Yak Reproductive Physiology and Gene Expression
Summary
Yaks (Bos grunniens) are endemic to high-altitude plateaux and have evolved reproductive traits suited to low oxygen and extreme climates. Their fertility is lower than that of cattle, featuring seasonal anoestrus and a brief breeding season. Reproductive physiology in yaks encompasses hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal signalling with gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulses triggering secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone. These hormones drive ovarian follicle development, oocyte maturation and steroidogenesis, mediated via oestrogen and progesterone receptors. At the cellular level, precise gene expression underpins folliculogenesis, ovulation and corpus luteum function. High-throughput transcriptomics has identified key pathways—steroid biosynthesis, Wnt/PI3K-Akt signalling, extracellular matrix–receptor interaction and complement cascades—alongside ion transport and circadian rhythm components that differentiate yak reproductive tissues. MicroRNAs have emerged as critical modulators of gene networks controlling seasonal reproduction and response to nutritional cues. Understanding these molecular programmes offers routes to enhance breeding efficiency, inform conservation and sustain livelihoods in marginal environments.
Research from Nature Portfolio
No recent Nature Portfolio content available.
Yak Reproductive Physiology and Gene Expression publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in yak reproductive physiology and gene expression across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Transcriptome: The complete set of RNA transcripts produced by the genome in a specific cell or tissue.
Differentially expressed genes (DEGs): Genes showing statistically significant changes in expression between conditions or stages.
MicroRNA (miRNA): Small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally.
Oestrus: The period of sexual receptivity and fertility in female mammals.
Anoestrus: The inactive phase of the oestrous cycle when ovaries are quiescent.
References
- Changes in Transcriptomic Profiles in Different Reproductive Periods in Yaks. Biology (2021).
- Effect of Concentrate Supplementation on the Expression Profile of miRNA in the Ovaries of Yak during Non-Breeding Season. Animals (2020).
- Identification of key genes and biological pathways in different parts of yak oviduct based on transcriptome analysis. Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2022).
About these summaries
This Nature Research Intelligence Topic summary is created with the cited references and a large language model. We take care to ground generated text with facts, and have systems in place to gain human feedback on the overall quality of the process in line with our AI principles. We strive to create accurate and useful summaries for people unfamiliar with the research topic and that supports this goal. These pages are a beta release and will be updated as we learn how best to help people gain value from a research topic summary.
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.