1
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Shi DL. Interplay of RNA-binding proteins controls germ cell development in zebrafish. J Genet Genomics 2024:S1673-8527(24)00163-2. [PMID: 38969260 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
The specification of germ cells in zebrafish mostly relies on an inherited mechanism by which localized maternal determinants, called germ plasm, confer germline fate in the early embryo. Extensive studies have partially allowed the identification of key regulators governing germ plasm formation and subsequent germ cell development. RNA-binding proteins, acting in concert with other germ plasm components, play essential roles in the organization of the germ plasm and the specification, migration, maintenance, and differentiation of primordial germ cells. The loss of their functions impairs germ cell formation and causes sterility or sexual conversion. Evidence is emerging that they instruct germline development through differential regulation of mRNA fates in somatic and germ cells. However, the challenge remains to decipher the complex interplay of maternal germ plasm components in germ plasm compartmentalization and germ cell specification. Since failure to control the developmental outcome of germ cells disrupts the formation of gametes, it is important to gain a complete picture of regulatory mechanisms operating in the germ cell lineage. This review sheds light on the contributions of RNA-binding proteins to germ cell development in zebrafish and highlights intriguing questions that remain open for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Li Shi
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, CNRS-UMR7622, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Sorbonne University, 75005 Paris, France.
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2
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Moses E, Atlan T, Sun X, Franěk R, Siddiqui A, Marinov GK, Shifman S, Zucker DM, Oron-Gottesman A, Greenleaf WJ, Cohen E, Ram O, Harel I. The killifish germline regulates longevity and somatic repair in a sex-specific manner. NATURE AGING 2024; 4:791-813. [PMID: 38750187 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-024-00632-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Classical evolutionary theories propose tradeoffs among reproduction, damage repair and lifespan. However, the specific role of the germline in shaping vertebrate aging remains largely unknown. In this study, we used the turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri) to genetically arrest germline development at discrete stages and examine how different modes of infertility impact life history. We first constructed a comprehensive single-cell gonadal atlas, providing cell-type-specific markers for downstream phenotypic analysis. We show here that germline depletion-but not arresting germline differentiation-enhances damage repair in female killifish. Conversely, germline-depleted males instead showed an extension in lifespan and rejuvenated metabolic functions. Through further transcriptomic analysis, we highlight enrichment of pro-longevity pathways and genes in germline-depleted male killifish and demonstrate functional conservation of how these factors may regulate longevity in germline-depleted Caenorhabditis elegans. Our results, therefore, demonstrate that different germline manipulation paradigms can yield pronounced sexually dimorphic phenotypes, implying alternative responses to classical evolutionary tradeoffs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eitan Moses
- Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tehila Atlan
- Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Xue Sun
- Department of Biochemistry, Silberman Institute, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Roman Franěk
- Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Vodnany, Czech Republic
| | - Atif Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Sagiv Shifman
- Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - David M Zucker
- Department of Statistics and Data Science, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adi Oron-Gottesman
- Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - William J Greenleaf
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ehud Cohen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Oren Ram
- Department of Biochemistry, Silberman Institute, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Itamar Harel
- Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Moses E, Atlan T, Sun X, Franek R, Siddiqui A, Marinov GK, Shifman S, Zucker DM, Oron-Gottesman A, Greenleaf WJ, Cohen E, Ram O, Harel I. The killifish germline regulates longevity and somatic repair in a sex-specific manner. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.18.572041. [PMID: 38187630 PMCID: PMC10769255 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.18.572041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Classical evolutionary theories propose tradeoffs between reproduction, damage repair, and lifespan. However, the specific role of the germline in shaping vertebrate aging remains largely unknown. Here, we use the turquoise killifish ( N. furzeri ) to genetically arrest germline development at discrete stages, and examine how different modes of infertility impact life-history. We first construct a comprehensive single-cell gonadal atlas, providing cell-type-specific markers for downstream phenotypic analysis. Next, we show that germline depletion - but not arresting germline differentiation - enhances damage repair in female killifish. Conversely, germline-depleted males instead showed an extension in lifespan and rejuvenated metabolic functions. Through further transcriptomic analysis, we highlight enrichment of pro-longevity pathways and genes in germline-depleted male killifish and demonstrate functional conservation of how these factors may regulate longevity in germline-depleted C. elegans . Our results therefore demonstrate that different germline manipulation paradigms can yield pronounced sexually dimorphic phenotypes, implying alternative responses to classical evolutionary tradeoffs.
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4
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Yazawa R, Saitoh K, Yamauchi A, Eyüboğlu O, Ozawa K, Kawamura W, Morita T, Takeuchi Y, Yoshizaki G. Reproductive Characteristics and Suitability of Sterile dead end Knockout Nibe Croaker as a Recipient for Intraperitoneal Germ Cell Transplantation. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024:10.1007/s10126-024-10323-x. [PMID: 38691270 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-024-10323-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The use of sterile recipients is crucial for efficiently producing donor-derived offspring through surrogate broodstock technology for practical aquaculture applications. Although knockout (KO) of the dead end (dnd) gene has been used in previous studies as a sterilization method, it has not been reported in marine fish. In this study, nibe croaker was utilized as a model for marine teleosts that produce small pelagic eggs, and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system was utilized to produce dnd KO fish. The F1 generation, which carried a nonsense mutation in the dnd gene, was produced by mating founder individuals with wild-type counterparts. Subsequently, the F2 generation was produced by mating the resulting males and females. Among the F2 generations, 24.0% consisted of homozygous KO individuals. Histological analysis revealed that primordial germ cells (PGCs) were present in homozygous KO individuals at 10 days post-hatching (dph), similar to wild-type individuals. However, by 20 dph, PGCs were absent in KO individuals. Furthermore, no germ cells were observed in the gonads of both sexes of homozygous KO individuals at 6 months old, which is the typical maturity age for wild-type individuals of both sexes. In addition, when cryopreserved donor nibe croaker testicular cells were transplanted, only donor-derived offspring were successfully obtained through the spontaneous mating of homozygous KO recipient parents. Results indicate that dnd KO nibe croaker lacks germ cells and can serve as promising recipients, producing only donor-derived gametes as surrogate broodstock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Yazawa
- Department of Marine Biosciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8477, Japan.
- Institute for Reproductive Biotechnology for Aquatic Species, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8477, Japan.
| | - Kyoichiro Saitoh
- Department of Marine Biosciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8477, Japan
| | - Akihiro Yamauchi
- Department of Marine Biosciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8477, Japan
| | - Onur Eyüboğlu
- Department of Marine Biosciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8477, Japan
| | - Kana Ozawa
- Department of Marine Biosciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8477, Japan
| | - Wataru Kawamura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8555, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Morita
- Institute for Reproductive Biotechnology for Aquatic Species, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8477, Japan
| | - Yutaka Takeuchi
- Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Goro Yoshizaki
- Department of Marine Biosciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8477, Japan
- Institute for Reproductive Biotechnology for Aquatic Species, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8477, Japan
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Blanes-García M, Marinović Z, Herranz-Jusdado JG, Xie X, Ferrão L, Gallego V, Pérez L, Baloch AR, Horváth Á, Pšenička M, Asturiano JF, Morini M. Characterization of potential spermatogonia biomarker genes in the European eel (Anguilla anguilla). FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2024:10.1007/s10695-024-01338-1. [PMID: 38639895 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-024-01338-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Identification of specific molecular markers for spermatogonial stem cells in teleost is crucial for enhancing the efficacy of reproductive biotechnologies in aquaculture, such as transplantation and surrogate production in fishes. Since it is not yet possible to distinguish spermatogonial stem cells of European eel (Anguilla anguilla) using specific molecular markers, we isolated spermatogonial cells from immature European eels to find these potential markers. We attempted this by studying three candidate genes: vasa, nanos2, and dnd1. Two vasa (vasa1 and vasa2) genes, nanos2, and dnd1 were identified, characterized, and studied in the muscle, testis, and isolated spermatogonia. Our results showed that vasa1 and vasa2 had the highest levels of expression when measured by qPCR. In situ hybridization and immunochemistry assays showed that the four genes were localized explicitly in type A spermatogonia. However, vasa1 and vasa2 exhibited stronger signals in the immature testicular tissue than the other two potential markers. According to this, vasa1 and vasa2 were found to be the most effective markers for spermatogonial cells in the European eel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Blanes-García
- Grupo de Acuicultura y Biodiversidad, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/N, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Zoran Marinović
- Department of Aquaculture, Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly U. 1, 2100, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Juan Germán Herranz-Jusdado
- Grupo de Acuicultura y Biodiversidad, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/N, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Xuan Xie
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Leonor Ferrão
- Grupo de Acuicultura y Biodiversidad, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/N, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Victor Gallego
- Grupo de Acuicultura y Biodiversidad, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/N, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Luz Pérez
- Grupo de Acuicultura y Biodiversidad, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/N, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Abdul Rasheed Baloch
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Ákos Horváth
- Department of Aquaculture, Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly U. 1, 2100, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Martin Pšenička
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Juan F Asturiano
- Grupo de Acuicultura y Biodiversidad, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/N, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Marina Morini
- Grupo de Acuicultura y Biodiversidad, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/N, 46022, Valencia, Spain
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Barton LJ, Roa-de la Cruz L, Lehmann R, Lin B. The journey of a generation: advances and promises in the study of primordial germ cell migration. Development 2024; 151:dev201102. [PMID: 38607588 PMCID: PMC11165723 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The germline provides the genetic and non-genetic information that passes from one generation to the next. Given this important role in species propagation, egg and sperm precursors, called primordial germ cells (PGCs), are one of the first cell types specified during embryogenesis. In fact, PGCs form well before the bipotential somatic gonad is specified. This common feature of germline development necessitates that PGCs migrate through many tissues to reach the somatic gonad. During their journey, PGCs must respond to select environmental cues while ignoring others in a dynamically developing embryo. The complex multi-tissue, combinatorial nature of PGC migration is an excellent model for understanding how cells navigate complex environments in vivo. Here, we discuss recent findings on the migratory path, the somatic cells that shepherd PGCs, the guidance cues somatic cells provide, and the PGC response to these cues to reach the gonad and establish the germline pool for future generations. We end by discussing the fate of wayward PGCs that fail to reach the gonad in diverse species. Collectively, this field is poised to yield important insights into emerging reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lacy J. Barton
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Lorena Roa-de la Cruz
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Ruth Lehmann
- Whitehead Institute and Department of Biology, MIT, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Benjamin Lin
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
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Wilson CA, Batzel P, Postlethwait JH. Direct male development in chromosomally ZZ zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1362228. [PMID: 38529407 PMCID: PMC10961373 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1362228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The genetics of sex determination varies across taxa, sometimes even within a species. Major domesticated strains of zebrafish (Danio rerio), including AB and TU, lack a strong genetic sex determining locus, but strains more recently derived from nature, like Nadia (NA), possess a ZZ male/ZW female chromosomal sex-determination system. AB fish pass through a juvenile ovary stage, forming oocytes that survive in fish that become females but die in fish that become males. To understand mechanisms of gonad development in NA zebrafish, we studied histology and single cell transcriptomics in developing ZZ and ZW fish. ZW fish developed oocytes by 22 days post-fertilization (dpf) but ZZ fish directly formed testes, avoiding a juvenile ovary phase. Gonads of some ZW and WW fish, however, developed oocytes that died as the gonad became a testis, mimicking AB fish, suggesting that the gynogenetically derived AB strain is chromosomally WW. Single-cell RNA-seq of 19dpf gonads showed similar cell types in ZZ and ZW fish, including germ cells, precursors of gonadal support cells, steroidogenic cells, interstitial/stromal cells, and immune cells, consistent with a bipotential juvenile gonad. In contrast, scRNA-seq of 30dpf gonads revealed that cells in ZZ gonads had transcriptomes characteristic of testicular Sertoli, Leydig, and germ cells while ZW gonads had granulosa cells, theca cells, and developing oocytes. Hematopoietic and vascular cells were similar in both sex genotypes. These results show that juvenile NA zebrafish initially develop a bipotential gonad; that a factor on the NA W chromosome, or fewer than two Z chromosomes, is essential to initiate oocyte development; and without the W factor, or with two Z doses, NA gonads develop directly into testes without passing through the juvenile ovary stage. Sex determination in AB and TU strains mimics NA ZW and WW zebrafish, suggesting loss of the Z chromosome during domestication. Genetic analysis of the NA strain will facilitate our understanding of the evolution of sex determination mechanisms.
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Nayak R, Franěk R, Laurent A, Pšenička M. Genome-wide comparative methylation analysis reveals the fate of germ stem cells after surrogate production in teleost. BMC Biol 2024; 22:39. [PMID: 38360607 PMCID: PMC10870548 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01842-z] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surrogate production by germline stem cell transplantation is a powerful method to produce donor-derived gametes via a host, a practice known as surrogacy. The gametes produced by surrogates are often analysed on the basis of their morphology and species-specific genotyping, which enables conclusion to be drawn about the donor's characteristics. However, in-depth information, such as data on epigenetic changes, is rarely acquired. Germ cells develop in close contact with supporting somatic cells during gametogenesis in vertebrates, and we hypothesize that the recipient's gonadal environment may cause epigenetic changes in produced gametes and progeny. Here, we extensively characterize the DNA methylome of donor-derived sperm and their intergenerational effects in both inter- and intraspecific surrogates. RESULTS We found more than 3000 differentially methylated regions in both the sperm and progeny derived from inter- and intraspecific surrogates. Hypermethylation in the promoter regions of the protocadherin gamma gene in the intraspecific surrogates was found to be associated with germline transmission. On the contrary, gene expression level and the embryonic development of the offspring remained unaffected. We also discovered MAPK/p53 pathway disruption in interspecific surrogates due to promoter hypermethylation and identified that the inefficient removal of meiotic-arrested endogenous germ cells in hybrid gonads led to the production of infertile spermatozoa. CONCLUSIONS Donor-derived sperm and progeny from inter- and intraspecific surrogates were more globally hypermethylated than those of the donors. The observed changes in DNA methylation marks in the surrogates had no significant phenotypic effects in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rigolin Nayak
- The University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zatisi 728/II, 389 25, Vodnany, Czech Republic.
| | - Roman Franěk
- The University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zatisi 728/II, 389 25, Vodnany, Czech Republic
- Department of Genetics, The Silberman Institute, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Audrey Laurent
- Fish Physiology and Genomics Laboratory, INRAE, Campus de Beaulieu, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Martin Pšenička
- The University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zatisi 728/II, 389 25, Vodnany, Czech Republic
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Booncherd K, Sreebun S, Pasomboon P, Boonanuntanasarn S. Effects of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated dnd1 knockout impairs gonadal development in striped catfish. Animal 2024; 18:101039. [PMID: 38103430 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.101039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 technology allows for the generation of loss-of-function mutations to enable efficient gene targeting to produce desired phenotypes, such as the production of germ cell-free fish. This technology could provide several applications for aquaculture and conservation of fisheries resources, such as the prevention of overpopulation in fish culture and gene flow from escaped farmed fish into wild populations and the production of germ cell-free recipient larvae for germ cell transplantation. This study aimed to develop CRISPR/Cas9 mediated dead-end 1 (dnd1) knockout techniques for striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). To optimise CRISPR/Cas9-induced dnd1 knockout, three single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) were designed to target upstream sequences of start codon of the dnd1 gene. A combination of two concentrations of each sgRNA (100 and 200 ng/µl) and three concentrations of Cas9 (100, 250, and 500 ng/µl) was microinjected into fertilised striped catfish eggs. These sgRNAs/Cas9 could induce indel mutations and lower the primordial germ cell (PGC) numbers. Histological analyses indicated that sgRNA3 targeting upstream and nearest to the start codon at 200 ng/µL and Cas9 at 500 ng/µL showed the lowest PGC number. The reduction in PGC number was confirmed by in situ hybridisation using antisense dnd1 and vasa probes. All sgRNA/Cas9 combinations reduced the expression of dnd1, cxcr4b, dazl, nanos1, nanos2, and vasa, and the lowest expression levels were observed in gonads obtained from fish injected with 200 ng/µL sgRNA3 and 500 ng/µL Cas9 (P < 0.05). In addition, at 1 year of age, a significantly lower gonadosomatic index was observed in fish injected with all sgRNA and Cas9 at 500 ng/µL. Moreover, compared to the control fish, the ovaries and testes presented different morphologies in the sgRNA/Cas9-injected fish, that is, few previtellogenic oocytes in the ovary and spermatogonial cell-less testes. In conclusion, CRISPR/Cas 9 targeting dnd1 knockout at the upstream sequences of start codon was achieved, which resulted in the downregulation of dnd1 and lowered PGC number.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunlanan Booncherd
- School of Animal Technology and Innovation, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Suranaree, Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Somkiat Sreebun
- School of Animal Technology and Innovation, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Suranaree, Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Pailin Pasomboon
- School of Animal Technology and Innovation, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Suranaree, Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Surintorn Boonanuntanasarn
- School of Animal Technology and Innovation, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Suranaree, Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand.
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10
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Wilson CA, Batzel P, Postlethwait JH. Direct Male Development in Chromosomally ZZ Zebrafish. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.27.573483. [PMID: 38234788 PMCID: PMC10793451 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.27.573483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The genetics of sex determination varies across taxa, sometimes even within a species. Major domesticated strains of zebrafish ( Danio rerio ), including AB and TU, lack a strong genetic sex determining locus, but strains more recently derived from nature, like Nadia (NA), possess a ZZ male/ZW female chromosomal sex-determination system. AB strain fish pass through a juvenile ovary stage, forming oocytes that survive in fish that become females but die in fish that become males. To understand mechanisms of gonad development in NA zebrafish, we studied histology and single cell transcriptomics in developing ZZ and ZW fish. ZW fish developed oocytes by 22 days post-fertilization (dpf) but ZZ fish directly formed testes, avoiding a juvenile ovary phase. Gonads of some ZW and WW fish, however, developed oocytes that died as the gonad became a testis, mimicking AB fish, suggesting that the gynogenetically derived AB strain is chromosomally WW. Single-cell RNA-seq of 19dpf gonads showed similar cell types in ZZ and ZW fish, including germ cells, precursors of gonadal support cells, steroidogenic cells, interstitial/stromal cells, and immune cells, consistent with a bipotential juvenile gonad. In contrast, scRNA-seq of 30dpf gonads revealed that cells in ZZ gonads had transcriptomes characteristic of testicular Sertoli, Leydig, and germ cells while ZW gonads had granulosa cells, theca cells, and developing oocytes. Hematopoietic and vascular cells were similar in both sex genotypes. These results show that juvenile NA zebrafish initially develop a bipotential gonad; that a factor on the NA W chromosome or fewer than two Z chromosomes is essential to initiate oocyte development; and without the W factor or with two Z doses, NA gonads develop directly into testes without passing through the juvenile ovary stage. Sex determination in AB and TU strains mimics NA ZW and WW zebrafish, suggesting loss of the Z chromosome during domestication. Genetic analysis of the NA strain will facilitate our understanding of the evolution of sex determination mechanisms.
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11
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Hwang H, Chen S, Ma M, Divyanshi, Fan HC, Borwick E, Böke E, Mei W, Yang J. Solubility phase transition of maternal RNAs during vertebrate oocyte-to-embryo transition. Dev Cell 2023; 58:2776-2788.e5. [PMID: 37922909 PMCID: PMC10841985 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The oocyte-to-embryo transition (OET) is regulated by maternal products stored in the oocyte cytoplasm, independent of transcription. How maternal products are precisely remodeled to dictate the OET remains largely unclear. In this work, we discover the dynamic solubility phase transition of maternal RNAs during Xenopus OET. We have identified 863 maternal transcripts that transition from a soluble state to a detergent-insoluble one after oocyte maturation. These RNAs are enriched in the animal hemisphere, and many of them encode key cell cycle regulators. In contrast, 165 transcripts, including nearly all Xenopus germline RNAs and some vegetally localized somatic RNAs, undergo an insoluble-to-soluble phase transition. This phenomenon is conserved in zebrafish. Our results demonstrate that the phase transition of germline RNAs influences their susceptibility to RNA degradation machinery and is mediated by the remodeling of germ plasm. This work thus identifies important remodeling mechanisms that act on RNAs to control vertebrate OET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyojeong Hwang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
| | - Sijie Chen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
| | - Meng Ma
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
| | - Divyanshi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
| | - Hao-Chun Fan
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
| | - Elizabeth Borwick
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
| | - Elvan Böke
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wenyan Mei
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
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12
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Šimková K, Naraine R, Vintr J, Soukup V, Šindelka R. RNA localization during early development of the axolotl. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1260795. [PMID: 37928901 PMCID: PMC10620976 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1260795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The asymmetric localization of biomolecules is critical for body plan development. One of the most popular model organisms for early embryogenesis studies is Xenopus laevis but there is a lack of information in other animal species. Here, we compared the early development of two amphibian species-the frog X. laevis and the axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum. This study aimed to identify asymmetrically localized RNAs along the animal-vegetal axis during the early development of A. mexicanum. For that purpose, we performed spatial transcriptome-wide analysis at low resolution, which revealed dynamic changes along the animal-vegetal axis classified into the following categories: profile alteration, de novo synthesis and degradation. Surprisingly, our results showed that many of the vegetally localized genes, which are important for germ cell development, are degraded during early development. Furthermore, we assessed the motif presence in UTRs of degraded mRNAs and revealed the enrichment of several motifs in RNAs of germ cell markers. Our results suggest novel reorganization of the transcriptome during embryogenesis of A. mexicanum to converge to the similar developmental pattern as the X. laevis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateřina Šimková
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Ravindra Naraine
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Jan Vintr
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Vladimír Soukup
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Radek Šindelka
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
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13
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Westerich KJ, Tarbashevich K, Schick J, Gupta A, Zhu M, Hull K, Romo D, Zeuschner D, Goudarzi M, Gross-Thebing T, Raz E. Spatial organization and function of RNA molecules within phase-separated condensates in zebrafish are controlled by Dnd1. Dev Cell 2023; 58:1578-1592.e5. [PMID: 37463577 PMCID: PMC10528888 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Germ granules, condensates of phase-separated RNA and protein, are organelles that are essential for germline development in different organisms. The patterning of the granules and their relevance for germ cell fate are not fully understood. Combining three-dimensional in vivo structural and functional analyses, we study the dynamic spatial organization of molecules within zebrafish germ granules. We find that the localization of RNA molecules to the periphery of the granules, where ribosomes are localized, depends on translational activity at this location. In addition, we find that the vertebrate-specific Dead end (Dnd1) protein is essential for nanos3 RNA localization at the condensates' periphery. Accordingly, in the absence of Dnd1, or when translation is inhibited, nanos3 RNA translocates into the granule interior, away from the ribosomes, a process that is correlated with the loss of germ cell fate. These findings highlight the relevance of sub-granule compartmentalization for post-transcriptional control and its importance for preserving germ cell totipotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Joana Westerich
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Katsiaryna Tarbashevich
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Jan Schick
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Antra Gupta
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Mingzhao Zhu
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and The Baylor Synthesis and Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - Kenneth Hull
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and The Baylor Synthesis and Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - Daniel Romo
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and The Baylor Synthesis and Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - Dagmar Zeuschner
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Mohammad Goudarzi
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Theresa Gross-Thebing
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Erez Raz
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, 48149 Münster, Germany.
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14
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Islam KN, Ajao A, Venkataramani K, Rivera J, Pathania S, Henke K, Siegfried KR. The RNA-binding protein Adad1 is necessary for germ cell maintenance and meiosis in zebrafish. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010589. [PMID: 37552671 PMCID: PMC10437952 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The double stranded RNA binding protein Adad1 (adenosine deaminase domain containing 1) is a member of the adenosine deaminase acting on RNAs (Adar) protein family with germ cell-specific expression. In mice, Adad1 is necessary for sperm differentiation, however its function outside of mammals has not been investigated. Here, through an N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) based forward genetic screen, we identified an adad1 mutant zebrafish line that develops as sterile males. Further histological examination revealed complete lack of germ cells in adult mutant fish, however germ cells populated the gonad, proliferated, and entered meiosis in larval and juvenile fish. Although meiosis was initiated in adad1 mutant testes, the spermatocytes failed to progress beyond the zygotene stage. Thus, Adad1 is essential for meiosis and germline maintenance in zebrafish. We tested if spermatogonial stem cells were affected using nanos2 RNA FISH and a label retaining cell (LRC) assay, and found that the mutant testes had fewer LRCs and nanos2-expressing cells compared to wild-type siblings, suggesting that failure to maintain the spermatogonial stem cells resulted in germ cell loss by adulthood. To identify potential molecular processes regulated by Adad1, we sequenced bulk mRNA from mutants and wild-type testes and found mis-regulation of genes involved in RNA stability and modification, pointing to a potential broader role in post-transcriptional regulation. Our findings suggest that the RNA regulatory protein Adad1 is required for fertility through regulation of spermatogonial stem cell maintenance in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazi Nazrul Islam
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Anuoluwapo Ajao
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kavita Venkataramani
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joshua Rivera
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Shailja Pathania
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Katrin Henke
- Department of Orthopaedics, Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Kellee Renee Siegfried
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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15
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Westerich KJ, Tarbashevich K, Schick J, Gupta A, Zhu M, Hull K, Romo D, Zeuschner D, Goudarzi M, Gross-Thebing T, Raz E. Spatial organization and function of RNA molecules within phase-separated condensates are controlled by Dnd1. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.09.548244. [PMID: 37461638 PMCID: PMC10350045 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.09.548244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Germ granules, condensates of phase-separated RNA and protein, are organelles essential for germline development in different organisms The patterning of the granules and its relevance for germ cell fate are not fully understood. Combining three-dimensional in vivo structural and functional analyses, we study the dynamic spatial organization of molecules within zebrafish germ granules. We find that localization of RNA molecules to the periphery of the granules, where ribosomes are localized depends on translational activity at this location. In addition, we find that the vertebrate-specific Dead end (Dnd1) protein is essential for nanos3 RNA localization at the condensates' periphery. Accordingly, in the absence of Dnd1, or when translation is inhibited, nanos3 RNA translocates into the granule interior, away from the ribosomes, a process that is correlated with loss of germ cell fate. These findings highlight the relevance of sub-granule compartmentalization for posttranscriptional control, and its importance for preserving germ cell totipotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Joana Westerich
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster; 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Katsiaryna Tarbashevich
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster; 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Jan Schick
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster; 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Antra Gupta
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster; 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Mingzhao Zhu
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and The Baylor Synthesis and Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76706, United States
| | - Kenneth Hull
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and The Baylor Synthesis and Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76706, United States
| | - Daniel Romo
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and The Baylor Synthesis and Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76706, United States
| | - Dagmar Zeuschner
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Mohammad Goudarzi
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster; 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Theresa Gross-Thebing
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster; 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Erez Raz
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster; 48149 Münster, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, 48149 Münster, Germany
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16
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Long XB, Shi WJ, Yao CR, Li SY, Zhang JG, Lu ZJ, Ma DD, Jiang YX, Ying GG. Norethindrone suppress the germ cell development via androgen receptor resulting in male bias. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 261:106604. [PMID: 37311377 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Progestins are widely used and detected in surface waters, and can affect gonad development and sexual differentiation in fish. However, the toxicological mechanisms of sexual differentiation induced by progestins are not well understood. Here, we investigated the effects of norethindrone (NET) and androgen receptor (AR) antagonist flutamide (FLU) on gonadal differentiation in zebrafish from 21 dpf (days post-fertilization) to 49 dpf. The results showed that NET caused male bias, while FLU resulted in female bias at 49 dpf. The NET and FLU mixtures significantly decreased the percentage of males compared to the NET single exposure. Molecular docking analysis showed that FLU and NET had similar docking pocket and docking posture with AR resulting in competitively forming the hydrogen bond with Thr334 of AR. These results suggested that binding to AR was the molecular initiating event of sex differentiation induced by NET. Moreover, NET strongly decreased transcription of biomarker genes (dnd1, ddx4, dazl, piwil1 and nanos1) involved in germ cell development, while FLU significantly increased transcription of these target genes. There was an increase in the number of juvenile oocytes, which was consistent with the female bias in the combined groups. The bliss independence model analysis further showed that NET and FLU had antagonistic effect on transcription and histology during gonadal differentiation. Thus, NET suppressed the germ cell development via AR, resulting in male bias. Understanding the molecular initiation of sex differentiation in progestins is essential to provide a comprehensive biological basis for ecological risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Bing Long
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wen-Jun Shi
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Chong-Rui Yao
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Si-Ying Li
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jin-Ge Zhang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhi-Jie Lu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Dong-Dong Ma
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yu-Xia Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510535, China
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
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17
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Hwang H, Chen S, Ma M, Divyanshi, Fan HC, Borwick E, Böke E, Mei W, Yang J. Phase transition of maternal RNAs during vertebrate oocyte-to-embryo transition. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.11.540463. [PMID: 37214813 PMCID: PMC10197690 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.11.540463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The oocyte-to-embryo transition (OET) is regulated by maternal products stored in the oocyte cytoplasm, independent of transcription. How maternal products are precisely remodeled to dictate the OET remains an open question. In this work, we discover the dynamic phase transition of maternal RNAs during Xenopus OET. We have identified 863 maternal transcripts that transition from a soluble state to a detergent-insoluble one after oocyte maturation. These RNAs are enriched in the animal hemisphere and many of them encode key cell cycle regulators. In contrast, 165 transcripts, including nearly all Xenopus germline RNAs and some vegetally localized somatic RNAs, undergo an insoluble-to-soluble phase transition. This phenomenon is conserved in zebrafish. Our results demonstrate that the phase transition of germline RNAs influences their susceptibility to RNA degradation machinery and is mediated by the remodeling of germ plasm. This work thus uncovers novel remodeling mechanisms that act on RNAs to regulate vertebrate OET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyojeong Hwang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
| | - Sijie Chen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
| | - Meng Ma
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
| | - Divyanshi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
| | - Hao-Chun Fan
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
| | - Elizabeth Borwick
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
| | - Elvan Böke
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wenyan Mei
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
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18
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Yu Y, Yang Y, Ye H, Lu L, Li H, Xu Z, Li W, Yin X, Xu D. Identification of germ cells in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) and yellow drum (Nibea albiflora) using RT-PCR and in situ hybridization analyses. Gene 2023; 863:147280. [PMID: 36804002 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Ocean-caught large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) represents an important germplasm resource for the breeding of this species; however, these fish tend to show poor survival in captivity and would be unsuitable breeding purposes. As an alternative to the use of wild-caught croakers, germ cell transplantation has been proposed using the L. crocea specimens as donors and yellow drum (Nibea albiflora) as recipients. In this regard, the identification of L. crocea and N. albiflora germ cells is an essential prerequisite for establishing a germ cell transplantation protocol for these fish. In this study, we cloned the 3' untranslated regions (UTR) of the vasa, dnd, and nanos2 genes in N. albiflora using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method and then aligned and analyzed the sequences of the corresponding genes in L. crocea and N. albiflora. On the basis of gene sequence differences, we designed species-specific primers and probes for RT-PCR analysis and in situ hybridization. RT-PCR analysis revealed that these species-specific primers exclusively amplified DNA from gonads of the respective species, thus confirming that we had six specific primer pairs that could be used to distinguish the germ cells in L. crocea and N. albiflora. Using in situ hybridization analysis, we established that whereas Lcvasa and Nadnd probes showed high species specificity, the probes for Navasa and Lcdnd showed a less specificity. In situ hybridization using Lcvasa and Nadnd thus enabled us to visualize the germ cells in these two species. Using these species-specific primers and probes, we can reliably distinguish the germ cells of L. crocea and N. albiflora, thereby establishing an effective approach for the post-transplantation identification of germ cells when using L. crocea and N. albiflora as donors and recipients, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie Yu
- School of Fisheries, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China; Key Lab of Mariculture and Enhancement of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Lab of Mariculture and Enhancement of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, China; Ocean and Fisheries Research Institute, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Huan Ye
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Lu
- School of Fisheries, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China; Key Lab of Mariculture and Enhancement of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, China
| | - Haidong Li
- School of Fisheries, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China; Key Lab of Mariculture and Enhancement of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, China; Ocean and Fisheries Research Institute, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Zhijin Xu
- Zhoushan Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, China
| | - Weiye Li
- Zhoushan Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, China
| | - Xiaolong Yin
- Zhoushan Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, China
| | - Dongdong Xu
- Key Lab of Mariculture and Enhancement of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, China; Ocean and Fisheries Research Institute, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China.
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19
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Seki S, Ohura K, Miyazaki T, Naser AA, Takabayashi S, Tsutsumi E, Tokumoto T. The Mc4r gene is responsible for the development of experimentally induced testicular teratomas. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6756. [PMID: 37127675 PMCID: PMC10151343 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32784-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Teratomas in mice, composed of different tissue types, are derived from primordial germ cells in the fetal gonads. Previously, we identified a locus responsible for experimental testicular teratoma (ETT) formation on chromosome 18, referred to as ett1. The strongest candidate sequence in the ett1 locus was found to be a missense mutation in the melanocortin 4 receptor (Mc4r), Mc4rG25S. We established a strain with a point mutation in the Mc4r gene in the ETT-nonsusceptible LT strain, called LT- Mc4rG25S, by genome editing. Surprisingly, highly developed ovarian teratomas (OTs), rather than testicular teratomas, appeared in the LT-Mc4rG25S strain. The results demonstrated that Mc4r is also one of the genes responsible for OT formation and suggested that missense mutations in Mc4r promote teratoma formation in both sexes. In this study, we performed ETT experiments in different host-graft combinations of the LT-Mc4rG25S and LT strains. Furthermore, the expression of MC4R in germ cells in the testis was demonstrated. Expression of Mc4r in testis was also confirmed by RT-PCR. The results demonstrated that MC4R is expressed in germ cells in the testis and that a point mutation in the Mc4r gene is responsible for ETT formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syunsuke Seki
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, 422, Japan
| | - Kaoru Ohura
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, 422, Japan
| | - Takehiro Miyazaki
- Integrated Bioscience Section, Graduate School of Science and Technology, National University Corporation Shizuoka University, Ohya 836, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Abdullah An Naser
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, 422, Japan
| | - Shuji Takabayashi
- Laboratory Animal Facilities & Services, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education & Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1, Handayama, Higashi-Ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Eisei Tsutsumi
- Biological Science Course, Department of Science, Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Toshinobu Tokumoto
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, 422, Japan.
- Integrated Bioscience Section, Graduate School of Science and Technology, National University Corporation Shizuoka University, Ohya 836, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan.
- Biological Science Course, Department of Science, Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan.
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20
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Xu K, Gao D, Lin J, Dai Q, Zhou Q, Chen Y, Wang C. Benzo(a)pyrene exposure in early life suppresses spermatogenesis in adult male zebrafish and association with the methylation of germ cell-specific genes. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 258:106504. [PMID: 36958155 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental contaminants that are widely present in aquatic ecosystems. To assess the impact of early-life exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a representative PAH, on reproductive ability in adult male zebrafish (Danio rerio), fertilized embryos were exposed to 0.05, 0.5, 5 and 50 nM of BaP for 96 h, and then the hatched larvae were raised to adulthood in clean water. In one-year-old male fish, the percentage of spermatozoa in testis was significantly reduced in the 0.5, 5 and 50 nM treatments. When the treated fish were mated with untreated fish, significantly decreased rate of egg fertilization and hatching success and significantly elevated malformation rate the F1 larvae were observed in the 0.5, 5 and 50 nM treatments. The transcriptional levels of genes along the brain-pituitary-gonadal axis, involving gnrh3, gnrhr3, fshβ, lhβ, lhγ, lhrγ and ar, were downregulated. In addition, embryonic BaP exposure upregulated the promotor methylation of germ cell-specific genes in the testis of adult fish. The upregulated methylation of ddx4, dnd1, nanos2 in the testis might be associated with the downregulated mRNA levels of these genes, which could be another reason for the inhibition of spermatogenesis. These results indicate that early-life exposure to BaP suppress the reproductive capability of adult male fish, which would cause a decrease in fish population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Dongxu Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China; Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, PR China
| | - Jing Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Qinhua Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Qian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Ying Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Chonggang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China.
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21
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Bhat IA, Dubiel MM, Rodriguez E, Jónsson ZO. Insights into Early Ontogenesis of Salmo salar: RNA Extraction, Housekeeping Gene Validation and Transcriptional Expression of Important Primordial Germ Cell and Sex-Determination Genes. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061094. [PMID: 36978635 PMCID: PMC10044239 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The challenge in extracting high-quality RNA impedes the investigation of the transcriptome of developing salmonid embryos. Furthermore, the mRNA expression pattern of important PGC and SD genes during the initial embryonic development of Salmo salar is yet to be studied. So, in the present study, we aimed to isolate high-quality RNA from eggs and developing embryos to check vasa, dnd1, nanos3a, sdf1, gsdf, amh, cyp19a, dmrt1 and foxl2 expression by qPCR. Additionally, four HKGs (GAPDH, UB2L3, eEf1a and β-actin) were validated to select the best internal control for qPCR. High-quality RNA was extracted, which was confirmed by spectrophotometer, agarose gel electrophoresis and Agilent TapeStation analysis. UB2L3 was chosen as a reference gene because it exhibited lower intra- and inter-sample variation. vasa transcripts were expressed in all the developmental stages, while dnd1 was expressed only up to 40 d°C. Nanos3a was expressed in later stages and remained at its peak for a shorter period, while sdf1 showed an irregular pattern of mRNA expression. The mRNA expression levels of SD genes were observed to be upregulated during the later stages of development, prior to hatching. This study presents a straightforward methodology for isolating high-quality RNA from salmon eggs, and the resulting transcript profiles of significant PGC and SD genes in S. salar could aid in improving our comprehension of reproductive development in this commercially important species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfan Ahmad Bhat
- Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Milena Malgorzata Dubiel
- Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Zophonías Oddur Jónsson
- Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
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22
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Ren F, Zhou Q, Meng Y, Guo W, Tang Q, Mei J. RNA binding proteins are potential novel biomarkers of egg quality in yellow catfish. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:121. [PMID: 36927412 PMCID: PMC10018890 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09220-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Egg quality is a major concern in fish reproduction and development. An effective evaluation of egg quality prior to fertilization is helpful in improving the fertilization rate and survival rate of the larva. In this study, we aim to identify quality instructors from the combination study of fertilization rate, hatching rate, embryo malformation rate and gene expression profile. RESULTS Eggs from 25 female fish were fertilized with sperm from the same fish. The egg quality was determined by the fertilization rates, hatching rate and embryo malformation rate and divided into three categories, low-quality (< 35%), medium-quality (35 to 75%), and high-quality (> 75%). Due to the distinct difference in fertilization, hatching and embryo malformation rate between low-quality eggs and high-quality eggs, these two groups were considered for the identification of quality markers. Then RNA-seq was performed for the originally preserved eggs from the low-quality group and high-quality group. We profiled the differentially expressed genes and identified a group of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) as potential regulators. Gene function analysis indicated that most of these genes were enriched in RNA-regulated pathways including RNA processing. The RBPs were more related to egg quality from the PLS-DA analysis. Finally, gene expression was validated by qRT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS We found a cluster of RBP genes including igf2bp3, zar1, elavl1, rbm25b and related regulatory factors including yy1, sirt1, anp32e, btg4 as novel biomarkers of egg quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Ren
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Quan Zhou
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yinglu Meng
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Wenjie Guo
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Qin Tang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| | - Jie Mei
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China. .,Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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23
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Ichikawa K, Horiuchi H. Fate Decisions of Chicken Primordial Germ Cells (PGCs): Development, Integrity, Sex Determination, and Self-Renewal Mechanisms. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030612. [PMID: 36980885 PMCID: PMC10048776 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are precursor cells of sperm and eggs. The fate decisions of chicken PGCs in terms of their development, integrity, and sex determination have unique features, thereby providing insights into evolutionary developmental biology. Additionally, fate decisions in the context of a self-renewal mechanism have been applied to establish culture protocols for chicken PGCs, enabling the production of genome-edited chickens and the conservation of genetic resources. Thus, studies on the fate decisions of chicken PGCs have significantly contributed to both academic and industrial development. Furthermore, studies on fate decisions have rapidly advanced owing to the recent development of essential research technologies, such as genome editing and RNA sequencing. Here, we reviewed the status of fate decisions of chicken PGCs and provided insight into other important research issues that require attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennosuke Ichikawa
- Genome Editing Innovation Center, Hiroshima University, 3-10-23 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-0046, Hiroshima, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Hiroyuki Horiuchi
- Genome Editing Innovation Center, Hiroshima University, 3-10-23 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-0046, Hiroshima, Japan
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8528, Hiroshima, Japan
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24
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Li W, Liu W, Mo C, Yi M, Gui J. Two Novel lncRNAs Regulate Primordial Germ Cell Development in Zebrafish. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040672. [PMID: 36831339 PMCID: PMC9954370 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are regulatory transcripts in various biological processes. However, the role of lncRNAs in germline development remains poorly understood, especially for fish primordial germ cell (PGC) development. In this study, the lncRNA profile of zebrafish PGC was revealed by single cell RNA-sequencing and bioinformatic prediction. We established the regulation network of lncRNA-mRNA associated with PGC development, from which we identified three novel lncRNAs-lnc172, lnc196, and lnc304-highly expressing in PGCs and gonads. Fluorescent in situ hybridization indicated germline-specific localization of lnc196 and lnc304 in the cytoplasm and nucleus of spermatogonia, spermatocyte, and occyte, and they were co-localized with vasa in the cytoplasm of the spermatogonia. By contrast, lnc172 was localized in the cytoplasm of male germline, myoid cells and ovarian somatic cells. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments demonstrated that knockdown and PGC-specific overexpression of lnc304 as well as universal overexpression of lnc172 significantly disrupted PGC development. In summary, the present study revealed the lncRNA profile of zebrafish PGC and identified two novel lncRNAs associated with PGC development, providing new insights for understanding the regulatory mechanism of PGC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Li
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai 519082, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Wei Liu
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai 519082, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Chengyu Mo
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai 519082, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Meisheng Yi
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai 519082, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Correspondence: (M.Y.); (J.G.)
| | - Jianfang Gui
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 420072, China
- Correspondence: (M.Y.); (J.G.)
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25
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Chu WK, Huang SC, Chang CF, Wu JL, Gong HY. Infertility control of transgenic fluorescent zebrafish with targeted mutagenesis of the dnd1 gene by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Front Genet 2023; 14:1029200. [PMID: 36713075 PMCID: PMC9881232 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1029200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Transgenic technology and selective breeding have great potential for the genetic breeding in both edible fish and ornamental fish. The development of infertility control technologies in transgenic fish and farmed fish is the critical issue to prevent the gene flow with wild relatives. In this study, we report the genome editing of the dead end (dnd1) gene in the zebrafish model, using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to achieve a loss-of-function mutation in both wild-type zebrafish and transgenic fluorescent zebrafish to develop complete infertility control technology of farmed fish and transgenic fish. We effectively performed targeted mutagenesis in the dnd1 gene of zebrafish with a single gRNA, which resulted in a small deletion (-7 bp) or insertion (+41 bp) in exon 2, leading to a null mutation. Heterozygotes and homozygotes of dnd1-knockout zebrafish were both selected by genotyping in the F 1 and F 2 generations. Based on a comparison of histological sections of the gonads between wild-type, heterozygous, and homozygous dnd1 zebrafish mutants, the dnd1 homozygous mutation (aa) resulted in the loss of germ cells. Still, there was no difference between the wild-type (AA) and dnd1 heterozygous (Aa) zebrafish. The homozygous dnd1 mutants of adult zebrafish and transgenic fluorescent zebrafish became all male, which had normal courtship behavior to induce wild-type female zebrafish spawning. However, they both had no sperm to fertilize the spawned eggs from wild-type females. Thus, all the unfertilized eggs died within 10 h. The targeted mutagenesis of the dnd1 gene using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology is stably heritable by crossing of fertile heterozygous mutants to obtain sterile homozygous mutants. It can be applied in the infertility control of transgenic fluorescent fish and genetically improved farmed fish by selective breeding to promote ecologically responsible aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai-Kwan Chu
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan,Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chin Huang
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Fong Chang
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan,Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Leih Wu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan,College of Life Sciences, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Yi Gong
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan,Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan,*Correspondence: Hong-Yi Gong,
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26
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Carver JJ, Zhu Y. Metzincin metalloproteases in PGC migration and gonadal sex conversion. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 330:114137. [PMID: 36191636 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Development of a functional gonad includes migration of primordial germ cells (PGCs), differentiations of somatic and germ cells, formation of primary follicles or spermatogenic cysts with somatic gonadal cells, development and maturation of gametes, and subsequent releasing of mature germ cells. These processes require extensive cellular and tissue remodeling, as well as broad alterations of the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Metalloproteases, including MMPs (matrix metalloproteases), ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinases), and ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs), are suggested to have critical roles in the remodeling of the ECM during gonad development. However, few research articles and reviews are available on the functions and mechanisms of metalloproteases in remodeling gonadal ECM, gonadal development, or gonadal differentiation. Moreover, most studies focused on the roles of transcription and growth factors in early gonad development and primary sex determination, leaving a significant knowledge gap on how differentially expressed metalloproteases exert effects on the ECM, cell migration, development, and survival of germ cells during the development and differentiation of ovaries or testes. We will review gonad development with focus on the evidence of metalloprotease involvements, and with an emphasis on zebrafish as a model for studying gonadal sex differentiation and metalloprotease functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Carver
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Yong Zhu
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
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27
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Characterization of ddx4 and dnd Homologs in Snakeskin Gourami ( Trichopodus pectoralis) and Their Expression Levels during Larval Development and in Gonads of Males and Females. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233415. [PMID: 36496935 PMCID: PMC9735842 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to clone and characterize ddx4 and dnd1 homologs in snakeskin gourami (Trichopodus pectoralis) and to determine their expression levels during larval development and in the gonads of males and females. Both cDNAs contained predicted regions that shared consensus motifs with the ddx4 family in teleosts and the dnd family in vertebrates. Phylogenetic tree construction analysis confirmed that these two genes were clustered in the families of teleosts. Both ddx4 and dnd1 mRNAs were detectable only in the gonads, particularly in germ cells. These two genes were expressed during early larval development. The expression of ddx4 was high during early larval development and decreased with increasing developmental age, whereas dnd1 expression increased with developmental age. In adult fish, the expression levels of both genes were higher in the ovary than in the testis. Overall, these findings provide valuable molecular information on ddx4 and dnd, and can be applied in future reproductive biological studies relating to sex dimorphism in snakeskin gourami.
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28
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Zhang R, Tu Y, Ye D, Gu Z, Chen Z, Sun Y. A Germline-Specific Regulator of Mitochondrial Fusion is Required for Maintenance and Differentiation of Germline Stem and Progenitor Cells. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2203631. [PMID: 36257818 PMCID: PMC9798980 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202203631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Maintenance and differentiation of germline stem and progenitor cells (GSPCs) is important for sexual reproduction. Here, the authors identify zebrafish pld6 as a novel germline-specific gene by cross-analyzing different RNA sequencing results, and find that pld6 knockout mutants develop exclusively into infertile males. In pld6 mutants, GSPCs fail to differentiate and undergo apoptosis, leading to masculinization and infertility. Mitochondrial fusion in pld6-depleted GSPCs is severely impaired, and the mutants exhibit defects in piRNA biogenesis and transposon suppression. Overall, this work uncovers zebrafish Pld6 as a novel germline-specific regulator of mitochondrial fusion, and highlights its essential role in the maintenance and differentiation of GSPCs as well as gonadal development and gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and BiotechnologyInstitute of HydrobiologyInnovation Academy for Seed DesignChinese Academy of SciencesWuhan430072China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural BioinformaticsCollege of Life Science and TechnologyCollege of Biomedicine and HealthInterdisciplinary Sciences InstituteHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan430070China
- Hubei Hongshan LaboratoryWuhan430070China
| | - Yi‐Xuan Tu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural BioinformaticsCollege of Life Science and TechnologyCollege of Biomedicine and HealthInterdisciplinary Sciences InstituteHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan430070China
- Hubei Hongshan LaboratoryWuhan430070China
| | - Ding Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and BiotechnologyInstitute of HydrobiologyInnovation Academy for Seed DesignChinese Academy of SciencesWuhan430072China
| | - Zhenglong Gu
- Division of Nutritional SciencesCornell UniversityIthacaNY14853USA
- Center for Mitochondrial Genetics and HealthGreater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou)Fudan UniversityNansha DistrictGuangzhou511400China
| | - Zhen‐Xia Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural BioinformaticsCollege of Life Science and TechnologyCollege of Biomedicine and HealthInterdisciplinary Sciences InstituteHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan430070China
- Hubei Hongshan LaboratoryWuhan430070China
- Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and HealthHuazhong Agricultural UniversityShenzhen518000China
- Shenzhen BranchGuangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern AgricultureGenome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of AgricultureAgricultural Genomics Institute at ShenzhenChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhen518000China
| | - Yonghua Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and BiotechnologyInstitute of HydrobiologyInnovation Academy for Seed DesignChinese Academy of SciencesWuhan430072China
- Hubei Hongshan LaboratoryWuhan430070China
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29
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The solution structure of Dead End bound to AU-rich RNA reveals an unusual mode of tandem RRM-RNA recognition required for mRNA regulation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5892. [PMID: 36202814 PMCID: PMC9537309 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33552-x] [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: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Dead End (DND1) is an RNA-binding protein essential for germline development through its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. The molecular mechanisms behind selection and regulation of its targets are unknown. Here, we present the solution structure of DND1's tandem RNA Recognition Motifs (RRMs) bound to AU-rich RNA. The structure reveals how an NYAYUNN element is specifically recognized, reconciling seemingly contradictory sequence motifs discovered in recent genome-wide studies. RRM1 acts as a main binding platform, including atypical extensions to the canonical RRM fold. RRM2 acts cooperatively with RRM1, capping the RNA using an unusual binding pocket, leading to an unusual mode of tandem RRM-RNA recognition. We show that the consensus motif is sufficient to mediate upregulation of a reporter gene in human cells and that this process depends not only on RNA binding by the RRMs, but also on DND1's double-stranded RNA binding domain (dsRBD), which is dispensable for binding of a subset of targets in cellulo. Our results point to a model where DND1 target selection is mediated by a non-canonical mode of AU-rich RNA recognition by the tandem RRMs and a role for the dsRBD in the recruitment of effector complexes responsible for target regulation.
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30
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Tveiten H, Karlsen K, Thesslund T, Johansson GS, Thiyagarajan DB, Andersen Ø. Impact of germ cell ablation on the activation of the brain-pituitary-gonadal axis in precocious Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) males. Mol Reprod Dev 2022; 89:471-484. [PMID: 35830347 PMCID: PMC9796531 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The germ cells are essential for sexual reproduction by giving rise to the gametes, but the importance of germ cells for gonadal somatic functions varies among vertebrates. The RNA-binding dead end (Dnd) protein is necessary for the specification and migration of primordial germ cells to the future reproductive organs. Here, we ablated the gametes in Atlantic salmon males and females by microinjecting dnd antisense gapmer oligonucleotides at the zygotic stage. Precocious maturation was induced in above 50% of both germ cell-depleted and intact fertile males, but not in females, by exposure to an off-season photoperiod regime. Sterile and fertile males showed similar body growth, but maturing fish tended to be heavier than their immature counterparts. Pituitary fshβ messenger RNA levels strongly increased in maturing sterile and fertile males concomitant with the upregulated expression of Sertoli and Leydig cell markers. Plasma concentrations of 11-ketotestosterone and testosterone in maturing sterile males were significantly higher than the basal levels in immature fish, but lower than those in maturing fertile males. The study demonstrates that germ cells are not a prerequisite for the activation of the brain-pituitary-gonad axis and sex steroidogenesis in Atlantic salmon males, but may be important for the maintenance of gonadal somatic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helge Tveiten
- Norwegian College of Fishery ScienceThe Arctic University of NorwayTromsøNorway
| | - Kristian Karlsen
- Norwegian College of Fishery ScienceThe Arctic University of NorwayTromsøNorway,Present address:
Lerøy Aurora AS, Stortorget 1N‐9267 TromsøNorway
| | | | | | | | - Øivind Andersen
- NofimaTromsøNorway,Department of Animal and Aquacultural SciencesNorwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)ÅsNorway
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31
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Konduktorova VV, Luchinskaya NN, Belyavsky AV. Expression of the Germes Germ Plasm Gene in Follicular Cells of X. laevis Oocytes. Russ J Dev Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360422050034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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32
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Xie X, Khan M, Zubair M, Khan A, Khan R, Zhou J, Zhang Y, Said M, Khan SA, Zaman Q, Murtaza G, Khan MA, Liu W, Hou X, Zhang H, Xu B, Jiang X, Bai S, Shi Q. A homozygous missense variant in DND1 causes non-obstructive azoospermia in humans. Front Genet 2022; 13:1017302. [PMID: 36246621 PMCID: PMC9561125 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1017302] [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: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a severe factor of male infertility; it affects approximately 1% of the global male population and accounts for 40% of male infertility cases. However, the majority of NOA cases remain idiopathic. This is the first study using whole-exome sequencing (WES) to identify a novel missense mutation in the DND1 gene (c.212A>C, p. E71A) from a Pakistani family, that includes three males with NOA. This mutation is predicted to cause DND1 protein misfolding and weaken the DND1 interaction with NANOS2, a significant regulator in primordial germ cell development. Our study identified a DND1 pathogenic mutation in NOA patients and highlighted its critical role in male fertility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Xei Xuefeng, ; Mazhar Khan, ; Shun Bai, ; Qinghua Shi,
| | - Mazhar Khan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Xei Xuefeng, ; Mazhar Khan, ; Shun Bai, ; Qinghua Shi,
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Abbas Khan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ranjha Khan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jianteng Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Muzafar Said
- Malka Andrology, Fertility and IVF Center, Roshan Specialized Hospital, saidu sharif, Pakistan
| | - Sher Ali Khan
- Malka Andrology, Fertility and IVF Center, Roshan Specialized Hospital, saidu sharif, Pakistan
| | - Qamar Zaman
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ghulam Murtaza
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Muzamil Ahmad Khan
- Gomal Centre of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
| | - Wei Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoning Hou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Bo Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Shun Bai
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Xei Xuefeng, ; Mazhar Khan, ; Shun Bai, ; Qinghua Shi,
| | - Qinghua Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Xei Xuefeng, ; Mazhar Khan, ; Shun Bai, ; Qinghua Shi,
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Xu C, Li Y, Wen Z, Jawad M, Gui L, Li M. Spinyhead Croaker Germ Cells Gene dnd Visualizes Primordial Germ Cells in Medaka. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12081226. [PMID: 36013405 PMCID: PMC9409898 DOI: 10.3390/life12081226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Spinyhead croaker (Collichthys lucidus) is an economically important fish suffering from population decline caused by overfishing and habitat destruction. Researches on the development of primordial germ cell (PGC) and reproduction biology were an emergency for the long-term conservation of the involved species. Dead end (dnd) gene plays an indispensable role in PGC specification, maintenance, and development. In the current study, we report the cloning and expression patterns of dnd in C. lucidus (Cldnd). RT-PCR analysis revealed that Cldnd was specifically expressed in both sexual gonads. In the ovary, Cldnd RNA was uniformly distributed in the oocytes and abundant in oogonia, and gradually decreased with oogenesis. A similar expression pattern was also detected in testis. Dual fluorescent in situ hybridization of Cldnd and Clvasa demonstrated that they almost had the same distribution except in oocytes at stage I, in which the vasa RNA aggregated into some particles. Furthermore, Cldnd 3' UTR was sufficient to guide the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) specifically and stably expressed in the PGCs of medaka. These findings offer insight into that Cldnd is an evolutionarily conserved germline-specific gene and even a potential candidate for PGC manipulation in C. lucidus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Rice-Fish Farming, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yu Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Rice-Fish Farming, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- Main Building, QiLu Innovalley Incubator, High-Tech Industry Development Zone, Jinan 250101, China
| | - Zhengshun Wen
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Marine Biomedical Products, School of Food Science and Pharmaceutics, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Muhammad Jawad
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Rice-Fish Farming, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Lang Gui
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Rice-Fish Farming, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- Correspondence: (L.G.); (M.L.)
| | - Mingyou Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Rice-Fish Farming, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- Correspondence: (L.G.); (M.L.)
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34
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Evolutionary conservation of maternal RNA localization in fishes and amphibians revealed by TOMO-Seq. Dev Biol 2022; 489:146-160. [PMID: 35752299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Asymmetrical localization of biomolecules inside the egg, results in uneven cell division and establishment of many biological processes, cell types and the body plan. However, our knowledge about evolutionary conservation of localized transcripts is still limited to a few models. Our goal was to compare localization profiles along the animal-vegetal axis of mature eggs from four vertebrate models, two amphibians (Xenopus laevis, Ambystoma mexicanum) and two fishes (Acipenser ruthenus, Danio rerio) using the spatial expression method called TOMO-Seq. We revealed that RNAs of many known important transcripts such as germ layer determinants, germ plasm factors and members of key signalling pathways, are localized in completely different profiles among the models. It was also observed that there was a poor correlation between the vegetally localized transcripts but a relatively good correlation between the animally localized transcripts. These findings indicate that the regulation of embryonic development within the animal kingdom is highly diverse and cannot be deduced based on a single model.
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35
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Fujihara R, Katayama N, Sadaie S, Miwa M, Sanchez Matias GA, Ichida K, Fujii W, Naito K, Hayashi M, Yoshizaki G. Production of Germ Cell-Less Rainbow Trout by dead end Gene Knockout and their Use as Recipients for Germ Cell Transplantation. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 24:417-429. [PMID: 35380303 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-022-10128-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In germ cell transplantation experiments, the use of sterile recipients that do not produce their own gametes is an important prerequisite. Triploidization and dnd gene knockdown (KD) methods have been widely used to produce sterile fish. However, triploidization does not produce complete sterility in some fish species, and gene KD is labor and time intensive since it requires microinjection into individual fertilized eggs. To overcome these problems, in this study, we generated homozygous mutants of the dead end (dnd) gene in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) using the clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system, analyzed their reproductive capacity, and evaluated their suitability as recipients for germ cell transplantation. By crossing F1 heterozygous mutants produced from founders subjected to genome editing, an F2 generation consisting of approximately 1/4 homozygous knockout mutants (dnd KO) was obtained. The dnd KO hatchlings retained the same number of primordial germ cells (PGCs) as the wild-type (WT) individuals, after which the number gradually decreased. At 1 year of age, germ cells were completely absent in all analyzed individuals. To evaluate the dnd KO individuals as recipients for germ cell transplantation, germ cells prepared from donor individuals were transplanted into the abdominal cavity of dnd KO hatchlings. These cells migrated to the recipient gonads, where they initiated gametogenesis. The mature recipient individuals produced only donor-derived sperm and eggs in equivalent numbers to WT rainbow trout. These results indicate that dnd KO rainbow trout are suitable recipient candidates possessing a high capacity to nurse donor-derived germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Fujihara
- Department of Marine Biosciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8477, Japan
| | - Naoto Katayama
- Department of Marine Biosciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8477, Japan
| | - Sakiko Sadaie
- Department of Marine Biosciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8477, Japan
| | - Misako Miwa
- Department of Marine Biosciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8477, Japan
| | - Gabriela Angelica Sanchez Matias
- Department of Marine Biosciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8477, Japan
| | - Kensuke Ichida
- Institute for Reproductive Biotechnology for Aquatic Species (IRBAS), Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8477, Japan
| | - Wataru Fujii
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Naito
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Hayashi
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8577, Japan.
| | - Goro Yoshizaki
- Department of Marine Biosciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8477, Japan.
- Institute for Reproductive Biotechnology for Aquatic Species (IRBAS), Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8477, Japan.
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Hou M, Feng K, Luo H, Jiang Y, Xu W, Li Y, Song Y, Chen J, Tao B, Zhu Z, Hu W. Complete Depletion of Primordial Germ Cells Results in Masculinization of Monopterus albus, a Protogynous Hermaphroditic Fish. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 24:320-334. [PMID: 35303208 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-022-10106-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) play an important role in sexual fate determination and gonadal development in gonochoristic fish, such as zebrafish and medaka. However, little is known about the function of PGCs in hermaphroditic fish. Rice field eel (Monopterus albus), a protogynous hermaphroditic fish, is an economically valuable aquaculture species. We eliminated PGCs in rice field eels during embryogenesis via morpholino-mediated knockdown dead end (dnd). The PGCs-depleted gonads developed into testis-like structures with Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. The gene expression pattern of 15-month-old PGCs-depleted gonads showed that male-biased genes, dmrt1, sox9a, gsdf, and amh, were significantly higher than that of the WT, whereas female-biased genes, foxl2 and cyp19a1a, were significantly decreased. These results indicate that PGCs are essential for ovarian differentiation in rice field eel, and PGCs-depleted gonads develop into sterile males without undergoing the female and intersex stages. Our study is the first to identify the role of PGCs in sex differentiation in rice field eel, a protogynous hermaphrodite teleost. And it is of great significance in rice field eel for discovering the underlying mechanism of sex differentiation and establishing sex control technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ke Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Hongrui Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yinjun Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yongming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yanlong Song
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Ji Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Binbin Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China.
| | - Zuoyan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China.
- Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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37
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Razmi K, Patil JG. Primordial Germ Cell Development in the Poeciliid, Gambusia holbrooki, Reveals Shared Features Between Lecithotrophs and Matrotrophs. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:793498. [PMID: 35300414 PMCID: PMC8920993 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.793498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Metazoans exhibit two modes of primordial germ cell (PGC) specification that are interspersed across taxa. However, the evolutionary link between the two modes and the reproductive strategies of lecithotrophy and matrotrophy is poorly understood. As a first step to understand this, the spatio-temporal expression of teleostean germ plasm markers was investigated in Gambusia holbrooki, a poecilid with shared lecitho- and matrotrophy. A group of germ plasm components was detected in the ovum suggesting maternal inheritance mode of PGC specification. However, the strictly zygotic activation of dnd-β and nanos1 occurred relatively early, reminiscent of models with induction mode (e.g., mice). The PGC clustering, migration and colonisation patterns of G. holbrooki resembled those of zebrafish, medaka and mice at blastula, gastrula and somitogenesis, respectively—recapitulating features of advancing evolutionary nodes with progressive developmental stages. Moreover, the expression domains of PGC markers in G. holbrooki were either specific to teleost (vasa expression in developing PGCs), murine models (dnd spliced variants) or shared between the two taxa (germline and somatic expression of piwi and nanos1). Collectively, the results suggest that the reproductive developmental adaptations may reflect a transition from lecithotrophy to matrotrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komeil Razmi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS, Australia
| | - Jawahar G Patil
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS, Australia
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Ryu JH, Xu L, Wong TT. Advantages, Factors, Obstacles, Potential Solutions, and Recent Advances of Fish Germ Cell Transplantation for Aquaculture-A Practical Review. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12040423. [PMID: 35203131 PMCID: PMC8868515 DOI: 10.3390/ani12040423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review aims to provide practical information and viewpoints regarding fish germ cell transplantation for enhancing its commercial applications. We reviewed and summarized the data from more than 70 important studies and described the advantages, obstacles, recent advances, and future perspectives of fish germ cell transplantation. We concluded and proposed the critical factors for achieving better success and various options for germ cell transplantation with their pros and cons. Additionally, we discussed why this technology has not actively been utilized for commercial purposes, what barriers need to be overcome, and what potential solutions can advance its applications in aquaculture. Abstract Germ cell transplantation technology enables surrogate offspring production in fish. This technology has been expected to mitigate reproductive barriers, such as long generation time, limited fecundity, and complex broodstock management, enhancing seed production and productivity in aquaculture. Many studies of germ cell transplantation in various fish species have been reported over a few decades. So far, surrogate offspring production has been achieved in many commercial species. In addition, the knowledge of fish germ cell biology and the related technologies that can enhance transplantation efficiency and productivity has been developed. Nevertheless, the commercial application of this technology still seems to lag behind, indicating that the established models are neither beneficial nor cost-effective enough to attract potential commercial users of this technology. Furthermore, there are existing bottlenecks in practical aspects such as impractical shortening of generation time, shortage of donor cells with limited resources, low efficiency, and unsuccessful surrogate offspring production in some fish species. These obstacles need to be overcome through further technology developments. Thus, we thoroughly reviewed the studies on fish germ cell transplantation reported to date, focusing on the practicality, and proposed potential solutions and future perspectives.
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Wang Y, Ye D, Zhang F, Zhang R, Zhu J, Wang H, He M, Sun Y. Cyp11a2 Is Essential for Oocyte Development and Spermatogonial Stem Cell Differentiation in Zebrafish. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6473198. [PMID: 34932120 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cytochrome P45011A1, encoded by Cyp11a1, converts cholesterol to pregnenolone (P5), the first and rate-limiting step in steroidogenesis. In zebrafish, cyp11a1 is maternally expressed and cyp11a2 is considered the ortholog of Cyp11a1 in mammals. A recent study has shown that depletion of cyp11a2 resulted in steroidogenic deficiencies and the mutants developed into males with feminized secondary sexual characteristics. Here, we independently generated cyp11a2 mutants in zebrafish and showed that the mutants can develop into males and females in the juvenile stage, but finally into infertile males with defective mating behavior in the adult stage. In the developing ovaries, the cyp11a2 mutation led to stage I oocyte apoptosis and final sex reversal, which could be partially rescued by treatment with P5 but not estradiol. In the developing testes, depletion of cyp11a2 resulted in dysfunction of Sertoli cells and lack of functional Leydig cells. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in the mutant testes underwent active self-renewal but no differentiation, resulting in a high abundance of SSCs in the testis, as revealed by immunofluorescence staining with Nanos2 antibody. The high abundance and differentiation competence of SSCs in the mutant testes were verified by a novel testicular cell transplantation method developed in this study, by transplanting mutant testicular cells into germline-depleted wild-type (WT) fish. The transplanted mutant SSCs efficiently differentiated into functional spermatids in WT hosts. Overall, our study demonstrates the functional importance of cyp11a2 in early oogenesis and differentiation of SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design (INASEED), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ding Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design (INASEED), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fenghua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design (INASEED), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ru Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design (INASEED), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junwen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design (INASEED), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Houpeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design (INASEED), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mudan He
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design (INASEED), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yonghua Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design (INASEED), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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40
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Du S, Zhou L, Wang X, Xu S, Li J, Song Z, Liu Q. Characterization of vasa and dnd homologs in summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus: Expression analysis and colocalization of PGCs during embryogenesis. Theriogenology 2022; 181:180-189. [PMID: 35121562 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Specification of primordial germ cells (PGCs) is particularly important for germline formation. Many maternal-effect genes such as vasa, dnd, and nanos have been identified. However, the research on distribution patterns of PGCs in marine fish is limited. Vasa has been widely used as a germ cell marker to identify its origination in teleosts because vasa RNA is a component of germ plasm. Dnd is known to be an RNA binding protein that protects germline-specific RNAs from degradation. In this study, we isolated full-length vasa and dnd cDNA from summer flounder to track germ cell origination and their expression patterns by RT-PCR and ISH. The results demonstrated that deduced amino acid sequence of Pdvas and Pddnd shared typically conserved motifs of their homologues and demonstrated high identities with other teleosts. Both vasa and dnd transcripts were exclusively detected in germ cells of the gonads. During embryogenesis, vasa and dnd RNA were located at the cleavage furrows of early cleavage stages, and then through proliferation and migration they eventually moved to a location at the predetermined genital ridge. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that summer flounder belongs to the Euteleostei species, but vasa/dnd transcripts localized at the cleavage furrows was similar to that in zebrafish (Osteriophysans). This suggests that germ cells differentiating at early embryogenesis have no direct relation with phylogenesis. At the same time, we found the spatio-temporal expression pattern of dnd was highly consistent with vasa during this process, which indicated the important function of dnd in keeping the target RNA from being degraded to maintain germ cell fate. These results will provide further understanding of germ plasm localization and PGC differentiation in teleosts, and facilitate germ cell manipulation in marine fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuran Du
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China; CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Li Zhou
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China; College of Life Science, Ningde Normal University, Engineering Research Center of Mindong Aquatic Product Deep-Processing,Fujian Province University, Ningde, 352100, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Shihong Xu
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Jun Li
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Zongcheng Song
- Weihai Shenghang Aquatic Product Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Weihai, 264319, China.
| | - Qinghua Liu
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.
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Jung KM, Seo M, Kim YM, Kim JL, Han JY. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Revealed the Heterogeneity of Gonadal Primordial Germ Cells in Zebra Finch ( Taeniopygia guttata). Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:791335. [PMID: 34957119 PMCID: PMC8695979 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.791335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are undifferentiated gametes with heterogeneity, an evolutionarily conserved characteristic across various organisms. Although dynamic selection at the level of early germ cell populations is an important biological feature linked to fertility, the heterogeneity of PGCs in avian species has not been characterized. In this study, we sought to evaluate PGC heterogeneity in zebra finch using a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) approach. Using scRNA-seq of embryonic gonadal cells from male and female zebra finches at Hamburger and Hamilton (HH) stage 28, we annotated nine cell types from 20 cell clusters. We found that PGCs previously considered a single population can be separated into three subtypes showing differences in apoptosis, proliferation, and other biological processes. The three PGC subtypes were specifically enriched for genes showing expression patterns related to germness or pluripotency, suggesting functional differences in PGCs according to the three subtypes. Additionally, we discovered a novel biomarker, SMC1B, for gonadal PGCs in zebra finch. The results provide the first evidence of substantial heterogeneity in PGCs previously considered a single population in birds. This discovery expands our understanding of PGCs to avian species, and provides a basis for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Min Jung
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minseok Seo
- Department of Computer Convergence Software, Korea University, Sejong, South Korea
| | - Young Min Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin Lee Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae Yong Han
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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Xie X, Tichopád T, Kislik G, Langerová L, Abaffy P, Šindelka R, Franěk R, Fučíková M, Steinbach C, Shah MA, Šauman I, Chen F, Pšenička M. Isolation and Characterization of Highly Pure Type A Spermatogonia From Sterlet ( Acipenser ruthenus) Using Flow-Cytometric Cell Sorting. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:772625. [PMID: 34957105 PMCID: PMC8708567 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.772625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sturgeons are among the most ancient linages of actinopterygians. At present, many sturgeon species are critically endangered. Surrogate production could be used as an affordable and a time-efficient method for endangered sturgeons. Our study established a method for identifying and isolating type A spermatogonia from different developmental stages of testes using flow cytometric cell sorting (FCM). Flow cytometric analysis of a whole testicular cell suspension showed several well-distinguished cell populations formed according to different values of light scatter parameters. FCM of these different cell populations was performed directly on glass slides for further immunocytochemistry to identify germ cells. Results showed that the cell population in gate P1 on a flow cytometry plot (with high forward scatter and high side scatter parameter values) contains the highest amount of type A spermatogonia. The sorted cell populations were characterized by expression profiles of 10 germ cell specific genes. The result confirmed that setting up for the P1 gate could precisely sort type A spermatogonia in all tested testicular developmental stages. The P2 gate, which was with lower forward scatter and side scatter values mostly, contained type B spermatogonia at a later maturing stage. Moreover, expressions of plzf, dnd, boule, and kitr were significantly higher in type A spermatogonia than in later developed germ cells. In addition, plzf was firstly found as a reliable marker to identify type A spermatogonia, which filled the gap of identification of spermatogonial stem cells in sterlet. It is expected to increase the efficiency of germ stem cell culture and transplantation with plzf identification. Our study thus first addressed a phenotypic characterization of a pure type A spermatogonia population in sterlet. FCM strategy can improve the production of sturgeons with surrogate broodstock and further the analysis of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of sturgeon germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Xie
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czechia
| | - Tomáš Tichopád
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czechia
| | - Galina Kislik
- Imaging Methods Core Facility at BIOCEV, Operated by Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Lucie Langerová
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Pavel Abaffy
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Radek Šindelka
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Roman Franěk
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czechia
| | - Michaela Fučíková
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czechia
| | - Christoph Steinbach
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czechia
| | - Mujahid Ali Shah
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czechia
| | - Ivo Šauman
- Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czechia.,University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Fan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, C_DAT, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Martin Pšenička
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czechia
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43
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Aharon D, Marlow FL. Sexual determination in zebrafish. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:8. [PMID: 34936027 PMCID: PMC11072476 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04066-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish have emerged as a major model organism to study vertebrate reproduction due to their high fecundity and external development of eggs and embryos. The mechanisms through which zebrafish determine their sex have come under extensive investigation, as they lack a definite sex-determining chromosome and appear to have a highly complex method of sex determination. Single-gene mutagenesis has been employed to isolate the function of genes that determine zebrafish sex and regulate sex-specific differentiation, and to explore the interactions of genes that promote female or male sexual fate. In this review, we focus on recent advances in understanding of the mechanisms, including genetic and environmental factors, governing zebrafish sex development with comparisons to gene functions in other species to highlight conserved and potentially species-specific mechanisms for specifying and maintaining sexual fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devora Aharon
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy, Place Box 1020, New York, NY, 10029-6574, USA
| | - Florence L Marlow
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy, Place Box 1020, New York, NY, 10029-6574, USA.
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Zhang Y, Guo J, Chen Y, Wang J, Zhou Q, Chen M, Wang C. Embryonic exposure to fenbuconazole inhibits gametogenesis in adult zebrafish by targeting gonads not brain. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 228:112967. [PMID: 34773848 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Fenbuconazole (FBZ) is widely used in agriculture. The current study was conducted to evaluate the influence of embryonic exposure to FBZ on reproduction in adult zebrafish. Embryos were exposed to 5, 50 and 500 ng/L FBZ for 72 h and then raised in clean water until adulthood. The result showed that the percentage of mature gametes was significantly reduced in adult zebrafish. The fertilization rate and survival rate of F1 embryos were decreased when the exposed fish were mated with untreated fish. The transcription of brain gnrh3, fshβ and lhγ in adult fish was upregulated, while the levels of 17β-estradiol and testosterone were not significantly changed in all treated groups, indicating that the reproduction-related genes in brain was not responsible for the reduced reproductive ability. The downregulated transcription of fshr, lhr, ar and esr2 in the gonads indicated the dysfunction of Sertoli and Leydig cells. Notably, downregulated transcription and upregulated methylation levels of genes related to germ cells were observed in treated F0 larvae and adult gonads. The elevated methylation levels of piwil1 and dnmt6 in the testes and vasa and dazl in the ovary were matched with the alterations in the expression of these genes, suggesting that germ cells are the main targets of FBZ. These results provide new mechanism underlying reproductive toxicity in fish caused by chemicals, and give potential retroactive biomarkers for monitoring reproductive toxic pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, PR China
| | - Jiaojiao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, PR China
| | - Ying Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, PR China
| | - Jiangwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, PR China
| | - Qian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, PR China
| | - Meng Chen
- Key Laboratory of the Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, PR China.
| | - Chonggang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, PR China.
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45
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Mo C, Li W, Jia K, Liu W, Yi M. Proper Balance of Small GTPase rab10 Is Critical for PGC Migration in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111962. [PMID: 34769390 PMCID: PMC8584686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in post-transcriptional repression in nearly every biological process including germ cell development. Previously, we have identified a zebrafish germ plasm-specific miRNA miR-202-5p, which regulates PGC migration through targeting cdc42se1 to protect cdc42 expression. However, knockdown of cdc42se1 could not significantly rescue PGC migration in maternal miR-202 mutant (MmiR-202) embryos, indicating that there are other target genes of miR-202-5p required for the regulation of PGC migration. Herein, we revealed the transcriptional profiles of wild type and MmiR-202 PGCs and obtained 129 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 42 DEGs were enriched cell migration-related signaling pathways. From these DEGs, we identified two novel miR-202-5p target genes prdm12b and rab10. Furthermore, we found that disruption of rab10 expression led to significantly migratory defects of PGC by overexpression of rab10 siRNA, or WT, inactive as well as active forms of rab10 mRNA, and WT rab10 overexpression mediated migratory defects could be partially but significantly rescued by overexpression of miR-202-5p, demonstrating that rab10 is an important factor involved miR-202-5p mediated regulation of PGC migration. Taken together, the present results provide significant information for understanding the molecular mechanism by which miR-202-5p regulates PGC migration in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyu Mo
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; (C.M.); (W.L.); (K.J.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai 519082, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; (C.M.); (W.L.); (K.J.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai 519082, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Kuntong Jia
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; (C.M.); (W.L.); (K.J.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai 519082, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Wei Liu
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; (C.M.); (W.L.); (K.J.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai 519082, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Correspondence: (W.L.); (M.Y.)
| | - Meisheng Yi
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; (C.M.); (W.L.); (K.J.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai 519082, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Correspondence: (W.L.); (M.Y.)
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Shi WJ, Ma DD, Fang GZ, Zhang JG, Huang GY, Xie L, Chen HX, Hou LP, Ying GG. Levonorgestrel and dydrogesterone affect sex determination via different pathways in zebrafish. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 240:105972. [PMID: 34571414 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2021.105972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Levonorgestrel (LNG) and dydrogesterone (DDG) are two commonly used synthetic progestins that have been detected in aquatic environments. They could affect fish sex differentiation, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here we investigated the effects of LNG (5 ng L-1 and 50 ng L-1), DDG (100 ng L-1) and their mixtures on gonadal differentiation and sex determination in zebrafish at transcriptomic and histological levels from 2 hours post-fertilization (eleutheroembryos) to 144 days post-fertilization (sexual maturity). Germ cell development and oogenesis pathways were significantly enriched in LNG and the mixture of LNG and DDG treatments, while insulin and apoptosis pathways in the DDG treatment. LNG and the mixture of LNG and DDG strongly decreased transcripts of germ cell development and oogenesis related genes, while DDG increased the transcripts of insulin and apoptosis related genes at 28 days post fertilization (dpf) and 35 dpf. Furthermore, DDG caused ∼ 90% males, and LNG and the mixture of LNG and DDG resulted in 100% males on all sampling dates. Specifically, most males in LNG and the mixture of LNG and DDG treatments were "Type I" males without juvenile oocytes at 28 dpf and 35 dpf, while those in DDG treatment were "Type II" and "Type III" males with a few juvenile oocytes. These results indicated that LNG and DDG promoted testicular differentiation via different pathways to cause male bias. LNG and DDG mixtures have similar effect on testicular differentiation to LNG alone. The findings from this study could have significant ecological implications to fish populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jun Shi
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Dong-Dong Ma
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Gui-Zhen Fang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jin-Ge Zhang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guo-Yong Huang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Lingtian Xie
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hong-Xing Chen
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Li-Ping Hou
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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47
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Savage AM, Alberio R, Johnson AD. Germline competent mesoderm: the substrate for vertebrate germline and somatic stem cells? Biol Open 2021; 10:272478. [PMID: 34648017 PMCID: PMC8524722 DOI: 10.1242/bio.058890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro production of tissue-specific stem cells [e.g. haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)] is a key goal of regenerative medicine. However, recent efforts to produce fully functional tissue-specific stem cells have fallen short. One possible cause of shortcomings may be that model organisms used to characterize basic vertebrate embryology (Xenopus, zebrafish, chick) may employ molecular mechanisms for stem cell specification that are not conserved in humans, a prominent example being the specification of primordial germ cells (PGCs). Germ plasm irreversibly specifies PGCs in many models; however, it is not conserved in humans, which produce PGCs from tissue termed germline-competent mesoderm (GLCM). GLCM is not conserved in organisms containing germ plasm, or even in mice, but understanding its developmental potential could unlock successful production of other stem cell types. GLCM was first discovered in embryos from the axolotl and its conservation has since been demonstrated in pigs, which develop from a flat-disc embryo like humans. Together these findings suggest that GLCM is a conserved basal trait of vertebrate embryos. Moreover, the immortal nature of germ cells suggests that immortality is retained during GLCM specification; here we suggest that the demonstrated pluripotency of GLCM accounts for retention of immortality in somatic stem cell types as well. This article has an associated Future Leaders to Watch interview with the author of the paper. Summary: Recent findings that germline and stem cell specification may differ between species may have important implications for regenerative medicine and the future of stem cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Savage
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences, Stem Cell Biology, Reprogramming and Pluripotency, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Andrew D Johnson
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Cells, Organisms and Molecular Genetics, University of Nottingham, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
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Mall EM, Lecanda A, Drexler HCA, Raz E, Schöler HR, Schlatt S. Heading towards a dead end: The role of DND1 in germ line differentiation of human iPSCs. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258427. [PMID: 34653201 PMCID: PMC8519482 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The DND microRNA-mediated repression inhibitor 1 (DND1) is a conserved RNA binding protein (RBP) that plays important roles in survival and fate maintenance of primordial germ cells (PGCs) and in the development of the male germline in zebrafish and mice. Dead end was shown to be expressed in human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), PGCs and spermatogonia, but little is known about its specific role concerning pluripotency and human germline development. Here we use CRISPR/Cas mediated knockout and PGC-like cell (PGCLC) differentiation in human iPSCs to determine if DND1 (1) plays a role in maintaining pluripotency and (2) in specification of PGCLCs. We generated several clonal lines carrying biallelic loss of function mutations and analysed their differentiation potential towards PGCLCs and their gene expression on RNA and protein levels via RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry. The generated knockout iPSCs showed no differences in pluripotency gene expression, proliferation, or trilineage differentiation potential, but yielded reduced numbers of PGCLCs as compared with their parental iPSCs. RNAseq analysis of mutated PGCLCs revealed that the overall gene expression remains like non-mutated PGCLCs. However, reduced expression of genes associated with PGC differentiation and maintenance (e.g., NANOS3, PRDM1) was observed. Together, we show that DND1 iPSCs maintain their pluripotency but exhibit a reduced differentiation to PGCLCs. This versatile model will allow further analysis of the specific mechanisms by which DND1 influences PGC differentiation and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M. Mall
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Münster, Germany
| | - Aaron Lecanda
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Erez Raz
- Institute of Cell Biology, ZMBE, Münster, Germany
| | - Hans R. Schöler
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Münster, Germany
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Crucial role of dead end gene for primordial germ cell survival in rice field eel (Monopterus albus). Theriogenology 2021; 176:188-193. [PMID: 34624813 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The dead end gene has been identified as a essential factor for Primordial germ cells (PGCs) migration and survival in many species, but its role in Monopterus albus is unclear. In order to clarify the function of dead end gene in M.albus PGCs migration and survival, we first characterized the expression profile of M.albus dead end (Madnd) in developing embryos and various tissues. qRT-PCR revealed that Madnd transcripts were exclusively detected in gonad, including ovary, testis and ovotestis.Embryos injected with a Madnd morpholino (Madnd-MO) exhibited down-regulation of the vasa gene. Furthermore, the GFP signal show the PGCs migration in control group were injected with GFP-nanos3 3'-UTR mRNA for visualization, as described in a previous study, yet it was disappeared after embryos injected with Madnd-MO.Finally, we characterized the genomics sequence of the Madnd gene and designed five gRNAs for genome editing. Three gRNAs were selected for microinjection according to the results of in vitro tests. gRNAd1 was used for microinjection with the Cas9 protein and was confirmed to be effective. Our analysis in this study suggested that Madnd play a key role in PGCs migration and survival in M. albus. These data provide the basis for the production of fast-growing and reproductively M.albus sterile.
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50
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Hansen CL, Chamberlain TJ, Trevena RL, Kurek JE, Pelegri F. Conserved germ plasm characteristics across the Danio and Devario lineages. Genesis 2021; 59:e23452. [PMID: 34617657 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In many animal species, germ cell specification requires the inheritance of germ plasm, a biomolecular condensate containing maternally derived RNAs and proteins. Most studies of germ plasm composition and function have been performed in widely evolutionarily divergent model organisms, such as Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, Xenopus laevis, and Danio rerio (zebrafish). In zebrafish, 12 RNAs localize to germ plasm at the furrows of the early embryo. Here, we tested for the presence of these RNAs in three additional species within the Danionin clade: Danio kyathit, Danio albolineatus, and Devario aequipinnatus. By visualizing nanos RNA, we find that germ plasm segregation patterns during early embryogenesis are conserved across these species. Ten additional germ plasm RNAs exhibit localization at the furrows of early embryos in all three non-zebrafish Danionin species, consistent with germ plasm localization. One component of zebrafish germ plasm, ca15b, lacked specific localization in embryos of the more distantly related D. aequipinnatus. Our findings show that within a subset of closely related Danionin species, the vast majority of germ plasm RNA components are conserved. At the same time, the lack of ca15b localization in D. aequipinnatus germ plasm highlights the potential for the divergence of germ plasm composition across a restricted phylogenetic space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L Hansen
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Trevor J Chamberlain
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ryan L Trevena
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jacob E Kurek
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Francisco Pelegri
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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