The miniature pig is considered to be a better organ donor breed for xenotransplantation than other pig breeds because the size of the organs of the miniature pig is similar to that of humans. In this study, we aimed at identifying differentially expressed genes in the miniature pig ovary during pregnancy. For this, we used the miniature pig ovary model, annealing control primer‐based reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR), and northern blotting analysis. We identified 13 genes showing differential expression on the based of pregnancy status and validated 8 genes using qRT‐PCR. We also sequenced the full‐length cDNA of ephrin receptor A4 (EphA4), which had a significant difference in expression level, and validated it by northern blotting. These genes may provide a better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms during pregnancy in miniature pig ovary.

ABSTRACT   INTRODUCTION   MATERIALS AND METHODS   RESULTS   DISCUSSION   REFERENCES

• Seong-Jo Yun(Animal Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bio. & Information Technology, Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University)
• Won-Gun Noh(Animal Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bio. & Information Technology, Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University)
• Jong-Taek Yoon(Animal Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bio. & Information Technology, Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University)
• Kwan-Sik Min(Animal Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bio. & Information Technology, Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University) Corresponding author