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Animals
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Molecular Regulations of Female Livestock Reproduction
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Molecular Regulations of Female Livestock Reproduction

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Genetics and Genomics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2023) | Viewed by 10123

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Magdalena Kowalik

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10–747 Olsztyn, Poland
Interests: cow; corpus luteum; uterus; steroid hormones; membrane progesterone receptors
Dr. Malgorzata Grzesiak

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
Interests: ovary; uterus; reproductive endocrinology; vitamin D3; proteomics; pig
Dr. Robert Rȩkawiecki

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
Interests: cow; corpus luteum; uterus; steroid hormones; nuclear progesterone receptors

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Reproductive efficiency in females depends on the proper function of the reproductive organs that remain under the control of steroid hormones, gonadotropins, and locally produced factors/molecules. The regulatory network within the female reproductive tract is complex and still not fully understood. Thus, the extensive research in the field of gene expression regulatory mechanisms, intracellular signaling, and nuclear and membrane hormone receptor action or epigenetic regulations is required. Novel insights into the regulation of physiology and endocrinology of the ovary, uterus, and oviduct of farm animals based on actual research trends are welcome.

This Special Issue’s scope includes the current study of molecular aspects of reproductive physiology and endocrinology in female farm animals. Special emphasis is placed on novel mechanisms, factors, and signaling pathways providing new information that impacts the basic understanding of female livestock reproduction. We invite researchers to submit original papers, reviews, as well as short communications that provide novel insights into female livestock reproduction.

We invite you.

Dr. Magdalena Kowalik
Dr. Malgorzata Grzesiak
Dr. Robert Rȩkawiecki
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • farm animals
  • ovary
  • oviduct
  • uterus
  • steroid hormones
  • protein hormones
  • membrane and nuclear receptors
  • molecular endocrinology
  • reproductive processes

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 2057 KiB  
Article
Luteotropic and Luteolytic Factors Modulate the Expression of Nuclear Receptor Coregulators in Bovine Luteal Cells Independently of Histone Acetyltransferase and Histone Deacetylase Activities
by Robert Rekawiecki, Michal Hubert Wrobel, Paulina Zajac, Oliwia Serej and Magdalena Karolina Kowalik
Animals 2023, 13(17), 2784; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13172784 - 31 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1026
Abstract
The aims of this study were to examine the effect of luteotropic and luteolytic factors on the mRNA and protein expression of the coactivators HAT: histone acetyltransferase p300 (P300), cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB), and steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) and the [...] Read more.
The aims of this study were to examine the effect of luteotropic and luteolytic factors on the mRNA and protein expression of the coactivators HAT: histone acetyltransferase p300 (P300), cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB), and steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) and the corepressor: nuclear receptor corepressor-2 (NCOR-2) in bovine luteal cells on days 6–10 and 16–20. HAT and HDAC activities were also measured. The obtained results showed that luteotropic and luteolytic factors influence changes in the mRNA and protein levels of the coregulators of PGRs. However, they did not affect the activity of related HAT and HDAC, respectively. Therefore, it is possible that these factors, through changes in the expression of nuclear receptor coactivators and corepressors, may affect the functioning of the nuclear receptors, including PGRs, in the bovine CL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Regulations of Female Livestock Reproduction)
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18 pages, 4759 KiB  
Article
An Exploratory Data Analysis from Ovine and Bovine RNA-Seq Identifies Pathways and Key Genes Related to Cervical Dilatation
by Joedson Dantas Gonçalves, José Bento Sterman Ferraz, Flávio Vieira Meirelles, Ricardo Perecin Nociti and Maria Emilia Franco Oliveira
Animals 2023, 13(13), 2052; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13132052 - 21 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1052
Abstract
The present study developed a review and exploration of data in public and already validated repositories. The main objective was to identify the pathways involved in ruminants’ cervical dilatation, which are conserved between cattle and sheep in the follicular and luteal phases of [...] Read more.
The present study developed a review and exploration of data in public and already validated repositories. The main objective was to identify the pathways involved in ruminants’ cervical dilatation, which are conserved between cattle and sheep in the follicular and luteal phases of the reproductive cycle. In cattle, 1961 genes were more differentially expressed in the follicular phase and 1560 in the luteal phase. An amount of 24 genes were considered exclusively expressed from these. A total of 18 genes were in the follicular phase and 6 genes were in the luteal phase. In sheep, 2126 genes were more differentially expressed in the follicular phase and 2469 genes were more differentially expressed in the luteal phase. Hoxb genes were identified in both species and are correlated with the PI3K/Akt pathway. PI3K/Akt was also found in both cattle and sheep, appearing prominently in the follicular and luteal phases of both species. Our analyses have pointed out that the PI3K/Akt pathway and the Hoxb genes appear in prominence in modulating mechanisms that involve estrus alterations in the cervix. PI3K/Akt appears to be an important pathway in the cervical relaxation process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Regulations of Female Livestock Reproduction)
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12 pages, 1517 KiB  
Article
Photoperiod Induces DNA Methylation Changes in the Melatonin Receptor 1A Gene in Ewes
by Xiaoyun He, Wei Wang, Wei Sun and Mingxing Chu
Animals 2023, 13(12), 1917; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13121917 - 8 Jun 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1026
Abstract
Research has shown that MTNR1A plays an essential role in the estrus cycle and seasonal reproduction changes in sheep. However, few people have focused on the DNA methylation of MTNR1A by season or photoperiod. In this study, using qPCR and Western blotting, we [...] Read more.
Research has shown that MTNR1A plays an essential role in the estrus cycle and seasonal reproduction changes in sheep. However, few people have focused on the DNA methylation of MTNR1A by season or photoperiod. In this study, using qPCR and Western blotting, we measured the MTNR1A expression in the hypothalamus of ovariectomized and estradiol-treated (OVX + E2) sheep under different photoperiod treatment conditions. Subsequently, the core promoter of the MTNR1A gene was identified, and its methylation level in sheep exposed to different photoperiod treatments was measured by pyrosequencing. The results showed that MTNR1A gene expression significantly differed between the short 42-day photoperiod (SP42) and the LP42 or combined SP-LP42 treatment groups (p < 0.05). In addition, we determined that the core MTNR1A promoter region was within 540 bp upstream of the transcriptional start site (TSS) and that the DNA methylation levels at CpG sites in the SP42 vs. LP42 and SP42 vs. SP-LP42 groups significantly differed. Finally, a significant negative correlation (p < 0.001) between gene expression and DNA methylation levels was revealed, suggesting that photoperiod may induce DNA methylation of the MTNR1A gene and thus change its expression. The findings provide valuable bases for the further study of seasonal reproduction in sheep. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Regulations of Female Livestock Reproduction)
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14 pages, 1202 KiB  
Article
Redox Status, Estrogen and Progesterone Production by Swine Granulosa Cells Are Impaired by Triclosan
by Giuseppina Basini, Francesca Grasselli, Fausto Quintavalla, Simona Bussolati, Valentina Andreoli, Alicia Maria Carrillo Heredero and Simone Bertini
Animals 2022, 12(24), 3559; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12243559 - 15 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1426
Abstract
Triclosan is a chlorinated biphenolic with a broad spectrum of antiseptic activities used in cosmetics and hygiene products. Continuous exposure can lead to absorption and bioaccumulation of this substance with harmful health effects. In fact, previous studies have shown that Triclosan acts as [...] Read more.
Triclosan is a chlorinated biphenolic with a broad spectrum of antiseptic activities used in cosmetics and hygiene products. Continuous exposure can lead to absorption and bioaccumulation of this substance with harmful health effects. In fact, previous studies have shown that Triclosan acts as an endocrine-disrupting chemical on reproductive organs, with consequent negative effects on reproductive physiology. Therefore, to assess potential adverse impacts on fertility, we tested Triclosan on swine granulosa cells, a model of endocrine reproductive cells. We examined its effects on the main features of granulosa cell functions such as cell growth (BrdU incorporation and ATP production) and steroidogenesis (17-β estradiol and progesterone secretion). Moreover, since oxidant–antioxidant balance plays a pivotal role in follicular function, redox status markers (superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide production, enzymatic and non-enzymatic scavenging activity) were studied. Our results show that Triclosan significantly inhibits cell growth (p < 0.001), steroidogenesis (p < 0.001), superoxide and nitric oxide production (p < 0.001), while it increases (p < 0.05) enzymatic defense systems. Collectively, these data suggest a disruption of the main granulosa cell functions, i.e., proliferation and hormone production, as well as an imbalance in redox status. On these bases, we can speculate that Triclosan would impair granulosa cell functions, thus exerting negative effects on reproductive function. Further studies are needed to explore lower Triclosan concentrations and to unravel its mechanisms of action at gene level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Regulations of Female Livestock Reproduction)
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13 pages, 1530 KiB  
Article
The Role of Reduced Oxygen Supply and Transcription Factors cJUN and CREB in Progesterone Production during the Corpus Luteum Rescue in Gilts
by Emilia Przygrodzka, Kamil Myszczynski, Jan Klos and Adam J. Ziecik
Animals 2022, 12(20), 2855; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12202855 - 20 Oct 2022
Viewed by 1219
Abstract
The corpus luteum plays a fundamental role in regulating reproduction via progesterone production. Still, there is little data on factors regulating the maintenance of luteal function during early pregnancy in gilts. Previous studies emphasize the role of hypoxia and HIF-1 in the regulation [...] Read more.
The corpus luteum plays a fundamental role in regulating reproduction via progesterone production. Still, there is little data on factors regulating the maintenance of luteal function during early pregnancy in gilts. Previous studies emphasize the role of hypoxia and HIF-1 in the regulation of steroidogenic and angiogenic genes expression and progesterone production by ovarian cells. Using the corpus luteum of cyclic and early pregnant gilts we analyzed: (1) the in vitro effects of reduced oxygen tension on progesterone production and mRNA expression of HIF1A and luteal function regulators, STAR and VEGFA; (2) the ex vivo profiles of mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1α, STAR, VEGFA and transcription factors-cJUN and CREB, regulating STAR expression, in the corpus luteum of cyclic and pregnant gilts. The synthesis of progesterone was gradually inhibited in cyclic or pregnant gilt luteal tissue (on day 13 of cycle or pregnancy) incubated in a decreasing concentration−20%, 10%, and 3% of oxygen (O2). Luteal tissues of pregnant gilts produced trace amounts of progesterone in 10% O2, which was similar to cyclic gilts in 3% O2. HIF1A expression increased after 24 h of incubation in tissues of cyclic gilts in 3% vs. 20% O2 (p < 0.01), whereas levels of STAR and VEGFA increased significantly in cyclic and pregnant gilt tissues incubated in 10% and 3% vs. 20% O2. The ex vivo mRNA expression of HIF1A and VEGFA was elevated (p < 0.001) on day 14 vs. day 12 of pregnancy. The protein expression of HIF-1 and VEGFA increased (p < 0.001), whereas the level of STAR (mRNA and protein) and progesterone dropped (p < 0.001) on day 14 of the estrous cycle vs. a parallel day of pregnancy and/or day 12 of the estrous cycle. The content of phosphorylated cJUN and CREB was elevated (p < 0.01) in the luteal tissue on day 12 or 14 of pregnancy vs. parallel days of the estrous cycle. These increases of phosphorylated cJUN and CREB may be involved in STAR expression in the luteal tissue during early pregnancy in gilts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Regulations of Female Livestock Reproduction)
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15 pages, 1265 KiB  
Article
Prostacyclin Synthesis and Prostacyclin Receptor Expression in the Porcine Myometrium: Prostacyclin Potential to Regulate Fatty Acid Transporters, Cytokines and Contractility-Related Factors
by Agnieszka Blitek, Mateusz Luba and Magdalena Szymanska
Animals 2022, 12(17), 2237; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12172237 - 30 Aug 2022
Viewed by 1404
Abstract
Although prostacyclin (PGI2) has been well described as a regulator of smooth muscle activity, limited data are available concerning its role in the myometrium of pigs. The present research aimed to examine profiles of PGI2 synthase (PTGIS) and PGI2 receptor (PTGIR) expression and [...] Read more.
Although prostacyclin (PGI2) has been well described as a regulator of smooth muscle activity, limited data are available concerning its role in the myometrium of pigs. The present research aimed to examine profiles of PGI2 synthase (PTGIS) and PGI2 receptor (PTGIR) expression and 6-keto PGF1α (a PGI2 metabolite) concentrations in the myometrium of gilts throughout the estrous cycle and during early pregnancy using qPCR, Western blot, and/or ELISA methods. Furthermore, myometrial explants were exposed to iloprost (a stable PGI2 analog) to investigate the effect of PGI2 on the mRNA expression of factors engaged in smooth muscle contraction, nutrient transport, prostaglandin synthesis and action, and inflammatory response. PTGIS mRNA expression was greater in cyclic than in pregnant gilts on days 11–12 after estrus and was accompanied by greater concentrations of 6-keto PGF1α detected in cyclic than in pregnant animals on days 11–20. Iloprost stimulated fatty acid transporters and contractility-related calponin 1 and caldesmon 1 mRNA expression and decreased interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor transcript abundance. The obtained results indicate a physiologically relevant role of PGI2 during the estrous cycle in the porcine myometrium with its importance for regulating the expression of contractility-, nutrient transport- and inflammatory response-related factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Regulations of Female Livestock Reproduction)
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20 pages, 3154 KiB  
Article
The Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors in PGF2α-Induced Luteolysis in the Bovine Corpus Luteum
by Barbara Maria Socha, Piotr Łada, Agnieszka Walentyna Jończyk, Anna Justyna Korzekwa and Dariusz Jan Skarżyński
Animals 2022, 12(12), 1542; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12121542 - 14 Jun 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1805
Abstract
The participation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in ovarian function in cattle is still not fully understood. The aim of this in vitro study was to determine: (i) the immunolocalization, mRNA expression and tissue concentration of PPARα, PPARδ and PPARγ in the bovine [...] Read more.
The participation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in ovarian function in cattle is still not fully understood. The aim of this in vitro study was to determine: (i) the immunolocalization, mRNA expression and tissue concentration of PPARα, PPARδ and PPARγ in the bovine corpus luteum (CL) (n = 40) throughout the estrous cycle, and (ii) the involvement of PPAR in PGF2α-induced processes related to luteolysis. CL (n = 9) explants were cultured in the presence of PPAR antagonists (10−5 M) in combination with or without PGF2α receptor antagonist (10−5 M) and PGF2α (10−6 M). The mRNA and protein expression of PPARs was evaluated through qPCR, IHC, and ELISA, respectively. The results showed that PPAR mRNA and protein expression differed according to the luteal stages. PGF2α upregulated PPARδ and PPARγ mRNA expression in the bovine CL in vitro, whereas PPARγ increased the inhibitory effect of PGF2α by decreasing progesterone secretion and the mRNA expression of hydroxy-delta-5-steroid dehydrogenase, 3 β- and steroid delta-isomerase 1 (HSD3B1) in the CL explants; mRNA transcription of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was increased. The obtained results indicate that the mRNA and protein expression of PPARs changes in the bovine CL throughout the estrous cycle and under the influence of PGF2α. We suggest that isoform γ, among all examined PPARs, could be a factor involved in the regulation of PGF2α-induced processes related to luteolysis in the bovine CL. Further studies are needed to understand the role of PPAR in luteal regression in the CL of cattle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Regulations of Female Livestock Reproduction)
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