Research articles
ScienceAsia 51 (2026): 1-8 |doi:
10.2306/scienceasia1513-1874.2026.097
Inhibin α association with multiple receptors and its role as a
potential size regulator of Ningdu yellow rooster testis
Jishang Gonga, Xuenong Zhua, Xinwei Xionga, Yuwen Tana, Yanping Wub, Jiguo Xua, Jinge Maa,
Min Zhoua,?
ABSTRACT: Inhibins play an essential role in gonadal development and are thought to strictly regulate gonad size.
However, in poultry, the function and regulatory mechanisms of inhibin ? (INHA) on testis size are unclear. In
this study, testes of different sizes from 22-week-old Ningdu yellow roosters were used to evaluate the expression
profiles of INHA and its related genes (INHBA, ACVR2A, ACVR2B, FST, FSHR, LHR, AR, and AMH). The INHA and the
activin/inhibin receptor ACVR2A protein levels and cellular localization were also studied. The testis tissues were
subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blotting. The expression
of INHA and its related molecules was analyzed using quantitative PCR. Furthermore, protein interaction and gene
ontology enrichment analyses were conducted. Compared to small testes, large testes showed bigger spermatogenic
cells and seminiferous tubules; lower INHA and ACVR2A levels, especially in Leydig and spermatogenic cells; and lower
expression of INHA and its related molecules. These results suggest that INHA may regulate testis size through receptor
perception, particularly ACVR2A. This study provides reference information for breeding high-quality roosters.
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| a |
Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Poultry Genetic Improvement, Nanchang Normal University,
Nanchang 330030 China |
| b |
Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences,
Nanchang 330030 China |
* Corresponding author, E-mail: zhoumin@ncnu.edu.cn
Received 15 Apr 2024, Accepted 0 0000
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