Proteomic Profiling of Hu Sheep Placental Development Across Gestational Stages Reveals Stage-Specific Regulatory Networks

TL;DR

This study uses proteomics to track how the placenta in Hu sheep changes during pregnancy, identifying key proteins and pathways involved in its development.

Contribution

The study provides the first comprehensive proteomic profiling of placental development in sheep across gestational stages.

Findings

7774 proteins were identified, with 1450-1964 differentially expressed across gestational stages.

Key pathways like PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and estrogen signaling were enriched in placental development.

Central regulators such as SRC, MAP3K1, KRAS, and TJP1 showed dynamic expression patterns.

Abstract

Placental development plays a pivotal role in ensuring successful pregnancy outcomes, yet its molecular regulatory mechanisms in sheep remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to systematically investigate stage-specific proteomic dynamics and functional adaptations in ovine placental tissues across gestation to elucidate molecular drivers of placental maturation. Using data-independent acquisition proteomics, we identified 7774 proteins in Hu sheep placental tissues at gestational days 50, 80, and 120. Comparative analysis revealed 1450, 1026, and 1964 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the 50 d vs. 80 d, 80 d vs. 120 d, and 50 d vs. 120 d comparisons, respectively. DEPs were functionally enriched in biological processes including cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, nutrient transport, and steroid synthesis, with prominent involvement of the PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and estrogen signaling pathways. Protein interaction networks identified SRC, MAP3K1, KRAS, and TJP1 as central regulators exhibiting dynamic expression patterns across gestation. Temporal expression trends showed progressive upregulation of tight junction, immune response, and glucose metabolism proteins, contrasting with downregulation of endoplasmic reticulum protein processing and proteasome components. Validation experiments confirmed elevated proliferation/transport gene expression at 80 d versus 50 d, followed by increased apoptosis/transport genes and decreased proliferation markers at 120 d. This comprehensive proteomic profiling reveals stage-specific regulatory networks governing placental development in sheep, highlighting coordinated shifts in proliferative, metabolic, and structural remodeling processes. These findings advance our understanding of placental adaptation mechanisms and provide valuable insights for improving reproductive management in livestock species.

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