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Single-Nucleus Transcriptome Sequencing Unravels Physiological Differences in Holstein Cows Under Different
Peipei Li1,2, Yaqiang Guo1,2, Yanchun Bao1
1College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010010, China.
Genes
|August 28, 2025
Summary
Single-nucleus transcriptome sequencing of Holstein cow ovaries reveals distinct cell type proportions and communication pathways crucial for reproductive efficiency during pregnancy. This study enhances understanding of ovarian function in cattle.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Genomics
- Animal Science
Background:
- Enhancing cattle reproductive efficiency is vital for the livestock industry, with Holstein cows facing challenges despite high milk production.
- The ovary is central to reproduction, regulating estrous cycles, ovulation, and pregnancy through hormone secretion.
- Understanding ovarian function is critical for improving embryonic development and pregnancy maintenance in cows.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ovarian cell type composition and function in Holstein cows using advanced sequencing.
- To identify molecular differences in ovarian cells between pregnant and non-pregnant states.
- To elucidate cell communication networks regulating reproductive performance in cattle.
Main Methods:
- Single-nucleus transcriptome sequencing was applied to ovarian samples from pregnant and non-pregnant Holstein cows.
- A molecular atlas of ovarian cells was constructed to identify cell types and their proportions.
- Functional enrichment and cell communication analyses were performed to understand pathway involvement.
Main Results:
- Nine distinct ovarian cell types were identified, with significant shifts in endothelial, granulosa, and luteal cell proportions during pregnancy.
- Oocytes are involved in cell cycle and homologous recombination pathways; non-pregnant oocytes also engage in progesterone-mediated maturation.
- Pregnant luteal cells focus on steroidogenesis and cortisol pathways, while non-pregnant luteal cells are linked to metabolism and signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- Ovarian cell type proportions, functional pathways, and cell communication dynamics differ significantly between pregnant and non-pregnant Holstein cows.
- Increased granulosa and luteal cells during pregnancy, along with specific pathway enrichments, underscore their critical role in reproduction.
- Findings provide novel insights into ovarian regulation and reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle, highlighting key cellular and molecular mechanisms.
