Genome-Wide Identification of mRNAs, lncRNAs, and Proteins, and Their Relationship With Sheep Fecundity

Abstract

The exploration of multiple birth-related genes has always been a significant focus in sheep breeding. This study aimed to find more genes and proteins related to the litter size in sheep. Ovarian specimens of Small Tail Han sheep (multiple births) and Xinji Fine Wool sheep (singleton) were collected during the natural estrus cycle. Transcriptome and proteome of ovarian specimens were analyzed. The transcriptome results showed that “steroid hormone biosynthesis” and “ovarian steroidogenesis” were significantly enriched, in which HSD17B1 played an important role. The proteome data also confirmed that the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were enriched in the ovarian steroidogenesis pathway, and the CYP17A1 was the candidate DEP. Furthermore, lncRNA MSTRG.28645 was highly expressed in Small Tailed Han sheep but lowly expressed in Xinji fine wool sheep. In addition, MSTRG.28645, a hub gene in the co-expression network between mRNAs and lncRNAs, was selected as one of the candidate genes for subsequent verification. Expectedly, the overexpression and interference of HSD17B1 and MSTRG.28645 showed a significant effect on hormone secretion in granulosa cells. Therefore, this study confirmed that HSD17B1 and MSTRG.28645 might be potential genes related to the fecundity of sheep. It was concluded that both HSD17B1 and MSTRG.28645 were critical regulators in the secretion of hormones that affect the fecundity of the sheep.

Genome wide identification and characterization of fertility associated novel CircRNAs as ceRNA reveal their regulatory roles in sheep fecundity

“…In comparison, Dolang sheep, which are widely bred in the south Xinjiang region of China [38], have strong adaptability but low fecundity compared to Small Tail Han sheep [39][40][41][42], with an average litter size of 1.4 [43,44]. Multiple studies have been conducted by researchers used RNA sequencing to analyze the gene expression patterns in the ovaries of Small Tail Han sheep during the follicular and luteal phases of the estrous cycle [45][46][47]. These studies have identified several differentially expressed genes that are involved in follicular development, oocyte maturation, and luteinization, all of which are important for fertility and concluded that Small Tail Han sheep have a unique molecular mechanism for regulating ovarian function, which may contribute to their high fecundity.…”

New Gene Markers of Exosomal Regulation Are Involved in Porcine Granulosa Cell Adhesion, Migration, and Proliferation

“…A negative effect of dioxin on the expression of the HSD17B1 gene has been described, thereby causing the inhibition of steroidogenesis [94]. In addition, this gene has been identified as a marker of steroidogenesis in ovine granulosa cells, thus affecting fecundity in this species [95]. A downregulation of FST (follistatin) was revealed in the current study, which could positively affect porcine GCs' proliferation and estrogen secretion [96].…”

lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA ceRNA Network Involved in Sheep Prolificacy: An Integrated Approach

“…Phospholipase A2 group IVB ( PLA2G4B ) gene encodes a member of the cytosolic phospholipase A2 protein family and has a role in calcium ion binding and phospholipase activity. This gene has been identified as one of the important genes in interaction networks in sheep fertility [ 115 ]. Cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily S member 1 ( CYP2S1 ) encodes a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily of enzymes.…”