Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

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

Version 1 : Received: 9 November 2023 / Approved: 9 November 2023 / Online: 9 November 2023 (07:34:18 CET)
Version 2 : Received: 9 November 2023 / Approved: 10 November 2023 / Online: 10 November 2023 (07:33:18 CET)

How to cite: Sahlu, B. W.; Wang, H.; Hu, Z.; Gong, J.; Zhao, X.; Hao, H.; Zhao, S.; Zhu, H. Unveiling the Transcriptomic Landscape of Holstein Bull Testes Post-Sexual Maturation: Insights into Spermatogenesis-Associated MicroRNAs and mRNA Profiles. Preprints 2023, 2023110598. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202311.0598.v1 Sahlu, B. W.; Wang, H.; Hu, Z.; Gong, J.; Zhao, X.; Hao, H.; Zhao, S.; Zhu, H. Unveiling the Transcriptomic Landscape of Holstein Bull Testes Post-Sexual Maturation: Insights into Spermatogenesis-Associated MicroRNAs and mRNA Profiles. Preprints 2023, 2023110598. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202311.0598.v1

Abstract

Spermatogenesis is a complex, tightly regulated biological process crucial for male fertility in mammals. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) play essential functions in regulating gene expression during spermatogenesis, and their specific roles in Holstein bull testicular development remain unclear. The study analyzed testicular tissues from young and mature Holstein bulls, unveiling the post-sexual maturation transcriptome landscape with a focus on spermatogenesis-associated miRNAs and mRNA profiles. The cDNA libraries from the testicular tissues of three young Holstein bulls (X1, X2, and X3; group YB) and three mature Holstein bulls (D5, D6, and D7; group AB) were established for RNA-sequencing analysis using Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology, followed by bioinformatics analysis. A total of 1114 miRNAs were identified in the X vs. D groups: 683 known miRNAs and 431 novel miRNAs. Notably, 221 known miRNAs exhibit differential expression between the X and D groups, with 118 up-regulated and 103 down-regulated genes. Moreover, a total of 237 previously unidentified novel miRNAs were also observed to exhibit differential expression between X and D, with 77 up-regulated and 160 down-regulated miRNA genes. These miRNA genes were linked to Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways related to male reproduction and spermatogenesis. The DE analysis of miRNA genes identified the top five up-regulated miRNAs (bta-miR-127, bta-miR-495, bta-miR-493, bta-miR-432, and bta-miR-3956) and down-regulated miRNAs (bta-miR-34c, bta-miR-34b, bta-miR-449a, bta-miR-449b, and 23_28233-5p (hsa-miR-6774-3p)) between the young bull and adult bull groups. The miRNA-mRNA network analysis also identified 17_16057-5p, X_45311-3p (cpo-miR-12072-3p), bta-miR-34c, bta-miR-375, 17_15431-5p (eca-miR-8912), 10_2547-3p (isc-miR-5313), bta-miR-449b, and mRNA genes such as BCL2L11, ADAMTSI1, MED1, and PRDM1; these genes were associated with reproductive system development. The mRNA genes (STRB and BCL2L11) and miRNA genes (bta-miR-134, bta-let-7e, bta-miR-181b, and bta-miR-214) were also found to have a significant correlation with the spermatogenic process. Thus, the comprehensive analysis of miRNA and mRNA enhances our knowledge of the regulatory networks involved in testicular development and identifies potential targets for further investigation and manipulation to improve cattle reproductive efficiency and genetic selection.

Keywords

Holstein bulls; miRNA; spermatogenesis; testicular development; testes

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Zoology

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