Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of X and Y sperm in Holstein bulls reveals differences in autosomal methylation status.

ABSTRACT: A comprehensive understanding of the molecular differences between X and Y sperm in Holstein bull semen is crucial for advancing sex control technologies. While previous studies have primarily focused on proteomic and transcriptomic differences, the genome-wide DNA methylation differences between these sperm types remains largely unexplored. In this study, we employed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing to systematically compare the autosomal methylation profiles of X and Y sperm. Although global methylation patterns showed remarkable consistency between the two sperm types, our localized comparative analysis revealed 12,175 differentially methylated regions mapping to 2,041 genes (differentially methylated genes, DMGs). Functional enrichment analysis of these DMGs revealed their involvement

SUBMITTER: Shangguan A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11927118 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature