Transcriptome Sequencing and Differential Analysis of Ovaries in Different Physiological States of Kazakh Horses
The Kazakh horse, as one of China's indigenous local breeds, possesses strong adaptability and unique physiological characteristics. The ovary, being a crucial reproductive organ in female animals, functions to produce oocytes and secrete hormones. Currently, there is limited research on the gene expression patterns in ovarian tissues of equine species. Therefore, this study conducted transcriptome sequencing on ovarian tissues of Kazakh horses under different physiological states. The results identified 979 differentially expressed mRNAs, including KISS1, LHCGR, COL1A1, CO4LA1, COL1A2, and THBS4, with 619 upregulated and 360 downregulated. Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and KEGG enrichment analysis of all differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed that key genes such as BMP15, LHCGR, STAR, and COL1A1 are primarily involved in pathways like Ovarian Steroidogenesis, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, ECM-receptor interaction, and Protein digestion and absorption. By performing transcriptome sequencing on ovarian tissues of Kazakh horses under varying conditions, this study further elucidates the differentially expressed genes and their associated signaling pathways, providing a theoretical foundation and data reference for future research on ovarian development and reproductive performance in horses.