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Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Key Gene Expression Changes in Blue Catfish Sperm in Response to Cryopreservation
Haolong Wang1,2, Helen R Montague2,3, Hana N Hess2,3
1Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|July 27, 2022
Summary
Cryopreservation of hybrid catfish sperm increases oxidative stress and DNA damage, but gene expression reveals compensatory mechanisms. This research aims to identify biomarkers for improved sperm quality and reproductive success in aquaculture.
Area of Science:
- Aquaculture
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hybrid catfish (channel x blue) dominate US production due to desirable traits.
- Natural spawning is rare, necessitating cryopreservation of sperm.
- Sperm quality variability limits hybrid catfish breeding success.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate molecular changes in catfish sperm due to cryopreservation.
- Identify potential biomarkers for sperm quality and cryo-survival.
- Understand the mechanisms of sperm cryoinjury in hybrid catfish.
Main Methods:
- Collected fresh and cryopreserved sperm from hybrid catfish.
- Performed sperm quality assessments (oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation, kinematics).
- Utilized RNA-sequencing to analyze transcriptome profiles.
Main Results:
- Cryopreservation increased oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation, while reducing sperm motility.
- Identified 849 upregulated genes post-cryopreservation, including mitochondrial electron transport chain components.
- Observed compensatory gene expression for ROS control, protein repair, and apoptosis regulation.
Conclusions:
- Cryopreservation induces molecular stress responses in hybrid catfish sperm.
- Gene expression patterns suggest cellular defense mechanisms against cryoinjury.
- Findings provide a foundation for developing biomarkers for gamete quality and cryo-survival.
