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Topic:Molecular biology
Molecular biology in horses involves the study of molecular processes and genetic mechanisms that underpin equine physiology and health. This field encompasses the analysis of DNA, RNA, proteins, and other biomolecules to understand gene expression, genetic variation, and cellular functions in horses. Techniques such as genomic sequencing, gene expression profiling, and molecular diagnostics are employed to explore topics like hereditary diseases, performance traits, and immune responses in equines. This page assembles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that investigate the molecular biology of horses, focusing on genetic research, molecular techniques, and their applications in equine science.
FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 supplementation during in vitro maturation or culture improves equine ICSI embryo development in an age-dependent manner. Ovum pickup (OPU) combined with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has reshaped equine assisted reproduction, enabling embryo production from mares and stallions with constrained breeding opportunities; however, limited efficiency of in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro culture (IVC) continues to hinder embryo production. Growth factor supplementation with fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) in combination (FLI) has been shown to enhance oocyte and embryo developmental competence in several species. Objective: This...
Telomere-to-telomere Genome Assembly of Equus kiang (Tibetan wild donkey). The Tibetan wild donkey (Equus kiang) is an endemic equid species inhabiting the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, exhibiting remarkable chromosomal diversity within the Equus genus. Here we present a chromosome-level, telomere-to-telomere genome assembly for E. kiang generated using Illumina short reads, PacBio HiFi long reads, and Hi-C sequencing data. The final assembly spans 4.02 Gb and comprises 27 pseudochromosomes. Specifically, 8 chromosomes are gapless, 8 chromosomes have one gap, 7 chromosomes have 2-4 gaps, and the remaining 4 chromosomes have five or more gaps. Benchmarking Universal Single...
miRNA Sequencing and Differential Analysis of Testis in 1-Year-Old and 2-Year-Old Kazakh Horses. The represents a significant genetic resource within China's population, characterized by notable resilience and an ability to thrive on coarse forage. Nevertheless, a decline in its numbers has been observed recently, making the improvement of its reproductive performance crucial for the preservation of this breed and the advancement of the related industry. In this study, testicular tissues from 1-year-old (pre-pubertal) and 2-year-old (post-pubertal) were analyzed. miRNA sequencing was conducted on tissues from these age groups, followed by bioinformatics analyses to elucidate the functi...
Molecular and serological survey on Theileria equi and Babesia caballi infecting Arabian horses in the northern provinces of Syria. Equine babesiosis is one of the prevalent diseases in horses worldwide, but its presence in Syria generally and in the northern region specifically is not known. In Syria, the civil war has severely disrupted veterinary services, hence disease control measures, creating a fertile ground for the spread of tick-borne diseases. Unassigned: This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive molecular and serological survey of and . in Arabian horses from the northern provinces of Syria, regions heavily impacted by the war. Unassigned: A total of 110 Arabian horses, aged between 2 and 10 years, were inc...
Machine Learning-Based Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Genetic Loci Associated with Body Measurement Traits in Yili Horses. Body measurement traits are key indicators for evaluating growth performance, production potential, and breeding value in Yili horses. However, studies investigating the association between body measurement traits and mutation loci in Yili horses remain limited. In this study, 255 adult Yili mares were used as the study population, including 152 speed-type and 103 meat-type individuals. Whole-genome resequencing was performed, and four phenotypic traits and body weight were measured. A mixed linear model (MLM)-based genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using GEMMA (v 0.98.5), inc...
Circulating microRNA profiles as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for acute and carrier Theileria equi infection. Equine piroplasmosis caused by Theileria equi exhibits a wide clinical spectrum ranging from acute disease to lifelong asymptomatic carriage, posing significant diagnostic and epidemiological challenges. In this cross-sectional case-control study, equines were classified as acutely infected, asymptomatic carriers, or uninfected controls based on clinical examination and quantitative PCR. Hematological and biochemical alterations were assessed, and plasma miRNA profiles were characterized using small RNA sequencing, followed by qRT-PCR validation of selected miRNAs. Cytokine gene expression in ...
Comparative analysis of mRNA and circRNA expression profiles and interaction networks in testicular tissues of Mongolian horses before and after sexual maturity. Mongolian horses, celebrated for their resilience and adaptability, undergo marked physiological transformations during sexual maturation. This study employed whole-transcriptome sequencing to conduct a comparative analysis of mRNA and circular RNA (circRNA) expression profiles, along with their interactive regulatory networks, in testicular tissues of Mongolian horses pre- and post-sexual maturity. Histological examinations using hematoxylin-eosin (H.E.) and 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining revealed distinct morphological differences between sexually immature and mature testicu...
Hyperactivation and Tyrosine Phosphorylation of Cryopreserved Stallion Spermatozoa in Relation to Conventional In Vitro Fertilization Blastocyst Production. Challenges in establishing clinical conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) in horses include variation in sperm and oocyte quality, which can be affected by mare age. Extended preincubation of stallion spermatozoa has resulted in successful IVF. However, there is limited research on the impact of preincubation on sperm characteristics and IVF success. Objective: Responses of frozen-thawed stallion spermatozoa over time under IVF preincubation conditions were evaluated, and samples based on specific responses were tested for their ability to fertilize oocytes, including those from older mare...
Additional Evidence Fails to Associate Variation in KCNE4 With Equine Anhidrosis. A prior genome-wide association (GWA; N = 200) including Thoroughbreds and stock horses implicated chromosome 6 (NC_009149.3) in owner-reported equine anhidrosis. A missense variant in KCNE4 (NC_009149.3:g.11813731A>G) was proposed as a risk allele, although its association with anhidrosis was not reported. Variant annotation and protein modelling in the original study suggested the G allele conferred risk. We reported no association of the G allele with anhidrosis in 50 horses phenotyped by an intradermal terbutaline sweat test (ITST); all horses produced sweat regardless of genotype. ...
Search for Equus caballus papillomavirus type 2 in tissues of asymptomatic horses in southern brazil. Equus caballus papillomavirus type 2 (EcPV-2) has been recently associated with the development of genital squamous cell carcinomas in horses. Nevertheless, its circulation among healthy, asymptomatic horses remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the presence of EcPV-2 DNA in asymptomatic horses submitted to necropsy in southern Brazil. A total of 54 horses without clinical or histological evidence of genital lesions were investigated: 40 necropsied animals and penile mucosa specimens collected from 14 horses at a local abattoir. Tissue samples were subjected to histologica...
ATAC-seq and RNA-seq reveal key genes and pathways regulating lactation in the mammary gland of Yili horses. BACKGROUND: Mammary gland development and lactation are dynamic biological processes governed by coordinated changes in chromatin accessibility and gene expression. RESULTS: We performed paired ATAC-seq and RNA-seq profiling to characterize stage-associated chromatin accessibility and transcriptional programs in the Yili horse mammary gland. Using a conservative overlap-based integration, we prioritized candidate genes showing concordant changes across both layers as hypothesis-generating signals for future functional studies. We sequenced mammary gland tissues from early lactation (S1) and pe...
ProAKAP4 as a predictor of semen freezability in Asturcon ponies. Cryopreservation is a valuable tool in equine reproduction, although its success remains highly variable among stallions. The proAKAP4 protein has been proposed as a molecular marker of sperm quality and cryotolerance. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between proAKAP4 concentration and sperm cryotolerance in ejaculates from Asturcon ponies, and to assess whether proAKAP4 levels in fresh semen can predict post-thaw sperm quality parameters before and after cryopreservation. Methods: Twenty-four ejaculates from eight different stallions were used (three ejaculates per ani...
Genomic diversity and structure in arabian horses revealed by whole-genome sequencing: establishment of an allele frequency database of common genetic variation. BACKGROUND: The Arabian horse is a culturally and historically influential breed that has contributed to the development of many modern horse populations. However, genomic resources for this breed remain limited, particularly population-level allele frequency datasets that support studies of genetic diversity, selection, and disease. The aim of this study was to generate a comprehensive allele frequency database for Arabian horses using representative sampling and high-coverage whole-genome sequencing. RESULTS: We generated the first publicly available allele frequency database for the Arabian...
Klossiella equi, an underreported parasite of equids in the Americas. Klossiella equi Baumann, 1946 (Apicomplexa: Coccidia) is a globally distributed adeleorinid parasite that infects the kidneys of equid hosts. Considered an uncommon parasite, when K. equi is detected, it is typically an incidental finding during histologic examination of the kidneys as part of routine necropsy. In the present study, kidney was collected opportunistically from 3 different equine populations: 1) routine necropsies at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC; n = 48); 2) natural mortalities from the Sable Island wild horse herd (n = 25); and 3) routine necropsies of animals fr...
Comparative Morphological and Proteomic Characterization of Adipose Tissues from Different Anatomical Sites in Yili Horses. Adipose tissue functions not only as a primary energy reservoir but also as a metabolically active endocrine organ. However, the morphological and molecular differences among adipose depots from different anatomical sites in Yili horses remain unclear. This study aimed to compare the morphological characteristics and proteomic profiles of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and pericardial adipose tissue (PCAT). To this end, adipose tissue samples from 18 Yili horses were analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, while a subset of samples from 6 horses was subjected to proteomic a...
Integrative Phosphoproteomic Profiling Reveals Stage-Specific Signalling and Metabolism in Equine Melanocytic Neoplasm. Equine melanocytic neoplasms (EMN) are aggressive tumours characterised by high metastatic potential and limited therapeutic options available. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their progression remain poorly understood. This study therefore presents the integrative phosphoproteomic analysis of EMN tissue, with the aim of elucidating stage-specific alterations in signalling pathways and metabolism. Nineteen tissue samples from grey horses were categorised as normal-stage (n = 6), early-stage EMN (n = 7), and severe-stage EMN (n = 6) and subjected to in-depth analysis us...
Interleukins decrease epithelial protein and gene expression by K14 + CD105+ equine hoof progenitor cells. Background: Progenitor cell epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) could impact healing in the epidermal-dermal junction of the equine hoof stratum internum (SI). The hypothesis of this study was that K14 + CD105+ equine hoof SI progenitor cells assume a mesenchymal phenotype in the presence of inflammatory interleukins in vitro.Methods: K14 + CD105+ progenitor cell percentages isolated from proliferative scarred (fibrous) and healthy SI were quantified. Decellularized matrix was prepared from and K14 + CD105+ cells localized in healthy SI. Gene expression (CD44, CD105, E-cadhe...
Relationship between the estrus duration in cyclic mares and the endometrial gene expression on day 7 post-ovulation. This study investigated the effect of estrus duration on endometrial gene expression in cyclic mares on Day 7 post-ovulation, focusing on transcripts relevant to early pregnancy: uterocalin (P19), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), progesterone receptor (PGR), and estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1). Twelve mares were classified according to the estrus duration in long estrus (LE, ≥ 3 days of endometrial edema; n = 7) or short estrus (SE,  0.1). ESR1 expression was undetectable in all samples. These findings suggest that prolonged estrus enhances P19 e...
Microbiome analysis reveals the positive effects of exercise on the gut microbiota in horse. Gut microbiota is vital to host health, involving many aspects including immunity, metabolism and digestion. Exercise is recognized as a significant factor influencing the gut microbiota. However, the effects of exercise on the gut microbiota in horses remain unclear. Here, this study aims to investigate the effects of exercise on the gut bacterial and fungal communities in the horses using 16S rDNA and ITS genes amplicon sequencing. Results indicated that exercise significantly increased the ACE, Chao1 and Shannon indices of the gut bacterial community, accompanied by significant alterations ...
Genetic diversity in the Criollo Argentino horse from SNP array data. The Criollo Argentino horse is a national symbol and a heritage breed that represents both cultural identity and a key component of traditional production systems in Argentina. This study aimed to assess the genetic differentiation of the Criollo Argentino relative to other horse breeds and to infer potential factors shaping its diversity through the genomic analysis of 24 representative animals. Samples were genotyped using a medium-density SNP array containing 65,157 markers, and genetic diversity analyses were conducted across autosomal SNP sets filtered under different criteria. Contempora...
Comprehensive molecular characterization of Theileria equi: Detection, genetic diversity, and risk factors assessment. Equine piroplasmosis, caused by Theileria equi, has been widely studied globally, but genetic diversity research in India remains limited. Analysis of 306 horse blood samples revealed T. equi infection in 10.78% by microscopy and 21.24% by PCR. Universal primers targeting 18S rRNA of T. equi and Babesia caballi were used, followed by species-specific primers generating 435 bp amplicons. Sequenced PCR-positive samples revealed high homology (99.52-100% in India, 95.89-100% globally), with all Indian isolates classified as genotype A. The EMA-1 gene phylogenetic analysis confirmed the insights f...
Haplotype GWAS in swedish warmblood horses for conformation and jumping traits. The aim of this study was to better understand the genomic architecture behind performance-related traits in sport horses. In this study, we conducted a haplotype-based genome-wide association study (GWAS) for 36 conformation and free jumping phenotypes recorded during routinely conducted young horse evaluation tests involving 380 Swedish Warmblood (SWB) horses. The horses were evaluated by expert judges using both traditional and linear evaluation systems. All samples were genotyped using the 670K Affymetrix® Axiom® Equine Genotyping Array, haplotypes were first phased, and haplotype blocks...
Evaluating Protein Enrichment Methods to Improve Biomarker Discovery in Equine Cerebrospinal Fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a valuable source of biomarkers for neurological diseases, but detection of low-abundance proteins is often masked by highly abundant proteins. Enrichment strategies can enhance proteomic coverage and improve biomarker discovery, yet comparative evaluations of such methods in equine CSF are limited. Objective: This study compared the ProteoMiner Small-Capacity Enrichment Kit and the PreOmics Enrich-iST Kit for their ability to deplete high-abundance proteins and enhance detection of low-abundance proteins relevant to neuropathology. Methods: Equine CSF samples were...
Equine Salmonella in Argentina: Genetic relatedness with humans and other animal species and first detection of serovar Freetown. Salmonellosis in horses can cause severe enteritis with diarrhea, fever, and colic, which is usually severe in foals and hospitalized or immunocompromised animals. Carrier horses may intermittently shed Salmonella, thereby acting as a source of infection for other animals and humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and molecular subtyping of Salmonella spp. in horses from Argentina, focusing on potential zoonotic relevance. Only a single isolate (S. Newport) was obtained from fecal samples of 249 clinically healthy horses (2018-2022), indicating a very low carrier detec...
Unraveling the Molecular Mechanism of Bider Marking Formation in Dun Mongolian Horses Through Transcriptome Sequencing. (1) Background: The "Bider" marking refers to the symmetrical black stripes distributed on the shoulder blades of Dun Mongolian horses, representing an ancestral trait of significant genetic value. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its formation remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the molecular basis of these markings by comparing transcriptomic differences in skin tissues from variously pigmented areas of Mongolian horses' "Bider" patterns. (2) Methods: Using three Dun Mongolian horses as subjects, skin tissue samples were collected from their shoulders (dark-marked and li...
Milk fat globule EGF and factor V/VIII domain containing (MFGE8) as a novel player in equine endometrial fibrosis. With increasing age, mares are frequently affected by endometrial fibrosis. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) promotes fibrosis, while milk fat globule EGF and factor V/VIII domain containing (MFGE8) primarily exerts antifibrotic effects. We used in situ hybridization analysis (ISH) to investigate MFGE8, TGFB1 and its downstream effectors cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2) and transgelin (TAGLN) in equine endometrial fibrosis. Additionally, transcriptional effects of TGF-β1 and MFGE8 on equine endometrial fibroblasts in vitro were investigated by single cell sequencing. ...
Molecular typing, biofilm characteristics and biofilm-targeted inhibition strategies of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus isolated from donkey endometritis. Endometritis is a major cause of infertility in intensively farmed donkeys. Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is a predominant pathogen that readily forms biofilms in equine endometritis, conferring resistance to conventional treatments. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the biofilm dynamics of SEZ isolates obtained from donkeys and to evaluate potential anti-biofilm strategies with different drug combinations. Methods: Uterine lavage samples were collected from 30 Dezhou Black donkeys with clinical endometritis. Bacterial cultures were performed on blood agar and MacConk...
Comparative analysis of the transcriptome and methylome in distinct trophoblast populations at the time of embryo implantation in mares. BACKGROUND: During equine implantation, two distinct trophoblast subpopulations are identified: the invasive chorionic girdle (CG) and the non-invasive allantochorion. The invasive CG trophoblast is believed to modulate the maternal immune response and facilitates embryo attachment to the endometrium, while the allantochorion contributes to placental development without breaching the endometrium. However, the mechanisms underlying differential adhesion and immune modulation by these two lineages remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the regulation of biological processes un...
