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Schilling-Tóth BM, Belcher SM, Knotz J, Ondrašovičová S, Bartha T, Tóth I, Zsarnovszky A, Kiss DS. Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination in Crocodilians and Climate Challenges. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2015. [PMID: 38998126 PMCID: PMC11240705 DOI: 10.3390/ani14132015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The sex of crocodilians is determined by the temperature to which the eggs, and hence the developing embryo are exposed during critical periods of development. Temperature-dependent sex determination is a process that occurs in all crocodilians and numerous other reptile taxa. The study of artificial incubation temperatures in different species of crocodiles and alligators has determined the specific temperature ranges that result in altered sex ratios. It has also revealed the precise temperature thresholds at which an equal number of males and females are generated, as well as the specific developmental period during which the sex of the hatchlings may be shifted. This review will examine the molecular basis of the sex-determination mechanism in crocodilians elucidated during recent decades. It will focus on the many patterns and theories associated with this process. Additionally, we will examine the consequences that arise after hatching due to changes in incubation temperatures, as well as the potential benefits and dangers of a changing climate for crocodilians who display sex determination based on temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boglárka Mária Schilling-Tóth
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (B.M.S.-T.); (J.K.); (T.B.); (I.T.); (D.S.K.)
| | - Scott M. Belcher
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;
| | - Josefine Knotz
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (B.M.S.-T.); (J.K.); (T.B.); (I.T.); (D.S.K.)
| | - Silvia Ondrašovičová
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Tibor Bartha
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (B.M.S.-T.); (J.K.); (T.B.); (I.T.); (D.S.K.)
| | - István Tóth
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (B.M.S.-T.); (J.K.); (T.B.); (I.T.); (D.S.K.)
| | - Attila Zsarnovszky
- Agribiotechnology and Precision Breeding for Food Security National Laboratory, Institute of Physiology and Nutrition, Department of Animal Physiology and Health, Hungarian University of Agricultural and Life Sciences, 7400 Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Dávid Sándor Kiss
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (B.M.S.-T.); (J.K.); (T.B.); (I.T.); (D.S.K.)
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Valli FE, Simoncini MS, González MA, Piña CI. How do maternal androgens and estrogens affect sex determination in reptiles with temperature-dependent sex? Dev Growth Differ 2023; 65:565-576. [PMID: 37603030 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Temperature sex determination (TSD) in reptiles has been studied to elucidate the mechanisms by which temperature is transformed into a biological signal that determines the sex of the embryo. Temperature is thought to trigger signals that alter gene expression and hormone metabolism, which will determine the development of female or male gonads. In this review, we focus on collecting and discussing important and recent information on the role of maternal steroid hormones in sex determination in oviparous reptiles such as crocodiles, turtles, and lizards that possess TSD. In particular, we focus on maternal androgens and estrogens deposited in the egg yolk and their metabolites that could also influence the sex of offspring. Finally, we suggest guidelines for future research to help clarify the link between maternal steroid hormones and offspring sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia E Valli
- CICYTTP-CONICET/Prov. Entre Ríos/UADER, Diamante, Argentina
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Cátedra de Bromatología y Nutrición, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Melina S Simoncini
- CICYTTP-CONICET/Prov. Entre Ríos/UADER, Diamante, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos, Diamante, Argentina
| | - Marcela A González
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Cátedra de Bromatología y Nutrición, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Carlos I Piña
- CICYTTP-CONICET/Prov. Entre Ríos/UADER, Diamante, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos, Diamante, Argentina
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Handi RM, Inamdar Doddamani LS. Sexually dimorphic expression of AMH facilitates testis differentiation pathway in the tropical lizard, Calotes versicolor (Daud.). Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 577:112011. [PMID: 37453692 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), also known as Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS), is a glycoprotein that belongs to transforming growth factor β superfamily. The significance of AMH during gonadal differentiation is not clearly deciphered in reptiles. Hence, current study aims to know the onset of AMH secretion and its functional role in Mullerian duct regression gonadal differentiation in tropical lizard, Calotes versicolor which exhibits a novel Female-Male-Female-Male (FMFM) pattern of temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). The Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR techniques were employed to analyze the gonadal expression profile of AMH during different stages of embryonic development. The eggs of the lizard were incubated at both male-producing temperature (MPT: 25.5 ± 0.5 °C) and female-producing temperatures (FPT: 31.5 ± 0.5 °C). The results reveal that the onset of AMH gene expression was observed as early as oviposition prior to the immunolocalization of AMH protein at early-TSP (Temperature-sensitive period). The substantial rise in the intensity of the immunoreaction of AMH protein in the cytoplasm confining to Sertoli cells of seminiferous cords at MPT with low level of expression at FPT during gonadal sex differentiation, specify sexually dimorphic expression of AMH protein. Further, with the onset of sexual differentiation, the developing testis immensely expresses AMH gene which is 7-fold greater than that of transcripts levels in female embryos; signifies its conserved role in Mullerian duct regression thereby promoting testis differentiation. The robust immunnoexpression of AMH protein during post-gonadal differentiation coincides with the onset of the regression of Mullerian duct point out a positive correlation between testis differentiation and Mullerian duct regression, thus facilitating testis differentiation pathway. Based on the immunoexpression pattern of AMH protein and transcript levels of AMH gene, it is inferred that AMH plays a significant role in Mullerian duct regression, favoring testis differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul M Handi
- Molecular Endocrinology, Reproduction and Development Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Karnatak University, Dharwad, 580 003, India
| | - Laxmi S Inamdar Doddamani
- Molecular Endocrinology, Reproduction and Development Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Karnatak University, Dharwad, 580 003, India.
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Yao HHC, Rodriguez KF. From Enrico Sertoli to freemartinism: the many phases of the master testis-determining cell†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:866-870. [PMID: 36951956 PMCID: PMC10266947 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells, first identified in the adult testis by Enrico Sertoli in the mid-nineteenth century, are known for their role in fostering male germ cell differentiation and production of mature sperm. It was not until the late twentieth century with the discovery of the testis-determining gene SRY that Sertoli cells' new function as the master regulator of testis formation and maleness was unveiled. Fetal Sertoli cells facilitate the establishment of seminiferous cords, induce appearance of androgen-producing Leydig cells, and cause regression of the female reproductive tracts. Originally thought be a terminally differentiated cell type, adult Sertoli cells, at least in the mouse, retain their plasticity and ability to transdifferentiate into the ovarian counterpart, granulosa cells. In this review, we capture the many phases of Sertoli cell differentiation from their fate specification in fetal life to fate maintenance in adulthood. We also introduce the discovery of a new phase of fetal Sertoli cell differentiation via autocrine/paracrine factors with the freemartin characteristics. There remains much to learn about this intriguing cell type that lay the foundation for the maleness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humphrey Hung-Chang Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Karina F Rodriguez
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Wagner S, Whiteley SL, Castelli M, Patel HR, Deveson IW, Blackburn J, Holleley CE, Marshall Graves JA, Georges A. Gene expression of male pathway genes sox9 and amh during early sex differentiation in a reptile departs from the classical amniote model. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:243. [PMID: 37147622 PMCID: PMC10163765 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09334-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex determination is the process whereby the bipotential embryonic gonads become committed to differentiate into testes or ovaries. In genetic sex determination (GSD), the sex determining trigger is encoded by a gene on the sex chromosomes, which activates a network of downstream genes; in mammals these include SOX9, AMH and DMRT1 in the male pathway, and FOXL2 in the female pathway. Although mammalian and avian GSD systems have been well studied, few data are available for reptilian GSD systems. RESULTS We conducted an unbiased transcriptome-wide analysis of gonad development throughout differentiation in central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) embryos with GSD. We found that sex differentiation of transcriptomic profiles occurs at a very early stage, before the gonad consolidates as a body distinct from the gonad-kidney complex. The male pathway genes dmrt1 and amh and the female pathway gene foxl2 play a key role in early sex differentiation in P. vitticeps, but the central player of the mammalian male trajectory, sox9, is not differentially expressed in P. vitticeps at the bipotential stage. The most striking difference from GSD systems of other amniotes is the high expression of the male pathway genes amh and sox9 in female gonads during development. We propose that a default male trajectory progresses if not repressed by a W-linked dominant gene that tips the balance of gene expression towards the female trajectory. Further, weighted gene expression correlation network analysis revealed novel candidates for male and female sex differentiation. CONCLUSION Our data reveal that interpretation of putative mechanisms of GSD in reptiles cannot solely depend on lessons drawn from mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Wagner
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
| | - Sarah L Whiteley
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
- Australian National Wildlife Collection CSIRO, National Research Collections Australia, Crace, ACT, Australia
| | - Meghan Castelli
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
- Australian National Wildlife Collection CSIRO, National Research Collections Australia, Crace, ACT, Australia
| | - Hardip R Patel
- Genome Sciences Department. John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Ira W Deveson
- Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James Blackburn
- Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Clare E Holleley
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
- Australian National Wildlife Collection CSIRO, National Research Collections Australia, Crace, ACT, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Marshall Graves
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
- School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Arthur Georges
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia.
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Xu Y, Zhong ZW, Feng Y, Zhang ZY, Ao LL, Liu H, Wang YL, Jiang YH. Expression pattern analysis of anti-Mullerian hormone in testis development of pearlscale angelfish (Centropyge vrolikii). JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2023; 102:1067-1078. [PMID: 36840532 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
In vertebrates, anti-Mullerian hormone (Amh) secreted by Sertoli cells (SC) performs a pivotal function in male sex differentiation. Compared with that of higher vertebrates, the expression pattern of Amh is more diversified in fish. In this study, the full-length complementary DNA (cDNA) of Amh in Centropyge vrolikii (Cv-Amh) was cloned and analysed, which was 2,470 bp, including a 238 bp 5'UTR, a 1,602 bp ORF and a 633 bp 3'UTR; the similarity of Amh between Cv-Amh and other fish is relatively high. The quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) results of healthy tissues and gonads at sex reversal stages in C. vrolikii showed that the expression level of Amh in the testis was significantly higher than that in other tissues (P < 0.05). Amh was weakly expressed in the vitellogenic stage ovary and perinucleolus stage ovary, but its expression significantly increased in the gonads at the hermaphroditic stage, and finally reached the highest in the pure testis after sexual reversal. The results of in situ hybridization indicated that the positive signal of Amh was strongly concentrated in SCs of testis. After Amh knockdown in the gonads, the effect on sex-related genes was tested using qRT-PCR. Among these, the expression of Dmrt1, Cyp11a, Hsd11b2, Sox8 and Sox9 significantly decreased, whereas that of Cyp19a, Sox4, Foxl2 and Sox3 increased. These results suggested that Amh could be the pivotal gene in reproductive regulation in C. vrolikii, and the data will contribute to sex-related research of C. vrolikii in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Aquatic Science and Technology Education, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhao-Wei Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Aquatic Science and Technology Education, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Aquatic Science and Technology Education, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ze-Yu Zhang
- College of Ocean Food and Biological Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lu-Lu Ao
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Aquatic Science and Technology Education, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hongwei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Aquatic Science and Technology Education, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yi-Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Aquatic Science and Technology Education, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yong-Hua Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Aquatic Science and Technology Education, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
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Hui HB, Xiao L, Sun W, Zhou YJ, Zhang HY, Ge CT. Sox9 is indispensable for testis differentiation in the red-eared slider turtle, a reptile with temperature-dependent sex determination. Zool Res 2021; 42:721-725. [PMID: 34581032 PMCID: PMC8645876 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2021.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hang-Bo Hui
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, China
| | - Ling Xiao
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, China
| | - Ying-Jie Zhou
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, China
| | - Hai-Yan Zhang
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, China
| | - Chu-Tian Ge
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, China. E-mail:
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Ghosh A, Johnson MG, Osmanski AB, Louha S, Bayona-Vásquez NJ, Glenn TC, Gongora J, Green RE, Isberg S, Stevens RD, Ray DA. A High-Quality Reference Genome Assembly of the Saltwater Crocodile, Crocodylus porosus, Reveals Patterns of Selection in Crocodylidae. Genome Biol Evol 2020; 12:3635-3646. [PMID: 31821505 PMCID: PMC6946029 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evz269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocodilians are an economically, culturally, and biologically important group. To improve researchers’ ability to study genome structure, evolution, and gene regulation in the clade, we generated a high-quality de novo genome assembly of the saltwater crocodile, Crocodylus porosus, from Illumina short read data from genomic libraries and in vitro proximity-ligation libraries. The assembled genome is 2,123.5 Mb, with N50 scaffold size of 17.7 Mb and N90 scaffold size of 3.8 Mb. We then annotated this new assembly, increasing the number of annotated genes by 74%. In total, 96% of 23,242 annotated genes were associated with a functional protein domain. Furthermore, multiple noncoding functional regions and mappable genetic markers were identified. Upon analysis and overlapping the results of branch length estimation and site selection tests for detecting potential selection, we found 16 putative genes under positive selection in crocodilians, 10 in C. porosus and 6 in Alligator mississippiensis. The annotated C. porosus genome will serve as an important platform for osmoregulatory, physiological, and sex determination studies, as well as an important reference in investigating the phylogenetic relationships of crocodilians, birds, and other tetrapods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnab Ghosh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University
| | | | | | - Swarnali Louha
- Department of Environmental Health Science and Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia
| | - Natalia J Bayona-Vásquez
- Department of Environmental Health Science and Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia
| | - Travis C Glenn
- Department of Environmental Health Science and Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia
| | - Jaime Gongora
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Richard E Green
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz
| | - Sally Isberg
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Australia.,Centre for Crocodile Research, University of Sydney and Charles Darwin University, Australia
| | | | - David A Ray
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University
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Expression profile and estrogenic regulation of Amh during gonadal sex differentiation in northern snakehead (Channa argus). Genes Genomics 2020; 42:827-835. [PMID: 32462521 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-020-00943-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh) plays a critical role in both early sex determination and later gonad development in vertebrate species. However, it remains unknown in northern snakehead (Channa argus), which is economically important freshwater fish with sexual dimorphism. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify the expression profiles and estrogenic regulation of CaAmh during gonadal sex differentiation in C. argus. METHODS The cDNA and genomic DNA sequences of CaAmh were identified by PCR and RACE techniques. The expression patterns of CaAmh were detected by qRT-PCR during the gonadal sex differentiation and after 17α-ethinyloestradiol (EE2) treatments. RESULTS CaAmh is composed of seven exons and six introns, and its full-length cDNA is 2413 bp in length, with 1635 bp open reading frame (ORF) that encodes a 544 amino acid protein. Tissues expression patterns revealed that CaAmh display the highest expression in testis of XY males (40.36 folds, p < 0.01). The spatio-temporal expression patterns during gonadal sex differentiation indicated that CaAmh expression differed between XX females and XY males at 30 day after hatching (dah), and reached to the peak (36.03 folds, p < 0.01) at 90 dah in XY gonads. However, CaAmh expression in XX gonads remained low throughout the sampling period. Furthermore, CaAmh expression in the gonads (ovaries) of the sex-reversed XY fish (XY-F) by the administration of estrogen EE2 was downregulated to low level, similar to that in ovaries of normal XX females (XX-F). CONCLUSIONS These results show that Amh plays a critical role in testicular differentiation of C. argus and it is apparently modulated by estrogens in this species.
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10
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Zhou Y, Sun W, Cai H, Bao H, Zhang Y, Qian G, Ge C. The Role of Anti-Müllerian Hormone in Testis Differentiation Reveals the Significance of the TGF-β Pathway in Reptilian Sex Determination. Genetics 2019; 213:1317-1327. [PMID: 31645361 PMCID: PMC6893390 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.119.302527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh, or Müllerian-inhibiting substance, Mis), a member of TGF-β superfamily, has been well documented in some vertebrates as initiator or key regulator in sexual development, and particularly in fish. However, its functional role has not yet been identified in reptiles. Here, we characterized the Amh gene in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis, a typical reptilian species exhibiting ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes. The messenger RNA of Amh was initially expressed in male embryonic gonads by stage 15, preceding gonadal sex differentiation, and exhibited a male-specific expression pattern throughout embryogenesis. Moreover, Amh was rapidly upregulated during female-to-male sex reversal induced by aromatase inhibitor letrozole. Most importantly, Amh loss of function by RNA interference led to complete feminization of genetic male (ZZ) gonads, suppression of the testicular marker Sox9, and upregulation of the ovarian regulator Cyp19a1 Conversely, overexpression of Amh in ZW embryos resulted in female-to-male sex reversal, characterized by the formation of a testis structure, ectopic activation of Sox9, and a remarkable decline in Cyp19a1 Collectively, these findings provide the first solid evidence that Amh is both necessary and sufficient to drive testicular development in a reptilian species, P. sinensis, highlighting the significance of the TGF-β pathway in reptilian sex determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Zhou
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Wei Sun
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Han Cai
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Haisheng Bao
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Guoying Qian
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Chutian Ge
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China
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11
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Schroeder A, Rhen T. Role for androgens in determination of ovarian fate in the common snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 281:7-16. [PMID: 31059691 PMCID: PMC6784546 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Sex steroids are involved in sex determination in almost all vertebrates, including species with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). It is well established that aromatase and estrogens are involved in ovary determination in TSD species. In contrast, the role of non-aromatizable androgens in TSD is less clear. In this study, we used dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and an antagonist of the mammalian androgen receptor (flutamide) to examine the impact of androgens on sex determination in the snapping turtle. We incubated eggs at a male-producing temperature and treated embryos with drug delivery vehicle (5 L ethanol), DHT in vehicle, or flutamide in vehicle during the sex-determining period. We then measured expression of markers for ovarian and testicular development and genes involved in steroidogenesis. A subset of embryos and hatchlings were collected for histological analysis of gonad differentiation and sex determination. DHT and flutamide both induced ovarian development: 100% of vehicle-treated hatchlings had testes, while 60% of DHT-treated and 32% flutamide-treated hatchlings had ovaries. DHT and flutamide treatments also had feminizing effects on gene expression patterns and the structure of embryonic gonads. DHT treatment increased expression of FoxL2, androgen receptor, aromatase and several steroidogenic genes. Flutamide produced a similar, but weaker, pattern of gene expression. Genes involved in testis development (Sox9 and Amh) were influenced by flutamide treatment. Our findings support the hypothesis that androgens and the androgen receptor are involved in ovary determination in the common snapping turtle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Schroeder
- Department of Biology, Box 9019, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, United States; Math, Science, and Technology Department, 2900 University Avenue, University of Minnesota - Crookston, Crookston, MN 56716, United States
| | - Turk Rhen
- Department of Biology, Box 9019, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, United States.
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12
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Martínez-Juárez A, Moreno-Mendoza N. Mechanisms related to sexual determination by temperature in reptiles. J Therm Biol 2019; 85:102400. [PMID: 31657741 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2019.102400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
A number of strategies have emerged that appear to relate to the evolution of mechanisms for sexual determination in vertebrates, among which are genetic sex determination caused by sex chromosomes and environmental sex determination, where environmental factors influence the phenotype of the sex of an individual. Within the reptile group, some orders such as: Chelonia, Crocodylia, Squamata and Rhynchocephalia, manifest one of the most intriguing and exciting environmental sexual determination mechanisms that exists, comprising temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), where the temperature of incubation that the embryo experiences during its development is fundamental to establishing the sex of the individual. This makes them an excellent model for the study of sexual determination at the molecular, cellular and physiological level, as well as in terms of their implications at an evolutionary and ecological level. There are different hypotheses concerning how this process is triggered and this review aims to describe any new contributions to particular TSD hypotheses, analyzing them from the "eco-evo-devo" perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Martínez-Juárez
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Apartado Postal 70228 México, D.F. 04510, Mexico
| | - Norma Moreno-Mendoza
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Apartado Postal 70228 México, D.F. 04510, Mexico.
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13
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Adolfi MC, Fischer P, Herpin A, Regensburger M, Kikuchi M, Tanaka M, Schartl M. Increase of cortisol levels after temperature stress activates dmrt1a causing female-to-male sex reversal and reduced germ cell number in medaka. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1405-1417. [PMID: 31140678 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In vertebrates, there is accumulating evidence that environmental factors as triggers for sex determination and genetic sex determination are not two opposing alternatives but that a continuum of mechanisms bridge those extremes. One prominent example is the model fish species Oryzias latipes which has a stable XX/XY genetic sex determination system, but still responds to environmental cues, where high temperatures lead to female-to-male sex reversal. However, the mechanisms behind are still unknown. We show that high temperatures increase primordial germ cells (PGC) numbers before they reach the genital ridge, which, in turn, regulates the germ cell proliferation. Complete ablation of PGCs led to XX males with germ cell less testis, whereas experimentally increased PGC numbers did not reverse XY genotypes to female. For the underlying molecular mechanism, we provide support for the explanation that activation of the dmrt1a gene by cortisol during early development of XX embryos enables this autosomal gene to take over the role of the male determining Y-chromosomal dmrt1bY.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Fischer
- Physiological Chemistry, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Amaury Herpin
- INRA, UR1037 Fish Physiology and Genomics, Rennes, France
| | | | - Mariko Kikuchi
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Minoru Tanaka
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Manfred Schartl
- Physiological Chemistry, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.,Germany and Hagler Institute for Advanced Study and Department of Biology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Clinic Würzburg, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
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14
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Barbotin AL, Peigné M, Malone SA, Giacobini P. Emerging Roles of Anti-Müllerian Hormone in Hypothalamic-Pituitary Function. Neuroendocrinology 2019; 109:218-229. [PMID: 31280262 PMCID: PMC6878735 DOI: 10.1159/000500689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Since its initial discovery in the 1940s, research into the physiological actions of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), from its eponymous role in male developmental biology to its routine clinical use in female reproductive health, has undergone a paradigm shifting change. With several exciting studies recently reporting hitherto unforeseen AMH actions at all levels in the hypogonadal-pituitary-gonadal axis, the importance of this hormone for both hypothalamic and pituitary reproductive control is finding increasing support and significance. In this review, we will briefly summarize what is known about the traditional roles and biology of AMH and how this could be integrated with new findings of AMH actions at the level of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. We also synthesize the important findings from these new studies and discuss their potential impact and significance to our understanding of one of the most common reproductive disorders currently affecting women, polycystic ovary syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Laure Barbotin
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S 1172, Laboratoire du Développement et Plasticité du Cerveau Neuroendocrine, Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert, Lille, France
- Institut de Biologie de la Reproduction-Spermiologie-CECOS, CHU de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Maëliss Peigné
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S 1172, Laboratoire du Développement et Plasticité du Cerveau Neuroendocrine, Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert, Lille, France
- AP-HP, Unité de Médecine de la Reproduction, Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France
| | - Samuel Andrew Malone
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S 1172, Laboratoire du Développement et Plasticité du Cerveau Neuroendocrine, Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert, Lille, France
| | - Paolo Giacobini
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S 1172, Laboratoire du Développement et Plasticité du Cerveau Neuroendocrine, Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert, Lille, France,
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15
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Adolfi MC, Nakajima RT, Nóbrega RH, Schartl M. Intersex, Hermaphroditism, and Gonadal Plasticity in Vertebrates: Evolution of the Müllerian Duct and Amh/Amhr2 Signaling. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2018; 7:149-172. [PMID: 30303691 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-020518-114955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In vertebrates, sex organs are generally specialized to perform a male or female reproductive role. Acquisition of the Müllerian duct, which gives rise to the oviduct, together with emergence of the Amh/Amhr2 system favored evolution of viviparity in jawed vertebrates. Species with high sex-specific reproductive adaptations have less potential to sex reverse, making intersex a nonfunctional condition. Teleosts, the only vertebrate group in which hermaphroditism evolved as a natural reproductive strategy, lost the Müllerian duct during evolution. They developed for gamete release complete independence from the urinary system, creating optimal anatomic and developmental preconditions for physiological sex change. The common and probably ancestral role of Amh is related to survival and proliferation of germ cells in early and adult gonads of both sexes rather than induction of Müllerian duct regression. The relationship between germ cell maintenance and sex differentiation is most evident in species in which Amh became the master male sex-determining gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateus Contar Adolfi
- Physiological Chemistry, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Rafael Takahiro Nakajima
- Integrative Genomics Laboratory, Department of Morphology, Institute of Bioscience of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo 01049-010, Brazil;
| | - Rafael Henrique Nóbrega
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Morphology, Institute of Bioscience of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo 01049-010, Brazil;
| | - Manfred Schartl
- Physiological Chemistry, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany; .,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Clinic Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.,Hagler Institute for Advanced Study and Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA;
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16
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Ovarian activity regulation by anti-Müllerian hormone in early stages of human female life, an overview. ANTHROPOLOGICAL REVIEW 2018. [DOI: 10.2478/anre-2018-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed at describing the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), with special focus on molecular background for ovarian activity, in particular the role AMH plays in sex determination and gonadogenesis process in early stages of prenatal life and folliculogenesis in postnatal life. It is a review of the literature currently indexed and abstracted in MEDLINE, SCOPUS and Google Scholars. The process of sex determination and gonad differentiation occurring during embryogenesis was discussed along with underlying molecular mechanisms. In the postnatal life the impact of AMH on the process of folliculogenesis was described. Clinical use of recent findings was shown as well. Genetic studies and molecular analyses have demonstrated that AMH is highly conservative, indicating its significance in reproductive process on the background of evolutionary processes.
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17
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A role for SOX9 in post-transcriptional processes: insights from the amphibian oocyte. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7191. [PMID: 29740094 PMCID: PMC5940923 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25356-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sox9 is a member of the gene family of SOX transcription factors, which is highly conserved among vertebrates. It is involved in different developmental processes including gonadogenesis. In all amniote species examined thus far, Sox9 is expressed in the Sertoli cells of the male gonad, suggesting an evolutionarily conserved role in testis development. However, in the anamniotes, fishes and amphibians, it is also expressed in the oocyte but the significance of such an expression remains to be elucidated. Here, we have investigated the nuclear localization of the SOX9 protein in the oocyte of three amphibian species, the urodelan Pleurodeles waltl, and two anurans, Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis. We demonstrate that SOX9 is associated with ribonucleoprotein (RNP) transcripts of lampbrush chromosomes in an RNA-dependent manner. This association can be visualized by Super-resolution Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM). Our results suggest that SOX9, known to bind DNA, also carries an additional function in the posttranscriptional processes. We also discuss the significance of the acquisition or loss of Sox9 expression in the oocyte during evolution at the transition between anamniotes and amniotes.
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18
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Martínez-Juárez A, López-Luna MA, Porras-Gómez TJ, Moreno-Mendoza N. Expression of theSox9,Foxl2,Vasa, andTRPV4genes in the ovaries and testes of the Morelet's crocodile,Crocodylus moreletii. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2018; 330:148-164. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Martínez-Juárez
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; UNAM; Mexico Mexico
| | - Marco A. López-Luna
- División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas; Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco; Villahermosa Tabasco; Mexico Mexico
| | - Tania J. Porras-Gómez
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; UNAM; Mexico Mexico
| | - Norma Moreno-Mendoza
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; UNAM; Mexico Mexico
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19
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Expression profiles of amh and foxl2 in Schizothorax kozlovi, and their response to temperature during the early developmental stage. J Genet 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12041-018-0889-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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20
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Abstract
Making my career in Australia exposed me to the tyranny of distance, but it gave me opportunities to study our unique native fauna. Distantly related animal species present genetic variation that we can use to explore the most fundamental biological structures and processes. I have compared chromosomes and genomes of kangaroos and platypus, tiger snakes and emus, devils (Tasmanian) and dragons (lizards). I particularly love the challenges posed by sex chromosomes, which, apart from determining sex, provide stunning examples of epigenetic control and break all the evolutionary rules that we currently understand. Here I describe some of those amazing animals and the insights on genome structure, function, and evolution they have afforded us. I also describe my sometimes-random walk in science and the factors and people who influenced my direction. Being a woman in science is still not easy, and I hope others will find encouragement and empathy in my story.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Marshall Graves
- School of Life Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
- Australia Institute of Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia
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21
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Rosenfeld CS. Brain Sexual Differentiation and Requirement of SRY: Why or Why Not? Front Neurosci 2017; 11:632. [PMID: 29200993 PMCID: PMC5696354 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain sexual differentiation is orchestrated by precise coordination of sex steroid hormones. In some species, programming of select male brain regions is dependent upon aromatization of testosterone to estrogen. In mammals, these hormones surge during the organizational and activational periods that occur during perinatal development and adulthood, respectively. In various fish and reptiles, incubation temperature during a critical embryonic period results in male or female sexual differentiation, but this can be overridden in males by early exposure to estrogenic chemicals. Testes development in mammals requires a Y chromosome and testis determining gene SRY (in humans)/Sry (all other therian mammals), although there are notable exceptions. Two species of spiny rats: Amami spiny rat (Tokudaia osimensis) and Tokunoshima spiny rat (Tokudaia tokunoshimensis) and two species of mole voles (Ellobius lutescens and Ellobius tancrei), lack a Y chromosome/Sry and possess an XO chromosome system in both sexes. Such rodent species, prototherians (monotremes, who also lack Sry), and fish and reptile species that demonstrate temperature sex determination (TSD) seemingly call into question the requirement of Sry for brain sexual differentiation. This review will consider brain regions expressing SRY/Sry in humans and rodents, respectively, and potential roles of SRY/Sry in the brain will be discussed. The evidence from various taxa disputing the requirement of Sry for brain sexual differentiation in mammals (therians and prototherians) and certain fish and reptilian species will be examined. A comparative approach to address this question may elucidate other genes, pathways, and epigenetic modifications stimulating brain sexual differentiation in vertebrate species, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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22
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Localization and distribution of gonadal proteins in the oviparous lizard Sceloporus aeneus (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae). Acta Histochem 2017; 119:516-522. [PMID: 28515008 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Among vertebrates, several specific proteins are involved in the function and development of gonads. Several genes such as SOX9, FOXL2, DDX4, IFITM3, and DPPA3, are active during embryonic differentiation and maintain their expression in adult tissues, playing important roles in the function and development of the line cell, where these are produced. Among reptiles, molecular mechanisms for sex differentiation have been analyzed in turtles, crocodiles, and some lizards, while in adult stages such studies are scarce. The aim of this study was to locate and analyze the distribution of important gonadal proteins in adult and embryonic ovaries and testes of the oviparous lizard Sceloporus aeneus (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae). Adult specimens and embryos of the lizard S. aeneus were collected in Milpa Alta, a suburb located Southwest of Mexico City. Expression of gonadal proteins was analyzed using immunofluorescent staining and confocal microscopy. Our results showed that SOX9 is located in Sertoli cells of embryonic and adult testes. FOXL2 is expressed in follicular cells of adult ovaries. DDX4 and IFITM3 are located in germ line cells as well as in follicular cells of adult ovaries. DPPA3 was observed in somatic and germ line cells of adult and embryonic gonads. Our observations show that important molecules of vertebrate ovaries and testes are conserved in S. aeneus and it is suggested that these may have a similar role during gonadal development and function.
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23
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Lambeth LS, Morris K, Ayers KL, Wise TG, O'Neil T, Wilson S, Cao Y, Sinclair AH, Cutting AD, Doran TJ, Smith CA. Overexpression of Anti-Müllerian Hormone Disrupts Gonadal Sex Differentiation, Blocks Sex Hormone Synthesis, and Supports Cell Autonomous Sex Development in the Chicken. Endocrinology 2016; 157:1258-75. [PMID: 26809122 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The primary role of Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) during mammalian development is the regression of Müllerian ducts in males. This highly conserved function is retained in birds and is supported by the high levels of AMH expression in developing testes. Mammalian AMH expression is regulated by a combination of transcription factors, the most important being Sry-type high-mobility-group box transcription factor-9 (SOX9). In the chicken embryo, however, AMH mRNA expression precedes that of SOX9, leading to the view that AMH may play a more central role in avian testicular development. To define its role in chicken gonadal development, AMH was overexpressed using the RCASBP viral vector. AMH caused the gonads of both sexes to develop as small and undeveloped structures at both embryonic and adult stages. Molecular analysis revealed that although female gonads developed testis-like cords, gonads lacked Sertoli cells and were incapable of steroidogenesis. A similar gonadal phenotype was also observed in males, with a complete loss of both Sertoli cells, disrupted SOX9 expression and gonadal steroidogenesis. At sexual maturity both sexes showed a female external phenotype but retained sexually dimorphic body weights that matched their genetic sexes. These data suggest that AMH does not operate as an early testis activator in the chicken but can affect downstream events, such as sex steroid hormone production. In addition, this study provides a unique opportunity to assess chicken sexual development in an environment of sex hormone deficiency, demonstrating the importance of both hormonal signaling and direct cell autonomous factors for somatic sex identity in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke S Lambeth
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Kirsten Morris
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Katie L Ayers
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Terry G Wise
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Terri O'Neil
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Susanne Wilson
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Yu Cao
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Andrew H Sinclair
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Andrew D Cutting
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Timothy J Doran
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Craig A Smith
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
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24
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Yatsu R, Miyagawa S, Kohno S, Parrott BB, Yamaguchi K, Ogino Y, Miyakawa H, Lowers RH, Shigenobu S, Guillette LJ, Iguchi T. RNA-seq analysis of the gonadal transcriptome during Alligator mississippiensis temperature-dependent sex determination and differentiation. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:77. [PMID: 26810479 PMCID: PMC4727388 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2396-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) displays temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), in which incubation temperature during embryonic development determines the sexual fate of the individual. However, the molecular mechanisms governing this process remain a mystery, including the influence of initial environmental temperature on the comprehensive gonadal gene expression patterns occurring during TSD. Results Our characterization of transcriptomes during alligator TSD allowed us to identify novel candidate genes involved in TSD initiation. High-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on gonads collected from A. mississippiensis embryos incubated at both a male and a female producing temperature (33.5 °C and 30 °C, respectively) in a time series during sexual development. RNA-seq yielded 375.2 million paired-end reads, which were mapped and assembled, and used to characterize differential gene expression. Changes in the transcriptome occurring as a function of both development and sexual differentiation were extensively profiled. Forty-one differentially expressed genes were detected in response to incubation at male producing temperature, and included genes such as Wnt signaling factor WNT11, histone demethylase KDM6B, and transcription factor C/EBPA. Furthermore, comparative analysis of development- and sex-dependent differential gene expression revealed 230 candidate genes involved in alligator sex determination and differentiation, and early details of the suspected male-fate commitment were profiled. We also discovered sexually dimorphic expression of uncharacterized ncRNAs and other novel elements, such as unique expression patterns of HEMGN and ARX. Twenty-five of the differentially expressed genes identified in our analysis were putative transcriptional regulators, among which were MYBL2, MYCL, and HOXC10, in addition to conventional sex differentiation genes such as SOX9, and FOXL2. Inferred gene regulatory network was constructed, and the gene-gene and temperature-gene interactions were predicted. Conclusions Gonadal global gene expression kinetics during sex determination has been extensively profiled for the first time in a TSD species. These findings provide insights into the genetic framework underlying TSD, and expand our current understanding of the developmental fate pathways during vertebrate sex determination. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2396-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei Yatsu
- Department of Basic Biology, Faculty of Life Science, SOKENDAI (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan.
| | - Shinichi Miyagawa
- Department of Basic Biology, Faculty of Life Science, SOKENDAI (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan. .,Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan.
| | - Satomi Kohno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, and Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA.
| | - Benjamin B Parrott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, and Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA.
| | - Katsushi Yamaguchi
- National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan.
| | - Yukiko Ogino
- Department of Basic Biology, Faculty of Life Science, SOKENDAI (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan. .,Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan.
| | - Hitoshi Miyakawa
- Center for Bioscience Research and Education, Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine-machi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, 321-8505, Japan.
| | - Russell H Lowers
- Innovative Health Applications, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL, 32899, USA.
| | - Shuji Shigenobu
- Department of Basic Biology, Faculty of Life Science, SOKENDAI (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan. .,National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan.
| | - Louis J Guillette
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, and Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA.
| | - Taisen Iguchi
- Department of Basic Biology, Faculty of Life Science, SOKENDAI (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan. .,Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan.
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Yatsu R, Miyagawa S, Kohno S, Saito S, Lowers RH, Ogino Y, Fukuta N, Katsu Y, Ohta Y, Tominaga M, Guillette LJ, Iguchi T. TRPV4 associates environmental temperature and sex determination in the American alligator. Sci Rep 2015; 5:18581. [PMID: 26677944 PMCID: PMC4683465 DOI: 10.1038/srep18581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), commonly found among reptiles, is a sex determination mode in which the incubation temperature during a critical temperature sensitive period (TSP) determines sexual fate of the individual rather than the individual’s genotypic background. In the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), eggs incubated during the TSP at 33 °C (male producing temperature: MPT) yields male offspring, whereas incubation temperatures below 30 °C (female producing temperature: FPT) lead to female offspring. However, many of the details of the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive, and the molecular link between environmental temperature and sex determination pathway is yet to be elucidated. Here we show the alligator TRPV4 ortholog (AmTRPV4) to be activated at temperatures proximate to the TSD-related temperature in alligators, and using pharmacological exposure, we show that AmTRPV4 channel activity affects gene expression patterns associated with male differentiation. This is the first experimental demonstration of a link between a well-described thermo-sensory mechanism, TRPV4 channel, and its potential role in regulation of TSD in vertebrates, shedding unique new light on the elusive TSD molecular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei Yatsu
- Department of Basic Biology, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki Aichi 444-8787 Japan.,Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki Aichi 444-8787 Japan
| | - Shinichi Miyagawa
- Department of Basic Biology, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki Aichi 444-8787 Japan.,Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki Aichi 444-8787 Japan
| | - Satomi Kohno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, and Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston SC 29412 USA
| | - Shigeru Saito
- Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki Aichi 444-8787 Japan.,Department of Physiological Sciences, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki Aichi 444-8787 Japan
| | - Russell H Lowers
- Innovative Health Applications, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island FL 32899 USA
| | - Yukiko Ogino
- Department of Basic Biology, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki Aichi 444-8787 Japan.,Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki Aichi 444-8787 Japan
| | - Naomi Fukuta
- Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki Aichi 444-8787 Japan
| | - Yoshinao Katsu
- Graduate School of Life Science and Department of Biological Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo Hokkaido 062-8520 Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Ohta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Koyama Tottori 680-8553 Japan
| | - Makoto Tominaga
- Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki Aichi 444-8787 Japan.,Department of Physiological Sciences, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki Aichi 444-8787 Japan
| | - Louis J Guillette
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, and Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston SC 29412 USA
| | - Taisen Iguchi
- Department of Basic Biology, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki Aichi 444-8787 Japan.,Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki Aichi 444-8787 Japan
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26
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Pfennig F, Standke A, Gutzeit HO. The role of Amh signaling in teleost fish--Multiple functions not restricted to the gonads. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 223:87-107. [PMID: 26428616 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes the important role of Anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh) during gonad development in fishes. This Tgfβ-domain bearing hormone was named after one of its known functions, the induction of the regression of Müllerian ducts in male mammalian embryos. Later in development it is involved in male and female gonad differentiation and extragonadal expression has been reported in mammals as well. Teleosts lack Müllerian ducts, but they have amh orthologous genes. amh expression is reported from 21 fish species and possible regulatory interactions with further factors like sex steroids and gonadotropic hormones are discussed. The gonadotropin Fsh inhibits amh expression in all fish species studied. Sex steroids show no consistent influence on amh expression. Amh is produced in male Sertoli cells and female granulosa cells and inhibits germ cell proliferation and differentiation as well as steroidogenesis in both sexes. Therefore, Amh might be a central player in gonad development and a target of gonadotropic Fsh. Furthermore, there is evidence that an Amh-type II receptor is involved in germ cell regulation. Amh and its corresponding type II receptor are also present in brain and pituitary, at least in some teleosts, indicating additional roles of Amh effects in the brain-pituitary-gonadal axis. Unraveling Amh signaling is important in stem cell research and for reproduction as well as for aquaculture and in environmental science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Pfennig
- Institut für Zoologie, TU Dresden, D-01062 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Andrea Standke
- Institut für Zoologie, TU Dresden, D-01062 Dresden, Germany
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27
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Lambeth LS, Ayers K, Cutting AD, Doran TJ, Sinclair AH, Smith CA. Anti-Müllerian Hormone Is Required for Chicken Embryonic Urogenital System Growth but Not Sexual Differentiation. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:138. [PMID: 26510867 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.131664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, the primary role of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) during development is the regression of Müllerian ducts in males. These structures otherwise develop into fallopian tubes, oviducts, and upper vagina, as in females. This highly conserved function is retained in birds and is supported by the high levels of AMH expression in developing testes. In mammals, AMH expression is controlled partly by the transcription factor, SOX9. However, in the chicken, AMH mRNA expression precedes that of SOX9 , leading to the view that AMH may lie upstream of SOX9 and play a more central role in avian testicular development. To help define the role of AMH in chicken gonad development, we suppressed AMH expression in chicken embryos using RNA interference. In males, AMH knockdown did not affect the expression of key testis pathway genes, and testis cords developed normally. However, a reduction in the size of the mesonephros and gonads was observed, a phenotype that was evident in both sexes. This growth defect occurred as a result of the reduced proliferative capacity of the cells of these tissues, and male gonads also had a significant reduction in germ cell numbers. These data suggest that although AMH does not directly contribute to testicular or ovarian differentiation, it is required in a sex-independent manner for proper cell proliferation and urogenital system growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke S Lambeth
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katie Ayers
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew D Cutting
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Timothy J Doran
- CSIRO Animal, Food and Health Sciences, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew H Sinclair
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Craig A Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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28
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Vizziano-Cantonnet D, Di Landro S, Lasalle A, Martínez A, Mazzoni TS, Quagio-Grassiotto I. Identification of the molecular sex-differentiation period in the siberian sturgeon. Mol Reprod Dev 2015; 83:19-36. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Denise Vizziano-Cantonnet
- Facultad de Ciencias; Laboratorio de Fisiología de la Reproducción y Ecología de Peces; Iguá Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Santiago Di Landro
- Facultad de Ciencias; Laboratorio de Fisiología de la Reproducción y Ecología de Peces; Iguá Montevideo Uruguay
| | - André Lasalle
- Facultad de Ciencias; Laboratorio de Fisiología de la Reproducción y Ecología de Peces; Iguá Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Anabel Martínez
- Facultad de Ciencias; Laboratorio de Fisiología de la Reproducción y Ecología de Peces; Iguá Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Talita Sarah Mazzoni
- Departamento de Morfologia; Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu, UNESP; Botucatu São Paulo Brazil
| | - Irani Quagio-Grassiotto
- Departamento de Morfologia; Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu, UNESP; Botucatu São Paulo Brazil
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29
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McCoy JA, Parrott BB, Rainwater TR, Wilkinson PM, Guillette LJ. Incubation history prior to the canonical thermosensitive period determines sex in the American alligator. Reproduction 2015; 150:279-87. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Despite the widespread occurrence of environmental sex determination (ESD) among vertebrates, our knowledge of the temporal dynamics by which environmental factors act on this process remains limited. In many reptiles, incubation temperature determines sex during a discrete developmental window just prior to and coincident with the differentiation of the gonads. Yet, there is substantial variation in sex ratios among different clutches of eggs incubated at identical temperatures during this period. Here, we test the hypothesis that temperatures experienced prior to the reported thermosensitive period for alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) can impact how the sex determination system responds to thermal cues later in development. Temperature shift experiments on eggs collected from the field within 24 h of oviposition were employed to decouple various maternal influences from thermal effects, and results demonstrate a previously undefined window of thermosensitivity occurring by stage 15 of embryonic development, six stages earlier than previously reported. We also examine the intrasexual expression of several male- and female-biased genes and show that while male-biased genes display no intrasexual differences, ovarian CYP19A1 (aromatase) transcript abundance differs by approximately twofold depending on thermal exposures experienced at early stages of embryonic development. These findings expand our understanding of the ESD in the alligator and provide the rationale for reevaluation of the temporal dynamics of sex determination in other crocodilians.
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30
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McLennan IS, Pankhurst MW. Anti-Müllerian hormone is a gonadal cytokine with two circulating forms and cryptic actions. J Endocrinol 2015; 226:R45-57. [PMID: 26163524 DOI: 10.1530/joe-15-0206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a multi-faceted gonadal cytokine. It is present in all vertebrates with its original function in phylogeny being as a regulator of germ cells in both sexes, and as a prime inducer of the male phenotype. Its ancient functions appear to be broadly conserved in mammals, but with this being obscured by its overt role in triggering the regression of the Müllerian ducts in male embryos. Sertoli and ovarian follicular cells primarily release AMH as a prohormone (proAMH), which forms a stable complex (AMHN,C) after cleavage by subtilisin/kexin-type proprotein convertases or serine proteinases. Circulating AMH is a mixture of proAMH and AMHN,C, suggesting that proAMH is activated within the gonads and putatively by its endocrine target-cells. The gonadal expression of the cleavage enzymes is subject to complex regulation, and the preliminary data suggest that this influences the relative proportions of proAMH and AMHN,C in the circulation. AMH shares an intracellular pathway with the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and growth differentiation factor (GDF) ligands. AMH is male specific during the initial stage of development, and theoretically should produce male biases throughout the body by adding a male-specific amplification of BMP/GDF signalling. Consistent with this, some of the male biases in neuron number and the non-sexual behaviours of mice are dependent on AMH. After puberty, circulating levels of AMH are similar in men and women. Putatively, the function of AMH in adulthood maybe to add a gonadal influence to BMP/GDF-regulated homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian S McLennan
- Department of AnatomyUniversity of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Michael W Pankhurst
- Department of AnatomyUniversity of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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31
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Zhang Z, Elsayed AK, Shi Q, Zhang Y, Zuo Q, Li D, Lian C, Tang B, Xiao T, Xu Q, Chang G, Chen G, Zhang L, Wang K, Wang Y, Jin K, Wang Y, Song J, Cui H, Li B. Crucial genes and pathways in chicken germ stem cell differentiation. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:13605-21. [PMID: 25847247 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.601401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Male germ cell differentiation is a subtle and complex regulatory process. Currently, its regulatory mechanism is still not fully understood. In our experiment, we performed the first comprehensive genome and transcriptome-wide analyses of the crucial genes and signaling pathways in three kinds of crucial cells (embryonic stem cells, primordial germ cell, and spermatogonial stem cells) that are associated with the male germ cell differentiation. We identified thousands of differentially expressed genes in this process, and from these we chose 173 candidate genes, of which 98 genes were involved in cell differentiation, 19 were involved in the metabolic process, and 56 were involved in the differentiation and metabolic processes, like GAL9, AMH, PLK1, and PSMD7 and so on. In addition, we found that 18 key signaling pathways were involved mainly in cell proliferation, differentiation, and signal transduction processes like TGF-β, Notch, and Jak-STAT. Further exploration found that the candidate gene expression patterns were the same between in vitro induction experiments and transcriptome results. Our results yield clues to the mechanistic basis of male germ cell differentiation and provide an important reference for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhentao Zhang
- From the College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, China
| | - Ahmed Kamel Elsayed
- From the College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, China, the Anatomy and Embryology Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Qingqing Shi
- From the College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, China
| | - Yani Zhang
- From the College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, China,
| | - Qisheng Zuo
- From the College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, China
| | - Dong Li
- From the College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, China
| | - Chao Lian
- From the College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, China
| | - Beibei Tang
- From the College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, China
| | - Tianrong Xiao
- From the College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, China
| | - Qi Xu
- From the College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, China
| | - Guobin Chang
- From the College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, China
| | - Guohong Chen
- From the College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- From the College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, China
| | - Kehua Wang
- the Poultry Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 225009 Yangzhou, China
| | - Yingjie Wang
- From the College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, China
| | - Kai Jin
- From the College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, China
| | - Yilin Wang
- From the College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, China
| | - Jiuzhou Song
- the Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20740, and
| | - Hengmi Cui
- From the College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, China
| | - Bichun Li
- From the College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, China,
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32
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Gonadal morphogenesis and sex differentiation in the oviparous lizard, Sceloporus aeneus (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae). ZOOMORPHOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00435-015-0259-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Matsumoto Y, Hannigan B, Crews D. Embryonic PCB exposure alters phenotypic, genetic, and epigenetic profiles in turtle sex determination, a biomarker of environmental contamination. Endocrinology 2014; 155:4168-77. [PMID: 25105783 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In species with temperature-dependent sex determination, embryonic gonadal differentiation can be modified by exposure to exogenous chemicals such as environmental contaminants. Although phenotypic outcomes of such events are well documented, the underlying molecular mechanisms are rarely described. Here we examine the genetic and epigenetic effect of the embryonic exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on gonad differentiation in red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta). Some PCB congeners are without effect whereas others synergize to alter sex determination in this species. Application of two potent PCB congeners alter the physiological processes of gonad development normally dictated by the male-producing temperature (MPT), resulting sex ratios significantly biased toward female hatchlings. Of these PCB-induced females, oviduct formation is prominently distorted regardless of ovary development. Further, gonadal expression of ovarian markers, aromatase, FoxL2, and Rspo1, is activated whereas testicular markers, Dmrt1 and Sox9, are suppressed compared with typical expression patterns observed at MPT. DNA methylation profiles of the aromatase promoter in PCB-treated gonads do not follow the typical methylation pattern observed in embryos incubating at female-producing temperature. Rather, the MPT-typical methylation profiles is retained despite the induced ovarian formation. Overall, our studies demonstrate that PCB exposure alters the transcriptional profiles of genes responsible for gonadal differentiation but does not re-establish the epigenetic marks of the aromatase promoter normally set by incubation temperatures in embryonic gonads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuiko Matsumoto
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
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34
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Chi ML, Wen HS, Ni M, He F, Li JF, Qian K, Zhang P, Chai SH, Ding YX, Yin XH. Molecular identification of genes involved in testicular steroid synthesis and characterization of the responses to hormones stimulation in testis of Japanese sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicas). Steroids 2014; 84:92-102. [PMID: 24704264 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2014.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Testicular steroids are critical hormones for the regulation of spermatogenesis in male teleosts and their productions have been reported to be regulated by gonadotropins and gonadotropin-releasing hormone. In the Japanese sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicas), the reproductive endocrine, particularly regarding the production and regulation of testicular steroids, are not well understood. For this reason, we first cloned and characterized the response of several key genes regulating the production of testicular steroids and, second, we analyzed the changes of mRNA profiles of these genes during testicular development cycle and in the administration of hCG and GnRHa with corresponding testosterone level in serum, GSI and histological analyses. We succeeded in cloning the full-length cDNAs for the fushi tarazu factor-1 (FTZ-F1) homologues (FTZ-F1a and FTZ-F1b), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in Japanese sea bass. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis of these proteins clearly showed that these genes in Japanese sea bass were homologous to those of other piscine species. During the testicular development cycle and hCG/GnRHa administration, quantification of jsbStAR transcripts revealed a trend similar to their serum testosterone levels, while a reciprocal relationship was founded between the serum concentrations of testosterone and jsbAMH and the links between gonadal expression of jsbStAR, jsbAMH and jsbFTZ-F1 were also observed. Our results have identified for the first time several key genes involved in the regulation of steroid production and spermatogenesis in the Japanese sea bass testis and these genes are all detected under gonadotropic hormone and gonadotropin-releasing hormone control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei L Chi
- Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Hai S Wen
- Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Meng Ni
- Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Feng He
- Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Ji F Li
- Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Kun Qian
- Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Sen H Chai
- Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yu X Ding
- Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiang H Yin
- Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
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35
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Cortez D, Marin R, Toledo-Flores D, Froidevaux L, Liechti A, Waters PD, Grützner F, Kaessmann H. Origins and functional evolution of Y chromosomes across mammals. Nature 2014; 508:488-93. [DOI: 10.1038/nature13151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 383] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Shen ZG, Wang HP. Molecular players involved in temperature-dependent sex determination and sex differentiation in Teleost fish. Genet Sel Evol 2014; 46:26. [PMID: 24735220 PMCID: PMC4108122 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9686-46-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms that underlie sex determination and differentiation are conserved and diversified. In fish species, temperature-dependent sex determination and differentiation seem to be ubiquitous and molecular players involved in these mechanisms may be conserved. Although how the ambient temperature transduces signals to the undifferentiated gonads remains to be elucidated, the genes downstream in the sex differentiation pathway are shared between sex-determining mechanisms. In this paper, we review recent advances on the molecular players that participate in the sex determination and differentiation in fish species, by putting emphasis on temperature-dependent sex determination and differentiation, which include temperature-dependent sex determination and genetic sex determination plus temperature effects. Application of temperature-dependent sex differentiation in farmed fish and the consequences of temperature-induced sex reversal are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Han-Ping Wang
- Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, The Ohio State University South Centers, Piketon, Ohio 45661, USA.
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37
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Parrott BB, Kohno S, Cloy-McCoy JA, Guillette LJ. Differential incubation temperatures result in dimorphic DNA methylation patterning of the SOX9 and aromatase promoters in gonads of alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) embryos. Biol Reprod 2014; 90:2. [PMID: 24227754 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.111468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors are known to influence sex determination in many nonmammalian vertebrates. In all crocodilians studied thus far, temperature is the only known determinant of sex. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating the effect of temperature on sex determination are not known. Aromatase (CYP19A1) and SOX9 play critical roles in vertebrate sex determination and gonadogenesis. Here, we used a variety of techniques to investigate the potential roles of DNA methylation patterning on CYP19A1 and SOX9 expression in the American alligator, an organism that relies on temperature-dependent sex determination. Our findings reveal that developing gonads derived from embryos incubated at a male-producing temperature (MPT) show elevated CYP19A1 promoter methylation and decreased levels of gene expression relative to incubation at a female-producing temperature (FPT). The converse was observed at the SOX9 locus, with increased promoter methylation and decreased expression occurring in embryonic gonads resulting from incubation at FPT relative to that of MPT. We also examined the gonadal expression of the three primary, catalytically active DNA methyltransferase enzymes and show that they are present during critical stages of gonadal development. Together, these data strongly suggest that DNA methylation patterning is a central component in coordinating the genetic cascade responsible for sexual differentiation. In addition, these data raise the possibility that DNA methylation could act as a key mediator integrating temperature into a molecular trigger that determines sex in the alligator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin B Parrott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, and Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, South Carolina
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38
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Gredler ML, Larkins CE, Leal F, Lewis AK, Herrera AM, Perriton CL, Sanger TJ, Cohn MJ. Evolution of External Genitalia: Insights from Reptilian Development. Sex Dev 2014; 8:311-26. [DOI: 10.1159/000365771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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39
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Durando M, Cocito L, Rodríguez HA, Varayoud J, Ramos JG, Luque EH, Muñoz-de-Toro M. Neonatal expression of amh, sox9 and sf-1 mRNA in Caiman latirostris and effects of in ovo exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 191:31-8. [PMID: 23747749 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Revised: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Caiman latirostris is a reptilian species that exhibits temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). Male-to-female sex reversal can be achieved after in ovo estrogen/xenoestrogen exposure. This is known as hormone-dependent sex determination (HSD). The amh, sox9 and sf-1 genes are involved in sex determination, sex differentiation, and steroidogenesis. The aims of this study were: (a) to establish the expression patterns of amh, sox9 and sf-1 mRNA in the gonad-adrenal-mesonephros (GAM) complexes of neonatal TSD-male and TSD-female caimans, (b) to compare the expression of these genes between TSD-females and HSD-females (born from E2-exposed eggs incubated at the male-producing temperature) and (c) to evaluate whether in ovo exposure to a low dose of E2 or bisphenol A (BPA) or to a high dose of endosulfan (END) modifies amh, sox9 or sf-1 mRNA expressions in neonatal males. The mRNA expressions of amh, sox9 and sf-1 in GAM complexes from TSD-males and TSD-females and from HSD-females were quantitatively compared by RT-PCR. A sexually dimorphic pattern of amh and sox9 mRNA expression was found, with a higher expression in TSD-males than in TSD-females. sf-1 mRNA did not differ between TSD-males and TSD-females. HSD-females exhibited a higher expression of sox9 than TSD-females. In males, increased mRNA expression of sex-determining genes was observed after in ovo exposure to END. E2 decreased sox9 but increased sf-1 mRNA expression. Changes induced by BPA were evident although not significant. These results provide new insights into the potential mechanisms that lead to the gonadal histo-functional alterations observed in caimans exposed to contaminated environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Durando
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Tumores Hormonodependientes, School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
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40
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Molecular cloning, characterization, and sexually dimorphic expression of five major sex differentiation-related genes in a Scorpaeniform fish, sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria). Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2013; 165:125-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2013.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2012] [Revised: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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41
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Li M, Wang L, Wang H, Liang H, Zheng Y, Qin F, Liu S, Zhang Y, Wang Z. Molecular cloning and characterization of amh, dax1 and cyp19a1a genes and their response to 17α-methyltestosterone in Pengze crucian carp. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2013; 157:372-81. [PMID: 23528270 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2013.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Revised: 03/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The proteins encoded by amh, dax1 and cyp19a1a play important roles in gonad differentiation. Their functions have been far less studied in teleosts. In this study, the full-length cDNAs of amh, dax1 and cyp19a1a were cloned and characterized in a triploid gynogenic fish, the Pengze crucian carp. Their expression profilings in juvenile development, adult tissues and juveniles exposed to 100 ng/L 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) were investigated. Results showed that their putative proteins shared high identities to their counterparts in cyprinid fish species, respectively. The tissue distribution results indicated that amh and cyp19a1a were predominantly expressed in the ovary and dax1 was dominantly expressed in the liver. Gene profiling in the developmental stages showed that all the three target genes had a consistent highest expression at 48 days post hatching (dph). The period of 48 dph appeared to be a key time during the process of the gonad development of Pengze crucian carp. 100 ng/L MT significantly increased the mRNA expression of amh at 2- and 4-week exposures and enhanced dax1 and cyp19a1a at 6-week exposure. The present study indicated that MT could influence the gonad development in Pengze crucian carp by disturbing sex-differentiation associated gene expression. Furthermore, the present study will be of great significance to broaden the understanding of molecular mechanisms of the physiological processes of reproduction in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
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42
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The molecular genetics of avian sex determination and its manipulation. Genesis 2013; 51:325-36. [DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Revised: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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43
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Kikuchi K, Hamaguchi S. Novel sex-determining genes in fish and sex chromosome evolution. Dev Dyn 2013; 242:339-53. [PMID: 23335327 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.23927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2012] [Revised: 12/25/2012] [Accepted: 12/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the molecular mechanisms underlying many developmental events are conserved across vertebrate taxa, the lability at the top of the sex-determining (SD) cascade has been evident from the fact that four master SD genes have been identified: mammalian Sry; chicken DMRT1; medaka Dmy; and Xenopus laevis DM-W. This diversity is thought to be associated with the turnover of sex chromosomes, which is likely to be more frequent in fishes and other poikilotherms than in therian mammals and birds. Recently, four novel candidates for vertebrate SD genes were reported, all of them in fishes. These include amhy in the Patagonian pejerrey, Gsdf in Oryzias luzonensis, Amhr2 in fugu and sdY in rainbow trout. These studies provide a good opportunity to infer patterns from the seemingly chaotic picture of sex determination systems. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the master SD genes in fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoshi Kikuchi
- Fisheries Laboratory, University of Tokyo, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan.
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44
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Merchant-Larios H, Díaz-Hernández V. Environmental Sex Determination Mechanisms in Reptiles. Sex Dev 2013; 7:95-103. [DOI: 10.1159/000341936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
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45
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Valenzuela N, Neuwald JL, Literman R. Transcriptional evolution underlying vertebrate sexual development. Dev Dyn 2012; 242:307-19. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.23897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Valenzuela
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology; Iowa State University; Ames; Iowa
| | - Jennifer L. Neuwald
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology; Iowa State University; Ames; Iowa
| | - Robert Literman
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology; Iowa State University; Ames; Iowa
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46
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Matsumoto Y, Crews D. Molecular mechanisms of temperature-dependent sex determination in the context of ecological developmental biology. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 354:103-10. [PMID: 22037450 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2011] [Revised: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 10/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) is a prime example of phenotypic plasticity in that gonadal sex is determined by the temperature of the incubating egg. In the red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta), the effect of temperature can be overridden by exogenous ligands, i.e., sex steroid hormones and steroid metabolism enzyme inhibitors, during the temperature-sensitive period (TSP) of development. Precisely how the physical signal of temperature is transduced into a biological signal that ultimately results in sex determination remains unknown. In this review, we discuss the sex determining pathway underlying TSD by focusing on two candidate sex determining genes, Forkhead box protein L2 (FoxL2) and Doublesex mab3- related transcription factor 1 (Dmrt1). They appear to be involved in transducing the environmental temperature signal into a biological signal that subsequently determines gonadal sex. FoxL2 and Dmrt1 exhibit gonad-typical patterns of expression in response to temperature during the TSP in the red-eared slider turtle. Further, the biologically active ligands regulate the expression of FoxL2 and Dmrt1 during development to modify gonad trajectory. The precise regulatory mechanisms of expression of these genes by temperature or exogenous ligands are not clear. However, the environment often influences developmental gene expression by altering the epigenetic status in regulatory regions. Here, we will discuss if the regulation of FoxL2 and Dmrt1 expression by environment is mediated through epigenetic mechanisms during development in species with TSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuiko Matsumoto
- Section of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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47
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Díaz-Hernández V, Marmolejo-Valencia A, Harfush M, Merchant-Larios H. Formation of the genital ridges is preceded by a domain of ectopic Sox9-expressing cells in Lepidochelys olivacea. Dev Biol 2011; 361:156-66. [PMID: 22008791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2011] [Revised: 09/22/2011] [Accepted: 10/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bipotential gonads represent the structural framework from which alternative molecular sex determination networks have evolved. Maintenance of Sox9 expression in Sertoli cells is required for the structural and functional integrity of male gonads in mammals and probably in most amniote vertebrates. However, spatial and temporal patterns of Sox9 expression have diversified along evolution. Species with temperature sex determination are an interesting predictive model since one of two alternative developmental outcomes, either ovary or testis occurs under controlled laboratory conditions. In the sea turtle Lepidochelys olivacea, Sox9 is expressed in the medullary cords of bipotential gonads when incubated at both female- or male-promoting temperature (FT or MT). Sox9 is then turned off in presumptive ovaries, while it remains turned on in testes. In the current study, Sox9 was used as a marker of the medullary cell lineage to investigate if the medullary cords originate from mesothelial cells at the genital ridges where Sox9 is upregulated, or, if they derive from a cell population specified at an earlier developmental stage, which maintains Sox9 expression. Using immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization, embryos were analyzed prior to, during and after gonadal sex determination. A T-shaped domain (T-Dom) formed by cytokeratin (CK), N-cadherin (Ncad) and SOX9-expressing cells was found at the upper part of the hindgut dorsal mesentery. The arms of the T-Dom were extended to both sides towards the ventromedial mesonephric ridge before the thickening of the genital ridges, indicating that they contained gonadal epithelial cell precursors. Thereafter, expression of Sox9 was maintained in medullary cords while it was downregulated at the surface epithelium of bipotential gonads in both FT and MT. This result contrasts with observations in mammals and birds, in which Sox9 upregulation starts at a later stage in the inner cells underlying the Sox9-negative surface epithelium, suggesting that the establishment of a self-regulatory Sox9 loop required for Sertoli cell determination has evolved. The T-shaped domain at the upper part of the hindgut dorsal mesentery found in the current study may represent the earliest precursor of the genital ridges, previously unnoticed in amniote vertebrates.
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48
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Urushitani H, Katsu Y, Miyagawa S, Kohno S, Ohta Y, Guillette LJ, Iguchi T. Molecular cloning of anti-Müllerian hormone from the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011; 333:190-9. [PMID: 21187121 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2010] [Revised: 12/12/2010] [Accepted: 12/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) plays an important role in male sex differentiation in vertebrates. AMH produced by Sertoli cells of the fetal testis induces regression of the Müllerian duct in mammalian species. In alligators, sexual differentiation is controlled by the temperature during egg incubation, termed temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). The TSD mechanism inducing sex differentiation is thought to be unique and different from that of genetic sex determination as no gene such as the SRY of mammals has been identified. However, many of the genes associated with gonadal differentiation in mammals also are expressed in the developing gonads of species exhibiting TSD. To clarify the molecular mechanisms associated with gonad formation during the temperature-sensitive period (TSP), we have cloned the full length AMH gene in the alligator, and quantitatively compared mRNA expression patterns in the gonad-adrenal-mesonephros (GAM) complex isolated from alligator embryos incubated at male and female producing temperatures. The deduced amino acid sequence of the alligator AMH cDNA showed high identity (59-53%) to avian AMH genes. AMH mRNA expression was high in the GAM of male alligator embryos at stage 24 (immediately after sex determination) and hatchlings, but suppressed in the GAM of estrogen-exposed hatchlings incubated at the male-producing temperature. In the alligator AMH proximal promoter, a number of transcriptional factors (for SF-1. GATA, WT-1 and SOX9) binding elements were also identified and they exhibit a conserved pattern seen in other species. SOX9 up-regulates transcriptional activity through the amAMH promoter region. These results suggested that AMH and SOX9 play important roles in TSD of the American alligator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Urushitani
- Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
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49
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Abstract
SRY, the mammalian Y-chromosomal testis-determining gene, induces male sex determination. Recent studies in mice reveal that the major role of SRY is to achieve sufficient expression of the related gene Sox9, in order to induce Sertoli cell differentiation, which in turn drives testis formation. Here, we discuss the cascade of events triggered by SRY and the mechanisms that reinforce the differentiation of the testes in males while actively inhibiting ovarian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Kashimada
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Development, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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50
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Dumond H, Al-Asaad I, Chesnel A, Chardard D, Boizet-Bonhoure B, Flament S, Kuntz S. Temporal and spatial SOX9 expression patterns in the course of gonad development of the caudate amphibian Pleurodeles waltl. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2010; 316B:199-211. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.21390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2010] [Revised: 10/25/2010] [Accepted: 10/27/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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