Transcriptome profiling of developing testes and spermatogenesis in the Mongolian horse

Abstract

Background: Horse testis development and spermatogenesis are complex physiological processes. Methods: To study these processes, three immature and three mature testes were collected from the Mongolian horse, and six libraries were established using high-throughput RNA sequencing technology (RNA-Seq) to screen for genes related to testis development and spermatogenesis. Results: A total of 16,237 upregulated genes and 8,641 downregulated genes were detected in the testis of the Mongolian horse. These genes play important roles in different developmental stages of spermatogenesis and testicular development. Five genes with alternative splicing events that may influence spermatogenesis and development of the testis were detected. GO (Gene ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway analyses were performed for functional annotation of the differentially expressed genes. Pathways related to "spermatogenesis," male gamete generation," "spermatid development" and "oocyte meiosis" were significantly involved in different stages of testis development and spermatogenesis. Conclusion: Genes, pathways and alternative splicing events were identified with inferred functions in the process of spermatogenesis in the Mongolian horse. The identification of these differentially expressed genetic signatures improves our understanding of horse testis development and spermatogenesis.

Transcriptome dynamics in developing testes of domestic cats and impact of age on tissue resilience to cryopreservation

“…A deeper understanding of the molecular events happening in testis from infancy to adulthood would contribute greatly to development of male fertility preservation and fertility control in domestic cats and wild felids. Whole transcriptome of testicular tissue during its maturation has been sequenced in several mammalian species, including pig [ 14 ], Mongolian horse [ 15 ], domestic yak [ 16 ], human [ 17 ] and mouse [ 18 ]. Further studies using scRNA-seq were also recently performed for developing testis in human and mouse [ 4 , 5 ].…”

Identification and Characterization of Hypothalamic Alternative Splicing Events and Variants in Ovine Fecundity-Related Genes

“…Ongoing research has found close relationships between AS events and reproductive events. Li et al [ 10 ] revealed that AS events found in the testes of Mongolian horses may be a key factor affecting spermatogenesis. A novel splice variant was discovered in Hydroxysteroid 17-Beta Dehydrogenase 3 genes in the testes of pigs and was highly expressed in Leydig cells, suggesting its key role in male reproductive traits [ 11 ].…”

Multispecies comparative analysis reveals transcriptional specificity during Mongolian horse testicular development

“…The Mongolian horse, famous for its endurance and adaptability to harsh environments, is an ancient breed (Li et al, 2008; Li, Du et al, 2020). Mongolian horses are small in stature, with large heads, short necks, strong physiques, thick skins, and a thick coat, which allow their adaptation to harsh climatic conditions (Han et al, 2019).…”

“…Mongolian horses are small in stature, with large heads, short necks, strong physiques, thick skins, and a thick coat, which allow their adaptation to harsh climatic conditions (Han et al, 2019). Transcriptome characteristics of Mongolian horse testicular development, including mRNAs, miRNAs, and piRNAs have been previously described (Li et al, 2019; Li, Du et al, 2020; Li, Li et al, 2020). Moreover, some key genes related to spermatogenesis have been confirmed; for example SLC26A8 (Dirami et al, 2013; Li, Du et al, 2020).…”