Receptivity signatures: selected metabolic pathway investigation-1

Abstract

In cattle, needed increases in the reproductive efficiency depend on a greater understanding of the endocrine, cellular and molecular mechanisms that result in higher conception rates. The central thesis of this project is that there is a "molecular signature" associated with optimal conditions of maternal receptivity to the embryo. Such signature is defined by a hallmark profile of abundance of molecules of diverse biochemical nature. The main objective is to characterize and quantify the array of molecules present in maternal tissues and fluids associated with early pregnancy and receptivity. The maternal reproductive transcriptome, proteome and lipidome will be interrogated holistically by the Systems Biology approach. In Experiment 1, the composition of uterine washings, endometrial biopsies and follicular fluid harvested on Day 6 (D6) post-insemination will be associated retrospectively with the gestational success measured on D30 in the same animals. In Experiment 2, the peri-ovulatory endocrine milieu will be modulated to result in progesterone concentrations post-estrus that are greater (associated with greater fertility) or lower (reduced fertility). Molecular composition of washings and tissues of the oviduct (harvested on D4) and the endometrium (harvested on D7) will be compared between groups. The selected scientific initiation student will use real time PCR and western blotting techniques to explore a metabolic pathway selected from our global analysis. (AU)