Abstract
Simple SummaryThe molecular regulation mechanism of yak ovarian activity has attracted extensive attention. This study investigated the global gene expression profiles in different reproductive stages (anestrus, estrus, and pregnancy) by RNA-seq technology. Enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were involved in the process of follicular growth, ovulation, and hormone metabolism. This study explored the regulation mechanism of the yak ovary in the reproductive cycle and laid a theoretical foundation for further understanding the reproductive characteristics of yak.Yak reproductive characteristics have received extensive attention, though the molecular regulation mechanism of its ovarian activity remains to be explored. Therefore, this study initially conducted a comparative analysis of yak ovarian activities in anestrus, estrus, and pregnancy regarding their morphology and histology, followed by implementing RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology to detect the overall gene expression and biological mechanism in different reproductive stages. H&E staining showed that there were more growing follicles and mature follicles in ovarian tissue sections during estrus than ovarian tissues during non-estrus. The RNA-seq analysis of yak ovary tissues in three periods showed that DEGs related to follicular development and hormone metabolism were screened in the three comparison groups, such as COL1A2, NR4A1, THBS2, PTGS2, SCARB1, STAR, and WNT2B. Bioinformatics analysis showed that these DEGs are involved in ion binding, cell development, metabolic processes, enriched in ECM–receptor interactions, steroid biosynthesis, together with aldosterone generation/discharge and Wnt/PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. In addition, we speculate alternate splice development events to have important role/s in regulating ovarian functional genomic expression profiles. These results provide essential knowledge aimed at scrutinizing pivotal biomarkers for yak ovarian activity, together with paving the way for enhancing researchers’ focus on improving yak reproductive performance.
Highlights
IntroductionYak (Bos grunniens) is an endemic cattle species centered on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China and is distributed in the surrounding alpine pastoral areas [1]
Through manual evaluation of yak ovary dimensions during differing time periods, it was found that the mean yak ovary diameter during pregnancy was slightly larger, at 24.7 mm, followed by the estrus period, and with the most reduced diameter occurring in the anestrus period (Table 1)
In order to explore in great detail the reproductive mechanism in yaks, this study compared the number of follicles within ovaries during anestrus, estrus, and pregnancy through histological methods, together with analysis and identifying the entire mRNA sequences expressed in yak ovaries during differing reproductive stages through transcriptome sequencing technology, and found considerable volumes of useful information regarding yak reproduction physiology
Summary
Yak (Bos grunniens) is an endemic cattle species centered on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China and is distributed in the surrounding alpine pastoral areas [1]. Yak can provide local herdsmen with meat, milk, wool, labor, fuel, among other daily necessities [2]. It is an essential part of livelihoods and local herding culture/economy, known as the ‘boat of the plateau’. Yak reproductive rates are relatively low compared to yellow cattle [3]. Under the current production management level, yaks are generally calved every other year, with one in two years or two in three years [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
