Analysis of the turkey reproductive tract transcriptome

The male reproductive tract tissue samples were obtained from six 38-wk-old turkeys. The gene expression pattern in turkey testis, epididymis and ductus deferens were determined by high-throughput transcriptome sequencing. The obtained sequence reads were mapped to the turkey genome, and relative expression values were calculated for the analysis of differential expressed genes. Bioinformatics analysis revealed several candidate genes potentially involved in spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis and flagella formation in testis and post-testicular sperm maturation in epididymis and ductus deferens. The achievement of spermatozoa motility during post-testicular maturation were found to be linked with development of flagellum actin filaments and biochemical processes including Ca2+ influx and protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation. Finally, genes involved in reproductive system development and morphogenesis were identified. Overall design: The purpose of project was to profile testis, epididymis and ductus deferens transcriptome and identify the key genes and pathways associated with specificity of turkey reproductive tract. Novel candidate genes and pathways were identified as playing roles in spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis and flagella formation in testis and post-testicular sperm maturation in epididymis and ductus deferens.