Sperm long non-coding RNAs as markers for ram fertility

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Accurate estimation of ram fertility is crucial for sheep farming profitability and reproductive success.
• A lack of reliable biomarkers for semen quality and ram fertility hinders advancements in animal science.
• Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their regulatory roles in biological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in sperm from rams with high and low fertility phenotypes.
• To explore the potential of these lncRNAs as biomarkers for ram sperm quality and fertility assessment.

Main Methods:

• Sperm samples were collected from mature rams categorized into high fertility (HF) and low fertility (LF) groups based on pregnancy rates.
• Total RNA was isolated from sperm of extreme fertility phenotype rams.
• Next-generation sequencing was employed to identify and quantify lncRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs).

Main Results:

• A total of 11,209 lncRNAs were identified in ram sperm.
• 93 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and 275 DE mRNAs were found between HF and LF groups.
• Enriched genes were associated with sperm motility and flagellum structure; DE lncRNAs targeted 471 mRNAs.

Conclusions:

• This study discovered potential lncRNA biomarkers for analyzing ram sperm quality and fertility.
• These lncRNA biomarkers can be utilized in breeding soundness examinations for precision livestock farming.
• The findings contribute to enhancing reproductive efficiency in sheep farming and ensuring global food security.