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Huang J, Wan H, Jiang J, Huang Y, Zou P, Zhang Z, Jia X, Wang Y. miR-34 negatively regulates the expression of Dmrt and related genes in the testis of mud crab Scylla paramamosain. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 275:111018. [PMID: 39128537 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2024.111018] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
The mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) is a commercially significant marine decapod crustacean. Due to its obvious sexual dimorphism, the mechanism of sex differentiation and gonadal development has attracted significant research interest. The Dmrt (double-sex and mab-3 related transcription factor) genes are vital in animal gonadal development and sex differentiation. In the present study, miR-34 was predicted to target the 3' end of Dmrt-1, idmrt-2, Dmrt-3, Dsx and Dmrt-like genes by prediction software, and the interactions between miR-34 and these Dmrt genes were validated by in vivo and in vitro experiments. Dual luciferase assay results indicated that miR-34 mimics/inhibitors co-transfected with plasmid vectors with 3' end of Dmrt-1, idmrt-2, Dmrt-3, Dsx and Dmrt-like, respectively, led to a significant decrease/increase of fluorescence activity in HEK293T cells. In vivo experiments showed that injection of agomir-34 significantly inhibited Dmrt-1, idmrt-2, Dsx and Dmrt-like expression, while injection of antagomir-34 caused the opposite result. However, Dmrt-3 expression was not affected by injection of miR-34 reagents. Meanwhile, the expression of spermatogenesis and testicular development-related molecular marker genes (IAG, foxl2 and vasa) in mud crabs was significantly changed after injecting the miR-34 reagent in vivo. Furthermore, the result of immunoblotting proved that the expression level of Dmrt-like protein can be regulated by miR-34. These results imply that miR-34 is indirectly involved in sex differentiation and testicular development of S. paramamosain by regulating Dmrt-1, idmrt-2, Dsx and Dmrt-like genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinkun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Haifu Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Jing Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Yicong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Pengfei Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Ziping Zhang
- College of Marine Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xiwei Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Yilei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China.
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Guo M, Zhao F, Zhang M, Chen X, Duan M, Xie Y, Zhang Z, Jiang J, Qiu L. Long-term exposure of metamifop affects sex differentiation and reproductive system of zebrafish (Danio rerio). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 273:107004. [PMID: 38901218 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.107004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
The extensive use of herbicide metamifop (MET) in rice fields for weeds control will inevitably lead to its entering into water environments and threaten the aquatic organisms. Previous researches have demonstrated that sublethal exposure of MET significantly affected zebrafish development. Yet the long-term toxicological impacts of MET on aquatic life remains unknown. Herein, we investigated the potential effects of MET (5 and 50 μg/L) on zebrafish during an entire life cycle. Since the expression level of male sex differentiation-related gene dmrt1 and sex hormone synthesis-related gene cyp19a1b were significantly changed after 50 μg/L MET exposure for only 7 days, indicators related to sex differentiation and reproductive system were further investigated. Results showed that the transcript of dmrt1 was inhibited, estradiol content increased and testosterone content decreased in zebrafish of both sexes after MET exposure at 45, 60 and 120 dpf. Histopathological sections showed that the proportions of mature germ cells in the gonads of male and female zebrafish (120 dpf) were significantly decreased. Moreover, males had elevated vitellogenin content while females did not after MET exposure; MET induced feminization in zebrafish, with the proportion of females significantly increased by 19.6% while that of males significantly decreased by 13.2% at 120 dpf. These results suggested that MET interfered with the expression levels of gonad development related-genes, disrupted sex hormone balance, and affected sex differentiation and reproductive system of female and male zebrafish, implying it might have potential endocrine disrupting effects after long-term exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Guo
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Feng Zhao
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Mengna Zhang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiangguang Chen
- Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Manman Duan
- Rural Revitalization Research Institute, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, China
| | - Yao Xie
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhongyu Zhang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jiazhen Jiang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lihong Qiu
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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Lu T, Zheng W, Hu F, Lin X, Tao R, Li M, Guo LH. Disruption of zebrafish sex differentiation by emerging contaminants hexafluoropropylene oxides at environmental concentrations via antagonizing androgen receptor pathways. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 190:108868. [PMID: 38976939 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
As alternatives of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), hexafluoropropylene oxide dimeric acid (HFPO-DA) and trimeric acid (HFPO-TA) have been detected increasingly in environmental media and even humans. They have been shown to exhibit reproductive toxicity to model species, but their effects on human remain unclear due to the knowledge gap in their mode of action. Herein, (anti-)androgenic effects of the two HFPOs and PFOA were investigated and underlying toxicological mechanism was explored by combining zebrafish test, cell assay and molecular docking simulation. Exposure of juvenile zebrafish to the chemicals during sex differentiation promoted feminization, with HFPO-TA acting at an environmental concentration of 1 μg/L. The chemicals inhibited proliferation of human prostate cells and transcriptional activity of human and zebrafish androgen receptors (AR), with HFPO-TA displaying the strongest potency. Molecular docking revealed that the chemicals bind to AR in a conformation similar to a known AR antagonist. Combined in vivo, in vitro and in silico results demonstrated that the chemicals disrupted sex differentiation likely by antagonizing AR-mediated pathways, and provided more evidence that HFPO-TA is not a safe alternative to PFOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingyu Lu
- College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Fanglin Hu
- College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Xicha Lin
- College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Ran Tao
- College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Minjie Li
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Liang-Hong Guo
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
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Ogunwole GA, Adeyemi JA, Saliu JK, Olorundare KE. A computational analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of ibuprofen and dibutyl phthalate on gene expression in fish. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31880. [PMID: 38845962 PMCID: PMC11153241 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31880] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The impact of emerging pollutants such as ibuprofen and dibutyl phthalate on aquatic species is a growing concern and the need for proper assessment and evaluation of these toxicants is imperative. The objective of this study was to examine the toxicogenomic impacts of ibuprofen and dibutyl phthalate on Clarias gariepinus, a widely distributed African catfish species. Results showed that exposure to the test compounds caused significant changes in gene expression, including upregulation of growth hormone, interleukin, melatonin receptors, 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase, heat shock protein, doublesex, and mab-3 related transcription factor. On the other hand, expression of forkhead Box Protein L2 and cytochrome P450 was downregulated, revealing a potential to induce female to male sex reversal. The binding affinities and hydrophobic interactions of the test compounds with the reference genes were also studied, showing that ibuprofen had the lowest binding energy and the highest affinity for the docked genes. Both compounds revealed a mutual molecular interaction with amino acids residues within the catalytic cavity of the docked genes. These results provide new insights into the toxic effects of ibuprofen and dibutyl phthalate on Clarias gariepinus, contributing to a better understanding of the environmental impact of these pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germaine Akinola Ogunwole
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Federal University of Technology, Akure. P.M.B 704, Ondo, Nigeria
| | - Joseph Adewuyi Adeyemi
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Federal University of Technology, Akure. P.M.B 704, Ondo, Nigeria
| | - Joseph Kayode Saliu
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Kayode Emmanuel Olorundare
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Federal University of Technology, Akure. P.M.B 704, Ondo, Nigeria
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Orlova SY, Ruzina MN, Emelianova OR, Sergeev AA, Chikurova EA, Orlov AM, Mugue NS. In Search of a Target Gene for a Desirable Phenotype in Aquaculture: Genome Editing of Cyprinidae and Salmonidae Species. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:726. [PMID: 38927661 PMCID: PMC11202958 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060726] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aquaculture supplies the world food market with a significant amount of valuable protein. Highly productive aquaculture fishes can be derived by utilizing genome-editing methods, and the main problem is to choose a target gene to obtain the desirable phenotype. This paper presents a review of the studies of genome editing for genes controlling body development, growth, pigmentation and sex determination in five key aquaculture Salmonidae and Cyprinidae species, such as rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss), Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), goldfish (Carassius auratus), Gibel carp (Carassius gibelio) and the model fish zebrafish (Danio rerio). Among the genes studied, the most applicable for aquaculture are mstnba, pomc, and acvr2, the knockout of which leads to enhanced muscle growth; runx2b, mutants of which do not form bones in myoseptae; lepr, whose lack of function makes fish fast-growing; fads2, Δ6abc/5Mt, and Δ6bcMt, affecting the composition of fatty acids in fish meat; dnd mettl3, and wnt4a, mutants of which are sterile; and disease-susceptibility genes prmt7, gab3, gcJAM-A, and cxcr3.2. Schemes for obtaining common carp populations consisting of only large females are promising for use in aquaculture. The immobilized and uncolored zebrafish line is of interest for laboratory use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Yu. Orlova
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, 105187 Moscow, Russia; (S.Y.O.)
| | - Maria N. Ruzina
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, 105187 Moscow, Russia; (S.Y.O.)
| | - Olga R. Emelianova
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, 105187 Moscow, Russia; (S.Y.O.)
- Department of Biological Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey A. Sergeev
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, 105187 Moscow, Russia; (S.Y.O.)
| | - Evgeniya A. Chikurova
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, 105187 Moscow, Russia; (S.Y.O.)
| | - Alexei M. Orlov
- Laboratory of Oceanic Ichthyofauna, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117218 Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Behavior of Lower Vertebrates, Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Ichthyology, Dagestan State University, 367000 Makhachkala, Russia
| | - Nikolai S. Mugue
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, 105187 Moscow, Russia; (S.Y.O.)
- Laboratory of Genome Evolution and Speciation, Institute of Developmental Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, 117808 Moscow, Russia
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Kong D, Zhao X, Pan Y, Song N. Gonadal transcriptome analysis of sex-biased gene and genome-wide investigation of dmrt gene family in Acanthogobius ommaturus. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2024; 50:101204. [PMID: 38342067 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2024.101204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Acanthogobius ommaturus is one of the largest goby fish, and widely distributed in the Northwestern Pacific as an annual benthic fish. This study aims to report the gonadal transcriptome of A. ommaturus and identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between sexes. A total of 5460 (27.94 %) DEGs were detected from genome, with 3301 (16.89 %) biased towards males and 2159 (11.05 %) towards females. Analysis of 76 known vertebrate sex-related genes revealed multiple key genes, including the male-biased genes dmrt1 (Doublesex and Mab-3 related transcription factor 1) and amh (Anti-Mullerian Hormone), and the female-biased genes foxl2 (Forkhead Box L2) and cyp19a1a (Cytochrome P450 Aromatase 19 Subfamily A1). Furthermore, a genome-wide gene family analysis focused on the most significantly differentially expressed male-biased gene, dmrt1, was conducted using the chromosomal-level genome. Six Aodmrt genes were identified and subjected to phylogenetic and protein interaction network analyses. To validate the expression pattern, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed and compared with gonadal transcriptome data. The results showed that only dmrt1 exhibited significant male-bias, while the expression levels and sex differences of other dmrt genes in the gonads were inconclusive. Interestingly, the other dmrt genes displayed higher expression levels in other tissues, suggesting currently unknown functions. In conclusion, this study provides valuable genetic information contributing to the understanding of the sex determination mechanism of A. ommaturus and bony fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delong Kong
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yu Pan
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Na Song
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266003, China.
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Zhao C, Bian C, Mu X, Zhang X, Shi Q. Gonadal transcriptome sequencing reveals sexual dimorphism in expression profiling of sex-related genes in Asian arowana ( Scleropages formosus). Front Genet 2024; 15:1381832. [PMID: 38666292 PMCID: PMC11043485 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1381832] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Asia arowana (Scleropages formosus) is an ornamental fish with high economic value, while its sex determination mechanism is still poorly understood. By far, no morphological evidence or molecular marker has been developed for effective distinguishment of genders, which poses a critical challenge to our captive breeding efforts. In this study, we sequenced gonadal transcriptomes of adult Asian arowanas and revealed differential expression profiling of sex-related genes. Based on the comparative transcriptomics analysis of testes (n = 3) and ovaries (n = 3), we identified a total of 8,872 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 18,490 differentially expressed transposable elements (TEs) between male and female individuals. Interestingly, the expression of TEs usually has been more significantly testis-biased than related coding genes. As expected, several genes related to females (such as foxl2 and cyp19a1a) are significantly transcribed in the ovary, and some genes related to male gonad development (such as dmrt1, gsdf and amh) are highly expressed in the testis. This sexual dimorphism is valuable for ascertaining the differential expression patterns of sex-related genes and enriching the genetic resources of this economically important species. These valuable genetic materials thereby provide instructive references for gender identification and one-to-one breeding practices so as to expand fish numbers for a rapid elevation of economic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chao Bian
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, China
- Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xidong Mu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Aquatic Invasive Alien Species, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Modern Recreational Fisheries Engineering Technology Center, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinhui Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qiong Shi
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, China
- Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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Liu Q, Hu J, Lin Y, Wu X, Feng Y, Ye J, Zhang K, Zheng S. Effects of exogenous steroid hormones on growth, body color, and gonadal development in the Opsariichthys bidens. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2024; 50:449-461. [PMID: 38079050 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-023-01275-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
To investigate the effects of exogenous steroid hormones on growth, body color, and gonadal development in the Opsariichthys bidens (O. bidens), synthetic methyltestosterone (MT) and 17β-estradiol (E2) were used for 28 days' treatment of 4-month-old O. bidens before the breeding season. Our results suggested that MT had a significant growth-promoting effect (P < 0.05), whereas E2 played an inhibitory role. On the body surface, the females in the MT group showed gray stripes, and the fish in other groups showed no obvious stripes. The males with MT treatment displayed brighter blue-green stripes compared to the CK and E2 groups. The histological analysis showed that the MT significantly promoted testes development in males, blocked oocyte development, and caused massive apoptosis in females, whereas the E2 group promoted ovarian development and inhibited testes development. Based on qRT-PCR analysis, in females, the expression of igf-1, dmrt1, and cyp19a1a genes revealed that E2 treatment resulted in down-regulation of igf-1 expression and up-regulation of cyp19a1a expression. In males, igf-1 and dmrt1 were significantly up-regulated after MT treatment, and E2 treatment led to down-regulation of igf-1. Therefore, this study demonstrates that MT and E2 play an important role in reversing the morphological sex characteristics of females and males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyuan Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Room 203, 10 teaching buildings, 688 Yingbin Avenue, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Jinchun Hu
- Quzhou Aquatic Technology Promotion Station, Quzhou, China
| | - Yurui Lin
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Room 203, 10 teaching buildings, 688 Yingbin Avenue, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Xinrui Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Room 203, 10 teaching buildings, 688 Yingbin Avenue, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Yujun Feng
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Room 203, 10 teaching buildings, 688 Yingbin Avenue, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Jiazheng Ye
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Room 203, 10 teaching buildings, 688 Yingbin Avenue, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Room 203, 10 teaching buildings, 688 Yingbin Avenue, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Shanjian Zheng
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Room 203, 10 teaching buildings, 688 Yingbin Avenue, Jinhua, 321004, China.
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Wilson CA, Batzel P, Postlethwait JH. Direct male development in chromosomally ZZ zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1362228. [PMID: 38529407 PMCID: PMC10961373 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1362228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The genetics of sex determination varies across taxa, sometimes even within a species. Major domesticated strains of zebrafish (Danio rerio), including AB and TU, lack a strong genetic sex determining locus, but strains more recently derived from nature, like Nadia (NA), possess a ZZ male/ZW female chromosomal sex-determination system. AB fish pass through a juvenile ovary stage, forming oocytes that survive in fish that become females but die in fish that become males. To understand mechanisms of gonad development in NA zebrafish, we studied histology and single cell transcriptomics in developing ZZ and ZW fish. ZW fish developed oocytes by 22 days post-fertilization (dpf) but ZZ fish directly formed testes, avoiding a juvenile ovary phase. Gonads of some ZW and WW fish, however, developed oocytes that died as the gonad became a testis, mimicking AB fish, suggesting that the gynogenetically derived AB strain is chromosomally WW. Single-cell RNA-seq of 19dpf gonads showed similar cell types in ZZ and ZW fish, including germ cells, precursors of gonadal support cells, steroidogenic cells, interstitial/stromal cells, and immune cells, consistent with a bipotential juvenile gonad. In contrast, scRNA-seq of 30dpf gonads revealed that cells in ZZ gonads had transcriptomes characteristic of testicular Sertoli, Leydig, and germ cells while ZW gonads had granulosa cells, theca cells, and developing oocytes. Hematopoietic and vascular cells were similar in both sex genotypes. These results show that juvenile NA zebrafish initially develop a bipotential gonad; that a factor on the NA W chromosome, or fewer than two Z chromosomes, is essential to initiate oocyte development; and without the W factor, or with two Z doses, NA gonads develop directly into testes without passing through the juvenile ovary stage. Sex determination in AB and TU strains mimics NA ZW and WW zebrafish, suggesting loss of the Z chromosome during domestication. Genetic analysis of the NA strain will facilitate our understanding of the evolution of sex determination mechanisms.
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Qi S, Dai S, Zhou X, Wei X, Chen P, He Y, Kocher TD, Wang D, Li M. Dmrt1 is the only male pathway gene tested indispensable for sex determination and functional testis development in tilapia. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011210. [PMID: 38536778 PMCID: PMC10971778 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex is determined by multiple factors derived from somatic and germ cells in vertebrates. We have identified amhy, dmrt1, gsdf as male and foxl2, foxl3, cyp19a1a as female sex determination pathway genes in Nile tilapia. However, the relationship among these genes is largely unclear. Here, we found that the gonads of dmrt1;cyp19a1a double mutants developed as ovaries or underdeveloped testes with no germ cells irrespective of their genetic sex. In addition, the gonads of dmrt1;cyp19a1a;cyp19a1b triple mutants still developed as ovaries. The gonads of foxl3;cyp19a1a double mutants developed as testes, while the gonads of dmrt1;cyp19a1a;foxl3 triple mutants eventually developed as ovaries. In contrast, the gonads of amhy;cyp19a1a, gsdf;cyp19a1a, amhy;foxl2, gsdf;foxl2 double and amhy;cyp19a1a;cyp19a1b, gsdf;cyp19a1a;cyp19a1b triple mutants developed as testes with spermatogenesis via up-regulation of dmrt1 in both somatic and germ cells. The gonads of amhy;foxl3 and gsdf;foxl3 double mutants developed as ovaries but with germ cells in spermatogenesis due to up-regulation of dmrt1. Taking the respective ovary and underdeveloped testis of dmrt1;foxl3 and dmrt1;foxl2 double mutants reported previously into consideration, we demonstrated that once dmrt1 mutated, the gonad could not be rescued to functional testis by mutating any female pathway gene. The sex reversal caused by mutation of male pathway genes other than dmrt1, including its upstream amhy and downstream gsdf, could be rescued by mutating female pathway gene. Overall, our data suggested that dmrt1 is the only male pathway gene tested indispensable for sex determination and functional testis development in tilapia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuang Qi
- 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, China
| | - Shengfei Dai
- 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, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- 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, China
| | - Xueyan 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, China
| | - Ping Chen
- 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, China
| | - Yuanyuan He
- 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, China
| | - Thomas D. Kocher
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, 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, China
| | - Minghui Li
- 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, China
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11
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Ruan Y, Li X, Wang X, Zhai G, Lou Q, Jin X, He J, Mei J, Xiao W, Gui J, Yin Z. New insights into the all-testis differentiation in zebrafish with compromised endogenous androgen and estrogen synthesis. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011170. [PMID: 38451917 PMCID: PMC10919652 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The regulatory mechanism of gonadal sex differentiation, which is complex and regulated by multiple factors, remains poorly understood in teleosts. Recently, we have shown that compromised androgen and estrogen synthesis with increased progestin leads to all-male differentiation with proper testis development and spermatogenesis in cytochrome P450 17a1 (cyp17a1)-/- zebrafish. In the present study, the phenotypes of female-biased sex ratio were positively correlated with higher Fanconi anemia complementation group L (fancl) expression in the gonads of doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 1 (dmrt1)-/- and cyp17a1-/-;dmrt1-/- fish. The additional depletion of fancl in cyp17a1-/-;dmrt1-/- zebrafish reversed the gonadal sex differentiation from all-ovary to all-testis (in cyp17a1-/-;dmrt1-/-;fancl-/- fish). Luciferase assay revealed a synergistic inhibitory effect of Dmrt1 and androgen signaling on fancl transcription. Furthermore, an interaction between Fancl and the apoptotic factor Tumour protein p53 (Tp53) was found in vitro. The interaction between Fancl and Tp53 was observed via the WD repeat domain (WDR) and C-terminal domain (CTD) of Fancl and the DNA binding domain (DBD) of Tp53, leading to the K48-linked polyubiquitination degradation of Tp53 activated by the ubiquitin ligase, Fancl. Our results show that testis fate in cyp17a1-/- fish is determined by Dmrt1, which is thought to stabilize Tp53 by inhibiting fancl transcription during the critical stage of sexual fate determination in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonglin Ruan
- State key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuehui Li
- State key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- State key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Zhai
- State key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiyong Lou
- State key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xia Jin
- State key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiangyan He
- State key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Mei
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wuhan Xiao
- State key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianfang Gui
- State key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhan Yin
- State key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan, China
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12
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Li C, Li Y, Qin C, Yu C, Hu J, Guo C, Wang Y. Determination of the timing of early gonadal differentiation in silver pomfret, Pampus argenteus. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 261:107373. [PMID: 38211439 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Silver pomfret is a species of global significance due to its high nutritional in fisheries sector. To accurately ascertain the timing of sex differentiation mechanism and mRNA level in this species, this study examined gonad morphology and patterns of gene expression related to sex differentiation in males and females from 51 to 180 days post hatch (dph), the temperature of water was maintained at 26 ± 1 ℃. Distinct morphological differentiation of the silver pomfret ovaries, marked by the emergence of primary oocytes, became apparent from 68 dph. By 108 dph, the testes began to differentiate, as evidenced by the appearance of the efferent duct. Early oocytes exhibited a diameter ranged from 0.077 mm to 0.682 mm, with an average diameter of 0.343 ± 0.051 mm. The proportions of various types of germ cells within the testes were subjected to analysis. The localization of Vasa during the early stages of sexual differentiation was a subject to analysis as well. Vasa was predominantly localized within the cytoplasm of gonocyte, peri-nucleolus stage oocytes, primary oocytes and type A spermatogonocytes, indicating that Vasa is involved in the early gonadal differentiation of silver pomfret. The study investigated the expression patterns of dmrt1, gsdf, amh, foxl2, cyp19a1a, cyp11a, sox3 and vasa, all of which are involved in the sex differentiation of teleosts. Among these genes, amh, gsdf, sox3, foxl2, vasa were indentified as crucial contributors to the early gonadal development of silver pomfret. Significant sex-related differences were observed in the expression patterns of amh, dmrt1, gsdf, cyp11a, sox3, cyp19a1a, vasa. This study provides novel insights into the timing of physiological changes associated with the sexual differentiation of silver pomfret. Collectively, the present data indicates that the differentiation of ovaries and testes take place approximately at 68 dph in females and 108 dph in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Li
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ningbo University, Ministry of Education, Ningbo, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; College of marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yaya Li
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ningbo University, Ministry of Education, Ningbo, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; College of marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Chunlai Qin
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ningbo University, Ministry of Education, Ningbo, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; College of marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Changhang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ningbo University, Ministry of Education, Ningbo, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; College of marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jiabao Hu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ningbo University, Ministry of Education, Ningbo, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; College of marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Chunyang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ningbo University, Ministry of Education, Ningbo, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; College of marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Yajun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ningbo University, Ministry of Education, Ningbo, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; College of marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
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13
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Ruan Y, Li X, Zhai G, Lou Q, Jin X, He J, Yin Z. Estrogen Signaling Inhibits the Expression of anti-Müllerian hormone ( amh) and gonadal-soma-derived factor ( gsdf) during the Critical Time of Sexual Fate Determination in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1740. [PMID: 38339020 PMCID: PMC10855942 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031740] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanism of fish gonadal sex differentiation is complex and regulated by multiple factors. It has been widely known that proper steroidogenesis in Leydig cells and sex-related genes in Sertoli cells play important roles in gonadal sex differentiation. In teleosts, the precise interaction of these signals during the sexual fate determination remains elusive, especially their effect on the bi-potential gonad during the critical stage of sexual fate determination. Recently, all-testis phenotypes have been observed in the cyp17a1-deficient zebrafish and common carp, as well as in cyp19a1a-deficient zebrafish. By mating cyp17a1-deficient fish with transgenic zebrafish Tg(piwil1:EGFP-nanos3UTR), germ cells in the gonads were labelled with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). We classified the cyp17a1-deficient zebrafish and their control siblings into primordial germ cell (PGC)-rich and -less groups according to the fluorescence area of the EGFP labelling. Intriguingly, the EGFP-labelled bi-potential gonads in cyp17a1+/+ fish from the PGC-rich group were significantly larger than those of the cyp17a1-/- fish at 23 days post-fertilization (dpf). Based on the transcriptome analysis, we observed that the cyp17a1-deficient fish of the PGC-rich group displayed a significantly upregulated expression of amh and gsdf compared to that of control fish. Likewise, the upregulated expressions of amh and gsdf were observed in cyp19a1a-deficient fish as examined at 23 dpf. This upregulation of amh and gsdf could be repressed by treatment with an exogenous supplement of estradiol. Moreover, tamoxifen, an effective antagonist of both estrogen receptor α and β (ERα and Erβ), upregulates the expression of amh and gsdf in wild-type (WT) fish. Using the cyp17a1- and cyp19a1a-deficient zebrafish, we provide evidence to show that the upregulated expression of amh and gsdf due to the compromised estrogen signaling probably determines their sexual fate towards testis differentiation. Collectively, our data suggest that estrogen signaling inhibits the expression of amh and gsdf during the critical time of sexual fate determination, which may broaden the scope of sex steroid hormones in regulating gonadal sex differentiation in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonglin Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; (Y.R.); (X.L.); (Q.L.); (J.H.)
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xuehui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; (Y.R.); (X.L.); (Q.L.); (J.H.)
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Gang Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; (Y.R.); (X.L.); (Q.L.); (J.H.)
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qiyong Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; (Y.R.); (X.L.); (Q.L.); (J.H.)
| | - Xia Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; (Y.R.); (X.L.); (Q.L.); (J.H.)
| | - Jiangyan He
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; (Y.R.); (X.L.); (Q.L.); (J.H.)
| | - Zhan Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; (Y.R.); (X.L.); (Q.L.); (J.H.)
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China
- The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
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14
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Zhao H, Xiao Y, Xiao Z, Wu Y, Ma Y, Li J. Genome-wide investigation of the DMRT gene family sheds new insight into the regulation of sex differentiation in spotted knifejaw (Oplegnathus punctatus) with fusion chromosomes (Y). Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 257:128638. [PMID: 38070801 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128638] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The role of the DMRT family in male sex determination and differentiation is significant, but its regulatory role in spotted knifejaw with Y fusion chromosomes remains unclear. Through genome-wide scanning, transcriptome analysis, qPCR, FISH, and RNA interference (RNAi), we investigated the DMRT family and the dmrt1-based sex regulation network. Seven DMRTs were identified (DMRT1/2 (2a,2b)/6, DMRT4/5, DMRT3), and dmrt gene dispersion among chromosomes is possibly driven by three whole-genome duplications. Transcriptome analysis enriched genes were associated with sex regulation and constructed a network associated with dmrt1. qPCR and FISH results showed the expression dimorphism of sex-related genes in dmrt-related regulatory networks. RNAi experiments indicated a distinct sex regulation mode in spotted knifejaw. Dmrt1 knockdown upregulated male-related genes (sox9a, sox9b, dmrt1, amh, amhr2) and hsd11b2 expression, which is critical for androgen synthesis. Amhr2 is located on the heterozygous chromosome (Y) and is specifically localized in primary spermatocytes, and is extremely upregulated after dmrt1 knockdown which suggested besides the important role of dmrt1 in male differentiation, the amhr2 along with amhr2/amh system, also play important regulatory roles in maintaining high expression of the hsd11b2 and male differentiation. This study aims to further investigate sex regulatory mechanisms in species with fusion chromosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Zhao
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China; Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongshuang Xiao
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China; Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.
| | - Zhizhong Xiao
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China; Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanduo Wu
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China; Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuting Ma
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China; Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Jun Li
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China; Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.
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15
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Fagbémi MNA, Nivelle R, Muller M, Mélard C, Lalèyè P, Rougeot C. Effect of high temperatures on sex ratio and differential expression analysis (RNA-seq) of sex-determining genes in Oreochromis niloticus from different river basins in Benin. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2024; 9:dvad009. [PMID: 38487307 PMCID: PMC10939319 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvad009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The high temperature sex reversal process leading to functional phenotypic masculinization during development has been widely described in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis n iloticus) under laboratory or aquaculture conditions and in the wild. In this study, we selected five wild populations of O. niloticus from different river basins in Benin and produced twenty full-sib families of mixed-sex (XY and XX) by natural reproduction. Progenies were exposed to room temperature or high (36.5°C) temperatures between 10 and 30 days post-fertilization (dpf). In control groups, we observed sex ratios from 40% to 60% males as expected, except for 3 families from the Gobé region which showed a bias towards males. High temperature treatment significantly increased male rates in each family up to 88%. Transcriptome analysis was performed by RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) on brains and gonads from control and treated batches of six families at 15 dpf and 40 dpf. Analysis of differentially expressed genes, differentially spliced genes, and correlations with sex reversal was performed. In 40 dpf gonads, genes involved in sex determination such as dmrt1, cyp11c1, amh, cyp19a1b, ara, and dax1 were upregulated. In 15 dpf brains, a negative correlation was found between the expression of cyp19a1b and the reversal rate, while at 40 dpf a negative correlation was found between the expression of foxl2, cyp11c1, and sf1 and positive correlation was found between dmrt1 expression and reversal rate. Ontology analysis of the genes affected by high temperatures revealed that male sex differentiation processes, primary male sexual characteristics, autophagy, and cilium organization were affected. Based on these results, we conclude that sex reversal by high temperature treatment leads to similar modifications of the transcriptomes in the gonads and brains in offspring of different natural populations of Nile tilapia, which thus may activate a common cascade of reactions inducing sex reversal in progenies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Nambyl A Fagbémi
- Aquaculture Research and Education Centre (CEFRA), Liège University, query author on which is prefered, 10 Chemin de la Justice B-4500, Tihange, Belgium
- Laboratory of Hydrobiology and Aquaculture (LHA), Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP: 526, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Renaud Nivelle
- Aquaculture Research and Education Centre (CEFRA), Liège University, query author on which is prefered, 10 Chemin de la Justice B-4500, Tihange, Belgium
- Laboratory for Organogenesis and Regeneration (LOR), Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Biomedical Sciences (GIGA-I3), Liège University, Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marc Muller
- Laboratory for Organogenesis and Regeneration (LOR), Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Biomedical Sciences (GIGA-I3), Liège University, Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Charles Mélard
- Aquaculture Research and Education Centre (CEFRA), Liège University, query author on which is prefered, 10 Chemin de la Justice B-4500, Tihange, Belgium
| | - Philippe Lalèyè
- Laboratory of Hydrobiology and Aquaculture (LHA), Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP: 526, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Carole Rougeot
- Aquaculture Research and Education Centre (CEFRA), Liège University, query author on which is prefered, 10 Chemin de la Justice B-4500, Tihange, Belgium
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16
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Guirandy N, Simon O, Geffroy B, Daffe G, Daramy F, Houdelet C, Gonzalez P, Pierron F. Gamma irradiation-induced offspring masculinization is associated with epigenetic changes in female zebrafish. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 269:115790. [PMID: 38086259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Sex ratio variation is a key topic in ecology, because of its direct effects on population dynamics and thus, on animal conservation strategies. Among factors affecting sex ratio, types of sex determination systems have a central role, since some species could have a sex determined by genetic factors, environmental factors or a mix of those two. Yet, most studies on the factors affecting sex determination have focused on temperature or endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and much less is known regarding other factors. Exposure to gamma irradiation was found to trigger offspring masculinization in zebrafish. Here we aimed at deciphering the potential mechanisms involved, by focusing on stress (i.e. cortisol) and epigenetic regulation of key genes involved in sex differentiation in fish. Cortisol levels in exposed and control (F0) zebrafish females' gonads were similar. However, irradiation increased the DNA methylation level of foxl2a and cyp19a1a in females of the F0 and F1 generation, respectively, while no effects were detected in testis. Overall, our results suggest that parental exposure could alter offspring sex ratio, at least in part by inducing methylation changes in ovaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noëmie Guirandy
- IRSN/PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO, Centre de Cadarache-B.P. 3 - Bat 183, 13115 St Paul Lez Durance, France.
| | - Olivier Simon
- IRSN/PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO, Centre de Cadarache-B.P. 3 - Bat 183, 13115 St Paul Lez Durance, France
| | - Benjamin Geffroy
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Guillemine Daffe
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Flore Daramy
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Camille Houdelet
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Patrice Gonzalez
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Fabien Pierron
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33600 Pessac, France
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Li M, Sun L, Zhou L, Wang D. Tilapia, a good model for studying reproductive endocrinology. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 345:114395. [PMID: 37879418 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), with a system of XX/XY sex determination, is a worldwide farmed fish with a shorter sexual maturation time than that of most cultured fish. Tilapia show a spawning cycle of approximately 14 days and can be artificially propagated in the laboratory all year round to obtain genetically all female (XX) and all male (XY) fry. Its genome sequence has been opened, and a perfect gene editing platform has been established. With a moderate body size, it is convenient for taking enough blood to measure hormone level. In recent years, using tilapia as animal model, we have confirmed that estrogen is crucial for female development because 1) mutation of star2, cyp17a1 or cyp19a1a (encoding aromatase, the key enzyme for estrogen synthesis) results in sex reversal (SR) due to estrogen deficiency in XX tilapia, while mutation of star1, cyp11a1, cyp17a2, cyp19a1b or cyp11c1 affects fertility due to abnormal androgen, cortisol and DHP levels in XY tilapia; 2) when the estrogen receptors (esr2a/esr2b) are mutated, the sex is reversed from female to male, while when the androgen receptors are mutated, the sex cannot be reversed; 3) the differentiated ovary can be transdifferentiated into functional testis by inhibition of estrogen synthesis, and the differentiated testis can be transdifferentiated into ovary by simultaneous addition of exogenous estrogen and androgen synthase inhibitor; 4) loss of male pathway genes amhy, dmrt1, gsdf causes SR with upregulation of cyp19a1a in XY tilapia. Disruption of estrogen synthesis rescues the male to female SR of amhy and gsdf but not dmrt1 mutants; 5) mutation of female pathway genes foxl2 and sf-1 causes SR with downregulation of cyp19a1a in XX tilapia; 6) the germ cell SR of foxl3 mutants fails to be rescued by estrogen treatment, indicating that estrogen determines female germ cell fate through foxl3. This review also summarized the effects of deficiency of other steroid hormones, such as androgen, DHP and cortisol, on fish reproduction. Overall, these studies demonstrate that tilapia is an excellent animal model for studying reproductive endocrinology of fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lina Sun
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Linyan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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Wilson CA, Batzel P, Postlethwait JH. Direct Male Development in Chromosomally ZZ Zebrafish. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.27.573483. [PMID: 38234788 PMCID: PMC10793451 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.27.573483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The genetics of sex determination varies across taxa, sometimes even within a species. Major domesticated strains of zebrafish ( Danio rerio ), including AB and TU, lack a strong genetic sex determining locus, but strains more recently derived from nature, like Nadia (NA), possess a ZZ male/ZW female chromosomal sex-determination system. AB strain fish pass through a juvenile ovary stage, forming oocytes that survive in fish that become females but die in fish that become males. To understand mechanisms of gonad development in NA zebrafish, we studied histology and single cell transcriptomics in developing ZZ and ZW fish. ZW fish developed oocytes by 22 days post-fertilization (dpf) but ZZ fish directly formed testes, avoiding a juvenile ovary phase. Gonads of some ZW and WW fish, however, developed oocytes that died as the gonad became a testis, mimicking AB fish, suggesting that the gynogenetically derived AB strain is chromosomally WW. Single-cell RNA-seq of 19dpf gonads showed similar cell types in ZZ and ZW fish, including germ cells, precursors of gonadal support cells, steroidogenic cells, interstitial/stromal cells, and immune cells, consistent with a bipotential juvenile gonad. In contrast, scRNA-seq of 30dpf gonads revealed that cells in ZZ gonads had transcriptomes characteristic of testicular Sertoli, Leydig, and germ cells while ZW gonads had granulosa cells, theca cells, and developing oocytes. Hematopoietic and vascular cells were similar in both sex genotypes. These results show that juvenile NA zebrafish initially develop a bipotential gonad; that a factor on the NA W chromosome or fewer than two Z chromosomes is essential to initiate oocyte development; and without the W factor or with two Z doses, NA gonads develop directly into testes without passing through the juvenile ovary stage. Sex determination in AB and TU strains mimics NA ZW and WW zebrafish, suggesting loss of the Z chromosome during domestication. Genetic analysis of the NA strain will facilitate our understanding of the evolution of sex determination mechanisms.
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Yang Y, Lu L, Chen R, Yu L, Hu W, Xu D. Production of sterile mono-sex triploid yellow drum (Nibea albiflora): genotypic females and sex-reversed phenotypic males with emphasis on utilization as surrogate broodstock. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2023; 49:1277-1294. [PMID: 37878190 PMCID: PMC10757696 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-023-01256-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Production of sterile mono-sex fish is of great significance for sustainable aquaculture as well as germ cell transplantation. In this study, we aimed to produce mono-sex triploid yellow drum, including genotypic females (XXX female) and sex-reversed phenotypic males (XXX male). Firstly, the mono-female triploids were produced through cold-shock treatment on eggs fertilized with sperm from neo-males. Then, the mono-male triploids were produced by the sex reversal of mono-female triploids with oral administration of letrozole (LZ). We comparatively investigated the growth and gonadal development in the mono-sex triploids. The results showed that the triploids displayed similar growth performance to their diploids throughout their first year, but had impaired gonadosomatic index and gametogenesis. No mature gametes were produced in the triploids during their first spawning season. Meanwhile, we analyzed the process of gametogenesis in the both sex of triploids. Ultrastructure of gametogenesis showed that the germ cells arrested at abnormal metaphase 1 in females, while males had irregular meiotic divisions, variable-sized spermatid and degenerated cells. The expression levels of meiosis-related genes (i.e., sycp3 and rec8) confirmed the abnormal meiosis in the triploids. Furthermore, the gonadal development was also determined by the expression patterns of vasa, dmrt1 and cyp19a1a. Abnormal expression of vasa mRNA and protein were detected in triploids. High cyp19a1a expression levels suggested the sex steroid hormones production might be at least partially functional in triploid females. In addition, high dmrt1 expression levels confirmed the masculinization and testicular development of sex-reversed triploid males by LZ. Our findings provide an efficient protocol to produce sterile mono-sex triploid yellow drum and provide new insights into the mechanism of gonadal sterility of triploid fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture and Enhancement of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, 316021, People's Republic of China
- School of Fisheries, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Lei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture and Enhancement of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, 316021, People's Republic of China
- School of Fisheries, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Ruiyi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture and Enhancement of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, 316021, People's Republic of China
- School of Fisheries, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Liechao Yu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture and Enhancement of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, 316021, People's Republic of China
- School of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Weihua Hu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture and Enhancement of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, 316021, People's Republic of China
- School of Fisheries, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Dongdong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture and Enhancement of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, 316021, People's Republic of China.
- School of Fisheries, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China.
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20
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Liu F, Zhang X, Wei X, Li Y, Liu W, Gan G, Xiao L, Wang X, Luo H. Gonadal transcriptome analysis of paradise fish Macropodus opercularis to reveal sex-related genes. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2023; 48:101125. [PMID: 37666127 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2023.101125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Macropodus opercularis is an ornamental fish species endemic to China, with obvious sexual dimorphism in phenotype. To obtain the gene expression profile of the gonads of M. opercularis and explore its sex-related genes, six cDNA libraries were constructed from the sexually mature M. opercularis, and RNA-seq analysis was performed. The sequenced clean data were assembled by de novo splicing to generate 171,415 unigenes, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) screening revealed that there were 41,638 DEGs in the gonads of M. opercularis. By comparing those DEGS in the ovary with the testis, we found 29,870 DEGs were upregulated and 11,768 DEGs were downregulated. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed that GO terms related to cell cycle and gamete formation were enriched, and pathway signals related to sex differences, such as FoxO signalling pathway and PI3K-Akt signalling pathway, were also detected. Reverse transcript fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) validation of 14 DEGs associated with sex differences showed that the RT-qPCR results were consistent with RNA-Seq analysis, and five genes, foxl2, sox3, foxo, zar1, cyp19a1, were significantly expressed in the ovaries. dmrt1, cyp11b, amh, sf1, sox9, gdf6, dmrt3, fstl1 and hsd11b2, a total of nine genes were significantly expressed in the testis. The results of this study provide a basis for the study of gonadal differentiation, developmental mechanisms and related functional genes in M. opercularis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China. https://twitter.com/@FanLiu_
| | - Xueling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Xiaokai Wei
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Yu Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Guochen Gan
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Lingling Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Xinyue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Hui Luo
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China.
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21
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Li M, Wang P. Adverse effect of environmental androgenic compounds Galaxolide and Irgacure 369 on the male reproductive system. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 122:108477. [PMID: 37797914 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108477] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Our recent study has found that two environmental chemicals, Galaxolide (HHCB, a raw material for synthesizing musk) and Irgacure 369 (IC-369, a photoinitiator used in packaging) are agonists for the androgen receptor in vitro and in vivo. This study aims to reveal the subchronic reproductive toxicity of these two compounds in mature male rats. The results showed that compared with the control group, HHCB and IC-369 reduced the sperm concentration and motility, increased the sperm deformity, and caused the atrophy of the seminiferous tubules in the testicles. Exposure to HHCB and IC-369 reduced testosterone level, and induced luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in rat serum. Compared with the control group, the levels of oxidative stress markers in the serum and testicular tissue increased. HHCB and IC-369 also inhibited expression of the genes involved in androgen synthesis in testicle. The above results indicated that HHCB and IC-369 could affect the levels of sex hormones, alter gene expression profiles and induce histological damage in reproductive organs, resulting in decreased sperm quality. Therefore, HHCB and IC-369 have endocrine disruptors with prominent reproductive toxicity in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhao Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, China
| | - Pan Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, China.
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22
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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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23
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Yu Y, Chen M, Shen ZG. Molecular biological, physiological, cytological, and epigenetic mechanisms of environmental sex differentiation in teleosts: A systematic review. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 267:115654. [PMID: 37918334 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Human activities have been exerting widespread stress and environmental risks in aquatic ecosystems. Environmental stress, including temperature rise, acidification, hypoxia, light pollution, and crowding, had a considerable negative impact on the life histology of aquatic animals, especially on sex differentiation (SDi) and the resulting sex ratios. Understanding how the sex of fish responds to stressful environments is of great importance for understanding the origin and maintenance of sex, the dynamics of the natural population in the changing world, and the precise application of sex control in aquaculture. This review conducted an exhaustive search of the available literature on the influence of environmental stress (ES) on SDi. Evidence has shown that all types of ES can affect SDi and universally result in an increase in males or masculinization, which has been reported in 100 fish species and 121 cases. Then, this comprehensive review aimed to summarize the molecular biology, physiology, cytology, and epigenetic mechanisms through which ES contributes to male development or masculinization. The relationship between ES and fish SDi from multiple aspects was analyzed, and it was found that environmental sex differentiation (ESDi) is the result of the combined effects of genetic and epigenetic factors, self-physiological regulation, and response to environmental signals, which involves a sophisticated network of various hormones and numerous genes at multiple levels and multiple gradations in bipotential gonads. In both normal male differentiation and ES-induced masculinization, the stress pathway and epigenetic regulation play important roles; however, how they co-regulate SDi is unclear. Evidence suggests that the universal emergence or increase in males in aquatic animals is an adaptation to moderate ES. ES-induced sex reversal should be fully investigated in more fish species and extensively in the wild. The potential aquaculture applications and difficulties associated with ESDi have also been addressed. Finally, the knowledge gaps in the ESDi are presented, which will guide the priorities of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yu
- College of Fisheries, Engineering Research Center of Green development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Min Chen
- College of Fisheries, Engineering Research Center of Green development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Zhi-Gang Shen
- College of Fisheries, Engineering Research Center of Green development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, PR China.
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24
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Qiao K, Liang Z, Wang A, Wu Q, Yang S, Ma Y, Li S, Schiwy S, Jiang J, Zhou S, Ye Q, Hollert H, Gui W. Waterborne Tebuconazole Exposure Induces Male-Biased Sex Differentiation in Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) Larvae via Aromatase Inhibition. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:16764-16778. [PMID: 37890152 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Tebuconazole is a widely used fungicide for various crops that targets sterol 14-α-demethylase (CYP51) in fungi. However, attention has shifted to aromatase (CYP19) due to limited research indicating its reproductive impact on aquatic organisms. Herein, zebrafish were exposed to 0.5 mg/L tebuconazole at different developmental stages. The proportion of males increased significantly after long-term exposure during the sex differentiation phase (0-60, 5-60, and 19-60 days postfertilization (dpf)). Testosterone levels increased and 17β-estradiol and cyp19a1a expression levels decreased during the 5-60 dpf exposure, while the sex ratio was equally distributed on coexposure with 50 ng/L 17β-estradiol. Chemically activated luciferase gene expression bioassays determined that the male-biased sex differentiation was not caused by tebuconazole directly binding to sex hormone receptors. Protein expression and phosphorylation levels were specifically altered in the vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway despite excluding the possibility of tebuconazole directly interacting with kinases. Aromatase was selected for potential target analysis. Molecular docking and aromatase activity assays demonstrated the interactions between tebuconazole and aromatase, highlighting that tebuconazole poses a threat to fish populations by inducing a gender imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Qiao
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
- Institute of Nuclear-Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
- Department Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Zhuoying Liang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Aoxue Wang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
- Patent Examination Cooperation (Henan) Center of the Patent Office, CNIPA, Zhengzhou 450046, P. R. China
| | - Siyu Yang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Yongfang Ma
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Shuying Li
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Sabrina Schiwy
- Department Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jinhua Jiang
- Institute of Agro-Products Safety and Nutrition, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, P. R. China
| | - Shengli Zhou
- Zhejiang Province Environmental Monitoring Center, Hangzhou 310012, P. R. China
| | - Qingfu Ye
- Institute of Nuclear-Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Henner Hollert
- Department Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department Environmental Media Related Ecotoxicology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, 57392 Schmallenberg, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Wenjun Gui
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
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25
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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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Sposato AL, Llewellyn DR, Weber JM, Hollins HL, Schrock MN, Farrell JA, Gagnon JA. Germ cells do not progress through spermatogenesis in the infertile zebrafish testis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.05.556432. [PMID: 37732254 PMCID: PMC10508784 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.05.556432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrate spermatogonial stem cells maintain sperm production over the lifetime of an animal but fertility declines with age. While morphological studies have greatly informed our understanding of typical spermatogenesis, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying spermatogenesis are not yet understood, particularly with respect to the onset of fertility. We used single-cell RNA sequencing to generate a developmental atlas of the zebrafish testis. Using 5 timepoints across the adult life of a zebrafish, we described cellular profiles in the testis during and after fertility. While all germ cell stages of spermatogenesis are detected in testes from fertile adult zebrafish, testes from older infertile males only contained spermatogonia and a reduced population of spermatocytes. These remaining germ cells are transcriptionally distinct from fertile spermatogonia. Immune cells including macrophages and lymphocytes drastically increase in abundance in infertile testes. Our developmental atlas reveals the cellular changes as the testis ages and defines a molecular roadmap for the regulation of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L. Sposato
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | | | - Jenna M. Weber
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Hailey L. Hollins
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Madison N. Schrock
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Jeffrey A. Farrell
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20814
| | - James A. Gagnon
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
- Henry Eyring Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
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27
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Hayashida T, Soma S, Nakamura Y, Higuchi K, Kazeto Y, Gen K. Transcriptome characterization of gonadal sex differentiation in Pacific bluefin tuna, Thunnus orientalis (Temminck et Schlegel). Sci Rep 2023; 13:13867. [PMID: 37620512 PMCID: PMC10449831 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40914-y] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Tunas (genus Thunnus) are one of the most ecologically and commercially important fish worldwide. To establish a biological basis for reproduction in this globally essential species, we have recently studied crucial reproductive aspects of the Pacific bluefin tuna (T. orientalis; PBT), as a model of tuna species, based on our closed-cycle aquaculture technology. In this study, we clarified the global expression profile of the genes regulating gonadal sex differentiation in PBT, as this developmental process is vital to sexual reproduction. Based on the results of our comparative (RNA-sequencing) and temporal (qRT-PCR) transcriptome analyses using the updated genome dataset, we propose the molecular mechanisms of gonadal sex differentiation in PBT. In female gonads, foxl2 and cyp19a1a (coding aromatase) are expressed at the onset of sex differentiation. Active aromatase-mediated estrogen biosynthesis, which includes positive regulation of cyp19a1a expression by Foxl2, induces ovarian differentiation. By contrast, dmrt1 and gsdf are upregulated in differentiating male gonads lacking active estrogen synthesis. Dmrt1 and Gsdf would mainly promote testicular differentiation. Furthermore, androgen biosynthesis is upregulated in differentiating male gonad. Endogenous androgens may also be vital to testicular differentiation. This study provides the first comprehensive data clarifying the molecular basis for gonadal sex differentiation in tunas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takao Hayashida
- Nagasaki Field Station, Fisheries Technology Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, 1551-8 Taira-machi, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 851-2213, Japan.
- Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8477, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Soma
- Yokohama Field Station, Fisheries Resources Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, 2-12-4 Fuku-ura, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-8648, Japan
| | - Yoji Nakamura
- Yokohama Field Station, Fisheries Resources Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, 2-12-4 Fuku-ura, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-8648, Japan
| | - Kentaro Higuchi
- Nagasaki Field Station, Fisheries Technology Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, 1551-8 Taira-machi, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 851-2213, Japan
- Minamiizu Field Station, Fisheries Technology Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, 183-2 Minamiizu, Kamo, Shizuoka, 415-0156, Japan
| | - Yukinori Kazeto
- Minamiizu Field Station, Fisheries Technology Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, 183-2 Minamiizu, Kamo, Shizuoka, 415-0156, Japan
| | - Koichiro Gen
- Nagasaki Field Station, Fisheries Technology Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, 1551-8 Taira-machi, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 851-2213, Japan
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28
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Hala D. The use of in silico extreme pathway (ExPa) analysis to identify conserved reproductive transcriptional-regulatory networks in humans, mice, and zebrafish. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2023; 69:271-287. [PMID: 37023256 PMCID: PMC10461611 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2023.2188996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrate sex determination and differentiation are coordinated by the activations and maintenance of reproductive transcriptional-regulatory networks (TRNs). There is considerable interest in studying the conserved design principles and functions of reproductive TRNs given that their intricate regulation is susceptible to disruption by gene mutations or exposures to exogenous endocrine disrupting chemicals (or EDCs). In this manuscript, the Boolean rules describing reproductive TRNs in humans, mice, and zebrafish, were represented as a pseudo-stoichiometric matrix model. This model mathematically described the interactions of 35 transcription factors with 21 sex determination and differentiation genes across the three species. The in silico approach of Extreme Pathway (ExPa) analysis was used to predict the extent of TRN gene activations subject to the species-specific transcriptomics data, from across various developmental life-stages. A goal of this work was to identify conserved and functional reproductive TRNs across the three species. ExPa analyses predicted the sex differentiation genes, DHH, DMRT1, and AR, to be highly active in male humans, mice, and zebrafish. Whereas FOXL2 was the most active gene in female humans and mice; and CYP19A1A in female zebrafish. These results agree with the expectation that regardless of a lack of sex determination genes in zebrafish, the TRNs responsible for canalizing male vs. female sexual differentiation are conserved with mammalian taxa. ExPa analysis therefore provides a framework with which to study the TRNs that influence the development of sexual phenotypes. And the in silico predicted conservation of sex differentiation TRNs between mammals and zebrafish identifies the piscine species as an effective in vivo model to study mammalian reproductive systems under normal or perturbed pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hala
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, TX, USA
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29
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Pieplow CA, Furze AR, Wessel GM. A case of hermaphroditism in the gonochoristic sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, reveals key mechanisms of sex determination†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:960-973. [PMID: 36943312 PMCID: PMC10266946 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea urchins are usually gonochoristic, with all of their five gonads either testes or ovaries. Here, we report an unusual case of hermaphroditism in the purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. The hermaphrodite is self-fertile, and one of the gonads is an ovotestis; it is largely an ovary with a small segment containing fully mature sperm. Molecular analysis demonstrated that each gonad producedviable gametes, and we identified for the first time a somatic sex-specific marker in this phylum: Doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 1 (DMRT1). This finding also enabled us to analyze the somatic tissues of the hermaphrodite, and we found that the oral tissues (including gut) were out of register with the aboral tissues (including tube feet) enabling a genetic lineage analysis. Results from this study support a genetic basis of sex determination in sea urchins, the viability of hermaphroditism, and distinguish gonad determination from somatic tissue organization in the adult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosmo A Pieplow
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Aidan R Furze
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Gary M Wessel
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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30
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Xia XH, Liang N, Ma XY, Qin L, Wang SY, Chang ZJ. Inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway affects gonadal differentiation and leads to male bias in Paramisgurnus dabryanus. Theriogenology 2023; 207:82-95. [PMID: 37269599 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, sex-controlled breeding has emerged as an effective strategy to enhance the yields of economic animals with different growth characteristics, while increasing the economic benefits of aquaculture. It is known that the NF-κB pathway participates in gonadal differentiation and reproduction. Therefore, we used the large-scale loach as a research model for the present study and selected an effective inhibitor of the NF-κB signaling pathway (QNZ). This, to investigates the impacts of the NF-κB signaling pathway on gonadal differentiation during a critical period of gonad development and after maturation. Simultaneously, the sex ratio bias and the reproductive capacities of adult fish were analyzed. Our results indicated that the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway influenced the expression of genes related to gonad development, regulated the gene expression related to the brain-gonad-liver axis of juvenile loaches, and finally impacted the gonadal differentiation of the large-scale loach and promoted a male-biased sex ratio. Meanwhile, high QNZ concentrations affected the reproductive abilities of adult loaches and inhibited the growth performance of offspring. Thus, our results deepened the exploration of sex control in fish and provided a certain research basis for the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hua Xia
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China.
| | - Ning Liang
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China.
| | - Xiao-Yu Ma
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China.
| | - Lu Qin
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China.
| | - Song-Yun Wang
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China.
| | - Zhong-Jie Chang
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China.
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31
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Razmi K, Tran NK, Patil JG. Gonad Ontogeny and Sex Differentiation in a Poeciliid, Gambusia holbrooki: Transition from a Bi- to a Mono-Lobed Organ. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12050731. [PMID: 37237542 DOI: 10.3390/biology12050731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Despite their uniqueness, the ontogeny and differentiation of the single-lobed gonads in the poeciliids are very poorly understood. To address this, we employed both cellular and molecular approaches to systematically map the development of the testes and ovary in Gambusia holbrooki from pre-parturition to adulthood, encompassing well over 19 developmental stages. The results show that putative gonads form prior to the completion of somitogenesis in this species, a comparatively early occurrence among teleosts. Remarkably, the species recapitulates the typical bi-lobed origin of the gonads during early development that later undergoes steric metamorphosis to form a single-lobed organ. Thereafter, the germ cells undergo mitotic proliferation in a sex-dependent manner before the acquisition of the sexual phenotype. The differentiation of the ovary preceded that of the testes, which occurred before parturition, where the genetic females developed meiotic primary oocytes stage I, indicating ovarian differentiation. However, genetic males showed gonial stem cells in nests with slow mitotic proliferation at the same developmental stage. Indeed, the first signs of male differentiation were obvious only post-parturition. The expression pattern of the gonadosoma markers foxl2, cyp19a1a, amh and dmrt1 in pre- and post-natal developmental stages were consistent with morphological changes in early gonad; they were activated during embryogenesis, followed by the onset of gonad formation, and a sex-dimorphic expression pattern concurrent with sex differentiation of the ovary (foxl2, cyp19a1a) and testes (amh and dmrt1). In conclusion, this study documents for the first time the underlying events of gonad formation in G. holbrooki and shows that this occurs relatively earlier than those previously described for ovi- and viviparous fish species, which may contribute to its reproductive and invasive prowess.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komeil Razmi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS 7053, Australia
| | - Ngoc Kim Tran
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS 7053, Australia
- Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, An Giang University, a Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Long Xuyen City 880000, Vietnam
| | - Jawahar G Patil
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS 7053, Australia
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Liu X, Liang C, Fan J, Zhou M, Chang Z, Li L. Polyvinyl chloride microplastics induce changes in gene expression and organ histology along the HPG axis in Cyprinus carpio var. larvae. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 258:106483. [PMID: 37023657 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The negative consequences of microplastics pollution on the health of aquatic species have garnered extensive attention. However, the mechanisms through which microplastics may cause harm in the reproductive processes of fish remain unknown. For this study, Cyprinus carpio var. was subjected to four treatments with various concentrations of PVC microplastics for 60 days, through food rationed diets (no plastic control, 10%, 20% and 30%). The gonadosomatic indices, gonad and brain histologies, sex hormone levels, and transcriptional and translational genes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes of both sexes were observed. According to the results, the gonadosomatic indices were significantly decreased, gonadal development was delayed, and the level of estradiol (E2) in the females was significantly elevated. In addition, the expression levels of genes associated with the HPG axis in the brains and gonads (gnrh, gtha1, fshβ, cyp19b, erα, vtg1, dmrt1, sox9b, and cyp19a) and the transcription levels of apoptosis-related genes in the brains and gonads (caspase3, bax, and bcl-2) exhibited significant changes. Further investigation revealed that the translation levels of genes linked to sex differentiation and sex steroid hormone (cyp19b and dmrt1) were significantly altered. These findings indicated that PVC likely microplastics may have a negative impact on the reproductive system of Cyprinus carpio var. by inhibiting gonadal development, affecting the gonad and brain structures, and altering the levels of steroid hormones and the expression of HPG axis-related genes. This work provides new insights into the toxicity of microplastics in aquatic organisms by revealing that PVC microplastics are a potential threat against the reproduction of fish populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinya Liu
- Molecular and Genetic Laboratory, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46# East of Construction Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China
| | - Chaonan Liang
- Molecular and Genetic Laboratory, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46# East of Construction Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China
| | - Jiaiq Fan
- Molecular and Genetic Laboratory, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46# East of Construction Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China
| | - Miao Zhou
- Molecular and Genetic Laboratory, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46# East of Construction Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China
| | - Zhongjie Chang
- Molecular and Genetic Laboratory, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46# East of Construction Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China
| | - Li Li
- Molecular and Genetic Laboratory, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46# East of Construction Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China.
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Gan R, Cai J, Sun C, Wang Z, Yang W, Meng F, Zhang L, Zhang W. Transcription factors Dmrt1a, Foxl2, and Nr5a1a potentially interact to regulate cyp19a1a transcription in ovarian follicles of ricefield eel (Monopterus albus). J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 231:106310. [PMID: 37044240 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106310] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Aromatase (encoded by Cyp19a1) in the ovarian follicular cells catalyzes the production of estradiol from testosterone, which plays important roles in the ovarian development of vertebrates. In the present study, the interaction of Dmrt1, Foxl2, and Nr5a1a on the regulation of cyp19a1a transcription in ovarian follicles was examined in a teleost, the ricefield eel Monopterus albus. The expression of dmrt1a, foxl2, and nr5a1a was detected in ovarian follicular cells together with cyp19a1a at the mRNA and/or protein levels. Sequence analysis identified one conserved Foxo binding site in the proximal promoter region of ricefield eel cyp19a1a. Transient transfection assay showed that Foxl2 may bind to the conserved Foxo site to activate cyp19a1a transcription and act synergistically with Nr5a1a. Mutation of either the conserved Nr5a1 site or Foxo site abolished or significantly decreased the synergistic effects of Nr5a1a and Foxl2 on cyp19a1a transcription. The sequence between Region III and I-box of Nr5a1a was critical to this synergistic effect. Dmrt1a modulated the Foxl2- and Nr5a1a-induced activation of cyp19a1a transcription and their synergistic effects in a biphasic manner, with inhibitory roles observed at lower doses (10 to 50ng) but release of the inhibition or even potentiating effects observed at higher doses (100 to 200ng). Collectively, data of the present study suggest that the interaction of Dmrt1a, Foxl2, and Nr5a1a in the ovarian follicular cells may facilitate the adequate expression of cyp19a1a and the production of estradiol, and contribute to the development and maturation of ovarian follicles in ricefield eels and other vertebrates as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riping Gan
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jinfeng Cai
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Chao Sun
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Zhiguo Wang
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Wei Yang
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Feiyan Meng
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Lihong Zhang
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; Biology Department, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
| | - Weimin Zhang
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; Biology Department, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
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Master-Key Regulators of Sex Determination in Fish and Other Vertebrates-A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032468. [PMID: 36768795 PMCID: PMC9917144 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032468] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, mainly single genes with an allele ratio of 1:1 trigger sex-determination (SD), leading to initial equal sex-ratios. Such genes are designated master-key regulators (MKRs) and are frequently associated with DNA structural variations, such as copy-number variation and null-alleles. Most MKR knowledge comes from fish, especially cichlids, which serve as a genetic model for SD. We list 14 MKRs, of which dmrt1 has been identified in taxonomically distant species such as birds and fish. The identification of MKRs with known involvement in SD, such as amh and fshr, indicates that a common network drives SD. We illustrate a network that affects estrogen/androgen equilibrium, suggesting that structural variation may exert over-expression of the gene and thus form an MKR. However, the reason why certain factors constitute MKRs, whereas others do not is unclear. The limited number of conserved MKRs suggests that their heterologous sequences could be used as targets in future searches for MKRs of additional species. Sex-specific mortality, sex reversal, the role of temperature in SD, and multigenic SD are examined, claiming that these phenomena are often consequences of artificial hybridization. We discuss the essentiality of taxonomic authentication of species to validate purebred origin before MKR searches.
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Papadogiannis V, Manousaki T, Nousias O, Tsakogiannis A, Kristoffersen JB, Mylonas CC, Batargias C, Chatziplis D, Tsigenopoulos CS. Chromosome genome assembly for the meagre, Argyrosomus regius, reveals species adaptations and sciaenid sex-related locus evolution. Front Genet 2023; 13:1081760. [PMID: 36704347 PMCID: PMC9871315 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1081760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The meagre, Argyrosomus regius, has recently become a species of increasing economic interest for the Mediterranean aquaculture and there is ongoing work to boost production efficiency through selective breeding. Access to the complete genomic sequence will provide an essential resource for studying quantitative trait-associated loci and exploring the genetic diversity of different wild populations and aquaculture stocks in more detail. Here, we present the first complete genome for A. regius, produced through a combination of long and short read technologies and an efficient in-house developed pipeline for assembly and polishing. Scaffolding using previous linkage map data allowed us to reconstruct a chromosome level assembly with high completeness, complemented with gene annotation and repeat masking. The 696 Mb long assembly has an N50 = 27.87 Mb and an L50 = 12, with 92.85% of its length placed in 24 chromosomes. We use this new resource to study the evolution of the meagre genome and other Sciaenids, via a comparative analysis of 25 high-quality teleost genomes. Combining a rigorous investigation of gene duplications with base-wise conservation analysis, we identify candidate loci related to immune, fat metabolism and growth adaptations in the meagre. Following phylogenomic reconstruction, we show highly conserved synteny within Sciaenidae. In contrast, we report rapidly evolving syntenic rearrangements and gene copy changes in the sex-related dmrt1 neighbourhood in meagre and other members of the family. These novel genomic datasets and findings will add important new tools for aquaculture studies and greatly facilitate husbandry and breeding work in the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios Papadogiannis
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biology Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Tereza Manousaki
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biology Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Orestis Nousias
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biology Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), Heraklion, Crete, Greece,Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Alexandros Tsakogiannis
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biology Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Jon B. Kristoffersen
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biology Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Constantinos C. Mylonas
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biology Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Dimitrios Chatziplis
- Department of Agriculture, International Hellenic University (IHU), Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Costas S. Tsigenopoulos
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biology Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), Heraklion, Crete, Greece,*Correspondence: Costas S. Tsigenopoulos,
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Carver JJ, Zhu Y. Metzincin metalloproteases in PGC migration and gonadal sex conversion. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 330:114137. [PMID: 36191636 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114137] [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: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Development of a functional gonad includes migration of primordial germ cells (PGCs), differentiations of somatic and germ cells, formation of primary follicles or spermatogenic cysts with somatic gonadal cells, development and maturation of gametes, and subsequent releasing of mature germ cells. These processes require extensive cellular and tissue remodeling, as well as broad alterations of the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Metalloproteases, including MMPs (matrix metalloproteases), ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinases), and ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs), are suggested to have critical roles in the remodeling of the ECM during gonad development. However, few research articles and reviews are available on the functions and mechanisms of metalloproteases in remodeling gonadal ECM, gonadal development, or gonadal differentiation. Moreover, most studies focused on the roles of transcription and growth factors in early gonad development and primary sex determination, leaving a significant knowledge gap on how differentially expressed metalloproteases exert effects on the ECM, cell migration, development, and survival of germ cells during the development and differentiation of ovaries or testes. We will review gonad development with focus on the evidence of metalloprotease involvements, and with an emphasis on zebrafish as a model for studying gonadal sex differentiation and metalloprotease functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Carver
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Yong Zhu
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
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Shen X, Yáñez JM, Bastos Gomes G, Poon ZWJ, Foster D, Alarcon JF, Domingos JA. Comparative gonad transcriptome analysis in cobia ( Rachycentron canadum). Front Genet 2023; 14:1128943. [PMID: 37091808 PMCID: PMC10117682 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1128943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) is a species of fish with high commercial potential particularly due to fast growth rates. The evidence of sexual size dimorphism favoring females indicate potential benefits in having a monosex culture. However, the involvement of genetic factors responsible for sexual development and gonadal maintenance that produces phenotypic sex in cobia is largely unknown. Methods: In the present study, we performed transcriptome sequencing of cobia to identify sex-biased significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in testes and ovaries. The reliability of the gonad transcriptome data was validated by qPCR analysis of eight selected significantly differential expressed sex-related candidate genes. Results: This comparative gonad transcriptomic analysis revealed that 7,120 and 4,628 DEGs are up-regulated in testes or ovaries, respectively. Further functional annotation analyses identified 76 important candidate genes involved in sex determination cascades or sex differentiation, including 42 known testis-biased DEGs (dmrt1, amh and sox9 etc.), and 34 known ovary-biased DEGs (foxl2, sox3 and cyp19a etc.). Moreover, eleven significantly enriched pathways functionally related to sex determination and sex differentiation were identified, including Wnt signaling pathway, oocyte meiosis, the TGF-beta signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusion: This work represents the first comparative gonad transcriptome study in cobia. The putative sex-associated DEGs and pathways provide an important molecular basis for further investigation of cobia's sex determination, gonadal development as well as potential control breeding of monosex female populations for a possible aquaculture setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Shen
- Tropical Futures Institute, James Cook University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Xueyan Shen, ; Jose A. Domingos,
| | - José M. Yáñez
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Giana Bastos Gomes
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | | | - Jose A. Domingos
- Tropical Futures Institute, James Cook University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- *Correspondence: Xueyan Shen, ; Jose A. Domingos,
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Zhong Z, Wang Y, Feng Y, Xu Y, Zhao L, Jiang Y, Zhang Z. The molecular regulation mechanism of dmrt1-based on the establishment of the testis cell line derived from two-spot puffer Takifugu bimaculatus. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2022; 48:1475-1494. [PMID: 36445491 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-022-01150-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The establishment of fish cell lines can provide an important in vitro model for developmental biology, pathology, and genetics and also an effective tool to investigate the interactions and related functions of genes. Two-spot puffer Takifugu bimaculatus is a high economic and nutritional value marine fish in Fujian in recent years. Nevertheless, dmrt1 plays a key role in the male differentiation from invertebrates to vertebrates. To understand the molecular regulatory mechanisms of dmrt1 in T. bimaculatus, a testis cell line called TBTc from a juvenile testis of this organism was established with modified Leibovitz's L-15 medium supplemented with 20% FBS, fish serum, embryo extract, and other growth factors. The TBTc with a stable karyotype can be passaged continuously, which was composed of fibroblast-like cells and expressed the marker genes of male-special cells, dmrt1, and amh, and the absence of vasa expression may rule out the possibility of the presence of germ cells. Therefore, TBTc appeared to consist of the mixture of the Sertoli cell and germ cell of the testis. The dmrt1 was significantly expressed in the testes and slightly expressed in the late embryonic development, illustrating that the dmrt1 may participate in the molecular regulation of gonads development and sex differentiation. With the high transfection efficiency of TBTc by electroporation, the cell lines could be used effectively in the study for the expression of exogenous and endogenous genes. Meanwhile, after the knockdown of dmrt1, the morphological changes and survival rates of cells proved that dmrt1 could affect the growth of testicular cells. Furthermore, with the loss of dmrt1, the expression of male-bias genes amh, sox9, and cyp11a was significantly decreased, and the expression of female-bias genes foxl2, sox3, and cyp19a was increased, which suggested that dmrt1 upregulates amh, sox9, and cyp11a and downregulates foxl2, sox3, and cyp19a to participate in the testis development. As a first fish gonadal cell lines of T. bimaculatus, which can be a more convenient, efficient, and rapid model for the investigation of the expression and function of genes, the results will lay a foundation for the next study of the molecular regulation mechanism in gonadal development and sex determination of fish in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowei Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, 361021, China
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yilei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Yan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Liping Zhao
- College of Marine Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Yonghua Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, 361021, China.
| | - Ziping Zhang
- College of Marine Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Institute of Oceanology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
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A novel Dmrt gene of crustacean: functional analysis of idmrt-2 gene in the male reproductive system from Scylla paramamosain. Gene 2022; 850:146922. [PMID: 36179966 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The Dmrt (double-sex and mab-3 related transcription factor) gene family is considered to be a highly conserved gene family related to sex determination and sexual differentiation across species. In order to better understand the role of the idmrt-2 gene in gonad development in Scylla paramamosain, the idmrt-2 gene was cloned and analyzed. The cDNA contains a 1659 bp ORF region encoding 552 amino acids. The qRT-PCR results showed that idmrt-2 was significantly more expressed in the testis than in other tissues (p<0.05). The expression of idmrt-2 was highest in the spermatids stage (T2 stage), followed by the mature sperms stage (T3 stage) and significantly higher than in the spermatocytes stage (T1 stage) (p<0.05) during testicular development and the expression difference was not significant in different stages of ovarian development. RNAi studies revealed that after idmrt-2 was knocked down, the expression of Dmrt-like and foxl-2 genes in the testis decreased, as well as IAG expression in the androgenic gland. The findings suggest that idmrt-2 may be an IAG regulator and involved in testicular development.
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Chen J, Ding Y, Chen H, Wu Y, Jin L. Reproductive toxicity of InP/ZnS QDs in male rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2022; 259:109392. [PMID: 35675901 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2022.109392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
InP/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) stand out among cadmium-free alternatives for higher exciton Bohr radius and strong quantum confined effect. In this study, the reproductive toxicity and mechanism of InP/ZnS QDs at different concentrations in male Chinese rare minnows (Gobiocypris rarus) were investigated. The results showed that QDs in 800 nmol/L concentration group could enter the testes after 1 d of exposure and caused changes in the structure of the testes, including the scattered distribution of seminal vesicles, reduction in germ cells and vacuolation in some areas of interstitial cells. The expression levels of androgen receptor (Ar) and doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 1 (Dmrt1) and the tight junction protein-related genes β-catenin and occludin were upregulated in rare minnows. The sperm quality and ATP content of parents in the 800 nmol/L treatment group were significantly decreased. Continuous detection of the development of F1 generation embryos showed that parental exposure to InP/ZnS QDs reduced the heart rate and spontaneous movement frequency of F1 generation embryos, and the fertilization rate of the F1 generation in the 800 nmol/L treatment group was significantly reduced. In general, the sperm quality and testicular structure of adult rare minnows were not significantly affected by concentrations below 400 nmol/L. High-concentration InP/ZnS QDs exposure can damage the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and cause reproductive damage to the parents of rare minnows, which will continue to the next generation and affect their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Southwest University School of Life Sciences, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yanhong Ding
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Southwest University School of Life Sciences, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Southwest University School of Life Sciences, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yingyi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Southwest University School of Life Sciences, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Li Jin
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Southwest University School of Life Sciences, Chongqing 400715, China.
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Zhang X, Li G, Zhou J, Lv M, Li L, Chen J. Full-length gonad transcriptome analysis of Amur sturgeon Dmrt family genes: identification, characterization, and expression patterns during gonadal differentiation. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2022; 48:839-852. [PMID: 35650309 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-022-01087-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The regulatory mechanisms that govern sex differentiation in sturgeon are still poorly understood. The doublesex and Mab-3-related transcription factor (Dmrt) gene family is known for its extensive roles in sex determination and differentiation across vertebrates. This study aimed to identify new members of sturgeon Dmrt family genes and core actors in the gonadal differentiation of Amur sturgeon. A full-length gonad transcriptome database was exploited to identify Dmrt gene orthologs. Analyses of phylogenetic relationships and selection pressure were performed, and tissue expression profiles and spatiotemporal expression patterns in gonads were then analyzed using real-time PCR. In total, five Dmrt family genes were identified from the full-length gonad transcriptome, including Dmrt2, DmrtA1, DmrtA2, DmrtB1a, and DmrtB1b. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these genes were clustered into clades corresponding to the doublesex/Mav-3 (DM) genes of vertebrates. Furthermore, the analysis of evolutionary selective pressure indicated that DmrtB1a and DmrtB1b were subject to positive selection, suggesting the existence of adaptive evolution in sturgeon. The extensive tissue expression profiling of each Dmrt family gene revealed typical characteristics. Remarkably, according to a spatiotemporal expression pattern analysis, in later stages, DmrtB1b expression increased in testes and was significantly higher in testes than in ovaries at 24 months after hatching (M) and 36 M. This study provides a genetic resource of full-length Dmrt family genes and increases the understanding of Dmrt functions in sex differentiation in sturgeon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guanyu Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiabin Zhou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mei Lv
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Linmiao Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinping Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Nynca J, Słowińska M, Wiśniewska J, Jastrzębski J, Dobosz S, Ciereszko A. Ovarian transcriptome analysis of diploid and triploid rainbow trout revealed new pathways related to gonadal development and fertility. Animal 2022; 16:100594. [PMID: 35870268 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2022.100594] [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: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Triploidisation represents several advantages (e.g. sterility) and therefore is routinely applied in aquaculture of several commercially important fish species, including rainbow trout. The comparative transcriptomic analysis of ovaries of triploid (3N) and diploid (2N) female rainbow trout revealed a total of 9 075 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; 4 105 genes upregulated in 2N and 4 970 genes upregulated in 3N ovaries, respectively). Identified clusters for DEGs upregulated in 3N and 2N ovaries were different, including carbohydrate and lipid metabolic process and transport, protein modification, signalling (related to folliculogenesis) and response to stimulus for DEGs upregulated in 2N, and developmental process, signalling (related to apoptosis, cellular senescence and adherence junctions) and regulation of RNA metabolic process for DEGs upregulated in 3N. The enrichment of processes involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in 2N ovaries indicated high metabolism of ovarian tissue and the energy reservoir generation indispensable during the earliest stages of development. Our results highlight the importance of oocyte hydration along with oestrogen, insulin, leptin, fibroblast growth factor, and Notch signalling and pathways related to the regulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in proper oocyte meiotic maturation prior to ovulation in 2N ovaries. Conversely, triploidisation may lead to an increase in ovarian cellular senescence and apoptosis, which in turn can result in abnormal gonadal morphology and fibrosis. The downregulation of genes responsible for the precise regulation of meiosis and proper chromosome segregation during meiosis probably affects meiotic maturation via irregular meiotic division of chromosomes. The induction of triploidy of the rainbow trout genome resulted in enhanced expression of male-specific genes, genes responsible for re-establishing the transcriptional balance after genome reorganisation and genes involved in regulatory mechanisms, including gene silencing and DNA methylation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first genome-wide investigation providing in-depth comprehensive and comparative gene expression patterns in the ovary from 2N and 3N rainbow trout females helping in elucidating the molecular mechanisms leading to impaired gonadal development and sterility of female triploids.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Nynca
- Department of Gametes and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - M Słowińska
- Department of Gametes and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - J Wiśniewska
- Department of Biological Function of Food, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - J Jastrzębski
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - S Dobosz
- Inland Fisheries Institute, Department of Salmonid Research, Żukowo, Poland
| | - A Ciereszko
- Department of Gametes and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
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Hosseini S, Trakooljul N, Hirschfeld M, Wimmers K, Simianer H, Tetens J, Sharifi AR, Brenig B. Epigenetic Regulation of Phenotypic Sexual Plasticity Inducing Skewed Sex Ratio in Zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:880779. [PMID: 35912111 PMCID: PMC9334531 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.880779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The plasticity of sexual phenotype in response to environmental conditions results in biased sex ratios, and their variation has an effect on population dynamics. Epigenetic modifications can modulate sex ratio variation in species, where sex is determined by genetic and environmental factors. However, the role of epigenetic mechanisms underlying skewed sex ratios is far from being clear and is still an object of debate in evolutionary developmental biology. In this study, we used zebrafish as a model animal to investigate the effect of DNA methylation on sex ratio variation in sex-biased families in response to environmental temperature. Two sex-biased families with a significant difference in sex ratio were selected for genome-wide DNA methylation analysis using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS). The results showed significant genome-wide methylation differences between male-biased and female-biased families, with a greater number of methylated CpG sites in testes than ovaries. Likewise, pronounced differences between testes and ovaries were identified within both families, where the male-biased family exhibited a higher number of methylated sites than the female-biased family. The effect of temperature showed more methylated positions in the high incubation temperature than the control temperature. We found differential methylation of many reproduction-related genes (e.g., sox9a, nr5a2, lhx8a, gata4) and genes involved in epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., dnmt3bb.1, dimt1l, hdac11, h1m) in both families. We conclude that epigenetic modifications can influence the sex ratio variation in zebrafish families and may generate skewed sex ratios, which could have a negative consequence for population fitness in species with genotype-environment interaction sex-determining system under rapid environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrbanou Hosseini
- Molecular Biology of Livestock and Molecular Diagnostics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Functional Breeding Group, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed), University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Shahrbanou Hosseini, ; Nares Trakooljul,
| | - Nares Trakooljul
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Genome Biology, Genomics Unit, Dummerstorf, Germany
- *Correspondence: Shahrbanou Hosseini, ; Nares Trakooljul,
| | - Marc Hirschfeld
- Molecular Biology of Livestock and Molecular Diagnostics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Klaus Wimmers
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Genome Biology, Genomics Unit, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Henner Simianer
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed), University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jens Tetens
- Functional Breeding Group, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed), University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ahmad Reza Sharifi
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed), University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bertram Brenig
- Molecular Biology of Livestock and Molecular Diagnostics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed), University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Haimbaugh A, Akemann C, Meyer D, Gurdziel K, Baker TR. Insight into 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced disruption of zebrafish spermatogenesis via single cell RNA-seq. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac060. [PMID: 35799832 PMCID: PMC9252172 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a potent and environmentally persistent endocrine disrupting chemical. Our previous work demonstrated the latent reproductive maladies of early-life TCDD exposure in zebrafish. Zebrafish acutely exposed to low, environmentally relevant levels of TCDD (50 pg/mL) during two windows of sexual differentiation in development (1 hour of exposure at 3 and 7 weeks postfertilization) were later infertile, showed a reduction in sperm, and exhibited gene expression consistent with an altered microenvironment, even months after exposure. Due to the highly heterogeneous cell- type and -stage landscape of the testes, we hypothesized various cell types contribute markedly different profiles toward the pathology of TCDD exposure. To investigate the contributions of the diverse cell types in the adult zebrafish testes to TCDD-induced pathology, we utilized single-cell RNA-seq and the 10x Genomics platform. The method successfully captured every stage of testicular germ cell development. Testes of adult fish exposed during sexual differentiation to TCDD contained sharply decreased populations of late spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa. Spermatogonia and early spermatocyte populations were, in contrast, enriched following exposure. Pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes supported previous findings that TCDD exposure resulted in male infertility, and suggested this outcome is due to apoptosis of spermatids and spermatozoa, even years after exposure cessation. Increased germ cell apoptosis was confirmed histologically. These results provide support for an environmental exposure explanation of idiopathic male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Haimbaugh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
| | - Camille Akemann
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
| | - Danielle Meyer
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
| | - Katherine Gurdziel
- Applied Genome Technology Center, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
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Abstract
In this systematic review, we highlight the differences between the male and female zebrafish brains to understand their differentiation and their use in studying sex-specific neurological diseases. Male and female brains display subtle differences at the cellular level which may be important in driving sex-specific signaling. Sex differences in the brain have been observed in humans as well as in non-human species. However, the molecular mechanisms of brain sex differentiation remain unclear. The classical model of brain sex differentiation suggests that the steroid hormones derived from the gonads are the primary determinants in establishing male and female neural networks. Recent studies indicate that the developing brain shows sex-specific differences in gene expression prior to gonadal hormone action. Hence, genetic differences may also be responsible for differentiating the brain into male and female types. Understanding the signaling mechanisms involved in brain sex differentiation could help further elucidate the sex-specific incidences of certain neurological diseases. The zebrafish model could be appropriate for enhancing our understanding of brain sex differentiation and the signaling involved in neurological diseases. Zebrafish brains show sex-specific differences at the hormonal level, and recent advances in RNA sequencing have highlighted critical sex-specific differences at the transcript level. The differences are also evident at the cellular and metabolite levels, which could be important in organizing sex-specific neuronal signaling. Furthermore, in addition to having one ortholog for 70% of the human gene, zebrafish also shares brain structural similarities with other higher eukaryotes, including mammals. Hence, deciphering brain sex differentiation in zebrafish will help further enhance the diagnostic and pharmacological intervention of neurological diseases.
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Function of Foxl2 and Dmrt1 proteins during gonadal differentiation in the olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 215:141-154. [PMID: 35716793 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.06.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Study on fish sex differentiation is important both from academic and practical aspects. Foxl2 and Dmrt1 are important transcription factors that should be involved in fish gonadal differentiation, but there is still no direct evidence to clarify their protein functions. Olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus, an important mariculture fish in China, Japan, and Korea, shows sex-dimorphic growth. In this study, the Foxl2 and Dmrt1 proteins were detected in granulosa cells of the ovary and Sertoli cells of the testis, respectively, showing significant sex-dimorphic expression patterns. Then, bioactive high-purity Foxl2 and Dmrt1 recombinant proteins were obtained in vitro. Furthermore, effects of the recombinant Foxl2 and Dmrt1 during gonadal differentiation period were evaluated by intraperitoneal injection in juvenile fish. Compared with the control group, the male rate in the Dmrt1 group increased from 0 % to 82 %, showing for the first time in fish that the recombinant Dmrt1 could alter the sex phenotype. In addition, transcription levels of cyp19a and its transcription factors also changed after the recombinant Foxl2 and Dmrt1 injection. These findings reveal that Foxl2 and Dmrt1 are vital regulators for fish gonadal differentiation by regulating cyp19a expression, and also provide a new approach for sex control in fish aquaculture.
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47
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Guan WZ, Jiang K, Lai XL, Dong YT, Qiu GF. Comprehensive Transcriptome Analysis of Gonadal and Somatic Tissues for Identification of Sex-Related Genes in the Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 24:588-598. [PMID: 35384611 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-022-10127-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) is an economically important fish. It can spawn many times during a breeding season, and there are no obvious morphological characteristics to distinguish male and female juvenile fish. So far, little is known about the genes regulating their sexual development in this species. Here, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis of the testis, ovary, and somatic tissue to identify sex-related genes in the largemouth bass. A total of 51,672 unigenes were obtained via the transcriptome analysis, and 5900 differential expression genes (DEGs), including 3028 up-regulated and 2872 down-regulated DEGs, were obtained in the somatic tissue, testis, and ovary. DEGs were retrieved by making comparisons: somatic tissue vs testis (1733-up and 1382-down), testis vs ovary (841-up and 807-down), and ovary vs somatic tissue (454-up and 683-down). Finally, functional annotation identified 22 key sex-related DEGs, including 13 testis-biased DEGs (dmrt1, cyp11b1, sox9, spata4, spata22, spata17, fshr, fem-1a, wt1, daz1, amh, vasa, and piwi1) and 9 ovary-biased DEGs (foxl2, gdf9, zp3, sox3, cyp19a, bmp15, fem-1b, fig. la, and piwi2). This result was further confirmed by the tissue expression detection via RT-PCR and RT-qPCR. Protein-protein interacting (PPI) network analysis revealed that the testis-specific dmrt1 interacts directly with the testis-biased DEGs (cyp11b1 and spata4) and the ovary-biased DEGs (foxl2, gdf9, zp3, sox3, cyp19a, and bmp15), suggesting that the dmrt1 as a sex-determining gene can play a dual role through inducing the testis-biased DEGs and inhibiting the ovary-biased DEGs during the testicular development. Our present results provide useful molecular data for a better understanding of sexual development in the largemouth bass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Zhi Guan
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of AgricultureShanghai Engineering Research Center of AquaculturePudong New Area, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai, 201306, China
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kai Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of AgricultureShanghai Engineering Research Center of AquaculturePudong New Area, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Xing-Lin Lai
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of AgricultureShanghai Engineering Research Center of AquaculturePudong New Area, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Yao-Ting Dong
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of AgricultureShanghai Engineering Research Center of AquaculturePudong New Area, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Gao-Feng Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of AgricultureShanghai Engineering Research Center of AquaculturePudong New Area, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai, 201306, China.
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48
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Li XY, Mei J, Ge CT, Liu XL, Gui JF. Sex determination mechanisms and sex control approaches in aquaculture animals. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2022; 65:1091-1122. [PMID: 35583710 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-2075-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Aquaculture is one of the most efficient modes of animal protein production and plays an important role in global food security. Aquaculture animals exhibit extraordinarily diverse sexual phenotypes and underlying mechanisms, providing an ideal system to perform sex determination research, one of the important areas in life science. Moreover, sex is also one of the most valuable traits because sexual dimorphism in growth, size, and other economic characteristics commonly exist in aquaculture animals. Here, we synthesize current knowledge of sex determination mechanisms, sex chromosome evolution, reproduction strategies, and sexual dimorphism, and also review several approaches for sex control in aquaculture animals, including artificial gynogenesis, application of sex-specific or sex chromosome-linked markers, artificial sex reversal, as well as gene editing. We anticipate that better understanding of sex determination mechanisms and innovation of sex control approaches will facilitate sustainable development of aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Yin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Jie Mei
- College of Fisheries, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Chu-Tian Ge
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China
| | - Xiao-Li Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, 510380, China
| | - Jian-Fang Gui
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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49
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Sun X, Tao B, Wang Y, Hu W, Sun Y. Isolation and Characterization of Germline Stem Cells in Protogynous Hermaphroditic Monopterus albus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115861. [PMID: 35682541 PMCID: PMC9180834 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Germline stem cells (GSCs) are a group of unique adult stem cells in gonads that act as important transmitters for genetic information. Donor GSCs have been used to produce offspring by transplantation in fisheries. In this study, we successfully isolated and enriched GSCs from the ovary, ovotestis, and testis of Monopterus albus, one of the most important breeding freshwater fishes in China. Transcriptome comparison assay suggests that a distinct molecular signature exists in each type of GSC, and that different signaling activities are required for the maintenance of distinct GSCs. Functional analysis shows that fGSCs can successfully colonize and contribute to the germline cell lineage of a host zebrafish gonad after transplantation. Finally, we describe a simple feeder-free method for the isolation and enrichment of GSCs that can contribute to the germline cell lineage of zebrafish embryos and generate the germline chimeras after transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Sun
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; (X.S.); (B.T.); (Y.W.)
| | - Binbin Tao
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; (X.S.); (B.T.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yongxin Wang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; (X.S.); (B.T.); (Y.W.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China;
| | - Wei Hu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China;
- The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yuhua Sun
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; (X.S.); (B.T.); (Y.W.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China;
- The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- Correspondence:
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50
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Liu Y, Kassack ME, McFaul ME, Christensen LN, Siebert S, Wyatt SR, Kamei CN, Horst S, Arroyo N, Drummond IA, Juliano CE, Draper BW. Single-cell transcriptome reveals insights into the development and function of the zebrafish ovary. eLife 2022; 11:76014. [PMID: 35588359 PMCID: PMC9191896 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish are an established research organism that has made many contributions to our understanding of vertebrate tissue and organ development, yet there are still significant gaps in our understanding of the genes that regulate gonad development, sex, and reproduction. Unlike the development of many organs, such as the brain and heart that form during the first few days of development, zebrafish gonads do not begin to form until the larval stage (≥5 dpf). Thus, forward genetic screens have identified very few genes required for gonad development. In addition, bulk RNA sequencing studies which identify genes expressed in the gonads do not have the resolution necessary to define minor cell populations that may play significant roles in development and function of these organs. To overcome these limitations, we have used single-cell RNA sequencing to determine the transcriptomes of cells isolated from juvenile zebrafish ovaries. This resulted in the profiles of 10,658 germ cells and 14,431 somatic cells. Our germ cell data represents all developmental stages from germline stem cells to early meiotic oocytes. Our somatic cell data represents all known somatic cell types, including follicle cells, theca cells and ovarian stromal cells. Further analysis revealed an unexpected number of cell subpopulations within these broadly defined cell types. To further define their functional significance, we determined the location of these cell subpopulations within the ovary. Finally, we used gene knockout experiments to determine the roles of foxl2l and wnt9b for oocyte development and sex determination and/or differentiation, respectively. Our results reveal novel insights into zebrafish ovarian development and function and the transcriptome profiles will provide a valuable resource for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Liu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, United States
| | - Michelle E Kassack
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, United States
| | - Matthew E McFaul
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, United States
| | - Lana N Christensen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, United States
| | - Stefan Siebert
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, United States
| | - Sydney R Wyatt
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, United States
| | - Caramai N Kamei
- Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Bar Harbor, United States
| | - Samuel Horst
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, United States
| | - Nayeli Arroyo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, United States
| | - Iain A Drummond
- Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Bar Harbor, United States
| | - Celina E Juliano
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, United States
| | - Bruce W Draper
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, United States
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