Mattia Cesauri

Project title: Comparative physiological study of the distribution, expression and activity of the melatoninergic and kisspeptinergic systems at testicular level in different species of veterinary interest, and correlation with testis function and spermatic quality

Abstract: Kisspeptin and melatonin are two neuropeptides mainly produced in the central nervous system. Kisspeptin is encoded by the Kiss1 gene, which is present in all vertebrates. Its synthesis was first discovered in Kiss neurons within the hypothalamic region. Melatonin is predominantly produced by the pineal gland in response to the light/dark cycle throughout the year, and its release occurs during periods of darkness. Regarding their physiological role in animal reproduction, scientific research has primarily focused on their regulatory function in the secretion and modulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. More recent studies have highlighted both the synthesis and action of these molecules in peripheral tissues. These findings demonstrate that the physiological control of animal reproduction does not occur exclusively at the level of the central nervous system but also involves peripheral regulatory systems within the gonads.Testicular synthesis of melatonin and kisspeptin has been identified in various animal species (rat, pig, ram, roe deer). However, the regulatory mechanisms at the testicular level have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, further research is required to better understand the physiological role and mechanisms of action of kisspeptin and melatonin within the testis, especially in animal species exhibiting seasonal reproductive patterns. Such discoveries may open new avenues for applications in both veterinary reproduction and translational medicine.

The aim of the present PhD study is to investigate the kisspeptinergic and melatonergic systems in different animal species of veterinary interest (bovine, equine, ovine-caprine, and roe deer), by quantifying gene and protein expression levels of kisspeptin, melatonin, and their respective receptors at the testicular level during different stages of the reproductive season. The study will also examine the distribution and localization of kisspeptin, melatonin, and their receptors in testicular and epididymal tissues across reproductive periods in different animal species. Furthermore, the expression and distribution of melatonin and kisspeptin receptors inepididymal spermatozoa will be evaluated during different reproductive phases, in association with the assessment of semen morpho-functional parameters.

Publications:

• P. Banchi, F. Solanes-Vilanova, M. Cesauri, L. Spanoghe, K. Chiers, A. Van Soom, T. Hellebuyck, G. Rizzoto. Sperm cryopreservation and reproductive characteristics in the beauty snake (Elaphe taeniura) as a model for endangered Colubridae. Cryobiology 118 (2025) 105184. doi: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2024.105184

Oral communications at the conference:

• M. Cesauri, D. Ventrella, I. Troisio, N. Govoni, M. L. Bacci, A. Elmi. Hair steroid quantification: a non-invasive method to asses reproductive and welfare in wild and laboratory species. Measurments and Applications in Veterinary and Animal Sciences (MeAVeAS 2025), Pisa, Italy, April 2025.
• F. Solanes Vilanova, P. Banchi, G. Rizzoto, M. Cesauri, L. Spanoghe, A. Van Soom, T. Hellebuyck. Sperm cryopreservation in the Taiwanese rat snake (Elaphe taenuria) as a model for endangered Colubridae. Avian, Herpetological, Exotic Mammal, Zoo and Wildlife Medicine (ICARE 2024), 6th International Conference, Gent, Belgium.

Poster at the conference:

• S. Mecocci, M. Cesauri, A. Giontella, K. Cappelli, M. Silvestrelli, A. Verini Supplizi, S.Capomaccio. Allelic frequencies of Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome (WFFS) gene mutation in the Italian horse population. 25th congress Animal Production Science: innovation and sustainability for future generations (ASPA 2023), Monopoli, Bari, Italy

Awards:

• Best Poster at 25th congress Animal Production Science: innovation and sustainability for future generations (ASPA2023), Monopoli, Bari, Italy.