Sericin Enhances Cryopreserved Sperm Quality in Chengde Hornless Black Goats by increasing Glutamine metabolism

ABSTRACT:

Cryopreservation of Chengde polled goat semen plays a critical role in conserving genetic resources, enhancing the utilization efficiency of superior breeding rams, and advancing artificial insemination techniques. However, spermatozoa are vulnerable to oxidative stress during the freezing process, which can significantly compromise sperm motility. This study demonstrated that supplementation of the semen cryoprotectant with 0.6% sericin significantly improved post-thaw sperm viability to 65.25% in Chengde hornless goats, while concurrently reducing both the sperm abnormality rate and intracellular ROS levels. Integrated TMT proteomics and LC/MS metabolomics identified 256 differentially expressed proteins and 109 differential metabolites between sericin supplementation and frozen control groups. Functional analysis revealed significant enrichment of differential metabolites, such as glutamine, in the alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism pathway, concomitant with marked upregulation of antioxidant proteins including LRP8, GSTM3, and SIRT2. Thus, sericin enhances cryotolerance primarily by improving sperm viability, reducing oxidative damage, and sustaining energy metabolism. These findings establish the molecular foundation for optimizing goat semen cryopreservation and advancing artificial insemination technology.

INSTRUMENT(S): Liquid Chromatography MS - negative - reverse phase, Liquid Chromatography MS - positive - reverse phase

PROVIDER: MTBLS12860 | MetaboLights | 2025-08-15

REPOSITORIES: MetaboLights