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Zhang Y, Wei Z, Zhang M, Wang S, Gao T, Huang H, Zhang T, Cai H, Liu X, Fu T, Liang D. Population Structure and Selection Signal Analysis of Nanyang Cattle Based on Whole-Genome Sequencing Data. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:351. [PMID: 38540410 PMCID: PMC10970060 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
With a rich breeding history, Nanyang cattle (NY cattle) have undergone extensive natural and artificial selection, resulting in distinctive traits such as high fertility, excellent meat quality, and disease resistance. This makes them an ideal model for studying the mechanisms of environmental adaptability. To assess the population structure and genetic diversity of NY cattle, we performed whole-genome resequencing on 30 individuals. These data were then compared with published whole-genome resequencing data from 432 cattle globally. The results indicate that the genetic structure of NY cattle is significantly different from European commercial breeds and is more similar to North-Central Chinese breeds. Furthermore, among all breeds, NY cattle exhibit the highest genetic diversity and the lowest population inbreeding levels. A genome-wide selection signal analysis of NY cattle and European commercial breeds using Fst, θπ-ratio, and θπ methods revealed significant selection signals in genes associated with reproductive performance and immunity. Our functional annotation analysis suggests that these genes may be responsible for reproduction (MAP2K2, PGR, and GSE1), immune response (NCOA2, HSF1, and PAX5), and olfaction (TAS1R3). We provide a comprehensive overview of sequence variations in the NY cattle genome, revealing insights into the population structure and genetic diversity of NY cattle. Additionally, we identify candidate genes associated with important economic traits, offering valuable references for future conservation and breeding efforts of NY cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.W.); (M.Z.); (S.W.); (T.G.); (H.H.); (T.Z.); (H.C.); (T.F.)
| | - Zhitong Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.W.); (M.Z.); (S.W.); (T.G.); (H.H.); (T.Z.); (H.C.); (T.F.)
| | - Man Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.W.); (M.Z.); (S.W.); (T.G.); (H.H.); (T.Z.); (H.C.); (T.F.)
| | - Shiwei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.W.); (M.Z.); (S.W.); (T.G.); (H.H.); (T.Z.); (H.C.); (T.F.)
| | - Tengyun Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.W.); (M.Z.); (S.W.); (T.G.); (H.H.); (T.Z.); (H.C.); (T.F.)
| | - Hetian Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.W.); (M.Z.); (S.W.); (T.G.); (H.H.); (T.Z.); (H.C.); (T.F.)
| | - Tianliu Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.W.); (M.Z.); (S.W.); (T.G.); (H.H.); (T.Z.); (H.C.); (T.F.)
| | - Hanfang Cai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.W.); (M.Z.); (S.W.); (T.G.); (H.H.); (T.Z.); (H.C.); (T.F.)
| | - Xian Liu
- Henan Animal Husbandry Station, Zhengzhou 450008, China;
| | - Tong Fu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.W.); (M.Z.); (S.W.); (T.G.); (H.H.); (T.Z.); (H.C.); (T.F.)
| | - Dong Liang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.W.); (M.Z.); (S.W.); (T.G.); (H.H.); (T.Z.); (H.C.); (T.F.)
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Li M, Sun L, Zhou L, Wang D. Tilapia, a good model for studying reproductive endocrinology. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 345:114395. [PMID: 37879418 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), with a system of XX/XY sex determination, is a worldwide farmed fish with a shorter sexual maturation time than that of most cultured fish. Tilapia show a spawning cycle of approximately 14 days and can be artificially propagated in the laboratory all year round to obtain genetically all female (XX) and all male (XY) fry. Its genome sequence has been opened, and a perfect gene editing platform has been established. With a moderate body size, it is convenient for taking enough blood to measure hormone level. In recent years, using tilapia as animal model, we have confirmed that estrogen is crucial for female development because 1) mutation of star2, cyp17a1 or cyp19a1a (encoding aromatase, the key enzyme for estrogen synthesis) results in sex reversal (SR) due to estrogen deficiency in XX tilapia, while mutation of star1, cyp11a1, cyp17a2, cyp19a1b or cyp11c1 affects fertility due to abnormal androgen, cortisol and DHP levels in XY tilapia; 2) when the estrogen receptors (esr2a/esr2b) are mutated, the sex is reversed from female to male, while when the androgen receptors are mutated, the sex cannot be reversed; 3) the differentiated ovary can be transdifferentiated into functional testis by inhibition of estrogen synthesis, and the differentiated testis can be transdifferentiated into ovary by simultaneous addition of exogenous estrogen and androgen synthase inhibitor; 4) loss of male pathway genes amhy, dmrt1, gsdf causes SR with upregulation of cyp19a1a in XY tilapia. Disruption of estrogen synthesis rescues the male to female SR of amhy and gsdf but not dmrt1 mutants; 5) mutation of female pathway genes foxl2 and sf-1 causes SR with downregulation of cyp19a1a in XX tilapia; 6) the germ cell SR of foxl3 mutants fails to be rescued by estrogen treatment, indicating that estrogen determines female germ cell fate through foxl3. This review also summarized the effects of deficiency of other steroid hormones, such as androgen, DHP and cortisol, on fish reproduction. Overall, these studies demonstrate that tilapia is an excellent animal model for studying reproductive endocrinology of fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lina Sun
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Linyan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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Clark B, Kuwalekar M, Fischer B, Woltering J, Biran J, Juntti S, Kratochwil CF, Santos ME, Almeida MV. Genome editing in East African cichlids and tilapias: state-of-the-art and future directions. Open Biol 2023; 13:230257. [PMID: 38018094 PMCID: PMC10685126 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
African cichlid fishes of the Cichlidae family are a group of teleosts important for aquaculture and research. A thriving research community is particularly interested in the cichlid radiations of the East African Great Lakes. One key goal is to pinpoint genetic variation underlying phenotypic diversification, but the lack of genetic tools has precluded thorough dissection of the genetic basis of relevant traits in cichlids. Genome editing technologies are well established in teleost models like zebrafish and medaka. However, this is not the case for emerging model organisms, such as East African cichlids, where these technologies remain inaccessible to most laboratories, due in part to limited exchange of knowledge and expertise. The Cichlid Science 2022 meeting (Cambridge, UK) hosted for the first time a Genome Editing Workshop, where the community discussed recent advances in genome editing, with an emphasis on CRISPR/Cas9 technologies. Based on the workshop findings and discussions, in this review we define the state-of-the-art of cichlid genome editing, share resources and protocols, and propose new possible avenues to further expand the cichlid genome editing toolkit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethan Clark
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Muktai Kuwalekar
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Uusimaa 00014, Finland
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Uusimaa 00014, Finland
| | - Bettina Fischer
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joost Woltering
- Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg 78457, Germany
| | - Jakob Biran
- Department of Poultry and Aquaculture, Institute of Animal Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon Lezion, Israel
| | - Scott Juntti
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Claudius F. Kratochwil
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Uusimaa 00014, Finland
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Uusimaa 00014, Finland
| | | | - Miguel Vasconcelos Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome/CRUK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Luo M, Wang J, Dong Z, Wang C, Lu G. CRISPR-Cas9 sgRNA design and outcome assessment: Bioinformatics tools and aquaculture applications. AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aaf.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Zhai G, Shu T, Yu G, Tang H, Shi C, Jia J, Lou Q, Dai X, Jin X, He J, Xiao W, Liu X, Yin Z. Augmentation of progestin signaling rescues testis organization and spermatogenesis in zebrafish with the depletion of androgen signaling. eLife 2022; 11:e66118. [PMID: 35225789 PMCID: PMC8912926 DOI: 10.7554/elife.66118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Disruption of androgen signaling is known to cause testicular malformation and defective spermatogenesis in zebrafish. However, knockout of cyp17a1, a key enzyme responsible for the androgen synthesis, in ar-/- male zebrafish paradoxically causes testicular hypertrophy and enhanced spermatogenesis. Because Cyp17a1 plays key roles in hydroxylation of pregnenolone and progesterone (P4), and converts 17α-hydroxypregnenolone to dehydroepiandrosterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone to androstenedione, we hypothesize that the unexpected phenotype in cyp17a1-/-;androgen receptor (ar)-/- zebrafish may be mediated through an augmentation of progestin/nuclear progestin receptor (nPgr) signaling. In support of this hypothesis, we show that knockout of cyp17a1 leads to accumulation of 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) and P4. Further, administration of progestin, a synthetic DHP mimetic, is sufficient to rescue testicular development and spermatogenesis in ar-/- zebrafish, whereas knockout of npgr abolishes the rescue effect of cyp17a1-/- in the cyp17a1-/-;ar-/- double mutant. Analyses of the transcriptomes among the mutants with defective testicular organization and spermatogenesis (ar-/-, ar-/-;npgr-/- and cyp17a-/-;ar-/-;npgr-/-), those with normal phenotype (control and cyp17a1-/-), and rescued phenotype (cyp17a1-/-;ar-/-) reveal a common link between a downregulated expression of insl3 and its related downstream genes in cyp17a-/-;ar-/-;npgr-/- zebrafish. Taken together, our data suggest that genetic or pharmacological augmentation of the progestin/nPgr pathway is sufficient to restore testis organization and spermatogenesis in zebrafish with the depletion of androgen signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Tingting Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Chinese Sturgeon Research Institute, China Three Gorges CorporationHubeiChina
| | - Guangqing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Haipei Tang
- 5State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Improved Variety Reproduction in Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Chuang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jingyi Jia
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agriculture UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Qiyong Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
| | - Xiangyan Dai
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development and Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Xia Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
| | - Jiangyan He
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
| | - Wuhan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
| | - Xiaochun Liu
- 5State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Improved Variety Reproduction in Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhan Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
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Yang L, Wu Y, Su Y, Zhang X, Chakraborty T, Wang D, Zhou L. Cyp17a2 is involved in testicular development and fertility in male Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1074921. [PMID: 36523590 PMCID: PMC9744770 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1074921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Steroid hormones play an essential role in many reproductive processes of vertebrates. Previous studies revealed that teleost-specific Cyp17a2 (cytochrome P450 family 17 subfamily a 2) might be required for the production of cortisol in the head-kidney and 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) in ovary during oocyte maturation. However, the role of Cyp17a2 in male reproduction remains to be largely unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the essentiality of cyp17a2 gene in male steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, and male fertility. METHODS A homozygous mutation line of cyp17a2 gene was constructed in tilapia by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. The expression level of germ cell and meiosis-related genes and steroidogenic enzymes were detected by qRT-PCR, IHC, and Western blotting. EIA and LC-MS/MS assays were used to measure the steroid production levels. And sperm quality was examined by Sperm Quality Analyzer software. RESULTS In this study, cyp17a2 gene mutation resulted in the significant decline of serum DHP and cortisol levels. On the contrary, significant increases in intermediate products of cortisol and DHP were found in cyp17a2-/- male fish. The deficiency of cyp17a2 led to the arrest of meiotic initiation in male fish revealing as the reduction of the expression of germ cell-related genes (vasa, piwil, oct4) and meiosis-related genes (spo11 and sycp3) by 90 dah. Afterwards, spermatogenesis was gradually recovered with the development of testis in cyp17a2-/- males, but it showed a lower sperm motility and reduced fertility compared to cyp17a2+/+ XY fish. Deletion of cyp17a2 led to the abnormal upregulation of steroidogenic enzymes for cortisol production in the head-kidney. Moreover, unaltered serum androgens and estrogens, as well as unchanged related steroidogenic enzymes were found in the testis of cyp17a2-/- male fish. CONCLUSION This study proved that, for the fist time, Cyp17a2 is indispensable for cortisol and DHP production, and cyp17a2 deficiency associated curtailed meiotic initiation and subfertility suggesting the essentiality of DHP and cortisol in the male fertility of fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanying Yang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Fisheries Engineering Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - You Wu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Fisheries Engineering Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yun Su
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Fisheries Engineering Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuefeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Fisheries Engineering Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | | | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Fisheries Engineering Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Linyan Zhou, ; Deshou Wang,
| | - Linyan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Fisheries Engineering Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Linyan Zhou, ; Deshou Wang,
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Shi H, Ru X, Pan S, Jiang D, Huang Y, Zhu C, Li G. Transcriptomic analysis of pituitary in female and male spotted scat (Scatophagus argus) after 17β-estradiol injection. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2021; 41:100949. [PMID: 34942522 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2021.100949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Spotted scat (Scatophagus argus) is a popular species of marine fish cultured in China. It shows normal sexual growth dimorphism. Female spotted scat grows quicker and bigger than males. Growth and reproduction are the most important traits in aquaculture. In vertebrates, the pituitary gland occupies an important position in the growth and reproduction axis. Estrogen is involved in regulating growth and reproduction in the pituitary gland in an endocrine fashion. Transcriptome sequencing of the pituitary was performed in female and male fish at 6 h after 17β-estradiol injection (4.0 μg E2/g body weight, BW). Compared with the pituitary of female and male groups, 144 and 64 genes [|log2(fold change)| ≥ 1.0 and false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05] were significantly differentially expressed in E2-injected females and males, respectively (p < 0.05). Of these, 59 and 48 were up-regulated, and 85 and 16 were down-regulated. According to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) pathway analyses, DEGs were involved in signal pathways, such as growth, reproduction, oocyte meiosis and steroid biosynthesis. Of these, estrogen affected the expression of some sex steroid synthesis and receptor genes in the pituitary gland through feedback, such as hsd17b7, pgr and cyp19a1b, regulating the reproductive activities. Besides, some growth-related genes, such as gap43, junbb, mstn2 and insm1a responded to estrogen. E2 might affect the expression level of gh mRNA by regulating the expression levels of growth-related genes. Our results provide a theoretical basis for studying the molecular mechanism of growth and reproduction regulation at the pituitary level of spotted scat responded to E2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjuan Shi
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Xiaoying Ru
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory-Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Shuhui Pan
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Dongneng Jiang
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yang Huang
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Chunhua Zhu
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Guangli Li
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
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Li J, Lyu L, Wen H, Li Y, Wang X, Zhang Y, Yao Y, Qi X. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of gonadal development and renewal in the ovoviviparous black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii). BMC Genomics 2021; 22:874. [PMID: 34863110 PMCID: PMC8642938 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08169-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) has an ovoviviparous reproductive pattern and long-term sperm storage, resulting in asynchronous gonadal development between the sexes. However, the comprehensive understanding of gonadal development in black rockfish has not yet been achieved. Here, we studied gonadal development and germ cell renewal using histology and RNA-seq. RESULTS In this study, RNA-seq was performed on testes and ovaries to characterize key pathways and genes that are active during development and gamete maturation in black rockfish. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and annotated in 4 comparisons (F_III vs. F_IV, F_IV vs. F_V, M_III vs. M_IV and M_IV vs. M_V). Based on analysis of DEGs enriched in the testis, 11 and 14 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were mapped to the M_III vs. M_IV group and the M_IV vs. M_V group, respectively. DEGs in ovarian development were also classified into 10 groups according to their biological functions. The expression patterns of the selected genes determined by qPCR were significantly correlated with the RNA-Seq results, supporting the reliability and accuracy of the RNA-Seq analysis. E2 levels showed down regulation from previtellogenesis to mature stage in female and T level showed down regulation from spermatogenesis to regressed stage in the male. CONCLUSIONS The categories "intercellular interaction and cytoskeleton", "molecule amplification" and "repair in the cell cycle" were revealed to be crucial in testis development and spermatogenesis, as was the biosynthesis of a series of metabolites. Our results provide comprehensive insight into black rockfish gonadal development and provide a basis for further study of reproductive physiology and molecular biology in ovoviviparity teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianshuang Li
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China
| | - Likang Lyu
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China
| | - Haishen Wen
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China
| | - Yun Li
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China
| | - Ying Zhang
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China
| | - Yijia Yao
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China
| | - Xin Qi
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, P. R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China.
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Yang L, Zhang X, Liu S, Zhao C, Miao Y, Jin L, Wang D, Zhou L. Cyp17a1 is Required for Female Sex Determination and Male Fertility by Regulating Sex Steroid Biosynthesis in Fish. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6377406. [PMID: 34581801 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In teleost fish, sex steroids are involved in sex determination, sex differentiation, and fertility. Cyp17a1 (Cytochrome P450 family 17 subfamily A member 1) is thought to play essential roles in fish steroidogenesis. Therefore, to further understand its roles in steroidogenesis, sex determination, and fertility in fish, we constructed a cyp17a1 gene mutant in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). In XX fish, mutation of the cyp17a1 gene led to a female-to-male sex reversal with a significant decline in 17β-estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) production, and ectopic expression of male-biased markers (Dmrt1 and Gsdf) in gonads from the critical window of sex determination. Sex reversal was successfully rescued via T or E2 administration, and ovarian characteristics were maintained after termination of E2 supplementation in the absence of endogenous estrogen production in cyp17a1-/- XX fish. Likewise, deficiencies in T and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) production in both cyp17a1-/- XX sex-reversed males and cyp17a1-/- XY mutants resulted in meiotic initiation delays, vas deferens obstruction and sterility due to excessive apoptosis and abnormal mitochondrial morphology. However, 11-KT treatment successfully rescued the dysspermia to produce normal sperm in cyp17a1-/- male fish. Significant increases in gonadotropic hormone (gth) and gth receptors in cyp17a1-/- mutants may excessively upregulate steroidogenic gene expression in Leydig cells through a feedback loop. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that Cyp17a1 is indispensable for E2 production, which is fundamental for female sex determination and differentiation in XX tilapia. Additionally, Cyp17a1 is essential for T and 11-KT production, which further promotes spermatogenesis and fertility in XY males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanying Yang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xuefeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Shujun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Chenhua Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yiyang Miao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Li Jin
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Linyan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
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Li L, Wu Y, Zhao C, Miao Y, Cai J, Song L, Wei J, Chakraborty T, Wu L, Wang D, Zhou L. The role of StAR2 gene in testicular differentiation and spermatogenesis in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 214:105974. [PMID: 34425195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.105974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroids play critical roles in sex differentiation and gonadal development in teleosts. Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), transporting cholesterol (the substrate for steroidogenesis) from the outer mitochondrial membrane to the inner membrane, is the first rate-limiting factor of steroidogenesis. Interestingly, two StAR genes (named as StAR1 and StAR2) have been isolated from non-mammalian vertebrates. To characterize the functions of the novel StAR2 gene in the gonadal differentiation and fertility, we generated a StAR2 homozygous mutant line in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). StAR2 gene knockout in male tilapia impeded meiotic initiation, associate with the down-regulation of meiosis related gene expressions of vasa, sycp3 and dazl at 90 days after hatching (dah). Meanwhile, cyp11b2 expression and serum 11-KT production significantly declined in StAR2-/- XY fish at 90 dah. From 120-300 dah, spermatogenesis gradually recovered, and so did the expressions of vasa, sycp3 and dazl in StAR2-/- XY fish testes. However, seminiferous lobules arranged disorderly in StAR2-/- XY fish testes at 300 dah. The number of Leydig cells and expressions of downstream steroidogenesis enzymes including cyp11a1, 3β-HSD-I, 3β-HSD-II, cyp17a1 and cyp17a2 decreased in StAR2-/- XY fish testes at 300 dah. Serum testosterone and 11-KT levels were significantly lower in StAR2-/- XY fish than that of their control counterparts. Furthermore, significantly elevated ar, fsh and lh expressions in StAR2-deficient XY fish testes and pituitaries were found when compared with the control XY fish. Testes degeneration and spermatogenic cell apoptosis were observed, while no sperm were squeezed out in StAR2-/- XY fish testes at 540 dah. Taken together, our results suggest that StAR2 has a role in testicular development, spermatogenesis and spermiation by regulating androgen production in tilapia, but may not be essential and could be compensated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China; Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - You Wu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Chenhua Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Yiyang Miao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Jing Cai
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Lingyun Song
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Jing Wei
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | | | - Limin Wu
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China.
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China.
| | - Linyan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China.
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11
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Zhou L, Li M, Wang D. Role of sex steroids in fish sex determination and differentiation as revealed by gene editing. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 313:113893. [PMID: 34454946 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The involvement of sex steroids in sex determination and differentiation is relatively conserved among non-mammalian vertebrates, especially in fish. Thanks to the advances in genome sequencing and genome editing, significant progresses have been made in the understanding of steroidogenic pathway and hormonal regulation of sex determination and differentiation in fish. It seems that loss of function study of single gene challenges the traditional views that estrogen is required for ovarian differentiation and androgen is needed for testicular development, but it is not so in essence. Steroidogenic enzymes can be classified into two categories based on expression and enzyme activities in fish. One type, encoded by star2, cyp17a1 and cyp19a1a, is involved in estrogen production and exclusively expressed in the gonads. Mutation of these genes results in the up-regulation of male pathway genes and sex reversal from genetic female to male. The other type, encoded by the duplicated paralogs of the above genes, including star1, cyp11a1, cyp17a2 and cyp19a1b, as well as cyp11c1 gene, is dominantly expressed both in gonads and extra-gonadal tissues. Mutation of these genes alters the steroids (androgen, DHP and cortisol) production and spermatogenesis, fertility, secondary sexual characteristics and sexual behavior, but usually does not affect the sex differentiation. For the estrogen receptors (esr1, esr2a and esr2b), single mutation failed to, but double and triple mutation leads to sex reversal from female to male, indicating that at least Esr2a and Esr2b are required to mediate the role of estrogen in sex determination proved by gene editing experiments. Taken together, results from gene editing enrich our understanding of steroid synthesis pathways and further confirm the critical role of estrogen in female sex determination by antagonizing the male pathway in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Minghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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12
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Lu J, Fang W, Huang J, Li S. The application of genome editing technology in fish. MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 3:326-346. [PMID: 37073287 PMCID: PMC10077250 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-021-00091-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The advent and development of genome editing technology has opened up the possibility of directly targeting and modifying genomic sequences in the field of life sciences with rapid developments occurring in the last decade. As a powerful tool to decipher genome data at the molecular biology level, genome editing technology has made important contributions to elucidating many biological problems. Currently, the three most widely used genome editing technologies include: zinc finger nucleases (ZFN), transcription activator like effector nucleases (TALEN), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR). Researchers are still striving to create simpler, more efficient, and accurate techniques, such as engineered base editors and new CRISPR/Cas systems, to improve editing efficiency and reduce off-target rate, as well as a near-PAMless SpCas9 variants to expand the scope of genome editing. As one of the important animal protein sources, fish has significant economic value in aquaculture. In addition, fish is indispensable for research as it serves as the evolutionary link between invertebrates and higher vertebrates. Consequently, genome editing technologies were applied extensively in various fish species for basic functional studies as well as applied research in aquaculture. In this review, we focus on the application of genome editing technologies in fish species detailing growth, gender, and pigmentation traits. In addition, we have focused on the construction of a zebrafish (Danio rerio) disease model and high-throughput screening of functional genes. Finally, we provide some of the future perspectives of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Lu
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519082 China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519080 China
| | - Wenyu Fang
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519082 China
| | - Junrou Huang
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519082 China
| | - Shizhu Li
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519082 China
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13
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Yin X, Martinez AS, Sepúlveda MS, Christie MR. Rapid genetic adaptation to recently colonized environments is driven by genes underlying life history traits. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:269. [PMID: 33853517 PMCID: PMC8048285 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07553-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Uncovering the mechanisms underlying rapid genetic adaptation can provide insight into adaptive evolution and shed light on conservation, invasive species control, and natural resource management. However, it can be difficult to experimentally explore rapid adaptation due to the challenges associated with propagating and maintaining species in captive environments for long periods of time. By contrast, many introduced species have experienced strong selection when colonizing environments that differ substantially from their native range and thus provide a “natural experiment” for studying rapid genetic adaptation. One such example occurred when sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), native to the northern Atlantic, naturally migrated into Lake Champlain and expanded their range into the Great Lakes via man-made shipping canals. Results Utilizing 368,886 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we calculated genome-wide levels of genetic diversity (i.e., heterozygosity and π) for sea lamprey collected from native (Connecticut River), native but recently colonized (Lake Champlain), and invasive (Lake Michigan) populations, assessed genetic differentiation between all populations, and identified candidate genes that responded to selection imposed by the novel environments. We observed a 14 and 24% reduction in genetic diversity in Lake Michigan and Lake Champlain populations, respectively, compared to individuals from the Connecticut River, suggesting that sea lamprey populations underwent a genetic bottleneck during colonization. Additionally, we identified 121 and 43 outlier genes in comparisons between Lake Michigan and Connecticut River and between Lake Champlain and Connecticut River, respectively. Six outlier genes that contained synonymous SNPs in their coding regions and two genes that contained nonsynonymous SNPs may underlie the rapid evolution of growth (i.e., GHR), reproduction (i.e., PGR, TTC25, STARD10), and bioenergetics (i.e., OXCT1, PYGL, DIN4, SLC25A15). Conclusions By identifying the genomic basis of rapid adaptation to novel environments, we demonstrate that populations of invasive species can be a useful study system for understanding adaptive evolution. Furthermore, the reduction in genome-wide levels of genetic diversity associated with colonization coupled with the identification of outlier genes underlying key life history traits known to have changed in invasive sea lamprey populations (e.g., growth, reproduction) illustrate the utility in applying genomic approaches for the successful management of introduced species. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07553-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshen Yin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, 915 W. State St., West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907-2054, USA
| | - Alexander S Martinez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, 915 W. State St., West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907-2054, USA
| | - Maria S Sepúlveda
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 715 W. State St., West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907-2054, USA
| | - Mark R Christie
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, 915 W. State St., West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907-2054, USA. .,Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 715 W. State St., West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907-2054, USA.
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14
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Li M, Liu X, Dai S, Xiao H, Qi S, Li Y, Zheng Q, Jie M, Cheng CHK, Wang D. Regulation of spermatogenesis and reproductive capacity by Igf3 in tilapia. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:4921-4938. [PMID: 31955242 PMCID: PMC11104970 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03439-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
A novel insulin-like growth factor (igf3), which is exclusively expressed in the gonads, has been widely identified in fish species. Recent studies have indicated that Igf3 regulates spermatogonia proliferation and differentiation in zebrafish; however, detailed information on the role of this Igf needs further in vivo investigation. Here, using Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as an animal model, we report that igf3 is required for spermatogenesis and reproduction. Knockout of igf3 by CRISPR/Cas9 severely inhibited spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation at 90 days after hatching, the time critical for meiosis initiation, and resulted in less spermatocytes in the mutants. Although spermatogenesis continued to occur later, more spermatocytes and less spermatids were observed in the igf3-/- testes when compared with wild type of testes at adults, indicating that Igf3 regulates spermatocyte to spermatid transition. Importantly, a significantly increased occurrence of apoptosis in spermatids was observed after loss of Igf3. Therefore, igf3-/- males were subfertile with drastically reduced semen volume and sperm count. Conversely, the overexpression of Igf3 in XY tilapia enhanced spermatogenesis leading to more spermatids and sperm count. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the absence of Igf3 resulted in dysregulation of many genes involved in cell cycle, meiosis and pluripotency regulators that are critical for spermatogenesis. In addition, in vitro gonadal culture with 17α-methyltetosterone (MT) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) administration and in vivo knockout of cyp11c1 demonstrated that igf3 expression is regulated by androgens, suggesting that Igf3 acts downstream of androgens in fish spermatogenesis. Notably, the igf3 knockout did not affect body growth, indicating that this Igf specifically functions in reproduction. Taken together, our data provide genetic evidence for fish igf3 in the regulation of reproductive capacity by controlling spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Xingyong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Shengfei Dai
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hesheng Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Shuangshuang Qi
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yibing Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Qiaoyuan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Mimi Jie
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Christopher H K Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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15
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Huang J, Zhang TT, Jiang K, Hong WS, Chen SX. GFP expression pattern in pituitary and gonads under the control of nuclear progesterone receptor promoter in transgenic zebrafish. Dev Dyn 2020; 249:1365-1376. [PMID: 32506585 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.213] [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: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nuclear progesterone receptor (Pgr) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor primarily responsible for mediating progesterone actions relevant for reproduction across vertebrates. Information on the cellular localization of Pgr expression in the reproductive system is required for developing a comprehensive approach to elucidate the role of Pgr in reproduction. RESULTS We generated transgenic zebrafish Tg(pgr:eGFP) that express enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) driven by promoter sequence of pgr gene. The tissue distribution pattern of egfp mRNA is consistent with the pgr mRNA expression in Tg(pgr:eGFP). In the pituitary, GFP signals are found in the proximal pars distalis. In order to better discern the cellular localization of GFP signals in gonads, Tg(pgr:eGFP) line was crossed with Tg(gsdf:nfsB-mCherry) line, specifically expressing nitroreductase-mCherry fusion protein in granulosa and Sertoli cells in ovary and testis, respectively. Imaging of testis tissue showed that GFP expression was confined to Leydig cells. In the ovary, GFP expression colocalized with the mCherry signal in granulosa cells. Intriguingly, we also identified some non-granulosa cells close to where blood vessels branched, expressing stronger GFP signals than granulosa cells. CONCLUSIONS Analyzing Tg(pgr:eGFP) expression in zebrafish provided leads toward new routes to study the role of Pgr in reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ting Ting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ke Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wan Shu Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shi Xi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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16
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De novo transcriptome assembly of four organs of Collichthys lucidus and identification of genes involved in sex determination and reproduction. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230580. [PMID: 32218589 PMCID: PMC7100973 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The spinyhead croaker (Collichthys lucidus) is a commercially important fish species, which is mainly distributed in the coastal regions of China. However, little is known about the molecular regulatory mechanism underlying reproduction in C. lucidus. A de novo transcriptome assembly in brain, liver, ovary and testis tissues of C. lucidus was performed. Illumina sequencing generated 60,322,004, 57,044,284, 60,867,978 and 57,087,688 clean reads from brain, liver, ovary and testis tissues of C. lucidus, respectively. Totally, 131,168 unigenes with an average length of 644 bp and an N50 value of 1033 bp were assembled. In addition, 1288 genes were differentially expressed between ovary and testis, including 442 up-regulated and 846 down-regulated in ovary. Functional analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes between ovary and testis were mainly involved in the function of sexual reproduction, sex differentiation, development of primary male sexual characteristics, female gamete generation, and male sex differentiation. A number of genes which might be involved in the regulation of reproduction and sex determination were found, including HYAL and SYCP3 and BMP15. Furthermore, 35,476 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in this transcriptome dataset, which would contribute to further genetic and mechanism researches. De novo transcriptome sequencing analysis of four organs of C. lucidus provides rich resources for understanding the mechanism of reproductive development of C. lucidus and further investigation of the molecular regulation of sex determination and reproduction of C. lucidus.
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17
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Yang L, Li Y, Wu Y, Sun S, Song Q, Wei J, Sun L, Li M, Wang D, Zhou L. Rln3a is a prerequisite for spermatogenesis and fertility in male fish. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 197:105517. [PMID: 31678357 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The essential roles of Relaxin3 (RLN3) in energy homeostasis had been well investigated, while the mechanisms of RLN3 regulating reproduction remain to be elusive in mammals. Although two rln3 paralogues have been characterized in several teleosts, their functions still remain largely unknown. In this study, two paralogous rln3 genes, represented as rln3a and rln3b, were identified from the testis of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Rln3a was dominantly expressed in testis, while the most abundant rln3b expression was in brain. In situ hybridization demonstrated that rln3a is abundantly expressed in the Leydig cells of the testis. To understand the role of Rln3 in the testicular development, homologous null-rln3a gene mutant line was constructed by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Morphological observation demonstrated that null mutation of rln3a gene caused testicular hypertrophy and a significant increase of GSI. However, a significant decrease of spermatogenic cells at different phases, i.e. spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and sperms was found. Silencing of rln3a gene repressed the expression of key genes in germ cell and Leydig cell. Deficiency of Rln3a led to the significant decrease of 11-KT production, which stimulated the up-regulation of both FSH and LH production in the pituitary via a negative feedback manner possibly. Mutation of rln3a in XY fish led to the hypogonadism with sperm deformation, significant decrease of fertility, and sperm motility, revealing as the high mortality of the offspring obtained by crossing the wild type female and rln3a-/- XY fish. Interestingly, recombinant human RLN3 injection significantly enhanced the sperm motility in rln3a-/- XY fish. Moreover, hCG treatment stimulated the expression of steroidogenic enzyme genes and 11-KT production, which were repressed by rln3a mutation in XY fish. Taken together, this study, for the first time by using a gene knockout model, proved that Rln3a is an indispensable mediator for androgen production in testis via HPG axis, and plays an essential role in spermatogenesis, sperm motility and male fertility in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanying Yang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yanlong Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - You Wu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Shaohua Sun
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Qiang Song
- Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Lina Sun
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Minghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Linyan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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