Global gene expression analysis indicates that small luteal cells are involved in extracellular matrix modulation and immune cell recruitment in the bovine corpus luteum.

Genome wide mRNA expression analysis of small and large luteal cells, isolated from the mature staged corpora lutea (CL), was not performed in any species. In the current study, we have isolated bovine small and large luteal cells from mid-cycle (day 10-11) animals and characterized their transcriptomes using "GeneChip™ Bovine Gene 1.0 ST Arrays". A total of 1276 genes were identified to be differentially expressed between small and large luteal cells. Data evaluation revealed that novel functions, extracellular matrix synthesis and immune cell recruitment, were enriched in small luteal cells. On contrary, functions regarding the regulation of folliculogenesis, luteal regression, fatty acid and branched chain amino acid metabolism were differentially enriched in large luteal cells. Overall, the current data offer a first and detailed insight into the functional roles of small and large luteal cells in the mature bovine corpus luteum.