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Biochemistry

Single-Nucleus RNA Sequencing Reveals Mammary Gland Dynamics in Mongolian Horses

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Dairy Science has employed single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) to map the cellular landscape of the mammary gland in Mongolian horses across four physiological stages. The research, conducted by a team of scientists at Northwest A&F University, has provided high-resolution insights into the transcriptional dynamics and cellular heterogeneity associated with mammary gland development. The study has revealed stage-specific shifts in epithelial, stromal, and immune cell populations, highlighting dynamic changes in mammary gland development and function.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study employed snRNA-seq and histological analyses to map the cellular landscape of the mammary gland in Mongolian mares across four physiological stages: 6-mo-old weanlings, 2-yr-old-yearlings, 4-yr-old-lactating adults, and 4-yr-old nonlactating adults.
  • A total of 28,287 nuclei were profiled via transcriptome sequencing and categorized into 8 major cell types: basal myoepithelial, luminal secretory, luminal hormone-sensing, endothelial, fibroblasts, macrophages, T cells, and B cells.
  • The L-group samples (11,136) exhibited the greatest nuclei diversity and expansion, particularly in the luminal compartments, compared with the other stages, 6M (3,067 nuclei), 2Y (5,654 nuclei), and adult NL (8,430 nuclei).
  • Hematoxylin and eosin staining confirmed structural remodeling during lactation, including increased epithelial thickness and ductal complexity.
  • Pseudotime analysis revealed a dynamic transition from basal progenitors to differentiated luminal cells, identifying 3 major epithelial branches.
  • Key genes such as TP63 (basal identity), ERBB4 and NRG1 (epithelial signaling), and SORBS1, SLPI, SLC12A2, KCNMA1, and TAGLN (cytoskeletal and immune remodeling) were differentially expressed across stages.

Statistics:

  • 28,287 nuclei were profiled via transcriptome sequencing.
  • 8 major cell types were categorized: basal myoepithelial, luminal secretory, luminal hormone-sensing, endothelial, fibroblasts, macrophages, T cells, and B cells.
  • 11,136 nuclei were found in the L-group samples, exhibiting the greatest nuclei diversity and expansion.
  • 3,067 nuclei were found in the 6M samples.
  • 5,654 nuclei were found in the 2Y samples.
  • 8,430 nuclei were found in the adult NL samples.

Sources:

  • Science Letter. Data on Science Reported by Researchers at Northwest A&F University (Single-nucleus RNA sequencing reveals developmental dynamics and cellular heterogeneity in the mammary gland of young fillies and adult Mongolian mares). Science Letter. September 19, 2025; p 285.
  • Journal of Dairy Science. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing reveals developmental dynamics and cellular heterogeneity in the mammary gland of young fillies and adult Mongolian mares. 2025. Journal of Dairy Science can be contacted at: Elsevier Science Inc, Ste 800, 230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10169, USA.

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