Theriogenology最新文献

{"title":"Spermidine alleviates heat stress-induced deterioration of porcine oocytes","authors":"Meijie Chen ,&nbsp;Xiaofan Sun ,&nbsp;Jiner Yan ,&nbsp;Shaochen Sun ,&nbsp;Bo Xiong","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117810","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117810","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Increased global warming is associated with a wide range of risks to human and animal health, including the reproductive disorders. However, the strategies to improve the heat stress (HS)-induced female germ cell defects are still underexplored. Here, we report that spermidine (SPD) treatment is a feasible approach to ameliorate the quality of porcine oocytes under HS. We found that SPD treatment during HS exposure promoted the oocyte maturation as indicated by the increased polar body extrusion rate and cumulus cell expansion area. In the meantime, SPD treatment also restored the spindle/chromosome structure, actin polymerization, and cortical granule dynamics to enhance the oocyte quality. Notably, transcriptome analysis revealed that the favorable effects of SPD treatment against HS exposure was involved in the pathways related to the translation activity and mitochondrial function. We further validated that SPD treatment mitigated translation defects and mitochondrial dysfunction present in HS-exposed oocytes, and hence reducing levels of reactive oxygen species and DNA damage to inhibit the occurrence of apoptosis. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that SPD can be used to alleviated HS-induced meiotic defects in oocytes, which holds potential applications in improving human and animal reproductive health, and optimizing <em>in vitro</em> reproductive technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"254 ","pages":"Article 117810"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145927972","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Regulation of autophagy–Ferroptosis crosstalk by the SLC7A11–GPX4 axis during sperm capacitation","authors":"Zhiwei Yao ,&nbsp;Jie Wang ,&nbsp;Yuyang Zhang,&nbsp;Junzheng Zhang,&nbsp;Hao Li,&nbsp;Kun Zhao,&nbsp;Yang An,&nbsp;Mingyu Wang,&nbsp;Zihan Tang,&nbsp;Xuan Chen,&nbsp;Yi Jin","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117795","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117795","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sperm capacitation exposes porcine spermatozoa to an acute redox challenge while they remain transcriptionally silent and unable to synthesize new proteins. To elucidate how the SLC7A11–GPX4 antioxidant axis functions as a key regulatory node to maintain redox homeostasis under these constraints, we combined ubiquitin-focused proteomics with linkage-specific co-immunoprecipitation. This approach revealed a shift in GPX4 (glutathione peroxidase 4) ubiquitin chains from K48- to K63-linkage and an overall reduction in GPX4 ubiquitination during capacitation. Immunofluorescence showed that GPX4 relocalizes from a diffuse distribution across the sperm head to a marked enrichment in the posterior head region. Pharmacology combined with immunoblotting and GPX4 activity assays demonstrated that proteasome inhibition (MG132) preserves GPX4 abundance and activity, whereas USP8 inhibition (DUB-IN-2) increases GPX4 ubiquitination and reduces its level and activity; conversely, the GPX4 inhibitor RSL3 nearly abolishes activity. Autophagy blockade with chloroquine, assessed by LC3/p62 immunoblotting and SLC7A11 immunofluorescence, disrupted polarized SLC7A11 localization and, as shown by cystine-uptake and glutamate-efflux assays, impaired transporter function. Ferroptotic stress markers—ROS (BDP 581/591), labile Fe²⁺ (RhoNox-1), and malondialdehyde (TBARS assay)—were increased by erastin or RSL3, and In vitro fertilization assays further showed that pharmacological disruption of the autophagy–SLC7A11–GPX4 axis reduced sperm–oocyte binding and early embryo cleavage. Together, these data indicate that ubiquitin-linkage remodeling and deubiquitination cooperate with autophagy-dependent SLC7A11 trafficking to maintain a catalytically competent GPX4 pool during capacitation, thereby buffering ferroptotic stress and supporting fertilization competence. Pharmacological inhibition further nominates USP8 as a candidate GPX4 deubiquitinase, pending targeted biochemical and genetic validation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"254 ","pages":"Article 117795"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145886409","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of osteopontin treatment alone and in combination with hormonal therapy on endometrial epidermal growth factor concentration and fertility at the first insemination after calving in dairy cows","authors":"Taiwo Kamardeen Bello ,&nbsp;Takashi Tanida ,&nbsp;Takayoshi Tagami ,&nbsp;Yojiro Yanagawa ,&nbsp;Seiji Katagiri","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117812","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117812","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Delayed recovery of cyclic changes in epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentration in the endometrium is related to low conception rates at the first insemination following parturition. An intravaginal infusion of osteopontin (OPN) normalizes EGF profile and improves fertility in repeat-breeder (RB) cows. Therefore, the present study determined whether this treatment can restore normal EGF profile in postpartum cows and improve fertility. First, the effects of recombinant OPN (rOPN) and OPN peptide were examined. In cows with abnormal EGF profile, treatment with both rOPN and OPN peptides increased the normalization rate of EGF profile (78.3 % and 53.1 %, respectively) and conception rates (47.8 % and 61.2 %, respectively), with the rates being higher than those of the control group (25.0 % and 20.0 %, respectively). Second, the effects of combined OPN and hormonal therapy, an established treatment for this abnormality in RB cows, were investigated. Cows were treated with OPN peptide (320 nmol or 1600 nmol) alone and in combination with hormonal therapy. The combined treatment significantly increased EGF normalization and conception rates than the peptide alone (40.5 % vs. 21.9 % and 35.1 % vs. 19.0 %, respectively). The combined treatment achieved the highest conception rate among all groups, including those that received 1600 nmol OPN peptide with or without hormonal therapy. These results indicated that although OPN peptide alone improves fertility, combining it with hormonal therapy could be a better option in cows at the first insemination following parturition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"254 ","pages":"Article 117812"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145918579","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Inhibition of HDAC6 promotes in vitro maturation of Tan sheep oocytes by bidirectionally and synergistically regulating EGFR/CNP expression via histone acetylation","authors":"Yujie Yan ,&nbsp;Donghuan Lv ,&nbsp;Zhipeng Qi ,&nbsp;Xiangyan Wang ,&nbsp;Jinghua Wang ,&nbsp;Hongyuan Song ,&nbsp;Junli He ,&nbsp;Sirui Min ,&nbsp;Qiang Chen ,&nbsp;Xinfeng Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117797","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117797","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aims to elucidate the regulatory role and molecular mechanism of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) in the in vitro maturation (<em>IVM</em>) of Tan sheep oocytes. Using a granulosa cell-oocyte co-culture model supplemented with the HDAC6-specific inhibitor Tubastatin A (Tub A), combined with cell biology and molecular biology techniques, we analyzed its effects on oocyte maturation rate, mitochondrial function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and related signaling pathways. The results showed that inhibition of HDAC6 significantly improved the oocyte maturation rate, ameliorated mitochondrial distribution, reduced ROS levels, and enhanced the blastocyst formation rate post in vitro fertilization (<em>IVF</em>). The underlying mechanism may involve histone acetylation modifications at sites H4K5, H4K12, H3K14, H4K16, and H3K27. This leads to the upregulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (<em>EGFR</em>) expression and downregulation of C-type natriuretic peptide (<em>CNP</em>) expression, subsequently regulating the expression of downstream genes (<em>TTP, CX37, CX43, PDE3A</em>), ultimately promoting the <em>IVM</em> of Tan sheep oocytes. This study reveals that HDAC6 likely influences oocyte maturation via a molecular network involving bidirectional and synergistic regulation of EGFR/CNP through histone epigenetic modifications, providing a theoretical basis for optimizing the <em>IVM</em> culture system for Tan sheep oocytes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"254 ","pages":"Article 117797"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145918618","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reproductive efficiency of Bos indicus cows under different estradiol-free ovulation synchronization protocols","authors":"Lucas Araujo Lemos ,&nbsp;Laís Reis Carvalho ,&nbsp;Matheus Pedroso Vicente ,&nbsp;Luiz Manoel Souza Simões ,&nbsp;Leonardo Silva Fernandes do Vale ,&nbsp;José Camisão de Souza ,&nbsp;José Nélio de Sousa Sales","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117830","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117830","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective was to evaluate the fertility of <em>Bos indicus</em> cows submitted to an ovulation synchronization protocol without estrogen (E2). In experiment 1, injectable P4 (P4i) was administered 10 days (D-10) before the TAI protocol. On D0, cows received one intravaginal P4 device and estradiol benzoate (EB; Control) or buserelin acetate (GnRH/EC and 2GnRH). On D8, devices were removed, and all cows received eCG and PGF2α. Additionally, cows received estradiol cypionate (EC) on D8 (Control and GnRH/EC) or buserelin acetate on D10 (2GnRH). In Experiment 2, cows in the Control group underwent a protocol similar to Experiment 1. Cows in the GnRH/EC, 2GnRH/48h, and 2GnRH/54h groups were pre-synchronized with an intravaginal P4 device (D-7) and received gonadorelin and an intravaginal P4 device on D0. P4 devices were removed on D8, and all cows received eCG and PGF2α. Furthermore, the GnRH/EC group received EC, and cows in the 2GnRH/48h and 2GnRH/54h groups were administered GnRH 48 h (h) after removal of the P4 device. TAI was performed 48 (2GnRH/48h) or 54h (2GnRH/54h) after removal of the P4 device. In all experiments, the follicular diameter on D8 was greater in cows that received GnRH on D0 (P ≤ 0.01) as well as a greater ovulation rate on D0 (P ≤ 0.01). Furthermore, estrus expression was greater in cows receiving EC (P = 0.001; Exp. 2). P/AI was greater in the Control group (P = 0.001; Exp. 2). In conclusion, removal of estradiol in ovulation synchronization protocols resulted in lower fertility relative to E2-based controls.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"254 ","pages":"Article 117830"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Staying alive: a questionnaire study on pregnancy outcome and pre-weaning puppy health in Swedish dogs","authors":"Anna Bonnevie ,&nbsp;Karolina Engdahl ,&nbsp;Emelie Pettersson ,&nbsp;Helene Alm ,&nbsp;Ingrid Hansson ,&nbsp;Bodil Ström Holst","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117814","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117814","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pre-weaning mortality and stillbirth rates in dogs are relatively high. Hypoxia during prolonged parturition is the main cause of neonatal death, followed by septic infection, predominantly caused by opportunistic bacteria. Several viruses also contribute to neonate mortality. Good breeding management and vaccination are important in improving newborn survival. The purpose of the study was to establish pregnancy outcome rates in a large cohort of Swedish breeding dogs, information that had not been previously documented. Further, we aimed to identify risk factors associated with abortion, congenital anomalities, and puppy mortality. Last, we wanted to investigate potential risk for transmission of <em>Brucella canis</em> or other zoonoses related to parturition. To achieve this, a web-based questionnaire was distributed to dog breeders in the Swedish Kennel Club.</div><div>The results comprise data from 1879 breeders on 10,124 puppies from 1791 litters. Abortion rate was 1.5 %, stillbirth rate 4.8 %, and pre-weaning mortality 3.7 %. Disease in the pregnant bitch was associated with spontaneous abortion or resorption. Stillbirth was associated with the bitch having her first litter, dystocia, increased litter size and presence of congential anomalities in the litter. Pre-weaning mortality was associated with dystocia and increased litter size. Having seven or more dogs less than one year old together with the bitch during the last weeks of pregnancy was a risk factor for both stillbirth and pre-weaning mortality, an association not previously shown. Thirty per cent of respondents reported having used mouth-to-nose resuscitation on newborn puppies, a potential transmit route for <em>Brucella canis</em> and other zoonotic agents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"254 ","pages":"Article 117814"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"SB216763 enhances proliferation and sustains the undifferentiated state of porcine spermatogonial cells in prolonged In vitro culture","authors":"Benliang Zhou ,&nbsp;Zhen Zhang ,&nbsp;Anqin Duan ,&nbsp;Jiaxiang Ji ,&nbsp;Mengqi Li ,&nbsp;Rui Chen ,&nbsp;Xiangxing Zhu ,&nbsp;Jianghua Shang ,&nbsp;Xiaogan Yang ,&nbsp;Xingwei Liang","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117816","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117816","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) serve as the foundation of spermatogenesis and play a critical role in livestock fertility and genetic improvement. However, maintaining these cells in long-term culture remains challenging, especially in pigs, where preserving both proliferative capacity and the undifferentiated state has proven difficult. To overcome this limitation, we investigated SB216763 (SB), a selective GSK-3β inhibitor reported to enhance proliferation in other stem cell types, for its potential effects on porcine spermatogonial cells (pSCs). In a 9-day concentration screening (0, 1.25, 2.5, and 5 μM SB), SB treatment significantly enhanced the proliferation of pSCs. It upregulated the proliferation-related gene PCNA and the antiapoptotic gene BCL2, while downregulating key apoptosis-related genes, including BAX and Caspase-3. It also promoted the expression of DAZL, UCHL1, NANOS2, and OCT4. Furthermore, over a 55-day period, treatment with 2.5 μM SB consistently supported higher proliferation rates, a larger proportion of DAZL-positive cells, and elevated expression of undifferentiation-associated markers (NANOS2, OCT4) compared with untreated controls at each passage. Overall, our results demonstrate that SB216763 not only promotes the proliferation of pSCs but also helps maintain their germline identity, offering a feasible strategy to improve the long-term in vitro culture of porcine spermatogonial cells.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"254 ","pages":"Article 117816"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145927973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Morphological identification and distribution of telocytes in testis and epididymis of Small-tailed Han sheep before and after sexual maturation","authors":"Long Ma ,&nbsp;Yumei Qi ,&nbsp;Ligang Yuan ,&nbsp;Guojuan Chen ,&nbsp;Jianlin Zeng ,&nbsp;Jinhan Lv ,&nbsp;Xiaolong Qie","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117794","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117794","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Telocytes (TCs) are a novel type of stromal cell found in various organs and tissues of mammals, with potential functions including substance transport, mechanical support, and regulation of the microenvironmental stability. This study aims to investigate the existence and morphological differences of TCs in the testis and epididymis of Small-tailed Han sheep before and after sexual maturation using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), toluidine blue staining, immunohistochemistry, double immunofluorescence, and Western blot analysis, and evaluate their function in reproductive regulation. TEM revealed that the TCs located near the basement membrane and blood vessels in the testis and epididymis of Small-tailed Han sheep in two age groups. After sexual maturation, TCs exhibited telopodes (Tps) that were much longer, curved and pronounced distinctions between dilated segments and thin segments, with an increased number of secretory vesicles compared to before sexual maturation. Toluidine blue staining confirmed the presence of TCs near the basement membrane and blood vessels in the interstitial tissue. Immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence demonstrated that the positive expression of CD117, Vimentin, platelet derived growth factor receptor α(PDGFR α), PDGFR α+CD117, and PDGFR α+Vimentin in TCs. Additionally, we analyzed the protein expression levels of these markers to infer the potential functions of TCs. The expression of PDGFR α was significantly lower before sexual than after sexual maturation (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01). On the contrary, CD117 and Vimentin expression levels in the testis and caput epididymis were significantly higher before sexual maturation (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01), whereas the opposite trend was observed in the corpus and cauda epididymis. We hypothesize that TCs are involved in the spermatogenesis, structural stability of luminal, and sperm transport and maturation in Small-tailed Han sheep. This study is the first to report the characteristics of TCs in the testis and epididymis of Small-tailed Han sheep before and after sexual maturation. The differences in morphology and biomarkers of TCs indicate their role in Small-tailed Han sheep reproduction and provide insights to research the TCs on the reproduction and breeding of animals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"254 ","pages":"Article 117794"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145886410","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Telomere lengths in blood and sperm as biomarkers of reproductive aging and semen quality in dogs","authors":"Chiara Del Prete ,&nbsp;Alessandra Iannuzzi ,&nbsp;Valentina Longobardi ,&nbsp;Maria Pia Pasolini ,&nbsp;Ramona Pistucci ,&nbsp;Alfonso Calabria ,&nbsp;Bianca Gasparrini ,&nbsp;Natascia Cocchia","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117827","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117827","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To assess the potential utility of leukocytes and spermatozoa telomere length (LTL and STL) as reproductive biomarkers, this study measured both LTL and STL and investigated their possible correlations with oxidative status and semen quality parameters in healthy breeding male dogs. Twenty-two ejaculates and blood samples were collected from dogs of various breeds. Semen was evaluated for volume, concentration, sperm motility, and kinetic parameters using a Sperm Class Analyzer. LTL and STL were quantified using Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and expressed as the relative ratio of telomere repeat copy number (T) to a single-copy gene (S), T/S ratio. Serum oxidative stress markers were assessed using d-ROMs and Biological Antioxidant Potential (BAP) tests. Correlations between STL and LTL, as well as their association with age, semen parameters and oxidative stress levels, were evaluated using Spearman analysis. LTL and STL were 0.63 ± 0.25 and 0.85 ± 0.31 and showed a strong positive correlation (P &lt; 0.001; r_s = 0.70). Both LTL and STL were also negatively correlated with age (P &lt; 0.05 and rs = −0.50; P &lt; 0.001 and rs = −0.68). The cut-off age for the difference in STL and LTL was identified at 6 and 7.5 years, respectively. STL was also positively correlated with semen volume (P &lt; 0.05; r_s = 0.63) and concentration (P &lt; 0.05; r_s = 0.41) and negatively correlated with semen chromatin decondensation (P &lt; 0.01; r_s = -0.71); while the LTL showed a positive correlation with sperm concentration (P &lt; 0.05; r_s = 0.53). No correlations with oxidative markers were found. These findings support the potential use of TL as a biomarker for reproductive aging and semen quality in dogs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"254 ","pages":"Article 117827"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145967224","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interspecific SCNT in yak followed by embryo aggregation improves early in vitro developmental parameters without restoring pluripotent gene expression","authors":"M. Yauri Felipe ,&nbsp;M. Duque Rodriguez ,&nbsp;A. De Stefano ,&nbsp;L.D. Ratner ,&nbsp;V. Alberio ,&nbsp;D.F. Salamone","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117811","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117811","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The efficiency of interspecific somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) remains suboptimal, necessitating novel approaches. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of embryo aggregation on the <em>in vitro</em> development of yak clones produced by iSCNT. Zona free cloned embryos were generated using male yak somatic cells and cultured either individually (Y1x, B1x group) or in pairs (Y2x group) in microwells. Aggregation improved the <em>in vitro</em> development of cloned yak embryos, yielding a blastocyst rate of 40.38 % in the Y2x group, which is significantly higher than the 25.34 % and 18.24 % exhibited in Y1x and B1x groups, respectively (P &lt; 0.05), and comparable to the 48.14 % in the IVF control group. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that Y1x blastocysts exhibited significantly lower <em>CDX2</em> and <em>NANOG</em> levels than those in the Y2x, B1x, and IVF groups. <em>OCT4</em> levels expression did not differ between groups, and <em>SOX2</em> levels expression was similar in Y1x, Y2x, and IVF. Y2x embryos showed a higher total cell number than Y1x, though still lower than IVF. In addition, Y2x embryos exhibited fewer CDX2⁺, OCT4⁺, and SOX2⁺ cells compared to B1x and IVF groups. Embryo transfers were performed as a preliminary evaluation of the developmental potential of aggregated embryos. Although early pregnancy signals were detected exclusively in the Y2x group (13 %; 3/25), no embryos were detected at day 42 of gestation. In conclusion, embryo aggregation in yak iSCNT embryos improves selected early <em>in vitro</em> developmental parameters and blastocyst morphology, but does not restore all developmentally relevant gene expression, nor sustain post-implantation development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"254 ","pages":"Article 117811"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979603","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}