Work

Bovine enolase 1 (ENO1) orchestrates the cryotolerance-fertility axis in Bali (Bos sondaicus) bull sperm

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: Artificial insemination (AI) success in cattle is strongly influenced by sperm cryotolerance, yet conventional semen evaluations often fail to predict fertility accurately. This study investigated enolase 1 (ENO1) as a molecular marker linking sperm cryotolerance, functional quality, and fertility in Bali bulls (Bos sondaicus). Methods: Cryopreserved semen from 20 bulls was classified into cryotolerant (CT) and cryosensitive (CS) groups based on post-thaw viability. Sperm functional parameters, including motility, kinematics (VCL, VAP, VSL), membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and DNA fragmentation, were evaluated. Oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, MDA; aspartate aminotransferase, AST) were measured. ENO1 expression was quantified at mRNA (RT-qPCR) and protein (ELISA) levels. Field fertility was assessed using the first service conception rate (FSCR). Statistical analyses included t-tests, correlation, and linear regression. Results: CT sperm exhibited significantly higher (P < 0.05) motility, kinematic parameters, membrane integrity, MMP, and FSCR compared to CS sperm. In contrast, DNA fragmentation, MDA levels, and AST activity were significantly lower in the CT group. ENO1 expression was markedly higher in CT bulls at both mRNA and protein levels (P < 0.05). Strong positive correlations were observed between ENO1 expression and sperm function, cryotolerance, and fertility (r ≈ 0.96-1.00), while strong negative correlations were found with oxidative stress and cellular damage markers (r ≈ -0.90 to -1.00). Regression analysis confirmed ENO1 as a strong predictor of sperm quality and fertility outcomes. Conclusion: ENO1 is closely associated with sperm cryotolerance, functional integrity, and fertility in Bali bulls. These findings support a cryotolerance-fertility axis in which ENO1 plays a central role, highlighting its potential as a molecular biomarker for improving semen evaluation, sire selection, and cryopreservation strategies in bovine AI systems.

Source: Animal Bioscience

DOI: 10.5713/ab.260390

Authors: Berlin Pandapotan Pardede, Bambang Purwantara, Rini Widyastuti, Faisal Amri Satrio, Asmarani Kusumawati, Erdogan Memili