Project description:To identify if the patterns of spermatic small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) are affected by paternal age and/or impact early embryogenesis, we generated sncRNAs libraries of sperm collected from same bulls at 10, 12, and 16 months of age, using 16 months as control for differential expression and functional analysis. miRNAs present in measurable quantity in oocytes were excluded. Of the remaining miRNAs, ten sperm-borne miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed in younger bulls (four in the 10 vs 16 months contrast and six in the 12 vs 16 months contrast). Targets of miRNAs were identified and compared to the transcriptomic database of two-cell embryos, to genes related to two-cell competence, and to the transcriptomic database of blastocysts. Ingenuity pathway analysis of the targets of these miRNAs suggested potential influence on the developmental competence of two-cell embryos and on metabolism and protein synthesis in blastocysts. The results showed that miRNA patterns in sperm are affected by the age of the bull and may mediate the effects of paternal age on early embryonic development.
Project description:In the present study, we analyzed the proteome profile of Simmental bull sperm using LC-MS/MS. We found that the proteomes in sperm varied significantly between age groups, with some proteins found only in the older age group and not in the productive age group (young) and vice versa.
Project description:Sexual dimorphism in mammals is mostly attributable to sex-related hormonal differences in fetal and adult tissues; however, this may not be the sole determinant. Though genetically-identical for autosomal chromosomes, male and female preimplantation embryos could display sex-specific transcriptional regulation which can only be attributted to the differences in sexual chromosome dosage. We used microarrays to analyze sex-related transcriptional differences at the blastocyst stage. Day 7 bovine in vitro produced bovine blastocysts produced with sorted semen from 3 different bulls. Pooled RNA from 60 blastocysts of one sex and produced with one bull was used per chip. Three replicates of each sex per bull. In total, 18 Bovine GeneChip (Affymetrix) were used (3 replicates X 3 bulls X 2 sexes).
Project description:This study evaluated the effect of enhanced dietary intake during the early life period on testes transcriptome in bull calves. Between 2-12 weeks of age bull alves were offered either a high (HI; n=15) or moderate (MOD; n=15) plane of nutrition, with diets designed to evoke growth rates of 1.0 and 0.5 kg/day, respectively. At 12 wk of age, testes parenchyma tissue samples were harvested from all calves and subsequently subjected to mRNAseq. Subsequent bioinformatics analyses revealed differential expression of genes invovled in cellular adhesion and immune function.
Project description:The aim of this study was to measure the impact of contrasting feeding regimes in the first 12 wk of life, known to impact age at puberty on the molecular control of the testes in bull calves. Holstein bull calves were designated to high (HI; n=15) or moderate (MOD; n=15) dietary groups, with diets designed to provoke growth rates of 1.0 and 0.5 kg/day, respectively. At 12 wk of age, all calves were euthanized, and testes parenchyma harvested. RNA was extracted from the testes and used for miRNAseq. Bioinformatic analysis identified 7 miRNA as differentially expressed between the HI and MOD treatment groups, with target mRNA genes invovled in pathways related to AMPK and IGF-1 signaling.
Project description:High fertility and low fertility bulls were screened from the a 6000 bull database and then identify the sperm-derived DMR and DMC that assoiated with bull ferrtility via whole genome methtlation sequencing