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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2025; 15(11); 1532; doi: 10.3390/ani15111532

Comparative Analysis of Proteomic Characteristics in Seminal Plasma Between Horses and Donkeys.

Abstract: Horses and donkeys, as integral members of the equine family, exhibit distinct reproductive capabilities and characteristics. Seminal plasma, the fluid component of semen, contains a variety of proteins that play critical roles in sperm function and fertility. This study aimed to systematically compare the protein profiles in the seminal plasma of horses and donkeys, thereby elucidating the molecular differences between these two species. The study utilized 4D-DIA proteomics technology to analyze seminal plasma from horses and donkeys and further validated key proteins through Western blot. Our findings revealed significant variations in seminal plasma protein composition between horses and donkeys. We identified 2380 and 2385 proteins in the seminal plasma of horses and donkeys. Among these proteins, 59 are solely present in the seminal plasma of horses, and 64 uniquely exsit in that of donkeys, respectively. These insights enhance our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying the reproductive distinctions between these equine species. Moreover, the identified species specific proteins may be essential for thier sperm quality and function, which holds practical value for breeding programs and investigations.
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Publication Date: 2025-05-23 PubMed ID: 40508997PubMed Central: PMC12153549DOI: 10.3390/ani15111532Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research sought to underpin the molecular differences in the seminal plasma of horses and donkeys by comparing their protein profiles using advanced proteomics technology. The distinct reproductive capabilities and characteristics of these species were hypothesized to be influenced by notable differences in their protein composition.

Research Methodology

  • The research used a cutting-edge proteomics technology known as 4D-DIA to carry out a systematic comparison of the protein profiles in the seminal plasma of horses and donkeys.
  • Once identified, key proteins were further validated through Western blot, a widely used technique in cell and molecular biology that detects specific proteins within a complex mixture.

Findings

  • The study highlighted significant variations in seminal plasma protein composition between horses and donkeys. A total of 2380 and 2385 proteins were identified in the seminal plasma of horses and donkeys, respectively.
  • A striking feature of the study’s results was the identification of species-specific proteins, 59 solely present in horse seminal plasma and 64 unique to donkey seminal plasma. These proteins may play a crucial role in the sperm function and fertility of each species.

Implications and Significance

  • The research provides valuable insights into the biological mechanisms that underlie the reproductive differences between the two equine species. By identifying the protein profiles and species-specific proteins, the study helps enhance our understanding of the molecular makeup of these species’ seminal plasma, which is believed to contribute to their distinct reproductive characteristics.
  • Moreover, the findings have practical relevance for breeding programs and further investigations, as the species-specific proteins could potentially influence the quality and functionality of the sperm, thereby affecting breeding success rates.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking comparative proteomic analysis opens a new avenue for the exploration of reproductive physiology in equine species and could aid breeding strategies by informing about the key proteins involved in equine reproduction.

Cite This Article

APA
Wen X, Ren H, He Q, Yi M, Ulaangerel T, Bou G. (2025). Comparative Analysis of Proteomic Characteristics in Seminal Plasma Between Horses and Donkeys. Animals (Basel), 15(11), 1532. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15111532

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 11
PII: 1532

Researcher Affiliations

Wen, Xin
  • Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.
Ren, Hong
  • Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.
He, Qianqian
  • Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.
Yi, Minna
  • Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.
Ulaangerel, Tseweendolmaa
  • Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.
Bou, Gerelchimeg
  • Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.

Grant Funding

  • BR220402 / the Basic scientific research operating expenses project of universities directly under the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
  • NJZY23117 / the science and technology research projects of universities In Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
  • DC2300001263 / the 2022 annual high-level talent research support fund project for local public institutions in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
  • NDYB2022-42 / the research initiation grant program at Inner Mongolia Agricultural University

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Wen X, Bou G, He Q, Liu Q, Yi M, Ren H. Comprehensive Integrated Analyses of Proteins and Metabolites in Equine Seminal Plasma (Horses and Donkeys). Proteomes 2025 Jul 4;13(3).
    doi: 10.3390/proteomes13030033pubmed: 40700277google scholar: lookup
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