Abstract
Sperm storage tubules (SST) are specialized invaginations of the oviductal epithelium that permit avian species to store spermatozoa for extended periods of time, without compromising sperm fertilization capacity. The molecular and physiological mechanisms behind sperm storage tubule differentiation, sperm protection, and regression remain largely unknown, but most likely have potential implications for substantially improving hen fertility, sperm storage, and semen cryopreservation in commercial poultry species. RNA sequencing was performed on sperm storage tubules isolated from the epithelium of the uterovaginal junction (UVJ) from hens at d 1, 7, 30, 60, and 90 postinsemination (n = 4 per timepoint). Read mapping and differential expression analysis were performed using CLC Genomics Workbench. A total of 2,340 differentially expressed genes were subjected to pathway analysis through Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Through functional annotation of differentially expressed genes during early, peak, and late egg production, novel insights regarding the role of innate and acquired immune response to sperm, lipid synthesis and transfer, steroid hormone signalling, cytoskeletal reorganization, and regulation of ion homeostasis in SST were obtained. Additionally, potential pathways were identified that could be involved with suppressing sperm motility while sperm reside within the SST. Upstream analysis identified potential regulatory roles for 18 upstream regulators that could modulate sperm storage tubule function, including suppression of sperm motility. Understanding sperm storage tubule function throughout the laying cycle, especially with regards to sperm preservation may allow for the development of industry-based protocols for semen storage and cryopreservation that mimic the sperm preservation capabilities of SST and improve fertility.