Single nucleus/cell RNA-seq of the chicken hypothalamicpituitaryovarian axis offers new insights into the molecular regulatory mechanisms of ovarian development  

作　　者：Dong Leng Bo Zeng Tao Wang Bin-Long Chen Di-Yan Li Zhuan-Jian Li 

机构地区：[1]School of Pharmacy,Chengdu University,Chengdu,Sichuan 610106,China [2]College of Animal Science and Technology,Sichuan Agricultural University,Chengdu,Sichuan 611130,China [3]College of Animal Science,Xichang University,Xichang,Sichuan 615000,China [4]College of Animal Science and Technology,Henan Agricultural University,Zhengzhou,Henan 450046,China

出　　处：《Zoological Research》2024年第5期1088-1107,共20页动物学研究（英文）

基　　金：supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province(2022NSFSC1767);National Natural Science Foundation of China(32360828)。

摘　　要：The hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian(HPO)axis represents a central neuroendocrine network essential for reproductive function.Despite its critical role,the intrinsic heterogeneity within the HPO axis across vertebrates and the complex intercellular interactions remain poorly defined.This study provides the first comprehensive,unbiased,cell type-specific molecular profiling of all three components of the HPO axis in adult Lohmann layers and Liangshan Yanying chickens.Within the hypothalamus,pituitary,and ovary,seven,12,and 13 distinct cell types were identified,respectively.Results indicated that the pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide(PACAP),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),and prolactin(PRL)signaling pathways may modulate the synthesis and secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH),FSH,and luteinizing hormone(LH)within the hypothalamus and pituitary.In the ovary,interactions between granulosa cells and oocytes involved the KIT,CD99,LIFR,FN1,and ANGPTL signaling pathways,which collectively regulate follicular maturation.The SEMA4 signaling pathway emerged as a critical mediator across all three tissues of the HPO axis.Additionally,gene expression analysis revealed that relaxin 3(RLN3),gastrin-releasing peptide(GRP),and cocaine-and amphetamine regulated transcripts(CART,also known as CARTPT)may function as novel endocrine hormones,influencing the HPO axis through autocrine,paracrine,and endocrine pathways.Comparative analyses between Lohmann layers and Liangshan Yanying chickens demonstrated higher expression levels of GRP,RLN3,CARTPT,LHCGR,FSHR,and GRPR in the ovaries of Lohmann layers,potentially contributing to their superior reproductive performance.In conclusion,this study provides a detailed molecular characterization of the HPO axis,offering novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying reproductive biology.

关 键 词：CHICKENS Single nucleus/cell transcriptome Hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis Signal crosstalk HORMONES 

分 类 号：S831[农业科学—畜牧学]