Tissue-specific mRNA expression profile of BMP15 gene in goat

Objective Three fecundity genes have been identified, namely bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 1B (BMPR1B; or activin-like kinase 6, ALK6) known as FecB on chromosome 6, growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) known as FecG on chromosome 5, and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) known as FecX on chromosome X. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) genes are members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) super-family which are multifunctional cytokines with a 2-fold function and are expressed in a variety of cells. BMPs were originally identified based on their ability to produce ectopic bone formation when implanted within the soft tissue in vivo. They also play roles in embryonic development, homeostasis, repairing of various tissue patterning, cell differentiation, and apoptosis. The BMP15 gene regulates granulose cell proliferation and differentiation by promoting granulosa cell mitosis, suppressing follicle-stimulating hormone receptor expression, and stimulating the kit ligand expression; hence, this gene plays a pivotal role in female fertility in mammals. The aim of this study was to investigate tissue-specific mRNA expression profile of BMP15 gene in Raini cashmere goat using Real Time PCR.   Materials and Methods Tissue samples (3 repetitions of each tissue) were taken from ovary, uterus, uterine horn, oviduct, skeletal muscle, subcutaneous fat, heart, liver, lung, kidney, spleen and adrenal   during slaughter at the slaughterhouse from two goats. RNA extraction from tissues and cDNA synthesis were performed. Relative gene expression of BMP15 was done applying Real Time PCR using SYBR Green method. GAPDH gene was used as housekeeping gene. Pfaffl method was used to analyze achieved data.   Results   BMP15 gene expression in ovary, uterus, uterine horn, oviduct, skeletal muscle, subcutaneous fat, heart, liver, lung, kidney, spleen and adrenal tissues using Real Time PCR in studied goats demonstrated that BMP15 gene is expressed only in the ovary tissue and is not expressed in other studied tissues.   Conclusions Based on the results of the present study and the results of other researchers, it can be concluded that BMP15 gene plays an important role in ovary and as a result in fertility, because in the present study it was found that BMP15 is expressed only in ovary tissue. Therefore, BMP15 is likely to be essential for female fertility, and the results of this study provide a basis for future research to describe the role of BMP15 gene as a candidate gene for better fertility and normal physiology in domestic animals, especially goats.