Ascorbic acid promotes the reproductive function of porcine immature Sertoli cells through transcriptome reprogramming

Background：Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, AA) can regulate antioxidation and play a pivotal role in many cellular processes. However, the function of AA in the reproduction of male animals remains less explored. Results: Here, by first supplementing exogenous AA to porcine immature Sertoli cells (iSCs), we showed that AA could promote the proliferation, suppress apoptosis, and decrease the global nucleic acid methylation (5mC and m6A) levels of iSCs. After we profiled mRNA and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression by transcriptome sequencing on iSCs (treated by 250μM AA for 36h), 1232 mRNAs and 937 lncRNAs were identified to be differentially expressed (DE). Gene enrichment analysis found these DE mRNA and lncRNAs to be significantly enriched in multiple biological pathways, including oxidoreductase activity, cell proliferation and apoptosis, regulation of hormone level, regulation of catalytic activity, developmental process, ATP metabolic and reproductive process. Specifically, for the reproductive process, 49 up- and 36 down-regulated DE mRNAs (including highly expressed genes, such as Tfcp2l1, Hmgcs1, Mmp7, Fndc3a, and Zfp36l1) are involved. Moreover, AA supplementation could promote the secretion of anti-müllerian hormone, inhibin B and lactate, and enhance the activity of lactate dehydrogenase as well. Conclusions: Taken together, AA could promote the reproductive function of pig iSCs, potentially through reprogramming the global transcriptome, and elevating hormone secretion and metabolite production. Immature Sertoli cells treated with VC.