Transcriptomic analysis identifies CXCL12 as a novel candidate gene for litter size in rabbits.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The ovary, as an important reproductive organ, tightly regulates the litter size of rabbits through its complex network of genes. This study aims to identify candidate genes related to litter size in rabbits through RNA sequencing and to analyze the regulatory effects of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) on granulosa cells (GCs).

Methods

This study used ovarian transcriptome sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes between the ovarian tissues of New Zealand female rabbits with high (H) and low (L) litter sizes. In addition, a new candidate gene which was highly expressed in group H, namely the chemokine ligand CXCL12, was selected for further verification of biological functions.

Results

The cell counting kit-8 assay and flow cytometry an

SUBMITTER: Bao Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12754513 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature