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Yashaswini C, Kiran NS, Chatterjee A. Zebrafish navigating the metabolic maze: insights into human disease - assets, challenges and future implications. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2025; 24:3. [PMID: 39697864 PMCID: PMC11649609 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-024-01539-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 12/20/2024]
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have become indispensable models for advancing our understanding of multiple metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of zebrafish as a powerful tool for dissecting the genetic and molecular mechanisms of these diseases, focusing on key genes, like pparγ, lepr, ins, and srebp. Zebrafish offer distinct advantages, including genetic tractability, optical transparency in early development, and the conservation of key metabolic pathways with humans. Studies have successfully used zebrafish to uncover conserved metabolic mechanisms, identify novel disease pathways, and facilitate high-throughput screening of potential therapeutic compounds. The review also highlights the novelty of using zebrafish to model multifactorial metabolic disorders, addressing challenges such as interspecies differences in metabolism and the complexity of human metabolic disease etiology. Moving forward, future research will benefit from integrating advanced omics technologies to map disease-specific molecular signatures, applying personalized medicine approaches to optimize treatments, and utilizing computational models to predict therapeutic outcomes. By embracing these innovative strategies, zebrafish research has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of metabolic disorders, offering new avenues for translational applications. Continued interdisciplinary collaboration and investment in zebrafish-based studies will be crucial to fully harnessing their potential for advancing therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandrashekar Yashaswini
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Sciences, REVA University, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064 India
| | | | - Ankita Chatterjee
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Sciences, REVA University, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064 India
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2
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Hou M, Zhang J, Wang Q, Zhao R, Cao Y, Chen Y, Wang K, Ding N, Qi Y, Sun X, Zhang Y, Li J. Single-Nucleus RNA Sequencing Reveals the Transcriptome Profiling of Ovarian Cells in Adolescent Cyprinus carpio. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:3263. [PMID: 39595315 PMCID: PMC11591389 DOI: 10.3390/ani14223263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2024] [Revised: 10/27/2024] [Accepted: 11/12/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a crucial freshwater species cultivated worldwide for food consumption. Female carp have better growth performance than males, which fascinates scholars to uncover the mechanism of gonadal differentiation and produce mono-sex populations. However, the mechanism of ovarian development at single-cell resolution is limited. Here, we conducted single-nucleus RNA sequencing in adolescent common carp ovaries. Our study obtained transcriptional profiles of 13,155 nuclei and revealed 13 distinct cell clusters in the ovaries, including three subtypes of germ cells and four subtypes of granulosa cells. We subsequently performed pseudotime trajectory analysis to delineate potential mechanisms underlying the development of germ cells and granulosa cells. We identified 1250 dynamic expression genes in germ cells and 1815 in granulosa cells (q-value < 0.01), including zp3, eif4a2 and aspm in germ cells and fshr and esr1 in granulosa cells. The functional annotation showed that dynamic expression genes in germ cells were involved in sperm-egg recognition and some terms related to meiosis, such as sister chromatid segregation and homologous recombination. Genes expressed dynamically in granulosa cells were related to the TGF-β signaling pathway, response to gonadotropin, and development of primary female sexual characteristics. In addition, the dynamic genes expressed in granulosa cells might relate to the complex communication between different cell types. In summary, our study provided a transcriptome profile of common carp ovaries at single-nucleus resolution, and we further revealed the potential cell type-specific mechanisms underlying oogenesis and the differentiation of granulosa cells, which will facilitate breeding all-female common carp populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxi Hou
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China; (M.H.); (J.Z.); (Q.W.); (R.Z.); (Y.C.); (N.D.); (X.S.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Jin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China; (M.H.); (J.Z.); (Q.W.); (R.Z.); (Y.C.); (N.D.); (X.S.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Qi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China; (M.H.); (J.Z.); (Q.W.); (R.Z.); (Y.C.); (N.D.); (X.S.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Ran Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China; (M.H.); (J.Z.); (Q.W.); (R.Z.); (Y.C.); (N.D.); (X.S.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yiming Cao
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China; (M.H.); (J.Z.); (Q.W.); (R.Z.); (Y.C.); (N.D.); (X.S.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yingjie Chen
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; (Y.C.); (K.W.); (Y.Q.)
| | - Kaikuo Wang
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; (Y.C.); (K.W.); (Y.Q.)
| | - Ning Ding
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China; (M.H.); (J.Z.); (Q.W.); (R.Z.); (Y.C.); (N.D.); (X.S.); (Y.Z.)
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yingjie Qi
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; (Y.C.); (K.W.); (Y.Q.)
| | - Xiaoqing Sun
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China; (M.H.); (J.Z.); (Q.W.); (R.Z.); (Y.C.); (N.D.); (X.S.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China; (M.H.); (J.Z.); (Q.W.); (R.Z.); (Y.C.); (N.D.); (X.S.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Jiongtang Li
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China; (M.H.); (J.Z.); (Q.W.); (R.Z.); (Y.C.); (N.D.); (X.S.); (Y.Z.)
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3
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Wang H, Wen Z, Amenyogbe E, Jin J, Lu Y, Wang Z, Huang J. Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Sexual Differentiation in Male and Female Gonads of Nao-Zhou Stock Large Yellow Croaker ( Larimichthys crocea). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:3261. [PMID: 39595312 PMCID: PMC11591422 DOI: 10.3390/ani14223261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2024] [Revised: 11/05/2024] [Accepted: 11/11/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The Nao-zhou stock large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) is a unique economic seawater fish species in China and exhibits significant dimorphism in both male and female phenotypes. Cultivating all-female seedlings can significantly improve breeding efficiency. To accelerate the cultivation process of all female seedlings of this species, it is necessary to deeply understand the regulatory mechanisms of sexual differentiation and gonadal development. This study used Illumina high-throughput sequencing to sequence the transcriptome of the testes and ovaries of Nao-zhou stock large yellow croaker to identify genes and molecular functions related to sex determination. A total of 10,536 differentially expressed genes were identified between males and females, including 5682 upregulated and 4854 downregulated genes. Functional annotation screened out 70 important candidate genes related to sex, including 34 genes highly expressed in the testis (including dmrt1, foxm1, and amh) and 36 genes highly expressed in the ovary (including gdf9, hsd3b1, and sox19b). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis found that differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in nine signaling pathways related to sex determination and gonadal development, including steroid hormone biosynthesis, MAPK signaling pathway, and the TGF-beta signaling pathway. By screening sex-related differentially expressed genes and mapping protein-protein interaction networks, hub genes such as dmrt1, amh, and cyp19a1a were found to be highly connected. The expression levels of 15 sex-related genes, including amh, dmrt1, dmrt2a, foxl1, and zp3b, were determined by qRT-PCR and RNA sequencing. This study screened for differentially expressed genes related to sex determination and differentiation of Nao-zhou stock large yellow croaker and revealed the signaling pathways involved in gonad development of male and female individuals. The results provide important data for future research on sex determination and differentiation mechanisms, thereby providing a scientific basis for the cultivation of all-female seedlings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojie Wang
- Fishery College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524025, China; (H.W.); (Z.W.); (J.J.); (Y.L.); (Z.W.)
| | - Zirui Wen
- Fishery College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524025, China; (H.W.); (Z.W.); (J.J.); (Y.L.); (Z.W.)
| | - Eric Amenyogbe
- Department of Water Resources and Aquaculture Management, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, PMB, Somanya, Ghana;
| | - Jinghui Jin
- Fishery College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524025, China; (H.W.); (Z.W.); (J.J.); (Y.L.); (Z.W.)
| | - Yi Lu
- Fishery College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524025, China; (H.W.); (Z.W.); (J.J.); (Y.L.); (Z.W.)
| | - Zhongliang Wang
- Fishery College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524025, China; (H.W.); (Z.W.); (J.J.); (Y.L.); (Z.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, Zhanjiang 524088, China
- Guangdong Marine Fish Science and Technology Innovation Center, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Jiansheng Huang
- Fishery College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524025, China; (H.W.); (Z.W.); (J.J.); (Y.L.); (Z.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, Zhanjiang 524088, China
- Guangdong Marine Fish Science and Technology Innovation Center, Zhanjiang 524088, China
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Hsu CW, Chung BC. Two phases of gonadal sex differentiation in zebrafish with ZZ/ZW sex determination system. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 358:114613. [PMID: 39303945 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2024.114613] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Zebrafish sex chromosomes have been identified in the wild Nadia (NA) strain, and its sex determination belongs to the female-heterogametic ZZ/ZW system. Here, we investigate the correlation between ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes in the NA strain with sex-related factors, and sort out the complicated process of sex determination in zebrafish. Two phases exist during zebrafish sex differentiation. In the first phase, ZW gonads differentiate into juvenile ovary while ZZ gonads remain indifferent. In the second phase, ZW gonads either continue ovary development or undergo female-to-male transition, while ZZ gonads undergo direct male development. The W chromosome may contribute to the first phase while the abundance of germ cells and other factors may be involved in the second phase of sex differentiation in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Wei Hsu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan; National Laboratory Animal Center, National Applied Research Laboratories, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Bon-Chu Chung
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan; National Laboratory Animal Center, National Applied Research Laboratories, Taipei 115, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience and Brain Disease Center, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan.
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5
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Papadaki M, Mylonas CC, Sarropoulou E. MicroRNAs are involved in ovarian physiology of greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) under captivity. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 357:114581. [PMID: 39002761 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2024.114581] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Gonad maturation is critical for the reproductive success of any organism, and in fish, captivity can significantly affect their reproductive performance, leading to maturation incompetence and spawning failure. The greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili), a fish species recently introduced to aquaculture fails to undergo oocyte maturation, ovulation, and spawning when reared in aquaculture facilities. Since confinement has been shown to influence gonad maturation and completion of the reproductive cycle, investigations into epigenetic mechanisms may shed light on the reasoning behind the reproductive dysfunctions of fish under captivity. Among the known important epigenetic regulators are small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), and in particular microRNAs (miRNAs). In this study, immature, maturing (late vitellogenesis), and spent ovaries of captive greater amberjack were collected, and the differential expression of miRNAs in the three different ovarian development stages was examined. Expression patterns of conserved and novel miRNAs were identified, and potential targets of highly differentially expressed miRNAs were detected. Additionally, read length distribution showed two prominent peaks in the three different ovarian maturation stages, corresponding to miRNAs and putative piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), another type of ncRNAs with a germ-cell specific role. Furthermore, miRNA expression patterns and their putative target mRNAs are discussed, in relevance with the different ovarian maturation stages of captive greater amberjack. Overall, this study provides insights into the role of miRNAs in the reproductive dysfunctions observed in fish under captivity and highlights the importance of epigenetic mechanisms in understanding and managing the reproductive performance of economically important fish species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Papadaki
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research, P.O. Box 2214, Heraklion, Crete 71003, Greece; Biology Department, University of Crete, P.O. Box 2208, Heraklion, Crete 70013, Greece
| | - C C Mylonas
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research, P.O. Box 2214, Heraklion, Crete 71003, Greece
| | - Elena Sarropoulou
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research, P.O. Box 2214, Heraklion, Crete 71003, Greece.
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Ren Z, Ye D, Su N, Wang C, He L, Wang H, He M, Sun Y. foxl2l is a germ cell-intrinsic gatekeeper of oogenesis in zebrafish. Zool Res 2024; 45:1116-1130. [PMID: 39257375 PMCID: PMC11491788 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2024.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish serve as a valuable model organism for studying germ cell biology and reproductive processes. The AB strain of zebrafish is proposed to exhibit a polygenic sex determination system, where most males initially develop juvenile ovaries before committing to male fate. In species with chromosomal sex determination, gonadal somatic cells are recognized as key determinants of germ cell fate. Notably, the loss of germ cells in zebrafish leads to masculinization, implying that germ cells harbor an intrinsic feminization signal. However, the specific signal triggering oogenesis in zebrafish remains unclear. In the present study, we identified foxl2l as an oocyte progenitor-specific gene essential for initiating oogenesis in germ cells. Results showed that foxl2l-knockout zebrafish bypassed the juvenile ovary stage and exclusively developed into fertile males. Further analysis revealed that loss of foxl2l hindered the initiation of oocyte-specific meiosis and prevented entry into oogenesis, leading to premature spermatogenesis during early gonadal development. Furthermore, while mutation of the pro-male gene dmrt1 led to fertile female differentiation, simultaneous disruption of foxl2l in dmrt1 mutants completely blocked oogenesis, with a large proportion of germ cells arrested as germline stem cells, highlighting the crucial role of foxl2l in oogenesis. Overall, this study highlights the unique function of foxl2l as a germ cell-intrinsic gatekeeper of oogenesis in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqin Ren
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Ding Ye
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
- School of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China. E-mail:
| | - Naike Su
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chaofan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China
| | - Lijia He
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Houpeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Mudan He
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yonghua Sun
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
- School of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Takahashi C, Okabe E, Nono M, Kishimoto S, Matsui H, Ishitani T, Yamamoto T, Uno M, Nishida E. Single housing of juveniles accelerates early-stage growth but extends adult lifespan in African turquoise killifish. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:12443-12472. [PMID: 39302208 PMCID: PMC11466477 DOI: 10.18632/aging.206111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Within the same species, individuals exhibiting faster growth tend to have shorter lifespans, even if their fast growth arises from early-life pharmacological interventions. However, in vertebrates, the impact of the early-life environment on the growth rate and lifespan has not been fully elucidated. In this study, by utilizing the short-lived African turquoise killifish, which is suitable for a comprehensive life-stage analysis in a brief timeframe, we explored the effects of housing density during the juvenile stage on holistic life traits. As a result, we found that lower housing densities resulted in faster growth, but led to longer adult lifespan, which was contrary to the common notion. Furthermore, the single-housed adult fish displayed a longer egg-laying period than did their group-housed counterparts. Our transcriptome analysis also demonstrated that, in terms of internal transcriptional programs, the life stage progression and aging process of single-housed fish were slower than those of group-housed fish. Collectively, our results suggest that sharing housing with others in early life might influence whole-life attributes, potentially leading to specific life history traits beyond the typical relationship between the growth rate and lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chika Takahashi
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Aging, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Hyogo, Japan
| | - Emiko Okabe
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Aging, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Hyogo, Japan
| | - Masanori Nono
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Aging, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Hyogo, Japan
| | - Saya Kishimoto
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Aging, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hideaki Matsui
- Department of Neuroscience of Disease, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Tohru Ishitani
- Department of Homeostatic Regulation, Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Medical-risk Avoidance based on iPS Cells Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masaharu Uno
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Aging, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Hyogo, Japan
| | - Eisuke Nishida
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Aging, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Hyogo, Japan
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Xu H, Mao X, Zhang S, Ren J, Jiang S, Cai L, Miao X, Tao Y, Peng C, Lv M, Li Y. Perfluorooctanoic acid triggers premature ovarian insufficiency by impairing NAD+ synthesis and mitochondrial function in adult zebrafish. Toxicol Sci 2024; 201:118-128. [PMID: 38830045 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae071] [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] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
High-dose perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) impairs oocyte maturation and offspring quality. However, the physiological concentrations of PFOA in follicular fluids of patients with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) were detected at lower levels, thus the relationship between physiological PFOA and reproductive disorders remains elusive. Here, we investigated whether physiological PFOA exposure affects gonad function in adult zebrafish. Physiological PFOA exposure resulted in POI-like phenotypes in adult females, which exhibited decreased spawning frequency, reduced number of ovulated eggs, abnormal gonadal index, and aberrant embryonic mortality. Meanwhile, oocytes from PFOA-exposed zebrafish showed mitochondrial disintegration and diminished mitochondrial membrane potential. Unlike the high-dose treated oocytes exhibiting high reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and excessive apoptosis, physiological PFOA reduced the ROS levels and did not trigger apoptosis. Interestingly, physiological PFOA exposure would not affect testis function, indicating specific toxicity in females. Mechanistically, PFOA suppressed the NAD+ biosynthesis and impaired mitochondrial function in oocytes, thus disrupting oocyte maturation and ovarian fertility. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a precursor for NAD+ biosynthesis, alleviated the PFOA-induced toxic effects in oocytes and improved the oocyte maturation and fertility upon PFOA exposure. Our findings discover new insights into PFOA-induced reproductive toxicity and provide NMN as a potential drug for POI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Xu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Aquaculture Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xiaoyu Mao
- College of Language Intelligence, Sichuan International Studies University, Chongqing 400031, China
| | - Siling Zhang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Aquaculture Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Aquaculture Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Shanwen Jiang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Aquaculture Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Lijuan Cai
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Aquaculture Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xiaomin Miao
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Aquaculture Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yixi Tao
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Aquaculture Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Chao Peng
- Fisheries Development Department of Agriculture and Rural Committee of Nanchuan District, Chongqing 408400, China
| | - Mengzhu Lv
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Yun Li
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Aquaculture Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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9
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Crespo D, Fjelldal PG, Hansen TJ, Kjærner-Semb E, Skaftnesmo KO, Thorsen A, Norberg B, Edvardsen RB, Andersson E, Schulz RW, Wargelius A, Kleppe L. Loss of bmp15 function in the seasonal spawner Atlantic salmon results in ovulatory failure. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23837. [PMID: 39031536 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400370r] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) is an oocyte-specific growth factor important for successful female reproduction in mammals. While mutations in BMP15/Bmp15 cause ovulatory deficiency and/or infertility in certain mammalian species, loss of bmp15 in zebrafish, a continuous spawner and the only bmp15 knockout model in fish to date, results in complete arrest of follicle development and later female-to-male sex reversal, preventing to examine effects on ovulation/fertilization. Here, we used Atlantic salmon, a seasonal spawner, and generated bmp15 mutants to investigate ovarian development and fertility. Histological and morphometric analyses revealed that in biallelic frameshift (bmp15 fs/fs) mutant ovaries, folliculogenesis started earlier, resulting in an advanced development compared to wild-type (WT) controls, accompanied by a weaker expression of the (early) oocyte-specific factor figla. This precocious ovarian development was followed in bmp15 fs/fs females by enhanced follicle atresia during vitellogenic stages. Although genes involved in steroid synthesis and signaling (star, cyp11b, cyp17a1 and esr1) were dramatically higher in late vitellogenic bmp15 fs/fs mutant ovaries, estradiol-17β plasma levels were lower than in WT counterparts, potentially reflecting compensatory changes at the level of ovarian gene expression. At spawning, bmp15 fs/fs females displayed lower gonado-somatic index values and reduced oocyte diameter, and the majority (71.4%), showed mature non-ovulating ovaries with a high degree of atresia. The remaining (28.6%) females spawned eggs but they either could not be fertilized or, upon fertilization, showed severe malformations and embryonic mortality. Our results show that Bmp15 is required for proper follicle recruitment and growth and later ovulatory success in Atlantic salmon, providing an alternative candidate target to induce sterility in farmed salmon. Moreover, since loss of bmp15 in salmon, in contrast to zebrafish, does not result in female-to-male sex change, this is the first mutant model in fish allowing further investigations on Bmp15-mediated functions in the ovulatory period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Crespo
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Per Gunnar Fjelldal
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Matre Research Station, Matredal, Norway
| | - Tom J Hansen
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Matre Research Station, Matredal, Norway
| | - Erik Kjærner-Semb
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kai Ove Skaftnesmo
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anders Thorsen
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Birgitta Norberg
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Austevoll Research Station, Haukanes, Norway
| | - Rolf B Edvardsen
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eva Andersson
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rüdiger W Schulz
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Wargelius
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lene Kleppe
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
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10
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Liu Z, Zhang N, Wang C, Shi L, Hu Y, Wang Y, Li J. Lrp13a and Lrp13b serve as vitellogenin receptors in the ovary of zebrafish†. Biol Reprod 2024; 111:123-134. [PMID: 38660750 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae040] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In oviparous animals, egg yolk is largely derived from vitellogenin, which is taken up from the maternal circulation by the growing oocytes via the vitellogenin receptor. Recently, a novel member of the lipoprotein receptor superfamily termed low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 13 was identified and proposed as a candidate of vitellogenin receptor in oviparous animals. However, the roles of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 13 in vitellogenesis are still poorly defined. Here, we investigated the expression, vitellogenin-binding properties, and function of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 13 in zebrafish. Two different lrp13 genes termed lrp13a and lrp13b were found in zebrafish. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed both lrp13s to be predominantly expressed in zebrafish ovary, and in situ hybridization detected both lrp13s transcripts in the ooplasm of early stage oocytes. Two yeast hybrid studies showed that among eight vitellogenins of zebrafish, Vtg1, 2, and 3 bind to Lrp13a, while Vtg1, 2, and 5 bind to Lrp13b. We created zebrafish lrp13a and lrp13b mutant lines using CRISPR/Cas9. Knockout of lrp13a leads to a male-biased sex ratio and decreased diameter of embryo yolk, while knockout of lrp13b and double knockout of lrp13a and lrp13b leads to the delay of vitellogenesis, followed by follicular atresia. These phenotypes of mutants can be explained by the disruption of vitellogenesis in the absence of Lrp13s. Taken together, our results indicate that both Lrp13a and Lrp13b can serve as vitellogenin receptors in zebrafish among other vitellogenin receptors that are not yet described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiquan Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chuangxin Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lina Shi
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yixuan Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yamei Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianzhen Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China
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11
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Yang T, Liu Y, Lin Z, Chen F, Zhu L, Zhang L, Zhou B, Li F, Sun H. Altered N6-methyladenosine methylation level in spermatozoa messenger RNA of the male partners is related to unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38979761 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the pathogenesis of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss is paramount for advancing effective treatments. Various biological processes, including spermatogenesis and embryo development, are tightly regulated by N6-methyladenosine modifications. However, few studies have focused on the impact of sperm N6-methyladenosine modifications on embryonic development. Therefore, we aimed to study altered N6-methyladenosine-mediated messenger RNA methylation modifications in the spermatozoa of male partners from couples experiencing unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss, to identify potential diagnostic markers and explore their potential molecular mechanisms in pregnancy loss and embryogenesis. METHODS Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) sequencing and RNA sequencing were conducted on the spermatozoa of men from couples in the 'unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss' group (n = 6), and the fertility control group (n = 6). To identify the role of the detected key genes, zebrafish model embryos were studied, and multi-omics (transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) analyses helped to explore the molecular mechanism of abnormal embryogenesis. FINDINGS Comparing unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss with the fertility control group, 217 N6-methyladenosine peaks were significantly upregulated, and 40 were downregulated in the spermatozoa. The combined analyses of spermatozoa-methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing indicated that N6-methyladenosine methylation and the expression of SEMA5A, MT-ATP6, ZNF662, and KDM4C were significantly different. In zebrafish embryos, the altered expression of the four genes increased embryonic mortality and malformations by disturbing several key signaling pathways and zygotic genome activation. INTERPRETATION This study highlights the paternal epigenome, which could be one of the reasons for faulty embryogenesis leading to pregnancy loss. The N6-methyladenosine modification, the most prevalent RNA modification, contributes to the exploration and understanding of the paternal epigenome in the maintenance of pregnancy and fetal growth and development. The four genes identified in this study may serve as potential diagnostic markers and elucidate novel molecular mechanisms of embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yang
- Department of Andrology/Human Sperm Bank of Sichuan Province, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, Prenatal Diagnosis Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ziyuan Lin
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- SCU-CUHK Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Andrology/Human Sperm Bank of Sichuan Province, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- SCU-CUHK Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Nephrology/Hemodialysis Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Translational Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Translational Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fuping Li
- Department of Andrology/Human Sperm Bank of Sichuan Province, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huaqin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- SCU-CUHK Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Yu M, Zhang S, Ma Z, Qiang J, Wei J, Sun L, Kocher TD, Wang D, Tao W. Disruption of Zar1 leads to arrested oogenesis by regulating polyadenylation via Cpeb1 in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 260:129632. [PMID: 38253139 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129632] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Oogenesis is a complex process regulated by precise coordination of multiple factors, including maternal genes. Zygote arrest 1 (zar1) has been identified as an ovary-specific maternal gene that is vital for oocyte-to-embryo transition and oogenesis in mouse and zebrafish. However, its function in other species remains to be elucidated. In the present study, zar1 was identified with conserved C-terminal zinc finger domains in Nile tilapia. zar1 was highly expressed in the ovary and specifically expressed in phase I and II oocytes. Disruption of zar1 led to the failed transition from oogonia to phase I oocytes, with somatic cell apoptosis. Down-regulation and failed polyadenylation of figla, gdf9, bmp15 and wee2 mRNAs were observed in the ovaries of zar1-/- fish. Cpeb1, a gene essential for polyadenylation that interacts with Zar1, was down-regulated in zar1-/- fish. Moreover, decreased levels of serum estrogen and increased levels of androgen were observed in zar1-/- fish. Taken together, zar1 seems to be essential for tilapia oogenesis by regulating polyadenylation and estrogen synthesis. Our study shows that Zar1 has different molecular functions during gonadal development by the similar signaling pathway in different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Yu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, 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
| | - Shiyi Zhang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, 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
| | - Zhisheng Ma
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, 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
| | - Jun Qiang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, 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
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, 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
| | - Thomas D Kocher
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States of America
| | - Deshou Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, 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.
| | - Wenjing Tao
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, 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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13
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Nehru S, Guru A, Pachaiappan R, Hatamleh AA, Al-Dosary MA, Arokiyaraj S, Sundaramurthy A, Arockiaraj J. Co-encapsulation and release of apigenin and ascorbic acid in polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules for targeted polycystic ovary syndrome. Int J Pharm 2024; 651:123749. [PMID: 38159587 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123749] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, is linked to hormonal imbalances and oxidative stress. Our study investigates the regenerative potential of apigenin (AP, hydrophobic) and ascorbic acid (AC, hydrophilic) encapsulated within poly (allylamine hydrochloride) and dextran sulfate (PAH/DS) hollow microcapsules for PCOS. These microcapsules, constructed using a layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly, are found to be 4 ± 0.5 μm in size. Our research successfully demonstrates the co-encapsulation of AP and AC in a single PAH/DS system with high encapsulation efficiency followed by successful release at physiological conditions by CLSM investigations. In vitro tests with testosterone-treated CHO cells reveal that the dual-drug-loaded PAH/DS capsules effectively reduce intracellular ROS levels and apoptosis and offering protection. In an in-vivo zebrafish model, these capsules demonstrate active biodistribution to targeted ovaries and reduce testosterone levels through radical scavenging. Histopathological examinations show that the injected dual-drug-loaded PAH/DS microcapsules assist in the development of ovarian follicles in testosterone-treated zebrafish. Hence, this dual-drug-loaded system, capable of co-encapsulating two natural compounds, effectively interacts with ovarian cells, reducing cellular damage and normalizing PCOS conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangamithra Nehru
- Department of Physics and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ajay Guru
- Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Raman Pachaiappan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ashraf Atef Hatamleh
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Munirah Abdullah Al-Dosary
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Selvaraj Arokiyaraj
- Department of Food Science & Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Korea
| | - Anandhakumar Sundaramurthy
- Biomaterials Research Laboratory (BMRL), Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India.
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14
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Liu H, Tu M, Yin Z, Zhang D, Ma J, He F. Unraveling the complexity of polycystic ovary syndrome with animal models. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:144-158. [PMID: 37777062 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.09.012] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly familial and heritable endocrine disorder. Over half of the daughters born to women with PCOS may eventually develop their own PCOS-related symptoms. Progress in the treatment of PCOS is currently hindered by the complexity of its clinical manifestations and incomplete knowledge of its etiopathogenesis. Various animal models, including experimentally induced, naturally occurring, and spontaneously arising ones, have been established to emulate a wide range of phenotypical and pathological traits of human PCOS. These studies have led to a paradigm shift in understanding the genetic, developmental, and evolutionary origins of this disorder. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that animal models are useful in evaluating state-of-the-art drugs and treatments for PCOS. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of recent studies of PCOS in animal models, highlighting the power of these disease models in understanding the biology of PCOS and aiding high-throughput approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanju Liu
- Center for Genetic Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Mixue Tu
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
| | - Zhiyong Yin
- Center for Genetic Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China; Clinical Research Center on Birth Defect Prevention and Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China.
| | - Jun Ma
- Center for Genetic Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China; Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University International School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic and Developmental Disorder, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.
| | - Feng He
- Center for Genetic Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China; Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University International School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic and Developmental Disorder, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.
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15
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Wu K, Zhai Y, Qin M, Zhao C, Ai N, He J, Ge W. Genetic evidence for differential functions of figla and nobox in zebrafish ovarian differentiation and folliculogenesis. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1185. [PMID: 37990081 PMCID: PMC10663522 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05551-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
FIGLA and NOBOX are important oocyte-specific transcription factors. Both figla-/- and nobox-/- mutants showed all-male phenotype in zebrafish due to increased dominance of the male-promoting pathway. The early diversion towards males in these mutants has precluded analysis of their roles in folliculogenesis. In this study, we attenuated the male-promoting pathway by deleting dmrt1, a key male-promoting gene, in figla-/- and nobox-/- fish, which allows a sufficient display of defects in folliculogenesis. Germ cells in figla-/-;dmrt1-/- double mutant remained in cysts without forming follicles. In contrast, follicles could form well but exhibited deficient growth in nobox-/-;dmrt1-/- double mutants. Follicles in nobox-/-;dmrt1-/- ovary could progress to previtellogenic (PV) stage but failed to enter vitellogenic growth. Such arrest at PV stage suggested a possible deficiency in estrogen signaling. This was supported by lines of evidence in nobox-/-;dmrt1-/-, including reduced expression of ovarian aromatase (cyp19a1a) and level of serum estradiol (E2), regressed genital papilla (female secondary sex characteristics), and more importantly the resumption of vitellogenic growth by E2 treatment. Expression analysis suggested Nobox might regulate cyp19a1a by controlling Gdf9 and/or Bmp15. Our discoveries indicate that Figla is essential for ovarian differentiation and follicle formation whereas Nobox is important for driving subsequent follicle development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, 999078, Taipa, Macau, China
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 519082, Zhuhai, China
- Southern Marine Sciences and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), 519082, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yue Zhai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, 999078, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Mingming Qin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, 999078, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Cheng Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, 999078, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Nana Ai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, 999078, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Jianguo He
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 519082, Zhuhai, China
- Southern Marine Sciences and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), 519082, Zhuhai, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, 999078, Taipa, Macau, China.
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16
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Mohamedien D, Mokhtar DM, Abdellah N, Awad M, Albano M, Sayed RKA. Ovary of Zebrafish during Spawning Season: Ultrastructure and Immunohistochemical Profiles of Sox9 and Myostatin. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3362. [PMID: 37958117 PMCID: PMC10649070 DOI: 10.3390/ani13213362] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study sought to examine the ovarian cellular and stromal components of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) throughout the spawning season using light and electron microscopic tools. The ovaries of zebrafish showed oocytes in all stages of follicular development and degeneration (atresia). Six stages of oogenesis were demonstrated: oogonia, early oocytes, late oocytes, vacuolated follicles, the yolk globule stage (vitellogenesis), and mature follicles. The SOX9 protein was expressed in the ooplasm of the primary and previtellogenic oocytes and the theca cell layer of the mature follicles. Myostatin was expressed in the granulosa and theca cells. Many stem cells in the ovarian stroma expressed myostatin and SOX9. During the spawning season, the EM results indicated that the zona radiata increased in thickness and was crossed perpendicularly by pore canals that contained processes from both oocytes and zona granulosa. The granulosa cells contained many mitochondria, rER, sER, and vesicles. Meanwhile, the thecal layer consisted of fibroblast-like cells. Atretic follicles could be demonstrated that involved both oocytes and their follicular walls. Several types of cells were distinguished in the ovarian stroma, including mast cells, telocytes, lymphocytes, fibroblasts, endocrine cells, macrophages, adipocytes, dendritic cells, and steroidogenic (stromal) cells. The ovary of the zebrafish serves as a model to investigate follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Mohamedien
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt; (D.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Doaa M. Mokhtar
- Department of Cell and Tissues, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt;
- Department of Histology and Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Assiut, New Nasser City, Assiut 11829, Egypt
| | - Nada Abdellah
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt;
| | - Mahmoud Awad
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt; (D.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Marco Albano
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Dell’Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Ramy K. A. Sayed
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt;
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Hu Y, Zhao S, Liu Z, Kang T, Hsueh AJ, Li J. Gonacin: A germ cell-derived hormone with glucogenic, orexigenic, and gonadal activities. iScience 2023; 26:108065. [PMID: 37860761 PMCID: PMC10582579 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Fish require abundant nutrients to generate a large number of eggs for spawning. Based on the evolutionary conservation of human FBN2 and its C-terminal placensin-like sequences in fish, we identified a peptide hormone gonacin (GONAdal Cell placensIN) and found its high expression in early-stage germ cells in the ovary and testis of zebrafish. We demonstrated that gonacin is essential for food intake, glucose release, and ovarian development in zebrafish. Similar expression patterns and functions of gonacin were also demonstrated in rainbow trout. Gonacin represents the first hormone secreted by germ cells with endocrine functions in vertebrates, bridging the energy homeostasis and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Shengyou Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Zhiquan Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Tao Kang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Aaron J.W. Hsueh
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jianzhen Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
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18
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Lu C, Peng D, Erandani WCKU, Mitchell K, Martyniuk CJ, Trudeau VL. Simultaneous extraction and detection of peptides, steroids, and proteins in small tissue samples. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1266985. [PMID: 37876537 PMCID: PMC10593444 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1266985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The detection and quantification of hormones are important to assess the reproductive and stress status of experimental models and for the diagnosis of diseases in human and veterinary clinics. Traditionally, steroid, peptide, and protein hormones are analyzed in individual experiments using different extraction methodologies. With the new advancement on HPLC sorbents, the simultaneous measurement of hormones from different categories becomes possible. In this study, we present a novel sample processing strategy for the simultaneous extraction and detection of peptides, steroids, and proteins using high-resolution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. We demonstrate the sensitivity of our method for small tissues by acquiring data from brain, pituitary gland, and gonads of single zebrafish samples. This approach promises to shed light on the hormonal pathways and their interrelationships, providing knowledge on the integration of hormone systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Lu
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Di Peng
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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19
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Zhang JG, Shi W, Ma DD, Lu ZJ, Li SY, Long XB, Ying GG. Chronic Paternal/Maternal Exposure to Environmental Concentrations of Imidacloprid and Thiamethoxam Causes Intergenerational Toxicity in Zebrafish Offspring. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:13384-13396. [PMID: 37651267 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Imidacloprid (IMI) and thiamethoxam (THM) are ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems. Their negative effects on parental fish are investigated while intergenerational effects at environmentally relevant concentrations remain unclear. In this study, F0 zebrafish exposed to IMI and THM (0, 50, and 500 ng L-1) for 144 days post-fertilization (dpf) was allowed to spawn with two modes (internal mating and cross-mating), resulting in four types of F1 generations to investigate the intergenerational effects. IMI and THM affected F0 zebrafish fecundity, gonadal development, sex hormone and VTG levels, with accumulations found in F0 muscles and ovaries. In F1 generation, paternal or maternal exposure to IMI and THM also influenced sex hormones levels and elevated the heart rate and spontaneous movement rate. LncRNA-mRNA network analysis revealed that cell cycle and oocyte meiosis-related pathways in IMI groups and steroid biosynthesis related pathways in THM groups were significantly enriched in F1 offspring. Similar transcriptional alterations of dmrt1, insl3, cdc20, ccnb1, dnd1, ddx4, cox4i1l, and cox5b2 were observed in gonads of F0 and F1 generations. The findings indicated that prolonged paternal or maternal exposure to IMI and THM could severely cause intergenerational toxicity, resulting in developmental toxicity and endocrine-disrupting effects in zebrafish offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ge Zhang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wenjun Shi
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Dong-Dong Ma
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhi-Jie Lu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Si-Ying Li
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Long
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
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20
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Ramachandran D, Sharma K, Saxena V, Nipu N, Rajapaksha DC, Mennigen JA. Knock-out of vasotocin reduces reproductive success in female zebrafish, Danio rerio. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1151299. [PMID: 37670879 PMCID: PMC10475537 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1151299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate nonapeptide vasotocin/vasopressin is evolutionarily highly conserved and acts as neuromodulator and endocrine/paracrine signaling molecule. Circumstantial and mechanistic evidence from pharmacological manipulations of the vasotocin system in several teleost fishes suggest sex- and species-specific reproductive roles of vasotocin. While effects of vasotocin on teleost reproductive physiology involve both courtship behaviors and the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes, comprehensive studies investigating behavioral and physiological reproductive consequences of genetic ablation of vasotocin in a genetically tractable fish model, such as the zebrafish, are currently lacking. Here, we report the generation of homozygous CRISPR/Cas9-based vasotocin gene knock-out zebrafish. Breeding pairs of vasotocin knock-out fish produce significantly fewer fertilized eggs per clutch compared to wildtype fish, an effect coincident with reduced female quivering courtship behavior. Crossbreeding experiments reveal that this reproductive phenotype is entirely female-dependent, as vasotocin-deficient males reproduce normally when paired with female wild-type fish. Histological analyses of vasotocin knock-out ovaries revealed an overall reduction in oocytes and differential distribution of oocyte maturation stages, demonstrating that the reproductive phenotype is linked to oocyte maturation and release. Ovarian hormone quantification and gene expression analysis in mutant fish indicated reduced synthesis of Prostaglandin F2α, a hormone involved in ovarian maturation, egg release and regulation of female courtship behavior in some cyprinids. However, acute injection of vasotocin did not rescue the female mutant reproductive phenotype, suggesting a contribution of organizational effects of vasotocin. Together, this study provides further support for emerging roles of vasotocin in female teleost reproduction in an important teleost model species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jan A. Mennigen
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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21
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Xu H, Mao X, Nie Z, Li Y. Oxr1a prevents the premature ovarian failure by regulating oxidative stress and mitochondrial function in zebrafish. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 203:102-113. [PMID: 37031846 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Premature ovarian failure (POF) is characterized as the ovarian dysfunction and defective oocyte development. In POF patients, ROS level is reported to be significantly higher than normal individuals. However, the involvement of oxidative stress in POF and the regulatory mechanisms underlying the antioxidative process in oocyte development remain largely unknown. Here, we discover that oxidation resistance 1a (Oxr1a), the ortholog of mammalian Oxr1, protects the oocytes of female zebrafish against oxidative stress and thus represses the POF phenotype. Oxr1a was widely expressed in oocytes at different developmental stages, of which the mRNA expression levels were significantly upregulated upon follicle activation and oocyte maturation. Oxr1a knockout exacerbated the POF phenotype, as evidenced by the decreased number and quality of oocytes. Moreover, the oocytes of oxr1a knockout zebrafish exhibited excessive ROS, increased mitochondrial DNA damage, reduced mitochondria, and abnormal morphology. Mechanistically, instead of decomposing ROS directly, Oxr1a participated in the process of oxidative stress through regulating the mRNA expression levels of the key antioxidant enzymes Cat and Sod1. Moreover, treatment with antioxidant N-Acetyl-l-cysteine attenuated the mitochondrial oxidative damage and improved the fertility of mutant females, indicating that Oxr1a may mediates the Sod1/Cat pathway to metabolize the intracellular ROS and avoid the mitochondrial oxidative damage, thus ensuring the normal development and maturation of oocytes. Taken together, these findings are useful for the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying the oxidative damage in oocytes and beneficial to the clinical therapeutics of POF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Xu
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Biotechnology Laboratory, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xiaoyu Mao
- College of Language Intelligence, Sichuan International Studies University, Chongqing, 400031, China
| | - Zhentao Nie
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Biotechnology Laboratory, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yun Li
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Biotechnology Laboratory, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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22
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A Cross-Species Analysis Reveals Dysthyroidism of the Ovaries as a Common Trait of Premature Ovarian Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24033054. [PMID: 36769379 PMCID: PMC9918015 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24033054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the imbalance of circulating levels of Thyroid Hormones (THs) affects female fertility in vertebrates, its involvement in the promotion of Premature Ovarian Aging (POA) is debated. Therefore, altered synthesis of THs in both thyroid and ovary can be a trait of POA. We investigated the relationship between abnormal TH signaling, dysthyroidism, and POA in evolutionary distant vertebrates: from zebrafish to humans. Ovarian T3 signaling/metabolism was evaluated by measuring T3 levels, T3 responsive transcript, and protein levels along with transcripts governing T3 availability (deiodinases) and signaling (TH receptors) in distinct models of POA depending on genetic background and environmental exposures (e.g., diets, pesticides). Expression levels of well-known (Amh, Gdf9, and Inhibins) and novel (miR143/145 and Gas5) biomarkers of POA were assessed. Ovarian dysthyroidism was slightly influenced by genetics since very few differences were found between C57BL/6J and FVB/NJ females. However, diets exacerbated it in a strain-dependent manner. Similar findings were observed in zebrafish and mouse models of POA induced by developmental and long-life exposure to low-dose chlorpyrifos (CPF). Lastly, the T3 decrease in follicular fluids from women affected by diminished ovarian reserve, as well as of the transcripts modulating T3 signaling/availability in the cumulus cells, confirmed ovarian dysthyroidism as a common and evolutionary conserved trait of POA.
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23
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Paixão RV, Silva GF, Caetano AR, Cintra LC, Varela ES, O'Sullivan FLA. Phylogenomic and expression analysis of Colossoma macropomum cyp19a1a and cyp19a1b and their non-classical role in tambaqui sex differentiation. Gene 2022; 843:146795. [PMID: 35961435 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The genes coding for Cytochrome P450 aromatase (cyp19a1a and cyp19a1b) and estrogen (E2) receptors (esr1, esr2a and esr2b) play a conserved role in ovarian differentiation and development among teleosts. Classically, the "gonad form" of aromatase, coded by the cyp19a1a, is responsible for the ovarian differentiation in genetic females via ligation and activation of the Esr, which mediates the endocrine and exocrine signaling to allow or block the establishment of the feminine phenotype. However, in neotropical species, studies on the molecular and endocrine processes involved in gonad differentiation as well as on the effects of sex modulators are recent and scarce. In this study, we combined in silico analysis, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay and quantification of E2 plasma levels of differentiating tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) to unveil the roles of the paralogs cypa19a1a and cyp19a1b during sex differentiation. Although the synteny of each gene is very conserved among characids, the genomic environment displays striking differences in comparison to model teleost species, with many rearrangements in cyp19a1a and cyp19a1b adjacencies and transposable element traces in both regulatory regions. The high dissimilarity (DI) of SF-1 binding motifs in cyp19a1a (DI = 10.06 to 14.90 %) and cyp19a1b (DI = 8.41 to 13.50 %) regulatory region, respectively, may reflect in an alternative pathway in tambaqui. Indeed, while low transcription of cyp19a1a was detected prior to sex differentiation, the expression of cyp19a1b and esr2a presented a large variation at this phase, which could be associated with sex-specific differential expression. Histological analysis revealed that anti-estradiol treatments did not affect gonadal sex ratios, although Fadrozole (50 mg kg-1 of food) reduced E2 plasma levels (p < 0,005) as well cyp19a1a transcription; and tamoxifen (200 mg kg-1 of food) down regulated both cyp19a1a and cyp19a1b but did not influence E2 levels. Altogether, our results bring into light new insights about the evolutionary fate of cyp19a1 paralogs in neotropical fish, which may have generated uncommon roles for the gonadal and brain forms of cyp19a1 genes and the unexpected lack of effect of endocrine disruptors on tambaqui sexual differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R V Paixão
- Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal e Recursos Pesqueiros, Avenida Rodrigo Otávio, CEP: 69080-900, 6200 Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - G F Silva
- Embrapa Amazônia Ocidental, Rodovia AM-010, Km 29, Caixa Postal 319, CEP: 69010-790, Brazil
| | - A R Caetano
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Final Av. W/5 Norte, C.P. 02372, CEP 70770-917, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - L C Cintra
- Embrapa Agricultura Digital, Avenida André Tosselo, 209, Cidade Universitária, CEP: 13083-886, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - E S Varela
- Embrapa Pesca e Aquicultura, Av. NS 10, cruzamento com a Av. LO 18 Sentido Norte Loteamento - Água Fria, Palmas, TO 77008-900, Brazil
| | - F L A O'Sullivan
- Embrapa Amazônia Ocidental, Rodovia AM-010, Km 29, Caixa Postal 319, CEP: 69010-790, Brazil.
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24
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Mytlis A, Kumar V, Qiu T, Deis R, Hart N, Levy K, Masek M, Shawahny A, Ahmad A, Eitan H, Nather F, Adar-Levor S, Birnbaum RY, Elia N, Bachmann-Gagescu R, Roy S, Elkouby YM. Control of meiotic chromosomal bouquet and germ cell morphogenesis by the zygotene cilium. Science 2022; 376:eabh3104. [PMID: 35549308 DOI: 10.1126/science.abh3104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A hallmark of meiosis is chromosomal pairing, which requires telomere tethering and rotation on the nuclear envelope via microtubules, driving chromosome homology searches. Telomere pulling toward the centrosome forms the "zygotene chromosomal bouquet". Here, we identified the "zygotene cilium" in oocytes. This cilium provides a cable system for the bouquet machinery, extending throughout the germline cyst. Using zebrafish mutants and live manipulations, we demonstrate that the cilium anchors the centrosome to counterbalance telomere pulling. The cilium is essential for bouquet and synaptonemal complex formation, oogenesis, ovarian development, and fertility. Thus, a cilium represents a conserved player in zebrafish and mouse meiosis, which sheds light on reproductive aspects in ciliopathies, and suggests that cilia can control chromosomal dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avishag Mytlis
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.,Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Vineet Kumar
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.,Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Tao Qiu
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Proteos, 138673 Singapore
| | - Rachael Deis
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.,Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Neta Hart
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.,Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Karine Levy
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.,Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Markus Masek
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Amal Shawahny
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.,Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Adam Ahmad
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.,Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Hagai Eitan
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.,Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Farouq Nather
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.,Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Shai Adar-Levor
- Departments of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Shave 84105, Israel
| | - Ramon Y Birnbaum
- Departments of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Shave 84105, Israel
| | - Natalie Elia
- Departments of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Shave 84105, Israel
| | - Ruxandra Bachmann-Gagescu
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Sudipto Roy
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Proteos, 138673 Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543 Singapore.,Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 119288 Singapore
| | - Yaniv M Elkouby
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.,Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
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25
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Tsakoumis E, Ahi EP, Schmitz M. Impaired leptin signaling causes subfertility in female zebrafish. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 546:111595. [PMID: 35139421 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction is an energetically costly event across vertebrates and tightly linked to nutritional status and energy reserves. In mammals, the hormone leptin is considered as a link between energy homeostasis and reproduction. However, its role in fish reproduction is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the possible role of leptin in the regulation of reproduction in zebrafish, using a loss of function leptin receptor (lepr) strain. Impaired leptin signaling resulted in severe reproductive deficiencies in female zebrafish. lepr mutant females laid significantly fewer eggs, with low fertilization rates compared to wild-type females. Folliculogenesis was not affected, but oocyte maturation and ovulation were disrupted in lepr mutants. Interestingly, the expression of luteinizing hormone beta (lhb) in the pituitary was significantly lower in mutant females. Analysis of candidate genes in the ovaries and isolated fully grown follicles revealed differential expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation and ovulation in the mutants, which are known to be regulated by LH signaling. Moreover, subfertility in lepr mutants could be partially restored by administration of human chorionic gonadotropin. In conclusion, our results show that leptin deficiency does not affect early stages of follicular development, but leptin might be essential in later steps, such as in oocyte maturation and ovulation. To our knowledge, this is the first time that leptin is associated to reproductive deficiencies in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil Tsakoumis
- Department of Organismal Biology, Environmental Toxicology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Ehsan Pashay Ahi
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Monika Schmitz
- Department of Organismal Biology, Environmental Toxicology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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26
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Katti PA, Goundadkar BB. Waves of follicle development, growth and degeneration in adult ovary of zebrafish (Danio rerio) on chronic exposure to environmental estrogens in laboratory. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 110:31-38. [PMID: 35331892 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Patterns of quantitative production of follicles, their growth, and degeneration in the adult ovary of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in response to long-term (80 days) exposure to environmental estrogens (EE) in the laboratory, were studied. Experimentally naive female D. rerio procured from fish farm were acclimated to the laboratory (natural temperature, 26 ± 1° C, photoperiod, 11.30 L:12.30 D) for two weeks and divided into 10 groups. Each group (n = 20) was housed in a separate glass aquarium containing 10 L of conditioned water (physico-chemical parameters maintained within the permissible range prescribed for zebrafish) along with either 5 ng or 10 ng/L of 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) or diethylstilbestrol (DES) or bisphenol A (BPA) or estradiol 17-β (positive control) or water with no chemical (negative control). All experimental fish were fed twice daily on commercial pellets (ad libitum) supplemented with Artemia nauplius, the exposure was semi-static and chemical residues in media samples were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). Exposure of fish to estrogens increased (p < 0.05) (i) body mass and gonadosomatic indices (GSI) in E2, EE2 and DES groups (ii) previtellogenic and vitellogenic follicles in E2 and EE2 groups (iii) atretic follicles (AF) in DES and BPA groups compared to controls and (iv) decrease in total oocyte volumes (V = 4/3. π. r3) compared to those of E2 group. These results suggest that the chronic exposure of fish to EE (at environmentally relevant concentrations) has a profound influence on ovarian follicular dynamics and the effects of individual EE are discrete on the ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pancharatna A Katti
- Department of Zoology, Karnatak University, Dharwad 580003, Karnataka, India.
| | - Basavaraj B Goundadkar
- Department of Zoology, Govindram Seksaria Science College, Belagavi 590006, Karnataka, India.
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27
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Evidence-based hormonal, mutational, and endocrine-disrupting chemical-induced zebrafish as an alternative model to study PCOS condition similar to mammalian PCOS model. Life Sci 2022; 291:120276. [PMID: 34990650 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) causes swollen ovaries in women at reproductive age due to hormonal disorder with small cysts on the outer edges. The cause of the disorder is still yet to be found. Multiple factors have increased PCOS prevalence, hyperandrogenism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Various animal PCOS models have been developed to imitate the pathophysiology of PCOS in humans. Zebrafish is one of the most versatile animal experimental models because of the transparency of the embryos, small size, and rapid growth. The zebrafish similarity to higher vertebrates made it a useful non-mammalian model for PCOS drug testing and screening. This review provides an insight into the usage of zebrafish, a non-mammalian model for PCOS, as an opportunity for evaluating future initiatives in such a research domain.
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28
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Trudeau VL. Neuroendocrine Control of Reproduction in Teleost Fish: Concepts and Controversies. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2021; 10:107-130. [PMID: 34788545 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-020420-042015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
During the teleost radiation, extensive development of the direct innervation mode of hypothalamo-pituitary communication was accompanied by loss of the median eminence typical of mammals. Cells secreting follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone cells are directly innervated, distinct populations in the anterior pituitary. So far, ∼20 stimulatory and ∼10 inhibitory neuropeptides, 3 amines, and 3 amino acid neurotransmitters are implicated in the control of reproduction. Positive and negative sex steroid feedback loops operate in both sexes. Gene mutation models in zebrafish and medaka now challenge our general understanding of vertebrate neuropeptidergic control. New reproductive neuropeptides are emerging. These include but are not limited to nesfatin 1, neurokinin B, and the secretoneurins. A generalized model for the neuroendocrine control of reproduction is proposed. Hopefully, this will serve as a research framework on diverse species to help explain the evolution of neuroendocrine control and lead to the discovery of new hormones with novel applications. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 10 is February 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vance L Trudeau
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; ,
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29
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Kehoe S, Jewgenow K, Johnston PR, Braun BC. Early preantral follicles of the domestic cat express gonadotropin and sex steroid signalling potential. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:95-107. [PMID: 34672344 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Key biomolecular processes which regulate primordial ovarian follicle dormancy and early folliculogenesis in mammalian ovaries are not fully understood. The domestic cat is a useful model to study ovarian folliculogenesis and is the most relevant for developing in vitro growth methods to be implemented in wild felid conservation breeding programs. Previously, RNA-sequencing of primordial, primary, and secondary follicle samples from domestic cat implicated ovarian steroidogenesis and steroid reception during follicle development. Here we aimed to identify which sex steroid biosynthesis and metabolism enzymes, gonadotropin receptors, and sex steroid receptors are present and may be potential regulators. Differential gene expression, functional annotation, and enrichment analyses were employed and protein localisation was studied too. Gene transcripts for PGR, PGRMC1, AR (steroid receptors), CYP11A1, CYP17A1, HSD17B1 and HSD17B17 (steroidogenic enzymes), and STS (steroid metabolising enzyme) were significantly differentially expressed (Q values of ≤0.05). Differential gene expression increased in all transcripts during follicle transitions apart from AR which decreased by the secondary stage. Immunohistochemistry localised FSHR and LHCGR to oocytes at each stage. PGRMC1 immunostaining was strongest in granulosa cells whereas AR was strongest in oocytes throughout each stage. Protein signals for steroidogenic enzymes were only detectable in secondary follicles. Products of these significantly differentially expressed genes may regulate domestic cat preantral folliculogenesis. In vitro growth could be optimised as all early follicles express gonadotropin and steroid receptors meaning hormone interaction and response may be possible. Protein expression analyses of early secondary follicles supported its potential for producing sex steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kehoe
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - K Jewgenow
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - P R Johnston
- Berlin Center for Genomics in Biodiversity Research BeGenDiv; Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries; and Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Biologie, Berlin, Germany
| | - B C Braun
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
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Senthilkumaran B, Kar S. Advances in Reproductive Endocrinology and Neuroendocrine Research Using Catfish Models. Cells 2021; 10:2807. [PMID: 34831032 PMCID: PMC8616529 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Catfishes, belonging to the order siluriformes, represent one of the largest groups of freshwater fishes with more than 4000 species and almost 12% of teleostean population. Due to their worldwide distribution and diversity, catfishes are interesting models for ecologists and evolutionary biologists. Incidentally, catfish emerged as an excellent animal model for aquaculture research because of economic importance, availability, disease resistance, adaptability to artificial spawning, handling, culture, high fecundity, hatchability, hypoxia tolerance and their ability to acclimate to laboratory conditions. Reproductive system in catfish is orchestrated by complex network of nervous, endocrine system and environmental factors during gonadal growth as well as recrudescence. Lot of new information on the molecular mechanism of gonadal development have been obtained over several decades which are evident from significant number of scientific publications pertaining to reproductive biology and neuroendocrine research in catfish. This review aims to synthesize key findings and compile highly relevant aspects on how catfish can offer insight into fundamental mechanisms of all the areas of reproduction and its neuroendocrine regulation, from gametogenesis to spawning including seasonal reproductive cycle. In addition, the state-of-knowledge surrounding gonadal development and neuroendocrine control of gonadal sex differentiation in catfish are comprehensively summarized in comparison with other fish models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balasubramanian Senthilkumaran
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India;
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31
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Sex Determination and Differentiation in Teleost: Roles of Genetics, Environment, and Brain. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10100973. [PMID: 34681072 PMCID: PMC8533387 DOI: 10.3390/biology10100973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The fish reproductive system is a complex biological system. Nonetheless, reproductive organ development is conserved, which starts with sex determination and then sex differentiation. The sex of a teleost is determined and differentiated from bipotential primordium by genetics, environmental factors, or both. These two processes are species-specific. There are several prominent genes and environmental factors involved during sex determination and differentiation. At the cellular level, most of the sex-determining genes suppress the female pathway. For environmental factors, there are temperature, density, hypoxia, pH, and social interaction. Once the sexual fate is determined, sex differentiation takes over the gonadal developmental process. Environmental factors involve activation and suppression of various male and female pathways depending on the sexual fate. Alongside these factors, the role of the brain during sex determination and differentiation remains elusive. Nonetheless, GnRH III knockout has promoted a male sex-biased population, which shows brain involvement during sex determination. During sex differentiation, LH and FSH might not affect the gonadal differentiation, but are required for regulating sex differentiation. This review discusses the role of prominent genes, environmental factors, and the brain in sex determination and differentiation across a few teleost species.
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32
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Alvi SM, Zayed Y, Malik R, Peng C. The emerging role of microRNAs in fish ovary: A mini review. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 311:113850. [PMID: 34245767 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression primarily at the post-transcriptional levels. It is now well established that miRNAs are crucial regulators of many developmental and physiological processes, including reproduction. In teleosts, expression profiling studies have shown that miRNAs are expressed in the fish ovary and their levels are regulated during follicle development and by hormones. Using CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene knockout strategies, several recent studies have provided strong evidence that miR-202 and miR-200s on chromosome 23 play critical roles in regulating ovarian development, oogenesis, and ovulation. In this mini review, we provide a brief overview of canonical miRNA biogenesis and functions; summarize miRNAs that are expressed in fish ovary; and discuss the emerging role of miRNAs in regulating fish ovarian functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajid M Alvi
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yara Zayed
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ramsha Malik
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chun Peng
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Research on Biomolecular Interactions, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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33
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Li J, Liu Z, Kang T, Li M, Wang D, Cheng CHK. Igf3: a novel player in fish reproduction†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1194-1204. [PMID: 33693502 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As in other vertebrates, fish reproduction is tightly controlled by gonadotropin signaling. One of the most perplexing aspects of gonadotropin action on germ cell biology is the restricted expression of gonadotropin receptors in somatic cells of the gonads. Therefore, the identification of factors conveying the action of gonadotropins on germ cells is particularly important for understanding the mechanism of reproduction. Insulin-like growth factors (Igfs) are recognized as key factors in regulating reproduction by triggering a series of physiological processes in vertebrates. Recently, a novel member of Igfs called Igf3 has been identified in teleost. Different from the conventional Igf1 and Igf2 that are ubiquitously expressed in a majority of tissues, Igf3 is solely or highly expressed in the fish gonads. The role of Igf3 in mediating the action of gonadotropin through Igf type 1 receptor on several aspects of oogenesis and spermatogenesis have been demonstrated in several fish species. In this review, we will summarize existing data on Igf3. This new information obtained from Igf3 provides insight into elucidating the molecular mechanism of fish reproduction, and also highlights the importance of Igf system in mediating the action of gonadotropin signaling on animal reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhen Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zhiquan Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Tao Kang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 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, 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
| | - Christopher H K Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
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34
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Molina AM, Abril N, Lora AJ, Huertas-Abril PV, Ayala N, Blanco C, Moyano MR. Proteomic profile of the effects of low-dose bisphenol A on zebrafish ovaries. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 156:112435. [PMID: 34302887 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Human exposure to bisphenol-A (BPA) is largely unavoidable because BPA is an environmental contaminant found in soil, water, food and indoor dust. The safety of authorized BPA amounts in consumer products is under question because new studies have reported adverse effects of BPA at doses far below that previously established by the NOAEL (50 μg/kg per day). To protect public health, the consequences of low-dose BPA exposure in different organs and organismal functions must be further studied to generate relevant data. This study attempted to investigate the effects and potential molecular mechanisms of short-term exposure to 1 μg/L BPA on zebrafish ovarian follicular development. We observed only minor changes at the histopathological level with a small (3 %) increase in follicular atresia. However, a shotgun proteomics approach indicated deep alterations in BPA-exposed ovarian cells, including induction of the oxidative stress response, metabolic shifts and degradome perturbations, which could drive oocytes towards premature maturation. Based on these results, it could be suggested that inadvertent exposure to small concentrations of BPA on a continuous basis causes alteration in biological processes that are essential for healthy reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Molina
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Nieves Abril
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario CeiA3, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Severo Ochoa, 14071, Córdoba, Spain.
| | - Antonio J Lora
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14014, Córdoba, Spain.
| | - Paula V Huertas-Abril
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario CeiA3, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Severo Ochoa, 14071, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Nahum Ayala
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Carmen Blanco
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - M Rosario Moyano
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
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35
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Yang Q, Mumusoglu S, Qin Y, Sun Y, Hsueh AJ. A kaleidoscopic view of ovarian genes associated with premature ovarian insufficiency and senescence. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21753. [PMID: 34233068 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100756r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian infertility and subfertility presenting with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and diminished ovarian reserve are major issues facing the developed world due to the trend of delaying childbirth. Ovarian senescence and POI represent a continuum of physiological/pathophysiological changes in ovarian follicle functions. Based on advances in whole exome sequencing, evaluation of gene copy variants, together with family-based and genome-wide association studies, we discussed genes responsible for POI and ovarian senescence. We used a gene-centric approach to sort out literature deposited in the Ovarian Kaleidoscope database (http://okdb.appliedbioinfo.net) by sub-categorizing candidate genes as ligand-receptor signaling, meiosis and DNA repair, transcriptional factors, RNA metabolism, enzymes, and others. We discussed individual gene mutations found in POI patients and verification of gene functions in gene-deleted model organisms. Decreased expression of some of the POI genes could be responsible for ovarian senescence, especially those essential for DNA repair, meiosis and mitochondrial functions. We propose to set up a candidate gene panel for targeted sequencing in POI patients together with studies on mitochondria-associated genes in middle-aged subfertile patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingling Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sezcan Mumusoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yingpu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Aaron J Hsueh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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36
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Subendran S, Wang YC, Lu YH, Chen CY. The evaluation of zebrafish cardiovascular and behavioral functions through microfluidics. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13801. [PMID: 34226579 PMCID: PMC8257654 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93078-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study proposed a new experimental approach for the vascular and phenotype evaluation of the non-anesthetized zebrafish with representative imaging orientations for heart, pectoral fin beating, and vasculature views by means of the designed microfluidic device through inducing the optomotor response and hydrodynamic pressure control. In order to provide the visual cues for better positioning of zebrafish, computer-animated moving grids were generated by an in-house control interface which was powered by the larval optomotor response, in conjunction with the pressure suction control. The presented platform provided a comprehensive evaluation of internal circulation and the linked external behaviors of zebrafish in response to the cardiovascular parameter changes. The insights from these imaging sections was extended to identify the linkage between the cardiac parameters and behavioral endpoints. In addition, selected chemicals such as ethanol and caffeine were employed for the treatment of zebrafish. The obtained findings can be applicable for future investigation in behavioral drug screening serving as the forefront in psychopharmacological and cognition research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satishkumar Subendran
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1 University Road, Tainan, 701, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chieh Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1 University Road, Tainan, 701, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Hsun Lu
- Department of Radiology, Shuang-Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, 235, Taiwan
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
- Department of Radiology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yuan Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1 University Road, Tainan, 701, Taiwan.
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37
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Gibert Y, Chung BC. Fish as a model for endocrine systems. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 531:111316. [PMID: 33974942 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yann Gibert
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Jackson, MS, USA.
| | - Bon-Chu Chung
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.
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Zhou H, Chen A, Lu W. Corticotropin-releasing hormone reduces basal estradiol production in zebrafish follicular cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 527:111222. [PMID: 33652099 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) plays a key regulatory role in coordinating the regulation of endocrine, autonomic nervous, immune, and reproductive systems. Two CRH (CRHα and CRHβ) and their receptors (CRHR1 and CRHR2) had been identified in zebrafish. However, their functions remained uncovered in the ovary of zebrafish. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether CRH acts directly on the ovary to regulate steroidogenesis in cultured zebrafish follicular cells. Firstly, CRH and its receptors are expressed in the zebrafish ovary. The expression profile of CRHβ fluctuated during ovarian development in zebrafish, and the highest CRHα mRNA levels were observed at the mature follicle. The highest CRHR1 and CRHR2 mRNA levels existed in mid-vitellogenic (MV) and early vitellogenic (EV) stages, respectively. In primary cultured zebrafish follicular cells, both of the CRHα and CRHβ inhibited expression of hsd17b3 mRNA levels and decreased content of estradiol (E2) in the medium. Furthermore, CRH activated p38 MAPK and p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 attenuated the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK induced by CRHα. Simultaneously, SB203580 changed the effect of CRH on cyp19a1a expression but not hsd17b1 and hsd17b3. SB203580 alone or combined with CRH inhibited the E2 content. Finally, the CRHR inhibitor α-helical 9-41 also blocked the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK induced by CRHα but did not change the inhibitory effect of CRH on the mRNA expression of the steroidogenic gene and the content of E2 in the culture medium. Taken together, our findings suggest that the anti-steroidogenic effects of CRH may be mediated partly through activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhou
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Aqin Chen
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
| | - Weiqun Lu
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 201306, China.
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39
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Pensado-López A, Veiga-Rúa S, Carracedo Á, Allegue C, Sánchez L. Experimental Models to Study Autism Spectrum Disorders: hiPSCs, Rodents and Zebrafish. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E1376. [PMID: 33233737 PMCID: PMC7699923 DOI: 10.3390/genes11111376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) affect around 1.5% of the global population, which manifest alterations in communication and socialization, as well as repetitive behaviors or restricted interests. ASD is a complex disorder with known environmental and genetic contributors; however, ASD etiology is far from being clear. In the past decades, many efforts have been put into developing new models to study ASD, both in vitro and in vivo. These models have a lot of potential to help to validate some of the previously associated risk factors to the development of the disorder, and to test new potential therapies that help to alleviate ASD symptoms. The present review is focused on the recent advances towards the generation of models for the study of ASD, which would be a useful tool to decipher the bases of the disorder, as well as to conduct drug screenings that hopefully lead to the identification of useful compounds to help patients deal with the symptoms of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Pensado-López
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (S.V.-R.)
- Genomic Medicine Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Sara Veiga-Rúa
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (S.V.-R.)
- Genomic Medicine Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Ángel Carracedo
- Genomic Medicine Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), CIMUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Catarina Allegue
- Genomic Medicine Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (S.V.-R.)
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40
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Li M, Cao J, Zhao Y, Wu P, Li X, Khodaei F, Han Y, Wang J. Fluoride impairs ovary development by affecting oogenesis and inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in female zebrafish (Danio rerio). CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 256:127105. [PMID: 32450357 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that waterborne fluoride exposure has adverse effects on the reproductive system of zebrafish. However, the underlying toxic mechanisms were still not clear. In the present study, female zebrafish were exposed to different concentrations of 0.787 (Control), 18.599, 36.832 mg/L of fluoride for 30 d and 60 d, and the effects of different doses of fluoride on ovary development, reproductive hormones, oogenesis, ROS content, antioxidant levels, and the expression of apoptosis-related genes and proteins in the ovaries of female zebrafish were analyzed. The results showed that ovarian weight and GSI were significantly decreased, FSH, LH and VTG levels were significantly reduced, the transcriptional profiles of oogenesis-related genes (tgfβ1, bmp15, gdf9, mprα, mprβ, ptg2β) were remarkably altered, ROS levels was notably increased, the SOD, CAT, GPx activities and GSH content as well as their mRNA expressions were significantly decreased, MDA content was remarkably increased, the expressions of apoptosis-related genes and proteins (caspase3, caspase8, caspase9, Fas-L, Cytochrome C, Bax and Bcl-2) were significantly changed, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 protein levels were notably increased. Taken together, this study demonstrated that fluoride exposure significantly affected ovarian development, decreased the reproductive hormones, affected oogenesis, induced oxidative stress, caused apoptosis through both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways in ovary of zebrafish. Indicating that oogenesis, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were responsible for the impairment of ovarian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyan Li
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Jinling Cao
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Yangfei Zhao
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Panhong Wu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Xuehua Li
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Forouzan Khodaei
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Yongli Han
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Jundong Wang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China.
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Cabezas-Sáinz P, Pensado-López A, Sáinz B, Sánchez L. Modeling Cancer Using Zebrafish Xenografts: Drawbacks for Mimicking the Human Microenvironment. Cells 2020; 9:E1978. [PMID: 32867288 PMCID: PMC7564051 DOI: 10.3390/cells9091978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The first steps towards establishing xenografts in zebrafish embryos were performed by Lee et al., 2005 and Haldi et al., 2006, paving the way for studying human cancers using this animal species. Since then, the xenograft technique has been improved in different ways, ranging from optimizing the best temperature for xenografted embryo incubation, testing different sites for injection of human tumor cells, and even developing tools to study how the host interacts with the injected cells. Nonetheless, a standard protocol for performing xenografts has not been adopted across laboratories, and further research on the temperature, microenvironment of the tumor or the cell-host interactions inside of the embryo during xenografting is still needed. As a consequence, current non-uniform conditions could be affecting experimental results in terms of cell proliferation, invasion, or metastasis; or even overestimating the effects of some chemotherapeutic drugs on xenografted cells. In this review, we highlight and raise awareness regarding the different aspects of xenografting that need to be improved in order to mimic, in a more efficient way, the human tumor microenvironment, resulting in more robust and accurate in vivo results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Cabezas-Sáinz
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (P.C.-S.); (A.P.-L.)
| | - Alba Pensado-López
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (P.C.-S.); (A.P.-L.)
- Genomic Medicine Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Bruno Sáinz
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” CSIC-UAM, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Cancer Stem Cell and Fibroinflammatory Microenvironment Group, Chronic Diseases and Cancer Area 3-Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (P.C.-S.); (A.P.-L.)
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Li J, Bai L, Liu Z, Wang W. Dual roles of PDE9a in meiotic maturation of zebrafish oocytes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 532:40-46. [PMID: 32826058 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The essential role of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling in regulating the oocyte meiotic cell cycle has been established. However, control of the level of cGMP in ovarian follicles is unclear. The cGMP-hydrolyzing phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are important in regulating the cellular cGMP level. We used zebrafish as a model to study the role of a cGMP-hydrolyzing phosphodiesterase-9a (PDE9a) in meiotic maturation of oocytes. Three PDE9a coding genes (PDE9aa, PDE9ab, and PDE9ac) were identified in zebrafish. Both pde9aa and pde9ac are expressed in most adult tissues including the ovary, but pde9ab is only expressed in the ovary, kidney, pituitary, and brain. All three pde9as mRNA exhibited different expression profiles during folliculogenesis. All of them are highly expressed in the oocyte but not in the follicular cell. The expression of both pde9aa and pde9ab, but not pde9ac, in ovarian follicles increases during oocyte maturation either in natural ovulatory cycle or induced by administration of hCG in vivo. We overexpressed pde9aa by injection of capped pde9aa mRNA into the oocytes. The cGMP level was decreased, and oocyte maturation was stimulated. When the activity of PDE9a was blocked by a specific inhibitor, Bay736691, the oocyte maturation was also stimulated. The stimulatory effect could be blocked by a gap junction blocker. However, the spontaneous oocyte maturation of denuded oocytes was not largely affected after treatment with Bay736691. All of the mature oocytes obtained by either treatment of Bay736691 or injection of pde9aa mRNA, could be fertilized in vitro. These results demonstrate the dual roles of PDE9a in oocyte maturation. The basal level of PDE9a is responsible for maintaining the meiotic arrest, and the increased level of PDE9a induced by LH signaling is helpful for stimulating meiotic maturation by hydrolyzing cGMP in oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhen Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730070, China.
| | - Lin Bai
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730070, China
| | - Zhiquan Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730070, China
| | - Wenyi Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730070, China
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