Differential expression of CART in ewes with differing ovulation rates
Jennifer L Juengel1, Michelle C French2, Laurel D Quirke2
1ReproductionAnimal Science, AgResearch Limited, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Puddle Alley, Mosgiel, New Zealand jenny.juengel@agresearch.co.nz.
Reproduction (Cambridge, England)
|January 25, 2017
Summary
High ovulation rate ewes show distinct cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CARTPT) expression patterns. CARTPT is crucial for regulating ovulation rate in sheep.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Animal genetics
- Molecular endocrinology
Background:
- Ovulation rate is a key determinant of fertility in livestock.
- The cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CARTPT) is implicated in various physiological processes, including appetite and mood regulation, but its role in reproduction is less understood.
- Genetic factors, such as the Booroola and Inverdale genes, significantly influence ovulation rates in sheep.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential expression of CARTPT mRNA and protein in ewes with varying ovulation rates.
- To examine the expression of other key genes involved in follicular development and function (LHCGR, FSHR, CYP19A1, CYP17A1) in relation to ovulation rate.
- To determine the potential role of CARTPT in the regulation of ovulation rate in sheep.
Main Methods:
- Collection of antral follicles (≥1 mm diameter) from ewes with high ovulation rates (Booroola gene carriers, I+B+) and control ewes (++).
- Quantitative analysis of mRNA expression for CARTPT, LHCGR, FSHR, CYP19A1, and CYP17A1 using molecular techniques.
- Detection of CART peptide in follicular fluid via immunoassay.
Main Results:
- CARTPT mRNA and protein were detected in small follicles of control (++) ewes but were largely absent in high ovulation rate (I+B+) ewes.
- Expression patterns of CYP19A1 differed, with I+B+ ewes showing more small/medium follicles but fewer large follicles expressing this gene.
- High ovulation rate ewes exhibited reduced expression of LHCGR, FSHR, CYP17A1, and CYP19A1 in large follicles, suggesting they may be non-functional, while LHCGR expression was doubled in small/medium follicles.
Conclusions:
- Ewes with high ovulation rates display a distinct expression profile for CARTPT compared to ewes with normal ovulation rates.
- The findings suggest CARTPT plays a significant role in the regulation of ovulation rate in sheep.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which CARTPT influences follicular development and ovulation.
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