Wen Xin, Bou Gerelchimeg, He Qianqian, Liu Qi, Yi Minna, Ren Hong
Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.
Proteomes. 2025 Jul 4;13(3):33. doi: 10.3390/proteomes13030033.
The reproductive ability of equine species is a critical component of equine breeding programs, with sperm quality serving as a primary determinant of reproductive success. In this study, we perform an integrative analysis of proteomics and metabolomics in seminal plasma to identify proteins and metabolites associated with sperm quality and reproductive ability in equine species.
We utilized the CEROS instrument to assess the morphology and motility of sperm samples from three horses and three donkeys. Additionally, we statistically analyzed the mating frequency and pregnancy rates in both species. Meanwhile, the 4D-DIA high-throughput proteomic and metabolomic profiling of seminal plasma samples from horses and donkeys revealed a complex landscape of proteins and metabolites.
Our findings reveal a certain degree of correlation between seminal plasma proteins and metabolites and sperm quality, as well as overall fertility. Notably, we found that the proteins B3GAT3, XYLT2, CHST14, HS2ST1, GLCE, and HSPG2 in the glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis signaling pathway; the metabolites D-glucose, 4-phosphopantetheine, and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid in the tyrosine metabolism, starch, and source metabolisms; and pantothenate CoA biosynthesis metabolism present unique characteristics in the seminal plasma of equine species.
This comprehensive approach provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sperm quality and has identified potential proteins and metabolites that could be used to indicate reproduction ability. The findings from this study could be instrumental in developing novel strategies to enhance equine breeding practices and reproductive management. Future research will focus on exploring their potential for clinical application in the equine industry.
马属动物的繁殖能力是马繁育计划的关键组成部分，精子质量是繁殖成功的主要决定因素。在本研究中，我们对马属动物精浆进行蛋白质组学和代谢组学的综合分析，以鉴定与精子质量和繁殖能力相关的蛋白质和代谢物。
我们使用CEROS仪器评估了三匹马和三头驴的精子样本的形态和活力。此外，我们对两个物种的交配频率和妊娠率进行了统计分析。同时，对马和驴的精浆样本进行的4D-DIA高通量蛋白质组学和代谢组学分析揭示了蛋白质和代谢物的复杂情况。
我们的研究结果揭示了精浆蛋白质和代谢物与精子质量以及整体生育能力之间存在一定程度的相关性。值得注意的是，我们发现糖胺聚糖生物合成信号通路中的蛋白质B3GAT3、XYLT2、CHST14、HS2ST1、GLCE和HSPG2；酪氨酸代谢、淀粉和源代谢中的代谢物D-葡萄糖、4-磷酸泛酰巯基乙胺和4-羟基苯丙酮酸；以及泛酸辅酶A生物合成代谢在马属动物的精浆中呈现出独特的特征。
这种综合方法为精子质量的分子机制提供了新的见解，并鉴定出了可用于指示繁殖能力的潜在蛋白质和代谢物。本研究的结果可能有助于制定新的策略来改进马的繁育实践和生殖管理。未来的研究将集中探索它们在马产业临床应用中的潜力。
