Fig. 1
miRNA synthesis and transport related molecules are differentially expressed in the porcine endometrium. a Relative expression of ten genes related to miRNA synthesis/transport. Levels of DROSHA, DGCR8, XPO5, DICER1, TARBP2, TNRC6A and AGO 1–4 genes are presented relatively to geometric means of ACTB and PPIB. Results are presented as boxplots with means ± SEM. Means with different superscripts differ significantly (small letters – the estrous cycle, capital letters – pregnancy). * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, and *** p < 0.001 indicate difference between reproductive states (estrous cycle vs. pregnancy) within the same day (n = 5-8 animals/group). AU – arbitrary units. b Microphotographs illustrating immunofluorescent staining of DICER1 (red) and AGO2 (green) proteins in the endometrial sections from D12 of pregnancy (upper panel) and D12 of estrous cycle (middle panel). Lower panel shows negative controls; staining with mouse IgG1 or NRS. DAPI was used for counterstaining of the nuclei (blue). NSB – non-specific binding (erythrocytes), GE – glandular epithelium, LE – luminal epithelium, S – stroma