Differential Expression of Proteins in Tibetan Sheep Ovaries and Their Relationship with Sub-Dimensional Characteristics at Different Follicular Development Stages
January 2022
in “
Kafkas Universitesi Veteriner Fakultesi Dergisi
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Studysummary In this study, differences in protein expression related to twin lambing were identified in Tibetan sheep, providing insights into the reproductive performance and fertility improvement strategy for sheep in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
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The study investigated the ovarian proteome of Tibetan sheep to understand differences in lambing traits and follicular development stages, using label-free mass spectrometry. It identified 57 differentially expressed proteins during anestrus, with 43 up-regulated and 14 down-regulated in twin lambing ewes compared to single ewes. On the 1st day of estrus, 69 proteins were differentially expressed, with 39 up-regulated and 30 down-regulated in twin ewes. By the 11th day of estrus, 96 proteins were differentially expressed, with 16 up-regulated and 80 down-regulated in twin ewes. Key pathways up-regulated in twin sheep included oxidative phosphorylation and oocyte meiosis, while amino acid and fatty acid degradation pathways were down-regulated. Proteins like GDF9, BMPR-1B, MTHFR, and Cu/Zn-SOD were active during follicular development. This research enhanced understanding of twin production and fertility in Tibetan sheep, aiding animal husbandry in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.