A transcriptomal analysis of bovine oviductal epithelial cells collected during the follicular phase versus the luteal phase of the estrous cycle

K. L. Cerny, E. Garrett, A. J. Walton, L. H. Anderson, P. J. Bridges

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

52 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Reproductive success depends on a functional oviduct for gamete storage, maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. The ovarian-derived steroids estrogen and progesterone are key regulators of oviductal function. The objective of this study was to investigate luteal and follicular phase-specific oviductal epithelial cell function by using microarray-based transcriptional profiling, to increase our understanding of mRNAs regulating epithelial cell processes, and to identify novel genes and biochemical pathways that may be found to affect fertility in the future. Methods: Six normally cycling Angus heifers were assigned to either luteal phase (LP, n = 3) or follicular phase (FP, n = 3) treatment groups. Heifers in the LP group were killed between day 11 and 12 after estrus. Heifers in the FP group were treated with 25mg PGF2aα (Lutalyse, Pfizer, NY) at 8pm on day 6 after estrus and killed 36h later. Transcriptional profiling by microarray and confirmation of selected mRNAs by real-time RT-PCR analyses was performed using total RNA from epithelial cells isolated from sections of the ampulla and isthmus collected from LP and FP treatment groups. Differentially expressed genes were subjected to gene ontology classification and bioinformatic pathway analyses. Results: Statistical one-way ANOVA using Benjamini-hochberg multiple testing correction for false discovery rate (FDR) and pairwise comparison of epithelial cells in the ampulla of FP versus LP groups revealed 972 and 597 transcripts up- and down-regulated, respectively (P < 0.05). Within epithelial cells of the isthmus in FP versus LP groups, 946 and 817 transcripts were up- and down-regulated, respectively (P < 0.05). Up-regulated genes from both ampulla and isthmus were found to be largely involved in cholesterol biosynthesis and cell cycle pathways, while down-regulated genes were found in numerous inflammatory response pathways. Conclusions: Microarray-based transcriptional profiling revealed phase of the cycle-dependent changes in the expression of mRNA within the epithelium of the oviducts' ampulla and isthmus.

Original languageEnglish
Article number84
JournalReproductive Biology and Endocrinology
Volume13
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 5 2015

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This work was supported by National Institutes of Health Grant P01 HD071875, the University of Kentucky, and Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station. The information reported in this paper (publication no. 15-07-075 ) is part of a project of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station and is published with approval of the Director.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 Cerny et al.

Keywords

  • Ampulla
  • Estradiol
  • Heifer
  • Isthmus
  • Oviduct epithelial cells
  • Progesterone

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Developmental Biology

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