Different expression of LHR, PRLR, GH and IGF1 during testicular development of yak

Abstract

Luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), prolactin receptor (PRLR), growth hormone (GH) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) have been shown to be key regulators of germ cell development. However, the role of LHR, PRLR, GH and IGF1 in the development of yak testis remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to describe and compare gene expression and protein localization of LHR, PRLR, GH and IGF1 in the development of yak testes. Testes were collected from 6, 24, 36 and 72 months yak, and the kidney, liver, testicular, lung, skeletal muscle, heart and spleen tissues were collected from 36 months yak. The quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) results showed that the expression of these four genes was widely expressed in kidney, liver, testicular, lung, skeletal muscle, heart and spleen, while the LHR and PRLR were highly expressed in the kidney, skeletal muscle and testis, and higher levels of GH and IGF were expressed in spleen and testis. Moreover, the mRNA expression of these genes in adults was higher than in pre‐pubertal yak. In the testis, the LHR‐, PRLR‐, GH‐ and IGF1‐positive signals were detected in the Leydig cells of the 6 months, while the intense positive signals were discovered in Leydig cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes of the 36 and 72 months. Thus, LHR, PRLR, GH and IGF1 may be involved in the development of spermatids and spermatocytes, and in the regulation of spermatogonia proliferation and Leydig cell function.

Identification and profiling of microRNAs during yak’s testicular development

“…Therefore, testicular development and spermatogenesis are key processes affecting the reproductive efficiency in male yaks. Moreover, several functional genes have been reported to regulate testicular development and spermatogenesis in yaks [ 17 – 19 ]. Recently, miRNAs have been implicated in gene regulation by repressing the translation or degradation of target mRNAs [ 20 – 22 ].…”

Unveiling the Transcriptomic Landscape of Holstein Bull Testes Post-Sexual Maturation: Insights into Spermatogenesis-Associated MicroRNAs and mRNA Profiles

“…Thus, testicular development and spermatogenesis are critical processes that impact the reproductive efficiency of male Holstein bulls. Researchers have identified several functional genes that regulate testicular development and spermatogenesis in cattle breeds and yaks ( La et al, 2022;Liu et al, 2022;Xu et al, 2018). Moreover, recent studies have implicated miRNAs in gene regulation by repressing the translation or degradation of target mRNAs (Fabian et al, 2010).…”

Prolactin inhibitor changes testosterone production, testicular morphology, and related genes expression in cashmere goats

“…PRL is mainly synthesized and secreted by the lactotroph cells of the anterior pituitary gland and acts via its membrane PRL receptor (PRLR) (6). PRLR has been identified in the testes of various species, including rams (7), rats (8), yaks (9), and humans (4). Studies have revealed that the PRLR in ram testes is expressed by Leydig cells and germ cells in seminiferous tubules, and the expression site and pattern of the receptor gene indicates a crucial role for PRL in the regulation of steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis (7).…”