Integrated analysis of multi-omics and phenotypic characteristics of the epididymis reveals the molecular basis of sperm maturation in Tibetan sheep.

Abstract

This study investigated the morphological changes in Tibetan sheep spermatozoa during transit through the caput, corpus, and cauda epididymis, as well as the region-specific molecular characteristics of the epididymis, using histological examination, sperm quality assessment, ultrastructural observation, and integrated multi-omics analysis. Marked differences in epithelial morphology and luminal structure were observed among the caput, corpus, and cauda epididymis. During sperm transit from the caput to the cauda, cytoplasmic droplets gradually migrated distally, nuclear chromatin and flagellum-related structures became increasingly condensed and regularly organized, and acrosomal integrity and plasma membrane integrity increased. Different epididymal regions exhibited distinct molecular and metabolite characteristics associated with maintenance of the luminal microenvironment, sperm membrane lipid remodeling, redox balance, and local defense. These findings provide a basis for further understanding sperm maturation in Tibetan sheep and the region-specific characteristics of the epididymal luminal microenvironment.

Abstract as supplied by the indexing source. © the authors / publisher.