Comparative Study on the Sperm Proteomes of Horses and Donkeys.
Authors: Ren Hong, Wen Xin, He Qianqian, Yi Minna, Dugarjaviin Manglai, Bou Gerelchimeg
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Sperm Proteome Differences Between Horses and Donkeys Reproductive performance varies markedly between horses and donkeys, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Researchers used advanced 4D-DIA mass spectrometry to comprehensively map and compare the sperm proteomes of both species, identifying 3436 proteins in horse sperm and 3404 in donkey sperm. Donkey sperm demonstrated superior motility characteristics, with significantly higher percentages of progressive movement and lower proportions of static or slow-moving cells compared to horses, and proteomic analysis revealed 114 species-specific proteins (73 unique to horses, 41 to donkeys) that may account for these functional differences. The 3363 proteins common to both species showed differential expression patterns that correlated with observed variations in sperm viability and kinematic parameters. For breeding programmes and artificial reproduction protocols, these findings highlight that species-specific protein profiles warrant tailored approaches to semen collection, assessment, and preservation, particularly when optimising fertility outcomes or managing breeding stock in mixed equine operations.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Species-specific differences in sperm protein composition may explain reproductive performance variations between horses and donkeys, relevant for breeding programs and assisted reproduction protocols
- •Understanding these proteomic differences could inform development of species-specific semen preservation and evaluation techniques
- •Protein biomarkers identified may be useful for assessing sperm quality and predicting fertility in equine breeding operations
Key Findings
- •3436 proteins identified in horse sperm and 3404 in donkey sperm, with 3363 proteins expressed in both species
- •73 proteins specifically expressed in horse sperm and 41 in donkey sperm
- •Donkeys exhibited greater sperm motility and progressive movement compared to horses
- •Specific protein expression patterns correlate with differences in sperm viability and motility between species