Transcriptome profiling of developing testes and spermatogenesis in Mongolian horse

Abstract Introduction: The development of horse testis and spermatogenesis is a complex physiological process. Methods: To study those physiological processes, 3 immature and 3 mature testes of Mongolian horse were collected, and six libraries were established using a high-throughput RNA sequencing technology (RNA-Seq) to screen for genes that were related to Mongolian horse testis development and spermatogenesis.Results & Discussion: A total of 16,237 upregulated genes and 8,641 downregulated genes in the testis of Mongolian horse were detected. These genes play important roles in different developmental stages of spermatogenesis and testicular development. Five alternative splicing (AS) event genes were detected, and different AS events can also influence both spermatogenesis and developing of testis. GO (Gene ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway analyses were performed for functional annotation of the differentially expressed genes during testis development and spermatogenesis. For example, oocyte meiosis pathways were significantly involved in different stages of testis development and spermatogenesis.Conclusion: These genes were associated with spermatogenesis, male gamete generation, spermatid development, and oocyte meiosis.The finding that gene is a vital element in horse testis development improves our understanding of horse testis development and spermatogenesis.