Pharmacological characterization, localization and quantification of expression of gonadotropin receptors in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) ovaries

Loss of bmp15 function in the seasonal spawner Atlantic salmon results in ovulatory failure

Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) is an oocyte-specific growth factor important for successful female reproduction in mammals. While mutations in BMP15/Bmp15 cause ovulatory deficiency and/or infertility in certain mammalian species, loss of bmp15 in zebrafish, a continuous spawner and the only bmp15 knockout model in fish to date, results in complete arrest of follicle development and later female-to-male sex reversal, preventing to examine effects on ovulation/fertilization. Here, we used Atlantic salmon, a seasonal spawner, and generated bmp15 mutants to investigate ovarian development and fertility. Histological and morphometric analyses revealed that in biallelic frameshift (bmp15 fs/fs) mutant ovaries, folliculogenesis started earlier, resulting in an advanced development compared to wild-type (WT) controls, accompanied by a weaker expression of the (early) oocyte-specific factor figla. This precocious ovarian development was followed in bmp15 fs/fs females by enhanced follicle atresia during vitellogenic stages. Although genes involved in steroid synthesis and signaling (star, cyp11b, cyp17a1 and esr1) were dramatically higher in late vitellogenic bmp15 fs/fs mutant ovaries, estradiol-17β plasma levels were lower than in WT counterparts, potentially reflecting compensatory changes at the level of ovarian gene expression. At spawning, bmp15 fs/fs females displayed lower gonado-somatic index values and reduced oocyte diameter, and the majority (71.4%), showed mature non-ovulating ovaries with a high degree of atresia. The remaining (28.6%) females spawned eggs but they either could not be fertilized or, upon fertilization, showed severe malformations and embryonic mortality. Our results show that Bmp15 is required for proper follicle recruitment and growth and later ovulatory success in Atlantic salmon, providing an alternative candidate target to induce sterility in farmed salmon. Moreover, since loss of bmp15 in salmon, in contrast to zebrafish, does not result in female-to-male sex change, this is the first mutant model in fish allowing further investigations on Bmp15-mediated functions in the ovulatory period.

Reproductive toxic effects of chronic exposure to bisphenol A and its analogues in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)

As awareness of BPA's health risks has increased, many countries and regions have implemented strict controls on its use. Consequently, bisphenol analogues like BPF and BPAF are being increasingly used as substitutes. However, these compounds are also becoming increasingly prevalent in the environment due to production, use and disposal processes. The oceans act as a repository for various pollutants, and recent studies have revealed the extensive presence of bisphenols (BPs, including BPA, BPF, BPAF, etc.) in the marine environment, posing numerous health hazards to marine wildlife. Nevertheless, the reproductive toxicity of these chemicals on marine fish is not comprehensively comprehended yet. Thus, the histological features of the gonads and the gene expression profiles of HPG (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal) axis-related genes in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) were studied after exposure to single and combined BPs for 70 days. The effects of each exposure group on spawning, embryo fertilization, and hatching in marine medaka were also assessed. Furthermore, the impacts of each exposure group on the genes related to methylation in the F2 and F3 generations were consistently investigated. BPs exposure was found to cause follicular atresia, irregular oocytes, and empty follicles in the ovary; but no significant lesions in the testis were observed. The expression of several HPG axis genes, including cyp19b, 17βhsd, 3βhsd, and fshr, resulted in significant changes compared to the control group. The quantity of eggs laid and fertilization rate decreased in all groups treated with BPs, with the BPAF-treated group showing a notable reduction in the number of eggs laid. Additionally, the hatching rate showed a more significant decline in the BPF-treated group. The analysis of methylated genes in the offspring of bisphenol-treated groups revealed significant changes in the expression of genes including amh, dnmt1, dnmt3ab, mbd2, and mecp2, indicating a potential transgenerational impact of bisphenols on phenotype through epigenetic modifications. Overall, the potential detrimental impact of bisphenol on the reproduction of marine medaka emphasizes the need for caution in considering the use of BPAF and BPF as substitutes.

Effects of salinity on behavior and reproductive toxicity of BPA in adult marine medaka

Salinity is an important environmental factor influencing the toxicity of chemicals. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmental endocrine disruptor with adverse effects on aquatic organisms, such as fish. However, the influence of salinity on the biotoxicity of BPA and the underlying mechanism are unclear. In this study, we exposed marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) to BPA at different salinities (0 psμ, 15 psμ, and 30 psμ) for 70days to investigate the toxic effects. At 0 psμ salinity, BPA had an inhibitory effect on the swimming behavior of female medaka. At 15 psμ salinity, exposure to BPA resulted in necrotic cells in the ovaries but not on the spermatozoa. In addition, BPA exposure changed the transcript levels of genes related to the nervous system (gap43, elavl3, gfap, mbpa, and α-tubulin) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis (fshr, lhr, star, arα, cyp11a, cyp17a1, cyp19a, and erα); the expression changes differed among salinity levels. These results suggest that salinity influences the adverse effects of BPA on the nervous system and reproductive system of medaka. These results emphasize the importance of considering the impact of environmental factors when carrying out ecological risk assessment of pollutants.

Loss of Fshr Prevents Testicular Maturation in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.)

Early puberty poses a significant challenge for male Atlantic salmon in aquaculture due to its negative impact on growth and welfare. The regulation of puberty in vertebrates involves 2 key reproductive hormones: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) and their gonadal receptors. In male mice lacking FSH receptor, testes size is reduced, but fertility is maintained, while medaka and zebrafish with a disrupted fshr gene exhibit near normal testis size and fertility. In these fishes both Fsh and Lh are present during puberty and Lh may rescue fertility, while in salmonid fish only Fsh is present in the circulation during puberty. Using CRISPR-Cas9, we produced crispants with a high prevalence of fshr mutations at the target site, which remained fertile, although more than half showed a testis development deviating from wild-type (wt) males. Crossing out these F0 crispants to each other produced a viable F1 generation showing frameshift (fshr-/-) or in-frame mutations (fshrif/if). Nearly all wt males matured while all fshr-/- males remained immature with small testes containing A spermatogonia as the furthest developed germ cell type and prepubertal plasma androgen levels. Also, the pituitary transcript levels of gnrhr2bba and lhb, but not for fshb, were reduced in the fshr-/- males compared with maturing males. More than half of the fshrif/if mutant males showed no or a delayed maturation. In conclusion, Atlantic salmon show the unique characteristic that loss of Fshr function alone results in male infertility, offering new opportunities to control precocious puberty or fertility in salmon.

Toxic Effects of Bisphenol AF Exposure on the Reproduction and Liver of Female Marine Medaka (Oryzias melastigma)

In recent years, bisphenol AF (BPAF) in aquatic environments has drawn attention to its ecological risks. This study aims to investigate the toxic effects of BPAF (188.33 μg/L) exposure for 30 days on female marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma). On the 10th and 30th day of exposure, the toxicity was evaluated using histological analysis of the liver and ovaries and the transcription levels of genes related to the antioxidant system, immune system, and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Findings revealed that (1) BPAF exposure caused vacuolation, karyopyknosis and karyolysis in the liver of marine medaka, and the toxic impact augmented with duration; (2) exposure to BPAF for 10 days facilitated the growth and maturation of primary ova, and this exposure had a comparatively inhibitory effect after 30 days; (3) exposure to BPAF resulted in a biphasic regulation of the transcriptional abundance of genes involved in antioxidant and inflammatory response (e.g., il-8, cat), with an initial up-regulation followed by down-regulation. Additionally, it disrupted the transcriptional pattern of HPG axis-related genes (e.g., 3βhsd, arα). In conclusion, 188.33 μg/L BPAF can alter the expression levels of functionally related genes, impair the structural integrity of marine organisms, and pose a threat to their overall health.

cAMP signaling in ovarian physiology in teleosts: A review

Ovarian function in teleosts, like in other vertebrates, is regulated by two distinct gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Gonadotropin effects are mediated by membrane-bound G protein-coupled receptors localized on the surface of follicle cells. Gonadotropin receptor activation results in increased intracellular cAMP, the most important second cellular signaling molecule. FSH stimulation induces the production of 17β-estradiol in the cells of growing follicles to promote vitellogenesis in oocytes. In contrast, in response to LH, fully grown post-vitellogenic follicles gain the ability to synthesize maturation-inducing steroids, which induce meiotic resumption and ovulation. All these events were induced downstream of cAMP. In this review, we summarize studies addressing the role of the cAMP pathway in gonadotropin-induced processes in teleost ovarian follicles. Furthermore, we discuss future problems concerning cAMP signaling in relation to teleost ovarian function and the differences and similarities in the gonadotropin-induced cAMP signaling pathways between mammals and teleosts.

Environmental level of bisphenol F induced reproductive toxicity toward zebrafish

Bisphenol F (BPF), as an important bisphenol A substitute, is being increasingly used for industrial production. Here we performed large scale fecundity test for zebrafish that are continuous exposed to environmental levels of BPF (0.5, 5 and 50 μg/L) from embryonic stage, and identified suppressed spawning capacity of females and reduced fertility rate of males in adulthood. Although pathological change is only observed in female gonads, the transcriptional change in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis genes occurred in the gonads of both female and male fish at 150 days post-exposure. F1 generation embryos showed abnormal developmental outcomes including decreased heart rate, reduced body length, and inhibition of spontaneous movement after parental exposure to BPF. RNA-sequencing showed that the genes involved in skeletal/cardiac muscle development were significantly altered in F1 embryos spawned by BPF-treated zebrafish. The advanced pathway analysis showed that cancer and tumour formation were the most enriched pathways in the offspring of 0.5 and 5.0 μg/L groups; organismal development and cardiovascular system development were mainly affected after parental exposure to 50 μg/L of BPF; these changes were mediated by several involved regulators such as GATA4, MYF6, and MEF2C. These findings confirmed that long-term exposure to BPF at environment relevant concentration would result in reproductive toxicity among zebrafish indicating the urgent demand for the control of BPA substitutes.

Roles of Gonadotropin Receptors in Sexual Development of Medaka

The gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), are secreted from the pituitary and bind to the FSH receptor (FSHR) and LH receptor (LHR) to regulate gonadal development in vertebrates. Previously, using fshr-knockout (KO) medaka (Oryzias latipes), we demonstrated that FSH regulates ovarian development by elevating estrogen levels. However, the lhr-KO phenotype in medaka is poorly characterized. Here, we generated lhr-KO medaka using the transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) technique. We analyzed its phenotype and that of fshr-KO, lhr;fshr double-heterozygotes (double-hetero), and double-KO fish. All genetically male medaka displayed normal testes and were fertile, whereas fshr-KO and double-KO genetically female fish displayed small ovaries containing many early pre-vitellogenic oocytes and were infertile. Although lhr-KO genetically female fish had normal ovaries with full-grown oocytes, ovulation did not occur. Levels of 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, which is required for meiotic maturation of oocytes and sperm maturation in teleost fish, were significantly decreased in all KO female medaka ovaries except for double-heteros. Further, 17β-estradiol levels in fshr-KO and double-KO ovaries were significantly lower than those in double-heteros. These findings indicate that LH is necessary for oocyte maturation and FSH is necessary for follicle development, but that neither are essential for spermatogenesis in medaka.

Generation and use of recombinant gonadotropins in fish

Understanding the differential roles of the pituitary gonadotropins Fsh and Lh in gonad maturation is crucial for a successful manipulation of the reproductive process in fish, and requires species-specific tools and appropriate active hormones. With the increasing availability of fish cDNAs coding for gonadotropin subunits, the production of recombinant hormones in heterologous systems has gradually substituted the approach of isolating native hormones. These recombinant hormones can be continually produced without depending on the fish as starting material and no cross-contamination with other pituitary glycoproteins is assured. Recombinant gonadotropins should be produced in eukaryotic cells, which have glycosylation capacity, but this post-translational modification varies greatly depending on the cell system, influencing hormone activity and stability. The production of recombinant gonadotropin beta-subunits to be used as antigens for antibody production has allowed the development of immunoassays for quantification of gonadotropins in some fish species. The administration in vivo of dimeric homologous recombinant gonadotropins has been used in basic studies and as a biotechnological approach to induce gametogenesis. In addition, gene-based therapies using somatic transfer of the gonadotropin genes have been tested as an alternative for hormone delivery in vivo. In summary, the use of homologous hormonal treatments can open new strategies in aquaculture to solve reproductive problems or develop out-of-season breeding programs.

Chronic exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate causes reproductive toxicity in zebrafish

Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) is known to have adverse effects on reproduction in mammals and is pervasive in the aquatic environment. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether long-term exposure to low concentrations of DBP can affect fish reproduction. In this study, zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos (F₀ ) were exposed to low concentrations (4.9, 13.6 and 43.8 μg/L) of DBP from 2 hours post-fertilization until sexual maturation. The results demonstrate that chronic exposure to DBP (43.8 μg/L) impaired the reproductive function of zebrafish, as verified by reduced egg production and modifications to gonadal histology of the treated fish. Plasma 17β-estradiol levels in female zebrafish decreased significantly in a concentration-dependent manner, while testosterone levels in males increased significantly when fish were exposed to 43.8 μg/L DBP. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine selected genes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and liver. Hepatic vitellogenin gene transcription was downregulated in both males and females, suggesting that DBP possesses anti-estrogenic activity. The disturbed steroid hormones were accompanied by the significant alterations in gene expression along the HPG axis. Additionally, parental exposure to DBP caused reduced hatching and survival rate as well as decreased growth in the F₁ generation. Taken together, these results demonstrate that long-term exposure to low concentrations of DBP in zebrafish could cause reproductive toxicity, implying that DBP could have significant adverse effects on fish populations, particularly in a highly DBP-contaminated aquatic environment.

Life cycle exposure to propiconazole reduces fecundity by disrupting the steroidogenic pathway and altering DNA methylation in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Propiconazole is fungicide widely used in agriculture, which may enter aquatic ecosystems and affect organisms. In this study, zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to environmentally relevant levels of propiconazole throughout the life cycle, from embryo to sexually mature adults, and the effects on growth, reproduction, and offspring viability were investigated. To investigate the mechanisms of propiconazole action, the sex steroid hormones and the expression of genes related to the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad-liver (HPGL) axis and DNA methylation were examined. Growth decreased in the parental zebrafish (F0) after exposure to propiconazole for 120 days. In males, increases in the levels of 17β-estradiol and vitellogenin were observed. The alterations in sex steroid hormones were regulated by the expression of genes involved with the HPGL axis. The decreases in fecundity and fertilization of the F0 was induced by the global DNA methylation, and then may result in the abnormal development of the F1. Therefore, propiconazole disrupted the steroidogenic pathway and caused changes in global DNA methylation that induced reproductive toxicity.

Transcriptomic analysis of dead end knockout testis reveals germ cell and gonadal somatic factors in Atlantic salmon

Background

Sustainability challenges are currently hampering an increase in salmon production. Using sterile salmon can solve problems with precocious puberty and genetic introgression from farmed escapees to wild populations. Recently sterile salmon was produced by knocking out the germ cell-specific dead end (dnd). Several approaches may be applied to inhibit Dnd function, including gene knockout, knockdown or immunization. Since it is challenging to develop a successful treatment against a gene product already existing in the body, alternative targets are being explored. Germ cells are surrounded by, and dependent on, gonadal somatic cells. Targeting genes essential for the survival of gonadal somatic cells may be good alternative targets for sterility treatments. Our aim was to identify and characterize novel germ cell and gonadal somatic factors in Atlantic salmon.

Results

We have for the first time analysed RNA-sequencing data from germ cell-free (GCF)/dnd knockout and wild type (WT) salmon testis and searched for genes preferentially expressed in either germ cells or gonadal somatic cells. To exclude genes with extra-gonadal expression, our dataset was merged with available multi-tissue transcriptome data. We identified 389 gonad specific genes, of which 194 were preferentially expressed within germ cells, and 11 were confined to gonadal somatic cells. Interestingly, 5 of the 11 gonadal somatic transcripts represented genes encoding secreted TGF-β factors; gsdf, inha, nodal and two bmp6-like genes, all representative vaccine targets. Of these, gsdf and inha had the highest transcript levels. Expression of gsdf and inha was further confirmed to be gonad specific, and their spatial expression was restricted to granulosa and Sertoli cells of the ovary and testis, respectively. Finally, we show that inha expression increases with puberty in both ovary and testis tissue, while gsdf expression does not change or decreases during puberty in ovary and testis tissue, respectively.

Conclusions

This study contributes with transcriptome data on salmon testis tissue with and without germ cells. We provide a list of novel and known germ cell- and gonad somatic specific transcripts, and show that the expression of two highly active gonadal somatic secreted TGF-β factors, gsdf and inha, are located within granulosa and Sertoli cells.

Characterization of gonadotropin receptors Fshr and Lhr in Japanese medaka, Oryzias latipes

Reproduction in vertebrates is controlled by the brain-pituitary-gonad axis, where the two gonadotropins follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) and luteinizing hormone (Lh) play vital parts by activating their cognate receptors in the gonads. The main purpose of this work was to study intra- and interspecies ligand promiscuity of teleost gonadotropin receptors, since teleost receptor specificity is unclear, in contrast to mammalian receptors. Receptor activation was investigated by transfecting COS-7 cells with either Fsh receptor (mdFshr, tiFshr) or Lh receptor (mdLhr, tiLhr), and tested for activation by recombinant homologous and heterologous ligands (mdFshβα, mdLhβα, tiFshβα, tiLhβα) from two representative fish orders, Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes, Beloniformes) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, Cichliformes). Results showed that each gonadotropin preferentially activates its own cognate receptor. Cross-reactivity was detected to some extent as mdFshβα was able to activate the mdLhr, and mdLhβα the mdFshr. Medaka pituitary extract (MPE) stimulated CRE-LUC activity in COS-7 cells expressing mdlhr, but could not stimulate cells expressing mdfshr. Recombinant tiLhβα, tiFshβα and tilapia pituitary extract (TPE) could activate the mdLhr, suggesting cross-species reactivity for mdLhr. Cross-species reactivity was also detected for mdFshr due to activation by tiFshβα, tiLhβα, and TPE, as well as for tiFshr and tiLhr due to stimulation by mdFshβα, mdLhβα, and MPE. Tissue distribution analysis of gene expression revealed that medaka receptors, fshr and lhr, are highly expressed in both ovary and testis. High expression levels were found for lhr also in brain, while fshr was expressed at low levels. Both fshr and lhr mRNA levels increased significantly during testis development. Amino acid sequence alignment and three-dimensional modelling of ligands and receptors highlighted conserved beta sheet domains of both Fsh and Lh between Japanese medaka and Nile tilapia. It also showed a higher structural homology and similarity of transmembrane regions of Lhr between both species, in contrast to Fshr, possibly related to the substitution of the conserved cysteine residue in the transmembrane domain 6 in medaka Fshr with glycine. Taken together, this is the first characterization of medaka Fshr and Lhr using homologous ligands, enabling to better understand teleost hormone-receptor interactions and specificities. The data suggest partial ligand promiscuity and cross-species reactivity between gonadotropins and their receptors in medaka and tilapia.

Evolution of gonadotropin signaling on gonad development: insights from gene knockout studies in zebrafish

Gonadal development is precisely regulated by the two gonadotropins luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Much progress on understanding the functions of LH and FSH signaling on gonad development has been achieved in the past decades, mostly from studies in mammals, especially genetic studies in both mouse and human. The functions of both LH and FSH signaling in nonmammalian species are still largely unknown. In recent years, using zebrafish, a teleost phylogenetically distant from mammals, we and others have genetically analyzed the functions of gonadotropins and their receptors through gene knockout studies. In this review, we will summarize the pertinent findings and discuss how the actions of gonadotropin signaling on gonad development have evolved during evolution from fish to mammals.

Entry into puberty is reflected in changes in hormone production but not in testicular receptor expression in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

BACKGROUND

Puberty in male Atlantic salmon in aquaculture can start as early as after the first winter in seawater, stunts growth and entails welfare problems due to the maturation-associated loss of osmoregulation capacity in seawater. A better understanding of the regulation of puberty is the basis for developing improved cultivation approaches that avoid these problems. Our aim here was to identify morphological and molecular markers signaling the initiation of, and potential involvement in, testis maturation.

METHODS

In the first experiment, we monitored for the first time in large Atlantic salmon males several reproductive parameters during 17 months including the first reproductive cycle. Since testicular growth accelerated after the Winter solstice, we focused in the second experiment on the 5 months following the winter solstice, exposing fish from February 1 onwards to the natural photoperiod (NL) or to continuous additional light (LL).

RESULTS

In the first experiment, testis weight, plasma androgens and pituitary gonadotropin transcript levels increased with the appearance of type B spermatogonia in the testis, but testicular transcript levels for gonadotropin or androgen receptors did not change while being clearly detectable. In the second experiment, all males kept under NL had been recruited into puberty until June. However, recruitment into puberty was blocked in ~ 40% of the males exposed to LL. The first morphological sign of recruitment was an increased proliferation activity of single spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. Irrespective of the photoperiod, this early sign of testis maturation was accompanied by elevated pituitary gnrhr4 and fshb and testicular igf3 transcript levels as well as increased plasma androgen levels. The transition into puberty occurred again with stable testicular gonadotropin and androgen receptor transcript levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The sensitivity to reproductive hormones is already established before puberty starts and up-regulation of testicular hormone receptor expression is not required to facilitate entry into puberty. The increased availability of receptor ligands, on the other hand, may result from an up-regulation of pituitary Gnrh receptor expression, eventually activating testicular growth factor and sex steroid release and driving germ and Sertoli cell proliferation and differentiation.

Ultrasound as a noninvasive tool for monitoring reproductive physiology in female Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Aiming to explore ultrasound technology as a noninvasive method for maturation monitoring, we compared ultrasound observations and measurements in female Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) during the last year before ovulation with standard, invasive methods such as gonadosomatic index (GSI), gonad histology and sex hormone analysis. Ultrasound measurements of ovaries correlated strongly (R > 0.9, P < 0.01) with ovary weight and GSI, and could be used as a noninvasive tool for GSI estimation. Using ultrasound, we were able to identify females with advanced oocyte development and elevated sex hormone and GSI levels earlier than previously observed. Histological studies confirmed these observations showing oocyte yolk accumulation 10 months before ovulation and 8 months before significant increase in sex hormones. Levels of the sex hormone 11‐keto testosterone (11‐KT) indicated a new role of this hormone at final maturation in salmon females. We propose the use of ultrasound as an alternative method to traditionally used invasive methods during sexual maturation monitoring in wild and farmed Atlantic salmon broodstock populations. Eliminating sacrifice of valuable broodfish, and reducing handling stress, would improve animal welfare in present‐day broodstock management.

Sex steroid production associated with puberty is absent in germ cell-free salmon

In all vertebrates studied so far, germ cells are not required for pubertal maturation of the gonadal steroidogenic system, subsequent development of secondary sex characteristics and reproductive behavior. To explore if the absence of germ cells affects puberty or growth in Atlantic salmon, germ cell-free (GCF), dnd knockout and wild type (WT) postsmolts were stimulated to enter puberty. No GCF fish entered puberty, whereas 66.7% (males) and 30% (females) WT fish completed or entered puberty, respectively. Expression of genes related to steroidogenesis (star, cyp17a1, cyp11β, cyp19a1a), gonadal somatic cells (insl3, amh, igf3), oocytes (bmp15), gonadotropin receptors (fshr, lhcgr), and pituitary gonadotropic cells (fshb, lhb, gnrhr4) showed an immature status and failure to up-regulate gonadal sex steroid production in male and female GCF fish was also reflected in low or undetectable plasma sex steroids (11-ketotestosterone, estradiol-17β and testosterone). A gender difference (high in females, low in males) was found in the expression of star and cyp17a1 in GCF fish. No clear difference in growth was detected between GCF and immature WT fish, while growth was compromised in maturing WT males. We demonstrate for the first time in a vertebrate that germ cells are required for pubertal activation of the somatic steroidogenic cells.

Effects of BPF on steroid hormone homeostasis and gene expression in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis of zebrafish

Bisphenol F (BPF) has been frequently detected in various environmental compartments, and previous studies found that BPF exhibits similar estrogenic and anti-androgenic effects on the mammalian endocrine system to those of bisphenol A (BPA). However, the potential disrupting effects of BPF on aquatic organisms and the underling disrupting mechanisms have not been investigated. In this study, the potential disrupting mechanisms of BPF on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and liver were probed by employing the OECD 21-day short-term fecundity assay in zebrafish. The results show that BPF exposure (1 mg/L) impaired the reproductive function of zebrafish, as exemplified by alterations to testicular and ovarian histology of the treated zebrafish. Homogenate testosterone (T) levels in male zebrafish decreased in a concentration-dependent manner, and 17β-estradiol (E2) levels increased significantly when fish were exposed to 0.1 and 1 mg/L BPF. The real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine gene expression in the HPG axis and liver. Hepatic vitellogenin expression was significantly upregulated in males, suggesting that BPF possesses estrogenic activity. The disturbed hormone balance was enhanced by the significant changes in gene expression along the HPG axis. These alterations suggest that BPF leads to adverse effects on the endocrine system of teleost fish, and that these effects were more prominent in males than in females.

Genetic analysis of the reproductive axis in fish using genome-editing nucleases

Reproduction in fish is controlled by the brain-pituitary-gonad reproductive axis. Although genes of the reproductive axis are conserved from fish to humans, their in vivo functions are less clear in fish. Mutant lines of the reproductive axis have been systematically investigated in zebrafish and medaka using recently developed genome-editing nucleases. Here, we review recent progress in the genetic analysis of the reproductive axis in fish as well as the opportunities and challenges of applying genome-editing nucleases in fisheries.

Chronic exposure to mono-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate causes endocrine disruption and reproductive dysfunction in zebrafish

Phthalic acid esters are frequently detected in aquatic environments. In the present study, zebrafish were exposed to low concentrations (0 µg/L, 0.46 µg/L, 4.0 µg/L, and 37.5 µg/L) of mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) for 81 d, and the effects on reproduction, gamete quality, plasma vitellogenin (VTG), sex steroids, and transcriptional profiles of key genes involved in steroidogenesis were investigated. The results demonstrated that egg production and sperm quality were decreased after exposure to MEHP, which also resulted in reduced egg diameter and eggshell as well as decreased egg protein content. Significant inductions in plasma testosterone and 17β-estradiol (E2) were observed in females, which might have resulted from up-regulation of CYP19a and 17β-HSD gene transcription in the ovary. A significant increase in plasma E2 along with a decrease in plasma 11-keto testosterone was also observed in males, which was accompanied by up-regulation of CYP19a and inhibition of CYP11b transcription in the testis. In addition, plasma vitellogenin levels were significantly increased after MEHP exposure in both sexes. Moreover, continuous MEHP exposure in the F1 embryos resulted in worse hatching rates and increased malformation rates compared with embryos without MEHP exposure. Taken together, these results demonstrate that MEHP has the potential to cause reproductive dysfunction and impair the development of offspring. However, it should be noted that most of the significant effects were observed at higher concentrations, and MEHP at typically measured concentrations may not have major effects on fish reproduction and development. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2117-2124. © 2016 SETAC.

Regulation of sex steroid production and mRNAs encoding gonadotropin receptors and steroidogenic proteins by gonadotropins, cyclic AMP and insulin-like growth factor-I in ovarian follicles of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at two stages of vitellogenesis

At the completion of vitellogenesis, the steroid biosynthetic pathway in teleost ovarian follicles switches from estradiol-17β (E2) to maturational progestin production, associated with decreased follicle stimulating hormone (Fsh) and increased luteinizing hormone (Lh) signaling. This study compared effects of gonadotropins, human insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF1), and cAMP/protein kinase A signaling (forskolin) on E2 production and levels of mRNAs encoding steroidogenic proteins and gonadotropin receptors using midvitellogenic (MV) and late/postvitellogenic (L/PV) ovarian follicles of rainbow trout. Fsh, Lh and forskolin, but not IGF1, increased testosterone and E2 production in MV and L/PV follicles. Fsh increased steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (star; MV), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ(5-4) isomerase (hsd3b; MV) and P450 aromatase (cyp19a1a; MV) transcript levels. Lh increased star mRNA levels (MV, L/PV) but reduced cyp19a1a transcripts in L/PV follicles. At both follicle stages, IGF1 reduced levels of hsd3b transcripts. In MV follicles, IGF1 decreased P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (cyp11a1) transcripts but increased cyp19a1a transcripts. In MV follicles only, forskolin increased star and hsd3b transcripts. Forskolin reduced MV follicle cyp11a1 transcripts and reduced cyp19a1a transcripts in follicles at both stages. Fsh and Lh reduced fshr transcripts in L/PV follicles. Lh also reduced lhcgr transcripts (L/PV). IGF1 had no effect on gonadotropin receptor transcripts. Forskolin reduced MV follicle fshr transcript levels and reduced lhcgr transcripts in L/PV follicles. These results reveal hormone- and stage-specific transcriptional regulation of steroidogenic protein and gonadotropin receptor genes and suggest that the steroidogenic shift at the completion of vitellogenesis involves loss of stimulatory effects of Fsh and Igfs on cyp19a1a expression and inhibition of cyp19a1a transcription by Lh.

Greater amberjack Fsh, Lh, and their receptors: Plasma and mRNA profiles during ovarian development

To understand the endocrine regulation of ovarian development in a multiple spawning fish, the relationship between gonadotropins (Gths; follicle-stimulating hormone [Fsh] and luteinizing hormone [Lh]) and their receptors (Gthrs; Fshr and Lhr) were investigated in greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili). cDNAs encoding the Gth subunits (Fshβ, Lhβ, and glycoprotein α [Gpα]) and Gthrs were cloned. The in vitro reporter gene assay using recombinant hormones revealed that greater amberjack Fshr and Lhr responded strongly to their own ligands. Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were developed for measuring greater amberjack Fsh and Lh. Anti-Fsh and anti-Lh antibodies were raised against recombinant chimeric single-chain Gths consisting of greater amberjack Fshβ (or Lhβ) with rabbit GPα. The validation study showed that the ELISAs were precise (intra- and inter-assay coefficient of variation, <10%) and sensitive (detection limit of 0.2ng/ml for Fsh and 0.8ng/ml for Lh) with low cross-reactivity. A good parallelism between the standard curve and serial dilutions of greater amberjack plasma and pituitary extract were obtained. In female greater amberjack, pituitary fshb, ovarian fshr, and plasma E2 gradually increased during ovarian development, and plasma Fsh significantly increased during the post-spawning period. This suggests that Fsh plays a role throughout ovarian development and during the post-spawning period. Pituitary lhb, ovarian lhr, and plasma Lh were high during the spawning period, suggesting that the synthesis and secretion of Lh, and Lhr expression are upregulated to induce final oocyte maturation and ovulation.

Environmental impacts on the gonadotropic system in female Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) during vitellogenesis: Photothermal effects on pituitary gonadotropins, ovarian gonadotropin receptor expression, plasma sex steroids and oocyte growth

The gonadotropic system and ovarian growth and development were studied during vitellogenesis in female Atlantic salmon subjected to either simulated natural photoperiod and ambient water temperature (NL-amb), or an accelerating photoperiod (short day of LD8:16 from May 10) combined with either warmed (ca 2°C above ambient; 8L-warm) or cooled water (ca 2°C below ambient; 8L-cold) from May to September. Monthly samples were collected from 10 females/group for determination of transcript levels of pituitary gonadotropin subunits (fshb and lhb) and ovarian gonadotropin receptors (fshr and lhr), plasma sex steroids (testosterone: T and estradiol-17β: E2), gonadosomatic index (GSI) and oocyte size. Short day in combination with either warmed or cooled water induced an earlier increase in pituitary fshb and lhb levels compared with NL-amb controls, and advanced ovarian growth and the seasonal profiles of T, E2. By contrast only minor effects were seen of the photothermal treatments on ovarian fshr and lhr. The 8L-cold had earlier increase in fshb, lhb and E2, but similar oocyte and gonadal growth as 8L-warm, suggesting that the 8L-cold group tried to compensate for the lower water temperature during the period of rapid gonadal growth by increasing fshb and E2 production. Both the 8L-warm and 8L-cold groups showed incomplete ovulation in a proportion of the females, possibly due to the photoperiod advancement resulting in earlier readiness of spawning occurring at a higher ambient temperature, or due to some reproductive dysfunction caused by photothermal interference with normal neuroendocrine regulation of oocyte development and maturation.

Gonadotropins in European sea bass: Endocrine roles and biotechnological applications

Follicle stimulating hormone (Fsh) and luteinizing hormone (Lh) are central endocrine regulators of the gonadal function in vertebrates. They act through specific receptors located in certain cell types found in the gonads. In fish, the differential roles of these hormones are being progressively elucidated due to the development of suitable tools for their study. In European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), isolation of the genes coding for the gonadotropin subunits and receptors allowed in first instance to conduct expression studies. Later, to overcome the limitation of using native hormones, recombinant dimeric gonadotropins, which show different functional characteristics depending on the cell system and DNA construct, were generated. In addition, single gonadotropin beta-subunits have been produced and used as antigens for antibody production. This approach has allowed the development of detection methods for native gonadotropins, with European sea bass being one of the few species where both gonadotropins can be detected in their native form. By administering recombinant gonadotropins to gonad tissues in vitro, we were able to study their effects on steroidogenesis and intracellular pathways. Their administration in vivo has also been tested for use in basic studies and as a biotechnological approach for hormone therapy and assisted reproduction strategies. In addition to the production of recombinant hormones, gene-based therapies using somatic gene transfer have been offered as an alternative. This approach has been tested in sea bass for gonadotropin delivery in vivo. The hormones produced by the genes injected were functional and have allowed studies on the action of gonadotropins in spermatogenesis.

Demonstration of the Coexistence of Duplicated LH Receptors in Teleosts, and Their Origin in Ancestral Actinopterygians

Pituitary gonadotropins, FSH and LH, control gonad activity in vertebrates, via binding to their respective receptors, FSHR and LHR, members of GPCR superfamily. Until recently, it was accepted that gnathostomes possess a single FSHR and a single LHR, encoded by fshr and lhcgr genes. We reinvestigated this question, focusing on vertebrate species of key-phylogenetical positions. Genome analyses supported the presence of a single fshr and a single lhcgr in chondrichthyans, and in sarcopterygians including mammals, birds, amphibians and coelacanth. In contrast, we identified a single fshr but two lhgcr in basal teleosts, the eels. We further showed the coexistence of duplicated lhgcr in other actinopterygians, including a non-teleost, the gar, and other teleosts, e.g. Mexican tetra, platyfish, or tilapia. Phylogeny and synteny analyses supported the existence in actinopterygians of two lhgcr paralogs (lhgcr1/ lhgcr2), which do not result from the teleost-specific whole-genome duplication (3R), but likely from a local gene duplication that occurred early in the actinopterygian lineage. Due to gene losses, there was no impact of 3R on the number of gonadotropin receptors in extant teleosts. Additional gene losses during teleost radiation, led to a single lhgcr (lhgcr1 or lhgcr2) in some species, e.g. medaka and zebrafish. Sequence comparison highlighted divergences in the extracellular and intracellular domains of the duplicated lhgcr, suggesting differential properties such as ligand binding and activation mechanisms. Comparison of tissue distribution in the European eel, revealed that fshr and both lhgcr transcripts are expressed in the ovary and testis, but are differentially expressed in non-gonadal tissues such as brain or eye. Differences in structure-activity relationships and tissue expression may have contributed as selective drives in the conservation of the duplicated lhgcr. This study revises the evolutionary scenario and nomenclature of gonadotropin receptors, and opens new research avenues on the roles of duplicated LHR in actinopterygians.

Developmental exposure to the organophosphorus flame retardant tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate: estrogenic activity, endocrine disruption and reproductive effects on zebrafish

Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) is an organophosphate flame retardant that is detectable in the environment and biota, prompting concern over its risk to wildlife and human health. Our objective was to investigate whether long-term exposure to low concentrations of TDCPP can affect fish reproduction. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to low concentrations (0, 4, 20 and 100μg/L) of TDCPP from 2h post-fertilization until sexual maturation. Exposure to TDCPP significantly increased plasma estradiol and testosterone levels in females, but had no effect in males. TDCPP exposure also caused a significant reduction in fecundity as indicated by decreased egg production. Real-time PCR was performed to examine selected genes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and liver. Principle component analysis (PCA) showed that sex hormone levels and fecundity were related to the mRNA level of several genes in the HPG axis. Furthermore, hepatic vitellogenin (vtg1 and vtg3) expression was upregulated in both females and males, suggesting TDCPP has estrogenic activity. Histological examination revealed promotion of oocyte maturation in the females, but retardation of spermiation in males. Reduced egg quality (e.g., egg diameter) and increased malformation rates were observed in the F1 generation. Chemical analysis showed significant levels of TDCPP and its metabolite bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate in the gonads of males and females. In conclusion, long-term exposure to low concentrations of TDCPP impairs fish reproduction.

Androgens directly stimulate spermatogonial differentiation in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

We studied the effects of androgens on early stages of spermatogenesis along with androgen receptor binding characteristics and the expression of selected testicular and pituitary genes. To this end, immature Atlantic salmon postsmolts received testosterone (T), adrenosterone (OA, which is converted in vivo into 11-ketotestosterone, 11-KT) or a combination of the two androgens (T+OA). Treatment with OA and T elevated the plasma levels of 11-KT and T, respectively, and co-injection of OA with T lead to high 11-KT levels but prevented plasma T levels to reach the levels observed after injecting T alone. Clear stimulatory effects were recorded as regards pituitary lhb and gnrhr4 transcript levels in fish receiving T, and to a lesser extent in fish receiving OA (but for the lhb transcript only). The two androgen receptors (Ara1 and Ara2) we cloned bound T and 11-KT and responded to these androgens in a similar way. Both androgens down-regulated testicular amh and increased igf3 transcript levels after 1 week of treatment, but effects on growth factor gene expression required sustained androgen stimulation and faded out in the groups with the decreasing T plasma levels. In fish exhibiting a sustained elevation of 11-KT plasma levels (OA and T+OA groups) for 2 weeks, the number of differentiating spermatogonia had increased while the number of undifferentiated spermatogonia decreased. Previous work showed that circulating gonadotropin levels did not increase following androgen treatments of gonad-intact immature male salmonids. Taken together, androgen treatment of immature males modulated testicular growth factor expression that, when sustained for 2 weeks, stimulated differentiation, but not self-renewal, of undifferentiated type A spermatogonia.

Characterization of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) gonadotropins by modeling and immunoneutralization

In fish, both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) play important roles in reproduction. Here we explored the structure and differential specificity of tilapia (t) gonadotropins (GTHs) to delineate their physiological relevance and the nature of their regulation. We generated structural models of tGTHs and GTH receptors (R) that enabled us to better understand the hormone-receptor interacting region. In tilapia, FSH release is under the control of the hypothalamic decapeptide GnRH, an effect that was abolished by specific bioneutralizing antisera [anti-recombinant (r) tFSHβ]. These antisera also reduced the basal secretion and delayed GnRH-stimulated production of 11-ketotestosterone (11KT), and dramatically reduced LH levels. Immunoneutralization of tLH using anti-rtLHβ significantly reduced its GnRH-stimulated levels. Basal 11KT and FSH levels were also reduced. Taken together, these results suggest a feedback mechanism between FSH and LH release in tilapia.

Targeted gene disruption in zebrafish reveals noncanonical functions of LH signaling in reproduction

The pivotal role of gonadotropin signaling in regulating gonadal development and functions has attracted much research attention in the past 2 decades. However, the precise physiological role of gonadotropin signaling is still largely unknown in fish. In this study, we have established both LH β-subunit (lhb) and LH receptor (lhr) knockout zebrafish lines by transcription activator-like effector nucleases. Intriguingly, both homozygous lhb and lhr mutant male fish are fertile. The fertilization rate, sperm motility, and histological structure of the testis were not affected in either lhb or lhr mutant males. On the contrary, homozygous lhb mutant females are infertile, whereas homozygous lhr mutant females are fertile. Folliculogenesis was not affected in either lhb or lhr mutants, but oocyte maturation and ovulation were disrupted in lhb mutant, whereas only ovulation was affected in lhr mutant. Differential expression of genes in the ovary involved in steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation, and ovulation was found between the lhb and lhr mutants. These data demonstrate the essential role of LH signaling in oocyte maturation and ovulation, and support the notion that LH acts through the FSH receptor in the absence of LH receptor. Moreover, the defects of lhb mutant could be partially restored by administration of human chorionic gonadotropin. This in vivo evidence in the present study demonstrates, for the first time in any vertebrate species, that LH signaling is indispensable in female reproduction but not in male reproduction. LH signaling is demonstrated to control oocyte maturation and ovulation in the ovary.

Gene expression profiling of key genes in hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis of rare minnow Gobiocypris rarus in response to EE2

The 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), which could induce estrogenic effects, is found in different aquatic systems. The current study aimed to assess in vivo effects of short-term EE2 exposure on the transcriptional activity of genes in the brain and gonad tissues in order to characterize the mode of action of EE2 on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis in rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus). The full length cDNAs of fshβ, lhβ, fshr and lhr were first characterized in G. rarus. The homology and phylogenetic analyses of the amino acid sequences revealed that these four genes share high identity in cyprinid fish. The tissue distribution analysis by qRT-PCR showed that fshβ and lhβ were mainly expressed in the brain and fshr and lhr were mainly expressed in gonads. Adult G. rarus was exposed to EE2 at 1, 5, 25 and 125 ng/L for 3 and 6 days and the expression of brain cyp19a1b, fshβ and lhβ, estrogen receptors (esr1, esr2a, and esr2b) and gonadal fshr, lhr and cyp19a1a were assessed. Cyp19a1b was significantly up-regulated in the brains of female exposed to EE2 at 1-125 ng/L for 6 days. The brain lhβ, but not fshβ was strongly suppressed in most EE2 exposure groups of both sexes. The brain esr2b was inhibited in both sexes exposed to EE2 at all of the four concentrations for 6 days. Esr2a was up-regulated in the females by 6-day EE2 treatment at 1 and 25 ng/L. The high responsiveness of brain lhβ and esr2s to EE2 and their significant correlation in both sexes suggested that the transcriptional activity of Esr2s could play key roles in modulation of lhβ expression via direct action on gonadotropic cells in response to EE2. In gonads, fshr was strongly inhibited by EE2 in males, while lhr was significantly stimulated by EE2 in females. Cyp19a1a was inhibited by EE2 in both sexes. The positive correlations of gene expressions of both fshr and lhr with cyp19a1a in testes suggest that the suppression of 17α-estradiol (E2) synthesis in testis by exogenous estrogen could mediate via both Fsh/Fshr and Lh/Lhr signaling in male G. rarus.

Loss of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor function causes masculinization and suppression of ovarian development in genetically female medaka

FSH, a glycoprotein hormone, is circulated from the pituitary and functions by binding to a specific FSH receptor (FSHR). FSHR is a G protein-coupled, seven-transmembrane receptor linked to the adenylyl cyclase or other pathways and is expressed in gonadal somatic cells. In some nonmammalian species, fshr expression is much higher in the ovary than in the testis during gonadal sex differentiation, suggesting that FSHR is involved in ovarian development in nonmammalian vertebrates. However, little is known of FSHR knockout phenotypes in these species. Here we screened for fshr mutations by a medaka (Oryzias latipes) target-induced local lesion in the genomes and identified one nonsense mutation located in the BXXBB motif, which is involved in G protein activation. Next, we used an in vitro reporter gene assay to demonstrate that this mutation prevents FSHR function. We then analyzed the phenotypes of fshr mutant medaka. The fshr mutant male medaka displayed normal testes and were fertile, whereas the mutant female fish displayed small ovaries and were infertile because vitellogenesis was inhibited. The mutant females also have suppressed expression of ovary-type aromatase (cyp19a1a), a steroidogenic enzyme responsible for the conversion of androgens to estrogens, resulting in decreased 17β-estradiol levels. Moreover, loss of FSHR function caused female-to-male sex reversal in some cases. In addition, the transgenic overexpression of fshr in fshr mutants rescued FSHR function. These findings strongly suggest that in the medaka, FSH regulates the ovarian development and the maintenance mainly by the elevation of estrogen levels. We present the first FSHR knockout phenotype in a nonmammalian species.

Monthly variations in the profile of sex steroids and gonadal development of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis Mitchill) during puberty in Tasmania

Puberty is an important reproductive event that has not been studied in brook trout in the Southern Hemisphere. The present study describes the histological development of gonads and variations in the levels of oestradiol-17β (E2), testosterone (T) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) during the first year of male and female brook trout. The study started when the trout were at an age of 8 months (n = 10) and continued until they were 15 months. Of the males, 60% attained puberty at an age of 14 months. The peak of the gonadosomatic index in males was observed at 15 months of age (3.0 ± 0.9%). Female fish did not achieve maturation during their first year and ovarian development did not progress beyond the vesicular oocyte stage within the study period.

Pituitary gonadotropin and ovarian gonadotropin receptor transcript levels: seasonal and photoperiod-induced changes in the reproductive physiology of female Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

In female Atlantic salmon kept at normal light conditions, pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone beta (fshb) transcript levels were transiently elevated one year before spawning, re-increased in February, and remained high during spawning in November and in post-ovulatory fish in December. The first increase in plasma 17b-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T) and gonadosomatic index (GSI) was recorded in January; E2 rose up to one month prior to ovulation, while T and GSI kept increasing until ovulation. Pituitary luteinizing hormone beta (lhb) transcript levels peaked at the time of ovulation. Except for transient changes before and after ovulation, ovarian follicle stimulating hormone receptor (fshr) transcript amounts were relatively stable at a high level. By contrast, luteinizing hormone receptor (lhcgr) transcript levels started out low and increased in parallel to GSI and plasma E2 levels. Exposure to continuous light (LL) induced a bimodal response where maturation was accelerated or arrested. The LL-arrested females showed previtellogenic oil droplet stage follicles or primary yolk follicles only, and fshb and E2 plasma levels collapsed while fshr increased. The LL-accelerated females showed elevated lhb transcript levels and slightly elevated E2 levels during early vitellogenesis, and significantly elevated lhcgr E2 and GSI levels in late vitellogenesis. We conclude that Fsh-dependent signaling stimulates recruitment into and the sustained development through vitellogenesis. Up-regulation of lhcgr gene expression during vitellogenesis may reflect an estrogenic effect, while elevated fshr gene expression following ovulation or during LL-induced arrestment may be associated with ovarian tissue remodeling processes.

Identification of ovarian genes regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) in vitro during early secondary oocyte growth in coho salmon

Follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) function in fishes is poorly understood. This study aimed to reveal Fsh-regulated genes in coho salmon previtellogenic ovarian follicles in vitro. Four suppression subtractive hybridization libraries were generated with RNA isolated from Fsh-treated and control follicles or follicle cell-enriched tissue fractions. Fsh induced steroidogenesis and dynamically upregulated several genes predominantly expressed in follicle cells, including WAP domain-containing protease, connexin 34.3, clusterin (clu1, clu2), fibronectin, wilms tumor 2-like, and influenza virus NS1A-binding protein a. Genes downregulated by Fsh included connective tissue growth factor, alcohol dehydrogenase 8-like, and serine/threonine-protein kinase pim-1. This study demonstrates for the first time in fishes that Fsh influences the expression of a unique suite of ovarian genes involved in processes like cell communication, survival and differentiation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Collectively, these findings suggest that Fsh and/or steroids induce differentiation of granulosa cells and remodeling of the follicle in preparation for onset of vitellogenesis.

FSH and LH have common and distinct effects on gene expression in rainbow trout testis

The general rules established from mammalian species for the regulation of spermatogenesis by gonadotropins may not be fully relevant in fish. Particularly, Fsh is as potent as Lh to stimulate steroidogenesis and the Fsh receptor is expressed in Leydig cells. In seasonal breeders, Fsh is likely the major gonadotropin involved in spermatogenesis onset and Lh is required to support spermatogenesis progression and gamete release. However, the genes that relay the action of Fsh and Lh have been poorly investigated in fish. The present study was aimed at identifying gonadotropin-dependent genes expressed in the testis during fish puberty. We cultured pubertal trout testicular explants for 96 h, with or without gonadotropin, and analyzed transcriptome variations using microarrays. Fsh and Lh had similar effects on a large group of genes while other genes were preferentially regulated by one or the other gonadotropin. We showed that most of the responsive genes were expressed in somatic cells and exhibited relevant patterns during the seasonal reproductive cycle. Some genes preferentially modulated by Lh could be involved in testicular cell fate (pvrl1 and bty) or sperm maturation (ehmt2 and racgap1) and will deserve further examination. Besides Fsh's effects on the steroidogenic pathway, our study demonstrates that Fsh coordinates relevant stimulatory and inhibitory paracrine factors known to regulate early germ cell proliferation and differentiation. Some of these genes belong to major regulatory pathways including the Igf pathway (igf1b/igf3 and igfbp6), the Tgfb pathway (amh, inha, inhba, and fstl3), the Wnt pathway (wisp1), and pleiotrophin (mdka).

Experimental and computational study of inter- and intra- species specificity of gonadotropins for various gonadotropin receptors

The gonadotropins follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) and their receptors play critical roles in vertebrate reproduction. In order to study intra- and interspecies ligand promiscuity of gonadotropins, COS-7 cells were transiently transfected with one of the gonadotropin receptor genes, FSHR or LHR, and tested for activation by gonadotropins from representative fish orders: Aquilliformes (eel; e), Salmoniformes (trout; tr), and Perciformes (tilapia; ta), and of mammalian origin: porcine (p), bovine (b) and human (h). The study reveals complex relations between the gonadotropin hormones and their receptors. Each gonadotropin activated its own cognate receptor. However, taLHR was also activated by hCG and eLHR was activated by hFSH, hCG, and trFSH. For FSHR, the only cross-reactivity detected was for hFSHR, which was activated by pFSH and bFSH. These findings are of great interest and applicability in the context of activation of various GTHRs by their ligands and by ligands from other vertebrates. Analysis of the three-dimensional models of the structures highlights the importance of residues outside of the currently established hormone-receptor interface region. In addition, the interface residues in taFSHR and the effect of exon duplication, which causes an insert in the LRR domain, are suggested to affect the interaction and binding of taFSH.

Follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone mediate the androgenic pathway in Leydig cells of an evolutionary advanced teleost

The endocrine pathways controlling vertebrate spermatogenesis are well established in mammals where the pituitary gonadotropins follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) exclusively activate the FSH receptor (FSHR) in Sertoli cells and the LH/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) in Leydig cells, respectively. In some teleosts, however, it has been shown that Lh can cross-activate the Fshra ortholog, and that Leydig cells coexpress the Lhcgrba and Fshra paralogs, thus mediating the androgenic function of Fsh in the testis. Here, we investigated whether these proposed mechanisms are conserved in an evolutionary advanced pleuronectiform teleost, the Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis). Transactivation assays using sole Fshra- and Lhcgrba-expressing cells and homologous single-chain recombinant gonadotropins (rFsh and rLh) showed that rFsh exclusively activated Fshra, whereas rLh stimulated both Lhcgrba and Fshra. The latter cross-activation of Fshra by rLh occurred with an EC(50) 4-fold higher than for rFsh. Both recombinant gonadotropins elicited a significant androgen release response in vitro and in vivo, which was blocked by protein kinase A (PKA) and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitors, suggesting that activation of steroidogenesis through the cAMP/PKA pathway is the major route for both Lh- and Fsh-stimulated androgen secretion. Combined in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry using cell-specific molecular markers and antibodies specifically raised against sole Fshra and Lhcgrba demonstrated that both receptors are expressed in Leydig cells, whereas Sertoli cells only express Fshra. These data suggest that Fsh-mediated androgen production through the activation of cognate receptors in Leydig cells is a conserved pathway in Senegalese sole.

Development of an in vitro system for functional studies of ovarian follicular cells in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

The layers of follicular cells surrounding the oocyte and the interactions among them and the germ cells are critical for the successful maintenance of the ovarian functions. We have set up the isolation procedure and culture conditions of sea bass ovarian follicular cells. Their behaviour at three different physiological temperatures (25, 18 and 15 °C) was evaluated by verifying their steroidogenic capacity along time together with the expression of follicular specific genes (cyp19a1, fshr, lhr and star). These characteristics revealed this culture as a good in vitro alternative to short term in vivo studies at the level of the ovarian follicle. Moreover, to evaluate the suitability of this system for gene function studies conditions for transient transfection of plasmid DNA were optimized. Finally, the characteristics of the follicular culture were not affected by freezing and thawing cycles what facilitates the performance of experiments independently of the reproductive season. In conclusion, we have developed an in vitro homologous system that enables functional and gene expression studies and resembles the in vivo situation in the ovarian follicle.

Differential regulation of gonadotropin receptors by bone morphogenetic proteins in the zebrafish ovary

Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (fshr) and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (lhcgr) exhibit differential temporal expression patterns during zebrafish folliculogenesis with fshr being dominant during vitellogenic growth and lhcgr increasing its expression dramatically before maturation. The dynamic and distinct expression patterns of fshr and lhcgr suggest that they are under tight regulatory control. However, the underlying mechanisms for the differential expression of the two receptors remain unknown. We have recently demonstrated that members of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family are largely expressed in the oocyte, while their receptors are exclusively localized on the follicle cells, suggesting a potential paracrine signaling from the oocyte to the follicle cells by BMPs. In this study, we investigated the effects of zebrafish BMP2b (zfBmp2b) and BMP4 (zfBmp4) on the expression of fshr and lhcgr using a novel co-culture approach. The recombinant zfBmp2b or zfBmp4-producing CHO cells were co-cultured with the zebrafish follicle cells followed by real-time qPCR analysis of fshr and lhcgr expression. Our results showed that zfBmp2b and zfBmp4 both down-regulated fshr, while up-regulated lhcgr expression at 24 h of co-culturing. This finding, together with the high expression level of BMP receptors in the follicle cells prior to oocyte maturation, strongly suggests a potential role for BMPs in the differential expression of fshr and lhcgr, especially in the full-grown follicles before maturation. As BMPs are largely expressed in the oocyte, this also implies an important role for the oocyte in orchestrating the differentiation and function of the follicle cells.

Androgen-specific regulation of FSH signalling in the previtellogenic ovary and pituitary of the New Zealand shortfinned eel, Anguilla australis

The evidence for androgens having a pivotal role in the functioning of the female reproductive axis--such as initiating puberty or vitellogenesis--is mounting. However, the use of aromatizable androgens and the tissue-specific focus of most studies often make it unclear if androgenic effects throughout the axis proceed via androgen or estrogen signalling mechanisms. In this study, we assessed the effects of 11-ketotestosterone (11KT, a non-aromatizable androgen) on the pituitary and ovary of previtellogenic (PV) freshwater eels Anguilla australis, comparing them with eels naturally undergoing early vitellogenesis (EV). We found that 11KT treatment produces molecular and morpho-physiological phenotypes that were generally intermediate between PV and EV. Most notably, we demonstrated that 11KT induces effects on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) signalling in the pituitary and ovaries that are in opposition to each other. Thus, 11KT significantly reduced fshβ subunit expression in the pituitary. At the same time, 11KT dramatically increased mRNA levels of ovarian FSH receptor and plasma levels of estradiol-17β, very likely sensitizing the previtellogenic follicle to the FSH signal. Androgens therefore may be important in facilitating puberty in the eel.

Differential regulation of gonadotropin receptors (fshr and lhcgr) by estradiol in the zebrafish ovary involves nuclear estrogen receptors that are likely located on the plasma membrane

FSH and LH are gonadotropins (GTH) that control all major events of gonadal function. FSH and LH signal through their cognate receptors, FSH receptor and LH/choriogonadotropin receptor, respectively, across vertebrates. Compared with the information in mammals, very little is known about these receptors in fish, especially the regulation of their expression. In female zebrafish, fshr and lhcgr exhibit significant temporal difference in expression, with fshr increasing first when the follicles are activated to enter the vitellogenic growth phase and lhcgr lagging behind. This raises an interesting question on the differential regulation of these two GTH receptors (GTHR) during folliculogenesis. Using a primary follicle cell culture, the present study demonstrated that 17β-estradiol (E2), but not testosterone, was a potent endocrine hormone that differentially regulated the expression of fshr and lhcgr. Although E2 stimulated both receptors, its effect on the steady-state level of lhcgr mRNA was much higher (>8-fold up-regulation) than that of fshr (∼0.5-fold increase). E2 likely acted at the transcription level via its nuclear estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ), because ICI 182,780 could abolish its effects. However, our evidence suggested that these receptors might be localized on the plasma membrane, because β-estradiol 6-(O-carboxy methyl)oxime:BSA could fully mimic the effects of E2. Demonstrating that E2 is likely one of the differentiating factors for the distinct expression of the two GTHR in the zebrafish ovary, this study sheds important light on the functions of the two GTH and their receptors in fish as well as the conservation and diverse aspects of GTHR regulation across vertebrates.

Molecular cloning of two gonadotropin receptors and their distinct mRNA expression profiles in daily oogenesis of the wrasse Pseudolabrus sieboldi

In fish, asynchronous development of ovarian follicles, the simultaneous advance of vitellogenesis and oocyte maturation in one ovary, is a rational reproductive strategy to spawn consecutively in one spawning season. In this study, to clarify the mode of action of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in asynchronous ovarian follicle development in daily egg production, we cloned cDNAs of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) in the bambooleaf wrasse (Pseudolabrus sieboldi), which exhibits clear diurnal spawning rhythms over 1 month. In addition, different developmental stages of ovarian follicles were isolated from whole ovaries at various daily time points on 1 day in the spawning season, and mRNA expression levels of FSHR and LHR were analyzed. Sequence analysis showed distinct differences in the number of putative leucine-rich repeats at the extracellular domain between FSHR and LHR, suggesting a difference in ligand-specificity. Real-time PCR analyses revealed that FSHR mRNA was highly expressed in early yolk-stage follicles but decreased at the end of vitellogenesis. In contrast, the expression of LHR mRNA was maintained at low levels in vitellogenic stage follicles but markedly elevated at the end of the vitellogenic and early migratory nucleus stages, thereafter markedly dropping in the late migratory nucleus stage. The present results suggest that co-regulation of vitellogenesis and oocyte maturation in one ovary is controlled by the stage-distinctive expression levels of FSHR and LHR mRNA in ovarian follicles, and daily switching of sensitivity from FSH to LH is required for daily egg production.

Cloning, pharmacological characterization, and expression analysis of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) nuclear progesterone receptor

To better understand the role(s) of progestogens during early stages of spermatogenesis, we carried out studies on the nuclear progesterone receptor (Pgr) of the Atlantic salmon. Its open-reading frame shows the highest similarity with other piscine Pgr proteins. When expressed in mammalian cells, salmon Pgr exhibited progestogen-specific, dose-dependent induction of reporter gene expression, with 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) showing the highest potency. We then analyzed testicular pgr mRNA and DHP plasma levels in animals during the onset of spermatogenesis, which were exposed to natural light or to constant light, to induce significant differences in testis growth. Grouping of the animals according to their progress through spermatogenesis showed that testicular pgr mRNA levels as well as DHP plasma levels first increased when germ cells had reached the stage of late type B spermatogonia and further increased when entered meiosis, i.e. when spermatocytes were present. However, in situ hybridization studies revealed that pgr mRNA expression was restricted to Sertoli cells, with a strong signal in Sertoli cells contacting type A/early type B spermatogonia, while Sertoli cells contacting larger germ cell clones with further differentiated stages (e.g. late type B spermatogonia) were less intensely/not stained. We conclude that the increase in pgr mRNA levels per pair of testis reflects, at least in part, the increased number of Sertoli cells enveloping type A and early type B spermatogonia. We propose that Sertoli cell-expressed Pgr may mediate DHP-stimulated early steps in spermatogenesis in Atlantic salmon, such as an increase in the number of new spermatogonial cysts.