Plasma extracellular vesicle miRNAs as potential biomarkers of superstimulatory response in cattle

Sci Rep. 2020 Nov 5;10(1):19130. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-76152-9.

Abstract

The ability to predict superstimulatory response would be a beneficial tool in assisted reproduction. Using small RNAseq technology, we profiled extracellular vesicle microRNA (EV-miRNA) abundance in the blood plasma of heifers exhibiting variable responses to superstimulation. Estrous synchronized crossbred beef heifers (n = 25) were superstimulated and blood samples were collected from each heifer on Day 7 of consecutive unstimulated (U) and superstimulated (S) cycles. A subset of high (H) and low (L) responders was selected depending on their response to superstimulation and EV-miRNA profiles were analysed at both time-points in each heifer. Approximately 200 known miRNAs were detected in each sample with 144 commonly detected in all samples. A total of 12 and 14 miRNAs were dysregulated in UH vs. UL and in SH vs. SL heifers, respectively. Interestingly, miR-206 and miR-6517 exhibited the same differential expression pattern in H compared to L heifers both before and after superstimulation. Pathway analysis indicated that circadian rhythm and signaling pathways were among the top pathways enriched with genes targeted by dysregulated miRNAs in H vs. L responding heifers. In conclusion, heifers with divergent ovarian responses exhibited differential expression of plasma EV-miRNAs which may be used as a potential biomarker to predict superstimulation response.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Cattle
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology
  • Estrus / physiology
  • Estrus Synchronization / metabolism*
  • Extracellular Vesicles / metabolism*
  • Female
  • MicroRNAs / blood*
  • Ovarian Follicle / physiology
  • Ovulation Induction*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • MicroRNAs