Comparative Transcriptomics Uncover the Uniqueness of Oocyte Development in the Donkey

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Genomics
• Animal science

Background:

• Donkey populations are declining globally, necessitating conservation of their genetic resources.
• Understanding donkey oocyte development is crucial for reproductive regulation and conservation efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the unique molecular mechanisms of donkey oocyte development.
• To compare donkey oocyte development with other domestic and model species.
• To identify key genes and pathways regulating oocyte maturation in donkeys.

Main Methods:

• Comparative transcriptomic analysis.
• Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA).
• Gene Ontology (GO) analysis.

Main Results:

• Identified 36 hub genes, including WEE2, crucial for donkey oocyte development.
• Donkey-specific differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are implicated in RNA metabolism and apoptosis.
• WGCNA revealed species-specific gene expression patterns during oocyte development.

Conclusions:

• Donkey oocyte development exhibits unique characteristics compared to cattle, sheep, pigs, and mice.
• A significant number of RNA metabolism-related genes are expressed in donkey oocytes, supporting normal development from germinal vesicle (GV) to metaphase II (MII).
• Findings provide insights into donkey reproductive biology and genetic resource conservation.