piRNA expression patterns in high vs. low fertility bovine sperm.
Syst Biol Reprod Med
; 70(1): 183-194, 2024 Dec.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38924761
ABSTRACT
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are 24-32 nucleotide RNA sequences primarily expressed in germ cells and developing embryos that suppress transposable element expression to protect genomic integrity during epigenetic reprogramming events. We characterized the expression of piRNA sequences and their encoding clusters in sperm samples from an idiopathic fertility model of Holstein bulls with high and low Sire Conception Rates. The piRNA populations were determined to be mostly similar between fertility conditions when investigated by principal component and differential expression analysis, suggesting that a high degree of conservation in the piRNA system is likely necessary for the production of viable sperm. Both fertility conditions demonstrated evidence of 'ping-pong' activity - a secondary biogenesis pathway associated with active transposable element targeting and suppression. Most sperm-borne piRNAs were between 29-30 nucleotides in length and originated from 226 clusters across the genome, with the exception of chromosome 20. Mapping analysis revealed abundant targeting of several transposable element families, suggesting a suppressive function of sperm piRNAs consistent with their established roles. Expression of genes targeted by sperm-borne piRNAs is significantly reduced throughout early embryogenesis compared to the mRNA population. Limited transposable element expression is known to be essential for spermatogenesis, thus epigenetic regulation of this pathway is likely to influence sperm quality and fertilizing capacity.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Espermatozoides
/
ARN Interferente Pequeño
/
Fertilidad
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Syst Biol Reprod Med
Asunto de la revista:
MEDICINA REPRODUTIVA
/
UROLOGIA
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Canadá
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido