MicroRNA sequencing of sheep epididymis tissue

Genes specifically expressed in the epididymis are highly localized, showing time-space specific expression patterns, and are regulated by androgens and testicular factors to ensure different functions in the caput, corpus and cauda of the epididymis. In this study, transcriptome sequencing technology was used to sequence miRNA in the caput, corpus and cauda in the epididymis. Based on the spatio-temporal expression pattern of the epididymis, the miRNA expression profile of the three parts of the epididymis was analysed. This study significant for analysing the regulatory mechanism of male epididymal sperm maturation and improving semen quality and male reproductive performance.