EV-derived small non-coding RNAs from porcine follicular fluid regulate follicle development using Pandora sequence.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Extracellular Vesicle Research

Background:

• Follicular fluid extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key in oocyte development communication.
• Small non-coding RNAs (SncRNAs) within EVs play a role in oocyte maturation.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate SncRNAs in porcine follicular fluid EVs.
• Analyze functional differences in SncRNAs between small and large follicles.
• Understand SncRNA roles in oocyte maturation.

Main Methods:

• Isolated EVs from porcine follicular fluid.
• Characterized EVs using NTA, TEM, and flow cytometry.
• Sequenced SncRNAs (piRNAs, rRNAs, tsRNAs, miRNAs, snoRNAs) using Pandora sequencing.

Main Results:

• Distinct SncRNA proportional distributions observed between small (S) and large (L) follicles (e.g., piRNA, tsRNA differences).
• Identified eight upregulated and four downregulated SncRNAs in large follicles.
• Enrichment analysis revealed roles in oocyte meiosis, embryonic development, and signaling pathways.

Conclusions:

• Follicular fluid EV SncRNAs, with size-dependent profiles, regulate oocyte developmental competence.
• Findings offer insights for improving swine assisted reproductive technologies.
• Identified potential biomarkers for ovarian follicular selection.