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Li M, Zhang N, Huang Y, Pan CG, Dong Z, Lin Z, Li C, Jiang YX, Liang YQ. The effects of 17α-methyltestosterone on gonadal histology and gene expression along hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, germ cells, sex determination, and hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis in zebrafish (Danio rerio). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:1494-1504. [PMID: 37994244 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
As a synthetic androgen, 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) is widely used in aquaculture to induce sex reversal and may pose a potential risk to aquatic organisms. This ecological risk has attracted the attention of many scholars, but it is not comprehensive enough. Thus, the adverse effects of MT on zebrafish (Danio rerio) were comprehensively evaluated from gonadal histology, as well as the mRNA expression levels of 47 genes related to hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, germ cell differentiation, sex determination, and hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. Adult zebrafish with a female/male ratio of 5:7 were exposed to a solvent control (0.001% dimethyl sulfoxide) and three measured concentrations of MT (5, 51 and 583 ng/L) for 50 days. The results showed that MT had no significant histological effects on the ovaries of females, but the frequency of late-mature oocytes (LMO) showed a downward trend, indicating that MT could induce ovarian suppression to a certain extent. The transcriptional expression of activating transcription factor 4b1 (atf4b1), activating transcription factor 4b2 (atf4b2), calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II delta 1 (camk2d1), calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II delta 2 (camk2d2) and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II inhibitor 2 (camk2n2) genes in the brain of females increased significantly at all treatment groups of MT, and the mRNA expression of forkhead box L2a (foxl2) and ovarian cytochrome P450 aromatase (cyp19a1a) genes in the ovaries were down-regulated by 5 and 583 ng/L group, which would translate into inhibition of oocyte development. As compared to females, MT had relatively little effects on the reproductive system of males, and only the transcriptional alterations of synaptonemal complex protein 3 (sycp3) and 17-alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (cyp17) genes were observed in the testes, not enough to affect testicular histology. In addition, MT at all treatments strongly increased corticotropin-releasing hormone (crh) transcript in the brain of females, as well as deiodinase 2 (dio2) transcript in the brain of males. The paired box protein 8 (pax8) gene was significantly decreased at 51 or 583 ng/L of MT in both female and male brains. The above results suggest that MT can pose potential adverse effects on the reproductive and thyroid endocrine system of fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minchun Li
- Faculty of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Zhang
- College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiting Huang
- Faculty of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang-Gui Pan
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongdian Dong
- College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong Lin
- Faculty of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengyong Li
- Faculty of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Xia Jiang
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Qiu Liang
- Faculty of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
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Imaimatsu K, Uchida A, Hiramatsu R, Kanai Y. Gonadal Sex Differentiation and Ovarian Organogenesis along the Cortical-Medullary Axis in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13373. [PMID: 36362161 PMCID: PMC9655463 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In most mammals, the sex of the gonads is based on the fate of the supporting cell lineages, which arises from the proliferation of coelomic epithelium (CE) that surfaces on the bipotential genital ridge in both XY and XX embryos. Recent genetic studies and single-cell transcriptome analyses in mice have revealed the cellular and molecular events in the two-wave proliferation of the CE that produce the supporting cells. This proliferation contributes to the formation of the primary sex cords in the medullary region of both the testis and the ovary at the early phase of gonadal sex differentiation, as well as to that of the secondary sex cords in the cortical region of the ovary at the perinatal stage. To support gametogenesis, the testis forms seminiferous tubules in the medullary region, whereas the ovary forms follicles mainly in the cortical region. The medullary region in the ovary exhibits morphological and functional diversity among mammalian species that ranges from ovary-like to testis-like characteristics. This review focuses on the mechanism of gonadal sex differentiation along the cortical-medullary axis and compares the features of the cortical and medullary regions of the ovary in mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenya Imaimatsu
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| | - Aya Uchida
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
- RIKEN BioResouce Research Center, Tsukuba 305-0074, Japan
| | - Ryuji Hiramatsu
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| | - Yoshiakira Kanai
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
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Paixão RV, Silva GF, Caetano AR, Cintra LC, Varela ES, O'Sullivan FLA. Phylogenomic and expression analysis of Colossoma macropomum cyp19a1a and cyp19a1b and their non-classical role in tambaqui sex differentiation. Gene 2022; 843:146795. [PMID: 35961435 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The genes coding for Cytochrome P450 aromatase (cyp19a1a and cyp19a1b) and estrogen (E2) receptors (esr1, esr2a and esr2b) play a conserved role in ovarian differentiation and development among teleosts. Classically, the "gonad form" of aromatase, coded by the cyp19a1a, is responsible for the ovarian differentiation in genetic females via ligation and activation of the Esr, which mediates the endocrine and exocrine signaling to allow or block the establishment of the feminine phenotype. However, in neotropical species, studies on the molecular and endocrine processes involved in gonad differentiation as well as on the effects of sex modulators are recent and scarce. In this study, we combined in silico analysis, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay and quantification of E2 plasma levels of differentiating tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) to unveil the roles of the paralogs cypa19a1a and cyp19a1b during sex differentiation. Although the synteny of each gene is very conserved among characids, the genomic environment displays striking differences in comparison to model teleost species, with many rearrangements in cyp19a1a and cyp19a1b adjacencies and transposable element traces in both regulatory regions. The high dissimilarity (DI) of SF-1 binding motifs in cyp19a1a (DI = 10.06 to 14.90 %) and cyp19a1b (DI = 8.41 to 13.50 %) regulatory region, respectively, may reflect in an alternative pathway in tambaqui. Indeed, while low transcription of cyp19a1a was detected prior to sex differentiation, the expression of cyp19a1b and esr2a presented a large variation at this phase, which could be associated with sex-specific differential expression. Histological analysis revealed that anti-estradiol treatments did not affect gonadal sex ratios, although Fadrozole (50 mg kg-1 of food) reduced E2 plasma levels (p < 0,005) as well cyp19a1a transcription; and tamoxifen (200 mg kg-1 of food) down regulated both cyp19a1a and cyp19a1b but did not influence E2 levels. Altogether, our results bring into light new insights about the evolutionary fate of cyp19a1 paralogs in neotropical fish, which may have generated uncommon roles for the gonadal and brain forms of cyp19a1 genes and the unexpected lack of effect of endocrine disruptors on tambaqui sexual differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R V Paixão
- Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal e Recursos Pesqueiros, Avenida Rodrigo Otávio, CEP: 69080-900, 6200 Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - G F Silva
- Embrapa Amazônia Ocidental, Rodovia AM-010, Km 29, Caixa Postal 319, CEP: 69010-790, Brazil
| | - A R Caetano
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Final Av. W/5 Norte, C.P. 02372, CEP 70770-917, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - L C Cintra
- Embrapa Agricultura Digital, Avenida André Tosselo, 209, Cidade Universitária, CEP: 13083-886, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - E S Varela
- Embrapa Pesca e Aquicultura, Av. NS 10, cruzamento com a Av. LO 18 Sentido Norte Loteamento - Água Fria, Palmas, TO 77008-900, Brazil
| | - F L A O'Sullivan
- Embrapa Amazônia Ocidental, Rodovia AM-010, Km 29, Caixa Postal 319, CEP: 69010-790, Brazil.
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Wang W, Tan S, Yang Y, Zhou T, Xing D, Su B, Wang J, Li S, Shang M, Gao D, Dunham R, Liu Z. Feminization of channel catfish with 17β-oestradiol involves methylation and expression of a specific set of genes independent of the sex determination region. Epigenetics 2022; 17:1820-1837. [PMID: 35703353 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2086725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Exogenous oestrogen 17β-oestradiol (E2) has been shown to effectively induce feminization in teleosts. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the process remain unclear. Here, we determined global DNA methylation and gene expression profiles of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) during early sex differentiation after E2 treatment. Overall, the levels of global DNA methylation after E2 treatment were not significantly different from those of controls. However, a specific set of genes were differentially methylated, which included many sex differentiation-related pathways, such as MARK signalling, adrenergic signalling, Wnt signalling, GnRH signalling, ErbB signalling, and ECM-receptor interactions. Many genes involved in these pathways were also differentially expressed after E2 treatment. Specifically, E2 treatments resulted in upregulation of female-related genes and downregulation of male-related genes in genetic males during sex reversal. However, E2-induced sex reversal did not cause sex-specific changes in methylation profiles or gene expression within the sex determination region (SDR) on chromosome 4, suggesting that E2-induced sex reversal was a downstream process independent of the sex determination process that was regulated by sex-specific methylation within the SDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Wang
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Suxu Tan
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Yujia Yang
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Tao Zhou
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of Marine Organisms, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - De Xing
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Baofeng Su
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Jinhai Wang
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Shangjia Li
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Mei Shang
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Dongya Gao
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Rex Dunham
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Zhanjiang Liu
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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Nagarajan G, Aruna A, Alkhamis YA, Mathew RT, Chang CF. Expression and Transcript Localization of star, sf-1, and dax-1 in the Early Brain of the Orange-Spotted Grouper Epinephelus coioides. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052614. [PMID: 35269757 PMCID: PMC8910455 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the developmental expression and localization of sf-1 and dax-1 transcripts in the brain of the juvenile orange-spotted grouper in response to steroidogenic enzyme gene at various developmental ages in relation to gonadal sex differentiation. The sf-1 transcripts were significantly higher from 110-dah (day after hatching) and gradually increased up to 150-dah. The dax-1 mRNA, on the other hand, showed a decreased expression during this period, in contrast to sf-1 expression. At the same time, the early brain had increased levels of steroidogenic gene (star). sf-1 and star hybridization signals were found to be increased in the ventromedial hypothalamus at 110-dah; however, dax-1 mRNA signals decreased in the early brain toward 150-dah. Furthermore, the exogenous estradiol upregulated star and sf-1 transcripts in the early brain of the grouper. These findings suggest that sf-1 and dax-1 may have an antagonistic expression pattern in the early brain during gonadal sex differentiation. Increased expression of steroidogenic gene together with sf-1 during gonadal differentiation strongly suggests that sf-1 may play an important role in the juvenile grouper brain steroidogenesis and brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesan Nagarajan
- Basic Sciences Department, PYD, King Faisal University, Hofuf-420, Al-Asha 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for the Ocean, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: (G.N.); (C.-F.C.); Tel.: +966-0135896810 (G.N.); +886-2-2462-2192 (ext. 5209) (C.-F.C.)
| | - Adimoolam Aruna
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan;
| | - Yousef Ahmed Alkhamis
- Animal and Fish Production Department, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Hofuf-420, Al-Asha 31982, Saudi Arabia;
- Fish Resources Research Center, King Faisal University, Hofuf-420, Al-Asha 31982, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Roshmon Thomas Mathew
- Fish Resources Research Center, King Faisal University, Hofuf-420, Al-Asha 31982, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ching-Fong Chang
- Center of Excellence for the Ocean, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: (G.N.); (C.-F.C.); Tel.: +966-0135896810 (G.N.); +886-2-2462-2192 (ext. 5209) (C.-F.C.)
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Ji X, Bu S, Zhu Y, Wang Y, Wen X, Song F, Luo J. Identification of SF-1 and FOXL2 and Their Effect on Activating P450 Aromatase Transcription via Specific Binding to the Promoter Motifs in Sex Reversing Cheilinus undulatus. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:863360. [PMID: 35620392 PMCID: PMC9127060 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.863360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The giant wrasse Cheilinus undulatus is a protogynous socially hermaphroditic fish. However, the physiological basis of its sex reversal remains largely unknown. cyp19 is a key gender-related gene encoding P450 aromatase, which converts androgens to estrogens. cyp19 transcription regulation is currently unknown in socially sexually reversible fish. We identified NR5A1 by encoding SF-1, and FOXL2 from giant wrasse cDNA and cyp19a1a and cyp19a1b promoter regions were cloned from genomic DNA to determine the function of both genes in cyp19a1 regulation. Structural analysis showed that SF-1 contained a conserved DNA-binding domain (DBD) and a C-terminal ligand-binding domain (LBD). FOXL2 was comprised of an evolutionarily conserved Forkhead domain. In vitro transfection assays showed that SF-1 could upregulate cyp19a1 promoter activities, but FOXL2 could only enhance cyp19a1b promoter transcriptional activity in the HEK293T cell line. Furthermore, HEK293T and COS-7 cell lines showed that co-transfecting the two transcription factors significantly increased cyp19a1 promoter activity. The -120 to -112 bp (5'-CAAGGGCAC-3') and -890 to -872 bp (5'-AGAGGAGAACAAGGGGAG-3') regions of the cyp19a1a promoter were the core regulatory elements for SF-1 and FOXL2, respectively, to regulate cyp19a1b promoter transcriptional activity. Collectively, these results suggest that both FOXL2 and SF-1 are involved in giant wrasse sex reversal.
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Senthilkumaran B, Kar S. Advances in Reproductive Endocrinology and Neuroendocrine Research Using Catfish Models. Cells 2021; 10:2807. [PMID: 34831032 PMCID: PMC8616529 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Catfishes, belonging to the order siluriformes, represent one of the largest groups of freshwater fishes with more than 4000 species and almost 12% of teleostean population. Due to their worldwide distribution and diversity, catfishes are interesting models for ecologists and evolutionary biologists. Incidentally, catfish emerged as an excellent animal model for aquaculture research because of economic importance, availability, disease resistance, adaptability to artificial spawning, handling, culture, high fecundity, hatchability, hypoxia tolerance and their ability to acclimate to laboratory conditions. Reproductive system in catfish is orchestrated by complex network of nervous, endocrine system and environmental factors during gonadal growth as well as recrudescence. Lot of new information on the molecular mechanism of gonadal development have been obtained over several decades which are evident from significant number of scientific publications pertaining to reproductive biology and neuroendocrine research in catfish. This review aims to synthesize key findings and compile highly relevant aspects on how catfish can offer insight into fundamental mechanisms of all the areas of reproduction and its neuroendocrine regulation, from gametogenesis to spawning including seasonal reproductive cycle. In addition, the state-of-knowledge surrounding gonadal development and neuroendocrine control of gonadal sex differentiation in catfish are comprehensively summarized in comparison with other fish models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balasubramanian Senthilkumaran
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India;
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Tenugu S, Pranoty A, Mamta SK, Senthilkumaran B. Development and organisation of gonadal steroidogenesis in bony fishes - A review. AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aaf.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Molecular Characterization and Functional Analysis of Two Steroidogenic Genes TSPO and SMAD4 in Yellow Catfish. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094505. [PMID: 33925909 PMCID: PMC8123483 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The steroid hormones are required for gonadal development in fish. The present study was undertaken to characterize the cDNA and promoter sequences of TSPO and SMAD4 genes in yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco, explored the mRNA tissue expression and deciphered their promoter regions. Yellow catfish TSPO and SMAD4 shared the similar domains to the corresponding genes from other vertebrates. The TSPO and SMAD4 mRNAs were widely expressed in the detected tissues, but at different levels. Several transcription factors were predicted, such as Sp, GATA, AP1, SOX1, SRY, STAT, HNF4α, PPARγ, Pu.1 and FOXL2. PPARγ overexpression increased but STAT3 overexpression reduced TSPO promoter activity, and FOXL2 overexpression inhibited the promoter activity of TSPO and SMAD4. The site mutation and EMSA analysis indicated that TSPO promoter possessed STAT3 and FOXL2 sites. Overall, our provided the novel understanding into the transcriptionally regulatory mechanisms of TSPO and SMAD4 in fish.
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Li S, Lin G, Fang W, Huang P, Gao D, Huang J, Xie J, Lu J. Gonadal Transcriptome Analysis of Sex-Related Genes in the Protandrous Yellowfin Seabream ( Acanthopagrus latus). Front Genet 2020; 11:709. [PMID: 32765585 PMCID: PMC7378800 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus), a protandrous hermaphroditic fish, is a good model for studying the mechanism of sex reversal. However, limited knowledge is known about the genetic information related to reproduction and sex differentiation in this species. Here, we performed de novo transcriptome sequencing analysis of the testis, ovotestis, and ovary to identify sex-related genes in yellowfin seabream. The results assembled 71,765 unigenes in which 16,126 and 17,560 unigenes were differentially expressed in the ovotestis and ovary compared to the testis, respectively. The most differentially expressed gene (DEG)-enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and GO pathways were closely associated with the synthesis of sex steroid hormones. Functional analyses identified 55 important sex-related DEGs, including 32 testis-biased DEGs (dmrt1, amh, and sox9, etc.), 20 ovary-biased DEGs (cyp19a, foxl2, and wnt4, etc.), and 3 ovotestis-biased DEGs (lhb, dmrt2, and foxh1). Furthermore, the testis-specific expression of dmrt1 and the brain-pituitary-ovary axis expression of foxl2 were characterized, suggesting that they might play important roles in sex differentiation in yellowfin seabream. Our present work provided an important molecular basis for elucidating the mechanisms underlying sexual transition and reproductional regulation in yellowfin seabream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizhu Li
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Genmei Lin
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Wenyu Fang
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Peilin Huang
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Dong Gao
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jing Huang
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jingui Xie
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jianguo Lu
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai, China
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Rajakumar A, Senthilkumaran B. Steroidogenesis and its regulation in teleost-a review. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2020; 46:803-818. [PMID: 31940121 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-019-00752-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Steroid hormones modulate several important biological processes like metabolism, stress response, and reproduction. Steroidogenesis drives reproductive function wherein development and differentiation of undifferentiated gonads into testis or ovary, and their growth and maturation, are regulated. Steroidogenesis occurs in gonadal and non-gonadal tissues like head kidney, liver, intestine, and adipose tissue in teleosts. This process is regulated differently through multi-level modulation of promoter motif transcription factor regulation of steroidogenic enzyme genes to ultimately control enzyme activity and turnover. In view of this, understanding teleostean steroidogenesis provides major inputs for technological innovation of pisciculture. Unlike higher vertebrates, steroidal intermediates and shift in steroidogenesis is critical for gamete maturation in teleosts, more essentially oogenesis. Considering these characteristics, this review highlights the promoter regulation of steroidogenic enzyme genes by several transcription factors that are involved in teleostean steroidogenesis. It also addresses different methodologies involved in promoter regulation studies together with glucocorticoids and androgen relationship with reference to teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anbazhagan Rajakumar
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500046, India
- Present Address: Section on Molecular Endocrinology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 20892,, USA
| | - Balasubramanian Senthilkumaran
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500046, India.
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Wang W, Zhu H, Tian Z, Sun A, Dong Y, Dong T, Hu H. Effects of 11-Ketotestosterone on Development of the Previtellogenic Ovary in the Sterlet, Acipenser ruthenus. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:115. [PMID: 32269550 PMCID: PMC7109308 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) is a non-aromatizable and the most potent androgen in a few teleost. It has been reported that 11-KT in serum had a high concentration and increased sharply before the period of yolk deposition in females of few fishes. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of 11-KT both in vivo and in vitro on ovarian development, related gene expression levels, Vitellogenin (Vtg) synthesis, and serum sex steroid concentrations in previtellogenic cultured sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus). Silastic strips embedded with 11-KT (5 or 25 mg/kg) were implanted in vivo for 30 days. Ovarian masculinization or sex reversal was not observed. Histological analysis showed that 11-KT promoted sterlet ovarian development in a dose-dependent manner. Vtg and testosterone (T) increased significantly, while 17β-estradiol (E2) decreased with no significant difference among groups. The expression of genes androgen receptor (ar), vtg and lipoprotein lipase (lpl) were significantly increased in liver. However, 11-KT had no effect on the expression of foxl2 and cyp19a1 in ovary. In vitro, after incubation with 11-KT (10 and 100 μM) for 5 days, both T and E2 concentrations increased in both hepatic explants and ovarian explants culture medium; the concentration of Vtg also increased in hepatic explants culture medium. The expression of ar, era, vtg, and lpl increased significantly in hepatic explants. However, only the expression of era significantly increased in cultured ovarian explants. Altogether, these results suggest that 11-KT induced ovarian development, as well as Vtg and lipid synthesis, and could be an important factor facilitating the initiation of Vtg synthesis in the liver of the previtellogenic sterlet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Beijing Fisheries Research Institute & Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- Beijing Fisheries Research Institute & Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Beijing, China
- National Freshwater Fisheries Engineering Technology Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - ZhaoHui Tian
- Beijing Fisheries Research Institute & Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Ai Sun
- Beijing Fisheries Research Institute & Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Dong
- Beijing Fisheries Research Institute & Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Tian Dong
- Beijing Fisheries Research Institute & Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - HongXia Hu
- Beijing Fisheries Research Institute & Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Beijing, China
- National Freshwater Fisheries Engineering Technology Research Center, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: HongXia Hu
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13
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Wang Y, Liu X, Zhao J, Ouyang S, Li W, Zhu J, Zhu Y, Zhu X. Molecular cloning of ESR1, BMPR1B, and FOXL2 and differential expressions depend on maternal age and size during breeding season in cultured Asian yellow pond turtle (Mauremys mutica). Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 232:108-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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14
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Fang DA, Yang XJ, Feng X, Zhou YF, Xu DP, Zhang MY, Liu K. FoxL2 combined with Cyp19a1a regulate the spawning upstream migration in Coilia nasus. Gene 2019; 710:307-315. [PMID: 31125733 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
FoxL2 is a member of the forkhead/HNF-3-related family of transcription factors which provides tissue specific gene regulation. It is known to regulate ovarian aromatase, which plays a crucial role in ovarian development and mature. To understand the role of FoxL2/ovarian aromatase encoded gene Cyp19a1a during ovarian development and recrudescence, we identified cDNA characteristics of FoxL2 and Cyp19a1a, analyzed its temporal expression both at transcript and protein levels in the anadromous fish, Coilia nasus. Tissue distribution pattern revealed that FoxL2 mRNA expression level was highest in ovary, while Cyp19a1a mRNA was highest in brain. During the upstream migration cycle, in ovary, the FoxL2 mRNA temporal expression peaked at the multiplication stage (stage III in May), the Cyp19a1a mRNA expression peaked at the onset stage (stage I in March). It was found that their mRNA transcripts were maintained at high level during the migration stage (from stage I in March to stage VI in July). Additionally, the strongest immunolabeling positive signals of Cyp19a1a and FoxL2 proteins were mainly found in the cytoplasm of olfactory bulb cell, stratum granulare and neurogliocyte cells and development stage oocytes. Data indicated that FoxL2 and Cyp19a1a were inducible and functional in the C. nasus ovary development and migration process. Therefore, the present results can be regarded as evidence for indispensable roles of FoxL2 and Cyp19a1a in the ovary development and migratory behavior at gene expression patterns and encoded protein distribution level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di-An Fang
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Fishery Resources and Environment in the Lower Reaches of the Changjiang River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affaris, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, CAFS, Wuxi 214081, China; College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Xue-Jun Yang
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xiaoting Feng
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yan-Feng Zhou
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Fishery Resources and Environment in the Lower Reaches of the Changjiang River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affaris, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, CAFS, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Dong-Po Xu
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Fishery Resources and Environment in the Lower Reaches of the Changjiang River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affaris, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, CAFS, Wuxi 214081, China; College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Min-Ying Zhang
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Fishery Resources and Environment in the Lower Reaches of the Changjiang River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affaris, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, CAFS, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Fishery Resources and Environment in the Lower Reaches of the Changjiang River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affaris, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, CAFS, Wuxi 214081, China; College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, China.
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15
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Burcea A, Popa GO, Florescu Gune IE, Gharbia S, Gaina G, Dudu A, Maereanu M, Hermenean A, Georgescu SE, Costache M. Gene expression involved in the sexual development of Best Beluga hybrid sturgeons. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2018; 93:1021-1026. [PMID: 30264488 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The scope of this study is to investigate the expression of dmrt1, foxl2, ar, star and sox9 genes in the context of the gonad development stage of 21 month-old Best Beluga individuals. No significant difference was observed between males and females but the cyp17a1 gene showed higher expression in male than in female gonads. The results suggest that during sampling the females were in perinucleolar stage and the males in early spermatogenesis stage which led to specific patterns of expression for the investigated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Burcea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gina-Oana Popa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Iulia E Florescu Gune
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sami Gharbia
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Gisela Gaina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Dudu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Anca Hermenean
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Sergiu E Georgescu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marieta Costache
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
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16
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Wang W, Zhu H, Dong Y, Tian Z, Dong T, Hu H, Niu C. Dimorphic expression of sex-related genes in different gonadal development stages of sterlet, Acipenser ruthenus, a primitive fish species. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2017; 43:1557-1569. [PMID: 28963671 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-017-0392-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Molecular mechanism of sex determination and differentiation of sturgeon, a primitive fish species, is extraordinarily important due to the valuable caviar; however, it is still poorly known. The present work aimed to identify the major genes involved in regulating gonadal development of sterlet, a small species of sturgeon, from 13 candidate genes which have been shown to relate to gonadal differentiation and development in other teleost fish. The sex and gonadal development of sterlets were determined by histological observation and levels of sex steroids testosterone (T), 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), and 17β-estradiol (E2) in serum. Sexually dimorphic gene expressions were investigated. The results revealed that gonadal development were asynchronous in 2-year-old male and female sterlets with the testes in early or mid-spermatogenesis and the ovaries in chromatin nucleolus stage or perinucleolus stage, respectively. The levels of T and E2 were not significantly different between sexes or different gonadal development stages while 11-KT had the higher level in mid-spermatogenesis testis stage. In all the investigated gonadal development stages, gene dmrt1 and hsd11b2 were expressed higher in male whereas foxl2 and cyp19a1 were expressed higher in female. Thus, these genes provided the promising markers for sex identification of sterlet. It was unexpected that dkk1 and dax1 had significantly higher expression in ovarian perinucleolus stage than in ovarian chromatin nucleolus stage and in the testis, suggesting that these two genes had more correlation with ovarian development than with the testis, contrary to the previous reports in other vertebrates. Testicular development-related genes (gsdf and amh) and estrogen receptor genes (era and erb) differentially expressed at different testis or ovary development stages, but their expressions were not absolutely significantly different in male and female, depending on the gonadal development stage. Expression of androgen receptor gene ar or rspo, which was supposed to be related to ovarian development, presented no difference between gonadal development stages investigated in this study whenever in male or female.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xin Jie Kou Wai Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing, 100875, China
- National Freshwater Fisheries Engineering Technology Research Center, Ministry of Science and Technology of China, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology (No. BZ0301), Beijing Fisheries Research Institute, No.18 Ma Jia Pu Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100068, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- National Freshwater Fisheries Engineering Technology Research Center, Ministry of Science and Technology of China, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology (No. BZ0301), Beijing Fisheries Research Institute, No.18 Ma Jia Pu Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100068, China
| | - Ying Dong
- National Freshwater Fisheries Engineering Technology Research Center, Ministry of Science and Technology of China, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology (No. BZ0301), Beijing Fisheries Research Institute, No.18 Ma Jia Pu Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100068, China
| | - ZhaoHui Tian
- National Freshwater Fisheries Engineering Technology Research Center, Ministry of Science and Technology of China, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology (No. BZ0301), Beijing Fisheries Research Institute, No.18 Ma Jia Pu Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100068, China
| | - Tian Dong
- National Freshwater Fisheries Engineering Technology Research Center, Ministry of Science and Technology of China, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology (No. BZ0301), Beijing Fisheries Research Institute, No.18 Ma Jia Pu Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100068, China
| | - HongXia Hu
- National Freshwater Fisheries Engineering Technology Research Center, Ministry of Science and Technology of China, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology (No. BZ0301), Beijing Fisheries Research Institute, No.18 Ma Jia Pu Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100068, China.
| | - CuiJuan Niu
- Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xin Jie Kou Wai Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing, 100875, China.
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17
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Li H, Xu W, Zhu Y, Zhang N, Ma J, Sun A, Cui Z, Gao F, Wang N, Shao C, Dong Z, Li Y. Characterization and expression pattern of r-spondin1 in Cynoglossus semilaevis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2017; 328:772-780. [PMID: 29044994 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
r-spondin1 (rspo1) encodes a secreted protein that is involved in the determination and differentiation of the mammalian ovary. However, little information is yet available for teleosts. Here, we identified a homologue of rspo1 in Cynoglossus semilaevis. The full-length cDNA of rspo1 had a length of 2,703 bp with an open reading frame of 834 bp, encoding a protein with a length of 277 amino-acids. rspo1 expression was detected via qRT-PCR in various tissues, and significant sexually dimorphic expression was observed in the gonads. Furthermore, ISH located rspo1 in germ cells such as spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, spermatozoa, and oocytes, as well as in somatic cells of the gonads. Following knockdown of rspo1 in an ovarian cell line, the expressions of wnt4a, β-catenin, foxl2, and StAR were highly affected; wnt4a and β-catenin were significantly downregulated, whereas foxl2 and StAR were significantly upregulated. In summary, these data suggest that rspo1 may be involved in the regulation of ovarian development and differentiation through a conserved pathway, while the function of the gene in the testis remains elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Li
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Institute of Metabolic Diseases, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenteng Xu
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Jialu Ma
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Ai Sun
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China.,National Freshwater Fisheries Engineering Technology Research Center, Ministry of Science and Technology of China, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology (No.BZ0301), Beijing Fisheries Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongkai Cui
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Fengtao Gao
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Na Wang
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Changwei Shao
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhongdian Dong
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Yangzhen Li
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
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18
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Yang YJ, Wang Y, Li Z, Zhou L, Gui JF. Sequential, Divergent, and Cooperative Requirements of Foxl2a and Foxl2b in Ovary Development and Maintenance of Zebrafish. Genetics 2017; 205:1551-1572. [PMID: 28193729 PMCID: PMC5378113 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.116.199133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Foxl2 is essential for mammalian ovary maintenance. Although sexually dimorphic expression of foxl2 was observed in many teleosts, its role and regulative mechanism in fish remained largely unclear. In this study, we first identified two transcript variants of foxl2a and its homologous gene foxl2b in zebrafish, and revealed their specific expression in follicular layer cells in a sequential and divergent fashion during ovary differentiation, maturation, and maintenance. Then, homozygous foxl2a mutants (foxl2a-/-) and foxl2b mutants (foxl2b-/-) were constructed and detailed comparisons, such as sex ratio, gonadal histological structure, transcriptome profiling, and dynamic expression of gonadal development-related genes, were carried out. Initial ovarian differentiation and oocyte development occur normally both in foxl2a-/- and foxl2b-/- mutants, but foxl2a and foxl2b disruptions result in premature ovarian failure and partial sex reversal, respectively, in adult females. In foxl2a-/- female mutants, sox9a-amh/cyp19a1a signaling was upregulated at 150 days postfertilization (dpf) and subsequently oocyte apoptosis was triggered after 180 dpf. In contrast, dmrt1 expression was greater at 105 dpf and increased several 100-fold in foxl2b-/- mutated ovaries at 270 dpf, along with other testis-related genes. Finally, homozygous foxl2a-/-/foxl2b-/- double mutants were constructed in which complete sex reversal occurs early and testis-differentiation genes robustly increase at 60 dpf. Given mutual compensation between foxl2a and foxl2b in foxl2b-/- and foxl2a-/- mutants, we proposed a model in which foxl2a and foxl2b cooperate to regulate zebrafish ovary development and maintenance, with foxl2b potentially having a dominant role in preventing the ovary from differentiating as testis, as compared to foxl2a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Jing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jian-Fang Gui
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
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19
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Karami A, Omar D, Lazorchak JM, Yap CK, Hashim Z, Courtenay SC. A comparison of biomarker responses in juvenile diploid and triploid African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, exposed to the pesticide butachlor. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 151:313-320. [PMID: 27522569 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Influence of waterborne butachlor (BUC), a commonly used pesticide, on morphometric, biochemical, and molecular biomarkers was evaluated in juvenile, full sibling, diploid and triploid African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Fish were exposed for 21 days to one of three concentrations of BUC [mean measured µg/L: 22, 44 or 60]. Unexposed (control) triploids were heavier and longer and had higher visceral-somatic index (VSI) than diploids. Also, they had lighter liver weight (HSI) and showed lower transcript levels of brain gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), aromatase (cyp191b) and fushi tarazu-factor (ftz-f1), and plasma testosterone levels than diploids. Butachlor treatments had no effects, in either diploid or triploid fish, on VSI, HSI, weight or length changes, condition factor (CF), levels of plasma testosterone, 17-β estradiol (E2), cortisol, cholesterol, or mRNA levels of brain tryptophan hydroxylase (tph2), forkhead box L2 (foxl2), and 11 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-hsd2). Expressions of cyp191b and ftz-f1 in triploids were upregulated by the two highest concentrations of BUC. In diploid fish, however, exposures to all BUC concentrations decreased GnRH transcription and the medium BUC concentration decreased ftz-f1 transcription. Substantial differences between ploidies in basal biomarker responses are consistent with the reported impaired reproductive axis in triploid C. gariepinus. Furthermore, the present study showed the low impact of short term exposure to BUC on reproductive axis in C. gariepinus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Karami
- Laboratory of Aquatic Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Dzolkhifli Omar
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - James M Lazorchak
- Office of Research and Development, National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Chee Kong Yap
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zailina Hashim
- Laboratory of Aquatic Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Simon C Courtenay
- School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, Canadian Water Network, Canadian Rivers Institute, University of Waterloo, Canada
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20
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Karami A, Romano N, Hamzah H, Simpson SL, Yap CK. Acute phenanthrene toxicity to juvenile diploid and triploid African catfish (Clarias gariepinus): Molecular, biochemical, and histopathological alterations. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 212:155-165. [PMID: 26845363 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.01.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Information on the biological responses of polyploid animals towards environmental contaminants is scarce. This study aimed to compare reproductive axis-related gene expressions in the brain, plasma biochemical responses, and the liver and gill histopathological alterations in diploid and triploid full-sibling juvenile African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Fish were exposed for 96 h to one of the two waterborne phenanthrene (Phe) concentrations [mean measured (SD): 6.2 (2.4) and 76 (4.2) μg/L]. In triploids, exposure to 76 μg/L Phe increased mRNA level of fushi tarazu-factor 1 (ftz-f1). Expression of tryptophan hydroxylase2 (tph2) was also elevated in both ploidies following the exposure to 76 μg/L Phe compared to the solvent control. In triploids, 76 μg/L Phe increased plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels compared to the other Phe-exposed group. It also elevated lactate and glucose contents relative to the other groups. In diploids, however, biochemical biomarkers did not change. Phenanthrene exposures elevated glycogen contents and the prevalence of histopathological lesions in the liver and gills of both ploidies. This study showed substantial differences between diploids and triploids on biochemical and molecular biomarker responses, but similar histopathological alterations following acute Phe exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Karami
- Laboratory of Aquatic Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Nicholas Romano
- Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hazilawati Hamzah
- Haematology & Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Stuart L Simpson
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land and Water, Locked Bag 2007, Kirrawee, NSW 2234, Australia
| | - Chee Kong Yap
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia
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21
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Rajakumar A, Senthilkumaran B. Sox3 binds to 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase gene promoter suggesting transcriptional interaction in catfish. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 158:90-103. [PMID: 26772480 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In fishes, the expression of steroidogenic enzyme genes and their related transcription factors (TFs) are critical for the regulation of steroidogenesis and gonadal development. 11-KT is the potent androgen and hence, 11β-hsd, enzyme involved in 11-KT production is important. Regulation of 11β-hsd gene was never studied in any fishes. At first 11β-hsd was cloned and recombinant protein was tested for enzyme activity prior to expression and promoter motif analysis. Expression changes revealed stage- and sex-dependent increase in the ontogenic studies. Further, 11β-hsd expression was higher during spawning phase of reproductive cycle and was found to be gonadotropin inducible both in vivo and in vitro. ∼2kb of 5' upstream region of 11β-hsd, was cloned from catfish genomic DNA library and in silico promoter analysis revealed putative TF binding sites such as Sox3, Wt1, Pax2, Dmrt1 and Ad4BP/SF-1. Luciferase reporter assay using the sequential deletion constructs in human embryonic kidney and Chinese hamster ovary cells revealed considerable promoter activity of the constructs containing Sox3, but not with other motifs largely. Site-directed mutagenesis, Sox3 over expression, electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays further substantiated the binding of Sox3 to its corresponding cis-acting element in the upstream promoter motif of 11β-hsd. This is the first report to show that Sox3 binds to the 11β-hsd gene promoter and transactivates to regulate male reproduction in a teleost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anbazhagan Rajakumar
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad 500046, India
| | - Balasubramanian Senthilkumaran
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad 500046, India.
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Suzuki H, Kanai-Azuma M, Kanai Y. From Sex Determination to Initial Folliculogenesis in Mammalian Ovaries: Morphogenetic Waves along the Anteroposterior and Dorsoventral Axes. Sex Dev 2015; 9:190-204. [DOI: 10.1159/000440689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Hua J, Han J, Guo Y, Zhou B. The progestin levonorgestrel affects sex differentiation in zebrafish at environmentally relevant concentrations. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2015; 166:1-9. [PMID: 26163149 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2015.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Revised: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic progestins have become widespread environmental contaminants and may cause adverse effects on fish. In the present study, we investigated the effects of levonorgestrel (LNG) on sex differentiation in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Embryos were exposed to LNG at environmentally relevant concentrations (0, 1, 10, 33, and 100ng/L) and allowed to develop until sexual maturity. Histological examination at 63 days post fertilization (dpf) caused complete sex reversal and 100% males were observed in the 10, 33 and 100ng/L treatments; gross morphological and histological examination of gonads at 142dpf further confirmed 100% males at these exposure concentrations. The results indicate androgenic activity of LNG, and masculinization during zebrafish gonadal differentiation. The mRNA expression levels of genes involved in fish sex differentiation and gonadal development were examined at 28 and 42dpf. Down-regulation of the mRNA expression of aromatase (e.g., cyp19a1a, cyp19a1b), the forkhead transcription factor gene L2 (foxl2) and the Fushi tarazu factor-1d (nr5a1b) were observed. In contrast, transcription of the doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factor 1 (dmrt1) gene was up-regulated. Androgen receptor (ar) mRNA expression was significantly down-regulated at 28 and 42dpf. Co-exposure to flutamide (an androgen antagonist) and LNG, led to a decrease in the sex inversion potency of LNG. Our study has demonstrated that environmentally relevant concentrations of LNG could alter sex differentiation and gonadal development in zebrafish. Our results also suggest a potentially high ecological risk of LNG to fish populations in LNG-contaminated aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghuan Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jian Han
- Biology Institute of Shangdong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Yongyong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Bingsheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
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Senthilkumaran B, Sudhakumari CC, Mamta SK, Raghuveer K, Swapna I, Murugananthkumar R. "Brain sex differentiation" in teleosts: Emerging concepts with potential biomarkers. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 220:33-40. [PMID: 26116093 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
"Brain sex differentiation" in teleosts is a contentious topic of research as most of the earlier reports tend to suggest that gonadal sex differentiation drives brain sex differentiation. However, identification of sex-specific marker genes in the developing brain of teleosts signifies brain-gonadal interaction during early sexual development in lower vertebrates. In this context, the influence of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-gonadotropin (GTH) axis on gonadal sex differentiation, if any requires in depth analysis. Presence of seabream (sb) GnRH immunoreactivity (ir-) in the brain of XY Nile tilapia was found as early as 5days post hatch (dph) followed by qualitative reduction in the preoptic area-hypothalamus region. In contrast, in the XX female brain a steady ir- of sbGnRH was evident from 15dph. Earlier studies using sea bass already implied the importance of hypothalamic gonadotropic axis completion during sex differentiation period. Such biphasic pattern of localization was also seen in pituitary GTHs using heterologous antisera in tilapia. However, more recent analysis in the same species could not detect any sexually dimorphic pattern using homologous antisera for pituitary GTHs. Detailed studies on the development of hypothalamo-hypophyseal-gonadal axis in teleosts focusing on hypothalamic monoamines (MA) and MA-related enzymes demonstrated sex-specific differential expression of tryptophan hydroxylase (Tph) in the early stages of developing male and female brains of tilapia and catfish. The changes in Tph expression was in agreement with the levels of serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxytryptophan in the preoptic area-hypothalamus. Considering the stimulatory influence of 5-HT on GnRH and GTH release, it is possible to propose a network association between these correlates during early development, which may bring about brain sex dimorphism in males. A recent study from our laboratory during female brain sex development demonstrated high expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in correlation with catecholamine levels, brain aromatase and its related transcription factors such as fushi tarazu factor 1, Ftz-f1 and fork head box protein L2, foxl2. Taken together, gender differences in the levels of various transcripts provide new perspectives on brain sex differentiation in lower vertebrates. Sexually dimorphic or differentially expressing genes may play an essential role at the level of brain in response to gonadal differentiation, which might consequentially or causatively respond to gonadal sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balasubramanian Senthilkumaran
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India.
| | - Cheni-Chery Sudhakumari
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India
| | - Sajwan-Khatri Mamta
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India
| | - Kavarthapu Raghuveer
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India
| | - Immani Swapna
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India
| | - Raju Murugananthkumar
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India
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25
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Foxl2 of the Hong Kong catfish (Clarias fuscus): cDNA cloning, tissue distribution and changes in gene expression towards methyltestosterone, estradiol and letrozole exposure of the fries during gonadal differentiation. Genes Genomics 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13258-015-0296-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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26
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Caulier M, Brion F, Chadili E, Turies C, Piccini B, Porcher JM, Guiguen Y, Hinfray N. Localization of steroidogenic enzymes and Foxl2a in the gonads of mature zebrafish (Danio rerio). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2015; 188:96-106. [PMID: 26099948 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2015.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In zebrafish, the identification of the cells expressing steroidogenic enzymes and their regulators is far from completely fulfilled though it could provide crucial information on the elucidation of the role of these enzymes. The aim of this study was to better characterize the expression pattern of steroidogenic enzymes involved in estrogen and androgen production (Cyp17-I, Cyp11c1, Cyp19a1a and Cyp19a1b) and one of their regulators (Foxl2a) in zebrafish gonads. By using immunohistochemistry, we localized the steroid-producing cells in mature zebrafish gonads and determined different expression patterns between males and females. All these steroidogenic enzymes and Foxl2a were detected both in the testis and ovary. In the testis, they were all localized both in Leydig and germ cells except Cyp19a1b which was only detected in germ cells. In the ovary, Cyp17-I, Cyp19a1a and Foxl2a were immunolocalized in both somatic and germ cells while Cyp19a1b was only detected in germ cells and Cyp11c1 in somatic cells. Moreover, Cyp19a1a and Foxl2a did not display exactly the same patterns of spatial localization but their expressions were correlated suggesting a possible regulation of cyp19a1a gene by Foxl2a in zebrafish. Comparative analysis revealed a dimorphic expression of Cyp11c1, Cyp19a1a, Cyp19a1b and Foxl2a between males and females. Overall, our study provides a detailed description of the expression of proteins involved in the biosynthesis of steroidal hormones at the cellular scale within gonads, which is critical to further elucidating the intimate roles of the enzymes and the use of the zebrafish as a model in the field of endocrinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Caulier
- INERIS, Direction des Risques Chroniques, Pole VIVA, Unite d'ecotoxicologie in vitro et in vivo, BP2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - François Brion
- INERIS, Direction des Risques Chroniques, Pole VIVA, Unite d'ecotoxicologie in vitro et in vivo, BP2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Edith Chadili
- INERIS, Direction des Risques Chroniques, Pole VIVA, Unite d'ecotoxicologie in vitro et in vivo, BP2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Cyril Turies
- INERIS, Direction des Risques Chroniques, Pole VIVA, Unite d'ecotoxicologie in vitro et in vivo, BP2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Benjamin Piccini
- INERIS, Direction des Risques Chroniques, Pole VIVA, Unite d'ecotoxicologie in vitro et in vivo, BP2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Jean-Marc Porcher
- INERIS, Direction des Risques Chroniques, Pole VIVA, Unite d'ecotoxicologie in vitro et in vivo, BP2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Yann Guiguen
- INRA, UR1037, Laboratoire de Physiologie et de Génomique des Poissons (LPGP), IFR140, Ouest-Genopole, F-35000 Rennes France
| | - Nathalie Hinfray
- INERIS, Direction des Risques Chroniques, Pole VIVA, Unite d'ecotoxicologie in vitro et in vivo, BP2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.
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27
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Sridevi P, Chaitanya RK, Prathibha Y, Balakrishna SL, Dutta-Gupta A, Senthilkumaran B. Early exposure of 17α-ethynylestradiol and diethylstilbestrol induces morphological changes and alters ovarian steroidogenic pathway enzyme gene expression in catfish, Clarias gariepinus. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2015; 30:439-51. [PMID: 24273110 DOI: 10.1002/tox.21920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Revised: 10/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/26/2013] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Environmental estrogens are major cause of endocrine disruption in vertebrates, including aquatic organisms. Teleosts are valuable and popular models for studying the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment. In the present study, we investigated the changes caused by exposure to the synthetic estrogens 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2 ) and diethylstilbesterol (DES) during early stages of growth and sex differentiation of air-breathing catfish, Clarias gariepinus, at the morphological, histological, and molecular levels. Catfish hatchlings, 0 day post hatch (dph) were exposed continuously to sublethal doses of EE2 (50 ng/L) and DES (10 ng/L) until 50 dph and subsequently monitored for ovarian structural changes and alteration in the gene expression of steroidogenic enzymes till adulthood. Treated fish exhibited morphological deformities such as spinal curvature, stunted growth, and yolk-sac fluid retention. In addition to ovarian atrophy, DES-treated fish showed either rudimentary or malformed ovaries. Detailed histological studies revealed precocious oocyte development as well as follicular atresia. Further, transcript levels of various steroidogenic enzyme and transcription factor genes were altered in response to EE2 and DES. Activity of the rate-limiting enzyme of estrogen biosynthesis, aromatase, in the ovary as well as the brain of treated fish was in accordance with transcript level changes. These developmental and molecular effects imparted by EE2 and DES during early life stages of catfish could demonstrate the deleterious effects of estrogen exposure and provide reliable markers for estrogenic EDCs exposure in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sridevi
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P O Central University, Hyderabad, 500 046, India
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28
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Gennotte V, Mélard C, D'Cotta H, Baroiller JF, Rougeot C. The sensitive period for male-to-female sex reversal begins at the embryonic stage in the Nile tilapia and is associated with the sexual genotype. Mol Reprod Dev 2014; 81:1146-58. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Gennotte
- Aquaculture Research and Education Center (CEFRA); AFFISH-RC; University of Liège; Tihange Belgium
| | - Charles Mélard
- Aquaculture Research and Education Center (CEFRA); AFFISH-RC; University of Liège; Tihange Belgium
| | - Helena D'Cotta
- UMR Intrepid; Department Persyst; CIRAD; Campus International de Baillarguet; Montpellier France
| | - Jean-François Baroiller
- UMR Intrepid; Department Persyst; CIRAD; Campus International de Baillarguet; Montpellier France
| | - Carole Rougeot
- Aquaculture Research and Education Center (CEFRA); AFFISH-RC; University of Liège; Tihange Belgium
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29
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Liu XP, Fu KY, Lü FG, Meng QW, Guo WC, Li GQ. Involvement of FTZ-F1 in the regulation of pupation in Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 55:51-60. [PMID: 25446391 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2014.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
During the final instar larvae of holometabolous insects, a pulse of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and a drop in juvenile hormone (JH) trigger larval-pupal metamorphosis. In this study, two LdFTZ-F1 cDNAs (LdFTZ-F1-1 and LdFTZ-F1-2) were cloned in Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Both LdFTZ-F1-1 and LdFTZ-F1-2 were highly expressed just before or right after each molt, similar to the expression pattern of an ecdysteroidogenesis gene LdSHD. Ingestion of an ecdysteroid agonist halofenozide (Hal) enhanced LdFTZ-F1-1 and LdFTZ-F1-2 expression in the final larval instar. Conversely, a decrease in 20E by feeding a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) against LdSHD repressed the expression. Moreover, Hal rescued the expression levels in LdSHD-silenced larvae. Thus, 20E peaks seem to induce the transcription of LdFTZ-F1s. Furthermore, ingesting dsLdFTZ-F1 from a common fragment of LdFTZ-F1-1 and LdFTZ-F1-2 successfully knocked down both LdFTZ-F1s, and impaired pupation. Finally, knocking down LdFTZ-F1s significantly repressed the transcription of three ecdysteroidogenesis genes, lowered 20E titer, and reduced the expression of two 20E receptor genes. Silencing LdFTZ-F1s also induced the expression of a JH biosynthesis gene, increased JH titer, but decreased the mRNA level of a JH early-inducible gene. Thus, LdFTZ-F1s are involved in the regulation of pupation by modulating 20E and JH titers and mediating their signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Ping Liu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Kai-Yun Fu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Feng-Gong Lü
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Qing-Wei Meng
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Wen-Chao Guo
- Department of Plant Protection, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi 830091, China.
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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30
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Zhang Y, Zhang S, Lu H, Zhang L, Zhang W. Genes encoding aromatases in teleosts: evolution and expression regulation. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 205:151-8. [PMID: 24859258 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Revised: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 aromatases, encoded by cyp19a1 genes, catalyzes the conversion of androgens to estrogens and plays important roles in the reproduction of vertebrates. Vertebrate cyp19a1 genes showed high synteny in chromosomal locations and conservation in sequences during evolution. However, amphioxus cyp19a1 does not show synteny to vertebrate cyp19a1. Teleost fish possess two copies of the cyp19a1 gene, which were postulated to result from a fish-specific genome duplication. The duplicated copies of fish cyp19a1 genes evolved into the brain and ovarian forms of cytochrome P450 aromatase genes, cyp19a1a and cyp19a1b, respectively, with different regulatory mechanisms of expression, through subfunctionalization under long-term selective pressure. In addition to the estradiol (E2) auto-regulatory loop, there may be other mechanisms responsible for the high expression of aromatase in the teleost brain. The study of the two cyp19a1 copies in teleost fish will shed light on the general evolution, function, and regulation of vertebrate cyp19a1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, PR China
| | - Shen Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, PR China
| | - Huijie Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, PR China
| | - Lihong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, PR China.
| | - Weimin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, PR China.
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31
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Biswas B, Yenugu S. Transcriptional regulation of the rat sperm-associated antigen 11e (Spag 11e) gene during endotoxin challenge. Mol Genet Genomics 2014; 289:837-45. [PMID: 24777385 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-014-0854-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inducible expression of antimicrobial proteins of the Sperm-Associated Antigen 11 (Spag11) family is dependent on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and epigenetic factors. However, the regulatory mechanisms that govern their gene expression during endotoxin challenge are unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that the Spag11e gene upstream sequence contains binding sites for androgen receptor (AR), NF-κB, nuclear factor-1, E-twenty-six and activator protein 2. The role of these transcription factors in inducing Spag11e gene during LPS challenge was analysed by measuring luciferase activity in HEK cells transiently transfected with deletion constructs that lacked one or more of the binding sites. Deletion of AR-binding site resulted in loss of luciferase activity and no further decrease was observed when progressive deletions of the other transcription factor binding sites were made. Mutations in AR or NF-κB binding site resulted in loss of luciferase activity. Electrophoretic gel-mobility shift assays indicated that AR and NF-κB proteins bind to the synthesised radio-labelled oligomers used as probes and the mobility shifted when respective antibodies were added. Results of this study indicate the direct involvement of AR and NF-κB in LPS-induced Spag11e expression, thereby expanding our understanding of antimicrobial gene expression during endotoxin challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barnali Biswas
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad, 500046, Andhra Pradesh, India
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32
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Sreenivasan R, Jiang J, Wang X, Bártfai R, Kwan HY, Christoffels A, Orbán L. Gonad differentiation in zebrafish is regulated by the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Biol Reprod 2014; 90:45. [PMID: 24174574 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.110874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish males undergo a "juvenile ovary-to-testis" gonadal transformation process. Several genes, including nuclear receptor subfamily 5, group A (nr5a) and anti-Müllerian hormone (amh), and pathways such as Tp53-mediated germ-cell apoptosis have been implicated in zebrafish testis formation. However, our knowledge of the regulation of this complex process is incomplete, and much remains to be investigated about the molecular pathways and network of genes that control it. Using a microarray-based analysis of transforming zebrafish male gonads, we demonstrated that their transcriptomes undergo transition from an ovary-like pattern to an ovotestis to a testis-like profile. Microarray results also validated the previous histological and immunohistochemical observation that there is high variation in the duration and extent of commitment to the juvenile ovary phase among individuals. Interestingly, global gene expression profiling of diverging zebrafish juvenile ovaries and transforming ovotestes revealed that some members of the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway were differentially expressed between these two phases. To investigate whether Wnt/beta-catenin signaling plays a role in zebrafish gonad differentiation, we used the Tg (hsp70l:dkk1b-GFP)w32 line to inhibit Wnt/beta-catenin signaling during gonad differentiation. Activation of dkk1b-GFP expression by heat shock resulted in an increased proportion of males and corresponding decrease in gonadal aromatase gene (cyp19a1a) expression. The Wnt target gene, lymphocyte enhancer binding factor 1 (lef1), was also down-regulated in the process. Together, these results provide the first functional evidence that, similarly to mammals, Wnt/beta-catenin signaling is a "pro-female" pathway that regulates gonad differentiation in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajini Sreenivasan
- Reproductive Genomics Group, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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33
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Crespo B, Lan-Chow-Wing O, Rocha A, Zanuy S, Gómez A. foxl2 and foxl3 are two ancient paralogs that remain fully functional in teleosts. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 194:81-93. [PMID: 24045113 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Revised: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 08/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
FOXL2 is a forkhead transcription factor involved in mammalian development and regulation of reproduction. Two foxl2 paralogs, foxl2a and foxl2b, have been described in various teleost species and were considered as fish-specific duplicates. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of foxl2a (foxl2) and foxl2b (foxl3) in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), together with the identification of these two genes in non-teleost genomes. Phylogenetic and synteny analyses indicate that these paralogs originated from an ancient genome duplication event that happened long before the teleost specific duplication. While foxl2/foxl2a has been maintained in most vertebrate lineages, foxl2b, which we propose to rename as foxl3, was repeatedly lost in tetrapods. Gonadal expression patterns of the sea bass genes point to a strong sexual dimorphism, and the mRNA levels of foxl2 in ovary and foxl3 in testis vary significantly during the reproductive cycle. When overexpressed in cultured ovarian follicular cells, foxl2 and foxl3 produced functional transcription factors able to control the expression of reproduction-related genes. Taken together, these data suggest that Foxl2 may play a conserved role in ovarian maturation, while Foxl3 could be involved in testis physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Crespo
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 12595 Torre la Sal, Ribera de Cabanes s/n, Castellón, Spain
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34
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Bernard DJ, Tran S. Mechanisms of activin-stimulated FSH synthesis: the story of a pig and a FOX. Biol Reprod 2013; 88:78. [PMID: 23426431 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.107797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Activins were discovered and, in fact, named more than a quarter century ago based on their abilities to stimulate pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) synthesis and secretion. However, it is only in the last decade that we have finally come to understand their underlying mechanisms of action in gonadotroph cells. In this minireview, we chronicle the research that led to the recent discovery of forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) as an essential mediator of activin-regulated FSH beta subunit (Fshb) transcription in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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35
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Chakrabarty S, Rajakumar A, Raghuveer K, Sridevi P, Mohanachary A, Prathibha Y, Bashyam L, Dutta-Gupta A, Senthilkumaran B. Endosulfan and flutamide, alone and in combination, target ovarian growth in juvenile catfish, Clarias batrachus. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2012; 155:491-7. [PMID: 22227439 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2011.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Revised: 12/18/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Juvenile Catfish(es), Clarias batrachus of 50 days post hatch (dph) were exposed to endosulfan (2.5 parts per billion [ppb]) and flutamide (33 ppb), alone and in combination for 50 days to access their impact on ovarian development. The doses used in this study were nominal considering pervious reports. Sampling was done at 100 dph to perform histology and measurement of various transcripts, estradiol-17β and aromatase activity. In general, treatments enhanced expression of ovary-specific transcription factors, steroidogenic enzymes steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and aromatases while transcripts of tryptophan hydroxylase2 (tph2) and catfish gonadotropin-releasing hormone declined in the brain of all treated groups with maximum reduction in the endosulfan group. Significant reduction of tph2 immunoreactivity in the forebrain/telencephalon-preoptic area endorsed our results. Increased number of pre-vitellogenic and less immature oocytes in the treated groups indicated hastened ovarian growth. Elevated ovarian aromatase activity and plasma estradiol-17β levels were noticed in the treated groups with maximum being in the endosulfan group. These data together demonstrate that the exposure of endosulfan causes synchronous precocious ovarian development better than flutamide, alone or in combination. Our results suggest that both endosulfan and flutamide alter ovarian growth by triggering precocious development in catfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Chakrabarty
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Life Sciences-Centre for Advanced Studies, University of Hyderabad, P. O. Central University, Hyderabad - 500 046, Andhra Pradesh, India
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Molecular cloning and expression analysis of fushi tarazu factor 1 in the brain of air-breathing catfish, Clarias gariepinus. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28867. [PMID: 22216130 PMCID: PMC3247217 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2011] [Accepted: 11/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fushi tarazu factor 1 (FTZ-F1) encodes an orphan nuclear receptor belonging to the nuclear receptor family 5A (NR5A) which includes adrenal 4-binding protein or steroidogenic factor-1 (Ad4BP/SF-1) and liver receptor homologue 1 (LRH-1) and plays a pivotal role in the regulation of aromatases. Methodology/Principal Findings Present study was aimed to understand the importance of FTZ-F1 in relation to brain aromatase (cyp19a1b) during development, recrudescence and after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) induction. Initially, we cloned FTZ-F1 from the brain of air-breathing catfish, Clarias gariepinus through degenerate primer RT-PCR and RACE. Its sequence analysis revealed high homology with other NR5A1 group members Ad4BP/SF-1 and LRH-1, and also analogous to the spatial expression pattern of the latter. In order to draw functional correlation of cyp19a1b and FTZ-F1, we analyzed the expression pattern of the latter in brain during gonadal ontogeny, which revealed early expression during gonadal differentiation. The tissue distribution both at transcript and protein levels revealed its prominent expression in brain along with liver, kidney and testis. The expression pattern of brain FTZ-F1 during reproductive cycle and after hCG induction, in vivo was analogous to that of cyp19a1b shown in our earlier study indicating its involvement in recrudescence. Conclusions/Significance Based on our previous results on cyp19a1b and the present data, it is plausible to implicate potential roles for brain FTZ-F1 in ovarian differentiation and recrudescence process probably through regulation of cyp19a1b in teleosts. Nevertheless, these interactions would require primary coordinated response from ovarian aromatase and its related transcription factors.
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