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Deciphering testicular aging through whole transcriptome sequencing and ceRNA network analysis in cattle
Xin Wang1, Xiang Meng1, Tianxiang Meng1
1Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.
Theriogenology
|July 17, 2026
Summary
Aging in bulls significantly impacts testicular function and semen quality. This study identifies key genes and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) involved in bovine testicular aging, offering insights to improve reproductive longevity.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Genomics
- Aging Research
Background:
- Male reproductive performance is crucial for livestock economics.
- Testicular aging in bulls negatively affects semen quality and breeding lifespan.
- The genetic and non-coding RNA mechanisms underlying bovine testicular aging are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of genes and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) on testicular aging in Wandong cattle.
- To identify molecular differences between mature and aged bull testes.
- To provide a theoretical basis for extending bull reproductive longevity.
Main Methods:
- Histomorphological analysis of testicular tissues from mature (3-year-old) and aged (10-year-old) Wandong bulls.
- Whole transcriptome sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and ncRNAs (lncRNAs, miRNAs, circRNAs).
- Construction of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks.
Main Results:
- Histological analysis revealed age-related changes in testicular structure.
- Identified 3451 DEGs, 2683 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs), 100 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs), and 348 differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs).
- Discovered enriched pathways including motor proteins, aldosterone synthesis, and cell cycle; constructed ceRNA networks like let-7/DNAH1 and miR-145/MYO9B.
Conclusions:
- This study elucidates differentially expressed genes and ncRNAs in aged bull testes.
- Provides novel molecular insights into testicular aging and spermatogenesis in cattle.
- Offers a reference for enhancing the reproductive performance and longevity of breeding bulls.
