Long non-coding RNA366.2 controls endometrial epithelial cell proliferation and migration by upregulating WNT6 as a ceRNA of miR-1576 in sheep uterus.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important regulatory role in mammalian fecundity. Currently, most studies are primarily concentrated on ovarian lncRNAs, ignoring the influence of uterine lncRNAs on the fecundity of female sheep. In this study, we found a higher density of uterine glands and endometrial microvessel density (MVD) in high prolificacy group of Hu sheep compared to low prolificacy groups (p < 0.05) as well as an increased level of serum placental growth factor (PLGF). Hundreds of differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs were identified in Hu sheep with different fecundity by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and their targets were enriched in some signaling pathways involved in endometrial functions, such as the estrogen signaling pathway, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, oxytocin signaling pathway, and Wnt signaling pathway. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of lncRNA366.2-miR-1576- WNT6 were determined by bioinformatics analysis. Functionally, our results indicated that lncRNA366.2 promoted endometrial epithelial cell (EEC) proliferation, migration, and growth factor expression by sponging miR-1576 to upregulate WNT6 expression and activate the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. Taken together, our research indicated the regulatory mechanism of the lncRNA366.2-miR-1576-WNT6 in EEC proliferation and migration. Furthermore, this study provides a new theoretical reference for the identification of candidate genes related to fecundity.

Estradiol-17ß regulates proliferation and apoptosis of sheep endometrial epithelial cells by regulating the relative abundance of YAP1.

Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) transcription regulator of the Hippo protein kinase pathway, serves as a key regulator of tissue growth and organ size by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis. Effects of YAP1 on proliferation and apoptosis of sheep endometrial epithelial cells (EEC) as a result of estradiol-17ß (E2) treatment, however, remain unclear. In the present study, the abundance of YAP1 protein in the uterine horn was greater than that in the uterine body or cervix. The YAP1 protein was primarily localized in the endometrial luminal and glandular epithelial cells of the uterine horn of ewes on day 2 of the estrous cycle. Compared with control samples, there was a lesser abundance of YAP1 mRNA transcript that was associated with a lesser proliferation and greater apoptosis of EEC. There were also lesser concentrations of epidermal growth factor and insulin-like growth factor 1 in the spent culture medium when there was a lesser abundance of YAP1 mRNA in EEC compared with those in the control group. When there was a greater abundance of YAP1 mRNA transcript, there were greater concentrations of epidermal growth factor and insulin-like growth factor 1 in the spent media. Furthermore, with estradiol-17ß treatment the abundance of YAP1 mRNA transcript was similar to that of the control samples. Taken together, estradiol-17ß may function as an essential regulator of EEC proliferation and apoptosis by modulation of concentrations of YAP1 protein in the sheep uterus. These results indicate there are molecular mechanisms of estradiol-17ß and YAP1 in EEC proliferation and apoptosis of ewes.

Effects of spirulina supplementation on lipid metabolism disorder, oxidative stress caused by high-energy dietary in Hu sheep.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of spirulina supplementation in a high-energy (HE) diet on lipid metabolism, oxidative status and immunity in Hu lambs. The lambs were assigned to two groups receiving either a standard diet (ST) or a HE diet. Each group was divided into three subgroups: no spirulina supplementation (control), 1% spirulina supplementation, or 3% spirulina supplementation. The body fat, serum cholesterol, triacylglycerol and oxidative stress increased in lambs fed the HE diet. However, 3% spirulina supplementation in the HE diet reduced above parameters and enhanced antioxidant capacity, including increased SOD activity and T-AOC content in serum and Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL). Additionally, lambs receiving 3% spirulina supplementation showed an improvement in immunity-related parameters, including increased IgG concentration in serum and red and white blood cell counts. In conclusion, 3% spirulina supplementation in HE diet ameliorated lipid metabolic disorder and oxidative stress caused by a HE diet.