Single-cell RNA-sequencing of bovine fetal gonads using 10x Genomics

The germ cell lineage ensures the creation of new individuals perpetuating the genetic information across generations. Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are pioneers of gametes and exist transiently during development until they differentiate into oogonia in females, or spermatogonia in males. Little is known about the molecular characteristics of PGCs in cattle. By performing single-cell RNA-sequencing of bovine fetal gonads we evaluated the molecular signatures of bovine germ cells and their niche at 50 days of development. Our results indicate that PGCs and somatic cells were in very early stages of development, and that bovine and human germ cells share expression of transcriptional regulators of germline specification, and several genes coding for membrane-bound proteins. Additionally, the expression of members of Notch, Nodal/Activin, and BMP signaling cascades in the bovine fetal ovary, suggests that these pathways are involved in the interaction between germ cells and their niche. Results of this study provide insights into the mechanisms involved in the development of bovine PGCs and put in evidence similarities between the bovine and human germline. Gonads harvested from 2 female fetuses at aproximately day 50 of development. Each replicate was independently processed for single-cell RNA-sequencing.