Analysis of Expression Profiles of mRNA and lncRNA in Oviduct During Estrus Phase of Sheep (Ovis Aries) with Two Fecundity (FecB Gene) Genotypes

Abstract

Background:In sheep, FecB is the essential biomarker of the fertility, previous researches have provided a detailed insight on the regulation involved estrus phase and FecB in the reproductive-related tissues including hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovary. However, as the host of embryo development and connection between the ovary and the uterus, little is known about the interaction between mRNAs and lncRNAs in sheep oviduct. In the present study, RNA-Seq was performed to identify the transcriptomic profiles of mRNAs and lncRNAs in oviduct during estrus phase of sheep with FecBBB/++ genotypes.Results:In total, 21,863 lncRNAs and 43,674 mRNAs were identified, 57 DE lncRNAs and 637 DE mRNAs were revealed in the comparisons between follicular phase and luteal phase, 26 DE lncRNAs and 421 DE lncRNAs were revealed in the comparisons between FecB BB genotype and FecB ++ genotype. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that GO and KEGG terms related to reproduction such as SAGA complex, ATP-binding cassette (ABC), Nestin, and Hippo signalling pathway. DE-interaction network suggested that LNC_018420 maybe the key regulators related to embryo development in sheep oviduct.Conclusion:This was the first study to reveal the transcriptomic profiles of mRNAs and lncRNAs in the oviduct of FecB BB/++ sheep at estrus phase using RNA-Seq. Our findings can provide new understanding on the molecular mechanisms of mRNAs and lncRNAs underlying sheep embryo development and also opening new lines of investigation in sheep reproduction.

Fec, CA5A and CLSTN2 genes and their function during sheep ovulation: a review.

“…Guo et al (2018) proposed that the FecB gene not only affects the rate of oocytes and prolificacy, but also favours the uterine environment for correct implantation and subsequent pregnancy, concluding that ewes with this mutation (homozygotes and heterozygotes), compared to those without it, suffer changes in the sequence of amino acids that make up the oviductal fluid, which favours the prooxidant response in favour of the antioxidant capacity. However, Chen et al (2021) point out that further research is needed on the involvement of the FecB gene during embryonic development and interaction with the uterus, as well as the interaction between mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) at the oviduct level in sheep. Li et al (2021), identified five new mutations in the FecB gene (DD4, DD23, DD17, II12 and II10) in the homozygous genotype of the Chinese white ewe, and that the heterozygous genotype increases litter size at third lambing.…”