Interferon-Stimulated Gene Expression in Peripheral Blood Leucocytes as a Convenient Prediction Marker for Embryo Status in Embryo-Transferred Japanese Black Cows during the Peri-Implantation Period.

Pregnancy diagnosis during early gestation is important for cattle reproduction. The expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) was studied in embryo-transferred (ET) Japanese Black cattle. ISGs in PBLs-, , , and -were detected in multiple ovulation ET cattle using a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed.

Effects of oral β-cryptoxanthin administration on the transcriptomes of peripheral neutrophil and liver tissue using microarray analysis in post-weaned Holstein calves.

We investigated the effects of oral administration of β-cryptoxanthin (β-CRX), a precursor of vitamin A synthesis, on the transcriptomes of peripheral neutrophils and liver tissue in post-weaned Holstein calves with immature immunity. A single oral administration of β-CRX (0.2 mg/kg body weight) was performed in eight Holstein calves (4.

Single oral β-cryptoxanthin administration increases its serum concentration and enhances peripheral blood neutrophil function in Holstein cattle.

We investigated the effect of oral administration of β-cryptoxanthin (β-CRX) on its serum concentration and peripheral neutrophil functions by the chemiluminescence (CL) response in Holstein cattle. A single oral administration of β-CRX was performed for serum β-CRX concentration (0, 0.05, 0.

Evidence for existence of insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) hormone-receptor system in the ovarian corpus luteum and extra-ovarian reproductive organs during pregnancy in goats.

Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3), initially described as a male hormone, is expressed in female reproductive organs during the estrous cycle and pregnancy but its function has not yet been established. This study explores the function of INSL3 in pregnant Saanen goats by characterizing the expression dynamics of INSL3 and its receptor, relaxin family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2) and by demonstrating specific INSL3 binding in reproductive organs, using molecular and immunological approaches and ligand-receptor interaction assays. We demonstrate that the corpus luteum (CL) acts as both a source and target of INSL3 in pregnant goats, while extra-ovarian reproductive organs serve as additional INSL3 targets.

Use of a prediction method for early pregnancy status utilizing receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of peripheral blood leukocyte interferon-stimulated genes in Japanese-Black cattle.

A prediction method for early pregnancy status (pregnant or non-pregnant) in cattle that can be used within 3 weeks after insemination is desired. Interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) have been examined as prediction molecules for determination of pregnancy status. Relative abundances of ISG15 and MX2 gene transcripts in PBLs were suitable biomarkers for the prediction of pregnancy status when there were assessments of Holstein cattle.

Gene expression profiles in bovine granulocytes reflect the aberration of liver functions.

Liver performs several important functions; however, predicting its functions is difficult. Methods of analyzing gene expression profiles, for example, microarray, provide functional information of tissues. Liver and peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) were collected from Holstein cows subjected to two different physiological conditions (non-pregnant and pregnant), and PBLs were fractionated by gradient cell separation.

Characterisation of bovine embryos following prolonged culture in embryonic stem cell medium containing leukaemia inhibitory factor.

In order to help elucidate the process of epiblast and trophoblast cell differentiation in bovine embryos invitro, we attempted to develop a suitable culture medium to allow extended embryo culture. Day 7 bovine blastocysts developed in conventional medium were cultured further in embryonic stem cell medium with or without leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) until Day 23. At Day 14, the expression of octamer-binding transcription factor 3/4 (OCT3/4) and VIMENTIN was significantly higher in embryos cultured with than without LIF, but embryonic disc formation was not observed.

A cell-based interferon-tau assay with an interferon-stimulated gene 15 promoter.

Interferon-tau (IFNT) is known as an early pregnancy recognition signal in ruminants. An accurate and convenient IFNT detection system is desirable for the diagnosis of endometrial and trophoblastic functions, including gestation status, in cows. The aim of this study was to develop a new cell-based assay, which involved the stable introduction of an interferon-stimulated gene promoter to a luciferase reporter system.

A predictive threshold value for the diagnosis of early pregnancy in cows using interferon-stimulated genes in granulocytes.

Interferon tau plays an important role in establishing bovine pregnancy. Interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) have been examined to identify a suitable indicator for the diagnosis of early gestation in cows. Although ISGs can be specifically detected in peripheral white blood cells during early gestation, its reliability remains to be validated.

Generation of recombinant bovine interferon tau in the human embryonic kidney cell line and its biological activity.

The objective of this study was to generate recombinant bovine interferon tau (rbIFNT) in mammalian hosts. The complementary DNA encoding bovine IFNT2 was cloned for the construction of pRcRSV-bIFNT2 expression vector. The expression vector was transfected to 293 cells.

Aberrant gene expression of heparanase in ventricular hypertrophy induced by monocrotaline in rats.

The gene expression levels of heparanase, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and MMP9 were examined in ventricles after treatment with monocrotaline (MCT) to induce cardiac hypertrophy in rats. Rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of MCT (60 mg/kg) or saline. Twenty-five days after the injection, the right ventricle and lung wet weights were increased in MCT-treated rats compared with the control.

Nfkbiz regulates the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes.

Nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells (NF-κB) inhibitor zeta (Nfkbiz) is a nuclear inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB) protein that is also termed as molecule possessing ankyrin repeats induced by lipopolysaccharide, interleukin-1-inducible nuclear ankyrin repeat protein, or IκBζ. We found previously that disrupting the Nfkbiz gene resulted in atopic dermatitis-like lesions in mice, suggesting an important role for Nfkbiz in the skin. In this study, we examined the cellular function of Nfkbiz in keratinocytes.

Induction of ovine trophoblast cell fusion by fematrin-1 in vitro.

Endogenous retroviruses present in the genomes take a specific role in placental formation in various vertebrates, including bovine and sheep. Fematrin-1, which is the envelope (Env) protein of bovine endogenous retrovirus found in bovine placenta, is involved in the formation of fetomaternal hybrid cells in cattle placenta. This study was conducted to clarify whether fematrin-1 possesses fusogenic activity in trophoblast cells.

The role of IFN-γ in regulating Nfkbiz expression in epidermal keratinocytes.

Nfkbiz is an inhibitor of nuclear factor κB (IκB) protein localized to the nucleus. We previously found that Nfkbiz gene-disrupted mice showed atopic dermatitis-like lesion, implying the important role of Nfkbiz in skin homeostasis. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of interferon (IFN)-γ on Nfkbiz expression in keratinocytes.

Development of an in vitro model for the analysis of bovine endometrium using simple techniques.

This study aimed to develop an in vitro model for the analysis of the bovine endometrium. Immunofluorescent staining revealed that the hetero-spheroids and the cultured explants showed almost similar structure in the localization of bovine endometrial epithelial cells and endometrial stromal cells, except the glandular-like structure of the epithelial cells inside the explants. Gelatin zymography revealed that the hetero-spheroids did not express matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) after 4 days of culture, but strong MMP expressions were observed in the cultured explants until 7 days of culture.

SOLD1 is expressed in bovine trophoblast cell lines and regulates cell invasiveness.

Background: Secreted protein of Ly-6 domain 1 (SOLD1), a secretory-type member of the Ly-6 superfamily, is expressed in both fetal and maternal tissues throughout gestation. SOLD1 mRNA is expressed in the endometrium and in trophoblast mononucleate and binucleate cells, suggesting it plays an important role not only in placental architecture at early gestation, but also in remodeling the endometrium at late gestation. Here, we investigate the expression of SOLD1 mRNA and protein in trophoblast cell lines.

Expression profiles of perforin, granzyme B and granulysin genes during the estrous cycle and gestation in the bovine endometrium.

The conceptus is susceptible to destruction by maternal cytotoxic lymphocytes, which have cytotoxic potential. Therefore, it is expected that mechanisms for regulating cytotoxic lymphocytes exist, but little is known about the expression of cytotoxic genes in the endometrium. In the present study, we examined the spatial and temporal expression patterns of the cytotoxic genes perforin, granzyme B, and granulysin during the estrous cycle and gestation in the bovine endometrium.

Dynamics of CD3⁺ T-cell distribution throughout the estrous cycle and gestation in the bovine endometrium.

T cells are the dominant lymphocytes in the endometrium and are considered to play a crucial role in implantation and in the maintenance of gestation through cytokine production and immune regulation. The mechanisms underlying immunoregulation at the feto-maternal interface are still obscure for this complex system. Understanding the role of T cells is a key factor in understanding the endometrial immune system.

Fematrin-1 is involved in fetomaternal cell-to-cell fusion in Bovinae placenta and has contributed to diversity of ruminant placentation.

During placentation, mammals employ different strategies for nourishing and supporting fetuses. Members of the Bovidae family, consisting of cloven-hoofed ruminants, utilize multiple maternal attachment points on the placenta, known as cotyledons, and hybrid cells, named trinucleate cells or syncytial plaques, made up of a fusion of fetal trophoblasts and maternal endometrial cells to provide essential hormones and maintain long gestation periods. These hybrid cells are unique to the Bovidae, as fetomaternal borders are clearly separated by syncytiotrophoblasts or epithelial cells in the placenta of other mammals.

Differential neutrophil gene expression in early bovine pregnancy.

Background: In food production animals, especially cattle, the diagnosis of gestation is important because the timing of gestation directly affects the running of farms. Various methods have been used to detect gestation, but none of them are ideal because of problems with the timing of detection or the accuracy, simplicity, or cost of the method. A new method for detecting gestation, which involves assessing interferon-tau (IFNT)-stimulated gene expression in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL), was recently proposed.

Tenascin-C Expression in Equine Tendon-derived Cells During Proliferation and Migration.

In vitro cell studies might be a useful tool for studying tendon pathology, but no suitable in vitro models exist for tendon disorders. The purpose of this study was to confirm whether cell scratch culture using tendon-derived fibroblasts can provide a suitable in vitro tendon disorder model. Extracellular matrix components were examined immunohistochemically in tendon tissue, and then their related gene expression levels were analyzed by conventional reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and/or quantitative real-time RT-PCR in tissues and cells.

The role of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) in the regulation of bovine endometrial cell functions.

Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) is a cell surface glycoprotein that stimulates the production of several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) for tissue remodeling. Previously, we detected EMMPRIN in the bovine endometrium, and it is mainly expressed in the luminal and glandular epithelium whereas MMPs are expressed in the underlying stroma. From this expression pattern, we hypothesized that EMMPRIN may regulate stromal MMPs in endometrial cell functions.

Hormonal differences in peripheral blood and gene profiling in the liver and lymphocytes in Japanese black cattle with growth retardation.

Japanese Black cattle occasionally demonstrate growth retardation despite sufficient nutrient intake. To clarify hormonal and transcriptional characteristics, we investigated differences in blood components, including hormones, and differences in exhaustive gene expressions in the liver and peripheral lymphocytes of six cattle with growth retardation (GR cattle) and eight control cattle of the same age and pedigree with normal growth. Hematocrit values and concentrations of hemoglobin, serum albumin, total cholesterol, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), thyroxine and insulin in GR cattle were significantly lower than those in controls.

Bovine trophoblastic cell differentiation and binucleation involves enhanced endogenous retrovirus element expression.

Background: Endogenous retrovirus (ERV) envelope (env) genes are involved in the differentiation of trophoblastic cells in humans and mice. However, there is limited information about their roles in ruminant trophoblastic cells. Thus, we attempted to explore the possible roles of ERV elements in the binucleation of bovine trophoblastic cells using in vitro bovine trophoblastic (BT) cell lines.