Single-cell atlas of the pregnant equine endometrium before and after implantation.

Embryo implantation in the mare occurs just over one month after fertilization, coinciding with the production of chorionic gonadotropin. The factors that regulate this late implantation in the mare, and whether they are unique to horses or shared with more invasive embryo implantation in other species, remain poorly understood. This study aimed to determine and compare the transcriptome and subpopulations of endometrial cells before and after embryo implantation in the horse.

NINJ1 regulates ferroptosis via xCT antiporter interaction and CoA modulation.

Ninjurin-1 (NINJ1), initially identified as a stress-induced protein in neurons, recently emerged as a key mediator of plasma membrane rupture (PMR) during apoptosis, necrosis, and pyroptosis. However, its involvement in ferroptosis is less well elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that NINJ1 also plays a crucial role in ferroptosis, but through a distinct mechanism.

Naturally occurring horse model of miscarriage reveals temporal relationship between chromosomal aberration type and point of lethality.

Chromosomal abnormalities are a common cause of human miscarriage but rarely reported in any other species. As a result, there are currently inadequate animal models available to study this condition. Horses present one potential model since mares receive intense gynecological care.

Monoclonal antibodies for equine CD25 improve detection of regulatory T cells in horses.

CD25, the interleukin-2 receptor α-chain, is expressed on cell surfaces of different immune cells and is commonly used for phenotyping of regulatory T cells (Tregs). CD25 has essential roles in the maintenance of hemostasis and immune tolerance and Treg cell involvement has been shown in human diseases and murine models for allergy, autoimmunity, cancer, chronic inflammation, and many others. In horses, a cross-reactive anti-human CD25 antibody has previously been used for characterizing Tregs.

Adaptive colonization across a parasitism-mutualism gradient.

Adaptive colonization is a process wherein a colonizing population exhibits an adaptive change in response to a novel environment, which may be critical to its establishment. To date, theoretical models of adaptive colonization have been based on single-species introductions. However, given their pervasiveness, symbionts will frequently be co-introduced with their hosts to novel areas.