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He Z, Xiao F, Yang D, Deng F, Ding W, He Z, Wang S, Chen Q, Wang H, Chen M, Gao K, Xiong J, Tang Z, Zhang M, Yan T. Protein expression patterns and metal metabolites in a protogynous hermaphrodite fish, the ricefield eel (Monopterus albus). BMC Genomics 2024; 25:500. [PMID: 38773374 PMCID: PMC11106920 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10397-w] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ricefield eel Monopterus albus undergoes a natural sex change from female to male during its life cycle, and previous studies have shown the potential mechanisms of this transition at the transcriptional and protein levels. However, the changes in protein levels have not been fully explored, especially in the intersexual stage. RESULTS In the present study, the protein expression patterns in the gonadal tissues from five different periods, the ovary (OV), early intersexual stage gonad (IE), middle intersexual stage gonad (IM), late intersexual stage gonad (IL), and testis (TE), were determined by untargeted proteomics sequencing. A total of 5125 proteins and 394 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were detected in the gonadal tissues. Of the 394 DEPs, there were 136 between the OV and IE groups, 20 between the IM and IE groups, 179 between the IL and IM groups, and 59 between the TE and IL groups. Three candidate proteins, insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 isoform X1 (Igf2bp3), triosephosphate isomerase (Tpi), and Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase isoform X1 [(Cu-Zn) Sod1], were validated by western blotting to verify the reliability of the data. Furthermore, metal metabolite-related proteins were enriched in the IL vs. IM groups and TE vs. IL groups, which had close relationships with sex change, including Cu2+-, Ca2+-, Zn2+- and Fe2+/Fe3+-related proteins. Analysis of the combined transcriptome data revealed consistent protein/mRNA expression trends for two metal metabolite-related proteins/genes [LOC109953912 and calcium Binding Protein 39 Like (cab39l)]. Notably, we detected significantly higher levels of Cu2+ during the sex change process, suggesting that Cu2+ is a male-related metal metabolite that may have an important function in male reproductive development. CONCLUSIONS In summary, we analyzed the protein profiles of ricefield eel gonadal tissues in five sexual stages (OV, IE, IM, IL, and TE) and verified the plausibility of the data. After preforming the functional enrichment of metal metabolite-related DEPs, we detected the contents of the metal metabolites Zn2+, Cu2+, Ca2+, and Fe2+/Fe3+ at these five stages and screened for (Cu-Zn) Sod1 and Mmp-9 as possible key proteins in the sex reversal process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
- Fish Resources and Environment in Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Feng Xiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Deying Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
- Fish Resources and Environment in Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Faqiang Deng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Wenxiang Ding
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Zhide He
- Fish Resources and Environment in Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Qiqi Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Haochen Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Mingqiang Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Kuo Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Jinxing Xiong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Ziting Tang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
- Fish Resources and Environment in Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Mingwang Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
- Fish Resources and Environment in Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Taiming Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
- Fish Resources and Environment in Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
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Abbott DH, Hutcherson BA, Dumesic DA. Anti-Müllerian Hormone: A Molecular Key to Unlocking Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? Semin Reprod Med 2024; 42:41-48. [PMID: 38908381 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is an important component within androgen receptor (AR)-regulated pathways governing the hyperandrogenic origin of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In women with PCOS, granulosa cell AMH overexpression in developing ovarian follicles contributes to elevated circulating AMH levels beginning at birth and continuing in adolescent daughters of PCOS women. A 6 to 7% incidence among PCOS women of gene variants coding for AMH or its receptor, AMHR2, suggests genetic contributions to AMH-related pathogenesis. Discrete gestational AMH administration to pregnant mice induces hypergonadotropic hyperandrogenic, PCOS-like female offspring with high circulating AMH levels that persist over three generations, suggesting epigenetic contributions to PCOS through developmental programming. Moreover, adult-onset, selective hyperactivation of hypothalamic neurons expressing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) induces hypergonadotropic hyperandrogenism and PCOS-like traits in female mice. Both gestational and adult AMH inductions of PCOS-like traits are prevented by GnRH antagonist coadministration, implicating luteinizing hormone-dependent ovarian theca cell testosterone (T) action, mediated through the AR in AMH-induced pathogenesis. Interestingly, gestational or peripubertal exogenous T or dihydrotestosterone induction of PCOS-like traits in female mice, rats, sheep, and monkeys fails to elicit ovarian AMH hypersecretion; thus, AMH excess per se may lead to a distinct pathogenic contribution to hyperandrogenic PCOS origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Abbott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Beverly A Hutcherson
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
- Dean's Office, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Daniel A Dumesic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Los Angeles, California
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Bodziach K, Staniszewska M, Nehring I, Ożarowska A, Zaniewicz G, Meissner W. Endocrine disrupting bisphenol A, 4-tert-octylphenol and 4-nonylphenol in gonads of long-tailed ducks Clangula hyemalis wintering in the southern Baltic. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 243:117772. [PMID: 38029823 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
This paper focuses on determining the concentrations of phenol derivatives in the gonads of seabirds and examining the potential factors (age, sex and region) affecting the degree of their bioaccumulation. The study involved assays of bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP) and 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) in the gonads of long-tailed ducks taken as bycatch from the Southern Baltic region in 2015-2016. Among phenol derivatives, 4-NP was found to reach the highest concentrations in the gonads of long-tailed ducks, and its concentrations were in the range of <0.1-717.5 ng g-1 dw. The concentrations of BPA and 4-t-OP were similar and amounted to <0.4-181.6 ng g-1 dw and <0.1-192.4 ng g-1 dw respectively. The concentration levels of phenol derivatives in the birds' gonads were similar to the levels which had been observed to have negative endocrine effects in other authors studies. This shows that the studied xenoestrogens can interfere with the reproduction and development of birds. Moreover, adult long-tailed ducks had higher concentrations of phenol derivatives compared to immature ones, possibly resulting from long-term bioaccumulation, as well as from diverse pollution in their respective habitats. Particularly in the case of 4-NP, the median concentrations in gonads of adult birds were 2-fold higher than in immature ones. In turn, among adult long-tailed ducks, phenol derivatives were characterized by higher concentrations in males than in females, with almost 3 times and approx. 3.5 times higher median concentrations of BPA and 4-t-OP, respectively. Lower concentrations of phenol derivatives in female gonads may result from the additional elimination of pollutants from their bodies through the transfer of pollutants from mother to egg. The results show the need for further research on phenol derivatives in the gonads of birds, focusing on their impact on the reproductive system and early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Bodziach
- Toxic Substances Transformation Unit, Department of Chemical Oceanography and Marine Geology, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdansk, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Marta Staniszewska
- Toxic Substances Transformation Unit, Department of Chemical Oceanography and Marine Geology, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdansk, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378, Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Iga Nehring
- Toxic Substances Transformation Unit, Department of Chemical Oceanography and Marine Geology, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdansk, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Ożarowska
- Ornithology Unit, Department of Vertebrate Ecology & Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Zaniewicz
- Ornithology Unit, Department of Vertebrate Ecology & Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Włodzimierz Meissner
- Ornithology Unit, Department of Vertebrate Ecology & Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
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Jiang G, Xue Y, Huang X. Temperature-Induced Sex Differentiation in River Prawn ( Macrobrachium nipponense): Mechanisms and Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1207. [PMID: 38279207 PMCID: PMC10816446 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021207] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Macrobrachium nipponense is gonochoristic and sexually dimorphic. The male prawn grows faster and usually has a larger size than the female. Therefore, a higher male proportion in stock usually results in higher yield. To investigate the impact of temperature on sexual differentiation in M. nipponense, two temperature treatments (26 °C and 31 °C) were conducted. The results showed that compared to the 31 °C treatment (3.20 ± 0.12), the 26 °C treatment displayed a lower female/male ratio (2.20 ± 0.11), which implied that a lower temperature could induce masculinization in M. nipponense. The temperature-sensitive sex differentiation phase was 25-35 days post hatching (DPH) at 26 °C while 15-20 DPH at 31 °C. Transcriptome and qPCR analysis revealed that a lower temperature up-regulated the expression of genes related to androgen secretion, and down-regulated the expressions of genes related to oogonia differentiation. Thirty-one temperature-regulated sex-differentiation genes were identified and the molecular mechanism of temperature-regulated sex differentiation was suggested. The finding of this study indicates that temperature regulation can be proposed as an innovative strategy for improving the culture yield of M. nipponense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Jiang
- Centre for Research on Environmental Ecology and Fish Nutrition (CREEFN) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; (G.J.); (Y.X.)
| | - Yucai Xue
- Centre for Research on Environmental Ecology and Fish Nutrition (CREEFN) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; (G.J.); (Y.X.)
| | - Xuxiong Huang
- Centre for Research on Environmental Ecology and Fish Nutrition (CREEFN) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; (G.J.); (Y.X.)
- Building of China-ASEAN Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Mariculture Technology and Joint Research on Mariculture Technology, Shanghai 201306, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
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Fagbémi MNA, Nivelle R, Muller M, Mélard C, Lalèyè P, Rougeot C. Effect of high temperatures on sex ratio and differential expression analysis (RNA-seq) of sex-determining genes in Oreochromis niloticus from different river basins in Benin. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2024; 9:dvad009. [PMID: 38487307 PMCID: PMC10939319 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvad009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The high temperature sex reversal process leading to functional phenotypic masculinization during development has been widely described in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis n iloticus) under laboratory or aquaculture conditions and in the wild. In this study, we selected five wild populations of O. niloticus from different river basins in Benin and produced twenty full-sib families of mixed-sex (XY and XX) by natural reproduction. Progenies were exposed to room temperature or high (36.5°C) temperatures between 10 and 30 days post-fertilization (dpf). In control groups, we observed sex ratios from 40% to 60% males as expected, except for 3 families from the Gobé region which showed a bias towards males. High temperature treatment significantly increased male rates in each family up to 88%. Transcriptome analysis was performed by RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) on brains and gonads from control and treated batches of six families at 15 dpf and 40 dpf. Analysis of differentially expressed genes, differentially spliced genes, and correlations with sex reversal was performed. In 40 dpf gonads, genes involved in sex determination such as dmrt1, cyp11c1, amh, cyp19a1b, ara, and dax1 were upregulated. In 15 dpf brains, a negative correlation was found between the expression of cyp19a1b and the reversal rate, while at 40 dpf a negative correlation was found between the expression of foxl2, cyp11c1, and sf1 and positive correlation was found between dmrt1 expression and reversal rate. Ontology analysis of the genes affected by high temperatures revealed that male sex differentiation processes, primary male sexual characteristics, autophagy, and cilium organization were affected. Based on these results, we conclude that sex reversal by high temperature treatment leads to similar modifications of the transcriptomes in the gonads and brains in offspring of different natural populations of Nile tilapia, which thus may activate a common cascade of reactions inducing sex reversal in progenies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Nambyl A Fagbémi
- Aquaculture Research and Education Centre (CEFRA), Liège University, query author on which is prefered, 10 Chemin de la Justice B-4500, Tihange, Belgium
- Laboratory of Hydrobiology and Aquaculture (LHA), Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP: 526, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Renaud Nivelle
- Aquaculture Research and Education Centre (CEFRA), Liège University, query author on which is prefered, 10 Chemin de la Justice B-4500, Tihange, Belgium
- Laboratory for Organogenesis and Regeneration (LOR), Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Biomedical Sciences (GIGA-I3), Liège University, Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marc Muller
- Laboratory for Organogenesis and Regeneration (LOR), Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Biomedical Sciences (GIGA-I3), Liège University, Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Charles Mélard
- Aquaculture Research and Education Centre (CEFRA), Liège University, query author on which is prefered, 10 Chemin de la Justice B-4500, Tihange, Belgium
| | - Philippe Lalèyè
- Laboratory of Hydrobiology and Aquaculture (LHA), Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP: 526, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Carole Rougeot
- Aquaculture Research and Education Centre (CEFRA), Liège University, query author on which is prefered, 10 Chemin de la Justice B-4500, Tihange, Belgium
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Lasalle A, Benech-Correa G, Brunet FG, Vizziano-Cantonnet D. hsd17b1 is a key gene for ovarian differentiation of the Siberian sturgeon. Mol Reprod Dev 2024; 91:e23729. [PMID: 38282315 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23729] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
This is the first work using gonads from undifferentiated, genetically-sexed Siberian sturgeon describing expression changes in genes related to steroid synthesis and female and male sex differentiation. One factor identified as relevant for ovarian differentiation was the gene coding for the enzyme Hsd17b1, which converts estrone into estradiol-17β. hsd17b1 was highly activated in female gonads at 2.5 months of age, around the onset of sex differentiation, preceding activation of two other genes involved in estrogen production (cyp19a1 and foxl2). hsd17b1 was also strongly repressed in males. Two known foxl2 paralogs are found in Siberian sturgeon-foxl2 and foxl2l-but only foxl2 appeared to be associated with ovarian differentiation. With regard to the male pathway, neither 11-oxygenated androgens nor classic male genes (amh, dmrt1, sox9, and dhh) were found to be involved in male sex differentiation, leaving open the question of which genes participate in early male gonad development in this ancient fish. Taken together, these results indicate an estrogen-dependence of female sex differentiation and 11-oxygenated androgen-independence of male sex differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Lasalle
- Laboratorio de Fisiología de la Reproducción y Ecología de Peces, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República Oriental del Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Germán Benech-Correa
- Laboratorio de Fisiología de la Reproducción y Ecología de Peces, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República Oriental del Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Frédéric G Brunet
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, UMR5242, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France
| | - Denise Vizziano-Cantonnet
- Laboratorio de Fisiología de la Reproducción y Ecología de Peces, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República Oriental del Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Wu K, Zhai Y, Qin M, Zhao C, Ai N, He J, Ge W. Genetic evidence for differential functions of figla and nobox in zebrafish ovarian differentiation and folliculogenesis. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1185. [PMID: 37990081 PMCID: PMC10663522 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05551-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
FIGLA and NOBOX are important oocyte-specific transcription factors. Both figla-/- and nobox-/- mutants showed all-male phenotype in zebrafish due to increased dominance of the male-promoting pathway. The early diversion towards males in these mutants has precluded analysis of their roles in folliculogenesis. In this study, we attenuated the male-promoting pathway by deleting dmrt1, a key male-promoting gene, in figla-/- and nobox-/- fish, which allows a sufficient display of defects in folliculogenesis. Germ cells in figla-/-;dmrt1-/- double mutant remained in cysts without forming follicles. In contrast, follicles could form well but exhibited deficient growth in nobox-/-;dmrt1-/- double mutants. Follicles in nobox-/-;dmrt1-/- ovary could progress to previtellogenic (PV) stage but failed to enter vitellogenic growth. Such arrest at PV stage suggested a possible deficiency in estrogen signaling. This was supported by lines of evidence in nobox-/-;dmrt1-/-, including reduced expression of ovarian aromatase (cyp19a1a) and level of serum estradiol (E2), regressed genital papilla (female secondary sex characteristics), and more importantly the resumption of vitellogenic growth by E2 treatment. Expression analysis suggested Nobox might regulate cyp19a1a by controlling Gdf9 and/or Bmp15. Our discoveries indicate that Figla is essential for ovarian differentiation and follicle formation whereas Nobox is important for driving subsequent follicle development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, 999078, Taipa, Macau, China
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 519082, Zhuhai, China
- Southern Marine Sciences and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), 519082, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yue Zhai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, 999078, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Mingming Qin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, 999078, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Cheng Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, 999078, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Nana Ai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, 999078, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Jianguo He
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 519082, Zhuhai, China
- Southern Marine Sciences and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), 519082, Zhuhai, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, 999078, Taipa, Macau, China.
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Hala D. The use of in silico extreme pathway (ExPa) analysis to identify conserved reproductive transcriptional-regulatory networks in humans, mice, and zebrafish. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2023; 69:271-287. [PMID: 37023256 PMCID: PMC10461611 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2023.2188996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrate sex determination and differentiation are coordinated by the activations and maintenance of reproductive transcriptional-regulatory networks (TRNs). There is considerable interest in studying the conserved design principles and functions of reproductive TRNs given that their intricate regulation is susceptible to disruption by gene mutations or exposures to exogenous endocrine disrupting chemicals (or EDCs). In this manuscript, the Boolean rules describing reproductive TRNs in humans, mice, and zebrafish, were represented as a pseudo-stoichiometric matrix model. This model mathematically described the interactions of 35 transcription factors with 21 sex determination and differentiation genes across the three species. The in silico approach of Extreme Pathway (ExPa) analysis was used to predict the extent of TRN gene activations subject to the species-specific transcriptomics data, from across various developmental life-stages. A goal of this work was to identify conserved and functional reproductive TRNs across the three species. ExPa analyses predicted the sex differentiation genes, DHH, DMRT1, and AR, to be highly active in male humans, mice, and zebrafish. Whereas FOXL2 was the most active gene in female humans and mice; and CYP19A1A in female zebrafish. These results agree with the expectation that regardless of a lack of sex determination genes in zebrafish, the TRNs responsible for canalizing male vs. female sexual differentiation are conserved with mammalian taxa. ExPa analysis therefore provides a framework with which to study the TRNs that influence the development of sexual phenotypes. And the in silico predicted conservation of sex differentiation TRNs between mammals and zebrafish identifies the piscine species as an effective in vivo model to study mammalian reproductive systems under normal or perturbed pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hala
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, TX, 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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10
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Lichilín N, Salzburger W, Böhne A. No evidence for sex chromosomes in natural populations of the cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:6989787. [PMID: 36649174 PMCID: PMC9997565 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Sex determination (SD) is not conserved among teleost fishes and can even differ between populations of the same species. Across the outstandingly species-rich fish family Cichlidae, more and more SD systems are being discovered. Still, the picture of SD evolution in this group is far from being complete. Lake Tanganyika and its affluent rivers are home to Astatotilapia burtoni, which belongs to the extremely successful East African cichlid lineage Haplochromini. Previously, in different families of an A. burtoni laboratory strain, an XYW system and an XY system have been described. The latter was also found in a second laboratory strain. In a laboratory-reared family descending from a population of the species' southern distribution, a second XY system was discovered. Yet, an analysis of sex chromosomes for the whole species distribution is missing. Here, we examined the genomes of 11 natural populations of A. burtoni, encompassing a wide range of its distribution, for sex-linked regions. We did not detect signs of differentiated sex chromosomes and also not the previously described sex chromosomal systems present in laboratory lines, suggesting different SD systems in the same species under natural and (long-term) artificial conditions. We suggest that SD in A. burtoni is more labile than previously assumed and consists of a combination of non-genetic, polygenic, or poorly differentiated sex chromosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Lichilín
- Zoological Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Neuroscience and Developmental Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Salzburger
- Zoological Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Astrid Böhne
- Zoological Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland.,Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Museum Koenig Bonn, Adenauerallee 127, 53113 Bonn, Germany
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11
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Estermann MA, Smith CA. Fadrozole-mediated sex reversal in the embryonic chicken gonad involves a PAX2 positive undifferentiated supporting cell state. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1042759. [DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1042759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadal sex differentiation among vertebrates involves divergent fates of a common group of progenitor cells present in both presumptive ovaries and testes. The first cell type to differentiate gives rise to pre-Sertoli cells in the testis, and pre-follicular cells in the ovary. These cells derive from a common lineage of so-called “supporting cells”. In birds and other egg-laying vertebrates, locally synthesised estrogen has a central role in ovarian development and influences the fate of these supporting cells. Manipulation of estrogen levels during embryonic development induces gonadal sex reversal, providing an experimental setting to evaluate the process of gonadal sex differentiation. Recently, we identified PAX2 as a novel marker of the undifferentiated supporting cell lineage in the chicken embryo, expressed in both sexes prior to overt gonadal sex differentiation. PAX2 expression is downregulated at the onset of gonadal sex differentiation in both males and females. The analysis of this undifferentiated supporting cell marker, together with Sertoli (male) and pre-granulosa (female) will enhance our understanding of supporting cell differentiation. Here we characterized the supporting cells differentiation process and identified undifferentiated supporting cells in estrogen-mediated sex reversal experiments. Female embryos treated with the aromatase inhibitor fadrozole developed into ovotestis, containing pre-granulosa cells, Sertoli cells and PAX2 positive undifferentiated supporting cells. In contrast, male embryos treated with 17β-estradiol showed no PAX2+ undifferentiated gonadal supporting cells. Fadrozole time-course as well as multiple dose analysis suggests that supporting cell transdifferentiation involves a dedifferentiation event into a PAX2+ undifferentiated supporting cell state, followed by a redifferentiation towards the opposite sex lineage.
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12
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Ramos L, Antunes A. Decoding sex: Elucidating sex determination and how high-quality genome assemblies are untangling the evolutionary dynamics of sex chromosomes. Genomics 2022; 114:110277. [PMID: 35104609 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sexual reproduction is a diverse and widespread process. In gonochoristic species, the differentiation of sexes occurs through diverse mechanisms, influenced by environmental and genetic factors. In most vertebrates, a master-switch gene is responsible for triggering a sex determination network. However, only a few genes have acquired master-switch functions, and this process is associated with the evolution of sex-chromosomes, which have a significant influence in evolution. Additionally, their highly repetitive regions impose challenges for high-quality sequencing, even using high-throughput, state-of-the-art techniques. Here, we review the mechanisms involved in sex determination and their role in the evolution of species, particularly vertebrates, focusing on sex chromosomes and the challenges involved in sequencing these genomic elements. We also address the improvements provided by the growth of sequencing projects, by generating a massive number of near-gapless, telomere-to-telomere, chromosome-level, phased assemblies, increasing the number and quality of sex-chromosome sequences available for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Ramos
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Porto, Portugal; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Agostinho Antunes
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Porto, Portugal; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
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13
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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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14
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Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Revealed Genes Involved in Sexual and Polyploid Growth Dimorphisms in Loach ( Misgurnus anguillicaudatus). BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10090935. [PMID: 34571812 PMCID: PMC8468957 DOI: 10.3390/biology10090935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Misgurnus anguillicaudatus not only exhibits sexual size dimorphism, but also shows polyploid size dimorphism. Here, we performed comparative transcriptome integration analysis of multiple tissues of diploid and tetraploid M. anguillicaudatus of both sexes. We found that differences in energy metabolism and steroid hormone synthesis levels may be the main causes of sexual and polyploidy growth dimorphisms of M. anguillicaudatus. Fast-growing M. anguillicaudatus (tetraploids, females) have higher levels of energy metabolism and lower steroid hormone synthesis and fatty acid degradation abilities than slow-growing M. anguillicaudatus (diploids, males). Abstract Sexual and polyploidy size dimorphisms are widespread phenomena in fish, but the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) displays both sexual and polyploid growth dimorphism phenomena, and are therefore ideal models to study these two phenomena. In this study, RNA-seq was used for the first time to explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between both sexes of diploid and tetraploid loaches in four tissues (brain, gonad, liver, and muscle). Results showed that 21,003, 17, and 1 DEGs were identified in gonad, liver, and muscle tissues, respectively, between females and males in both diploids and tetraploids. Regarding the ploidy levels, 4956, 1496, 2187, and 1726 DEGs were identified in the brain, gonad, liver, and muscle tissues, respectively, between tetraploids and diploids of the same sex. When both sexual and polyploid size dimorphisms were considered simultaneously in the four tissues, only 424 DEGs were found in the gonads, indicating that these gonadal DEGs may play an important regulatory role in regulating sexual and polyploid size dimorphisms. Regardless of the sex or ploidy comparison, the significant DEGs involved in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation pathways were upregulated in faster-growing individuals, while steroid hormone biosynthesis-related genes and fatty acid degradation and elongation-related genes were downregulated. This suggests that fast-growing loaches (tetraploids, females) have higher energy metabolism levels and lower steroid hormone synthesis and fatty acid degradation abilities than slow-growing loaches (diploids, males). Our findings provide an archive for future systematic research on fish sexual and polyploid dimorphisms.
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15
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Adolfi MC, Herpin A, Schartl M. The replaceable master of sex determination: bottom-up hypothesis revisited. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200090. [PMID: 34247496 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Different group of vertebrates and invertebrates demonstrate an amazing diversity of gene regulations not only at the top but also at the bottom of the sex determination genetic network. As early as 1995, based on emerging findings in Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans, Wilkins suggested that the evolution of the sex determination pathway evolved from the bottom to the top of the hierarchy. Based on our current knowledge, this review revisits the 'bottom-up' hypothesis and applies its logic to vertebrates. The basic operation of the determination network is through the dynamics of the opposing male and female pathways together with a persistent need to maintain the sexual identity of the cells of the gonad up to the reproductive stage in adults. The sex-determining trigger circumstantially acts from outside the genetic network, but the regulatory network is not built around it as a main node, thus maintaining the genetic structure of the network. New sex-promoting genes arise either through allelic diversification or gene duplication and act specially at the sex-determination period, without integration into the complete network. Due to this peripheral position the new regulator is not an indispensable component of the sex-determining network and can be easily replaced. This article is part of the theme issue 'Challenging the paradigm in sex chromosome evolution: empirical and theoretical insights with a focus on vertebrates (Part I)'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateus Contar Adolfi
- Developmental Biochemistry, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, 97074 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Amaury Herpin
- INRA, UR 1037 Fish Physiology and Genomics, 35000 Rennes, France.,State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Manfred Schartl
- Developmental Biochemistry, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, 97074 Wuerzburg, Germany.,Xiphophorus Genetic Stock Center, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
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16
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Whiteley SL, Holleley CE, Wagner S, Blackburn J, Deveson IW, Marshall Graves JA, Georges A. Two transcriptionally distinct pathways drive female development in a reptile with both genetic and temperature dependent sex determination. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009465. [PMID: 33857129 PMCID: PMC8049264 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
How temperature determines sex remains unknown. A recent hypothesis proposes that conserved cellular mechanisms (calcium and redox; 'CaRe' status) sense temperature and identify genes and regulatory pathways likely to be involved in driving sexual development. We take advantage of the unique sex determining system of the model organism, Pogona vitticeps, to assess predictions of this hypothesis. P. vitticeps has ZZ male: ZW female sex chromosomes whose influence can be overridden in genetic males by high temperatures, causing male-to-female sex reversal. We compare a developmental transcriptome series of ZWf females and temperature sex reversed ZZf females. We demonstrate that early developmental cascades differ dramatically between genetically driven and thermally driven females, later converging to produce a common outcome (ovaries). We show that genes proposed as regulators of thermosensitive sex determination play a role in temperature sex reversal. Our study greatly advances the search for the mechanisms by which temperature determines sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L. Whiteley
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
- Australian National Wildlife Collection CSIRO National Research Collections Australia, Canberra, Australia
| | - Clare E. Holleley
- Australian National Wildlife Collection CSIRO National Research Collections Australia, Canberra, Australia
| | - Susan Wagner
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - James Blackburn
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ira W. Deveson
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jennifer A. Marshall Graves
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
- Latrobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Arthur Georges
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
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17
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Imarazene B, Beille S, Jouanno E, Branthonne A, Thermes V, Thomas M, Herpin A, Rétaux S, Guiguen Y. Primordial Germ Cell Migration and Histological and Molecular Characterization of Gonadal Differentiation in Pachón Cavefish Astyanax mexicanus. Sex Dev 2021; 14:80-98. [PMID: 33691331 DOI: 10.1159/000513378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic regulatory network governing vertebrate gonadal differentiation appears less conserved than previously thought. Here, we investigated the gonadal development of Astyanax mexicanus Pachón cavefish by looking at primordial germ cells (PGCs) migration and proliferation, gonad histology, and gene expression patterns. We showed that PGCs are first detected at the 80% epiboly stage and then reach the gonadal primordium at 1 day post-fertilization (dpf). However, in contrast to the generally described absence of PGCs proliferation during their migration phase, PGCs number in cavefish doubles between early neurula and 8-9 somites stages. Combining both gonadal histology and vasa (germ cell marker) expression patterns, we observed that ovarian and testicular differentiation occurs around 65 dpf in females and 90 dpf in males, respectively, with an important inter-individual variability. The expression patterns of dmrt1, gsdf, and amh revealed a conserved predominant male expression during cavefish gonadal development, but none of the ovarian differentiation genes, i. e., foxl2a, cyp19a1a, and wnt4b displayed an early sexually dimorphic expression, and surprisingly all these genes exhibited predominant expression in adult testes. Altogether, our results lay the foundation for further research on sex determination and differentiation in A. mexicanus and contribute to the emerging picture that the vertebrate sex differentiation downstream regulatory network is less conserved than previously thought, at least in teleost fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boudjema Imarazene
- INRAE, Laboratoire de Physiologie et Génomique des poissons, Rennes, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Séverine Beille
- INRAE, Laboratoire de Physiologie et Génomique des poissons, Rennes, France
| | - Elodie Jouanno
- INRAE, Laboratoire de Physiologie et Génomique des poissons, Rennes, France
| | - Adéle Branthonne
- INRAE, Laboratoire de Physiologie et Génomique des poissons, Rennes, France
| | - Violette Thermes
- INRAE, Laboratoire de Physiologie et Génomique des poissons, Rennes, France
| | - Manon Thomas
- INRAE, Laboratoire de Physiologie et Génomique des poissons, Rennes, France
| | - Amaury Herpin
- INRAE, Laboratoire de Physiologie et Génomique des poissons, Rennes, France
| | - Sylvie Rétaux
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Yann Guiguen
- INRAE, Laboratoire de Physiologie et Génomique des poissons, Rennes, France,
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18
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Nagahama Y, Chakraborty T, Paul-Prasanth B, Ohta K, Nakamura M. Sex determination, gonadal sex differentiation, and plasticity in vertebrate species. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:1237-1308. [PMID: 33180655 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00044.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A diverse array of sex determination (SD) mechanisms, encompassing environmental to genetic, have been found to exist among vertebrates, covering a spectrum from fixed SD mechanisms (mammals) to functional sex change in fishes (sequential hermaphroditic fishes). A major landmark in vertebrate SD was the discovery of the SRY gene in 1990. Since that time, many attempts to clone an SRY ortholog from nonmammalian vertebrates remained unsuccessful, until 2002, when DMY/dmrt1by was discovered as the SD gene of a small fish, medaka. Surprisingly, however, DMY/dmrt1by was found in only 2 species among more than 20 species of medaka, suggesting a large diversity of SD genes among vertebrates. Considerable progress has been made over the last 3 decades, such that it is now possible to formulate reasonable paradigms of how SD and gonadal sex differentiation may work in some model vertebrate species. This review outlines our current understanding of vertebrate SD and gonadal sex differentiation, with a focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved. An impressive number of genes and factors have been discovered that play important roles in testicular and ovarian differentiation. An antagonism between the male and female pathway genes exists in gonads during both sex differentiation and, surprisingly, even as adults, suggesting that, in addition to sex-changing fishes, gonochoristic vertebrates including mice maintain some degree of gonadal sexual plasticity into adulthood. Importantly, a review of various SD mechanisms among vertebrates suggests that this is the ideal biological event that can make us understand the evolutionary conundrums underlying speciation and species diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Nagahama
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan.,South Ehime Fisheries Research Center, Ehime University, Ainan, Japan.,Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Tapas Chakraborty
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan.,South Ehime Fisheries Research Center, Ehime University, Ainan, Japan.,Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukouka, Japan.,Karatsu Satellite of Aqua-Bioresource Innovation Center, Kyushu University, Karatsu, Japan
| | - Bindhu Paul-Prasanth
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan.,Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Kohei Ohta
- Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukouka, Japan
| | - Masaru Nakamura
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.,Research Center, Okinawa Churashima Foundation, Okinawa, Japan
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19
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Driscoll RMH, Faber-Hammond JJ, O'Rourke CF, Hurd PL, Renn SCP. Epigenetic regulation of gonadal and brain aromatase expression in a cichlid fish with environmental sex determination. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 296:113538. [PMID: 32585214 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A fit animal must develop testes or ovaries, with brain and physiology to match. In species with alternative male morphs this coordination of development across tissues operates within sexes as well as between. For Pelvicachromis pulcher, an African cichlid in which early pH exposure influences both sex and alternative male morph, we sequence both copies of aromatase (cyp19a1), a key gene for sex determination. We analyze gene expression and epigenetic state, comparing gonad and brain tissue from females, alternative male morphs, and fry. Relative to brain, we find elevated expression of the A-copy in the ovaries but not testes. Methylation analysis suggests strong epigenetic regulation, with one region specifying sex and another specifying tissue. We find elevated brain expression of the B-copy with no sex or male morph differences. B-copy methylation follows that of the A-copy rather than corresponding to B-copy expression. In 30-day old fry, we see elevated B-copy expression in the head, but we do not see the expected elevated A-copy expression in the trunk that would reflect ovarian development. Interestingly, the A-copy epialleles that distinguish ovaries from testes are among the most explanatory patterns for variation among fry, suggesting epigenetic marking of sex prior to differentiation and thus laying the groundwork for mechanistic studies of epigenetic regulation of sex and morph differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose M H Driscoll
- Department of Biology, Reed College, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Peter L Hurd
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Suzy C P Renn
- Department of Biology, Reed College, Portland, OR, USA.
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20
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Huang X, Qin Q, Gong K, Wu C, Zhou Y, Chen Q, Feng W, Xing Y, Wang C, Wang Y, Cao L, Tao M, Liu S. Comparative analyses of the Sox9a-Amh-Cyp19a1a regulatory Cascade in Autotetraploid fish and its diploid parent. BMC Genet 2020; 21:35. [PMID: 32199463 PMCID: PMC7085200 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-020-00840-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autotetraploid Carassius auratus (4nRCC, 4n = 200, RRRR) was derived from the whole genome duplication of diploid red crucian carp (Carassius auratus red var.) (2nRCC, 2n = 100, RR). To investigate the genetic effects of tetraploidization, we analyzed DNA variation, epigenetic modification and gene expression changes in the Sox9a-Amh-Cyp19a1a regulatory cascade between 4nRCC and 2nRCC. RESULTS We found that the Sox9a gene contained two variants in 2nRCC and four variants in 4nRCC. Compared with that in 2nRCC, DNA methylation in the promoter regions of the Amh and Cyp19a1a genes in 4nRCC was altered by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mutations, which resulted in the insertions and deletions of CpG sites, and the methylation levels of the Sox9a, Amh and Cyp19a1a genes increased after tetraploidization. The gene expression level of the Sox9a-Amh-Cyp19a1a regulatory cascade was downregulated in 4nRCC compared with that in 2nRCC. CONCLUSION The above results demonstrate that tetraploidization leads to significant changes in the genome, epigenetic modification and gene expression in the Sox9a-Amh-Cyp19a1a regulatory cascade; these findings increase the extant knowledge regarding the effects of polyploidization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Qinbo Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Kaijun Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Chang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yuwei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Qian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Wenjing Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yiying Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Chongqing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yude Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Liu Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Min Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Shaojun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China.
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21
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Wu K, Song W, Zhang Z, Ge W. Disruption of dmrt1 rescues the all-male phenotype of the cyp19a1a mutant in zebrafish - a novel insight into the roles of aromatase/estrogens in gonadal differentiation and early folliculogenesis. Development 2020; 147:dev.182758. [PMID: 32001440 DOI: 10.1242/dev.182758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sex determination and differentiation are complex processes controlled by many different factors; however, the relationships among these factors are poorly understood. Zebrafish gonadal differentiation exhibits high plasticity involving multiple factors and pathways, which provides an excellent model for investigating the interactions between them. Ovarian aromatase (cyp19a1a) and dmrt1 are key factors in directing vertebrate ovary and testis differentiation, respectively. Knockout of zebrafish cyp19a1a leads to all-male offspring, whereas the loss of dmrt1 results in a female-biased sex ratio. In the present study, we established dmrt1-/- ;cyp19a1a-/- double mutant zebrafish and discovered that the introduction of the dmrt1 mutation into the cyp19a1a mutant could rescue the all-male phenotype of the latter. Interestingly, despite the lack of aromatase/estrogens, the follicles in the ovary of the rescued cyp19a1a mutant could develop normally up to the previtellogenic stage. Further evidence suggested the ovarian aromatase directed ovarian differentiation by suppressing dmrt1 expression via nuclear estrogen receptors (nERs). Our results provide solid evidence for an interaction between cyp19a1a and dmrt1 in zebrafish gonadal differentiation, and for the dispensability of estrogens in controlling early folliculogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wu
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Weiyi Song
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhang
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
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Castelli MA, Whiteley SL, Georges A, Holleley CE. Cellular calcium and redox regulation: the mediator of vertebrate environmental sex determination? Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:680-695. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Meghan A. Castelli
- CSIROAustralian National Wildlife Collection, GPO Box 1700 Canberra 2601 Australia
- Institute for Applied EcologyUniversity of Canberra Canberra 2617 Australia
| | - Sarah L. Whiteley
- CSIROAustralian National Wildlife Collection, GPO Box 1700 Canberra 2601 Australia
- Institute for Applied EcologyUniversity of Canberra Canberra 2617 Australia
| | - Arthur Georges
- Institute for Applied EcologyUniversity of Canberra Canberra 2617 Australia
| | - Clare E. Holleley
- CSIROAustralian National Wildlife Collection, GPO Box 1700 Canberra 2601 Australia
- Institute for Applied EcologyUniversity of Canberra Canberra 2617 Australia
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23
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Dor L, Shirak A, Kohn YY, Gur T, Weller JI, Zilberg D, Seroussi E, Ron M. Mapping of the Sex Determining Region on Linkage Group 12 of Guppy ( Poecilia reticulata). G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2019; 9:3867-3875. [PMID: 31551287 PMCID: PMC6829149 DOI: 10.1534/g3.119.400656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Poecilia reticulata is one of the most popular ornamental fish species with a higher demand for males due to their large colorful fins. The objectives of this study were mapping of the sex-determining (SD) region on linkage group 12 of guppy, and identification of a sex specific marker. We generated eight polymorphic microsatellite markers distributed along the distal 5.4 Mbp sequence of the previously identified SD region on linkage group (LG) 12. The markers were tested for association with sex in 156 individuals of the Red Blonde and Flame strains, and 126 progeny of four full-sibs Red Blonde families. A male-specific allele was found for microsatellite gu1066 at position of 25.3 Mbp on LG12 for both strains, and gu832 at position 24.4 Mbp for the Flame strain. Thus, a region of 0.9 Mbp between these markers, harboring 27 annotated genes, was selected for analysis. Based on association of copy number variation and sex determination we mapped a duplicated region between LGs 9 and 12, of 1.26 Mbp, containing 59 genes on LG12. The common interval between the segment bounded by gu1066 and gu832, and the duplicated region of 0.43 Mbp on LG12 harbors 11 genes of which 6 have multiple copies (54%). Growth arrest and DNA damage inducible gamma-like (GADD45G-like) is a plausible positional and functional candidate gene for its role in male fertility. We characterized the genomic structure of the gene in guppy, and found two isoforms; but no sex-biased differences were evident in genomic sequence and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lior Dor
- Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
- Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, Institute of Animal Science, HaMaccabim Road, P.O.B 15159, 7528809, Rishon LeTsiyon, Israel
| | - Andrey Shirak
- Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, Institute of Animal Science, HaMaccabim Road, P.O.B 15159, 7528809, Rishon LeTsiyon, Israel
| | - Yair Yaacov Kohn
- Central and Northern Arava Research and Development D.N. Arava Sapir, 86825 Israel, and
| | - Tal Gur
- Central and Northern Arava Research and Development D.N. Arava Sapir, 86825 Israel, and
| | - Joel Ira Weller
- Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, Institute of Animal Science, HaMaccabim Road, P.O.B 15159, 7528809, Rishon LeTsiyon, Israel
| | - Dina Zilberg
- The French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Eyal Seroussi
- Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, Institute of Animal Science, HaMaccabim Road, P.O.B 15159, 7528809, Rishon LeTsiyon, Israel
| | - Micha Ron
- Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, Institute of Animal Science, HaMaccabim Road, P.O.B 15159, 7528809, Rishon LeTsiyon, Israel,
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Ichikawa K, Ezaki R, Furusawa S, Horiuchi H. Comparison of sex determination mechanism of germ cells between birds and fish: Cloning and expression analyses of chicken forkhead box L3-like gene. Dev Dyn 2019; 248:826-836. [PMID: 31183904 PMCID: PMC6772005 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Birds harbor specific sex determination and differentiation mechanisms. Although the molecular mechanisms associated with sex determination in somatic cells have been elucidated, those for germ cells remain unclear. Results Here, we characterized the chicken forkhead box L3 (foxl3)‐like gene as a sex‐determination factor in sexually indifferent medaka germline stem cells. The foxl3‐like gene was cloned by rapid amplification of cDNA ends, and the nucleotide sequence was analyzed. The deduced amino acid sequence was compared with FOXL3 sequences from other species, revealing low identity and similarity scores. Expression analysis of foxl3‐like mRNA during gonadogenesis showed female left‐gonad‐specific temporal expression in an egg incubated from 10 to 16 days, as well as low general expression in certain hatched female chicken organs. Moreover, the amino acid sequence deduced for the FOXL3‐like protein displayed low identity with medaka FOXL3, with the FOXL3‐like protein specifically localized in the oogonia, whereas medaka FOXL3 was found in sexually indifferent germline stem cells. Furthermore, the timing of expression differed between the foxl3‐like gene and that of medaka foxl3. Conclusions These results suggest that chicken FOXL3‐like protein and medaka FOXL3 differ in terms of their functions as female sex‐determination factors. The nucleotide sequence of the chicken foxl3‐like gene was determined by RACE. The expression of chicken foxl3‐like mRNA was virtually undetectable in specific organs, including the ovary, of 2‐week‐old female chickens. Chicken FOXL3‐like protein was detected in the oogonia of an egg incubated for 14 days. Temporal expression of chicken foxl3‐like mRNA was observed only in the oogonia of an egg incubated from 8 to 18 days during gonadogenesis, and the timing of gene expression differed from that of medaka foxl3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennosuke Ichikawa
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Department of Molecular and Applied Bioscience, Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ryo Ezaki
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Department of Molecular and Applied Bioscience, Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shuichi Furusawa
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Department of Molecular and Applied Bioscience, Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Horiuchi
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Department of Molecular and Applied Bioscience, Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
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25
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Hosseini S, Ha NT, Simianer H, Falker-Gieske C, Brenig B, Franke A, Hörstgen-Schwark G, Tetens J, Herzog S, Sharifi AR. Genetic mechanism underlying sexual plasticity and its association with colour patterning in zebrafish (Danio rerio). BMC Genomics 2019; 20:341. [PMID: 31060508 PMCID: PMC6503382 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5722-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated water temperature, as is expected through climate change, leads to masculinization in fish species with sexual plasticity, resulting in changes in population dynamics. These changes are one important ecological consequence, contributing to the risk of extinction in small and inbred fish populations under natural conditions, due to male-biased sex ratio. Here we investigated the effect of elevated water temperature during embryogenesis on sex ratio and sex-biased gene expression profiles between two different tissues, namely gonad and caudal fin of adult zebrafish males and females, to gain new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sex determination (SD) and colour patterning related to sexual attractiveness. RESULTS Our study demonstrated sex ratio imbalances with 25.5% more males under high-temperature condition, resulting from gonadal masculinization. The result of transcriptome analysis showed a significantly upregulated expression of male SD genes (e.g. dmrt1, amh, cyp11c1 and sept8b) and downregulation of female SD genes (e.g. zp2.1, vtg1, cyp19a1a and bmp15) in male gonads compared to female gonads. Contrary to expectations, we found highly differential expression of colour pattern (CP) genes in the gonads, suggesting the 'neofunctionalisation' of those genes in the zebrafish reproduction system. However, in the caudal fin, no differential expression of CP genes was identified, suggesting the observed differences in colouration between males and females in adult fish may be due to post-transcriptional regulation of key enzymes involved in pigment synthesis and distribution. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates male-biased sex ratio under high temperature condition and support a polygenic SD (PSD) system in laboratory zebrafish. We identify a subset of pathways (tight junction, gap junction and apoptosis), enriched for SD and CP genes, which appear to be co-regulated in the same pathway, providing evidence for involvement of those genes in the regulation of phenotypic sexual dimorphism in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrbanou Hosseini
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany. .,Center for Integrated Breeding Research, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.
| | - Ngoc-Thuy Ha
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.,Center for Integrated Breeding Research, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Henner Simianer
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.,Center for Integrated Breeding Research, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Clemens Falker-Gieske
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.,Center for Integrated Breeding Research, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Bertram Brenig
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.,Center for Integrated Breeding Research, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.,Institute of Veterinary Medicine, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Andre Franke
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Jens Tetens
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.,Center for Integrated Breeding Research, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Herzog
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Goettingen, Germany.,Department for Computational Neuroscience, 3rd Physics Institute-Biophysics, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Ahmad Reza Sharifi
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.,Center for Integrated Breeding Research, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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26
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Shu Y, Zhang H, Cai Q, Tang D, Wang G, Liu T, Lv B, Wu H. Integrated mRNA and miRNA expression profile analyses reveal the potential roles of sex-biased miRNA-mRNA pairs in gonad tissues of the Chinese concave-eared torrent frog (Odorrana tormota). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2019; 332:69-80. [PMID: 30964604 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The Chinese concave-eared torrent frog (Odorrana tormota) is typically sexually dimorphic. Females are significantly less common than males in the wild. Until now, the molecular mechanisms of reproduction and sex differentiation of frogs remain unclear. Here, we integrated mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles to reveal the molecular mechanisms of reproduction and sex differentiation in O. tormota. We identified 234 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and 18,551 differentially expressed transcripts. Of these, 12,053 mRNAs and 64 miRNAs were upregulated in testes, and 6,498 mRNAs and 170 miRNAs were upregulated in ovaries. Integrated analysis of the miRNA and mRNA expression profiles predicted 75,602 potential miRNA-mRNA interaction sites, with 42,065 negative miRNA-mRNA interactions. We found 36 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to reproduction and sex differentiation, of which 15 DEGs formed 92 negative miRNA-mRNA interactions with 34 known DEMs. Thus, miRNAs may play other important roles in O. tormota. Furthermore, Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses showed reproductive-related processes, such as the gonadotropinreleasing hormone signaling pathway and ovarian steroidogenesis. Based on functional annotation and the literature, the retinoic acid signaling pathway, the SOX9-AMH pathway, and the process of spermatogenesis may be involved in the molecular mechanisms of reproduction and sex differentiation in O. tormota, and may be regulated by miRNAs. The miRNA-mRNA pairs described may provide further understanding of the regulatory mechanisms associated with reproduction and sex differentiation, and the molecular mechanism of reproduction in O. tormota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Shu
- Key Laboratory for the Conservation and Utilization of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province, Wuhu, China
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China
| | - Huijuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory for the Conservation and Utilization of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province, Wuhu, China
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China
| | - Qijia Cai
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Tang
- Key Laboratory for the Conservation and Utilization of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province, Wuhu, China
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Key Laboratory for the Conservation and Utilization of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province, Wuhu, China
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Key Laboratory for the Conservation and Utilization of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province, Wuhu, China
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China
| | - Bihua Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hailong Wu
- Key Laboratory for the Conservation and Utilization of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province, Wuhu, China
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China
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27
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Characterization of a male specific region containing a candidate sex determining gene in Atlantic cod. Sci Rep 2019; 9:116. [PMID: 30644412 PMCID: PMC6333804 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36748-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic mechanisms determining sex in teleost fishes are highly variable and the master sex determining gene has only been identified in few species. Here we characterize a male-specific region of 9 kb on linkage group 11 in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) harboring a single gene named zkY for zinc knuckle on the Y chromosome. Diagnostic PCR test of phenotypically sexed males and females confirm the sex-specific nature of the Y-sequence. We identified twelve highly similar autosomal gene copies of zkY, of which eight code for proteins containing the zinc knuckle motif. 3D modeling suggests that the amino acid changes observed in six copies might influence the putative RNA-binding specificity. Cod zkY and the autosomal proteins zk1 and zk2 possess an identical zinc knuckle structure, but only the Y-specific gene zkY was expressed at high levels in the developing larvae before the onset of sex differentiation. Collectively these data suggest zkY as a candidate master masculinization gene in Atlantic cod. PCR amplification of Y-sequences in Arctic cod (Arctogadus glacialis) and Greenland cod (Gadus macrocephalus ogac) suggests that the male-specific region emerged in codfishes more than 7.5 million years ago.
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28
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Yan H, Shen X, Cui X, Wu Y, Wang L, Zhang L, Liu Q, Jiang Y. Identification of genes involved in gonadal sex differentiation and the dimorphic expression pattern in Takifugu rubripes gonad at the early stage of sex differentiation. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2018; 44:1275-1290. [PMID: 29777416 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-018-0519-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Quantifying the expression of mRNAs in the gonads at the critical stage of molecular sex differentiation stage might help to clarify the regulatory network during early sex differentiation and provide new information on the role of sex-related genes in gonadal function. In this study, transcriptomic analysis of sex-related genes expression profiles in fugu gonads at 60 and 90 days after hatching (dah) was conducted firstly, and a total of 112,504,991 clean reads, encompassing 28.35 Gb of sequences were retrieved. Twenty-three thousand eight hundred ten genes were found to be expressed in juvenile fugu gonads, and we mainly focused on the differentially expressed genes that have the potential to be involved in the gonadal sex differentiation. For 60-dah juveniles, we identified 1014 genes that were upregulated in the ovary and 1570 that were upregulated in the testis. For 90-dah juveniles, we identified 1287 genes that were upregulated in the ovary and 1500 that were upregulated in the testis. The dimorphic expression patterns of 15 genes in gonads at 30 and 40 dah were further investigate using qPCR. Cyp11b and star were expressed at higher levels in XY than in XX, while cyp11a1 and cyp19a1a were expressed at higher levels in XX than in XY at 30 dah. At 40 dah, the levels of gsdf, dmrt1, dmrt3, cyp11c1, star, and hsd3b expression were higher in XY, while the levels of foxl2, cyp19a1a, wnt9b, and foxD4 expression were higher in XX. Sox9, cyp11a1, cyp17a1, cyp17a2, and nr5a2 were expressed at similar levels in XX and XY at 40 dah. This is the first report of gonadal transcriptome of fugu at early sex differentiation stage, and our results provide an archive for further study on molecular mechanism underlying sex differentiation in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Yan
- College of Fisheries and life Science, Dalian Ocean University, No. 52 Heishijiao Street, Shahekou District, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Xufang Shen
- College of Fisheries and life Science, Dalian Ocean University, No. 52 Heishijiao Street, Shahekou District, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Xin Cui
- College of Fisheries and life Science, Dalian Ocean University, No. 52 Heishijiao Street, Shahekou District, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Yumeng Wu
- College of Fisheries and life Science, Dalian Ocean University, No. 52 Heishijiao Street, Shahekou District, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Lianshun Wang
- College of Fisheries and life Science, Dalian Ocean University, No. 52 Heishijiao Street, Shahekou District, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- College of Marine Science and Environment Engineering, Dalian Ocean University, No. 52 Heishijiao Street, Shahekou District, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Qi Liu
- College of Marine Science and Environment Engineering, Dalian Ocean University, No. 52 Heishijiao Street, Shahekou District, Dalian, 116023, China.
| | - Yusheng Jiang
- College of Fisheries and life Science, Dalian Ocean University, No. 52 Heishijiao Street, Shahekou District, Dalian, 116023, China
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Xiong S, Ma W, Jing J, Zhang J, Dan C, Gui JF, Mei J. An miR-200 Cluster on Chromosome 23 Regulates Sperm Motility in Zebrafish. Endocrinology 2018; 159:1982-1991. [PMID: 29579206 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Besides its well-documented roles in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and carcinogenesis, the function of the p53-microRNA axis has been recently revealed in the reproductive system. Recent studies indicated that miR-200 family members are dysregulated in nonobstructive azoospermia patients, whereas their functions remain poorly documented. The aim of this study was to investigate the function of the miR-200 family on zebrafish testis development and sperm activity. There was no substantial difference in testis morphology and histology between wild-type (WT) and knockout zebrafish with deletion of miR-200 cluster on chromosome 6 (chr6-miR-200-KO) or on chromosome 23 (chr23-miR-200-KO). Interestingly, compared with WT zebrafish, the chr6-miR-200-KO zebrafish had no difference on sperm motility, whereas chr23-miR-200-KO zebrafish showed significantly improved sperm motility. Consistently, ectopic expression of miR-429a, miR-200a, and miR-200b, which are located in the miR-200 cluster on chromosome 23, significantly reduced motility traits of sperm. Several sperm motility-related genes, such as amh, wt1a, and srd5a2b have been confirmed as direct targets of miR-200s on chr23. 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) exposure resulted in upregulated expression of p53 and miR-429a in testis and impairment of sperm motility. Strikingly, in p53 mutant zebrafish testis, the expression levels of miR-200s on chr23 were significantly reduced and accompanied by a stimulation of sperm motility. Moreover, the upregulation of miR-429a associated with EE2 treatment was abolished in testis with p53 mutation. And the impairment of sperm activity by EE2 treatment was also eliminated when p53 was mutated. Together, our results reveal that miR-200 cluster on chromosome 23 controls sperm motility in a p53-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuting Xiong
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenge Ma
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Jing
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Cheng Dan
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian-Fang Gui
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Mei
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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30
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Pérez C, Araneda C, Estay F, Díaz NF, Vizziano-Cantonnet D. Sex hormone-binding globulin b expression in the rainbow trout ovary prior to sex differentiation. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 259:165-175. [PMID: 29180105 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Salmonids have two sex hormone-binding globulin (Shbg) paralogs. Shbga is mainly expressed in the liver, while Shbgb is secreted by the granulosa cells of the rainbow trout ovary. Coexpression of shbgb and the gonadal aromatase cyp19a1a mRNAs been observed in granulosa cells, suggesting a physiological coordination between Shbgb expression and estrogen synthesis. As estrogens are essential for female sex determination in the fish ovary, we propose that Shbgb participates in early ovarian differentiation, either by binding with estrogen or through another mechanism that remains to be discovered. To elucidate this potential role, monosex populations of female trout were studied during the molecular ovarian differentiation period (28-56 dpf). shbgb mRNA expression was measured using qPCR and compared with expression of genes for other ovarian markers (cyp19a1a, foxl2, follistatin, and estrogen receptors). shbgb transcript expression was detected during the final stages of embryonic development (21-26 dpf) and during molecular ovarian differentiation (32-52 dpf) after hatching (which occurred at 31 dpf). In situ hybridization localized shbgb transcription to the undifferentiated ovary at 42 dpf, and shbgb and cyp19a1a mRNA showed similar expression patterns. These results suggest that Shbgb is involved in early ovarian differentiation, supporting an important role for the salmonid shbgb gene in sex determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Pérez
- Laboratorio de Genética y Biotecnología en Acuicultura, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas, Universidad de Chile, Avenida Santa Rosa #11315, Santiago de, Chile; Programa Cooperativo de Doctorado en Acuicultura, Escuela de Postgrado, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas, Universidad de Chile, Avenida Santa Rosa #11315, Santiago de, Chile
| | - Cristian Araneda
- Laboratorio de Genética y Biotecnología en Acuicultura, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas, Universidad de Chile, Avenida Santa Rosa #11315, Santiago de, Chile.
| | - Francisco Estay
- Piscicultura Huililco Ltda, Camino a Caburgua km 17, Pucón IX Región, Chile
| | - Nelson F Díaz
- Laboratorio de Genética y Biotecnología en Acuicultura, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas, Universidad de Chile, Avenida Santa Rosa #11315, Santiago de, Chile
| | - Denise Vizziano-Cantonnet
- Laboratorio de Fisiología de la Reproducción y Ecología de Peces, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República Oriental del Uruguay, Iguá 4225, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
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Nakamoto M, Shibata Y, Ohno K, Usami T, Kamei Y, Taniguchi Y, Todo T, Sakamoto T, Young G, Swanson P, Naruse K, Nagahama Y. Ovarian aromatase loss-of-function mutant medaka undergo ovary degeneration and partial female-to-male sex reversal after puberty. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 460:104-122. [PMID: 28711606 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Although estrogens have been generally considered to play a critical role in ovarian differentiation in non-mammalian vertebrates, the specific functions of estrogens during ovarian differentiation remain unclear. We isolated two mutants with premature stops in the ovarian aromatase (cyp19a1) gene from an N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea-based gene-driven mutagenesis library of the medaka, Oryzias latipes. In XX mutants, gonads first differentiated into normal ovaries containing many ovarian follicles that failed to accumulate yolk. Subsequently, ovarian tissues underwent extensive degeneration, followed by the appearance of testicular tissues on the dorsal side of ovaries. In the newly formed testicular tissue, strong expression of gsdf was detected in sox9a2-positive somatic cells surrounding germline stem cells suggesting that gsdf plays an important role in testicular differentiation during estrogen-depleted female-to-male sex reversal. We conclude that endogenous estrogens synthesized after fertilization are not essential for early ovarian differentiation but are critical for the maintenance of adult ovaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Nakamoto
- Laboratory of Bioresources, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan; Department of Aquatic Marine Biosciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8777, Japan
| | - Yasushi Shibata
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-5020, USA
| | - Kaoru Ohno
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Takeshi Usami
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kamei
- Spectrography and Bioimaging Facility, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Yoshihito Taniguchi
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Kyorin University, School of Medicine, Tokyo 181-8611, Japan
| | - Takeshi Todo
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takashi Sakamoto
- Department of Aquatic Marine Biosciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8777, Japan
| | - Graham Young
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-5020, USA; Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-7521, USA
| | - Penny Swanson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-7521, USA; Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA 98112-2097, USA
| | - Kiyoshi Naruse
- Laboratory of Bioresources, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan.
| | - Yoshitaka Nagahama
- Institution for Collaborative Relations, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577, Japan.
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Díaz N, Piferrer F. Estrogen exposure overrides the masculinizing effect of elevated temperature by a downregulation of the key genes implicated in sexual differentiation in a fish with mixed genetic and environmental sex determination. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:973. [PMID: 29254503 PMCID: PMC5735924 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-4345-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Díaz
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Passeig Marítim, 37-49, E-08003, Barcelona, Spain.,Present address: Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Francesc Piferrer
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Passeig Marítim, 37-49, E-08003, Barcelona, Spain.
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Putative Independent Evolutionary Reversals from Genotypic to Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination are Associated with Accelerated Evolution of Sex-Determining Genes in Turtles. J Mol Evol 2017; 86:11-26. [DOI: 10.1007/s00239-017-9820-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Chandler JC, Fitzgibbon QP, Smith G, Elizur A, Ventura T. Y-linked iDmrt1 paralogue (iDMY) in the Eastern spiny lobster, Sagmariasus verreauxi: The first invertebrate sex-linked Dmrt. Dev Biol 2017; 430:337-345. [PMID: 28864068 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Sex determination pathways are extensively diverse across species, with the master sex-determinants being the most variable element. Despite this, there is a family of DM-domain transcription factors (Dmrts), which hold a highly conserved function in sexual development. This work is the first to describe a heterogametic sex-linked Dmrt in an invertebrate species, the Eastern spiny lobster, Sagmariasus verreauxi. We have termed the Y-linked, truncated paralogue of the autosomal iDmrt1, Sv-iDMY. Considering the master sex-determining function of both DMY in medaka and DM-W in frog, we hypothesised a similar function of Sv-iDMY. By conducting temporal expression analyses during embryogenesis we have identified a putative male sex-determining period during which iDMY>iDmrt1. Employing a GAL4-transactivation assay we then demonstrate the dominant negative suppression of iDMY over its autosomal iDmrt1 paralogue, suggesting the mechanism with which iDMY determines sex. Comparative analyses of Sv-iDMY, DM-W and medaka DMY, highlight the C'-mediated features of oligomerisation and transactivation as central to the mechanism that each exerts. Indeed, these features may underpin the plasticity facilitating the convergent emergence of these three sporadic sex-linked master-Dmrts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Chandler
- GenEcology Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), 4 Locked Bag, Maroochydore, Queensland 4558, Australia.
| | - Quinn P Fitzgibbon
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), University of Tasmania, Private Bag 49, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Greg Smith
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), University of Tasmania, Private Bag 49, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Abigail Elizur
- GenEcology Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), 4 Locked Bag, Maroochydore, Queensland 4558, Australia
| | - Tomer Ventura
- GenEcology Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), 4 Locked Bag, Maroochydore, Queensland 4558, Australia.
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Wada M, Fujitani K, Tamura K, Mawaribuchi S, Kamata Y, Takamatsu N, Ito M. Masculinization-Related Genes and Cell-Mass Structures During Early Gonadal Differentiation in the African Clawed Frog Xenopus laevis. Zoolog Sci 2017; 34:105-111. [DOI: 10.2108/zs160185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mikako Wada
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan
| | - Kazuko Fujitani
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan
| | - Kei Tamura
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan
| | - Shuuji Mawaribuchi
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan
| | - Yosuke Kamata
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Takamatsu
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan
| | - Michihiko Ito
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan
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Guan G, Sun K, Zhang X, Zhao X, Li M, Yan Y, Wang Y, Chen J, Yi M, Hong Y. Developmental tracing of oocyte development in gonadal soma-derived factor deficiency medaka (Oryzias latipes) using a transgenic approach. Mech Dev 2017; 143:53-61. [PMID: 28093265 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Revised: 12/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Gonadal soma-derived factor (gsdf) is reported to be a male initiator in medaka based on loss- and gain- of function via targeted disruption, or transgenic over-expression. However, little is known about how gsdf promotes undifferentiated gonad entry into male pathways or prevents entry into the female pathway. We utilized a visible folliculogenesis system with a reporter cassette of dual-color fluorescence expression to identify difference between oocyte development from wildtype and gsdf deficiency medaka. A red fluorescent protein (RFP) is driven by a major component of the synaptonemal complex (SYCP3) promoter which enables RFP expression solely in oocytes after the onset of meiosis, and a histone 2b-EGFP fused protein (H2BEGFP) under the control of an elongation factor (EF1α) promoter, wildly used as a mitotic reporter of cell cycle. This mitosis-meiosis visible switch revealed that early meiotic oocytes present in gsdf deficiency were more than those in wildtype ovaries, corresponding to the decrease of inhibin expression detected by real-time qPCR analysis, suggesting gsdf is tightly involved in the process of medaka oocyte development at early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guijun Guan
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries and Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Kaiqing Sun
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries and Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, Singapore 119260, Singapore
| | - Xiaomiao Zhao
- Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Yanjiang Road 107, Guangdong 510120, China
| | - Mingyou Li
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries and Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, Singapore 119260, Singapore
| | - Yunzhi Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, Singapore 119260, Singapore
| | - Jianbin Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, Singapore 119260, Singapore
| | - Meisheng Yi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunhan Hong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, Singapore 119260, Singapore
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Heat-induced masculinization in domesticated zebrafish is family-specific and yields a set of different gonadal transcriptomes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E941-E950. [PMID: 28115725 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1609411114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding environmental influences on sex ratios is important for the study of the evolution of sex-determining mechanisms and for evaluating the effects of global warming and chemical pollution. Fishes exhibit sexual plasticity, but the underlying mechanisms of environmental effects on their reproduction are unclear even in the well-established teleost research model, the zebrafish. Here we established the conditions to study the effects of elevated temperature on zebrafish sex. We showed that sex ratio response to elevated temperature is family-specific and typically leads to masculinization (female-to-male sex reversal), resulting in neomales. These results uncovered genotype-by-environment interactions that support a polygenic sex determination system in domesticated (laboratory) zebrafish. We found that some heat-treated fish had gene expression profiles similar to untreated controls of the same sex, indicating that they were resistant to thermal effects. Further, most neomales had gonadal transcriptomes similar to that of regular males. Strikingly, we discovered heat-treated females that displayed a normal ovarian phenotype but with a "male-like" gonadal transcriptome. Such major transcriptomic reprogramming with preserved organ structure has never been reported. Juveniles were also found to have a male-like transcriptome shortly after exposure to heat. These findings were validated by analyzing the expression of genes and signaling pathways associated with sex differentiation. Our results revealed a lasting thermal effect on zebrafish gonads, suggesting new avenues for detection of functional consequences of elevated temperature in natural fish populations in a global warming scenario.
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38
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Kuroiwa A. Sex-Determining Mechanism in Avians. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1001:19-31. [PMID: 28980227 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-3975-1_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The sex of birds is determined by inheritance of sex chromosomes at fertilization. The embryo with two Z chromosomes (ZZ) develops into a male; by contrast, the embryo with Z and W chromosomes (ZW) becomes female. Two theories are hypothesized for the mechanisms of avian sex determination that explain how genes carried on sex chromosomes control gonadal differentiation and development during embryogenesis. One proposes that the dosage of genes on the Z chromosome determines the sexual differentiation of undifferentiated gonads, and the other proposes that W-linked genes dominantly determine ovary differentiation or inhibit testis differentiation. Z-linked DMRT1, which is a strong candidate avian sex-determining gene, supports the former hypothesis. Although no candidate W-linked gene has been identified, extensive evidence for spontaneous sex reversal in birds and aneuploid chimeric chickens with an abnormal sex chromosome constitution strongly supports the latter hypothesis. After the sex of gonad is determined by a gene(s) located on the sex chromosomes, gonadal differentiation is subsequently progressed by several genes. Developed gonads secrete sex hormones to masculinize or feminize the whole body of the embryo. In this section, the sex-determining mechanism as well as the genes and sex hormones mainly involved in gonadal differentiation and development of chicken are introduced.
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Abstract
How sex is determined has been one of the most intriguing puzzles in biology since antiquity. Although a fundamental process in most metazoans, there seems to be myriad of ways in which sex can be determined - from genetic to environmental sex determination. This variation is limited mainly to upstream triggers with the core of sex determination pathway being conserved. Zebrafish has gained prominence as a vertebrate model system to study development and disease. However, very little is known about its primary sex determination mechanism. Here we review our current understanding of the sex determination in zebrafish. Zebrafish lack identifiable heteromorphic sex chromosomes and sex is determined by multiple genes, with some influence from the environment. Recently, chromosome 4 has been identified as sex chromosome along with few sex-linked loci on chromosomes 5 and 16. The identities of candidate sex-linked genes, however, have remained elusive. Sex in zebrafish is also influenced by the number of meiotic oocytes in the juvenile ovary, which appear to instruct retention of the ovarian fate. The mechanism and identity of this instructive signal remain unknown. We hypothesize that sex in zebrafish is a culmination of combinatorial effects of the genome, germ cells and the environment with inputs from epigenetic factors translating the biological meaning of this interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nagabhushana
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Council of Scientific and industrial Research, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India
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Otake S, Park MK. Expressional changes of AMH signaling system in the quail testis induced by photoperiod. Reproduction 2016; 152:575-589. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Gonadal sex differentiation proceeds by the interplay of various genes including the transcription factors and secretory factors in a complex network. The sex-differentiating genes are expressed not only during early sex differentiation but also throughout the gonadal development and even in the adult gonads. In addition, the evidence that they actually function in the adult gonads have been accumulated from the studies using the conditional knockout mice. However, many previous studies were focused on one single gene though those genes function in a network. In this study, the expressions of various sex-differentiating genes were analyzed simultaneously in the adult testis of the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), whose testicular functions are dramatically changed by altering the photoperiod, to elucidate the roles of them in the adult gonad. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was significantly upregulated in the regressed testis induced by the short-day condition. The expressions of the transcription factors that promoteAMHexpression in mammals (SF1,SOX9,WT1andGATA4) were also increased in the regressed testis. Moreover, AMH receptor (AMHR2) showed similar expression pattern to its ligand. We also analyzed the expressions of other transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) superfamily members and their receptors. The expressions of the ligands and receptors of TGFB family, and follistatin and betaglycan in addition to inhibin subunits were increased in the regressed testis. These results suggest that AMH is involved in the adult testicular functions of the Japanese quail together with other TGFB superfamily members.
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Holleley CE, Sarre SD, O'Meally D, Georges A. Sex Reversal in Reptiles: Reproductive Oddity or Powerful Driver of Evolutionary Change? Sex Dev 2016; 10:279-287. [DOI: 10.1159/000450972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Yang X, Deng J, Zheng J, Xia L, Yang Z, Qu L, Chen S, Xu G, Jiang H, Clinton M, Yang N. A Window of MHM Demethylation Correlates with Key Events in Gonadal Differentiation in the Chicken. Sex Dev 2016; 10:152-8. [DOI: 10.1159/000447659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Zhu Y, Wang C, Chen X, Guan G. Identification of gonadal soma-derived factor involvement in Monopterus albus (protogynous rice field eel) sex change. Mol Biol Rep 2016; 43:629-37. [PMID: 27230579 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-016-3997-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We studied molecular events and potential mechanisms underlying the process of female-to-male sex transformation in the rice field eel (Monopterus albus), a protogynous hermaphrodite fish in which the gonad is initially a female ovary and transforms into male testes. We cloned and identified a novel gonadal soma derived factor (GSDF), which encodes a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily. gsdf expression was measured in gonads of female, intersex and male with reverse transcription-PCR and gsdf's role in sex transformation was studied with qPCR, histological analysis and dual-color in situ hybridization assays and compared to other sex-related genes. gsdf was correlated to Sertoli cell differentiation, indicating involvement in testicular differentiation and sex transformation from female to male in this species. A unique expression pattern reveals a potential role of gsdf essential for the sex transformation of rice field eels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yefei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries and Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, HuchengHuan Road 999, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Chunlei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries and Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, HuchengHuan Road 999, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Xiaowu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries and Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, HuchengHuan Road 999, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Guijun Guan
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries and Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, HuchengHuan Road 999, Shanghai, 201306, China.
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Integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles in tilapia gonads at an early stage of sex differentiation. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:328. [PMID: 27142172 PMCID: PMC4855716 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2636-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a second regulatory network that has important effects on gene expression and protein translation during biological process. However, the possible role of miRNAs in the early stages of fish sex differentiation is not well understood. In this study, we carried an integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles to explore their possibly regulatory patterns at the critical stage of sex differentiation in tilapia. Results We identified 279 pre-miRNA genes in tilapia genome, which were highly conserved in other fish species. Based on small RNA library sequencing, we identified 635 mature miRNAs in tilapia gonads, in which 62 and 49 miRNAs showed higher expression in XX and XY gonads, respectively. The predicted targets of these sex-biased miRNAs (e.g., miR-9, miR-21, miR-30a, miR-96, miR-200b, miR-212 and miR-7977) included genes encoding key enzymes in steroidogenic pathways (Cyp11a1, Hsd3b, Cyp19a1a, Hsd11b) and key molecules involved in vertebrate sex differentiation (Foxl2, Amh, Star1, Sf1, Dmrt1, and Gsdf). These genes also showed sex-biased expression in tilapia gonads at 5 dah. Some miRNAs (e.g., miR-96 and miR-737) targeted multiple genes involved in steroid synthesis, suggesting a complex miRNA regulatory network during early sex differentiation in this fish. Conclusions The sequence and expression patterns of most miRNAs in tilapia are conserved in fishes, indicating the basic functions of vertebrate miRNAs might share a common evolutionary origin. This comprehensive analysis of miRNA and mRNA at the early stage of molecular sex differentiation in tilapia XX and XY gonads lead to the discovery of differentially expressed miRNAs and their putative targets, which will facilitate studies of the regulatory network of molecular sex determination and differentiation in fishes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2636-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Jansson E, Mattsson A, Goldstone J, Berg C. Sex-dependent expression of anti-Müllerian hormone (amh) and amh receptor 2 during sex organ differentiation and characterization of the Müllerian duct development in Xenopus tropicalis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 229:132-44. [PMID: 26987287 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Amphibian gonadal differentiation involves the action of sex steroids. Recent research indicates that the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is involved in testicular development in some lower vertebrate species. For amphibians there is a lack of data on ontogenetic expression of the AMH receptor AMHR2/amhr2 and of progesterone receptors (PGRS/pgrs). Here we expand the knowledge on amphibian sex differentiation by characterizing ontogenetic mRNA levels of amh, amhr2, intracellular and membrane pgrs (ipgr and mpgr beta) and cytochrome P450 19a1 (cyp19a1) (ovarian marker) in the urogenital complex of the model species Xenopus (Silurana) tropicalis. Furthermore, we characterized the ontogenetic development of the Müllerian ducts (precursors of the female reproductive tract) histologically. The developmental period investigated spanned from beginning of gonadal differentiation, Nieuwkoop and Faber (NF) stage 51, to 4weeks post-metamorphosis. The Müllerian ducts were first observed at NF 64 in both sexes. Male-enhanced amh mRNA levels from NF 53/54 to 6days post-metamorphosis and female-enhanced cyp19a1 levels from NF 53 to 4weeks post-metamorphosis were noted. The sexually dimorphic mRNA level profile was more distinct for amh than for cyp19a1. The pgrs mRNA levels increased over the studied period and showed no sex differences. At later developmental stages, the amhr2 mRNA level was increased in putative females compared with males. Our findings suggest that AMH has a role in gonadal differentiation in X. tropicalis. We propose relative gonadal amh mRNA level as a testicular marker during early gonadal development in amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Jansson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala (CRU), Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Anna Mattsson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala (CRU), Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Jared Goldstone
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, United States.
| | - Cecilia Berg
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala (CRU), Uppsala, Sweden.
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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: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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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Säfholm M, Jansson E, Fick J, Berg C. Molecular and histological endpoints for developmental reproductive toxicity in Xenopus tropicalis: Levonorgestrel perturbs anti-Müllerian hormone and progesterone receptor expression. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2016; 181-182:9-18. [PMID: 26689642 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Revised: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
There is an increasing concern regarding the risks associated with developmental exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and the consequences for reproductive capability. The present study aimed to refine the Xenopus (Silurana) tropicalis test system for developmental reproductive toxicity by characterising molecular and histological features of sexual development, and to explore effects of exposure to the progestagen levonorgestrel (LNG). Larvae were exposed to LNG (0, 3, 30, 300 ng/L) over the first three weeks of development, encompassing the beginning of gonadal differentiation. mRNA levels of amh (anti-Müllerian hormone), amhr2 (amh receptor 2), ipgr (intracellular progesterone receptor), mpgr beta (membrane progesterone receptor beta), and cyp19a1 (cytochrome p450 19a1) were quantified in larvae and juveniles (4 weeks post-metamorphosis). Relative cyp19a1 and amh expression was used as a molecular marker for phenotypic sex of larvae. Gonadal and Müllerian duct development were characterised histologically in juveniles. Compared to controls, LNG exposure increased the expression of amh and ipgr in male larvae. In juveniles, mpgr beta expression was increased in both sexes and amhr2 expression was decreased in males, implying persistent effects of developmental progestagen exposure on amh and pgr expression signalling. No effects of LNG on the gonadal or Müllerian duct development were found, implying that the exposure window was not critical with regard to these endpoints. In juveniles, folliculogenesis had initiated and the Müllerian ducts were larger in females than in males. This new knowledge on sexual development in X. tropicalis is useful in the development of early life-stage endpoints for developmental reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moa Säfholm
- Uppsala University, Department of Organismal Biology, Norbyvägen 18A, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Erika Jansson
- Uppsala University, Department of Organismal Biology, Norbyvägen 18A, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Jerker Fick
- Umeå University, Department of Chemistry, KBC 6A, Linnaeus väg 6, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Cecilia Berg
- Uppsala University, Department of Organismal Biology, Norbyvägen 18A, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Dmy initiates masculinity by altering Gsdf/Sox9a2/Rspo1 expression in medaka (Oryzias latipes). Sci Rep 2016; 6:19480. [PMID: 26806354 PMCID: PMC4726206 DOI: 10.1038/srep19480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite identification of several sex-determining genes in non-mammalian vertebrates, their detailed molecular cascades of sex determination/differentiation are not known. Here, we used a novel RNAi to characterise the molecular mechanism of Dmy (the sex-determining gene of medaka)-mediated masculinity in XY fish. Dmy knockdown (Dmy-KD) suppressed male pathway (Gsdf, Sox9a2, etc.) and favoured female cascade (Rspo1, etc.) in embryonic XY gonads, resulting in a fertile male-to-female sex-reversal. Gsdf, Sox9a2, and Rspo1 directly interacted with Dmy, and co-injection of Gsdf and Sox9a2 re-established masculinity in XY-Dmy-KD transgenics, insinuating that Dmy initiates masculinity by stimulating and suppressing Gsdf/Sox9a2 and Rspo1 expression, respectively. Gonadal expression of Wt1a starts prior to Dmy and didn’t change upon Dmy-KD. Furthermore, Wt1a stimulated the promoter activity of Dmy, suggesting Wt1a as a regulator of Dmy. These findings provide new insights into the role of vertebrate sex-determining genes associated with the molecular interplay between the male and female pathways.
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Díaz-Hernández V, Marmolejo-Valencia A, Merchant-Larios H. Exogenous estradiol alters gonadal growth and timing of temperature sex determination in gonads of sea turtle. Dev Biol 2015; 408:79-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Robledo D, Ribas L, Cal R, Sánchez L, Piferrer F, Martínez P, Viñas A. Gene expression analysis at the onset of sex differentiation in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus). BMC Genomics 2015; 16:973. [PMID: 26581195 PMCID: PMC4652359 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-2142-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controlling sex ratios is essential for the aquaculture industry, especially in those species with sex dimorphism for relevant productive traits, hence the importance of knowing how the sexual phenotype is established in fish. Turbot, a very important fish for the aquaculture industry in Europe, shows one of the largest sexual growth dimorphisms amongst marine cultured species, being all-female stocks a desirable goal for the industry. Although important knowledge has been achieved on the genetic basis of sex determination (SD) in this species, the master SD gene remains unknown and precise information on gene expression at the critical stage of sex differentiation is lacking. In the present work, we examined the expression profiles of 29 relevant genes related to sex differentiation, from 60 up to 135 days post fertilization (dpf), when gonads are differentiating. We also considered the influence of three temperature regimes on sex differentiation. RESULTS The first sex-related differences in molecular markers could be observed at 90 days post fertilization (dpf) and so we have called that time the onset of sex differentiation. Three genes were the first to show differential expression between males and females and also allowed us to sex turbot accurately at the onset of sex differentiation (90 dpf): cyp19a1a, amh and vasa. The expression of genes related to primordial germ cells (vasa, gsdf, tdrd1) started to increase between 75-90 dpf and vasa and tdrd1 later presented higher expression in females (90-105 dpf). Two genes placed on the SD region of turbot (sox2, fxr1) did not show any expression pattern suggestive of a sex determining function. We also detected changes in the expression levels of several genes (ctnnb1, cyp11a, dmrt2 or sox6) depending on culture temperature. CONCLUSION Our results enabled us to identify the first sex-associated genetic cues (cyp19a1a, vasa and amh) at the initial stages of gonad development in turbot (90 dpf) and to accurately sex turbot at this age, establishing the correspondence between gene expression profiles and histological sex. Furthermore, we profiled several genes involved in sex differentiation and found specific temperature effects on their expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Robledo
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Laia Ribas
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Rosa Cal
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, 36390, Vigo, Spain.
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Departamento de Genética. Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002, Lugo, Spain.
| | - Francesc Piferrer
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Paulino Martínez
- Departamento de Genética. Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002, Lugo, Spain.
| | - Ana Viñas
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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