Proteomic fertility markers in ram sperm

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Proteomics

Background:

• Accurate ram fertility estimation is crucial for sheep farming efficiency and profitability.
• Current methods for predicting ram fertility lack precision.
• Understanding sperm proteome differences can reveal fertility indicators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify proteomic profiles of ram sperm with contrasting fertility phenotypes.
• To explore potential protein markers for semen quality and fertilizing capacity.

Main Methods:

• Sperm samples were collected from mature rams categorized into greater-fertility (GF) and lesser-fertility (LF) groups based on pregnancy rates.
• Proteomics assessment was performed using Label-free Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
• Proteins were identified and quantified to compare abundance between GF and LF ram sperm.

Main Results:

• A total of 997 proteins were identified, with 57 unique to GF and 93 unique to LF sperm.
• 190 differentially abundant proteins were found, with 124 more abundant in GF and 66 in LF rams.
• Significant differences in Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway terms were observed between GF and LF sperm proteomes, suggesting functional implications for fertility.

Conclusions:

• Differential abundance of sperm proteins between greater-fertility and lesser-fertility rams indicates functional impacts on male fertility.
• The study highlights potential protein markers for evaluating semen quality and estimating ram sperm fertilizing capacity.
• Proteomic profiling offers a promising approach to enhance ram fertility prediction in sheep farming.