Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 2, 2025
In ovo Expression of MicroRNA in Ventral Chick Midbrain
Published on: September 16, 2013
Expression pattern of microRNAs in ovine endometrium during the peri-implantation
Mehmet Kose1, Mustafa Hitit2, Mehmet Salih Kaya3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey.
Abstract:
MicroRNA (miRNA), acting as the transcriptional regulator of gene expression, has been widely demonstrated to be involved in many biological functions, including embryo implantation and development. The objective of the current study was to illuminate the expression pattern of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the endometrium during the peri-implantation in ewes. Intercaruncular endometrial samples was obtained from a total of 24 ewes on days of 12 (pre-implantation, n = 4), 16 (implantation, n = 4) and 22 (post-implantation, n = 4) of pregnancy following mating, and on their corresponding days of 12 (n = 4), 16 (n = 4) and 22 (n = 4) of the estrous cycle. The miRNA profiles were examined in the endometrium by microarray technology. We detected 116 ovine specifics miRNAs in the endometrium. Of these, nineteen were differentially expressed in early pregnancy. Four miRNAs (oar-miR-370-3p, oar-miR-411b-5p, oar-miR-379-3p and oar-miR-411a-3p) that had the most differential fold change were confirmed by RT-qPCR in ovine endometrium. The differentially expressed miRNAs targeted a total of 315 genes, resulting in 39 GO terms in molecular function, 353 in biological process, and 17 in the cellular component. The construction of the PPI network of target genes established two functional modules mostly enriched in the innate immune system, toll receptor cascades in module 1, whereas genes in module 2 were associated with GMCSF-mediated signaling events, insulin pathway, and mTOR signaling pathway. Based on the results, we may imply that miRNAs modulate ovine endometrium during the peri-implantation.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and are crucial for embryo implantation. This study identified differentially expressed miRNAs in ewe endometrium during early pregnancy, revealing their role in immune and signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Endocrinology
- Genomics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key transcriptional regulators involved in biological processes like embryo implantation and development.
- Understanding endometrial miRNA expression is crucial for elucidating reproductive success in livestock.
- The peri-implantation period is a critical window for establishing pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the ovine endometrium during the peri-implantation phase.
- To identify specific miRNAs and their target genes involved in endometrial function during early pregnancy in ewes.
Main Methods:
- Endometrial tissue samples were collected from ewes during pre-implantation, implantation, and post-implantation stages of pregnancy and estrous cycle.
- Microarray technology was employed to profile miRNA expression in endometrial samples.
- RT-qPCR was used to validate the expression of specific differentially expressed miRNAs.
Main Results:
- A total of 116 ovine-specific miRNAs were detected in the endometrium.
- Nineteen miRNAs showed differential expression during early pregnancy.
- Four key miRNAs (oar-miR-370-3p, oar-miR-411b-5p, oar-miR-379-3p, and oar-miR-411a-3p) were validated.
- Differentially expressed miRNAs targeted 315 genes, associated with innate immunity, toll receptor cascades, GMCSF-mediated signaling, insulin, and mTOR pathways.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs play a significant role in modulating the ovine endometrium during the peri-implantation period.
- The identified miRNAs and their associated pathways are likely involved in preparing the endometrium for embryo implantation and supporting early pregnancy.
- These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating uterine receptivity in sheep.
