DIA-based serum proteomics in goat pregnancy: biomarkers & mechanisms

This study investigates the proteomic characteristics of goat serum during pregnancy by analyzing differentially abundant proteins (DAB) related to pregnancy maintenance. A total of 102 healthy goats underwent estrus synchronization and artificial insemination (AI), with serum samples collected on days 19, 28, 35, and 50 post-AI. Samples were categorized into five groups: A1 (Day 19), A2 (Day 28), A3 (Day 35), A4 (Day 50), and B (non-pregnant), and each group had five biological replicates. Using data-independent acquisition (DIA) technology, 19,740 proteins were identified, and 2201 DAB were recognized based on fold change criteria (FC ≥ 1.5 or FC ≤ 0.66) and P < 0.05. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that these proteins were enriched in immune response, metabolism, cell proliferation, and reproductive pathways. Notably, proteins such as VKORC1L1, PSTPIP2, and CD40LG exhibited continuous upregulation in early pregnancy, indicating their roles in embryonic development and immune regulation. These findings offer valuable insights into the mechanisms of pregnancy maintenance in goats.