Analysis of Co-Expression Network of BMPR۱B Gene with Other Genes Involved in litter Size of Sheep

The BMPR۱B gene, known as FecB, is critical in sheep reproductive biology and carries amutation at the ۷۴۶bp position, which significantly increases the rate of ovulation and litter size. Thisgene is deeply connected to reproductive processes, as the mutation influences both regulate externalestrous characteristics and follicle stimulating hormone in the estrous cycle [۱]. Research has shownthat this mutation in BMPR۱B can control the activity of certain genes within reproductive tissues likethe hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries throughout the estrous cycle [۲]. The co-expressionnetwork, an essential tool in biological system analysis, sheds light on genes that change expressiontogether [۳]. In this study, a co-expression network was constructed using the Cytoscape software forBMPR۱B, linking it with other relevant genes. This led to the identification of ۱۰ genes (BMP۷,BMPR۲, BMP۱۵, BMP۲, BMP۴, BMP۶, FSHR, GDF۵, GDF۹, SMAD۹) that interact with BMPR۱Band were organized into two co-expression modules via K-means clustering. Further investigation intothe roles of these genes, using the String database for interaction analysis, indicated their significantinvolvement in ovarian steroidogenesis and TGF-beta signaling pathways. These insights have greatlyexpanded our understanding of the genetic factors that influence ovulation and litter size in sheep. Thegenes studied may also serve as valuable biomarkers for selecting sheep with superior reproductivetraits in breeding programs.

کلیدواژه ها:

Litter Size ، Regulated Network ، BMPR۱B gene ، Ovine Reproduction