Specific interferon tau gene-regulation networks in bovine endometrial luminal epithelial cells

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Interferon tau (IFNT) plays a critical role as a pregnancy recognition factor in early pregnancy by regulating uterine epithelial gene expression. Illuminating the relation between IFNT and pregnancy will contribute significantly to early pregnancy research in ruminants.

METHODS: Therefore, in this study, we treated primary bovine endometrial luminal epithelial cells (bELECs) without or with IFNT (200 ng/mL) for 6 or12 h. Subsequently,RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology was used to evaluate differences in gene expression. In total, 707 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected. These DEGs were significantly enriched in immune-related categories or pathways, including immune system process, MHC class I protein complex, antigen processing and presentation, and graft-versus-host disease. Furthermore, an integrated regulatory network was constructed to elucidate the interactions among these DEGs.

RESULTS: A set of candidate genes (RAC2, DVL3, PSMB9, STAT1, ISG15, JAK1, and MUC1) was identified. Upon integration of these node genes, we speculated that IFNT might upregulate MHC molecules via a JAK1-STAT1-ISG15/PSMB9 axis involved in the maintenance of a tolerant environment during early pregnancy.

CONCLUSION: Our results forma foundation for dissecting the molecular mechanism of IFNT in the uterus; future studies will use these data to identify and characterize new IFNT regulatory mechanisms in the endometrium.