Galectinology of Equine Pregnancy.
Authors: Fedorka Carleigh E, Ali Hossam El-Sheikh, Troedsson Mats H T
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Galectins in Equine Pregnancy: A Tissue- and Stage-Specific Role in Maintaining Gestation Galectins—a family of glycan-binding proteins with immunomodulatory and cytokine-like functions—regulate pregnancy maintenance across most mammals, yet their specific roles during equine gestation remained largely unexplored until this 2022 investigation. Using next-generation RNA sequencing, researchers profiled galectin expression across multiple tissues (chorioallantois and endometrium) at key gestational stages (45, 120, 180, 300, and 330 days), plus postpartum samples, revealing a complex temporal and spatial pattern of regulation. In the endometrium, galectins-1 and -13 dominated the nonpregnant state but declined progressively through gestation, whereas galectins-8 and -12 showed the inverse pattern—minimal expression in the nonpregnant mare, peaking during mid-gestation before declining towards term. The chorioallantois demonstrated further specialisation: early-gestational dominance of galectins-1, -3, and -3BP gave way to late-gestational elevation of galectins-9, -12, and -13, with all measured galectins substantially downregulated postpartum. These findings suggest galectins function as dynamic immunotolerance factors calibrated to specific reproductive phases and tissues, with clear relevance for understanding pregnancy loss, placental insufficiency, and potentially informing management during critical gestational windows when galectin expression shifts markedly.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Galectin expression patterns are specific to tissue type and gestational stage, suggesting these proteins play distinct roles in maintaining pregnancy at different stages—this knowledge may inform future diagnostics for pregnancy complications
- •The dramatic shift in galectin expression postpartum suggests these proteins may be involved in placental resorption and postpartum uterine remodeling
- •Further research on galectin dysfunction could provide biomarkers for identifying mares at risk of pregnancy loss or placental insufficiency
Key Findings
- •Galectin-1 and galectin-13 showed highest expression in nonpregnant endometrium with declining levels throughout gestation
- •Galectin-8 and galectin-12 were lowest in nonpregnant mares and peaked at mid-gestation before declining toward parturition
- •Galectin-1, galectin-3, and galectin-3BP showed heightened expression at 45 days gestation in chorioallantois with reduced expression later
- •Galectin-9, galectin-12, and galectin-13 reached highest expression in late-term chorioallantois (300-330 days) with lowest postpartum levels