Comprehensive Integrated Analyses of Proteins and Metabolites in Equine Seminal Plasma (Horses and Donkeys).
Abstract: The reproductive ability of equine species is a critical component of equine breeding programs, with sperm quality serving as a primary determinant of reproductive success. In this study, we perform an integrative analysis of proteomics and metabolomics in seminal plasma to identify proteins and metabolites associated with sperm quality and reproductive ability in equine species. Methods: We utilized the CEROS instrument to assess the morphology and motility of sperm samples from three horses and three donkeys. Additionally, we statistically analyzed the mating frequency and pregnancy rates in both species. Meanwhile, the 4D-DIA high-throughput proteomic and metabolomic profiling of seminal plasma samples from horses and donkeys revealed a complex landscape of proteins and metabolites. Results: Our findings reveal a certain degree of correlation between seminal plasma proteins and metabolites and sperm quality, as well as overall fertility. Notably, we found that the proteins B3GAT3, XYLT2, CHST14, HS2ST1, GLCE, and HSPG2 in the glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis signaling pathway; the metabolites D-glucose, 4-phosphopantetheine, and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid in the tyrosine metabolism, starch, and source metabolisms; and pantothenate CoA biosynthesis metabolism present unique characteristics in the seminal plasma of equine species. Conclusions: This comprehensive approach provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sperm quality and has identified potential proteins and metabolites that could be used to indicate reproduction ability. The findings from this study could be instrumental in developing novel strategies to enhance equine breeding practices and reproductive management. Future research will focus on exploring their potential for clinical application in the equine industry.
Publication Date: 2025-07-04 PubMed ID: 40700277PubMed Central: PMC12285962DOI: 10.3390/proteomes13030033Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research examines sperm quality in horses and donkeys, highlighting specific proteins and metabolites in seminal fluid that might be linked with the reproductive abilities of these equine species.
Research Methodology
- The researchers conducted an extensive analysis of both the proteins (proteomics) and metabolites (metabolomics) present in the seminal fluid of the equine species.
- The study employed a combination of instruments, techniques and statistical methods to unravel the complex landscape of proteins and metabolites in the examined equine species.
- The CEROS instrument was used to assess the motility and morphology of sperm collected from three horses and three donkeys.
- The authors also analyzed mating frequency and pregnancy rates as a measure of the reproductive ability of the studied animals.
- In parallel, a high-throughput proteomic and metabolomic profiling of seminal fluid samples from horses and donkeys was conducted utilizing 4D-DIA technology.
Key Findings
- The analysis revealed a correlation between the proteins and metabolites found in the seminal fluid and the quality of the sperm, as well as overall fertility.
- The study specifically identified proteins (B3GAT3, XYLT2, CHST14, HS2ST1, GLCE, and HSPG2) involved in the glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis signalling pathway, and the metabolites (D-Glucose, 4-Phosphopantetheine, and 4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvic Acid) involved in Tyrosine, Starch and Sucrose metabolisms and Pantothenate CoA biosynthesis metabolism, as bearing distinct features in equine seminal fluid.
- The researchers keenly highlighted that these unique characteristics in seminal plasma could serve as potential indicators of reproductive ability in equines.
Implications and Conclusion
- The study’s findings pave the way for better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for sperm quality in equine species.
- The identified proteins and metabolites have potential use as indicators of reproductive ability, which could be instrumental in developing new strategies to enhance horse and donkey breeding practices and reproductive management.
- The researchers conclude by suggesting that future studies should explore the potential clinical applications of these findings within the equine industry.
Cite This Article
APA
Wen X, Bou G, He Q, Liu Q, Yi M, Ren H.
(2025).
Comprehensive Integrated Analyses of Proteins and Metabolites in Equine Seminal Plasma (Horses and Donkeys).
Proteomes, 13(3), 33.
https://doi.org/10.3390/proteomes13030033 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.
Grant Funding
- 32160783 / the national natural science foundation regional fund project
- 2024TDZX02 / the research projects at Inner Mongolia Agricultural University vocational and technical college
- NJZY23117 / the science and technology research projects of universities in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
- NDYB2022-42 / the research initiation grant program at Inner Mongolia Agricultural University
- BR220402 / the basic scientific research operating expenses project of universities directly under the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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