Project description:The male reproductive tract tissue samples were obtained from six 38-wk-old turkeys. The gene expression pattern in turkey testis, epididymis and ductus deferens were determined by high-throughput transcriptome sequencing. The obtained sequence reads were mapped to the turkey genome, and relative expression values were calculated for the analysis of differential expressed genes. Bioinformatics analysis revealed several candidate genes potentially involved in spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis and flagella formation in testis and post-testicular sperm maturation in epididymis and ductus deferens. The achievement of spermatozoa motility during post-testicular maturation were found to be linked with development of flagellum actin filaments and biochemical processes including Ca2+ influx and protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation. Finally, genes involved in reproductive system development and morphogenesis were identified.
Project description:This SuperSeries is composed of the following subset Series: GSE19531: Analysis of the turkey skeletal muscle transcriptome through development within a genetic line (Experiment 1) GSE19538: Analysis of the turkey skeletal muscle transcriptome between genetic lines within a developmental stage (Experiment 2) Refer to individual Series
Project description:The development of a safe and effective, reversible, non-hormonal contraceptive method for men has been an ongoing effort for the past few decades, yet none have reached clinical trials. To advance progress, further identification of novel reproductive tract-specific, potentially druggable protein targets is imperative. In this study, we expand on previous single tissue, single species studies by integrating analysis of a vast number of publicly available human and mouse RNA-seq datasets whose initial published purpose was not focused on identifying male reproductive tract-specific targets. We also incorporate analysis of additional newly acquired human and mouse testis and epididymis samples to increase the number of targets identified. Enclosed in this accession is the RNA-seq data for the 12 new human testis and epididymis segment samples we processed for analysis.
Project description:The development of a safe and effective, reversible, non-hormonal contraceptive method for men has been an ongoing effort for the past few decades, yet none have reached clinical trials. To advance progress, further identification of novel reproductive tract-specific, potentially druggable protein targets is imperative. In this study, we expand on previous single tissue, single species studies by integrating analysis of a vast number of publicly available human and mouse RNA- seq datasets whose initial published purpose was not focused on identifying male reproductive tract-specific targets. We also incorporate analysis of additional newly acquired human and mouse testis and epididymis samples to increase the number of targets identified. Enclosed in this accession is the RNA-seq sequence data for the 9 new mouse epididymis segment samples we processed for analysis.
Project description:In order to better understand the female reproductive tract (FRT) we conducted a systematic, comprehensive investigation of the FRT in a tssue-specific manner at three time points relative to mating. By characterizing the transcriptional relationships among discrete FRT tissues across time we advance the understanding of the molecular genetics of FRT functions.
Project description:The female reproductive tract is one of the major mucosal invasion site of HIV-1. This site has been neglected in previous HIV-1 vaccine studies. Immune responses in the female reproductive tract after systemic vaccination remain to be characterized. Using a modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) as a vaccine model, we characterized specific immune responses in all compartments of the female reproductive tract (FRT) of non-human primates after systemic vaccination. Memory T cells were preferentially found in the lower tract (vagina and cervix), whereas antigen-presenting cells and innate lymphoid cells were mainly located in the upper tract (uterus and fallopian tubes). This compartmentalisation of immune cells in the FRT was supported by transcriptomic analyses and correlation network. Polyfunctional MVA-specific CD8+ T cells were detected in the blood, lymph nodes, vagina, cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes. Anti-MVA IgG and IgA were detected in cervicovaginal fluid after a second vaccine dose. Systemic vaccination with an MVA vector thus elicits cellular and antibody responses in the female reproductive tract.
Project description:The female’s reproductive tract is exposed directly to the male’s ejaculate, making it a hotspot for mating-induced responses shortly after mating. In Drosophila melanogaster, changes in the reproductive tract are essential to optimize fertilization. To detect the earliest gene regulatory events that underlie these changes, we measured transcript abundances using RNA-seq and microRNA-seq of reproductive tracts of unmated females and females collected within 10-15 minutes after the end of mating, either to a wildtype male or to a male with defective BMP signaling in secondary cells of the accessory gland, which influences the composition of the male’s ejaculate. We observed transcript abundance changes for genes with roles in tissue morphogenesis, wound healing, the immune response and metabolism. Strikingly, predicted targets of microRNAs that respond to mating are enriched for overlapping functions, suggesting that mating-induced changes are in part regulated by microRNAs. Most of the differentially expressed RNAs are upregulated in response to mating, while most of the differentially expressed microRNAs are downregulated. This pattern suggests a response of activation and de-repression of gene programs that switch the reproductive tract to a “mated” state, rather than a repression of virgin-specific programs. Male genotype did not influence transcript levels, indicating that the earliest transcriptomic responses in the reproductive tract are not dependent on ejaculate components that require BMP signaling in secondary cells. Our results shed light on the molecular changes that accompany very early responses to mating and present candidate genes and microRNAs that can be further examined for their participation in alterations of the reproductive tract microenvironment in response to signals from the male.