Comparative mRNA and miRNA expression in European mouflon (Ovis musimon) and sheep (Ovis aries) provides novel insights into the genetic mechanisms for female reproductive success

Abstract

Prolific breeds of domestic sheep (Ovis aries) are important genetic resources due to their reproductive performance, which is characterized by multiple lambs per birth and out-of-season breeding. However, the lack of a comprehensive understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying the important reproductive traits, particularly from the evolutionary genomics perspective, has impeded the efficient advancement of sheep breeding. Here, for the first time, by performing RNA-sequencing we built a de novo transcriptome assembly of ovarian and endometrial tissues in European mouflon (Ovis musimon) and performed an mRNA-miRNA integrated expression profiling analysis of the wild species and a highly prolific domestic sheep breed, the Finnsheep. We identified several novel genes with differentially expressed mRNAs (e.g., EREG, INHBA, SPP1, AMH, TDRD5, and ZP2) between the wild and domestic sheep, which are functionally involved in oocyte and follicle development and fertilization, and are significantly (adjusted P-value < 0.05) enriched in the Gene Ontology (GO) terms of various reproductive process, including the regulation of fertilization, oogenesis, ovarian follicle development, and sperm-egg recognition. Additionally, we characterized 58 differentially expressed miRNAs and 210 associated target genes that are essential for the regulation of female reproduction cycles through specific regulatory networks [e.g., (miR-136, miR-374a, miR-9-5p)-(EREG, INHBA)]. Furthermore, our integrated mRNA and miRNA expression profiling analysis elucidated novel direct and indirect miRNA/mRNA causal regulatory relationships related to the reproductive traits of the Ovis species. This study provides in-depth insights into the genomic evolution underlying the reproductive traits of the Ovis species and valuable resources for ovine genomics.

Integrated Hypothalamic Transcriptome Profiling Reveals the Reproductive Roles of mRNAs and miRNAs in Sheep

“…Additionally, reproduction is an extremely complex process, and the use of RNA-seq may contribute to enhancing our understanding of sheep fecundity. By comparing the mRNA and miRNA expression patterns in European mouflon and sheep, a research (Yang et al, 2018) found several key mRNAs, such as INHBA, SPP1, and ZP2, and miRNAs, such as miR-374a and miR-9-5p, which may be responsible for the success of female sheep reproduction. Pokharel et al (2018) detected and characterized some key miRNAs and mRNAs in sheep ovary which may be responsible for sheep prolificacy.…”

Üreme Mevsimi Dışında Kazak Koyunlarının Üremeleri Üzerine İnhibin-βA Geninin Etkisi

“…Inhibin is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the gonads, which can inhibit the synthesis and secretion of FSH in the pituitary [13] . Genetic characteristics of single nucleotide mutation in this study were analyzed in the 5`-UTR and exon 1 of INHBA gene in Kazakh sheep.…”

“…Ovary granular cell is the maximum cells in follicle. The growth and proliferation of granular cells is one of the most significant sign of the development of follicle [13] . We cultured the granular cell in vitro to imitate the growth and development of follicle and the estrous condition.…”

Genome-wide identification and comparison of differentially expressed profiles of miRNAs and lncRNAs with associated ceRNA networks in the gonads of Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis

“…In non-mammal vertebrate animals, large-scale identi cation of miRNAs and lncRNAs has been implemented in many species. MiRNAs have been shown to engage in regulating the expression of genes that play key roles in follicular development, granulose cell function, oocyte maturation, and ovary pathophysiology [14,15]. In non-mammalian animals, miRNAs also play important roles in ovary development [16].…”