A Single-Cell Atlas of an Early Mongolian Sheep Embryo.

Cell types have been established during organogenesis based on early mouse embryos. However, our understanding of cell types and molecular mechanisms in the early embryo development of Mongolian sheep has been hampered. This study presents the first comprehensive single-cell transcriptomic characterization at E16 in Ujumqin sheep and Hulunbuir short-tailed sheep.

Reprogramming efficiency and pluripotency of mule iPSCs over its parents†.

The mule is the interspecific hybrid of horse and donkey and has hybrid vigor in muscular endurance, disease resistance, and longevity over its parents. Here, we examined adult fibroblasts of mule (MAFs) compared with the cells from their parents (donkey adult fibroblasts and horse adult fibroblasts) (each species has repeated three independent individuals) in proliferation, apoptosis, and glycolysis and found significant differences. We subsequently derived mule, donkey, and horse doxycycline (Dox)-independent induced pluripotent stem cells (miPSCs, diPSCs, and hiPSCs) from three independent individuals of each species and found that the reprogramming efficiency of MAFs was significantly higher than that of cells of donkey and horse.

Reprogramming barriers in bovine cells nuclear transfer revealed by single-cell RNA-seq analysis.

Many progresses have recently been achieved in animal somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). However, embryos derived from SCNT rarely result in live births. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) can be used to investigate the development details of SCNT embryos.

Development and Application of a High-Resolution Melting Analysis with Unlabeled Probes for the Screening of Short-Tailed Sheep Heterozygotes.

The short-tailed phenotype has long been considered one of the best traits for population genetic improvement in sheep breeding. In short-tailed sheep, not only is tail fat eliminated but also the pubic area is exposed due to the lack of a tail covering, giving them an advantage in reproduction. Recent studies have shown that two linked mutations in sheep at nucleotides 333 and 334 are associated with the short-tailed phenotype.

Generation of Sheep Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells With Defined DOX-Inducible Transcription Factors Transposition.

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have the potential to differentiate to all cell types of an adult individual and are useful for studying mammalian development. Establishing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) capable of expressing pluripotent genes and differentiating to three germ layers will not only help to explain the mechanisms underlying somatic reprogramming but also lay the foundation for the establishment of sheep embryonic stem cells (ESCs) . In this study, sheep somatic cells were reprogrammed into sheep iPSCs with stable morphology, pluripotent marker expression, and differentiation ability, delivered by transposon system with eight doxycycline (DOX)-inducible exogenous reprogramming factors: bovine OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, cMYC, porcine NANOG, human LIN28, SV40 large T antigen, and human TERT.

S100A8 expression in oviduct mucosal epithelial cells is regulated by estrogen and affects mucosal immune homeostasis.

Chronic inflammation can cause oviduct mucosal damage and immune dysfunction, leading to infertility, early pregnancy loss, ectopic pregnancy, tumors, and a decrease in reproductive capacities in female animals. Estrogen can suppress immune responses in different tissues and oviducts, and regulate the oviduct immune balance; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The objective of this study was to explore the mechanism of estrogen-regulated oviduct mucosal immunity and discover new estrogen targets for regulating oviduct mucosal immune homeostasis.

Establishment of bovine expanded potential stem cells.

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells have the potential to differentiate to all cell types of an adult individual and are useful for studying development and for translational research. However, extrapolation of mouse and human ESC knowledge to deriving stable ESC lines of domestic ungulates and large livestock species has been challenging. In contrast to ESCs that are usually established from the blastocyst, mouse expanded potential stem cells (EPSCs) are derived from four-cell and eight-cell embryos.

Whole Genome Sequencing of Hulunbuir Short-Tailed Sheep for Identifying Candidate Genes Related to the Short-Tail Phenotype.

The Hulunbuir short-tailed sheep () is a breed native to China, in which the short-tail phenotype is the result of artificial and natural selection favoring a specific set of genetic mutations. Here, we analyzed the genetic differences between short-tail and normal-tail phenotypes at the genomic level. Selection signals were identified in genome-wide sequences.

Lipopolysaccharide induces SBD-1 expression via the P38 MAPK signaling pathway in ovine oviduct epithelial cells.

Background: Beta defensins are secreted from ovine oviduct epithelial cells (OOECs) in response to microbial infection, and are potential alternatives to antibiotic agents in the treatment of microorganism infection, particularly given the abuse of antibiotic agents and the increasing number of drug-resistant bacteria. The aberrant expression of defensins may result in disorders involving organ and oviduct inflammation, such as salpingitis.

Methods: In the present study, we investigated the effects of LPS on the mRNA expression levels of sheep β-defensin-1 (SBD-1) in ovine oviduct epithelial cells.