4D-DIA quantitative proteomics shows the functional importance of taurine to porcine Sertoli cells

Context Sertoli cells in testis constitute the microenvironment and produce essential substances, to protect and support spermatogenic cells. Previously, we found that acute heat stress damaged the function and reduced taurine concentrations of porcine Sertoli cells (SCs). Exogenous supplementation of taurine could enhance function of porcine SCs. However, how taurine induces the proteomics change to affect the function of SCs remains unknown. Aims To identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in porcine SCs as induced by taurine. Methods Four-dimensional data-independent acquisition (4D-DIA) quantitative proteomics and western blotting was used to profile and validate DEPs. Key results In total, 109 DEPs (74 up and 35 down-regulated) were identified. Further enrichment analyses showed multiple signaling pathways, including long-chain fatty acid biosynthetic process, oxidative phosphorylation, steroid hormone biosynthesis, ubiquitin–protein transferase activity, regulation of protein dephosphorylation and regulation of TOR signal etc. Two DEPs (GAS6 and HDAC5) were validated by western blotting, and had the same abundance trend as detected by proteomics. Conclusions Taurine could modulate various important proteins and associated signaling pathways of porcine SCs. Implications These findings help understand how taurine induces phenotypic changes of porcine SCs, providing critical insights into usage of taurine to mitigate acute heat stress and regulate male reproductive function.