Female Fertility Research Articles

WOX11-mediated cell size control in Arabidopsis attenuates growth and fecundity of endoparasitic cyst nematodes.

Cyst nematodes establish permanent feeding structures called syncytia inside the host root vasculature, disrupting the flow of water and minerals. In response, plants form WOX11-mediated adventitious lateral roots at nematode infection sites. WOX11 adventitious lateral rooting modulates tolerance to nematode infections; however, whether this also benefits nematode parasitism remains unknown. Here, we report on bioassays using a 35S::WOX11-SRDX transcriptional repressor mutant to investigate whether WOX11 adventitious lateral rooting promotes syncytium development and thereby female growth and fecundity. Moreover, we chemically inhibited cellulose biosynthesis to verify if WOX11 directly modulates cell wall plasticity in syncytia. Finally, we performed histochemical analyses to test if WOX11 mediates syncytial cell wall plasticity via reactive oxygen species (ROS). Repression of WOX11-mediated transcription specifically enhanced the radial expansion of syncytial elements, increasing both syncytium size and female offspring. The enhanced syncytial hypertrophy observed in the 35S::WOX11-SRDX mutant could be phenocopied by chemical inhibition of cellulose biosynthesis and was associated with elevated levels of ROS at nematode infection sites. We, therefore, conclude that WOX11 restricts radial expansion of nematode-feeding structures and female growth and fecundity, likely by modulating ROS-mediated cell wall plasticity mechanisms. Remarkably, this novel role of WOX11 in plant cell size control is distinct from WOX11 adventitious lateral rooting underlying disease tolerance.

Intraspecific Variation in the Alkaloids of Adalia decempunctata (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae): Sex, Reproduction and Colour Pattern Polymorphism

In this paper, we examine intraspecific variation in the quantity of alkaloid chemical defence in field collected individuals of the polymorphic ladybird beetle Adalia decempunctata (10-spot ladybird). Like its more widely studied relative Adalia bipunctata (2-spot ladybird), A. decempunctata possesses the alkaloids adaline and adalinine, which are, respectively, the major and minor alkaloids of A. bipunctata. We focused especially on alkaloid concentration in relation to colour pattern morph, sex, and the relationship between female and egg parameters. There was a marked sexual dimorphism in the balance of the two alkaloids, with adaline predominating in females and adalinine predominating in males: in males, on average, over 70% of total alkaloid was adalinine. Females had a lower proportion of adalinine (< 10%) than their eggs (> 15%) and relationships between egg alkaloid and female alkaloid or fecundity were weak or non-existent. Colour pattern morph had a borderline (although not) significant relationship with adaline concentration and total alkaloid concentration, which could be further explored with laboratory reared individuals. The sexual dimorphism in alkaloid content, which seems likely due to differences in synthesis, might be related to their relative costs to the two sexes and might provide insight into the evolution of alkaloid diversity in ladybirds.

Population suppression by release of insects carrying a dominant sterile homing gene drive targeting doublesex in Drosophila

CRISPR homing gene drives can suppress pest populations by targeting female fertility genes, converting wild-type alleles into drive alleles in the germline of drive heterozygotes. fsRIDL (female-specific Release of Insects carrying a Dominant Lethal) is a self-limiting population suppression strategy involving continual release of transgenic males carrying female lethal alleles. Here, we propose an improved pest suppression system called “Release of Insects carrying a Dominant-sterile Drive” (RIDD), combining performance characteristics of homing drive and fsRIDL. We construct a split RIDD system in Drosophila melanogaster by creating a 3-gRNA drive disrupting the doublesex female exon. Drive alleles bias their inheritance in males, while drive alleles and resistance alleles formed by end-joining cause dominant female sterility. Weekly releases of RIDD males progressively suppressed and eventually eliminated cage populations. Modeling shows that RIDD is substantially stronger than SIT and fsRIDL. RIDD is also self-limiting, potentially allowing targeted population suppression.

BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF Ameivula nigrigula (SQUAMATA: TEIIDAE): FEEDING HABIT, SEXUAL DIMORPHISM, REPRODUCTION AND MATURATION OF FEMALES

Life history information plays a crucial role in comprehending the evolutionary processes that shape ecological patterns within species, but there is limited information available on the reproductive and other aspects of tropical Squamata. In this study, we present a comprehensive analysis of dietetic and morphometric data, specifically related to the size and sex determination of Ameivula nigrigula, aiming to investigate if there is sexual dimorphism and identify the onset of sexual maturity in female individuals. By thoroughly examining the stomach contents, we observed that the majority of specimens retain food remnants, with a prevalence of small prey items such as Hymenoptera and Isoptera. Our findings reveal a lack of sexual dimorphism in terms of body size, indicating that males and females possess similar dimensions and proportions. Moreover, our investigations suggest that different color patterns do not correspond to distinct stages of female development, as chromatic variations are observed in both juvenile and ovigerous females. Consequently, dorsal coloration may not serve as a reliable indicator of sexual maturity. The observed chromatic variation is likely a form of polymorphism within the population, lacking the potential to determine life stages. Furthermore, our examination of female fertility reveals the presence of one to two eggs per female, consistent with findings in other Teiidae species.

Asiaticoside ameliorates uterine injury induced by zearalenone in mice by reversing endometrial barrier disruption, oxidative stress and apoptosis

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium fungi that has been shown to have adverse effects on human and animal health, particularly on the fertility of females. As a saponin derived from the medicinal plant Centella asiatica, asiaticoside (AS) has multiple bioactivities. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of AS on ZEA-induced uterine injury and the underlying mechanism. In the present study, we demonstrated that AS could rescue ZEA-induced uterine histopathological damage and modulate the secretion of sex hormones, including progesterone (P4), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2), in ZEA-treated mice. Moreover, AS alleviated ZEA-induced damage to endometrial barrier function by upregulating the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-3). Further mechanistic investigations indicated that ZEA reduces the antioxidant capacity of uterine tissues, whereas AS improves the antioxidant capacity through activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Most notably, the protective effect of AS was blocked in Nrf2 gene knockout (Nrf2−/−) mice. Moreover, the p38/ERK MAPK pathway has been implicated in regulating ZEA toxicity and the beneficial effect of AS. Additionally, an Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) weaken the suppressive effect of AS on the oxidative stress and MAPK pathway. AS also inhibits ZEA-induced apoptosis in uterine tissues via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. However, when the PI3K small molecule inhibitor LY294002 was co-administered, the ability of AS to suppress the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and inhibit ZEA-induced apoptosis decreased. Collectively, these findings reveal the involvement of multiple pathways and targets in the protective effect of AS against ZEA-induced uterine injury, providing a new perspective for the application of AS and the development of a ZEA antidote.

161 Development, deployment, and calibration of genomic selection tools to improve performance traits for Canadian beef cattle

Abstract Genomic selection has the potential to accelerate the genetic improvement rate for difficult/expensive to measure traits such as feed efficiency and fertility traits in beef cattle. To develop genomic selection tools for Canadian beef cattle, we collected or sourced phenotypic data of feed efficiency along with other traits including carcass merit, female feed intake and fertility related traits, and their genotypes from both research and commercial herds. The phenotypic data were consolidated and recorded for contemporary groups, leading to the development of data sets including 11,292 beef cattle with residual feed intake, dry matter intake, average daily gain, metabolic body weight, 7,299 to 8,081 cattle with carcass merit traits, and 1,802 to 2,792 cows with feed intake and fertility traits after quality controls. Genotype data of the animals from various single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) panels were merged to the same allele format of 50K, and then imputed to 770K SNPs, and eventually to whole genome sequence variants. The refined Canadian beef cattle data sets have not only allowed us to investigate genetic architectures of the beef performance traits but also enabled the development of genomic selection tools including molecular breeding values and multiple trait selection indexes with a moderate to moderately high accuracy for the traits through a cross-validation of within reference data set. The genomic selection tools have been successfully deployed to over 10,415 breeding candidates submitted by Canadian beef producers through multiple demonstration projects. The average accuracy of the molecular breeding values and multiple trait selection index of the commercial beef cattle ranged from 0.38 to 0.49 for feed efficiency and carcass merit traits, and from 0.26 to 0.38 for female feed intake and fertility traits. Current research is focusing on calibrating the genomic selection tools with larger data sets and with more advanced genomic prediction methods.

Obesity and oxidative stress: Implications for female fertility

AbstractObesity has reached epidemic proportions in most parts of the world, and it is estimated that 1 billion people globally are trapped in an obesity pandemic, which has seriously compromised human health. Recently, there has been a flood of research into obesity as well as redox and lipid metabolism; however, our understanding of the pathways and specific molecular mechanisms by which obesity‐induced oxidative stress affects female reproductive function remains limited. In this review, we discuss how the obesity pandemic has led to lower female fertility. We focus on multiple facets of obesity‐mediated reproductive dysfunction, including follicular atresia, oocyte maturation, embryo implantation, reproductive aging, and discuss therapeutic interventions that have the potential to normalize reproductive function in obese females, such as targeting mitochondrial lipid metabolism and antioxidant pathways.

Early life food intake modulates effects of diet restriction on lifespan and fecundity in later life in a predatory mite (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Abstract The nutritional status of an individual can significantly influence its life history traits, including development, growth, reproduction, and survival. In the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae), the plasticity of life history traits, such as developmental time and size at maturity, is influenced by the quality and quantity of food. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary restriction at different life stages (i.e., juvenile, early adulthood, and later adulthood) on the lifespan and fecundity of P. persimilis. We found that reduced dietary intake during early adulthood resulted in a shorter lifespan for both male and female P. persimilis. Furthermore, this study demonstrated a sex-specific response to dietary restriction: it extended the lifespan of males but reduced that of females during later adulthood. Diet restriction during the postovipositional period of females showed the most variable life history trait response. Our results showed that the impact of diet restriction at different life stages can have combined influences on the postovipositional duration of P. persimilis, where the individuals receiving diet restriction during immature development and early adulthood had a greater reduction in ovipositional duration as those experiencing diet restriction during late adulthood. In addition, we observed a positive correlation between the lifespan and fecundity of females, with higher prey availability increasing both. The insights obtained from our research contribute to a better understanding of the aging process and dietary requirements of P. persimilis, which can facilitate the development of more effective biological control strategies using this predator for spider mites in agriculture.

Effect of Cuminum cyminum essential oil on growth, histology, intestinal histomorphology, blood parameters, gonadal development, antioxidant activity, and disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in Cyprinus carpio

AbstractThis study investigated the effects on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, blood parameters, gonadal development, antioxidant activity, and disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila of carp fed with cumin. Fish were fed diets containing 0, 1.0, and 3.0 mL kg−1 cumin for 60 days. At the end of the experiment, the use of cumin oil did not affect growth performances and survival rate after challenge with A. hydrophila (p &gt; 0.05). However, villi length and goblet cells increased in carp fed with cumin diets. In addition, no pathological findings were observed in the hepatopancreas, gonad, and intestine tissues of carp fed with cumin. Total protein; albumin; aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase levels; superoxide dismutase; and catalase activity were similar in cumin oil supplemented groups compared with the control. Both male and female fecundity increased with the addition of 1.0 mL kg−1 cumin, whereas the addition of 3.0 mL kg−1 cumin caused a slight decrease in fertility. As a result, the use of cumin essential oil at 1 mL kg−1 concentration can be recommended to improve fish health and increase fertility in carp culture.

Reflections on Mismatches in the Fertility Preferences in Latin America

This study aims to estimate and analyze four selected indicators of contradictions in female fertility preferences, which are called mismatches. Therefore, we seek to analyze the responses to the questions that women are asked regarding their ideal number of children, their current number of children, their future fertility intentions, and their use of contraceptive methods. Data from demographic and reproductive health surveys from fourteen countries in Latin America between 2006 and 2017 were used. An estimated occurrence of mismatches of 11 % was observed for the countries studied, and cases in which women were classified with a negative discrepancy and said that they do not want more children in the future prevailed. It can be inferred that despite the existence of several inconsistencies, the responses of Latin American women to questions about their fertility preferences are robust and very predictive.

NAD+ Metabolism and Mitochondrial Activity in the Aged Oocyte: Focus on the Effects of NAMPT Stimulation.

The ovary experiences an age-dependent decline starting during the fourth decade of life. Ovarian aging is the predominant factor driving female reproductive aging. Modern trend to postpone childbearing age contributes to reduced fertility and natality worldwide. Recently, the beneficial role of NAD+ precursors on the maintenance of oocyte competence and female fertility affected by aging has emerged. Nevertheless, age-related changes in NAD+ regulatory network have not been investigated so far. In this context, our goal was to investigate changes induced by the aging process in the expression level of genes participating in NAD+ biosynthetic and NAD+ consuming pathways and in the cellular bioenergetics in the mouse oocyte. From Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) it emerged that aging caused the downregulation of all cellular pathways for NAD+ synthesis (Kynurenine pathway, Preiss-Handler pathway and NAD+ salvage pathway) and deeply influenced the activity of NAD+-dependent enzymes, i.e. PARPs and SIRTs, with effects on many cellular functions including compromised ROS detoxification. Considering that NAMPT, the rate-limiting enzyme of NAD+ salvage pathway, was deregulated, aged oocytes were matured in the presence of P7C3, NAMPT activator. P7C3 improved spindle assembly and mitochondrial bioenergetics and reduced mitochondrial proton leak. Moreover, P7C3 influenced gene expression of NAD+ regulatory network, with Sirt1 as the central node of IPA-interfered target gene network. Finally, P7C3 effectively counteracted oocyte alterations induced by exposure to oxidative stress. Our study contributes to establish effective NAD+ boosting interventions to alleviate the effects of advanced maternal age on fertility and explore their potential in redox-related fertility disorders.

Hyperlipidemia negatively impacts implantation by dysregulating tight junction and Claudin-3 and Claudin-4 expression in the endometrium

Clinical observational studies have suggested hyperlipidemia may disturb embryo implantation through endometrium; however, the mechanism has been unclear. With its profound implications for reproductive health, the present study aims to investigate whether hyperlipidemia affects endometrial epithelial cell tight junctions for implantation failures. By constructing hyperlipidemia mice model, the number and distribution of embryo implantation status were investigated after both natural mating and in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to compare the ultrastructure of tight junctions in endometrial endothelial cells. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to explore the expression and localization of tight junction proteins, such as Claudin (CDLN)3, CLDN4, occludin (OCLN), and zonula occludens-1 (ZO1). For women with reproductive failure, mid-luteal phase endometrial tissues were collected, and gene expression of tight junction proteins was investigated using RNA sequencing and qRT-PCR. In hyperlipidemic mice, the number of embryo implantation sites significantly decreased with uneven distribution after natural mating and IVF-ET. Disrupted tight junctions were found, characterized by a decreased number of tight junctions by TEM, downregulated expressions of CDLN4, OCLN, and ZO1, and an increased expression of CLDN3 by western blot. In hyperlipidemic women with reproductive failure, the dysregulated expression of CLDN3 and CLDN4 was also present in the luteal phase endometrium. In this study, evaluation of both animal models and infertile women in vivo demonstrated that hyperlipidemia reduced female fertility, accompanied by disruption of tight junction structures and dysregulation of CLDN3 and CLDN4 expression in the endothelial cells of luteal phase endometrium.

Unveiling the Emerging Role of Klotho: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of an Anti-aging Factor in Human Fertility.

Klotho, an anti-aging protein, plays a vital role in diverse biological functions, such as regulating calcium and vitamin D levels, preventing chronic fibrosis, acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, safeguarding against cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions, as well as exerting anti-apoptotic, anti-senescence effects. Additionally, it contributes to metabolic processes associated with diabetes and exhibits anti-cancer properties. This protein is commonly expressed in organs, such as kidneys, brain, pancreas, parathyroid glands, ovaries, and testes. Recent research has highlighted its significance in human fertility. This narrative review provides insight into the involvement of Klotho protein in male and female fertility, as well as its potential role in managing human infertility in the future. In this study, a search was conducted on literature spanning from November 1997 to June 2024 across multiple databases, including PUBMED, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar, focusing on Klotho proteins. The search utilized keywords, such as "discovery of Klotho proteins," "Biological functions of Klotho," "Klotho in female fertility," "Klotho and PCOS," "Klotho and cryopreservation," and "Klotho in male infertility." Inclusion criteria comprised full-length original or review articles, as well as abstracts, discussing the role of Klotho protein in human fertility, published in English in various peer-reviewed journals. Exclusion criteria involved articles published in languages other than English. Hence, due to its anti-aging characteristics, Klotho protein presents potential roles in male and female fertility and holds promising prospects for reproductive medicine. Further, it holds the potential to become a valuable asset in addressing infertility concerns for both males and females.

Natural Occurrence and Biology of Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) under Local Conditions of Maharashtra

Black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens is known as promising insect for organic waste recycling. However, its natural occurrence and biology in Maharashtra is not well documented. Present study aimed to assess the natural occurrence of H. illucens types of organic food substrates utilized by larvae in its natural environment and to examine its biology in the laboratory. The overarching objective was to evaluate the feasibility of rearing this insect under the local environmental conditions of Osmanabad district in Marathwada region of Maharashtra. Natural occurrence of H. illucens at 16 locations spanning across 10 districts was reported. Larvae were observed feeding on various types of organic wastes encompassing animal manures and their derivatives, kitchen scraps from households and canteens, decomposing fruits, vegetables, spoiled onions in storage structures, organic residues including crop remnants. Biology of the fly was examined in the laboratory under room temperature and humidity conditions in monsoon and in winter. Overall lifecycle of H. illucens was completed in 44.17 (± 6.07) to 46.46 (± 6.83) days in monsoon and 66.45 (± 6.84) to 68.24 (± 7.61) days in winter. Fecundity of female was 586.53 (± 36.41) and 531.47 (± 20.33) eggs in monsoon and in winter, respectively. Aggregation behavior was observed in maggots. Interactions of some arthropods with H. illucens was observed. These findings offer valuable insights into the potential for culturing H. illucens under local environmental conditions of Maharashtra.

Myosuppressin signaling deficiency affects ovarian development via repression of 20-hydroxyecdysone biosynthesis in Grapholita molesta

The steroid 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) is crucial in regulating ovarian development. However, the neuropeptidergic mechanisms underlying ovarian development via 20E are underexplored. In this study, we investigated myosuppressin (MS) signaling in the dominant fruit pest Grapholita molesta and revealed that MS signaling is necessary for 20E biosynthesis during ovarian maturation. Pharmacological and molecular docking analyses confirmed that the GmMS mature peptide could activate its receptor GmMSR. Additionally, transcript expression analyses of GmMS and GmMSR showed different distribution patterns in adults. Notably, GmMSR was also detected in the ovaries of sexually mature females. RNAi-mediated dysfunction of GmMS or GmMSR specifically decreased fertility in females. Furthermore, GmMS or GmMSR knockdown decreased vitellogenin synthesis and uptake, thereby delaying ovarian development. RNA-seq, gene expression validation, and hormone quantification further revealed that GmMS signaling depletion blocked 20E biosynthesis in the ovary. Finally, exogenous MS rescued most dsGmMS- or dsGmMSR-induced ovarian defects and 20E titers. These results suggest that MS/MSR-to-20E signaling regulates ovarian development through vitellogenesis, providing a new perspective on the development of neuroendocrine targets that suppress pest field populations.

Knowledge-based machine learning for predicting and understanding the androgen receptor (AR)-mediated reproductive toxicity in zebrafish

Traditional methods for identifying endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that activate androgen receptors (AR) are costly, time-consuming, and low-throughput. This study developed a knowledge-based deep neural network model (AR-DNN) to predict AR-mediated adverse outcomes on female zebrafish fertility. This model started with chemical fingerprints as the input layer and was implemented through a five-layer virtual AR-induced adverse outcome pathway (AOP). Results indicated that the AR-DNN effectively and accurately screens new reproductive toxicants (AUC = 0.94, accuracy = 0.85), providing potential toxicity pathways. Furthermore, 1477 and 2448 chemicals that could lead to infertility were identified in the plastic additives list (PLASTICMAP, n = 7112) and the Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances in China (IECSC, n = 17741), respectively. Colourants containing steroid-like structures are the major active plastic additives that might lower female zebrafish fertility through AR binding, DNA binding, and transcriptional activation. While active IECSC chemicals primarily have the same fragments, such as benzonitrile, nitrobenzene, and quinolone. The predicted toxicity pathways were consistent with existing fish evidence, demonstrating the model’s applicability. This knowledge-based approach offers a promising computational toxicology strategy for predicting and characterising the endocrine-disrupting effects and toxic mechanisms of organic chemicals, potentially leading to more efficient and cost-effective screening of EDCs.

Female fertility preservation for family planning: a position statement of the Italian Society of Fertility and Sterility and Reproductive Medicine (SIFES-MR).

This position statement by the Italian Society of Fertility and Sterility and Reproductive Medicine (SIFES-MR) aims to establish an optimal framework for fertility preservation outside the standard before oncological therapies. Key topics include the role of fertility units in comprehensive fertility assessment, factors impacting ovarian potential, available preservation methods, and appropriate criteria for offering such interventions. The SIFES-MR writing group comprises Italian reproductive physicians, embryologists, and scientists. The consensus emerged after a six-month period of meetings, including extensive literature review, dialogue among authors and input from society members. Final approval was granted by the SIFES-MR governing council. Fertility counselling transitions from urgent to long-term care, emphasizing family planning. Age, along with ovarian reserve markers, is the primary predictor of female fertility. Various factors, including gynecological conditions, autoimmune disorders, and prior gonadotoxic therapies, may impact ovarian reserve. Oocyte cryopreservation should be the preferred method. Women 30-34 years old and 35-39 years old, without known pathologies impacting the ovarian reserve, should cryopreserve at least 12-13 and 15-20 oocytes to achieve the same chance of a spontaneous live birth they would have if they tried to conceive at the age of cryopreservation (63% and 52%, respectively in the two age groups). Optimal fertility counselling necessitates a long-term approach, that nurtures an understanding of fertility, facilitates timely evaluation of factors that may affect fertility, and explores fertility preservation choices at opportune intervals.

Impact of human papillomavirus on male and female fertility

Impact of human papillomavirus on male and female fertility

Trends and risk indicators for high fertility among Nigerian female youth aged 15–29 years: A pooled data analysis

IntroductionNigeria's age-specific fertility rates are highest among the country's youth population, yet little is known about the factors that influence female youth fertility in Nigeria. This study examined fertility trends and risk factors associated with high fertility among Nigerian female youth aged 15 to 29. MethodsWe examined a pooled data from four rounds of the Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys (conducted in 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018). Of the data, 62,713 female youth were extracted for this study. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression were employed. ResultsThe results show that 21.5 % of the sample had 3 or more children. Between 2003 and 2018, there was a drop of only 28 live births per 1000 women among the youth. Female youth with less than a secondary education were twice as likely to have 1–2 children (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.54, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.43–1.66) and three times as likely to have 3 or more children (aOR = 3.32, 95 % CI = 3.03–3.64) compared to those with a secondary education or higher. Unmarried female youth were 95 % less likely to have 1–2 children and 98 % less likely to have 3 or more children. Additionally, female youth from the lowest-income families were twice as likely to have 1–2 children (aOR = 2.06, 95 % CI = 1.84–1.84) and four times as likely to have 3 or more children (aOR = 3.50, 95 % CI = 3.03–4.05) compared to those from the highest-income families. ConclusionTo control high fertility, significant improvement in education, employment, ending early marriage, poverty and unfavorable pronatalist cultural norms, are required.

ScRNA-seq revealing the molecular atlas of the goat follicular microenvironment over the time course of ovulation

Ovulation is paramount for female animal fertility, necessitating a thorough understanding of its process and molecular underpinnings. This study aimed to delineate the goat ovary temporal dynamics of ovulation. Utilizing single-cell sequencing, we analyzed follicular fluid samples obtained at 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h post-hCG administration, identifying 4 cell types and 6 myeloid cell subtypes. We elucidated gene expression and functional changes in granulosa cells over the time course of ovulation. Notably, our study detected and confirmed immune cell infiltration at 6 h post-LH peak. Additionally, we observed significant cellular interactions between granulosa cells and macrophages, with granulosa cells expressing IL1RAP, COL4A1, COL4A2 implicated in immune cell regulation, while macrophages expressed EREG to facilitate oocyte maturation. Collectively, our investigation has established a comprehensive single-cell transcriptome atlas of the ovulating goat ovary for advancing exploration into ovulation mechanisms and developing therapies for ovulatory disorders.