miR-1306 induces cell apoptosis by targeting BMPR1B gene in the ovine granulosa cells.

Bone morphogenetic protein receptor type-1B (BMPR1B) is one of the major gene for sheep prolificacy. However, few studies investigated its regulatory region. In this study, we reported that miR-1306 is a direct inhibitor of BMPR1B gene in the ovine granulosa cells (ovine GCs).

Identification of novel genes associated with litter size of indigenous sheep population in Xinjiang, China using specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing technology.

Background: There are abundant sheep breed resources in the Xinjiang region of China attributing to its diverse ecological system, which include several high-litter size sheep populations. Previous studies have confirmed that the major high prolificacy gene cannot be used to detect high litter size. Our research team found a resource group in Pishan County, southern Xinjiang.

Transcriptome profiling analysis reveals key genes of different coat color in sheep skin.

Background: To investigate the molecular mechanisms determining the coat color of native breed sheep in Xinjiang.

Methods: Bashibai sheep, Yemule white sheep and Tulufan black sheep were selected. Illumina HiSeq X Ten sequencing technology was used to detect the genes responsible for the white, light brown, black and cyan gray coat colors in sheep.

Smad4 Feedback Enhances BMPR1B Transcription in Ovine Granulosa Cells.

BMPR1B is a type 1B receptor of the canonical bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/Sma- and mad-related protein (Smad) signaling pathway and is well known as the first major gene associated with sheep prolificacy. However, little is known about the transcriptional regulation of the ovine gene. In this study, we identified the ovine gene promoter and demonstrated that its transcription was regulated by Smad4.

Oviduct-specific expression of tissue plasminogen activator in laying hens.

Egg-laying hens are important candidate bioreactors for pharmaceutical protein production because of the amenability of their eggs for protein expression. In this study, we constructed an oviduct-specific vector containing tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) protein and green fluorescent protein (pL-2.8OVtPAGFP) and assessed its expression in vitro and in vivo.