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Jiang G, Xue Y, Arifuzzaman A, Huang X. Identification and characterization of the Dmrt1B gene in the oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense. Dev Genes Evol 2024; 234:21-32. [PMID: 38616194 DOI: 10.1007/s00427-024-00715-3] [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: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Dmrt (doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor) is a protein family of transcription factors implicated in sexual regulation. Dmrt proteins are widely conserved and known for their involvement in sex determination and differentiation across species, from invertebrates to humans. In this study, we identified a novel gene with a DM (doublesex/Mab-3)-domain gene in the river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense, which we named MniDmrt1B due to its similarities and close phylogenetic relationship with Dmrt1B in Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Through amino acid alignments and structural predictions, we observed conservation and identified putative active sites within the DM domain. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that MniDmrt1B exhibited high expression levels in the testis, with consistently higher expression in males compared to females during development. Additionally, similar to other sex-regulated genes, the MniDmrt1B gene exhibited high expression levels during the sex differentiation-sensitive periods in M. nipponense. These results strongly indicated that MniDmrt1B probably plays an important role in testis development and sex differentiation in M. nipponense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Jiang
- Centre for Research On Environmental Ecology and Fish Nutrition (CREEFN) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Yucai Xue
- Centre for Research On Environmental Ecology and Fish Nutrition (CREEFN) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Arifuzzaman Arifuzzaman
- Centre for Research On Environmental Ecology and Fish Nutrition (CREEFN) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Xuxiong Huang
- Centre for Research On Environmental Ecology and Fish Nutrition (CREEFN) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
- China-ASEAN Belt and Road Joint Laboratory On Mariculture Technology (Shanghai), Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
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Molcho J, Albagly D, Levy T, Manor R, Aflalo ED, Alfaro-Montoya J, Sagi A. Regulation of early spermatogenesis in the giant prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii by a GCL homolog†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:1000-1011. [PMID: 38408206 PMCID: PMC11094379 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae028] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The germ cell-less gene is crucial for gonad development in various organisms. Early interventions in its expression suggested a regulatory role at the mitotic stages of spermatogenesis, and its early knockout resulted in complete sterility in Drosophila. Genomic and transcriptomic data available for the catadromous giant prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii enabled the identification of a germ cell-less homolog for this species, which we termed MroGCL (mRNA accession number OQ533056). An open reading frame containing 494 amino acids and a typical evolutionarily conserved BTB/POZ domain suggests possible protein-protein interaction functions in keeping with the Drosophila germ cell-less protein. Genomic mapping of MroGCL showed a full length of 120 896 bases. Analysis of the temporal expression of MroGCL showed constant expression in early prawn embryonic and larval stages, but a significant increase 10 days after metamorphosis when crucial sexual differentiation processes occur in prawns. In adult animals, high expression was detected in the gonads compared to the somatic tissues. RNAi-based knock-down experiments showed that both the silenced and control groups reached advanced spermatogenic stages, but that there was a significant decrease in the yield of spermatozoa in about half of the silenced animals. This finding supports our hypothesis that MroGCL is crucial for mitosis during early stage spermatogenesis. In conclusion, this study contributes to the understanding of crustacean gonad development and provides a stepping stone in the development of environmentally valuable sterile crustacean populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Molcho
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Dana Albagly
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Tom Levy
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, USA
| | - Rivka Manor
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Eliahu D Aflalo
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Life Sciences, Achva Academic College, Arugot, Israel
| | | | - Amir Sagi
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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3
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Martín-Manzo MV, Morelos-Castro RM, Munguia-Vega A, Soberanes-Yepiz ML, Cortés-Jacinto E. Transcriptome analysis of reproductive tract tissues of male river prawn Macrobrachium americanum. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:259. [PMID: 38302799 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09125-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The river prawn, Macrobrachium americanum (M. americanum), is one of the largest prawns of the genus in Latin America and is an amphidromous species distributed along the Pacific coast of America. This prawn has commercial value due to its size and taste, making it a good option for aquaculture production. Its culture has been attempted in ponds and concrete tanks, but no successful technique can still support commercial production. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate reproduction at the molecular level is very important. This knowledge can provide tools for manipulating transcripts, which could increase the number or size of animals in the culture. Our understanding of the mechanism that regulates the reproduction of M. americanum at the molecular level is limited. AIM Perform and analyze the transcriptome assembly of the testes, vas deferens, and terminal ampulla of M. americanum. to provide new molecular information about its reproduction. METHODS AND RESULTS The cDNA library was constructed and sequenced for each tissue to identify novel transcripts. A combined transcriptome with the three tissues was assembled using Trinity software. Unigenes were annotated using BLASTx and BLAST2GO. The transcriptome assembly generated 1,059,447 unigenes, of which 7222 genes had significant hits (e-value < 1 × 10-5) when compared against the Swiss-Prot database. Around 75 genes were related to sex determination, testis development, spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis, fertilization, maturation of testicular cells, neuropeptides, hormones, hormone receptors, and/or embryogenesis. CONCLUSIONS These results provide new molecular information about M. americanum reproduction, representing a reference point for further genetic studies of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Victoria Martín-Manzo
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, 23096, La Paz, BCS, Mexico
| | - Rosa María Morelos-Castro
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste Tepic, Investigadoras E Investigadores Por México-CONACYT. Unidad Nayarit, Nayarit, Mexico
| | - Adrian Munguia-Vega
- Applied Genomics Lab, Av. Gral. Félix Ortega Aguilar, 23000, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
- Conservation Genetics Laboratory, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Maritza Lourdes Soberanes-Yepiz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, 23096, La Paz, BCS, Mexico
| | - Edilmar Cortés-Jacinto
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, 23096, La Paz, BCS, Mexico.
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Cai P, Zhang W, Jiang S, Xiong Y, Qiao H, Yuan H, Gao Z, Zhou Y, Jin S, Fu H. Role of Mn-LIPA in Sex Hormone Regulation and Gonadal Development in the Oriental River Prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1399. [PMID: 38338678 PMCID: PMC10855233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031399] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the role of lysosomal acid lipase (LIPA) in sex hormone regulation and gonadal development in Macrobrachium nipponense. The full-length Mn-LIPA cDNA was cloned, and its expression patterns were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) in various tissues and developmental stages. Higher expression levels were observed in the hepatopancreas, cerebral ganglion, and testes, indicating the potential involvement of Mn-LIPA in sex differentiation and gonadal development. In situ hybridization experiments revealed strong Mn-LIPA signaling in the spermatheca and hepatopancreas, suggesting their potential role in steroid synthesis (such as cholesterol, fatty acids, cholesteryl ester, and triglycerides) and sperm maturation. Increased expression levels of male-specific genes, such as insulin-like androgenic gland hormone (IAG), sperm gelatinase (SG), and mab-3-related transcription factor (Dmrt11E), were observed after dsMn-LIPA (double-stranded LIPA) injection, and significant inhibition of sperm development and maturation was observed histologically. Additionally, the relationship between Mn-LIPA and sex-related genes (IAG, SG, and Dmrt11E) and hormones (17β-estradiol and 17α-methyltestosterone) was explored by administering sex hormones to male prawns, indicating that Mn-LIPA does not directly control the production of sex hormones but rather utilizes the property of hydrolyzing triglycerides and cholesterol to provide energy while influencing the synthesis and secretion of self-sex hormones. These findings provide valuable insights into the function of Mn-LIPA in M. nipponense and its potential implications for understanding sex differentiation and gonadal development in crustaceans. It provides an important theoretical basis for the realization of a monosex culture of M. nipponense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Cai
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China; (P.C.); (H.Y.); (Z.G.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Wenyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China; (W.Z.); (S.J.); (Y.X.); (H.Q.)
| | - Sufei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China; (W.Z.); (S.J.); (Y.X.); (H.Q.)
| | - Yiwei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China; (W.Z.); (S.J.); (Y.X.); (H.Q.)
| | - Hui Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China; (W.Z.); (S.J.); (Y.X.); (H.Q.)
| | - Huwei Yuan
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China; (P.C.); (H.Y.); (Z.G.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Zijian Gao
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China; (P.C.); (H.Y.); (Z.G.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yongkang Zhou
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China; (P.C.); (H.Y.); (Z.G.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Shubo Jin
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China; (P.C.); (H.Y.); (Z.G.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China; (W.Z.); (S.J.); (Y.X.); (H.Q.)
| | - Hongtuo Fu
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China; (P.C.); (H.Y.); (Z.G.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China; (W.Z.); (S.J.); (Y.X.); (H.Q.)
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Liao J, Wan H, Zhang Z, Sheng Y, Jia X, Wang Y. Transcriptional regulation of IAG by dsx and foxl-2 in mud crab (Scylla paramamosain). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 345:114396. [PMID: 37879419 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Scylla paramamosain is an important cultured crab species on the southeast coast of China. However, the molecular regulation mechanism of its gonadal development still has not been thoroughly studied. Dsx (doublesex) and foxl-2 (forkhead transcription factor gene 2) are important transcription factors involved in gonadal development. So far, studies on the functions of dsx and foxl-2 in crustaceans are very limited. Insulin-like androgenic gland hormone (IAG) is an effector molecule that regulates the differentiation, development and sex maintenance of testes in crustaceans. In this study, the promoter region of Sp-IAG was predicted, and several potential binding sites of dsx and foxl-2 were found. Site-directed mutagenesis was performed on the predicted potential binding sites, and their promoter activity was analyzed. The results showed that there was a dsx and a foxl-2 binding site, respectively, that could regulate the expression of Sp-IAG. In order to verify the regulatory effect of these two transcription factors on Sp-IAG, we constructed the expression plasmids of dsx and foxl-2 and co-transfected them into HEK293T cell lines with the promoter of Sp-IAG, respectively. The results showed that dsx could significantly promote the expression of Sp-IAG, while foxl-2 could inhibit its expression substantially. Then we carried out in vivo RNA interference experiment on mud crabs. The expression of dsx and foxl-2 in crabs was interfered respectively. The results of qRT-PCR showed that the expression of Sp-IAG was significantly inhibited after interfering with dsx, while significantly increased after interfering with foxl-2, which was consistent with the cell experiment. In conclusion, dsx and foxl-2 transcription factors play opposite roles in regulating the expression of Sp-IAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqian Liao
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; Fujian Engineering Research Center of Aquatic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Haifu Wan
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; Fujian Engineering Research Center of Aquatic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Ziping Zhang
- College of Marine Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yinshen Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; Fujian Engineering Research Center of Aquatic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Xiwei Jia
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; Fujian Engineering Research Center of Aquatic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Xiamen 361021, 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; Fujian Engineering Research Center of Aquatic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Xiamen 361021, China.
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Wahl M, Levy T, Ventura T, Sagi A. Monosex Populations of the Giant Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii-From a Pre-Molecular Start to the Next Generation Era. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17433. [PMID: 38139271 PMCID: PMC10743721 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417433] [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: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual manipulation in the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii has proven successful in generating monosex (both all-male and all-female) populations for aquaculture using a crustacean-specific endocrine gland, the androgenic gland (AG), which serves as a key masculinizing factor by producing and secreting an insulin-like AG hormone (IAG). Here, we provide a summary of the advancements from the discovery of the AG and IAG in decapods through to the development of monosex populations in M. rosenbergii. We discuss the broader sexual development pathway, which is highly divergent across decapods, and provide our future perspective on the utility of novel genetic and genomic tools in promoting refined approaches towards monosex biotechnology. Finally, the future potential benefits of deploying monosex prawn populations for environmental management are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Wahl
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel;
| | - Tom Levy
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
| | - Tomer Ventura
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556, Australia;
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556, Australia
| | - Amir Sagi
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel;
- National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
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Miao M, Li S, Yuan J, Liu P, Fang X, Zhang C, Zhang X, Li F. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene mutation of EcIAG leads to sex reversal in the male ridgetail white prawn Exopalaemon carinicauda. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1266641. [PMID: 38075036 PMCID: PMC10703455 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1266641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In the culture of crustaceans, most species show sexual dimorphism. Monosex culture is an effective approach to achieve high yield and economic value, especially for decapods of high value. Previous studies have developed some sex control strategies such as manual segregation, manipulation of male androgenic gland and knockdown of the male sexual differentiation switch gene encoding insulin-like androgenic gland hormone (IAG) in decapods. However, these methods could not generate hereditable changes. Genetic manipulation to achieve sex reversal individuals is absent up to now. In the present study, the gene encoding IAG (EcIAG) was identified in the ridgetail white prawn Exopalaemon carinicauda. Sequence analysis showed that EcIAG encoded conserved amino acid structure like IAGs in other decapod species. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing technology was used to knock out EcIAG. Two sgRNAs targeting the second exon of EcIAG were designed and microinjected into the prawn zygotes or the embryos at the first cleavage with commercial Cas9 protein. EcIAG in three genetic males was knocked out in both chromosome sets, which successfully generated sex reversal and phenotypic female characters. The results suggest that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing technology is an effective way to develop sex manipulation technology and contribute to monosex aquaculture in crustaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Miao
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shihao Li
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Jianbo Yuan
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Peipei Liu
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaochen Fang
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengsong Zhang
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaojun Zhang
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Fuhua Li
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
- The Innovation of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
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8
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Wang Q, Cao T, Wang C. Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of Dmrt genes in bivalves. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:457. [PMID: 37582778 PMCID: PMC10428544 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09536-6] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, some common themes in the development of sex-specific traits in different animal lineages have started to emerge since the discovery of the Dmrt (doublesex-mab3-related transcription factor gene) genes. Bivalves are characterized by a diversity of sexual systems, including simultaneous hermaphroditism, sequential hermaphroditism, and strict gonochorism. However, to date, no research has focused on the genome-wide characterization and analysis of Dmrt genes in bivalves. In this study, the identification and analysis of Dmrt genes in 15 bivalves were performed using bioinformatics methods. A total of 55 Dmrt genes were retrieved in the studied bivalve genomes. The number of Dmrt genes in different species ranged from 3 to 5. The phylogenetic tree showed that Dmrt genes in bivalves can be subdivided into 5 classes: the Dmrt2-like class, Dmrt3-like class, Dmrt4/5-like class, Dsx-like class, and scallop-specific Dmrt class. The Ka/Ks ratios suggested that all Dmrt classes underwent purifying selection pressure. Furthermore, the spatiotemporal expression of Dmrt genes in four bivalve species suggested that different Dmrt genes may have different functions, and scallop-specific Dmrt genes may play a key role in sex determination/differentiation. In general, this study provides a molecular basis for in-depth examination of the functions of Dmrt genes and phylogenomic analyses in bivalves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanchao Wang
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, China
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Warning, Protection & Restoration for Bohai Sea, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, 266061, China
| | - Tiangui Cao
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Chunde Wang
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, China.
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9
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Luo JY, Shen SQ, Xu HJ, Yang JS, Ma WM. The transcription factor masculinizer in sexual differentiation and achieved full functional sex reversal in prawn. iScience 2023; 26:106968. [PMID: 37534170 PMCID: PMC10391606 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Some Zinc finger (ZnF) proteins are required for masculinization in silkworms. In the present study, a masculinizer gene (Mr-Masc) with multi-tissue expression is identified in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii. The Mr-Masc is clustered into a separate branch with ZnF proteins from decapoda by phylogenetic tree analysis. Moreover, Mr-Masc silencing in male postlarvae prawn results in functional sex reversal females known as neo-females, which are applied to all-male monosex offspring breeding. This manipulation has been significant in sexually dimorphic cultured species. In addition, several significantly expressed transcripts are enriched and the effects of crucial signal pathways are focused through the comparative transcriptomic analysis in Mr-Masc gene knockdown. The significantly differentially expressed epidermal growth factor, upregulated low-density lipoprotein receptor, flotillin, and sex-lethal unigenes, downregulated heat shock proteins and forkhead box homologs are focused. The finding offers an innovative perspective on Masc proteins' evolution and physiological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yu Luo
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuai-Qi Shen
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, People’s Republic of China
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hai-Jing Xu
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin-Shu Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen-Ming Ma
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, People’s Republic of China
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Zhang P, Yang Y, Xu Y, Cui Z. Analyses of the Dmrt family in a decapod crab, Eriocheir sinensis uncover new facets on the evolution of DM domain genes. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1201846. [PMID: 37304820 PMCID: PMC10252143 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1201846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
DM domain genes are a group of transcription factors that are integral to sexual development and its evolution in metazoans. Their functions and regulatory mechanisms are not well understood in Malacostraca (crabs and crayfish) while these sex regulators have been widely identified in the past decade. In this study, the Dmrt family was investigated in the decapod crab, Eriocheir sinensis. We find that most members of the EsDmrt family begin to enrich around the juvenile 1 stage. In reproductive organs, EsDsx1, EsDsx2, EsiDMY and EsiDmrt1a highly express in the male-specific androgenic gland (AG), while EsDmrt-like, EsDsx-like, EsDmrt11E, and EsiDmrt1b show relatively high expression in testis. Also, we find the highly aberrant expression of EsiDMY and EsiDmrt1a in the chimeric AG, strongly indicating their function in AG development. Moreover, RNA interference of EsDsx1, EsiDMY, and EsiDmrt1a results in a significant decrease in transcription of the Insulin-like androgenic hormone (IAG), respectively. Our findings suggest that Dmrt genes in E. sinensis primarily function in male sexual differentiation, especially in AG development. Besides, this study identifies two unique groups of Dmrt genes in Malacostraca: Dsx and iDmrt1. In Malacostraca Dsx, we uncover a cryptic mutation in the eight zinc motif-specific residues, which were firmly believed to be invariant across the Dmrt family. This mutation sets the Malacostraca Dsx apart from all the other Dmrt genes and implies a different way of transcriptional regulation. Genes from the iDmrt1 group show phylogenetical limitation to the malacostracan species and underwent positive selection, suggesting their highly specialized gene function to this class. Based on these findings, we propose that Dsx and iDmrt1 in Malacostraca have developed unique transcriptional regulation mechanisms to facilitate AG development. We hope that this study would contribute to our understandings of sexual development in Malacostraca and provide new insights into the evolutionary history of the Dmrt family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yanan Yang
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yuanfeng Xu
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Zhaoxia Cui
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Pilot Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, China
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Cai P, Yuan H, Gao Z, Daka P, Qiao H, Zhang W, Jiang S, Xiong Y, Gong Y, Wu Y, Jin S, Fu H. Sex Reversal Induced by Dietary Supplementation with 17α-Methyltestosterone during the Critical Period of Sex Differentiation in Oriental River Prawn ( Macrobrachium nipponense). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1369. [PMID: 37106932 PMCID: PMC10135079 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The steroid 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) inhibits ovarian function and is often used to induce sex reversal artificially in vertebrates. In the present study, different concentrations of MT were added as dietary supplementation, and the effects on sex ratio, growth, and gonadal development were examined. After 40 days, the sex ratio (male:female) in each group increased at different degrees with 50 (1.36:1), 100 (1.57:1), and 200 (2.61:1) mg/kg MT, and neo-males with testis-ovary coexistence were observed in the 200 mg/kg MT group. Furthermore, 50 and 100 mg/kg MT could induce female reversion in neo-males. Histologically, the development of the testes in experimental groups was slower, but the ovaries of the experimental and control groups had similar developmental rates. The expression levels of DMRT11E, Foxl2, and SoxE1 in males at 200 mg/kg MT were 8.65-, 3.75-, and 3.45-fold greater than those of the control group. In crustaceans, sex reversal through vertebrate sex hormones can be observed. Neo-males (sex-reversed female prawns) were maintained by exogenous androgen, and over-reliance led to slow testis growth, small body size, and low growth rate, but sperm was still produced. In female prawns, MT inhibited ovary development and promoted growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Cai
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China; (P.C.); (H.Y.); (Z.G.)
| | - Huwei Yuan
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China; (P.C.); (H.Y.); (Z.G.)
| | - Zijian Gao
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China; (P.C.); (H.Y.); (Z.G.)
| | - Peter Daka
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China; (P.C.); (H.Y.); (Z.G.)
| | - Hui Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Wenyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Sufei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Yiwei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Yongsheng Gong
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Shubo Jin
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China; (P.C.); (H.Y.); (Z.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Hongtuo Fu
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China; (P.C.); (H.Y.); (Z.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
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12
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Liu BZ, Cong JJ, Su WY, Hao ZL, Sun ZH, Chang YQ. Identification and functional analysis of Dmrt1 gene and the SoxE gene in the sexual development of sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus. Front Genet 2023; 14:1097825. [PMID: 36741310 PMCID: PMC9894652 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1097825] [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: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the Doublesex and Mab-3-related transcription factor (Dmrt) gene family handle various vital functions in several biological processes, including sex determination/differentiation and gonad development. Dmrt1 and Sox9 (SoxE in invertebrates) exhibit a very conserved interaction function during testis formation in vertebrates. However, the dynamic expression pattern and functional roles of the Dmrt gene family and SoxE have not yet been identified in any echinoderm species. Herein, five members of the Dmrt gene family (Dmrt1, 2, 3a, 3b and 5) and the ancestor SoxE gene were identified from the genome of Apostichopus japonicus. Expression studies of Dmrt family genes and SoxE in different tissues of adult males and females revealed different expression patterns of each gene. Transcription of Dmrt2, Dmrt3a and Dmrt3b was higher expressed in the tube feet and coelomocytes instead of in gonadal tissues. The expression of Dmrt1 was found to be sustained throughout spermatogenesis. Knocking-down of Dmrt1 by means of RNA interference (RNAi) led to the downregulation of SoxE and upregulation of the ovarian regulator foxl2 in the testes. This indicates that Dmrt1 may be a positive regulator of SoxE and may play a role in the development of the testes in the sea cucumber. The expression level of SoxE was higher in the ovaries than in the testes, and knocking down of SoxE by RNAi reduced SoxE and Dmrt1 expression but conversely increased the expression of foxl2 in the testes. In summary, this study indicates that Dmrt1 and SoxE are indispensable for testicular differentiation, and SoxE might play a functional role during ovary differentiation in the sea cucumber.
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Wan H, Sheng Y, Zhang Z, Jia X, Wang Y. Comparative Transcriptome Reveals the Potential Modulation Mechanisms of Spdsx Affecting Ovarian Development of Scylla paramamosain. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 24:1055-1065. [PMID: 36173492 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-022-10165-5] [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: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In previous study, we reported the identification, tissue distribution, and the roles of Spdsx played in the testis, androgenic gland, and ovary in Scylla paramamosain. Here, we primally identify its potential target genes in the ovary with RNAi and RNA-Seq technology. By comparing the transcriptome data of two groups (ovaries that injected with dsRNA for EGFP and Dsx), we found that 6520 Unigenes were differentially expressed, including a plenty of conserved crucial genes involved in ovarian development, such as vitellogenin (vtg), vtg receptor (vtgR), apolipoprotein D, adenylate cyclase 3, adenylate cyclase 5, cyclin A, cyclin B, and cell division cycle 2 (cdc2). In addition, these DEGs were also enriched in pathways related to ovary development, including PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, insulin signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, relaxin signaling pathway, estrogen signaling pathway, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, ovarian steroidogenesis, and oocyte meiosis. Moreover, several genes were selected for qRT-PCR to validate the accuracy of the bioinformatic result. According to current transcriptome result, we speculate that the Spdsx is a crucial regulator of ovary development in S. paramamosain. To the best of our knowledge, the current study was the first report about dsx function through comparative transcriptome analysis in crustacean species, which not only identified relevant genes and pathways involved in ovarian development of S. paramamosain, but also shed light on the regulatory mechanisms of dsx at the molecular level in crustacean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifu Wan
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, 361021, China
- Fujian Engineering Research Center of Aquatic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Yinzhen Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, 361021, China
- Fujian Engineering Research Center of Aquatic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Ziping Zhang
- College of Marine Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Xiwei Jia
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, 361021, China
- Fujian Engineering Research Center of Aquatic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Xiamen, 361021, 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.
- Fujian Engineering Research Center of Aquatic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Xiamen, 361021, China.
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14
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The Sex-Specific Splicing of Doublesex in Brine Shrimp Artemia franciscana. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13111997. [PMID: 36360234 PMCID: PMC9690683 DOI: 10.3390/genes13111997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The understanding of sex determination and differentiation in animals has recently made remarkable strides through the use of advanced research tools. At the gene level, the Mab-3-related transcription factor (Dmrt) gene family, which encodes for the typical DNA-binding doublesex/Mab-3 (DM) domain in their protein, is known for its contribution to sex determination and differentiation in insects. In this study, DNA-binding DM domain screening has identified eight transcripts from Artemia franciscana transcriptomic that encode proteins containing one conserved DNA-binding DM domain. The genome mapping confirmed that these eight transcripts are transcribed from six different loci on the A. franciscana genome assembly. One of those loci, the Af.dsx-4 locus, is closely related to Doublesex, a gene belonging to the Dmrt gene family. This locus could be transcribed into three alternative transcripts, namely Af.dsx4, Af.dsxF and Af.dsxM. While Af.dsx4 and Af.dsxF could putatively be translated to form an identical Af.dsxF protein of 186 aa long, Af.dsxM translates for an Af.dsxM protein of 289 aa long but shares a DNA-binding DM domain. Interestingly, Af.dsxF and Af.dsxM are confirmed as sex-specific transcripts, Af.dsxF is only present in females, and Af.dsxM is only present in male individuals. The results suggest that the sex-specific splicing mechanism of the doublesex described in insects is also present in A. franciscana. Af.dxs-4 locus can be used in further studies to clarify the sex determination pathways in A. fracnciscana.
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Zheng J, Chen L, Jia Y, Chi M, Li F, Cheng S, Liu S, Liu Y, Gu Z. Genomic structure, expression, and functional characterization of the Fem-1 gene family in the redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 316:113961. [PMID: 34861280 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113961] [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: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Fem-1 (Feminization-1) gene, encoding an intracellular protein with conserved ankyrin repeat motifs, has been proven to play a key role in sex differentiation in Caenorhabditis elegans. In the present study, three members of the Fem-1 gene family (designating Fem-1A, Fem-1B, and Fem-1C, respectively) were cloned and characterized in the redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus. Sequence analysis showed that all three Fem-1 genes contained the highly conserved ankyrin repeat motifs with variant repeat numbers, which shared similarity with other reported crustaceans. In addition, a phylogenetic tree revealed that the Fem-1 proteins from C. quadricarinatus were clustered with the crustacean Fem-1 homologs, and had the closest evolutionary relationship with Eriocheir sinensis. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) results demonstrated that Fem-1B exhibited a significant higher expression abundance in the ovary than in other tissues. In addition, a regular mRNA expression pattern of the Fem-1B gene appeared in the reproductive cycle of ovarian development. Furthermore, RNA interference experiments were employed to investigate the role of Fem-1B in ovarian development. Moreover, knockdown of Fem-1B by RNAi decreased the expression of VTG in the ovaries and hepatopancreas. In summary, this study pointed out that Fem-1B was involved in the sex differentiation process through regulating VTG expression in C. quadricarinatus, and provided new insights into the role of Fem-1B in ovary development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China
| | - Leran Chen
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongyi Jia
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China
| | - Meili Chi
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China
| | - Fei Li
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China
| | - Shun Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China
| | - Shili Liu
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China
| | - Yinuo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China
| | - Zhimin Gu
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.
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Wahl M, Levy T, Manor R, Aflalo ED, Sagi A, Aizen J. Genes Encoding the Glycoprotein Hormone GPA2/GPB5 and the Receptor LGR1 in a Female Prawn. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:823818. [PMID: 35399936 PMCID: PMC8990981 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.823818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In vertebrate reproduction, metabolism, growth and development, essential roles are played by glycoprotein hormones, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), all of which are heterodimers consisting of two subunits, a structurally identical alpha subunit, and a variable beta subunit, which provides specificity. A 'new' glycoprotein hormone heterodimer identified in both vertebrates and invertebrates, including decapod crustaceans, was shown to be composed of the glycoprotein alpha 2 (GPA2) and glycoprotein beta 5 (GPB5) subunits. The putative receptor for GPA2/GPB5 in invertebrates is the leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 1 (LGR1). In this study in the giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, we identified and characterized the GPA2 (MrGPA2), GPB5 (MrGPB5) and LGR1 (MrLGR1) encoding genes and revealed their spatial expression patterns in female animals. Loss-of-function RNA interference (RNAi) experiments in M. rosenbergii females demonstrated a negative correlation between MrGPA2/MrGPB5 silencing and MrLGR1 transcript levels, suggesting a possible ligand-receptor interaction. The relative transcript levels of M. rosenbergii vitellogenin (MrVg) in the hepatopancreas were significantly reduced following MrGPA2/MrGPB5 knockdown. MrLGR1 loss-of-function induced MrVg receptor (MrVgR) transcript levels in the ovary and resulted in significantly larger oocytes in the silenced group compared to the control group. Our results provide insight into the possible role of GPA2/GPB5-LGR1 in female reproduction, as shown by its effect on MrVg and MrVgR expression and on the oocyte development. Here, we suggest that the GPA2/GPB5 heterodimer act as a gonad inhibiting factor in the eyestalk-hepatopancreas-ovary endocrine axis in M. rosenbergii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Wahl
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Tom Levy
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Rivka Manor
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Eliahu D. Aflalo
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Life Sciences, Achva Academic College, Arugot, Israel
| | - Amir Sagi
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- *Correspondence: Amir Sagi, ; Joseph Aizen,
| | - Joseph Aizen
- The Faculty of Marine Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Michmoret, Israel
- *Correspondence: Amir Sagi, ; Joseph Aizen,
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Grinshpan N, Abayed FA, Wahl M, Ner-Gaon H, Manor R, Sagi A, Shay T. The transcriptional landscape of the giant freshwater prawn: Embryonic development and early sexual differentiation mechanisms. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1059936. [PMID: 36568080 PMCID: PMC9767951 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1059936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The giant freshwater prawn pjMacrobrachium rosenbergii is one of the best studied species in aquaculture. However, the transcriptional changes associated with embryonic development and the sexual differentiation mechanism of M. rosenbergii remain to be elucidated. To characterize the embryonic development of this prawn and to determine whether differential expression and differential splicing play roles in the early sexual differentiation of M. rosenbergii, we profiled five developmental days of male and female embryos by RNA sequencing. We identified modules of co-expressed genes representing waves of transcription that correspond to physiological processes in early embryonic development (such as the maternal-to-zygotic transition) up to preparation for life outside the egg (development of muscles, cuticle etc.). Additionally, we found that hundreds of genes are differentially expressed between sexes, most of them uncharacterized, suggesting that the sex differentiation mechanism of M. rosenbergii might contain clade-specific elements. The resulting first-of-a-kind transcriptional map of embryonic development of male and female M. rosenbergii will guide future studies to reveal the roles of specific genes and splicing isoforms in the embryonic development and sexual differentiation process of M. rosenbergii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nufar Grinshpan
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Faiza A.A. Abayed
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Melody Wahl
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Hadas Ner-Gaon
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Rivka Manor
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Amir Sagi
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- *Correspondence: Amir Sagi, ; Tal Shay,
| | - Tal Shay
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- *Correspondence: Amir Sagi, ; Tal Shay,
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Sex-Biased Gene Expression and Isoform Profile of Brine Shrimp Artemia franciscana by Transcriptome Analysis. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092630. [PMID: 34573596 PMCID: PMC8465105 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The brine shrimp Artemia is a promising model organism for ZW sex determination system, but the genes related to sex determination and differentiation of Artemia have not yet been examined in detail. In this study, the first isoform-level transcriptome sequencing was performed on female and male Artemia franciscana. By using PacBio Iso-Seq and Illumina RNA-Seq technologies, we found 39 candidate sex determination genes that showed sex-biased gene expression. The male-biased expressed genes included DMRT1 and Sad genes, which had three and seven isoforms, respectively. Among these, the Sad gene is an ecdysteroid biosynthetic pathway gene associated with arthropod molting and metamorphosis. We propose the importance and the necessity of further research on genes involved in ecdysteroid biosynthesis. These results will contribute to understand sex determination and differentiation of Artemia and other crustaceans having ZW systems. Abstract The brine shrimp Artemia has a ZW sex determination system with ZW chromosomes in females and ZZ chromosomes in males. Artemia has been considered a promising model organism for ZW sex-determining systems, but the genes involved in sex determination and differentiation of Artemia have not yet been identified. Here, we conducted transcriptome sequencing of female and male A. franciscana using PacBio Iso-Seq and Illumina RNA-Seq techniques to identify candidate sex determination genes. Among the 42,566 transcripts obtained from Iso-Seq, 23,514 were analyzed. Of these, 2065 (8.8%) were female specific, 2513 (10.7%) were male specific, and 18,936 (80.5%) were co-expressed in females and males. Based on GO enrichment analysis and expression values, we found 10 female-biased and 29 male-biased expressed genes, including DMRT1 and Sad genes showing male-biased expression. Our results showed that DMRT1 has three isoforms with five exons, while Sad has seven isoforms with 2–11 exons. The Sad gene is involved in ecdysteroid signaling related to molting and metamorphosis in arthropods. Further studies on ecdysteroid biosynthetic genes are needed to improve our understanding of Artemia sex determination. This study will provide a valuable resource for sex determination and differentiation studies on Artemia and other crustaceans with ZW systems.
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Toyota K, Miyakawa H, Hiruta C, Sato T, Katayama H, Ohira T, Iguchi T. Sex Determination and Differentiation in Decapod and Cladoceran Crustaceans: An Overview of Endocrine Regulation. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12020305. [PMID: 33669984 PMCID: PMC7924870 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms underlying sex determination and differentiation in animals are known to encompass a diverse array of molecular clues. Recent innovations in high-throughput sequencing and mass spectrometry technologies have been widely applied in non-model organisms without reference genomes. Crustaceans are no exception. They are particularly diverse among the Arthropoda and contain a wide variety of commercially important fishery species such as shrimps, lobsters and crabs (Order Decapoda), and keystone species of aquatic ecosystems such as water fleas (Order Branchiopoda). In terms of decapod sex determination and differentiation, previous approaches have attempted to elucidate their molecular components, to establish mono-sex breeding technology. Here, we overview reports describing the physiological functions of sex hormones regulating masculinization and feminization, and gene discovery by transcriptomics in decapod species. Moreover, this review summarizes the recent progresses of studies on the juvenile hormone-driven sex determination system of the branchiopod genus Daphnia, and then compares sex determination and endocrine systems between decapods and branchiopods. This review provides not only substantial insights for aquaculture research, but also the opportunity to re-organize the current and future trends of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Toyota
- Marine Biological Station, Sado Center for Ecological Sustainability, Niigata University, Sado, Niigata 952-2135, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kanagawa University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1293, Japan;
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Katsushika, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan
- Correspondence: (K.T.); (T.S.); (T.I.)
| | - Hitoshi Miyakawa
- Center for Bioscience Research and Education, Utsunomiya University, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-8505, Japan;
| | - Chizue Hiruta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan;
| | - Tomomi Sato
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0027, Japan
- Correspondence: (K.T.); (T.S.); (T.I.)
| | - Hidekazu Katayama
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, School of Engineering, Tokai University, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan;
| | - Tsuyoshi Ohira
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kanagawa University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1293, Japan;
| | - Taisen Iguchi
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0027, Japan
- Correspondence: (K.T.); (T.S.); (T.I.)
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Xu HJ, Chen YL, Wang YM, Luo JY, Li JW, Shen SQ, Yang JS, Ma WM. Full Functional Sex Reversal Achieved Through Silencing of MroDmrt11E Gene in Macrobrachium rosenbergii: Production of All-Male Monosex Freshwater Prawn. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:772498. [PMID: 35370930 PMCID: PMC8970045 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.772498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii is one kind of important economic aquaculture species and displays remarkable sexual dimorphism. The molecular mechanism of sexual differentiation in M. rosenbergii has been primarily unraveled through the research efforts of the androgenic gland and its related genes. However, the understanding of conserved genes involved in the molecular mechanism underpinning sex determination and sexual differentiation of M. rosenbergii is still fragmentary. MroDmrt11E is a member of the doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factor (Dmrt) gene family and is prominently expressed in the testis. In the present study, in vivo knockdown of MroDmrt11E at the postlarva stage in male prawn induced a complete and functional sex reversal and achieved the production of an all-male monosex population. Furthermore, a great deal of new information of upregulated and downregulated transcriptions involved in sexual differentiation of MroDmrt11E knockdown was enriched by comparative transcriptomic analysis. The effects of RNAi-mediated gene knockdown of MroDmrt11E on the differentially expressed and sex-related candidate genes, such as transformer, fruitless, feminization, insulin-like androgenic gland gene, Dmrt gene family, were primarily focused on, and their possible molecular regulatory relationships in sexual differentiation were analyzed. Meanwhile, the response of primary Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) biological pathways was investigated to expound the potential roles of MroDmrt11E in male sexual differentiation, which provided a deeper understanding of the molecular regulatory network underlying sexual differentiation of M. rosenbergii. The finding provided a novel sexual manipulation technique through silencing of Dmrt gene family for achieving a complete and functional sex reversal and offered a new insight regarding the mechanism of the Dmrt gene family in the sexual differentiation of crustaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Jing Xu
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yi-Lai Chen
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yong-Mei Wang
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jing-Yu Luo
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jian-Wen Li
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, China
| | - Shuai-Qi Shen
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, China
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin-Shu Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Ming Ma
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, China
- *Correspondence: Wen-Ming Ma,
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21
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Levy T, Sagi A. The "IAG-Switch"-A Key Controlling Element in Decapod Crustacean Sex Differentiation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:651. [PMID: 33013714 PMCID: PMC7511715 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The androgenic gland (AG)-a unique crustacean endocrine organ that secretes factors such as the insulin-like androgenic gland (IAG) hormone-is a key player in crustacean sex differentiation processes. IAG expression induces masculinization, while the absence of the AG or a deficiency in IAG expression results in feminization. Therefore, by virtue of its universal role as a master regulator of crustacean sexual development, the IAG hormone may be regarded as the sexual "IAG-switch." The switch functions within an endocrine axis governed by neuropeptides secreted from the eyestalks, and interacts downstream with specific insulin receptors at its target organs. In recent years, IAG hormones have been found-and sequenced-in dozens of decapod crustacean species, including crabs, prawns, crayfish and shrimps, bearing different types of reproductive strategies-from gonochorism, through hermaphroditism and intersexuality, to parthenogenesis. The IAG-switch has thus been the focus of efforts to manipulate sex developmental processes in crustaceans. Most sex manipulations were performed using AG ablation or knock-down of the IAG gene in males in order to sex reverse them into "neo-females," or using AG implantation/injecting AG extracts or cells into females to produce "neo-males." These manipulations have highlighted the striking crustacean sexual plasticity in different species and have permitted the manifestation of either maleness or femaleness without altering the genotype of the animals. Furthermore, these sex manipulations have not only facilitated fundamental studies of crustacean sexual mechanisms, but have also enabled the development of the first IAG-switch-based monosex population biotechnologies, primarily for aquaculture but also for pest control. Here, we review the crustacean IAG-switch, a unique crustacean endocrine mechanism, from the early discoveries of the AG and the IAG hormone to recent IAG-switch-based manipulations. Moreover, we discuss this unique early pancrustacean insulin-based sexual differentiation control mechanism in contrast to the extensively studied mechanisms in vertebrates, which are based on sex steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Levy
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Amir Sagi
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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22
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Cai L, Zheng J, Jia Y, Gu Z, Liu S, Chi M, Cheng S. Molecular Characterization and Expression Profiling of Three Transformer-2 Splice Isoforms in the Redclaw Crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus. Front Physiol 2020; 11:631. [PMID: 32733260 PMCID: PMC7363937 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex determination/sex differentiation is determined by genetics, environmental factors, or the interactions of the two. The Transformer-2 (Tra-2) gene plays an important role in the sex determination cascade signal pathway in insects. In this study, the Tra-2 gene was isolated and characterized from the cDNA library of gonad tissues in the redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus. Three splice variants were identified, designated as CqTra-2A, CqTra-2B, and CqTra-2C, and sequence analysis showed that they had a highly conserved RRM domain. Phylogenetic analysis was performed by the NJ method, and the results revealed that the Tra-2 protein of the redclaw crayfish was very closely related to those of Macrobrachium rosenbergii, Fenneropenaeus chinensis, and Macrobrachium nipponense. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the three isoforms were predominantly expressed in the ovary and gradually increased with embryonic development. Additionally, the expression pattern of CqTra-2 at different developmental stages was analyzed by qPCR and revealed that the phase of having a body length of 3 cm may be the key period for the sex differentiation of C. quadricarinatus. RNAi-targeting gene silencing further confirmed the function of CqTra-2 in sexual differentiation in redclaw crayfish. Our experimental data will contribute to understanding the mechanism of sex determination in crustaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Cai
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China
| | - Jianbo Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China
| | - Yongyi Jia
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China
| | - Zhimin Gu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China
| | - Shili Liu
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China
| | - Meili Chi
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China
| | - Shun Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China
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23
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Insight into the Regulatory Relationships between the Insulin-Like Androgenic Gland Hormone Gene and the Insulin-Like Androgenic Gland Hormone-binding Protein Gene in Giant Freshwater Prawns ( Macrobrachium rosenbergii). Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124207. [PMID: 32545658 PMCID: PMC7352508 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) are commonly found throughout the world. The size of the male giant freshwater prawn is much larger than that of the female. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanism that underlies the sexual differentiation of M. rosenbergii is of both commercial and scientific importance. Insulin-like androgenic gland hormone (IAG) plays a key role in the differentiation of sex in M. rosenbergii. Although IAG has been investigated, the regulatory relationship between IAG and its binding protein partner, the insulin-like androgenic gland hormone-binding protein (IAGBP), has not been studied in M. rosenbergii. Here, we cloned and characterized the IAGBP from M. rosenbergii (Mr-IAGBP) for the very first time. Transcriptomic analysis showed that Mr-IAGBP mRNA was detected in a wide array of tissues with the highest expression found in the androgenic gland. The importance of IAG in male development was further demonstrated by an increase in IAG transcripts during the development of the androgenic gland and Mr-IAG was only highly transcribed in the androgenic gland of M. rosenbergii. Interestingly, we found that the Mr-IAG gene expression started during the 20th-day larva after hatching stage (LH20), followed (20th-day post-larval stage, PL20) by a gradual elevation of Mr-IAGBP levels. The levels of both genes peaked at the adult stage. The relationship between Mr-IAGBP and Mr-IAG was further analyzed using RNA interference. The injection of Mr-IAGBP double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) significantly reduced the transcription of Mr-IAG, while the amount of Mr-IAGBP mRNA and the translation of IAGBP protein was significantly reduced by the injection of Mr-IAG dsRNA. These results revealed that IAGBP is involved in IAG signaling. Furthermore, our data supports the hypothesis that (IAG and IAGBP)-IAG receptor signaling schemes exist in M. rosenbergii. Our results will provide important information for the further study of determining the sex of M. rosenbergii.
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