one to five-year-old cashmere goats, except in those that were 4 years old. The mRNA expression levels of FGF5 in one and two-year-old cashmere goats was lower compared with those in three to five-year-old cashmere goats. KAP 1.4 was up-regulated across one to five-year-old cashmere goats. In this study, SNP detection and mRNA expression analysis of IGF-1, FGF5, and KAP 1.4 genes was able to add data to genetic evolutionary analysis. Further studies should be carried out in SNPs to detect other fragments in genes IGF-1 and FGF5, as well as signal pathways and gene functions in protein levels of genes IGF-1, FGF5, and KAP 1.4 in the Tibetan cashmere goat.

Synthesis and Antibacterial Study of Novel Harmine Derivatives and Tetrahydro-ß-Carboline Derivatives In Vitro.

Dairy mastitis is a disease of dairy cattle caused by a variety of pathogenic microorganisms which has biought huge economic losses aused huge economic losses to the world. In this paper, Harmine derivatives and tetrahydro-ß-carboline derivatives synthesized by the splice method are shown to have a good inhibitory effect on the pathogenic bacteria of dairy mastitis. The results of a bacteriostatic test on pathogenic bacteria of dairy cow mastitis (S. dysgalactiae, S. pyogenes, B. subtilis and P. vulgaris) showed that compound 7l had the best bacteriostatic effect on Streptococcus dysgalactiae, with a mic value of 43.7 µ g/mL. When the concentration of 7l was 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC, it had a significant inhibitory effect on Streptococcus dysgalactiae, and there was almost no growth of Streptococcus dysgalactiae at 4 × MIC. The binding properties of target compound 7l to amine oxidase [flavin-containing] A protein were simulated by the molecular docking technique. The ligand 7l achieved strong binding with the receptor through three hydrogen bonds. The hydrogen bonds were amino acid residues thr-52, arg-51 and ser-24, which are the main force for the compound to bind to active sites.

The microbial communities and natural fermentation quality of ensiling oat (Avena sativa L.) harvest from different elevations on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Introduction: Ensiling whole-crop oat (Avena sativa L.) has attracted a growing interest in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The study aimed to investigate the microbial community and chemical composition of fresh and ensiling oat harvested from six different elevations of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Method: The oat (A. sativa L. cv. Qingyin No. 1) was planted in six different sites across Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (BM, Bomi County; BY, Bayi County; DZ, Dazi County; BR, Biru County; SC, Suo County; SN, Seni County), where the elevations were in the range of 2,800-4,500 m above sea level (a. s. l.). Oat was harvested at the milk stage and ensiled for 90 days. Results: The highest crude protein (CP) and lowest water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) were observed in fresh oat of SN and BM, respectively, however, no distinct gradient trend in WSC and CP concentrations along the elevation gradient. The lowest LAB counts in fresh oat from the highest elevational regions of SN. After 90 days of ensiling, the pH in all oat silages was lower than 4.2, and silages from SC and SN showed a lower pH and butyric acid concentration, and higher lactic acid (LA) concentration than silages of other regions. The oat silage from BR showed the lowest LA concentration and the highest pH. The bimodal distributions of fungal and bacterial richness in fresh oat along the elevation gradient were observed, while the elevation gradients did not affect the fungal Shannon index in fresh oat. Dioszegia, Cladosporium, and Vishniacozyma were the prevalent fungal genus in fresh oat, while Wickerhamomyces, Candida, and Saccharomyces dominated the fungal communities of silages. Wickerhamomyces and Candida were the dominant genera in oat silages from BM and SC, respectively. Erwinia, Paenibacillus, Pseudomonas, Leuconostoc, and Exiguobacterium dominated the bacterial community of fresh oat, while Lactobacillus and Kosakonia were the dominant bacterial genus in oat silages. Pantoea was the most dominant bacterial genus in fresh oat from low-elevational regions (BM, BY, and DZ). Oat from SN exhibited the best fermentation quality although fresh oat of SN hosted the lowest LAB counts, indicating that high-efficient LAB might be present in fresh oat sampled from high altitudes.

Mild infection induced by low-dose LPS does not impair follicular development and is beneficial to pregnancy in mice.

The reproductive tract is susceptible to infection by a variety of bacteria, which can impair ovarian and uterine function. However, there is little known about whether mild infection can harm follicle development and embryo implantation. Here our results showed that the immune response to a mild infection simulated by low-dose LPS induced inflammatory factor IL-1b expression and decreased MMP2 expression involved in embryo implantation. LPS treatment also inhibited the ovulation process and reduced litter weight. Despite the immune response and the disturbed ovulation induced by treatment with low-dose LPS, the overall result was beneficial to mouse pregnancy. This research provides the necessary foundation for exploring the effects of mild bacterial infection on ovarian and uterine function in mammals.

Identification and population genetic analyses of copy number variations in six domestic goat breeds and Bezoar ibexes using next-generation sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Copy number variations (CNVs) are a major form of genetic variations and are involved in animal domestication and genetic adaptation to local environments. We investigated CNVs in the domestic goat (Capra hircus) using Illumina short-read sequencing data, by comparing our lab data for 38 goats from three Chinese breeds (Chengdu Brown, Jintang Black, and Tibetan Cashmere) to public data for 26 individuals from three other breeds (two Moroccan and one Chinese) and 21samples from Bezoar ibexes. RESULTS: We obtained a total of 2394 CNV regions (CNVRs) by merging 208,649 high-confidence CNVs, which spanned ~ 267 Mb of total length and accounted for 10.80% of the goat autosomal genome. Functional analyses showed that 2322 genes overlapping with the CNVRs were significantly enriched in 57 functional GO terms and KEGG pathways, most related to the nervous system, metabolic process, and reproduction system. Clustering patterns of all 85 samples generated separately from duplications and deletions were generally consistent with the results from SNPs, agreeing with the geographical origins of these goats. Based on genome-wide FST at each CNV locus, some genes overlapping with the highly divergent CNVs between domestic and wild goats were mainly enriched for several immunity-related pathways, whereas the genes overlapping with the highly differentiated CNVs between highland and lowland goats were mainly related to vitamin and lipid metabolism. Remarkably, a 507-bp deletion at ~ 14 kb downstream of FGF5 on chromosome 6 showed highly divergent (FST = 0.973) between the highland and lowland goats. Together with an enhancer activity of this sequence shown previously, the function of this duplication in regulating fiber growth deserved to be further investigated in detail. CONCLUSION: We generated a comprehensive map of CNVs in goats. Many genetically differentiated CNVs among various goat populations might be associated with the population characteristics of domestic goat breeds.

Using RNA-Seq to Identify Reference Genes of the Transition from Brown to White Adipose Tissue in Goats.

Brown adipose tissues have unique non-shivering thermogenesis functions, can be found in newborn ruminate animals, and then are gradually replaced by white adipose tissues in adulthood. For the purpose of exploring the intrinsic mechanism underlying the conversion process from brown (BAT) to white adipose tissue (WAT), it is necessary to utilize Quantitative PCR (qPCR) to study gene expression profiling. In this study, we identified reference genes that were consistently expressed during the transformation from goat BAT to WAT using RNA-seq data. Then, twelve genes were evaluated as candidate reference genes for qPCR in goat perirenal adipose tissue using three tools (geNorm, Normfinder, and BestKeeper). In addition, the selected reference genes were used to normalize the gene expression of PGC-1α and GPAT4. It was found that traditional reference genes, such as GAPDH, RPLP0, HPRT1, and PPIA were not suitable for target gene normalization. In contrast, CTNNB, PFDN5, and EIF3M, selected from RNA sequencing data, showed the least variation and were recommended as the best reference genes during the transformation from BAT to WAT.