Abstract
To elucidate how expression characteristics of BMPR1B, BMP15, and GDF9 are associated with sheep reproduction, tissue-specific mRNA expression of these genes in Small Tail Han (STH) ewes (a polytocous breed) and Sunite (SNT) ewes (a monotocous breed) in the follicular phase were investigated using transcription profiling and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Expression levels of the three genes were all highest in ovaries of the two sheep breeds, and BMPR1B and GDF9 expression in the ovarian tissue was significantly higher in STH sheep compared with SNT sheep (P < 0.01), whereas BMP15 expression in pituitary, ovarian, oviduct, and uterine tissues was significantly lower in STH sheep compared with SNT sheep (P < 0.01). This study revealed that BMPR1B, BMP15, and GDF9 may play important roles in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, especially in the ovary, which may affect sheep prolificacy. BMPR1B and GDF9 expression might increase litter size, whereas BMP15 expression may decrease litter size. These results provide preliminary information regarding molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying sheep prolificacy.
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.
