Analysis of the miRNA transcriptome during testicular development and spermatogenesis of the Mongolian horse.
Abstract: Numerous studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are essential for testicular development and spermatogenesis. In order to further characterise these physiological processes, three immature and three mature testes of the Mongolian horse were collected and six libraries were established. Using small RNA sequencing technology, 531 mature miRNAs were identified, including 46 novel miRNAs without previously ascribed functions. Among the 531 miRNAs, 421 were expressed in both immature and mature libraries, 65 miRNAs were found solely in immature testis libraries and 45 miRNAs were found solely in mature testis libraries. Furthermore, among the miRNAs that were identified in both immature and mature libraries, 107 were significantly differentially expressed (corrected P value (padj)<0.05). Among the miRNAs that were only expressed in immature testes, two miRNAs were differentially expressed, whereas among the miRNAs that were only expressed in mature testes, nine miRNAs were differentially expressed. Comprehensive analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles predicted 107 miRNA-mRNA interaction sites. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of the predicted target genes suggested roles of the differentially expressed miRNAs in testicular development and spermatogenesis. These findings identify miRNAs as key factors in the development of the testes and spermatogenesis in the Mongolian horse, which may also help us to understand the mechanisms of fertility in related mammalian species.
Publication Date: 2020-03-27 PubMed ID: 32209208DOI: 10.1071/RD19133Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article explores the role of microRNAs, specifically their expression patterns, in the testicular development and spermatogenesis of the Mongolian horse.
Overview of the Study and its Methodology
- The study involved the collection and analysis of testes from three immature and three mature Mongolian horses. From these, six libraries were created.
- Small RNA sequencing technology was used in order to identify and learn more about the miRNAs present in these samples.
Key Findings
- Out of 531 identified mature miRNAs, 46 of them were new and had not been ascribed functions prior to this research.
- 421 miRNAs were present in both immature and mature samples, whereas 65 miRNAs were exclusive to the immature libraries and 45 miRNAs were exclusive to the mature libraries.
- Of the miRNAs found in both library types, 107 exhibited significant differential expression. In the collection exclusive to immature testes, two were differentially expressed. Meanwhile, in the library exclusive to mature testes, nine exhibited differential expression.
Implications of the Findings
- Following a comprehensive examination of miRNA and mRNA expression, the study was able to predict 107 miRNA-mRNA interaction sites. This essentially implies potential sites where the miRNAs could regulate gene expression, which has a profound impact on testicular development and spermatogenesis.
- Through Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of the targeted genes, the researchers were able to identify possible roles of the differentially expressed miRNAs.
- The research findings suggest that these miRNAs play a crucial role in the development of testicular functions and spermatogenesis in the Mongolian horse. Additionally, these findings could aid in better understanding the mechanisms of fertility in related mammalian species.
Cite This Article
APA
Li B, He X, Zhao Y, Bai D, Li D, Zhou Z, Manglai D.
(2020).
Analysis of the miRNA transcriptome during testicular development and spermatogenesis of the Mongolian horse.
Reprod Fertil Dev, 32(6), 582-593.
https://doi.org/10.1071/RD19133 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Zhaowuda RD.306, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, PR China.
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Zhaojun RD.22, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, PR China.
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Zhaowuda RD.306, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, PR China.
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Zhaowuda RD.306, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, PR China.
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Zhaowuda RD.306, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, PR China.
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Zhaowuda RD.306, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, PR China.
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Zhaowuda RD.306, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, PR China; and Corresponding author. Email: dmanglai@163.com.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Fertility / genetics
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Gene Regulatory Networks
- Horses / genetics
- Horses / growth & development
- Horses / metabolism
- Male
- MicroRNAs / genetics
- MicroRNAs / metabolism
- Spermatogenesis / genetics
- Testis / growth & development
- Testis / metabolism
- Transcriptome
Citations
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- Zhang X, Liu Y, Ma W, Li L, Bai D, Dugarjaviin M. Integrated Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analysis Reveals Differential Gene and Protein Expression and Signaling Pathways During a 20 Km Endurance Exercise and Recovery in Mongolian Horses. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jul 5;15(13).
- Baatar T, Song D, Weng Y, Wang G, Jin L, Guo R, Li B, Dugarjaviin M. Effect of Alternative Splicing Euchromatic Histone Lysine Methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2/G9A) on Spermatogenesis in Mongolian Horses. Animals (Basel) 2025 Apr 11;15(8).
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