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چکیده
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The BMPR1B gene, known as FecB, is critical in sheep reproductive biology and carries a mutation at the 746bp position, which significantly increases the rate of ovulation and litter size. This gene is deeply connected to reproductive processes, as the mutation influences both regulate external estrous characteristics and follicle stimulating hormone in the estrous cycle [1]. Research has shown that this mutation in BMPR1B can control the activity of certain genes within reproductive tissues like the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries throughout the estrous cycle [2]. The co-expression network, an essential tool in biological system analysis, sheds light on genes that change expression together [3]. In this study, a co-expression network was constructed using the Cytoscape software for BMPR1B, linking it with other relevant genes. This led to the identification of 10 genes (BMP7, BMPR2, BMP15, BMP2, BMP4, BMP6, FSHR, GDF5, GDF9, SMAD9) that interact with BMPR1B and were organized into two co-expression modules via K-means clustering. Further investigation into the roles of these genes, using the String database for interaction analysis, indicated their significant involvement in ovarian steroidogenesis and TGF-beta signaling pathways. These insights have greatly expanded our understanding of the genetic factors that influence ovulation and litter size in sheep. The genes studied may also serve as valuable biomarkers for selecting sheep with superior reproductive traits in breeding programs.
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