RNA sequencing, female brown bears peripheral blood

RNA sequencing was performed on buffy coat from peripheral blood that obtained via the medical saphenous vein. Blood samples were collected from five female captive brown bears (Ursus arctos) in Hokkaido, Japan. Blood collection was performed in May, August, the late-September or October, and December. Blood samples in May were collected before pairing with the male, and the others were were collected after separation from the male. All individuals gave birth in next January. The goal of this study was to investigate the maternal immune changes during reproductive stages.