1
|
Fernandes da Costa D, de Oliveira Ribeiro A, Morena Bonita Ricci J, da Silva Rodrigues M, Antonio de Oliveira M, Felipe da Rosa I, Benites Doretto L, Takahiro Nakajima R, Henrique Nóbrega R. A83-01 and DMH1 effects in the zebrafish spermatogonial niche: Unraveling the roles of TGF-β and BMP signaling in the Fsh-mediated spermatogonial fate. Gene 2024; 897:148082. [PMID: 38101710 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.148082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling has fundamental roles in the regulation of the stem cell niche for both embryonic and adult stem cells. In zebrafish, male germ stem cell niche is regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) through different members of the TGF-β superfamily. On the other hand, the specific roles of TGF-β and BMP signaling pathways are unknown in the zebrafish male germ stem cell niche. Considering this lack of information, the present study aimed to investigate the pharmacological inhibition of TGF-β (A83-01) and BMP (DMH1) signaling pathways in the presence of recombinant zebrafish Fsh using testicular explants. We also reanalyzed single cell-RNA sequencing (sc-RNA-seq) dataset from adult zebrafish testes to identify the testicular cellular sites of smad expression, and to understand the physiological significance of the changes in smad transcript levels after inhibition of TGF-β or BMP pathways. Our results showed that A83-01 potentiated the pro-stimulatory effects of Fsh on spermatogonial differentiation leading to an increase in the proportion area occupied by differentiated spermatogonia with concomitant reduction of type A undifferentiated (Aund) spermatogonia. In agreement, expression analysis showed lower mRNA levels for the pluripotency gene pou5f3, and increased expression of dazl (marker of type B spermatogonia and spermatocyte) and igf3 (pro-stimulatory growth factor) following the co-treatment with TGF-β inhibitor and Fsh. Contrariwise, the inhibition of BMP signaling nullified the pro-stimulatory effects of Fsh, resulting in a reduction of differentiated spermatogonia and increased proportion area occupied by type Aund spermatogonia. Supporting this evidence, BMP signaling inhibition increased the mRNA levels of pluripotency genes nanog and pou5f3, and decreased dazl levels when compared to control. The sc-RNA-seq data unveiled a distinctive pattern of smad expression among testicular cells, primarily observed in spermatogonia (smad 2, 3a, 3b, 8), spermatocytes (smad 2, 3a, 8), Sertoli cells (smad 1, 3a, 3b), and Leydig cells (smad 1, 2). This finding supports the notion that inhibition of TGF-β and BMP signaling pathways may predominantly impact cellular components within the spermatogonial niche, namely spermatogonia, Sertoli, and Leydig cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that TGF-β and BMP signaling pathways exert antagonistic roles in the zebrafish germ stem cell niche. The members of the TGF-β subfamily are mainly involved in maintaining the undifferentiated state of spermatogonia, while the BMP subfamily promotes spermatogonial differentiation. Therefore, in the complex regulation of the germ stem cell niche by Fsh, members of the BMP subfamily (pro-differentiation) should be more predominant in the niche than those belonging to the TGF-β (anti-differentiation). Overall, these findings are not only relevant for understanding the regulation of germ stem cell niche but may also be useful for expanding in vitro the number of undifferentiated spermatogonia more efficiently than using recombinant hormones or growth factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Fernandes da Costa
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda de Oliveira Ribeiro
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Morena Bonita Ricci
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maira da Silva Rodrigues
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Antonio de Oliveira
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ivana Felipe da Rosa
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Benites Doretto
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Takahiro Nakajima
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Henrique Nóbrega
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil; South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Di Cesare L, Barbeito CG, Santamaría-Martín C, Montes MM, Uribe MC, Plaul SE. Ovarian changes and development of the branchial placenta occurring in Jenynsia lineata (Cyprinodontiformes, Anablepidae). J Morphol 2023; 284:e21630. [PMID: 37585233 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
In viviparous teleosts, intraovarian gestation occurs intrafollicularly, as in poeciliids, or intraluminally, as in goodeids and anablepids. Furthermore, there are two different forms of embryonic nutrition: lecithotrophy and matrotrophy; depending on the species, these can be exclusive or coexist during gestation. In matrotrophic species, nutrients are transmitted from the mother to the embryo and are especially important in species with intraluminal gestation. Jenynsia lineata is a South American viviparous teleost with intraluminal gestation, characterized by eggs with scarce yolk, which is resorbed when embryos are 6 mm long, thus developing a branchial placenta. Using histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical techniques, the present study describes the characteristics and changes of the ovarian mucosa in J. lineata during gestational and nongestational phases, and analyzes the embryonic pharyngeal epithelium in the branchial placenta. The ovaries of 30 adult female specimens were processed using histological techniques and stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's trichrome, and Alcian Blue pH 2.5/periodic acid Schiff reagent. To detect cell proliferation, we used antiproliferating cell nuclear antigen antibody. In nonpregnant females, eosinophilic granular cells (EGCs) and lymphocytes were identified in the lamina propria of the tunica mucosa, and melanomacrophage centers (MMCs) and fibroblasts were identified adjacent to tissue debris in the ovarian folds'. In the cellular debris, an embryo in resorption was observed. In pregnant females, the ovarian mucosa has thin vascularization branches entering the opercular chamber of the embryos, in close contact with the forming gill processes, thereby establishing a branchial placenta. Active cell replacement was observed in these ovarian branches. The identification of fibroblasts, lymphocytes, EGCs, and MMCs adjacent to tissue debris could indicate that these cell types are involved in the embryonic resorption process. Considering the new data obtained in this study on the branchial placenta of J. lineata, we conclude that cell proliferation could be involved in the development of maternal-embryonic interaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Di Cesare
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada (LHYEDEC), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudio G Barbeito
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada (LHYEDEC), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos Santamaría-Martín
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada (LHYEDEC), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín M Montes
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y Vectores (CEPAVE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (CCT, CONICET-UNLP), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mari C Uribe
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción Animal, Departamento de Biología Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Silvia E Plaul
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada (LHYEDEC), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Razmi K, Tran NK, Patil JG. Gonad Ontogeny and Sex Differentiation in a Poeciliid, Gambusia holbrooki: Transition from a Bi- to a Mono-Lobed Organ. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12050731. [PMID: 37237542 DOI: 10.3390/biology12050731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Despite their uniqueness, the ontogeny and differentiation of the single-lobed gonads in the poeciliids are very poorly understood. To address this, we employed both cellular and molecular approaches to systematically map the development of the testes and ovary in Gambusia holbrooki from pre-parturition to adulthood, encompassing well over 19 developmental stages. The results show that putative gonads form prior to the completion of somitogenesis in this species, a comparatively early occurrence among teleosts. Remarkably, the species recapitulates the typical bi-lobed origin of the gonads during early development that later undergoes steric metamorphosis to form a single-lobed organ. Thereafter, the germ cells undergo mitotic proliferation in a sex-dependent manner before the acquisition of the sexual phenotype. The differentiation of the ovary preceded that of the testes, which occurred before parturition, where the genetic females developed meiotic primary oocytes stage I, indicating ovarian differentiation. However, genetic males showed gonial stem cells in nests with slow mitotic proliferation at the same developmental stage. Indeed, the first signs of male differentiation were obvious only post-parturition. The expression pattern of the gonadosoma markers foxl2, cyp19a1a, amh and dmrt1 in pre- and post-natal developmental stages were consistent with morphological changes in early gonad; they were activated during embryogenesis, followed by the onset of gonad formation, and a sex-dimorphic expression pattern concurrent with sex differentiation of the ovary (foxl2, cyp19a1a) and testes (amh and dmrt1). In conclusion, this study documents for the first time the underlying events of gonad formation in G. holbrooki and shows that this occurs relatively earlier than those previously described for ovi- and viviparous fish species, which may contribute to its reproductive and invasive prowess.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Komeil Razmi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS 7053, Australia
| | - Ngoc Kim Tran
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS 7053, Australia
- Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, An Giang University, a Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Long Xuyen City 880000, Vietnam
| | - Jawahar G Patil
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS 7053, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mousavi SE, Grützner F, Patil JG. Enhanced mitotic arrest and chromosome resolution for cytogenetic analysis in the eastern mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki. Acta Histochem 2023; 125:152029. [PMID: 37062122 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2023.152029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Maximising the number of cells arrested at metaphase and their resolution is fundamentally important for molecular cytogenetic investigations, particularly in fish, which typically yield low mitotic index and have highly condensed chromosomes. To overcome these limitations, fish were injected with a mitotic stimulator (the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to improve the mitotic index, and the intercalating agent ethidium bromide to produce elongated chromosomes. Specifically, adults were injected with activated yeast and then Colcemid (0.025 µg/µl solution, 10 µl per 1 g of body weight) at 24-96 h post yeast injections, followed by chromosome preparations from multiple tissues. Results showed that gill tissue had the highest number of dividing cells at 72 h post yeast exposure with no significant (p > 0.05) differences between the sexes. Nonetheless, sex-specific differences in the mitotic index were observed in spleen, kidney, and liver, which may be attributed to sex-specific differences in immune responses. For elongation of mitotic chromosomes, individuals (both sexes) were first injected with activated yeast and after 48 h with ethidium bromide (2 or 4 µg/ml) and Colcemid (0.05 µg/µl solution, 10 µl per 1 g of body weight). Following which, animals were sampled at three time points (1, 4 and 8 h) for chromosome preparations. The results show that the optimum elongation of metaphase chromosomes of males and females was achieved by using 2 µg/ml and 4 µg/ml, respectively, for 1 h. Interestingly, the average mitotic chromosome length (μm) of males and females post-ethidium bromide exposure was significantly different (p < 0.05) for both concentrations, except at 1 h exposure for 2 µg/ml EtBr. Such differences can be attributed to overall chromosomal condensation differences between sexes. Regardless, the increased mitotic index and chromosome resolution could benefit cytogenetic studies in other fish species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Ehsan Mousavi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS 7053, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia.
| | - Frank Grützner
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Jawahar G Patil
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS 7053, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Begum S, Gnanasree SM, Anusha N, Senthilkumaran B. Germ cell markers in fishes - A review. AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aaf.2022.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
6
|
Tran NK, Kwan TN, Purser J, Patil JG. Masculinization of Adult Gambusia holbrooki: A Case of Recapitulation of Protogyny in a Gonochorist? BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050694. [PMID: 35625423 PMCID: PMC9138882 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Although gonochoristic fish express one sex or the other in adulthood, some adults display traits similar to those of their opposite sex, suggesting plasticity similar to hermaphrodites. To fully test this potential in the eastern mosquitofish, a gonochorist, two adult stages of females were fed 17α-Methyltestosterone incorporated feed (0–200 mg/kg diet) for 50 days. The hormone (particularly at 50 mg/kg diet) stimulated the formation of complex male copulatory structures and testicular tissue as well as upregulated expression of Anti-Müllerian Hormone gene and altered the behavior from females to males. Collectively, we infer that Gambusia holbrooki retains potential for sex reversal at adulthood, similar to what occurs naturally in hermaphroditic fish and can provide an ideal system to investigate these mechanisms in a regulated fashion. Abstract 17α-Methyltestosterone (MT) is a synthetic steroid that has been widely used to masculinize many fish species when administered early during larval development, however, reports on its efficacy on adults is limited. To this end, this study investigated the efficacy of MT in the masculinization of the eastern mosquitofish (G. holbrooki) at two adult stages (maiden and repeat gravid females). The treated females were fed control or respective MT incorporated feed (0–200 mg/kg diet) for 50 days. Effects of the hormone on secondary sexual characteristics, internal gonad morphology, expression of the Anti-Müllerian Hormone (amh) gene and sexual behavior of the treated females were investigated. The results showed that MT at the dose of 50 mg/kg feed stimulated secondary sexual character development, upregulated expression of amh, formation of testicular tissue and a shift in the behavior similar to those of normal males, prominently so in treated maiden gravid females. Post-treatment, long-term observations indicated that only two masculinized females reverted back to being females and gave birth to young. Induction of masculinizing effects in most individuals suggests that the sexual phenotype of this species appears to be highly plastic with potential to sex reverse at adulthood. This in combination with its small size and short reproductive cycle could provide an ideal system to explore the mechanisms of sequential hermaphroditism in fish and contribute to genetic control of this pest fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc Kim Tran
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia; (N.K.T.); (J.P.)
- Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, An Giang University, 18 Ung Van Khiem Street, Long Xuyen City 880000, Vietnam
| | - Tzu Nin Kwan
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS 7053, Australia;
| | - John Purser
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia; (N.K.T.); (J.P.)
| | - Jawahar G. Patil
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia; (N.K.T.); (J.P.)
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS 7053, Australia;
- Inland Fisheries Services, New Norfolk, TAS 7140, Australia
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Razmi K, Patil JG. Primordial Germ Cell Development in the Poeciliid, Gambusia holbrooki, Reveals Shared Features Between Lecithotrophs and Matrotrophs. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:793498. [PMID: 35300414 PMCID: PMC8920993 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.793498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Metazoans exhibit two modes of primordial germ cell (PGC) specification that are interspersed across taxa. However, the evolutionary link between the two modes and the reproductive strategies of lecithotrophy and matrotrophy is poorly understood. As a first step to understand this, the spatio-temporal expression of teleostean germ plasm markers was investigated in Gambusia holbrooki, a poecilid with shared lecitho- and matrotrophy. A group of germ plasm components was detected in the ovum suggesting maternal inheritance mode of PGC specification. However, the strictly zygotic activation of dnd-β and nanos1 occurred relatively early, reminiscent of models with induction mode (e.g., mice). The PGC clustering, migration and colonisation patterns of G. holbrooki resembled those of zebrafish, medaka and mice at blastula, gastrula and somitogenesis, respectively—recapitulating features of advancing evolutionary nodes with progressive developmental stages. Moreover, the expression domains of PGC markers in G. holbrooki were either specific to teleost (vasa expression in developing PGCs), murine models (dnd spliced variants) or shared between the two taxa (germline and somatic expression of piwi and nanos1). Collectively, the results suggest that the reproductive developmental adaptations may reflect a transition from lecithotrophy to matrotrophy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Komeil Razmi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS, Australia
| | - Jawahar G Patil
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mousavi SE, Patil JG. Stages of embryonic development in the live-bearing fish, Gambusia holbrooki. Dev Dyn 2021; 251:287-320. [PMID: 34139034 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Divergent morphology and placentation of Poeciliids make them suitable model for investigating how evolutionary selection has altered and conserved the developmental mechanisms. However, there is limited description of their embryonic staging, despite representing a key evolutionary node that shares developmental strategy with placental vertebrates. Here, we describe the embryonic developmental stages of Gambusia holbrooki from zygote to parturition using freshly harvested embryos. RESULTS We defined 40 embryonic stages using a numbered (stages 0-39; zygote to parturition, respectively) and named (grouped into seven periods, ie, zygote, cleavage, blastula, gastrula, segmentation, pharyngula, and parturition) staging system. Two sets of quantitative (ie, egg diameter, embryonic total length, otic vesicle closure index, heart rates, the number of caudal fin rays and elements) and qualitative (ie, three-dimensional analysis of images and key morphological criteria) data were acquired and used in combination to describe each stage. All 40 stages are separated by well-defined morphological traits, revealing developmental novelties that are influenced by narrow perivitelline space, placentation, internal gestation, and sex differentiation. CONCLUSIONS The principal diagnostic features described are quick, reliable, and easy to apply. This system will benefit researchers investigating molecular ontogeny, particularly sexual differentiation mechanisms in G. holbrooki.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Ehsan Mousavi
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jawahar G Patil
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, Tasmania, Australia.,Inland Fisheries Service, New Norfolk, Tasmania, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mousavi SE, Purser GJ, Patil JG. Embryonic Onset of Sexually Dimorphic Heart Rates in the Viviparous Fish, Gambusia holbrooki. Biomedicines 2021; 9:165. [PMID: 33567532 PMCID: PMC7915484 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In fish, little is known about sex-specific differences in physiology and performance of the heart and whether these differences manifest during development. Here for the first time, the sex-specific heart rates during embryogenesis of Gambusia holbrooki, from the onset of the heart rates (HRs) to just prior to parturition, was investigated using light cardiogram. The genetic sex of the embryos was post-verified using a sex-specific genetic marker. Results reveal that heart rates and resting time significantly increase (p < 0.05) with progressive embryonic development. Furthermore, both ventricular and atrial frequencies of female embryos were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of their male sibs at the corresponding developmental stages and remained so at all later developmental stages (p < 0.05). In concurrence, the heart rate and ventricular size of the adult females were also significantly (p < 0.05) higher and larger respectively than those of males. Collectively, the results suggest that the cardiac sex-dimorphism manifests as early as late-organogenesis and persists through adulthood in this species. These findings suggest that the cardiac measurements can be employed to non-invasively sex the developing embryos, well in advance of when their phenotypic sex is discernible. In addition, G. holbrooki could serve as a better model to study comparative vertebrate cardiovascular development as well as to investigate anthropogenic and climatic impacts on heart physiology of this species, that may be sex influenced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Ehsan Mousavi
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS 7053, Australia;
| | - G. John Purser
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS 7053, Australia;
| | - Jawahar G. Patil
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS 7053, Australia;
- Inland Fisheries Service, New Norfolk, TAS 7140, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Patil JG, Norazmi-Lokman NH, Kwan TN. Reproductive viability of paradoxically masculinised Gambusia holbrooki generated following diethylstilbestrol (DES) treatment. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 248-249:110468. [PMID: 32710933 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2020.110468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Hormonal sex reversal can produce monosex fish stocks and provide insights into their gamity and reproductive physiology. However, paradoxical effects have been reported in several fish species that remain largely ignored as anomalies, particularly those of masculinisation. As a first step, this study examined reproductive viability of paradoxically masculinised Gambusia holbrooki produced following oral administration (20-100 mg/kg feed) of a feminizing hormone diethylstilbestrol (DES). Contrary to expectation, all treatment groups produced 100% male populations. Survival, mating behaviour, gamete production, breeding output as well as expression of anti-Mullerian hormone (amh), ovarian (cyp19a1a) and brain (cyp19a1b) aromatase of masculinised fish were also examined. Survival (≤ 54.1 ± 7.3%) at termination of DES treatment was significantly lower compared with controls (88.6 ± 4.3%) but remained unaffected post treatment. Gonopodium thrusting frequency (33 ± 9.8 per 10 min) was not significantly different to untreated males just as sperm abundance (3.9 ± 1.5 × 108/male) and their motility (88.6 ± 29.1%). Importantly, paradoxically masculinised fish mated with virgin females and produced clutch sizes (22 ± 4) and progeny survival (87.0 ± %) that were comparable to that of untreated males. Masculinised testes showed high amh and low cyp19a1a expression, a pattern resembling those of untreated males. Production of paradoxically sex-reversed males with a capability to produce viable offspring has not been reported previously in this or other fish species. The outcomes support a feed-back regulation of oestrogenic pathways in this viviparous fish and could be useful for ecological applications such as controlling invasive fish populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jawahar G Patil
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, IMAS, University of Tasmania, Australia; Inland Fisheries Service Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Nor Hakim Norazmi-Lokman
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, IMAS, University of Tasmania, Australia; Faculty of Fisheries and Food Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Tzu Nin Kwan
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, IMAS, University of Tasmania, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang W, Liang S, Zou Y, Wu Z, Wang L, Liu Y, You F. Amh dominant expression in Sertoli cells during the testicular differentiation and development stages in the olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Gene 2020; 755:144906. [PMID: 32554048 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus, an important marine fish, shows gender differences in growth. The mechanism on its gonadal differentiation direction affected with exogenous factors still needs to be clarified. The anti-Müllerian hormone (amh) gene is involved in fish testicular differentiation and maintenance. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the flounder amh in tissues and the gonads. The quantitative expression analysis results showed that it was highly expressed in the testis, especially in the testis at stages I - IV (P < 0.05). Also, amh was detected in Sertoli cells surrounding spermatogonia and peripheral seminiferous lobule of the testis with in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). During the differentiation period, the amh expression in the testis of the tamoxifen treatment group (100 ppm) was higher than that in the ovary of the 17β-estradiol (E2, 5 ppm) group, and the expression levels of amh during process of the male differentiation in the tamoxifen group were higher than those in the 17ɑ-methyltestosterone (MT, 5 ppm) group (P < 0.05). ISH results also exhibited that amh was expressed in the somatic cells that surrounded the germ cells of juvenile flounder similar to adult ones. Furthermore, the flounder gonads in the tamoxifen group maintained more germ cells and somatic cells than those in the MT group from 20 to 80 mm total length (TL). Especially, at 60 and 80 mm TL, the numbers of germ and somatic cells in the tamoxifen group were significantly higher than those in the MT group (P < 0.05). In summary, amh might initiate the process of testicular differentiation, and is involved in the early development and maintenance of testis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266237, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Shaoshuai Liang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Yuxia Zou
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Zhihao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Feng You
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266237, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Expression profile and estrogenic regulation of Amh during gonadal sex differentiation in northern snakehead (Channa argus). Genes Genomics 2020; 42:827-835. [PMID: 32462521 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-020-00943-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh) plays a critical role in both early sex determination and later gonad development in vertebrate species. However, it remains unknown in northern snakehead (Channa argus), which is economically important freshwater fish with sexual dimorphism. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify the expression profiles and estrogenic regulation of CaAmh during gonadal sex differentiation in C. argus. METHODS The cDNA and genomic DNA sequences of CaAmh were identified by PCR and RACE techniques. The expression patterns of CaAmh were detected by qRT-PCR during the gonadal sex differentiation and after 17α-ethinyloestradiol (EE2) treatments. RESULTS CaAmh is composed of seven exons and six introns, and its full-length cDNA is 2413 bp in length, with 1635 bp open reading frame (ORF) that encodes a 544 amino acid protein. Tissues expression patterns revealed that CaAmh display the highest expression in testis of XY males (40.36 folds, p < 0.01). The spatio-temporal expression patterns during gonadal sex differentiation indicated that CaAmh expression differed between XX females and XY males at 30 day after hatching (dah), and reached to the peak (36.03 folds, p < 0.01) at 90 dah in XY gonads. However, CaAmh expression in XX gonads remained low throughout the sampling period. Furthermore, CaAmh expression in the gonads (ovaries) of the sex-reversed XY fish (XY-F) by the administration of estrogen EE2 was downregulated to low level, similar to that in ovaries of normal XX females (XX-F). CONCLUSIONS These results show that Amh plays a critical role in testicular differentiation of C. argus and it is apparently modulated by estrogens in this species.
Collapse
|