Table 5_The cAMP signaling pathway mediates photoperiod-induced follicle development in striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) supported by association analyses.xlsx

BackgroundRodents represent one of the key functional groups in ecosystems, and their population outbreaks can disrupt ecological equilibrium and cause substantial economic losses in agricultural production. Therefore, rational control of rodent populations is essential for maintaining ecosystem stability and minimizing economic damage. The striped hamster displays marked seasonal reproductive patterns, leading to significant fluctuations in population size across seasons. Investigating how female striped hamsters regulate follicle development in response to photoperiodic cues offers a promising target for the strategic management of pest populations.
MethodsAdult female striped hamsters were exposed to long (LP), medium (MP), and short (SP) photoperiods. Ovarian follicle development was assessed through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining of ovaries. Transcriptome sequencing was conducted to identify signaling pathways associated with photoperiodic regulation of follicle development. Serum levels of FSH, LH, and cAMP, as well as ovarian cAMP concentrations, were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was further employed to quantify the expression of key genes involved in follicle development. Correlations between cAMP levels and hormonal or gene expression data were analyzed to elucidate the main factors mediating photoperiod-regulated follicle development.
ResultsLong photoperiod (LP) promotes follicle development, whereas short photoperiod (SP) suppresses it. The cAMP signaling pathway serves as a key mechanism mediating photoperiod to regulate follicle development. Photoperiod modulates the synthesis of FSH, LH, and cAMP, thereby coordinately influencing downstream reproductive physiology.
ConclusionsGPR3, ADCY5, PDE1A, and PDE3A are identified as core factors in the cAMP signaling pathway and are proposed as potential molecular targets for the rational control of farmland rodent populations.

研究背景：啮齿动物是生态系统中的关键功能类群之一，其种群暴发不仅会破坏生态平衡，还会给农业生产造成巨额经济损失。因此，合理防控啮齿动物种群，对维持生态系统稳定性、降低经济损失至关重要。黑线仓鼠具有显著的季节性繁殖模式，致使其种群数量随季节发生显著波动。探究雌性黑线仓鼠如何响应光周期信号调控卵泡发育，可为有害啮齿动物的精准防控提供潜在靶标。
研究方法：将成年雌性黑线仓鼠分别暴露于长光照（LP）、中光照（MP）和短光照（SP）条件下。通过对卵巢进行苏木精-伊红（HE）染色，评估卵巢卵泡发育情况。采用转录组测序技术，筛选与光周期调控卵泡发育相关的信号通路。利用酶联免疫吸附实验（ELISA）检测血清中卵泡刺激素（FSH）、黄体生成素（LH）、环磷酸腺苷（cAMP）的水平以及卵巢组织内cAMP的浓度。进一步通过实时荧光定量PCR（qPCR），定量分析卵泡发育相关关键基因的表达量。通过分析cAMP水平与激素或基因表达数据之间的相关性，阐明介导光周期调控卵泡发育的核心因子。
研究结果：长光照（LP）可促进卵泡发育，而短光照（SP）则抑制卵泡发育。环磷酸腺苷（cAMP）信号通路是介导光周期调控卵泡发育的核心机制。光周期可调控卵泡刺激素（FSH）、黄体生成素（LH）及cAMP的合成，进而协同影响下游生殖生理过程。
研究结论：本研究鉴定出GPR3、ADCY5、PDE1A及PDE3A作为cAMP信号通路的核心因子，提出其可作为农田啮齿动物合理防控的潜在分子靶标。