Quantitative Protein Analysis of ZPB2, ZPB1 and ZPC in the Germinal Disc and a Non-Germinal Disc Region of the Inner Perivitelline Layer in Two Genetic Lines of Turkey Hens That Differ in Fertility

Simple Summary At ovulation, the avian egg is only surrounded by one coat of protein containing zona pellucida (ZP) proteins. These proteins serve as key components for binding sperm and initiating fertilization. In birds, most of the sperm bind around the germinal disc region of the ovulated egg, and the number of sperm that bind to this region is associated with improved fertility. Previous research has reported differences in mRNA expression of these ZP proteins between the germinal disc and non-germinal disc regions and between two lines of turkey hens (E-line, high fertility and F-line, low fertility). Until now, differences in the ZP protein abundance in this layer have not been directly measured. In the current study, the protein abundance of the ZP proteins was evaluated, using quantitative Western analyses, between genetic lines (E-line and F-line) and location on the egg (germinal disc and non-germinal disc). Several differences in protein abundance, and discrepancies with mRNA expression, are reported. These findings are the first to examine quantitative differences in the protein composition of this important protein layer and provide insight into potential protein markers that may be used in the poultry industry for improving fertility in breeding stock. The avian inner perivitelline layer (IPVL), containing the zona pellucida (ZP) family of proteins, surrounds the ovulated ovum. In mammalian species, ZP proteins serve as key component(s) in binding sperm and initiating the acrosome reaction. Sperm binding at the germinal disc (GD) region of the IPVL initiates fertilization in avian species, and the amount of sperm binding at the GD reflects female fertility. The current research determined whether reported differences in mRNA expression in two genetic lines of turkey hens (E, high fertility and F, low fertility) translated to the protein level. ZPB2 in the IPVL is greater in the GD region compared with the nongerminal disc (NGD) region, as indicated by both mRNA and protein expression. However, protein expressions of ZPB1 and ZPC in the IPVL of E- and F-line turkey hens was in contrast to previously reported mRNA expression. The results indicate that the mRNA expression of ZP proteins at their site of synthesis in E- and F-line hens often does not directly correlate with the IPVL abundance of these proteins. The greater protein concentration of ZPB2 in the GD region compared with the NGD regions suggests that this protein may be critical for sperm binding at the GD region.

Automated summary

This study examined the impact of different genetic lines and egg locations on the abundance of ZP proteins in turkeys. The results revealed differences in protein abundance and inconsistencies with previous mRNA expression findings. This research provides valuable insights into the quantitative differences in this crucial protein layer and offers potential protein markers for improving fertility in the poultry industry.