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Li S, Lei H, Ahmed Z, Duan H, Li J, Li H, Lei C, Zhang B, Yi K. Analysis of genetic diversity and selection signatures on the Zhashi Brown goat through whole genome sequencing data. Anim Genet 2025; 56:e70016. [PMID: 40365698 DOI: 10.1111/age.70016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2025] [Indexed: 05/15/2025]
Abstract
The Zhashi Brown goat is native to Hengyang Municipality in Hunan Province in southern China and boasts a rich history. The goats exhibit exceptional traits, including heat and insect resistance, strong reproductive capabilities and superior meat production. Despite these merits, the currently limited population requires immediate conservation endeavors. In this study, we conducted whole-genome resequencing on 21 Zhashi Brown goats. Additionally, we performed a joint analysis using published whole-genome data from 119 goats, including Chengdu Brown goat, Matou goat, Wuxue goat, Xiangdong Black goat, Qaidam Cashmere goat, Ujumqin Cashmere goat and Shanbei Cashmere goat. The results revealed that the Zhashi Brown goat is genetically more pure than other Southern Chinese goat breeds. Furthermore, the genetic diversity (nucleotide diversity, linkage disequilibrium, runs of homozygosity and inbreeding coefficient) of the Zhashi Brown goat's genome is at a low level among the eight breeds, indicating the need for further conservation. Employing analytical methodologies such as composite likelihood ratio, nucleotide diversity, integrated haplotype score, the fixation index and cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity, we systematically scanned selective signals within the genomic landscape of Zhashi Brown goat. The outcomes underscore strong selection signals associated with genes implicated in immune response, heat tolerance, reproductive performance and meat quality. These findings make a significant contribution to our understanding of the genetics framework associated with adaptive traits in Zhashi Brown goat. Furthermore, this study explores the genetic diversity of the Zhashi Brown goat, which may contribute to the theoretical framework for conserving its genetic resources, while the identified trait-associated variations could inform future strategies to optimize selective breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Li
- Hunan Institute of Animal and Veterinary Science, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hong Lei
- Hunan Institute of Animal and Veterinary Science, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zulfiqar Ahmed
- Department of Livestock and Poultry Production, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Poonch Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan
| | - Hongfeng Duan
- Hunan Institute of Animal and Veterinary Science, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jianbo Li
- Hunan Institute of Animal and Veterinary Science, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haobang Li
- Hunan Institute of Animal and Veterinary Science, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chuzhao Lei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Baizhong Zhang
- Hunan Institute of Animal and Veterinary Science, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kangle Yi
- Hunan Institute of Animal and Veterinary Science, Changsha, Hunan, China
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2
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Bodu M, Hitit M, Donmez H, Kaya A, Ugur MR, Memili E. Exploration of Small Non-Coding RNAs as Molecular Markers of Ram Sperm Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:2690. [PMID: 40141332 PMCID: PMC11942391 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26062690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2025] [Revised: 03/11/2025] [Accepted: 03/12/2025] [Indexed: 03/28/2025] Open
Abstract
The identification of molecular markers for fertility is critical for the sustainability of livestock production. We profiled small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) in sperm from rams with high fertility (HF) and low fertility (LF) phenotypes to uncover their roles in ram sperm fertility. Rams were categorized into high-fertility (HF, n = 31; 94.5 ± 2.8%) and low-fertility (LF, n = 25; 83.1 ± 5.73%) phenotypes based on pregnancy rates (average 89.4 ± 7.2%). From these, sperm samples of HF (n = 4; pregnancy rate 99.2 ± 1.6%) and LF (n = 4; pregnancy rate 73.6 ± 4.4%) rams underwent sncRNA sequencing. Small RNA sequencing produced 14,962,876 reads in LF rams and 17,401,094 reads in HF rams, showing distinct sncRNA biotypes, including miRNAs, tRNAs, snoRNAs, snRNAs, and rRNAs. Among these, miRNAs comprised 7.12% of reads in LF rams and 3.78% in HF rams, while rRNAs and repeats formed significant proportions in both groups. A total of 1673 known and 627 novel miRNAs were identified, with 227 differentially expressed miRNAs between the HF and LF groups. We showed that key miRNAs, such as oar-miR-200b and oar-miR-370-3p, were upregulated in HF sperm, while downregulated miRNAs in LF, such as oar-miR-26b and oar-let-7d, were associated with impaired sperm function and DNA fragmentation. A functional enrichment analysis of miRNA target genes highlighted pathways related to ribonucleoprotein complex biogenesis, RNA processing, and gene expression regulation. These findings establish the critical role of sperm sncRNAs as regulators of fertility and potential biomarkers in breeding soundness tests for the precision farming of livestock for global food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Bodu
- College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77445, USA;
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya 42005, Türkiye
| | - Mustafa Hitit
- College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77445, USA;
- Department of Animal Genetic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu 37100, Türkiye
| | - Huseyin Donmez
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
| | - Abdullah Kaya
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53558, USA;
| | - Muhammet Rasit Ugur
- IVF Michigan Fertility Centers, 37000 Woodward Ave #350, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304, USA;
| | - Erdoğan Memili
- College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77445, USA;
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3
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Wang L, Xiong M, Li S, Ma S, Jiang S, Wang H, Zhang J, Li X. Beneficial effects of EGCG on boar sperm quality during liquid storage at 4 °C are mediated by DRD2 receptor. Theriogenology 2025; 234:174-185. [PMID: 39718310 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2024] [Revised: 12/18/2024] [Accepted: 12/19/2024] [Indexed: 12/25/2024]
Abstract
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a natural antioxidant, plays a vital role in modulating sperm function, yet its protective impact on boar spermatozoa during liquid preservation at 4 °C remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of EGCG on boar semen preservation, and elucidate the potential mechanism. Multiple parameters including sperm quality, anti-oxidative status, protein phosphorylation levels, membrane receptor and cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) signaling pathways were analyzed using computer-assisted semen analysis system, Western blot and molecular docking techniques. Results revealed that supplementation with EGCG, particularly with 10 μg/mL, significantly increased sperm motility, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular ATP content. Moreover, EGCG enhanced the antioxidant defenses of sperm through eliminating excessive reactive oxygen species. Intriguingly, the antioxidant property of EGCG partly prevented protein dephosphorylation, thereby indirectly enhancing protein phosphorylation. Additionally, the dopamine receptor (DRD2) was detected in boar spermatozoa and inhibition of DRD2 greatly prevented EGCG-caused enhancement of protein phosphorylation levels and sperm motility, suggesting the role of DRD2 in regulation of the beneficial effects of EGCG. Molecular docking results indicated that EGCG has favorable binding interactions with the active sites of DRD2, involving crucial hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, further suggesting that EGCG might directly interact with DRD2, mediate protein phosphorylation via activating the DRD2/cAMP/PKA pathway and thus boost sperm motility. The present study is the first to explore the interacting cell-surface receptor of EGCG on boar sperm and provides comprehensive insights into the protective mechanism of EGCG during hypothermic liquid storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lirui Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Veterinary and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Manyi Xiong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Veterinary and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Sisi Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Veterinary and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Sheng Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Veterinary and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Shengyao Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Veterinary and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Haolei Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Veterinary and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Agriculture, Hetao College, Bayannur, 015000, China
| | - Xinhong Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Veterinary and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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4
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Barth A, Perry VEA, Hamilton LE, Sutovsky P, Oko R. Assessing Bovine Male Fertility in a Technological Age. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2025; 240:297-329. [PMID: 40272592 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-70126-9_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2025]
Abstract
New and emerging technologies allow for a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of sperm physiology that can be harnessed to improve bull fertility selection. This chapter focuses on (1) the use of conventional and emerging flow cytometry techniques to further enhance functional sperm assessments; (2) new developments in proteomic and metabolomic biomarkers of bull fertility and how they can better inform fertility evaluations; and (3) the use of sperm selection technologies to optimize the fertility outcomes of bulls in artificial insemination service. As our knowledge of sperm physiology continues to expand, technology will allow for a faster translational capacity and continuous development of techniques. The technologies and techniques presented are current tools that can be used to enhance the efficiency, precision and accuracy of bull fertility assessments and better inform herd management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Barth
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
| | - Viv E A Perry
- Queensland Sperm Morphology Laboratory (QSML), Goondiwindi, QLD, Australia
| | - Lauren E Hamilton
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Science and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Richard Oko
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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5
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Tirpak F, Hamilton LE, Schnabel RD, Sutovsky P. Biomarker-based high-throughput sperm phenotyping: Andrology in the age of precision medicine and agriculture. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 271:107636. [PMID: 39522272 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2024] [Revised: 10/25/2024] [Accepted: 11/07/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
Reproductive efficiency is crucial for animal agriculture. This economically important aspect can be influenced by environmental burdens, nutritional imbalance, and gonadal or gametic malformations of genetic origin. Successful implementation of genomic-driven selective breeding in cattle depends on the reproductive performance of artificial insemination (AI) sires with valuable genomic production traits. Reproduction is traditionally viewed as a complex set of polygenic traits that are negatively impacted by using a small number of often closely related sires selected for AI due to their superior genetics. Despite recent progress, it remains difficult to define relationships between sire genome and variation in sperm phenotypes, even though several types of heritable, non-compensable sperm defects have been identified. In this review, we discuss the concept of sperm quality biomarker discovery and genomics of male fertility. We also outline a multidisciplinary genome-to-phenome approach for investigating heritable mutations and their impacts on bull fertility, sperm phenotypes and paternal contributions to early pregnancy. High-precision phenotyping requires novel, state-of-the-art instrumentation for sperm quality evaluation and development of new biomarkers of sperm quality in farm animals, with potential for incorporation into andrology-specific machine learning protocols and translation to human andrology. We conclude that reproduction is a complex phenotype that can be deciphered and explored for more precise male fertility evaluation and higher reproductive efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Tirpak
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Lauren E Hamilton
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Robert D Schnabel
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
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6
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Ren H, Wen X, He Q, Yi M, Dugarjaviin M, Bou G. Comparative Study on the Sperm Proteomes of Horses and Donkeys. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2237. [PMID: 39123763 PMCID: PMC11311092 DOI: 10.3390/ani14152237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The reproductive performance of horse sperm and donkey sperm has been reported to differ. Sperm proteins play a crucial role in sperm viability and fertility. Although differences between species are known, no prior study has investigated disparities in the sperm proteome between horses and donkeys. Therefore, this study characterized and compared the sperm proteomes of horses and donkeys using 4D-DIA mass spectrometry technology. We identified 3436 proteins in horse sperm and 3404 proteins in donkey sperm. Of these, 3363 proteins were expressed in both horse and donkey sperm, with 73 proteins being specifically expressed in horse sperm, and 41 in donkey sperm. According to data analysis, donkeys exhibited a greater percentage of motility and progressive movement in straight-line sperm than horses, as well as lower percentages of static and slow sperm than horses. Joint analysis of the results from the horse and donkey sperm proteomes and their CEROS II-read parameters demonstrated a possible association between sperm proteins and their sperm viability patterns. These findings suggest that there are discrepancies in the expression levels and protein compositions of horse and donkey sperm and that certain specific proteins may be responsible for the differences in performance between these two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Ren
- Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (H.R.); (X.W.); (Q.H.); (M.Y.)
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Xin Wen
- Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (H.R.); (X.W.); (Q.H.); (M.Y.)
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Qianqian He
- Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (H.R.); (X.W.); (Q.H.); (M.Y.)
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Minna Yi
- Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (H.R.); (X.W.); (Q.H.); (M.Y.)
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Manglai Dugarjaviin
- Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (H.R.); (X.W.); (Q.H.); (M.Y.)
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Gerelchimeg Bou
- Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (H.R.); (X.W.); (Q.H.); (M.Y.)
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
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7
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Sutovsky P, Hamilton LE, Zigo M, Ortiz D’Avila Assumpção ME, Jones A, Tirpak F, Agca Y, Kerns K, Sutovsky M. Biomarker-based human and animal sperm phenotyping: the good, the bad and the ugly†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:1135-1156. [PMID: 38640912 PMCID: PMC11180624 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Conventional, brightfield-microscopic semen analysis provides important baseline information about sperm quality of an individual; however, it falls short of identifying subtle subcellular and molecular defects in cohorts of "bad," defective human and animal spermatozoa with seemingly normal phenotypes. To bridge this gap, it is desirable to increase the precision of andrological evaluation in humans and livestock animals by pursuing advanced biomarker-based imaging methods. This review, spiced up with occasional classic movie references but seriously scholastic at the same time, focuses mainly on the biomarkers of altered male germ cell proteostasis resulting in post-testicular carryovers of proteins associated with ubiquitin-proteasome system. Also addressed are sperm redox homeostasis, epididymal sperm maturation, sperm-seminal plasma interactions, and sperm surface glycosylation. Zinc ion homeostasis-associated biomarkers and sperm-borne components, including the elements of neurodegenerative pathways such as Huntington and Alzheimer disease, are discussed. Such spectrum of biomarkers, imaged by highly specific vital fluorescent molecular probes, lectins, and antibodies, reveals both obvious and subtle defects of sperm chromatin, deoxyribonucleic acid, and accessory structures of the sperm head and tail. Introduction of next-generation image-based flow cytometry into research and clinical andrology will soon enable the incorporation of machine and deep learning algorithms with the end point of developing simple, label-free methods for clinical diagnostics and high-throughput phenotyping of spermatozoa in humans and economically important livestock animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Lauren E Hamilton
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Michal Zigo
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Mayra E Ortiz D’Avila Assumpção
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexis Jones
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Filip Tirpak
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Yuksel Agca
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Karl Kerns
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Miriam Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
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8
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Hernández-Avilés C, Ramírez-Agámez L, Weintraub ST, Scoggin CF, Davis BW, Raudsepp T, Varner DD, Love CC. Proteomic analysis of sperm from fertile stallions and subfertile stallions due to impaired acrosomal exocytosis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12446. [PMID: 38816557 PMCID: PMC11139894 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63410-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Thoroughbred stallions that carry a double-homozygous genotype A/A-A/A for SNPs rs397316122 and rs69101140 in exon 5 of the FKBP6 gene (chr13; EquCab3.0) are uniquely subfertile due to impaired acrosomal exocytosis (IAE). In this study, the sperm proteome in frozen/thawed semen from subfertile Thoroughbred stallions was studied and compared to that of frozen/thawed sperm from fertile Thoroughbred stallions. A total of 2,220 proteins was identified, of which 140 proteins were found to be differentially abundant in sperm from the subfertile stallions compared to that of fertile stallions (83 less and 57 more abundant). Proteins of differential abundance in sperm from the subfertile stallions were mainly overrepresented in the "metabolism" and the "metabolism of lipids" pathways. One of these proteins, arylsulfatase F (ARSF), was studied by immunofluorescence. A lower proportion of sperm displaying ARSF signal at the acrosome region was observed in sperm from subfertile Thoroughbred stallions. In addition, heterologous zona pellucida binding assays revealed that sperm from subfertile Thoroughbred stallions bound at a lower proportion to zonae pellucidae than sperm from fertile Thoroughbred stallions. In conclusion, a group of differential abundance proteins, including some of acrosome origin, were identified in sperm from subfertile stallions with acrosome dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Hernández-Avilés
- Equine Fertility Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 500 Raymond Stotzer Parkway, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Luisa Ramírez-Agámez
- Equine Fertility Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 500 Raymond Stotzer Parkway, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Susan T Weintraub
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Charles F Scoggin
- LeBlanc Reproduction Center, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Brian W Davis
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Terje Raudsepp
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Dickson D Varner
- Equine Fertility Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 500 Raymond Stotzer Parkway, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Charles C Love
- Equine Fertility Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 500 Raymond Stotzer Parkway, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
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Hitit M, Kaya A, Memili E. Sperm long non-coding RNAs as markers for ram fertility. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1337939. [PMID: 38799722 PMCID: PMC11117017 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1337939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
It is critical in sheep farming to accurately estimate ram fertility for maintaining reproductive effectiveness and for production profitability. However, there is currently a lack of reliable biomarkers to estimate semen quality and ram fertility, which is hindering advances in animal science and technology. The objective of this study was to uncover long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in sperm from rams with distinct fertility phenotypes. Mature rams were allocated into two groups: high and low fertility (HF; n = 31; 94.5 ± 2.8%, LF; n = 25; 83.1 ± 5.73%; P = 0.028) according to the pregnancy rates sired by the rams (average pregnancy rate; 89.4 ± 7.2%). Total RNAs were isolated from sperm of the highest- and lowest-fertility rams (n = 4, pregnancy rate; 99.2 ± 1.6%, and 73.6 ± 4.4%, respectively) followed by next-generation sequencing of the transcripts. We uncovered 11,209 lncRNAs from the sperm of rams with HF and LF. In comparison to each other, there were 93 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs in sperm from the two distinct fertility phenotypes. Of these, 141 mRNAs were upregulated and 134 were downregulated between HF and LF, respectively. Genes commonly enriched for 9 + 2 motile cilium and sperm flagellum were ABHD2, AK1, CABS1, ROPN1, SEPTIN2, SLIRP, and TEKT3. Moreover, CABS1, CCDC39, CFAP97D1, ROPN1, SLIRP, TEKT3, and TTC12 were commonly enriched in flagellated sperm motility and sperm motility. Differentially expressed mRNAs were enriched in the top 16 KEGG pathways. Targets of the differentially expressed lncRNAs elucidate functions in cis and trans manner using the genetic context of the lncRNA locus, and lncRNA sequences revealed 471 mRNAs targets of 10 lncRNAs. This study illustrates the existence of potential lncRNA biomarkers that can be implemented in analyzing the quality of ram sperm and determining the sperm fertility and is used in breeding soundness exams for precision livestock farming to ensure food security on a global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Hitit
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Türkiye
- College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX, United States
| | - Abdullah Kaya
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Erdogan Memili
- College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX, United States
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10
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Larbi A, Li C, Quan G. An updated review on the application of proteomics to explore sperm cryoinjury mechanisms in livestock animals. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 263:107441. [PMID: 38412764 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive review critically examines the application of proteomics in understanding sperm cryoinjury mechanisms in livestock animals, in the context of the widespread use of semen cryopreservation for genetic conservation. Despite its global adoption, cryopreservation often detrimentally affects sperm quality and fertility due to cryoinjuries. These injuries primarily arise from ice crystal formation, osmotic shifts, oxidative stress, and the reorganization of membrane proteins and lipids during freezing and thawing, leading to premature capacitation-like changes. Moreover, the cryopreservation process induces proteome remodeling in mammalian sperm. Although there have been technological advances in semen cryopreservation, the precise mechanisms of mammalian sperm cryoinjury remain elusive. This review offers an in-depth exploration of how recent advancements in proteomic technologies have enabled a detailed investigation into these molecular disruptions. It presents an analysis of protein-level alterations post-thaw and their impact on sperm viability and functionality. Additionally, it discusses the role of proteomics in refining cryopreservation techniques to mitigate cryoinjury and enhance reproductive outcomes in livestock. This work synthesizes current knowledge, highlights gaps, and suggests directions for future research in animal reproductive science and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allai Larbi
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China; Laboratory of Sustainable Agriculture Management, Higher School of Technology Sidi Bennour, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco
| | - Chunyan Li
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Guobo Quan
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.
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11
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Peñagaricano F. Genomics and Dairy Bull Fertility. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2024; 40:185-190. [PMID: 37669889 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Current evidence suggests that dairy bull fertility is influenced by genetic factors, and hence, it could be managed and improved by genetic means. There are major mutations that explain about 4% to 8% of the observed differences in conception rate between bulls segregating in most dairy breeds. Research has shown that genomic prediction of bull fertility is possible, and this could be used to make accurate genome-guided selection decisions, such as early culling of predicted subfertile bull calves. Inbreeding negatively influences bull fertility, and the increase in homozygosity seems an important risk factor for dairy bull subfertility.
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Gacem S, Castello-Ruiz M, Hidalgo CO, Tamargo C, Santolaria P, Soler C, Yániz JL, Silvestre MA. Bull Sperm SWATH-MS-Based Proteomics Reveals Link between High Fertility and Energy Production, Motility Structures, and Sperm-Oocyte Interaction. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:3607-3624. [PMID: 37782577 PMCID: PMC10629479 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
The prediction of male or semen fertility potential remains a persistent challenge that has yet to be fully resolved. This work analyzed several in vitro parameters and proteome of spermatozoa in bulls cataloged as high- (HF; n = 5) and low-field (LF; n = 5) fertility after more than a thousand artificial inseminations. Sperm motility was evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (mROS) of spermatozoa were assessed by flow cytometry. Proteome was evaluated by the SWATH-MS procedure. Spermatozoa of HF bulls showed significantly higher total motility than the LF group (41.4% vs 29.7%). Rates of healthy sperm (live, high MMP, and low mROS) for HF and LF bull groups were 49% and 43%, respectively (p > 0.05). Spermatozoa of HF bulls showed a higher presence of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) related to both energy production (COX7C), mainly the OXPHOS pathway, and the development of structures linked with the motility process (TPPP2, SSMEM1, and SPAG16). Furthermore, we observed that equatorin (EQTN), together with other DAPs related to the interaction with the oocyte, was overrepresented in HF bull spermatozoa. The biological processes related to protein processing, catabolism, and protein folding were found to be overrepresented in LF bull sperm in which the HSP90AA1 chaperone was identified as the most DAP. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD042286.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Gacem
- Departamento
de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología
Física, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
- Departamento
de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Universitat
Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Castello-Ruiz
- Departamento
de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología
Física, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
- Unidad
Mixta de Investigación Cerebrovascular, Instituto de Investigación
Sanitaria La Fe, Hospital Universitario
y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos O. Hidalgo
- Animal
Selection and Reproduction Area, Regional
Agrifood Research and Development Service (SERIDA), 33394 Deva, Gijón, Spain
| | - Carolina Tamargo
- Animal
Selection and Reproduction Area, Regional
Agrifood Research and Development Service (SERIDA), 33394 Deva, Gijón, Spain
| | - Pilar Santolaria
- BIOFITER
Research Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences (IUCA), University of Zaragoza, 22071 Huesca, Spain
| | - Carles Soler
- Departamento
de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología
Física, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jesús L. Yániz
- BIOFITER
Research Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences (IUCA), University of Zaragoza, 22071 Huesca, Spain
| | - Miguel A. Silvestre
- Departamento
de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología
Física, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
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The stallion sperm acrosome: Considerations from a research and clinical perspective. Theriogenology 2023; 196:121-149. [PMID: 36413868 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
During the fertilization process, the interaction between the sperm and the oocyte is mediated by a process known as acrosomal exocytosis (AE). Although the role of the sperm acrosome on fertilization has been studied extensively over the last 70 years, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that govern acrosomal function, particularly in species other than mice or humans. Even though subfertility due to acrosomal dysfunction is less common in large animals than in humans, the evaluation of sperm acrosomal function should be considered not only as a complementary but a routine test when individuals are selected for breeding potential. This certainly holds true for stallions, which might display lower levels of fertility in the face of "acceptable" sperm quality parameters determined by conventional sperm assays. Nowadays, the use of high throughput technologies such as flow cytometry or mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis is commonplace in the research arena. Such techniques can also be implemented in clinical scenarios of males with "idiopathic" subfertility. The current review focuses on the sperm acrosome, with particular emphasis on the stallion. We aim to describe the physiological events that lead to the acrosome formation within the testis, the role of very specific acrosomal proteins during AE, the methods to study the occurrence of AE under in vitro conditions, and the potential use of molecular biology techniques to discover new markers of acrosomal function and subfertility associated with acrosomal dysfunction in stallions.
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Štiavnická M, Hošek P, Abril-Parreño L, Kenny DA, Lonergan P, Fair S. Membrane remodulation and hyperactivation are impaired in frozen-thawed sperm of low-fertility bulls. Theriogenology 2023; 195:115-121. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Haq ZU, Saleem A, Khan AA, Dar MA, Ganaie AM, Beigh YA, Hamadani H, Ahmad SM. Nutrigenomics in livestock sector and its human-animal interface-a review. Vet Anim Sci 2022; 17:100262. [PMID: 35856004 PMCID: PMC9287789 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2022.100262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrigenomics unfolds the link between nutrition and gene expression for productivity.expression profile of intramuscular. Nutrigenomics helps scientists discover genes and DNA in each animal's cell or tissue by assisting them in selecting nutrients. It brings out the importance of micronutrition for increasing animal production. Nutrigenomics integrates nutrition, molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, molecular medicine, and epidemiology.
Noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and cancer now outnumber all other health ailments in humans globally due to abrupt changes in lifestyle following the industrial revolution. The industrial revolution has also intensified livestock farming, resulting in an increased demand for productivity and stressed animals. The livestock industry faces significant challenges from a projected sharp increase in global food and high animal protein demand. Nutrition genomics holds great promise for the future as its advances have opened up a whole new world of disease understanding and prevention. Nutrigenomics is the study of the interactions between genes and diet. It investigates molecular relationships between nutrients and genes to identify how even minor modifications could potentially alter animal and human health/performance by using techniques like proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics. Dietary modifications mostly studied in livestock focus mainly on health and production traits through protein, fat, mineral, and vitamin supplementation changes. Nutrigenomics meticulously selects nutrients for fine-tuning the expression of genes that match animal/human genotypes for better health, productivity, and the environment. As a step forward, nutrigenomics integrates nutrition, molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, molecular medicine, and epidemiology to better understand the role of food as an epigenetic factor in the occurrence of these diseases. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamental concepts, latest advances, and studies in the field of nutrigenomics, emphasizing the interaction of diet with gene expression, and how it relates to human and animal health along with its human-animal interphase.
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Tiwari S, Rajamanickam G, Unnikrishnan V, Ojaghi M, Kastelic JP, Thundathil JC. Testis-Specific Isoform of Na +-K + ATPase and Regulation of Bull Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:7936. [PMID: 35887284 PMCID: PMC9317330 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
An advanced understanding of sperm function is relevant for evidence-based male fertility prediction and addressing male infertility. A standard breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) merely identifies gross abnormalities in bulls, whereas selection based on single nucleotide polymorphisms and genomic estimated breeding values overlooks sub-microscopic differences in sperm. Molecular tools are important for validating genomic selection and advancing knowledge on the regulation of male fertility at an interdisciplinary level. Therefore, research in this field is now focused on developing a combination of in vitro sperm function tests and identifying biomarkers such as sperm proteins with critical roles in fertility. The Na+-K+ ATPase is a ubiquitous transmembrane protein and its α4 isoform (ATP1A4) is exclusively expressed in germ cells and sperm. Furthermore, ATP1A4 is essential for male fertility, as it interacts with signaling molecules in both raft and non-raft fractions of the sperm plasma membrane to regulate capacitation-associated signaling, hyperactivation, sperm-oocyte interactions, and activation. Interestingly, ATP1A4 activity and expression increase during capacitation, challenging the widely accepted dogma of sperm translational quiescence. This review discusses the literature on the role of ATP1A4 during capacitation and fertilization events and its prospective use in improving male fertility prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jacob C. Thundathil
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (S.T.); (G.R.); (V.U.); (M.O.); (J.P.K.)
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Pacheco HA, Rossoni A, Cecchinato A, Peñagaricano F. Deciphering the genetic basis of male fertility in Italian Brown Swiss dairy cattle. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10575. [PMID: 35732705 PMCID: PMC9217806 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14889-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving reproductive performance remains a major goal in dairy cattle worldwide. Service sire has been recognized as an important factor affecting herd fertility. The main objective of this study was to reveal the genetic basis of male fertility in Italian Brown Swiss dairy cattle. Dataset included 1102 Italian Brown Swiss bulls with sire conception rate records genotyped with 454k single nucleotide polymorphisms. The analysis included whole-genome scans and gene-set analyses to identify genomic regions, individual genes and genetic mechanisms affecting Brown Swiss bull fertility. One genomic region on BTA1 showed significant additive effects. This region harbors gene RABL3 which is implicated cell proliferation and motility. Two genomic regions, located on BTA6 and BTA26, showed marked non-additive effects. These regions harbor genes, such as WDR19 and ADGRA1, that are directly involved in male fertility, including sperm motility, acrosome reaction, and embryonic development. The gene-set analysis revealed functional terms related to cell adhesion, cellular signaling, cellular transport, immune system, and embryonic development. Remarkably, a gene-set analysis also including Holstein and Jersey data, revealed significant processes that are common to the three dairy breeds, including cell migration, cell-cell interaction, GTPase activity, and the immune function. Overall, this comprehensive study contributes to a better understanding of the genetic basis of male fertility in cattle. In addition, our findings may guide the development of novel genomic strategies for improving service sire fertility in Brown Swiss cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendyel A Pacheco
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Attilio Rossoni
- Italian Brown Breeders Association, Bussolengo, 37012, Verona, Italy
| | - Alessio Cecchinato
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, 35020, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Francisco Peñagaricano
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
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Chakraborty D, Sharma N, Kour S, Sodhi SS, Gupta MK, Lee SJ, Son YO. Applications of Omics Technology for Livestock Selection and Improvement. Front Genet 2022; 13:774113. [PMID: 35719396 PMCID: PMC9204716 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.774113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional animal selection and breeding methods were based on the phenotypic performance of the animals. These methods have limitations, particularly for sex-limited traits and traits expressed later in the life cycle (e.g., carcass traits). Consequently, the genetic gain has been slow with high generation intervals. With the advent of high-throughput omics techniques and the availability of multi-omics technologies and sophisticated analytic packages, several promising tools and methods have been developed to estimate the actual genetic potential of the animals. It has now become possible to collect and access large and complex datasets comprising different genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and phonemics data as well as animal-level data (such as longevity, behavior, adaptation, etc.,), which provides new opportunities to better understand the mechanisms regulating animals' actual performance. The cost of omics technology and expertise of several fields like biology, bioinformatics, statistics, and computational biology make these technology impediments to its use in some cases. The population size and accurate phenotypic data recordings are other significant constraints for appropriate selection and breeding strategies. Nevertheless, omics technologies can estimate more accurate breeding values (BVs) and increase the genetic gain by assisting the section of genetically superior, disease-free animals at an early stage of life for enhancing animal productivity and profitability. This manuscript provides an overview of various omics technologies and their limitations for animal genetic selection and breeding decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dibyendu Chakraborty
- Division of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Ranbir Singh Pura, India
| | - Neelesh Sharma
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Ranbir Singh Pura, India
| | - Savleen Kour
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Ranbir Singh Pura, India
| | - Simrinder Singh Sodhi
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Biotechnology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India
| | - Sung Jin Lee
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon-si, South Korea
| | - Young Ok Son
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, College of Applied Life Sciences and Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology and Science, Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea
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Ugur MR, Guerreiro DD, Moura AA, Memili E. Identification of biomarkers for bull fertility using functional genomics. Anim Reprod 2022; 19:e20220004. [PMID: 35573862 PMCID: PMC9083437 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2022-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Prediction of bull fertility is critical for the sustainability of both dairy and beef cattle production. Even though bulls produce ample amounts of sperm with normal parameters, some bulls may still suffer from subpar fertility. This causes major economic losses in the cattle industry because using artificial insemination, semen from one single bull can be used to inseminate hundreds of thousands of cows. Although there are several traditional methods to estimate bull fertility, such methods are not sufficient to explain and accurately predict the subfertility of individual bulls. Since fertility is a complex trait influenced by a number of factors including genetics, epigenetics, and environment, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive methodological approach to clarify uncertainty in male subfertility. The present review focuses on molecular and functional signatures of bull sperm associated with fertility. Potential roles of functional genomics (proteome, small noncoding RNAs, lipidome, metabolome) on determining male fertility and its potential as a fertility biomarker are discussed. This review provides a better understanding of the molecular signatures of viable and fertile sperm cells and their potential to be used as fertility biomarkers. This information will help uncover the underlying reasons for idiopathic subfertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arlindo A. Moura
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Brasil; Universidade Federal do Ceará, Brasil
| | - Erdogan Memili
- Mississippi State University, USA; Prairie View A&M University, USA
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