Acquisition of luteolytic capacity is accompanied by changes in luteal apoptosis and immune mechanisms

Developing CL resist PGF2A-induced regression. This acquisition of luteolytic capacity (ALC) occurs around day 5 of the estrous cycle in cattle.

To understand the mechanisms underlying ALC, we evaluated transcriptomic and proteomic changes in the CL on days 4 and 6 of the estrous cycle. 1190 transcripts were greater on day 4 and 119 were greater on day 6 (Padj < 0.05, log2FC > |1|). In the proteomics dataset, 2 proteins were greater on day 4, with 12 greater on day 6 (Padj < 0.05, log2FC > |1|). Data were integrated with datasets of luteal changes during luteolysis and during early pregnancy, and gene ontology analysis was used to identify candidate pathways regulating luteal PGF2A responsiveness, including apoptosis, cellular stress response, and cytokine signaling.