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Expression pattern of SMAD8 in geese at different reproductive stages and its effect on reproductive physiology and
Daolun Yu1, Ruina Zhang1, Yanfei He1
1College of Life and Health, West Anhui University, Lu'an 237012, Anhui, China.
Abstract:
Objectives: To elucidate the role of SMAD8 in geese egg production, we analyzed the expression patterns of SMAD8 in geese during the egg-laying and non-laying periods. Materials and Methods: LDN-193189, a specific SMAD8 inhibitor, was injected into the geese prior to the onset of egg-laying. Subsequently, the ovaries, oviducts, and serum of the geese at various reproductive stages were collected for subsequent detection and analysis. Results: The results indicated that the development of ovaries and oviducts in geese during the egg-laying period was superior to that during the non-laying period. In addition, SMAD8 expression in ovaries and oviducts of egg-laying geese was significantly higher than that in non-laying geese (p < 0.05). Injection of the SMAD8 inhibitor LDN-193189 at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg body weight per day significantly inhibited SMAD8 expression. Concomitantly, the expression levels of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) expression in the ovaries and oviducts were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the average egg production of geese was significantly increased by 4.1 eggs (p < 0.05), while the hatchability of breeder eggs remained unchanged (p > 0.05). Collectively, this study demonstrates that SMAD8 is differentially expressed at different reproductive stages in geese. Exogenous SMAD8 inhibitors can regulate in vivo SMAD8 expression, thereby modulating the expression of ovulation-related hormone receptors and ultimately improving the goose egg production. Conclusions: These findings suggest that SMAD8 may serve as a key intracellular regulator connecting reproductive organ development, hormone receptor abundance, and egg-laying performance in Wanxi White Goose (WWG) and indicate that targeted modulation of SMAD8 activity could provide a novel strategy for boosting egg production in low-yield goose breeds without compromising hatchability.
