Specific interferon tau gene-regulation networks in bovine endometrial luminal epithelial cells

Interferon tau (IFNT) plays a critical role as a pregnancy recognition factor in early pregnancy by regulating uterine epithelial gene expression. Illuminating the relation between IFNT and pregnancy will contribute significantly to early pregnancy research in ruminants. Therefore, in this study, we treated primary bovine endometrial luminal epithelial cells (bELECs) without or with IFNT (200 ng/mL) for 6 or12 h. Subsequently, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology was used to evaluate differences in gene expression. In total, 707 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected. These DEGs were significantly enriched in immune-related categories or pathways, including immune system process, MHC class I protein complex, antigen processing and presentation, and graft-versus-host disease. Furthermore, an integrated regulatory network was constructed to elucidate the interactions among these DEGs. A set of candidate genes (RAC2, DVL3, PSMB9, STAT1, ISG15, JAK1, and MUC1) was identified. Upon integration of these node genes, we speculated that IFNT might upregulate MHC molecules via a JAK1-STAT1-ISG15/PSMB9 axis involved in the maintenance of a tolerant environment during early pregnancy. Our results forma foundation for dissecting the molecular mechanism of IFNT in the uterus; future studies will use these data to identify and characterize new IFNT regulatory mechanisms in the endometrium.