Transcriptome analysis and identification of age-associated fertility decreased genes in hen utero vaginal junction

Abstract Avian sperm storage tubules (SSTs), which are located in the uterovaginal junction (UVJ) of the oviduct, are primary sperm storage sites after mating or artificial insemination. The mechanism underlying reduced sperm storage efficiency of SSTs which is highly correlated with decreased fertility rates in aged laying breeders remains largely unclear. Here, comparative transcriptomic analysis between the aged and young White Leghorn hens (120 vs. 30 wk) was applied to identify gene expression changes of UVJs containing SSTs. Bioinformatics analysis revealed 567 upregulated and 1998 downregulated differentially expressed genes. Gene ontology analysis was highly enriched in terms of immune system, cell adhesion, and cytoskeleton proteins. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed 5 significant (P