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Sadowska A, Molcan T, Wójtowicz A, Lukasik K, Pawlina-Tyszko K, Gurgul A, Ferreira-Dias G, Skarzynski DJ, Szóstek-Mioduchowska A. Bioinformatic analysis of endometrial miRNA expression profile at day 26-28 of pregnancy in the mare. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3900. [PMID: 38365979 PMCID: PMC10873421 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53499-x] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The establishment of the fetomaternal interface depends on precisely regulated communication between the conceptus and the uterine environment. Recent evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) may play an important role in embryo-maternal dialogue. This study aimed to determine the expression profile of endometrial miRNAs during days 26-28 of equine pregnancy. Additionally, the study aimed to predict target genes for differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) and their potential role in embryo attachment, adhesion, and implantation. Using next-generation sequencing, we identified 81 DEmiRs between equine endometrium during the pre-attachment period of pregnancy (day 26-28) and endometrium during the mid-luteal phase of the estrous cycle (day 10-12). The identified DEmiRs appear to have a significant role in regulating the expression of genes that influence cell fate and properties, as well as endometrial receptivity formation. These miRNAs include eca-miR-21, eca-miR-126-3p, eca-miR-145, eca-miR-451, eca-miR-491-5p, members of the miR-200 family, and the miRNA-17-92 cluster. The target genes predicted for the identified DEmiRs are associated with ion channel activity and sphingolipid metabolism. Furthermore, it was noted that the expression of mucin 1 and leukemia inhibitory factor, genes potentially regulated by the identified DEmiRs, was up-regulated at day 26-28 of pregnancy. This suggests that miRNAs may play a role in regulating specific genes to create a favorable uterine environment that is necessary for proper attachment, adhesion, and implantation of the embryo in mares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Sadowska
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima Street 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Tomasz Molcan
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima Street 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Anna Wójtowicz
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima Street 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Karolina Lukasik
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima Street 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Klaudia Pawlina-Tyszko
- Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Sarego Street 2, 31-047, Kraków, Poland
| | - Artur Gurgul
- Center for Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza Street 21, 31-120, Kraków, Poland
| | - Graca Ferreira-Dias
- CIISA-Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Dariusz J Skarzynski
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima Street 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Anna Szóstek-Mioduchowska
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima Street 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland.
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de Castro T, van Heule M, Domingues RR, Jacob JCF, Daels PF, Meyers SA, Conley AJ, Dini P. Embryo-endometrial interaction associated with the location of the embryo during the mobility phase in mares. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3151. [PMID: 38326534 PMCID: PMC10850102 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53578-z] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Embryo-maternal crosstalk is essential to establish pregnancy, with the equine embryo moving throughout the uterus on days 9-15 (ovulation = day 0) as part of this interaction. We hypothesized that the presence of a mobile embryo induces local changes in the gene expression of the endometrium. On Day 12, the endometrial transcripts were compared among three groups: uterine horn with an embryo (P+, n = 7), without an embryo (P-, n = 7) in pregnant mares, and both uterine horns of nonbred mares (NB, n = 6). We identified 1,101 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between P+ vs. NB and 1,229 DEGs between P- vs. NB. The genes upregulated in both P+ and P- relative to NB were involved in growth factor pathway and fatty acid activation, while downregulated genes were associated with oxytocin signaling pathway and estrogen receptor signaling. Comparing the transcriptome of P+ to that of P-, we found 59 DEGs, of which 30 genes had a higher expression in P+. These genes are associated with regulating vascular growth factors and the immune system, all known to be essential in early pregnancy. Overall, this study suggests that the mobile embryo influences the endometrial gene expression locally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thadeu de Castro
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Machteld van Heule
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Rafael R Domingues
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Julio C F Jacob
- Departmento de Reprodução E Avalição Animal, Universidade Federal Rural Do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janiro, 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Peter F Daels
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Stuart A Meyers
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Alan J Conley
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Pouya Dini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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Hallman I, Karikoski N, Kareskoski M. The effects of obesity and insulin dysregulation on mare reproduction, pregnancy, and foal health: a review. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1180622. [PMID: 37152686 PMCID: PMC10158983 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1180622] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a growing welfare concern in modern equine populations and predisposes horses to disturbances in energy metabolism such as insulin dysregulation. However, equine metabolic syndrome has only been recognized in recent decades. Functioning energy metabolism is pivotal to normal body homeostasis and affects essentially all organ systems, including reproduction. Previous literature suggests that obesity has an effect not only on the reproductive processes in mares but also on offspring health, predisposing the offspring to later-onset orthopedic and metabolic problems. This review focuses on the effects of obesity, insulin dysregulation and hyperinsulinemia on the reproductive functions of mares and the implications on foal health before and after birth. The points of interest are the cyclicity and ovarian function, uterine environment, gestation, the postpartum period, and the newborn foal. The aim is to review the current state of knowledge, and identify outstanding questions that could stimulate future research. This topic is important not only from the equine industry and production perspective but is also relevant for the welfare of future populations and individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isa Hallman
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- *Correspondence: Isa Hallman,
| | - Ninja Karikoski
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Kareskoski
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Rudolf Vegas A, Hamdi M, Podico G, Bollwein H, Fröhlich T, Canisso IF, Bauersachs S, Almiñana C. Uterine extracellular vesicles as multi-signal messengers during maternal recognition of pregnancy in the mare. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15616. [PMID: 36114358 PMCID: PMC9481549 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19958-z] [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] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to other domestic mammals, the embryo-derived signal(s) leading to maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) are still unknow in the mare. We hypothesize that these embryonic signals could be packed into uterine extracellular vesicles (uEVs), acting as multi-signal messengers between the conceptus and the maternal tract, and contributing to MRP. To unveil these signals, the RNA and protein cargos of uEVs isolated from uterine lavages collected from pregnant mares (P; day 10, 11, 12 and 13 after ovulation) and cyclic control mares (C; day 10 and 13 after ovulation) were analyzed. Our results showed a fine-tuned regulation of the uEV cargo (RNAs and proteins), by the day of pregnancy, the estrous cycle, and even the size of the embryo. A particular RNA pattern was identified with specific increase on P12 related to immune system and hormonal response. Besides, a set of proteins as well as RNAs was highly enriched in EVs on P12 and P13. Differential abundance of miRNAs was also identified in P13-derived uEVs. Their target genes were linked to down- or upregulated genes in the embryo and the endometrium, exposing their potential origin. Our study identified for first time specific molecules packed in uEVs, which were previously associated to MRP in the mare, and thus bringing added value to the current knowledge. Further integrative and functional analyses will help to confirm the role of these molecules in uEVs during MRP in the mare.
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Shen Y, Ren H, Davshilt T, Tian S, Wang X, Yi M, Ulaangerel T, Li B, Dugarjav M, Bou G. The transcriptome landscapes of allantochorion and vitelline-chorion in equine day 30 conceptus. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:958205. [PMID: 35990610 PMCID: PMC9386053 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.958205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During equine early gestation, trophectoderm forms chorion tissue, which is composed of two parts that one is covering allantoin, called allantochorion (AC) and another is covering yolk sac, which here we call vitelline-chorion (VC). Given that little is known about the equine trophoblast-derived chorion differentiation at an early stage, we first compared the transcriptome of AC and VC of day 30 equine conceptus based on RNA-sequencing. As a result, we found that compared to VC, there are 484 DEGs, including 305 up- and 179 down-regulated genes in AC. GO and KEGG analysis indicated that up-regulated genes in AC are mainly cell proliferation and cell adhesion-related genes, participating in allantois expansion and allantochorionic-placenta formation; dominant genes in VC are extracellular exosome and other cell adhesion-related genes implicated in direct and indirect conceptus-maternal communication. Additionally, as for the progenitor chorion tissue of equine chorionic gonadotropin secreting endometrium cup-the chorionic girdle (CG), which locates at the junction of the dilating AC and regressing VC, we revealed its unique gene expression pattern and the gene regulation during its further differentiation in vitro. Collectively, this study sheds light on the molecular events regarding the trophoblast differentiation and function at an early stage of the equine preimplantation conceptus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Manglai Dugarjav
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Gerelchimeg Bou
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
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Winter E, Cisilotto J, Silva AH, Rosolen D, Fabichak AP, Rode MP, Creczynski-Pasa TB. MicroRNAs: Potential biomarkers for reproduction, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic in domestic animals. Res Vet Sci 2021; 142:117-132. [PMID: 34942556 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.12.004] [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: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules involved in a wide range of biological processes through the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Most studies evaluated microRNA expression in human, and despite fewer studies in veterinary medicine, this topic is one of the most exciting areas of modern veterinary medicine. miRNAs showed to be part of the pathogenesis of diseases and reproduction physiology in animals, making them biomarkers candidates. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding miRNAs' role in reproduction and animal diseases, diagnostic and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Winter
- Department of Agriculture, Biodiversity and Forests, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Curitibanos, 89520000, SC, Brazil.
| | - Júlia Cisilotto
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmacy, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Adny Henrique Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmacy, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Daiane Rosolen
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmacy, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Fabichak
- Department of Agriculture, Biodiversity and Forests, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Curitibanos, 89520000, SC, Brazil
| | - Michele Patricia Rode
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmacy, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Tânia Beatriz Creczynski-Pasa
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmacy, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil
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Spatiotemporal endometrial transcriptome analysis revealed the luminal epithelium as key player during initial maternal recognition of pregnancy in the mare. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22293. [PMID: 34785745 PMCID: PMC8595723 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01785-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During the period of maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) in the mare, the embryo needs to signal its presence to the endometrium to prevent regression of the corpus luteum and prepare for establishment of pregnancy. This is achieved by mechanical stimuli and release of various signaling molecules by the equine embryo while migrating through the uterus. We hypothesized that embryo's signals induce changes in the endometrial gene expression in a highly cell type-specific manner. A spatiotemporal transcriptomics approach was applied combining laser capture microdissection and low-input-RNA sequencing of luminal and glandular epithelium (LE, GE), and stroma of biopsy samples collected from days 10-13 of pregnancy and the estrous cycle. Two comparisons were performed, samples derived from pregnancies with conceptuses ≥ 8 mm in diameter (comparison 1) and conceptuses ≤ 8 mm (comparison 2) versus samples from cyclic controls. The majority of gene expression changes was identified in LE and much lower numbers of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in GE and stroma. While 1253 DEGs were found for LE in comparison 1, only 248 were found in comparison 2. Data mining mainly focused on DEGs in LE and revealed regulation of genes related to prostaglandin transport, metabolism, and signaling, as well as transcription factor families that could be involved in MRP. In comparison to other mammalian species, differences in regulation of genes involved in epithelial barrier formation and conceptus attachment and implantation reflected the unique features of equine reproduction at the time of MRP at the molecular level.
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Swegen A. Maternal recognition of pregnancy in the mare: does it exist and why do we care? Reproduction 2021; 161:R139-R155. [PMID: 33957605 PMCID: PMC8183633 DOI: 10.1530/rep-20-0437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) is a process by which an early conceptus signals its presence to the maternal system and prevents the lysis of the corpus luteum, thus ensuring a maternal milieu supportive of pregnancy continuation. It is a fundamental aspect of reproductive biology, yet in the horse, the mechanism underlying MRP remains unknown. This review seeks to address some of the controversies surrounding the evidence and theories of MRP in the equine species, such as the idea that the horse does not conform to the MRP paradigm established in other species or that equine MRP involves a mechanical, rather than chemical, signal. The review examines the challenges of studying this particularly clandestine phenomenon along with the new tools in scientific research that will drive this quest forward in coming years, and discusses the value of knowledge gleaned along this path in the context of clinical applications for improving breeding outcomes in the horse industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleona Swegen
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
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Bauersachs S, Almiñana C. Embryo-Maternal Interactions Underlying Reproduction in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21144872. [PMID: 32664189 PMCID: PMC7402305 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This Special Issue, “Embryo-Maternal Interactions Underlying Reproduction in Mammals”, gathers a collection of 23 articles, 16 original research articles and 7 up-to-date reviews, providing new findings or summarizing current knowledge on embryo–maternal interactions in seven different mammalian species including humans. Considering the different players involved in these embryo-maternal interactions, articles are mainly focused on one of these different players: the oviduct, the uterus, the embryo or the emergent extracellular vesicles. Additionally, a few articles bring up the impact of reproductive, but also non-reproductive, diseases, as well as stress factors, on the establishment of pregnancy. We hope the readers enjoy this collection of articles and that the knowledge assembled here will support and inspire current and future research investigations. We would like to thank all authors for their contributions to this Special Issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bauersachs
- Functional Genomics, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8315 Lindau (ZH), Switzerland
- Correspondence: (S.B.); (C.A.)
| | - Carmen Almiñana
- Functional Genomics, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8315 Lindau (ZH), Switzerland
- UMR85 PRC, INRAE, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
- Correspondence: (S.B.); (C.A.)
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