PRM1 Gene Expression and Its Protein Abundance in Frozen-Thawed Spermatozoa as Potential Fertility Markers in Breeding Bulls.

Berlin Pandapotan Pardede,Iman Supriatna,Muhammad Agil,Ni Wayan Kurniani Karja,Bambang Purwantara,Cece Sumantri

doi:10.3390/vetsci9030111

Berlin Pandapotan Pardede, Iman Supriatna + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9030111

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Journal: Veterinary sciences	Publication Date: Mar 3, 2022
Citations: 8	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Bogor Agricultural University

Abstract

Functional genes and proteins in sperm play an essential role in bulls’ reproductive processes. They are more accurate in determining bull fertility than conventional semen quality tests. Protamine-1 (PRM1) is a gene or protein crucial for packaging and protecting sperm DNA until fertilization affects normal sperm function. This study analyzes the genes and proteins potential from PRM1 as fertility markers for different breeds of bulls utilized in the artificial insemination programs, expected to be an accurate tool in interpreting bull fertility in Indonesia. This study used Limousin, Holstein, and Ongole Grade bulls divided into two groups based on fertility, high-fertility (HF) and low fertility (LF). The semen quality assessment included progressive motility (computer-assisted semen analysis), viability (eosin-nigrosine), and plasma membrane integrity (HOS test). Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) was assessed using the acridine orange staining and the Halomax test. Sperm PRM deficiency was evaluated with the chromomycin A3 method. Moreover, PRM1 gene expression was measured using qRT-PCR, and the PRM1 protein abundance was measured with the enzyme immunoassay method. Semen quality values, relative expression of PRM1 gene, and quantity of PRM1 protein were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in HF bulls than in LF bulls. The SDF and PRM deficiency values in LF bulls were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than HF bulls. Additionally, PRM1 at the gene and protein levels correlated significantly (p < 0.01) with fertility. Therefore, PRM1 is a potential candidate for fertility markers in bulls in Indonesia.

Highlights

Introduction published maps and institutional affilThe artificial insemination (AI) program is a proven and successful reproductive technology in increasing population and livestock production [1]
The results indicated that the %CR obtained from the AI data from each bull breed was significantly different (p < 0.05) between HF and low fertility (LF) bulls (Table 1)
The quality of post-thawing semen significantly resulted in progressive motility (PM) showing a percentage exceeding 40%, quality control of frozen semen used for the AI program in each breed of bulls in the study (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

The artificial insemination (AI) program is a proven and successful reproductive technology in increasing population and livestock production [1]. The AI program for cattle uses frozen semen from different breeds of bulls produced at the AI center with specific standards [2]. Sperm motility above 40% with spermatozoa concentration not less than 25 million per insemination dose is used for quality control of frozen semen in AI programs [3]. This quality standard should predict bull fertility and optimize AI success via a high percentage of pregnancy and calf births. Rosyada et al [4] reported that the conception rate of several Holstein bulls was still classified as low fertility (LF), namely, 33.78% from

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