1
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Johnson ML, Hay BA, Maselko M. Altering traits and fates of wild populations with Mendelian DNA sequence modifying Allele Sails. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6665. [PMID: 39138152 PMCID: PMC11322531 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50992-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Population-scale genome modification can alter the composition or fate of wild populations. Synthetic gene drives provide one set of tools, but their use is complicated by scientific, regulatory, and social issues associated with transgene persistence and flow. Here we propose an alternative approach. An Allele Sail consists of a genome editor (the Wind) that introduces DNA sequence edits, and is inherited in a Mendelian fashion. Meanwhile, the edits (the Sail) experience an arithmetic, Super-Mendelian increase in frequency. We model this system and identify contexts in which a single, low frequency release of an editor brings edits to a very high frequency. We also identify conditions in which manipulation of sex determination can bring about population suppression. In regulatory frameworks that distinguish between transgenics (GMO) and their edited non-transgenic progeny (non-GMO) Allele Sails may prove useful since the spread and persistence of the GM component can be limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Johnson
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, MC156-29, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Bruce A Hay
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, MC156-29, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA.
| | - Maciej Maselko
- Applied BioSciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia.
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2
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Petit A, Tesseraud S, Collin A, Couroussé N, Berri C, Bihan-Duval EL, Métayer-Coustard S. Ontogeny of hepatic metabolism in two broiler lines divergently selected for the ultimate pH of the Pectoralis major muscle. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:438. [PMID: 38698322 PMCID: PMC11067279 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10323-0] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nutrient availability during early stages of development (embryogenesis and the first week post-hatch) can have long-term effects on physiological functions and bird metabolism. The embryo develops in a closed structure and depends entirely on the nutrients and energy available in the egg. The aim of this study was to describe the ontogeny of pathways governing hepatic metabolism that mediates many physiological functions in the pHu + and pHu- chicken lines, which are divergently selected for the ultimate pH of meat, a proxy for muscle glycogen stores, and which differ in the nutrient content and composition of eggs. RESULTS We identified eight clusters of genes showing a common pattern of expression between embryonic day 12 (E12) and day 8 (D8) post-hatch. These clusters were not representative of a specific metabolic pathway or function. On E12 and E14, the majority of genes differentially expressed between the pHu + and pHu- lines were overexpressed in the pHu + line. Conversely, the majority of genes differentially expressed from E18 were overexpressed in the pHu- line. During the metabolic shift at E18, there was a decrease in the expression of genes linked to several metabolic functions (e.g. protein synthesis, autophagy and mitochondrial activity). At hatching (D0), there were two distinct groups of pHu + chicks based on hierarchical clustering; these groups also differed in liver weight and serum parameters (e.g. triglyceride content and creatine kinase activity). At D0 and D8, there was a sex effect for several metabolic pathways. Metabolism appeared to be more active and oriented towards protein synthesis (RPS6) and fatty acid β-oxidation (ACAA2, ACOX1) in males than in females. In comparison, the genes overexpressed in females were related to carbohydrate metabolism (SLC2A1, SLC2A12, FoxO1, PHKA2, PHKB, PRKAB2 and GYS2). CONCLUSIONS Our study provides the first detailed description of the evolution of different hepatic metabolic pathways during the early development of embryos and post-hatching chicks. We found a metabolic orientation for the pHu + line towards proteolysis, glycogen degradation, ATP synthesis and autophagy, likely in response to a higher energy requirement compared with pHu- embryos. The metabolic orientations specific to the pHu + and pHu- lines are established very early, probably in relation with their different genetic background and available nutrients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anne Collin
- INRAE, Université de Tours, BOA, Nouzilly, 37380, France
| | | | - Cécile Berri
- INRAE, Université de Tours, BOA, Nouzilly, 37380, France
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3
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Luo X, Guo J, Zhang J, Ma Z, Li H. Overview of chicken embryo genes related to sex differentiation. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17072. [PMID: 38525278 PMCID: PMC10959104 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex determination in chickens at an early embryonic stage has been a longstanding challenge in poultry production due to the unique ZZ:ZW sex chromosome system and various influencing factors. This review has summarized the genes related to the sex differentiation of chicken early embryos (mainly Dmrt1, Sox9, Amh, Cyp19a1, Foxl2, Tle4z1, Jun, Hintw, Ube2i, Spin1z, Hmgcs1, Foxd1, Tox3, Ddx4, cHemgn and Serpinb11 in this article), and has found that these contributions enhance our understanding of the genetic basis of sex determination in chickens, while identifying potential gene targets for future research. This knowledge may inform and guide the development of sex screening technologies for hatching eggs and support advancements in gene-editing approaches for chicken embryos. Moreover, these insights offer hope for enhancing animal welfare and promoting conservation efforts in poultry production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolu Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiancheng Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiahang Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Zheng Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Hua Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, China
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4
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Lin X, Jin Z, Li S, Zheng M, Xing Y, Liu X, Lv M, Zhao M, Geng T, Gong D, Zhao D, Liu L. Preliminary Study on Expression and Function of the Chicken W Chromosome Gene MIER3 in Embryonic Gonads. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108891. [PMID: 37240242 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The sex chromosomes of birds are designated Z and W. The male is homogamous (ZZ), and the female is heterogamous (ZW). The chicken W chromosome is a degenerate version of the Z chromosome and harbors only 28 protein-coding genes. We studied the expression pattern of the W chromosome gene MIER3 (showing differential expression during gonadogenesis) in chicken embryonic gonads and its potential role in gonadal development. The W copy of MIER3 (MIER3-W) shows a gonad-biased expression in chicken embryonic tissues which was different from its Z copy. The overall expression of MIER3-W and MIER3-Z mRNA and protein is correlated with the gonadal phenotype being higher in female gonads than in male gonads or female-to-male sex-reversed gonads. Chicken MIER3 protein is highly expressed in the nucleus, with relatively lower expression in the cytoplasm. Overexpression of MIER3-W in male gonad cells suggested its effect on the GnRH signaling pathway, cell proliferation, and cell apoptosis. MIER3 expression is associated with the gonadal phenotype. MIER3 may promote female gonadal development by regulating EGR1 and αGSU genes. These findings enrich our knowledge of chicken W chromosome genes and support a more systematic and in-depth understanding of gonadal development in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Lin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Zidi Jin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Shuo Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Mingde Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Ya Xing
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xikui Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Mengqing Lv
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Minmeng Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Tuoyu Geng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Daoqing Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Debiao Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Long Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
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5
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Clinton M, Zhao D. Avian Sex Determination: A Chicken and Egg Conundrum. Sex Dev 2023; 17:120-133. [PMID: 36796340 PMCID: PMC10659007 DOI: 10.1159/000529754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary sex determination is the developmental process that results in the sexual differentiation of the gonads. Vertebrate sex determination is generally considered to follow the model based on the mammalian system, where a sex-specific master regulatory gene activates one of the two different gene networks that underlie testis and ovary differentiation. SUMMARY It is now known that, while many of the molecular components of these pathways are conserved across different vertebrates, a wide variety of different trigger factors are utilized to initiate primary sex determination. In birds, the male is the homogametic sex (ZZ), and significant differences exist between the avian system of sex determination and that of mammals. For example, DMRT1, FOXL2, and estrogen are key factors in gonadogenesis in birds, but none are essential for primary sex determination in mammals. KEY MESSAGE Gonadal sex determination in birds is thought to depend on a dosage-based mechanism involving expression of the Z-linked DMRT1 gene, and it may be that this "mechanism" is simply an extension of the cell autonomous sex identity associated with avian tissues, with no sex-specific trigger required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Clinton
- Roslin Institute Chicken Embryology (RICE) Group, Gene Function and Development, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, UK
| | - Debiao Zhao
- Roslin Institute Chicken Embryology (RICE) Group, Gene Function and Development, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, UK
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6
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Sun C, Jin K, Zhou J, Zuo Q, Song J, Yani Z, Chen G, Li B. Role and function of the Hintw in early sex differentiation in chicken ( Gallus gallus) embryo. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:56-66. [PMID: 34153202 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2021.1935981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mono-Sex culturing is an important methodology for intensive livestock and poultry production. Here, Hintw was identified as a potential key gene in sex-determination process in chickens via RNA-seq. Then we developed an effective method to interfere or overexpress Hintw in chicken embryos through the intravascular injection. QRT-PCR, ELISA and H&E staining were used to detect the effects of Hintw on gonadal development of chicken embryos. Results showed that Hintw exhibited a female-biased expression pattern in the early stage of PGCs (primordial germ cells) in embryonic gonads. The qRT-PCR analysis showed that Foxl2, Cyp19a1 in females were upregulated under the overexpression of Hintw, while Sox9 and Dmrt1 were downregulated Hintw. Overexpression of Hintw can promote the development of gonadal cortex, while interference with Hintw show the opposite result. Additionally, we found that overexpression of the Hintw in male chicken embryos could inhibit androgen levels and increase estrogen levels. On the other hand, interfering with Hintw in female chicken embryos decreased estrogen levels and increased androgen levels. In conclusion, this work sets the basis for the understanding of the molecular regulatory network for the sex-determination process in chicken embryos as well as providing the theoretical basis for mono-sex culturing of poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhua Sun
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Department of Food technology, College of Biochemical Engineering, Yangzhou Polytechnic College, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Kai Jin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Qisheng Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jiuzhou Song
- Animal & Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Zhang Yani
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Guohong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Bichun Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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7
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Zhang X, Li J, Wang X, Jie Y, Sun C, Zheng J, Li J, Yang N, Chen S. ATAC-seq and RNA-seq analysis unravel the mechanism of sex differentiation and infertility in sex reversal chicken. Epigenetics Chromatin 2023; 16:2. [PMID: 36617567 PMCID: PMC9827654 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-022-00476-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex determination and differentiation are complex and delicate processes. In female chickens, the process of sex differentiation is sensitive and prone to be affected by the administration of aromatase inhibitors, which result in chicken sex reversal and infertility. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying sex differentiation and infertility in chicken sex reversal remain unclear. Therefore, we established a sex-reversed chicken flock by injecting an aromatase inhibitor, fadrozole, and constructed relatively high-resolution profiles of the gene expression and chromatin accessibility of embryonic gonads. RESULTS We revealed that fadrozole affected the transcriptional activities of several genes, such as DMRT1, SOX9, FOXL2, and CYP19A1, related to sex determination and differentiation, and the expression of a set of gonadal development-related genes, such as FGFR3 and TOX3, by regulating nearby open chromatin regions in sex-reversed chicken embryos. After sexual maturity, the sex-reversed chickens were confirmed to be infertile, and the possible causes of this infertility were further investigated. We found that the structure of the gonads and sperm were greatly deformed, and we identified several promising genes related to spermatogenesis and infertility, such as SPEF2, DNAI1, and TACR3, through RNA-seq. CONCLUSIONS This study provides clear insights into the exploration of potential molecular basis underlying sex differentiation and infertility in sex-reversed chickens and lays a foundation for further research into the sex development of birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuan Zhang
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianbo Li
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiqiong Wang
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuchen Jie
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Congjiao Sun
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangxia Zheng
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Junying Li
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Yang
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Sirui Chen
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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8
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Preuße G, Porstmann V, Bartels T, Schnabel C, Galli R, Koch E, Oelschlägel M, Uckermann O, Steiner G. Highly sensitive and quick in ovo sexing of domestic chicken eggs by two-wavelength fluorescence spectroscopy. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023; 415:603-613. [PMID: 36462048 PMCID: PMC9839792 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04446-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The in ovo sexing of chicken eggs is a current task and a prerequisite to overcome the mass killing of male day-old chicks from laying lines. Although various methods have been developed and tested in recent years, practicable methods for sex determination are still missing which can be applicated in poultry hatcheries before the chicken embryo is capable of nociception and pain sensation. Optical spectroscopic methods enable an early determination of the sex. In this study, a novel method based on two-wavelength in ovo fluorescence excitation is described. More than 1600 eggs were examined. In ovo fluorescence was sequentially excited at 532 nm and 785 nm. The fluorescence intensities of the spectral regions behave inversely with respect to sex. It is shown that the observed sex-related differences in the fluorescence intensities are based on the embryonic hemoglobin synthesis. The accuracy of sex determination is 96% for both sexes. The hatching rate is not reduced compared to an equivalent reference group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grit Preuße
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Clinical Sensoring and Monitoring, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Vincenz Porstmann
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Clinical Sensoring and Monitoring, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Bartels
- grid.417834.dInstitute for Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Dörnbergstr. 25/27, 29223 Celle, Germany
| | - Christian Schnabel
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Roberta Galli
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Edmund Koch
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Clinical Sensoring and Monitoring, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Oelschlägel
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Clinical Sensoring and Monitoring, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ortrud Uckermann
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Division of Medical Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Gerald Steiner
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Clinical Sensoring and Monitoring, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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9
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Smirnov AF, Leoke DY, Trukhina AV. Natural and Experimental Sex Reversal in Birds and Other Groups of Vertebrates, with the Exception of Mammals. RUSS J GENET+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795422060114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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10
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Jiang Y, Peng Z, Man Q, Wang S, Huang X, Meng L, Wang H, Zhu G. H3K27ac chromatin acetylation and gene expression analysis reveal sex- and situs-related differences in developing chicken gonads. Biol Sex Differ 2022; 13:6. [PMID: 35135592 PMCID: PMC8822763 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00415-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Birds exhibit a unique asymmetry in terms of gonad development. The female left gonad generates a functional ovary, whereas the right gonad regresses. In males, both left and right gonads would develop into testes. How is this left/right asymmetry established only in females but not in males remains unknown. The epigenetic regulation of gonadal developmental genes may contribute to this sex disparity. The modification of histone tails such as H3K27ac is tightly coupled to chromatin activation and gene expression. To explore whether H3K27ac marked chromatin activation is involved in the asymmetric development of avian gonads, we probed genome-wide H3K27ac occupancy in left and right gonads from both sexes and related chromatin activity profile to the expression of gonadal genes. Furthermore, we validated the effect of chromatin activity on asymmetric gonadal development by manipulating the chromatin histone acetylation levels. METHODS The undifferentiated gonads from both sides of each sex were collected and subjected to RNA-Seq and H3K27ac ChIP-Seq experiments. Integrated analysis of gene expression and active chromatin regions were performed to identify the sex- and situs-specific regulation and expression of gonadal genes. The histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) was applied to the undifferentiated female right gonads to assess the effect of chromatin activation on gonadal gene expression and cell proliferation. RESULTS Even before sex differentiation, the gonads already show divergent gene expression between different sexes and between left/right sides in females. The sex-specific H3K27ac chromatin distributions coincide with the higher expression of male/female specification genes in each sex. Unexpectedly, the H3K27ac marked chromatin activation show a dramatic difference between left and right gonads in both sexes, although the left/right asymmetric gonadal development was observed only in females but not in males. In females, the side-specific H3K27ac occupancy instructs the differential expression of developmental genes between the pair of gonads and contributes to the development of left but not right gonad. However, in males, the left/right discrepancy of H3K27ac chromatin distribution does not drive the side-biased gene expression or gonad development. The TSA-induced retention of chromatin acetylation causes up-regulation of ovarian developmental genes and increases cell proliferation in the female right gonad. CONCLUSIONS We revealed that left/right asymmetry in H3K27ac marked chromatin activation exists in both sexes, but this discrepancy gives rise to asymmetric gonadal development only in females. Other mechanisms overriding the chromatin activation would control the symmetric development of male gonads in chicken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqi Jiang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China.,Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhelun Peng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiu Man
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaochen Huang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu Meng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Heng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Guiyu Zhu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China. .,Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.
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11
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Sex Chromosomes and Master Sex-Determining Genes in Turtles and Other Reptiles. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111822. [PMID: 34828428 PMCID: PMC8622242 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Among tetrapods, the well differentiated heteromorphic sex chromosomes of birds and mammals have been highly investigated and their master sex-determining (MSD) gene, Dmrt1 and SRY, respectively, have been identified. The homomorphic sex chromosomes of reptiles have been the least studied, but the gap with birds and mammals has begun to fill. This review describes our current knowledge of reptilian sex chromosomes at the cytogenetic and molecular level. Most of it arose recently from various studies comparing male to female gene content. This includes restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq) experiments in several male and female samples, RNA sequencing and identification of Z- or X-linked genes by male/female comparative transcriptome coverage, and male/female transcriptomic or transcriptome/genome substraction approaches allowing the identification of Y- or W-linked transcripts. A few putative master sex-determining (MSD) genes have been proposed, but none has been demonstrated yet. Lastly, future directions in the field of reptilian sex chromosomes and their MSD gene studies are considered.
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Stöck M, Kratochvíl L, Kuhl H, Rovatsos M, Evans BJ, Suh A, Valenzuela N, Veyrunes F, Zhou Q, Gamble T, Capel B, Schartl M, Guiguen Y. A brief review of vertebrate sex evolution with a pledge for integrative research: towards ' sexomics'. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200426. [PMID: 34247497 PMCID: PMC8293304 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Triggers and biological processes controlling male or female gonadal differentiation vary in vertebrates, with sex determination (SD) governed by environmental factors or simple to complex genetic mechanisms that evolved repeatedly and independently in various groups. Here, we review sex evolution across major clades of vertebrates with information on SD, sexual development and reproductive modes. We offer an up-to-date review of divergence times, species diversity, genomic resources, genome size, occurrence and nature of polyploids, SD systems, sex chromosomes, SD genes, dosage compensation and sex-biased gene expression. Advances in sequencing technologies now enable us to study the evolution of SD at broader evolutionary scales, and we now hope to pursue a sexomics integrative research initiative across vertebrates. The vertebrate sexome comprises interdisciplinary and integrated information on sexual differentiation, development and reproduction at all biological levels, from genomes, transcriptomes and proteomes, to the organs involved in sexual and sex-specific processes, including gonads, secondary sex organs and those with transcriptional sex-bias. The sexome also includes ontogenetic and behavioural aspects of sexual differentiation, including malfunction and impairment of SD, sexual differentiation and fertility. Starting from data generated by high-throughput approaches, we encourage others to contribute expertise to building understanding of the sexomes of many key vertebrate species. 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)
- Matthias Stöck
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries—IGB (Forschungsverbund Berlin), Müggelseedamm 301, 12587 Berlin, Germany
- Amphibian Research Center, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
| | - Lukáš Kratochvíl
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 12844 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Heiner Kuhl
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries—IGB (Forschungsverbund Berlin), Müggelseedamm 301, 12587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michail Rovatsos
- Amphibian Research Center, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
| | - Ben J. Evans
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Life Sciences Building Room 328, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4K1
| | - Alexander Suh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TU, UK
- Department of Organismal Biology—Systematic Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, 75236 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nicole Valenzuela
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Frédéric Veyrunes
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier, ISEM UMR 5554 (CNRS/Université de Montpellier/IRD/EPHE), Montpellier, France
| | - Qi Zhou
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
- Department of Neuroscience and Developmental Biology, University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tony Gamble
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Manfred Schartl
- Developmental Biochemistry, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
- The Xiphophorus Genetic Stock Center, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
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Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and Inhibitors of MMPs in the Avian Reproductive System: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158056. [PMID: 34360823 PMCID: PMC8348296 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Many matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are produced in the mammalian reproductive system and participate in the regulation of its functions. In birds, the limited information available thus far indicates that MMPs are significant regulators of avian ovarian and oviductal functions, too. Some MMPs and inhibitors of MMPs are present in the hen reproductive tissues and their abundances and/or activities change according to the physiological state. The intraovarian role of MMPs likely includes the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) during folliculogenesis, follicle atresia, and postovulatory regression. In the oviduct, MMPs are also involved in ECM turnover during oviduct development and regression. This study provides a review of the current knowledge on the presence, activity, and regulation of MMPs in the female reproductive system of birds.
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Shioda K, Odajima J, Kobayashi M, Kobayashi M, Cordazzo B, Isselbacher KJ, Shioda T. Transcriptomic and Epigenetic Preservation of Genetic Sex Identity in Estrogen-feminized Male Chicken Embryonic Gonads. Endocrinology 2021; 162:5973467. [PMID: 33170207 PMCID: PMC7745639 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Whereas in ovo exposure of genetically male (ZZ) chicken embryos to exogenous estrogens temporarily feminizes gonads at the time of hatching, the morphologically ovarian ZZ-gonads (FemZZs for feminized ZZ gonads) are masculinized back to testes within 1 year. To identify the feminization-resistant "memory" of genetic male sex, FemZZs showing varying degrees of feminization were subjected to transcriptomic, DNA methylome, and immunofluorescence analyses. Protein-coding genes were classified based on their relative mRNA expression across normal ZZ-testes, genetically female (ZW) ovaries, and FemZZs. We identified a group of 25 genes that were strongly expressed in both ZZ-testes and FemZZs but dramatically suppressed in ZW-ovaries. Interestingly, 84% (21/25) of these feminization-resistant testicular marker genes, including the DMRT1 master masculinizing gene, were located in chromosome Z. Expression of representative marker genes of germline cells (eg, DAZL or DDX4/VASA) was stronger in FemZZs than normal ZZ-testes or ZW-ovaries. We also identified 231 repetitive sequences (RSs) that were strongly expressed in both ZZ-testes and FemZZs, but these RSs were not enriched in chromosome Z. Although 94% (165/176) of RSs exclusively expressed in ZW-ovaries were located in chromosome W, no feminization-inducible RS was detected in FemZZs. DNA methylome analysis distinguished FemZZs from normal ZZ- and ZW-gonads. Immunofluorescence analysis of FemZZ gonads revealed expression of DMRT1 protein in medullary SOX9+ somatic cells and apparent germline cell populations in both medulla and cortex. Taken together, our study provides evidence that both somatic and germline cell populations in morphologically feminized FemZZs maintain significant transcriptomic and epigenetic memories of genetic sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Shioda
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Junko Odajima
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Misato Kobayashi
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mutsumi Kobayashi
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bianca Cordazzo
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kurt J Isselbacher
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Toshi Shioda
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Correspondence: Toshi Shioda, Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cancer Research, Building 149 – 7th Floor, 13th Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA. E-mail:
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Expression profiling of sexually dimorphic genes in the Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20073. [PMID: 33257723 PMCID: PMC7705726 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77094-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on avian sex determination has focused on the chicken. In this study, we established the utility of another widely used animal model, the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), for clarifying the molecular mechanisms underlying gonadal sex differentiation. In particular, we performed comprehensive gene expression profiling of embryonic gonads at three stages (HH27, HH31 and HH38) by mRNA-seq. We classified the expression patterns of 4,815 genes into nine clusters according to the extent of change between stages. Cluster 2 (characterized by an initial increase and steady levels thereafter), including 495 and 310 genes expressed in males and females, respectively, contained five key genes involved in gonadal sex differentiation. A GO analysis showed that genes in this cluster are related to developmental processes including reproductive structure development and developmental processes involved in reproduction were significant, suggesting that expression profiling is an effective approach to identify novel candidate genes. Based on RNA-seq data and in situ hybridization, the expression patterns and localization of most key genes for gonadal sex differentiation corresponded well to those of the chicken. Our results support the effectiveness of the Japanese quail as a model for studies gonadal sex differentiation in birds.
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Transcriptome Sequencing and Comparative Analysis of Amphoteric ESCs and PGCs in Chicken ( Gallus gallus). Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10122228. [PMID: 33261034 PMCID: PMC7760303 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chicken (Gallus gallus) pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and primordial germ cells (PGCs) can be broadly applied in the research of developmental and embryonic biology, but the difference between amphoteric ESCs and PGCs is still elusive. This study determined the sex of collected samples by identifying specific sex markers via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS). RNA-seq was utilized to investigate the transcriptomic profile of amphoteric ESCs and PGCs in chicken. The results showed no significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in amphoteric ESCs and 227 DEGs exhibited in amphoteric PGCs. Moreover, those 227 DEGs were mainly enriched in 17 gene ontology (GO) terms and 27 pathways according to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Furthermore, qRT-PCR was performed to verify RNA-seq results, and the results demonstrated that Notch1 was highly expressed in male PGCs. In summary, our results provided a knowledge base of chicken amphoteric ESCs and PGCs, which is helpful for future research in relevant biological processes.
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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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Hu YQ, Bai DP, Chen Y, Lu ZX, Zheng HB, Xu FQ, Wu Y, Zhu MX, Li A. The Degree of Sex Reversal in Muscovy Ducks (Cairina moschata domestica) Induced by an Aromatase Inhibitor. Sex Dev 2019; 13:137-142. [PMID: 31450230 DOI: 10.1159/000502195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Under the same feeding conditions, the growth and development of male Muscovy ducks is significantly greater than that of females. Thus, controlling their sex expression can have economic benefits. However, reports on the degree of sex reversal in Muscovy ducks are scarce. In this study, we obtained sex-reversed Muscovy ducks by injecting letrozole before sex differentiation. We analyzed the degree of sex reversal in Muscovy ducks in terms of hormone levels, gonadal tissue development, and growth and found that the estradiol levels of AI-females (letrozole-induced female-to-male sex reversal) were not significantly different from those of normal males (p > 0.05), but the testosterone levels were significantly lower than those in normal males (p < 0.05). AI-female gonad tissue had changed, and the right gonad presented ovotestis tissue. The growth and development of AI-females was significantly less than that of normal males (p < 0.05) but was not significantly different from that of normal females (p > 0.05). Letrozole can induce female Muscovy ducks to convert into males, but the reversal cannot be completed. Thus, further studies are needed to elucidate how to entirely attain the change.
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Morris KR, Hirst CE, Major AT, Ezaz T, Ford M, Bibby S, Doran TJ, Smith CA. Gonadal and Endocrine Analysis of a Gynandromorphic Chicken. Endocrinology 2018; 159:3492-3502. [PMID: 30124802 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Birds have a ZZ male and ZW female sex chromosome system. The relative roles of genetics and hormones in regulating avian sexual development have been revealed by studies on gynandromorphs. Gynandromorphs are rare bilateral sex chimeras, male on one side of the body and female on the other. We examined a naturally occurring gynandromorphic chicken that was externally male on the right side of the body and female on the left. The bird was diploid but with a mix of ZZ and ZW cells that correlated with the asymmetric sexual phenotype. The male side was 96% ZZ, and the female side was 77% ZZ and 23% ZW. The gonads of this bird at sexual maturity were largely testicular. The right gonad was a testis, with SOX9+ Sertoli cells, DMRT1+ germ cells, and active spermatogenesis. The left gonad was primarily testicular, but with some peripheral aromatase-expressing follicles. The bird had low levels of serum estradiol and high levels of testosterone, as expected for a male. Despite the low percentage of ZW cells on that side, the left side had female sex-linked feathering, smaller muscle mass, smaller leg and spur, and smaller wattle than the male side. This indicates that these sexually dimorphic structures must be at least partly independent of sex steroid effects. Even a small percentage of ZW cells appears sufficient to support female sexual differentiation. Given the lack of chromosome-wide dosage compensation in birds, various sexually dimorphic features may arise due to Z-gene dosage differences between the sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten R Morris
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Health and Biosecurity, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claire E Hirst
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew T Major
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Health and Biosecurity, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tariq Ezaz
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Mark Ford
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Health and Biosecurity, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan Bibby
- 2Bridges Consulting, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tim J Doran
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Health and Biosecurity, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Craig A Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Trukhina AV, Lukina NA, Smirnov AF. Hormonal Sex Inversion and Some Aspects of Its Genetic Determination in Chicken. RUSS J GENET+ 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795418090144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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