Whole genome RNA sequencing of spermatozoa from holstein bulls with various cryoresistance

Whole-genome RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed to compare sperm transcript profiles from bulls with different sperm productivity characteristics and cryotolerance. Ejaculates from Holstein bulls classified as having high and low cryopreservability and sperm productivity (НСS and LCS), respectively; n = 3 bulls per group) were analyzed for post-thaw motility, mitochondrial membrane potential, plasma membrane integrity, and acrosomes. Total RNA was isolated from decryopreserved spermatozoa from GSF and PSF bulls and subjected to RNA-seq (Illumina NextSeq 500 platform), and transcript arrays were assessed using DESeq2, DESeq packages in each bull's spermatozoa. Several differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to inflammation (IRG1, MMP12), spermatogenesis (Col4A2,), and unknown function (LOC 781178, LOC618942) were identified that were preferentially downregulated in ejaculates with poor cryotolerance.