EP2 splicing variants in rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) epididymis

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Genetics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• The EP2 gene encodes proteins involved in various physiological processes.
• Understanding EP2 gene expression is crucial for reproductive health research.
• Previous studies have identified limited EP2 variants in non-human primates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively identify and characterize EP2 gene message variants in the rhesus monkey epididymis.
• To investigate novel splicing patterns and potential functional implications of EP2 variants.

Main Methods:

• Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to detect EP2 transcripts.
• Rapid amplification of complementary cDNA ends (RACE) was used to identify full-length variants.
• Sequence analysis was performed to characterize novel splice sites and exons.

Main Results:

• Eleven EP2 message variants were identified in the rhesus epididymis, with only three previously known.
• Seven novel variants utilized previously unidentified 5'-splicing sites in exon 3.
• Four variants incorporated previously unidentified exons homologous to human EP2 gene counterparts.
• Three variants (EP2C, EP2E, EP2Q) encode beta-defensin-like peptides, suggesting a role in male reproductive tract protection.
• Eight variants exhibited unique N-terminal sequences with homology to beta-defensins and unknown protein domains.

Conclusions:

• The rhesus monkey epididymis exhibits a complex EP2 gene expression profile with numerous novel splice variants.
• Identified beta-defensin-like peptides may play a protective role against microbial invasion in the male reproductive tract.
• The discovery of novel EP2 variants expands our understanding of reproductive gene regulation and function in primates.