Qualitative analysis and functional classification of the uterine proteome of mares in oestrus and dioestrus.
- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
Summary
This research article investigates the differences and similarities in the protein makeup found in a mare’s uterine fluid during two reproductive stages, oestrus and dioestrus. The aim is to catalogue these proteins for future studies related to equine uterine health and potential disease markers.
Research Objectives
The main objectives of this study were to:
- Evaluate qualitative differences in the uterine flush fluid proteome (the set of proteins found in the fluid) between mares in oestrus (a stage when mares are sexually receptive) and mares in dioestrus (the stage immediately following oestrus).
- Classify the proteins unique to each stage and those common to both stages.
Methodology
Eight light breed mare uterine fluid samples were collected and analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, which is a sophisticated technique for identifying and quantifying proteins within a sample. The researchers used software to identify proteins that were exclusively present in mares in either the oestrus or the dioestrus stage, as well as proteins that were common in both stages.
Findings
The researchers identified:
- 172 total proteins in the uterine fluid samples.
- 51 proteins were unique to mares in the oestrus stage.
- 28 proteins were unique to mares in the dioestrus stage.
- 93 proteins were common to both stages.
Importantly, the proteins were further classified into gene ontology (GO) categories involving cellular components, molecular function and biological processes. The classifications provided patterns in the subsets of proteins, suggesting their role in the horse’s reproductive cycle.
Conclusion
The findings in this study have offered a significant foundation for future research. Identifying stage-specific protein markers and evaluating differences in the uterine flush fluid proteome between normal mares and those with uterine disease could greatly aid in the understanding and treatment of equine reproductive health.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
- Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada.
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Diestrus / metabolism
- Estrus / metabolism
- Female
- Horses
- Proteome / analysis
- Uterus / metabolism
Grant Funding
- RGPIN-2009-155433 / Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)
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Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Holmes CM, Babasyan S, Wagner B. Neonatal and maternal upregulation of antileukoproteinase in horses. Front Immunol 2024;15:1395030.