1
|
Dong M, Tang M, Li W, Li S, Yi M, Liu W. Morphological and transcriptional analysis of sexual differentiation and gonadal development in a burrowing fish, the four-eyed sleeper (Bostrychus sinensis). COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2023; 48:101148. [PMID: 37865042 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2023.101148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Four-eyed sleeper (Bostrychus sinensis) is a commercially important sea water fish, and the male individuals exhibit significant advantages in somatic growth and stress resistance, so developing sex control strategy to create all-male progeny will produce higher economic value. However, little is known about the genetic background associated with sex differentiation in this species. In this study, we investigated gonadal development and uncovered critical window stages of sexual differentiation (about 2 mph), transition from proliferation to differentiation in female germ stem cells (GSCs) (2-3 mph) and male GSCs (3-4 mph). De novo transcriptome analysis revealed candidate genes and signaling pathways associated with sexual differentiation and gonadal development in four-eyed sleeper. The results showed that sox9 and zglp1 were the earliest sex-biased transcription factors during sex differentiation. Down-regulation of chemokine, cytokines-cytokine receptors and up-regulation of cellular senescence pathway might be involved in GSC differentiation. Weighted gene correlation network analysis showed that metabolic pathway and occludin were the hub signaling and gene in ovarian development, meanwhile the MAPK signaling pathways, cellular senescence pathway and ash1l (histone H3-lysine4 N-trimethyltransferase) were the hub pathways and gene in testicular development. The present work elucidated the developmental processes of sexual differentiation and gonadal development and revealed their associated revealed genes and signaling pathways in four-eyed sleeper, providing theoretical basis for developing sex-control techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengdan Dong
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Mingyue Tang
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 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; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Shizhu Li
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 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; 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; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Geffroy B, Besson M, Sánchez-Baizán N, Clota F, Goikoetxea A, Sadoul B, Ruelle F, Blanc MO, Parrinello H, Hermet S, Blondeau-Bidet E, Pratlong M, Piferrer F, Vandeputte M, Allal F. Unraveling the genotype by environment interaction in a thermosensitive fish with a polygenic sex determination system. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2112660118. [PMID: 34880131 PMCID: PMC8685686 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2112660118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In most animals, sex determination occurs at conception, when sex chromosomes are segregated following Mendelian laws. However, in multiple reptiles and fishes, this genetic sex can be overridden by external factors after fertilization or birth. In some species, the genetic sex may also be governed by multiple genes, further limiting our understanding of sex determination in such species. We used the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) as a model and combined genomic (using a single nucleotide polymorphism chip) and transcriptomic (RNA-Sequencing) approaches to thoroughly depict this polygenic sex determination system and its interaction with temperature. We estimated genetic sex tendency (eGST), defined as the estimated genetic liability to become a given sex under a liability threshold model for sex determination, which accurately predicts the future phenotypic sex. We found evidence that energetic pathways, concerning the regulation of lipids and glucose, are involved in sex determination and could explain why females tend to exhibit higher energy levels and improved growth compared to males. Besides, early exposure to high-temperature up-regulated sox3, followed by sox9a in individuals with intermediate eGST, but not in individuals showing highly female-biased eGST, providing the most parsimonious explanation for temperature-induced masculinization. This gonadal state was maintained likely by DNA methylation and the up-regulation of several genes involved in histone modifications, including jmjd1c Overall, we describe a sex determination system resulting from continuous genetic and environmental influences in an animal. Our results provide significant progress in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying temperature-induced masculinization in fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Geffroy
- MARBEC Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas-les-Flots, France;
| | - Mathieu Besson
- SYSAAF, Station LPGP/INRAE, 35042 Rennes, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Núria Sánchez-Baizán
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Spanish National Research Council, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Frederic Clota
- MARBEC Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas-les-Flots, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Bastien Sadoul
- MARBEC Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas-les-Flots, France
- ESE, Ecology and Ecosystem Health, Institut Agro, INRAE, Rennes, France
| | - François Ruelle
- Laboratoire Service d'Expérimentations Aquacoles, Ifremer, Palavas-les-Flots, France
| | - Marie-Odile Blanc
- Laboratoire Service d'Expérimentations Aquacoles, Ifremer, Palavas-les-Flots, France
| | - Hugues Parrinello
- MGX, BCM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Sophie Hermet
- MARBEC Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Eva Blondeau-Bidet
- MARBEC Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Marine Pratlong
- MGX, BCM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Francesc Piferrer
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Spanish National Research Council, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Vandeputte
- MARBEC Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas-les-Flots, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - François Allal
- MARBEC Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas-les-Flots, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hui HB, Xiao L, Sun W, Zhou YJ, Zhang HY, Ge CT. Sox9 is indispensable for testis differentiation in the red-eared slider turtle, a reptile with temperature-dependent sex determination. Zool Res 2021; 42:721-725. [PMID: 34581032 PMCID: PMC8645876 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2021.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hang-Bo Hui
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, China
| | - Ling Xiao
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, China
| | - Ying-Jie Zhou
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, China
| | - Hai-Yan Zhang
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, China
| | - Chu-Tian Ge
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, China. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Migale R, Neumann M, Lovell-Badge R. Long-Range Regulation of Key Sex Determination Genes. Sex Dev 2021; 15:360-380. [PMID: 34753143 DOI: 10.1159/000519891] [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: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of sexually dimorphic gonads is a unique process that starts with the specification of the bipotential genital ridges and culminates with the development of fully differentiated ovaries and testes in females and males, respectively. Research on sex determination has been mostly focused on the identification of sex determination genes, the majority of which encode for proteins and specifically transcription factors such as SOX9 in the testes and FOXL2 in the ovaries. Our understanding of which factors may be critical for sex determination have benefited from the study of human disorders of sex development (DSD) and animal models, such as the mouse and the goat, as these often replicate the same phenotypes observed in humans when mutations or chromosomic rearrangements arise in protein-coding genes. Despite the advances made so far in explaining the role of key factors such as SRY, SOX9, and FOXL2 and the genes they control, what may regulate these factors upstream is not entirely understood, often resulting in the inability to correctly diagnose DSD patients. The role of non-coding DNA, which represents 98% of the human genome, in sex determination has only recently begun to be fully appreciated. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the long-range regulation of 2 important sex determination genes, SOX9 and FOXL2, and discuss the challenges that lie ahead and the many avenues of research yet to be explored in the sex determination field.
Collapse
|
5
|
Yang F, Ye H, Takeuchi Y, Liu F, Xu D. Characterization of the sex differentiation and gonadal development in small yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) and its hybrid (L. polyactis ♀ × L. crocea ♂). FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2021; 47:1467-1476. [PMID: 34324095 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-021-00975-0] [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: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Interspecific hybridization has been considered as a possible approach to improve biological traits and has been applied in aquaculture practices. In the present study, artificial hybridization was carried out in the small yellow croaker (SYC; Larimichthys polyactis) ♀ × large yellow croaker (LYC; L. crocea) ♂ by artificial insemination, and the processes of sex differentiation and gonadal development in SYC and its hybrid were investigated under controlled conditions. Histological analysis of SYC larvae showed that migrating primordial germ cells (PGCs) were observed at 4 days post-hatching (dph), a genital ridge was formed on the dorsal side of the peritoneum at 6 dph, and a pair of primary gonads was first observed at 10 dph. Signs of the differentiated ovary and ovarian cavity were observed at 45 dph. However, some presumptive testes showed alterations in morphology, including an increase in the number of oocytes and an enhanced basophilia at 50 dph. These presumptive testes seemed to alter again, and numerous gonial cells were arranged in cyst-like groups with several degenerating oocytes that developed into residual body-like structures during 60-90 dph. Compared with SYC, the hybrid had a lower number of PGCs and showed retarded gonadal development at the early stage. Ovarian differentiation in the hybrid was observed at 50 dph, while testicular differentiation occurred at 60 dph. The presence of vitellogenic oocytes and spermatozoa at 360 dph in the hybrids suggested that hybrid individuals can undergo successful gametogenesis in females and males, respectively. Overall, the present results suggest that morphological sex differentiation occurred at 40 and 50 dph in SYC and its hybrid, respectively, both of which have normal gametogenesis. Moreover, some level of heterosis (hybrid vigor) occurred in the growth of the hybrid (total length and body weight) compared with that in the growth of SCY over time. Gonadal development of the hybrid was also found to be advanced at 360 dph. The present information will contribute to the potential use and management of these fish for aquaculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yang
- Key Lab of Mariculture and Enhancement of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, 316021, China
- College of Fisheries, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316022, China
- Department of Marine Biosciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 108-8477, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Huan Ye
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, 430223, China
| | - Yutaka Takeuchi
- Noto Center for Fisheries Science and Technology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa, 927-0552, Japan
| | - Feng Liu
- Key Lab of Mariculture and Enhancement of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, 316021, China
| | - Dongdong Xu
- Key Lab of Mariculture and Enhancement of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, 316021, China.
- College of Fisheries, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316022, China.
- Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, 316100, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Han J, Hu Y, Qi Y, Yuan C, Naeem S, Huang D. High temperature induced masculinization of zebrafish by down-regulation of sox9b and esr1 via DNA methylation. J Environ Sci (China) 2021; 107:160-170. [PMID: 34412779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2021.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Elevated temperature could influence the sex differentiation by altering the expression of sex-related genes in fish. However, the underlying mechanisms by which the gene expression is altered remain poorly understood. Here, we aimed to explore the role of DNA methylation in sex differentiation of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in response to elevated temperature. The results showed that high temperature (33°C) exposure of fish from 20 to 30 days post fertilization (dpf), compared to normal temperature (28°C), resulted in male-biased sex ratio and decreased expression of female-related genes including cyp19a1a, sox9b and esr1. Meanwhile, the expressions of DNA methyltransferases dnmt3a1 and dnmt3a2, and the DNA methylation levels in sox9b and esr1 promoter were significantly increased by high temperature, strongly implying that DNA methylation is involved in high temperature-induced masculinization of zebrafish. Co-treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (a DNA methylation inhibitor) attenuated the high temperature-induced masculinizing effect, recovered the expression of esr1 and sox9b, suppressed the transcription of dnmt3a1 and dnmt3a2, and decreased the methylation of esr1 and sox9b promoter, further confirming that DNA methylation plays an important role in high temperature-induced masculinization of zebrafish. Furthermore, the methylation of sox9b promoter decreased the enrichment of transcription factor CREB (cAMP-responsive element binding proteins). Overall, these findings suggest that high temperature induce masculinization of zebrafish by down-regulation of female-related genes via DNA methylation, providing a new insight in understanding the epigenetic mechanism of thermal-mediated sex differentiation in fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiangyuan Han
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yan Hu
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yongmei Qi
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Cong Yuan
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Sajid Naeem
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Dejun Huang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China..
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yan YL, Titus T, Desvignes T, BreMiller R, Batzel P, Sydes J, Farnsworth D, Dillon D, Wegner J, Phillips JB, Peirce J, Dowd J, Buck CL, Miller A, Westerfield M, Postlethwait JH. A fish with no sex: gonadal and adrenal functions partition between zebrafish NR5A1 co-orthologs. Genetics 2021; 217:6043928. [PMID: 33724412 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyaa030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
People with NR5A1 mutations experience testicular dysgenesis, ovotestes, or adrenal insufficiency, but we do not completely understand the origin of this phenotypic diversity. NR5A1 is expressed in gonadal soma precursor cells before expression of the sex-determining gene SRY. Many fish have two co-orthologs of NR5A1 that likely partitioned ancestral gene subfunctions between them. To explore ancestral roles of NR5A1, we knocked out nr5a1a and nr5a1b in zebrafish. Single-cell RNA-seq identified nr5a1a-expressing cells that co-expressed genes for steroid biosynthesis and the chemokine receptor Cxcl12a in 1-day postfertilization (dpf) embryos, as does the mammalian adrenal-gonadal (interrenal-gonadal) primordium. In 2dpf embryos, nr5a1a was expressed stronger in the interrenal-gonadal primordium than in the early hypothalamus but nr5a1b showed the reverse. Adult Leydig cells expressed both ohnologs and granulosa cells expressed nr5a1a stronger than nr5a1b. Mutants for nr5a1a lacked the interrenal, formed incompletely differentiated testes, had no Leydig cells, and grew far larger than normal fish. Mutants for nr5a1b formed a disorganized interrenal and their gonads completely disappeared. All homozygous mutant genotypes lacked secondary sex characteristics, including male breeding tubercles and female sex papillae, and had exceedingly low levels of estradiol, 11-ketotestosterone, and cortisol. RNA-seq showed that at 21dpf, some animals were developing as females and others were not, independent of nr5a1 genotype. By 35dpf, all mutant genotypes greatly under-expressed ovary-biased genes. Because adult nr5a1a mutants form gonads but lack an interrenal and conversely, adult nr5a1b mutants lack a gonad but have an interrenal, the adrenal, and gonadal functions of the ancestral nr5a1 gene partitioned between ohnologs after the teleost genome duplication, likely owing to reciprocal loss of ancestral tissue-specific regulatory elements. Identifying such elements could provide hints to otherwise unexplained cases of Differences in Sex Development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lin Yan
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Tom Titus
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Thomas Desvignes
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Ruth BreMiller
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Peter Batzel
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Jason Sydes
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Dylan Farnsworth
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Danielle Dillon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Jeremy Wegner
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | | | - Judy Peirce
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - John Dowd
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | | | - Charles Loren Buck
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Adam Miller
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Monte Westerfield
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sox9a, not sox9b is required for normal cartilage development in zebrafish. AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aaf.2019.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
9
|
Vining B, Ming Z, Bagheri-Fam S, Harley V. Diverse Regulation but Conserved Function: SOX9 in Vertebrate Sex Determination. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12040486. [PMID: 33810596 PMCID: PMC8066042 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex determination occurs early during embryogenesis among vertebrates. It involves the differentiation of the bipotential gonad to ovaries or testes by a fascinating diversity of molecular switches. In most mammals, the switch is SRY (sex determining region Y); in other vertebrates it could be one of a variety of genes including Dmrt1 or dmy. Downstream of the switch gene, SOX9 upregulation is a central event in testes development, controlled by gonad-specific enhancers across the 2 Mb SOX9 locus. SOX9 is a ‘hub’ gene of gonadal development, regulated positively in males and negatively in females. Despite this diversity, SOX9 protein sequence and function among vertebrates remains highly conserved. This article explores the cellular, morphological, and genetic mechanisms initiated by SOX9 for male gonad differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Vining
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia; (B.V.); (Z.M.); (S.B.-F.)
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Zhenhua Ming
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia; (B.V.); (Z.M.); (S.B.-F.)
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Stefan Bagheri-Fam
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia; (B.V.); (Z.M.); (S.B.-F.)
| | - Vincent Harley
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia; (B.V.); (Z.M.); (S.B.-F.)
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-3-8572-2527
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
The Role of DNA Methylation Reprogramming during Sex Determination and Transition in Zebrafish. GENOMICS PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2021; 19:48-63. [PMID: 33610791 PMCID: PMC8640932 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a prevalent epigenetic modification in vertebrates, and it has been shown to be involved the regulation of gene expression and embryo development. However, it remains unclear how DNA methylation regulates sexual development, especially in species without sex chromosomes. To determine this, we utilized zebrafish to investigate DNA methylation reprogramming during juvenile germ cell development and adult female-to-male sex transition. We reveal that primordial germ cells (PGCs) undergo significant DNA methylation reprogramming during germ cell development, and the methylome of PGCs is reset to an oocyte/ovary-like pattern at 9 days post fertilization (9 dpf). When DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activity in juveniles was blocked after 9 dpf, the zebrafish developed into females. We also show that Tet3 is involved in PGC development. Notably, we find that DNA methylome reprogramming during adult zebrafish sex transition is similar to the reprogramming during the sex differentiation from 9 dpf PGCs to sperm. Furthermore, inhibiting DNMT activity can prevent the female-to-male sex transition, suggesting that methylation reprogramming is required for zebrafish sex transition. In summary, DNA methylation plays important roles in zebrafish germ cell development and sexual plasticity.
Collapse
|
11
|
Nagahama Y, Chakraborty T, Paul-Prasanth B, Ohta K, Nakamura M. Sex determination, gonadal sex differentiation, and plasticity in vertebrate species. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:1237-1308. [PMID: 33180655 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00044.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A diverse array of sex determination (SD) mechanisms, encompassing environmental to genetic, have been found to exist among vertebrates, covering a spectrum from fixed SD mechanisms (mammals) to functional sex change in fishes (sequential hermaphroditic fishes). A major landmark in vertebrate SD was the discovery of the SRY gene in 1990. Since that time, many attempts to clone an SRY ortholog from nonmammalian vertebrates remained unsuccessful, until 2002, when DMY/dmrt1by was discovered as the SD gene of a small fish, medaka. Surprisingly, however, DMY/dmrt1by was found in only 2 species among more than 20 species of medaka, suggesting a large diversity of SD genes among vertebrates. Considerable progress has been made over the last 3 decades, such that it is now possible to formulate reasonable paradigms of how SD and gonadal sex differentiation may work in some model vertebrate species. This review outlines our current understanding of vertebrate SD and gonadal sex differentiation, with a focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved. An impressive number of genes and factors have been discovered that play important roles in testicular and ovarian differentiation. An antagonism between the male and female pathway genes exists in gonads during both sex differentiation and, surprisingly, even as adults, suggesting that, in addition to sex-changing fishes, gonochoristic vertebrates including mice maintain some degree of gonadal sexual plasticity into adulthood. Importantly, a review of various SD mechanisms among vertebrates suggests that this is the ideal biological event that can make us understand the evolutionary conundrums underlying speciation and species diversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Nagahama
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan.,South Ehime Fisheries Research Center, Ehime University, Ainan, Japan.,Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Tapas Chakraborty
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan.,South Ehime Fisheries Research Center, Ehime University, Ainan, Japan.,Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukouka, Japan.,Karatsu Satellite of Aqua-Bioresource Innovation Center, Kyushu University, Karatsu, Japan
| | - Bindhu Paul-Prasanth
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan.,Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Kohei Ohta
- Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukouka, Japan
| | - Masaru Nakamura
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.,Research Center, Okinawa Churashima Foundation, Okinawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Akemann C, Meyer DN, Gurdziel K, Baker TR. TCDD-induced multi- and transgenerational changes in the methylome of male zebrafish gonads. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2020; 6:dvaa010. [PMID: 33214906 PMCID: PMC7660120 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvaa010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The legacy endocrine disrupting chemical and aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), is produced as a byproduct of industrial processes and causes adverse health effects ranging from skin irritation to cancer. TCDD endpoints are also observed in subsequent, unexposed generations; however, the mechanisms of these multi- and transgenerational effects are unknown. We hypothesized an epigenetic mechanism, specifically DNA methylation for the transgenerational, male-mediated reproductive effects of developmental TCDD exposure. Using whole genome bisulfite sequencing, we evaluated DNA methylation changes in three generations of zebrafish, the first of which was exposed to TCDD during sexual development at 50 ppt for 1 h at both 3- and 7-week post-fertilization. We discovered that TCDD induces multi- and transgenerational methylomic changes in testicular tissue from zebrafish with decreased reproductive capacity, but most significantly in the indirectly exposed F1 generation. In comparing differentially methylated genes to concurrent transcriptomic changes, we identified several genes and pathways through which transgenerational effects of low level TCDD exposure are likely inherited. These include significant differential methylation of genes involved in reproduction, endocrine function, xenobiotic metabolism, and epigenetic processing. Notably, a number of histone modification genes were both differentially methylated and expressed in all generations, and many differentially methylated genes overlapped between multiple generations. Collectively, our results suggest that DNA methylation is a promising mechanism to explain male-mediated transgenerational reproductive effects of TCDD exposure in zebrafish, and these effects are likely inherited through integration of multiple epigenetic pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camille Akemann
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, 5135 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Danielle N Meyer
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, 5135 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Katherine Gurdziel
- School of Medicine, Applied Genome Technology Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, 261 E Hancock St, Detroit, MI, 4820, USA
| | - Tracie R Baker
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, 5135 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yu G, Liu X, Zhang D, Wang J, Ouyang G, Chen Z, Xiao W. Zebrafish Nedd8 facilitates ovarian development and the maintenance of female secondary sexual characteristics via suppression of androgen receptor activity. Development 2020; 147:147/18/dev194886. [PMID: 32978241 DOI: 10.1242/dev.194886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Nedd8 is a ubiquitin-like protein that covalently conjugates to target proteins through neddylation. In addition to cullin-RING ligases, neddylation also modifies non-cullin proteins to regulate protein activity, stability and localization. However, the roles of NEDD8 remain largely unknown in vivo Here, we found that loss of nedd8 in female zebrafish led to defects in oogenesis, disrupted oocyte maturation and stimulated growth of the breeding tubercles (BTs) on the pectoral fins. The BTs are normally present in males, not females. However, the loss of one copy of ar can partially rescue the phenotypes displayed by nedd8-null female zebrafish. Further assays indicated that Nedd8 conjugates to Ar and Ar is neddylated at lysine 475 and lysine 862. Moreover, Nedd8 conjugation efficiently suppressed Ar transcriptional activity. Lysine 862 (K862) of Ar is the key site modified by neddylation to modulate Ar transcriptional activity. Thus, our results not only demonstrated that Nedd8 modulates ovarian maturation and the maintenance of female secondary sexual characteristics of female zebrafish in vivo, but also indicated that androgen signaling is strictly regulated by nedd8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangqing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China.,Department of Fisheries, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Xing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Dawei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Gang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Zhu Chen
- Department of Reproduction, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430070, P. R. China
| | - Wuhan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China .,Department of Fisheries, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China.,The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ye M, Chen Y. Zebrafish as an emerging model to study gonad development. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:2373-2380. [PMID: 32994895 PMCID: PMC7498840 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a popular model organism in developmental biology and pharmacogenetics due to its attribute of pathway conservation. Coupled with the availability of robust genetic and transgenic tools, transparent embryos and rapid larval development, studies of zebrafish allow detailed cellular analysis of many dynamic processes. In recent decades, the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the process of gonad development have been the subject of intense research using zebrafish models. In this mini-review, we give a brief overview of these studies, and highlight the essential genes involved in sex determination and gonad development in zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengling Ye
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University and Department of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ye Chen
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University and Department of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sone R, Taimatsu K, Ohga R, Nishimura T, Tanaka M, Kawahara A. Critical roles of the ddx5 gene in zebrafish sex differentiation and oocyte maturation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14157. [PMID: 32873816 PMCID: PMC7463030 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71143-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
DEAD-box helicase 5 (Ddx5) functions as an ATP-dependent RNA helicase and as a transcriptional coactivator for several transcription factors; however, the developmental function of the ddx5 gene in vertebrates is not fully understood. We found that the zebrafish ddx5 gene was expressed in developing gonads. Using the genome editing technology transcription activator-like effector nuclease, we established a ddx5-disrupted zebrafish and examined the morphological phenotypes of the mutant. We found that the majority of ddx5-deficient mutants developed as fertile males with normal testes and a small number of ddx5-deficient mutants developed as infertile females with small ovaries. Apoptotic cell death at 31 days post fertilization was increased in thick immature gonads (presumptive developing ovaries) of the ddx5-deficient mutant compared to those of heterozygous wild-type fish, while the number of apoptotic cells in thin immature gonads (presumptive developing testes) was comparable between the mutant and wild-type animals. Histological analysis revealed that ovaries of adult ddx5-deficient females had fewer vitellogenic oocytes and a larger number of stage I and II oocytes. The amount of cyclic adenosine monophosphate in the ddx5-deficient ovaries was high compared to that of wild-type ovaries, presumably leading to the mitotic arrest of oocyte maturation. Therefore, the ddx5 gene is dispensable for testis development, but it is essential for female sex differentiation and oocyte maturation in zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Sone
- Laboratory for Developmental Biology, Center for Medical Education and Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan
| | - Kiyohito Taimatsu
- Laboratory for Developmental Biology, Center for Medical Education and Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan
| | - Rie Ohga
- Laboratory for Developmental Biology, Center for Medical Education and Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan
| | - Toshiya Nishimura
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan.,Faculty of Fisheries Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 041-8611, Japan
| | - Minoru Tanaka
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan
| | - Atsuo Kawahara
- Laboratory for Developmental Biology, Center for Medical Education and Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mani R, Balasubramanian S, Raghunath A, Perumal E. Chronic exposure to copper oxide nanoparticles causes muscle toxicity in adult zebrafish. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:27358-27369. [PMID: 31388954 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06095-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Repeated deposition of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) into aquatic systems makes them a global threat since the NPs accumulate in various organs of the fish particularly skeletal muscle. In the present study, adult zebrafish were exposed to different concentrations of CuO-NPs (1 and 3 mg/L) for a period of 30 days. The status of functional markers (acetylcholinesterase, creatine kinase-MB, and lactate dehydrogenase) and oxidative stress markers (oxidants and antioxidants) were analyzed. The histological changes in muscle were studied followed by the immunohistochemistry expression for catalase. Further, the expression of myoD, myogenin, pax7, β-actin, and desmin was examined by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The results indicated that chronic exposure to CuO-NPs causes muscular damage as evidenced by elevated levels of functional markers. There was a significant increase in the oxidants with reduction in the antioxidant levels, implying that the antioxidant enzymes were unable to scavenge the free radicals induced by the CuO-NPs. The histopathological analysis showed degeneration and atrophy in the treated groups confirming muscle damage. The immunohistochemical catalase expression in the muscle was reduced in the treated groups further supporting the evidence that the antioxidant has suffered a decline. The altered gene expression indicates skeletal muscle damage due to the CuO-NPs exposure. Overall, the data suggest that chronic exposure to CuO-NPs caused muscular toxicity which may lead to muscle degeneration in adult zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Mani
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641 046, India
| | | | - Azhwar Raghunath
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641 046, India
| | - Ekambaram Perumal
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641 046, India.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Huang X, Qin Q, Gong K, Wu C, Zhou Y, Chen Q, Feng W, Xing Y, Wang C, Wang Y, Cao L, Tao M, Liu S. Comparative analyses of the Sox9a-Amh-Cyp19a1a regulatory Cascade in Autotetraploid fish and its diploid parent. BMC Genet 2020; 21:35. [PMID: 32199463 PMCID: PMC7085200 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-020-00840-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autotetraploid Carassius auratus (4nRCC, 4n = 200, RRRR) was derived from the whole genome duplication of diploid red crucian carp (Carassius auratus red var.) (2nRCC, 2n = 100, RR). To investigate the genetic effects of tetraploidization, we analyzed DNA variation, epigenetic modification and gene expression changes in the Sox9a-Amh-Cyp19a1a regulatory cascade between 4nRCC and 2nRCC. RESULTS We found that the Sox9a gene contained two variants in 2nRCC and four variants in 4nRCC. Compared with that in 2nRCC, DNA methylation in the promoter regions of the Amh and Cyp19a1a genes in 4nRCC was altered by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mutations, which resulted in the insertions and deletions of CpG sites, and the methylation levels of the Sox9a, Amh and Cyp19a1a genes increased after tetraploidization. The gene expression level of the Sox9a-Amh-Cyp19a1a regulatory cascade was downregulated in 4nRCC compared with that in 2nRCC. CONCLUSION The above results demonstrate that tetraploidization leads to significant changes in the genome, epigenetic modification and gene expression in the Sox9a-Amh-Cyp19a1a regulatory cascade; these findings increase the extant knowledge regarding the effects of polyploidization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Qinbo Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Kaijun Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Chang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yuwei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Qian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Wenjing Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yiying Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Chongqing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yude Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Liu Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Min Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China
| | - Shaojun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhang C, Li D, Ge T, Han J, Qi Y, Huang D. 2,4-Dichlorophenol induces feminization of zebrafish (Danio rerio) via DNA methylation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 708:135084. [PMID: 31780173 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
2,4-Dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) is a ubiquitous contaminant of aquatic environments with an estrogenic effect on fish. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this effect remains elusive. To this end, the present study aimed to explore the effect of 2,4-DCP on sex differentiation and its relevant mechanism in zebrafish (Danio rerio). The results showed that a female-biased sex ratio was induced after exposing larval zebrafish to 2,4-DCP (0-160 μg/L) from 20 to 50 days post fertilization (dpf). The feminization of zebrafish was accompanied by decreased expression of male-related genes (sox9a, amh and dmrt1) under 2,4-DCP from 20 to 50 dpf. However, the expression of female-related genes (cyp19a1a, foxl2 and esr1) was also suppressed. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that the methylation level of sox9a promoter was significantly increased, which may result in the significantly decreased expression of sox9a and ultimately the feminization effect of 2,4-DCP on zebrafish. In addition, 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-AZA), a methyltransferase inhibitor, significantly reduced the methylation level, increased the expression of sox9a, and partly impaired the feminization effect caused by 2,4-DCP, which further confirmed the importance of DNA methylation of sox9a in 2,4-DCP-induced feminization. These findings provide novel insights into the epigenetic mechanisms of DCP-induced estrogenic effect in fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Dong Li
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Tingting Ge
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jiangyuan Han
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yongmei Qi
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Dejun Huang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Yuan C, Zhang C, Qi Y, Li D, Hu Y, Huang D. 2,4-Dichlorophenol induced feminization of zebrafish by down-regulating male-related genes through DNA methylation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 189:110042. [PMID: 31816500 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.110042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
2,4-Dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) is ubiquitous in aquatic environment and has potential estrogenic effect on fish. However, the effect of 2,4-DCP on sex differentiation of zebrafish (Danio rerio) and the underlying mechanism are largely unknown. To address these questions, zebrafish larvae at 20 or 30 days post fertilization (dpf) were exposed to 2,4-DCP (0, 80 and 160 μg L-1) with/without 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5AZA, 50 μg L-1) for 10 days. The sex ratios and the expressions of male-related genes including amh, gata4, nr5a1a, nr5a2 and sox9a were analyzed. In addition, the DNA methylation levels of amh, nr5a2 and sox9a were examined. The results showed that 2,4-DCP exposure resulted in significant increase of female ratios both in 20-30 and 30-40 dpf groups. Correspondingly, the expressions of gata4, nr5a1a, nr5a2 and sox9a were decreased by 2,4-DCP exposure in two treatment periods. However, the transcript of amh was decreased by 2,4-DCP exposure only from 30 to 40 dpf. The DNA methylation levels of amh, nr5a2 and sox9a were increased following 2,4-DCP exposure. Moreover, the addition of 5AZA could counteract the effects including feminization, disturbance of gene expression and DNA hypermethylation caused by 2,4-DCP. These results indicated that the feminizing effect of 2,4-DCP was accomplished by regulating the expression of male-related genes through DNA methylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cong Yuan
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yongmei Qi
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Dong Li
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yan Hu
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Dejun Huang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chen L, Wang L, Cheng Q, Tu YX, Yang Z, Li RZ, Luo ZH, Chen ZX. Anti-masculinization induced by aromatase inhibitors in adult female zebrafish. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:22. [PMID: 31910818 PMCID: PMC6947999 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6437-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Early sex differentiation genes of zebrafish remain an unsolved mystery due to the difficulty to distinguish the sex of juvenile zebrafish. However, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) could direct juvenile zebrafish sex differentiation to male and even induce ovary-to-testis reversal in adult zebrafish. Results In order to determine the transcriptomic changes of sex differentiation in juvenile zebrafish and early sex-reversal in adult zebrafish, we sequenced the transcriptomes of juvenile and adult zebrafish treated with AI exemestane (EM) for 32 days, when juvenile zebrafish sex differentiation finished. EM treatment in females up-regulated the expression of genes involved in estrogen metabolic process, female gamete generation and oogenesis, including gsdf, macf1a and paqr5a, while down-regulated the expression of vitellogenin (vtg) genes, including vtg6, vtg2, vtg4, and vtg7 due to the lower level of Estradiol (E2). Furthermore, EM-juveniles showed up-regulation in genes related to cell death and apoptosis, such as bcl2l16 and anax1c, while the control-juveniles exhibited up-regulation of genes involved in positive regulation of reproductive process and oocyte differentiation such as zar1 and zpcx. Moreover, EM-females showed higher enrichment than control females in genes involved in VEGF signaling pathway, glycosaminoglycan degradation, hedgehog signaling pathway, GnRH signaling pathway and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Conclusions Our study shows anti-masculinization in EM-treated adult females but not in EM-treated juveniles. This may be responsible for the lower sex plasticity in adults than juveniles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, People's Republic of China.,College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, People's Republic of China.,College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiwei Cheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, People's Republic of China.,College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Xuan Tu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, People's Republic of China.,College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuang Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, People's Republic of China.,College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Run-Ze Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, People's Republic of China.,College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Hui Luo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, People's Republic of China.,College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Xia Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, People's Republic of China. .,College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Feng K, Cui X, Song Y, Tao B, Chen J, Wang J, Liu S, Sun Y, Zhu Z, Trudeau VL, Hu W. Gnrh3 Regulates PGC Proliferation and Sex Differentiation in Developing Zebrafish. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5638064. [PMID: 31758175 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqz024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gnrh) plays important roles in reproduction by stimulating luteinizing hormone release, and subsequently ovulation and sperm release, ultimately controlling reproduction in many species. Here we report on a new role for this decapeptide. Surprisingly, Gnrh3-null zebrafish generated by CRISPR/Cas9 exhibited a male-biased sex ratio. After the dome stage, the number of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in gnrh3-/- fish was lower than that in wild-type, an effect that was partially rescued by gnrh3 overexpression. A terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) analysis revealed no detectable apoptosis of PGCs in gnrh3-/- embryos. Proliferating PGCs could be detected in wild-type embryos, while there was no detectable signal in gnrh3-/- embryos. Compared with wild type, the phosphorylation of AKT was not significantly different in gnrh3-/- embryos, but the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 decreased significantly. Treatment with a Gnrh analog (Alarelin) induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and increased PGC numbers in both wild-type and gnrh3-/- embryos, and this was blocked by the MEK inhibitor PD0325901. The relative expression of sox9a, amh, and cyp11b were significantly upregulated, while cyp19a1a was significantly downregulated at 18 days post-fertilization in gnrh3-/- zebrafish. Taken together, these results indicate that Gnrh3 plays an important role in early sex differentiation by regulating the proliferation of PGCs through a MAPK-dependent path.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuefan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanlong Song
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Binbin Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Ji Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Shaojun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yonghua Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zuoyan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhu J, Zhang D, Liu X, Yu G, Cai X, Xu C, Rong F, Ouyang G, Wang J, Xiao W. Zebrafish prmt5 arginine methyltransferase is essential for germ cell development. Development 2019; 146:dev.179572. [PMID: 31533925 DOI: 10.1242/dev.179572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (Prmt5), a type II arginine methyltransferase, symmetrically dimethylates arginine in nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. Prmt5 is involved in a variety of cellular processes, including ribosome biogenesis, cellular differentiation, germ cell development and tumorigenesis. However, the mechanisms by which prmt5 influences cellular processes have remained unclear. Here, prmt5 loss in zebrafish led to the expression of an infertile male phenotype due to a reduction in germ cell number, an increase in germ cell apoptosis and the failure of gonads to differentiate into normal testes or ovaries. Moreover, arginine methylation of the germ cell-specific proteins Zili and Vasa, as well as histones H3 (H3R8me2s) and H4 (H4R3me2s), was reduced in the gonads of prmt5-null zebrafish. This resulted in the downregulation of several Piwi pathway proteins, including Zili, and Vasa. In addition, various genes related to meiosis, gonad development and sexual differentiation were dysregulated in the gonads of prmt5-null zebrafish. Our results revealed a novel mechanism associated with prmt5, i.e. prmt5 apparently controls germ cell development in vertebrates by catalyzing arginine methylation of the germline-specific proteins Zili and Vasa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junji Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, People's Republic of China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Dawei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangqing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolian Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenxi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangjing Rong
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, People's Republic of China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, People's Republic of China
| | - Wuhan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, People's Republic of China .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan 430072, People's Republic of China.,The Key of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, People's Republic of China.,The Innovation of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Oakes JA, Li N, Wistow BRC, Griffin A, Barnard L, Storbeck KH, Cunliffe VT, Krone NP. Ferredoxin 1b Deficiency Leads to Testis Disorganization, Impaired Spermatogenesis, and Feminization in Zebrafish. Endocrinology 2019; 160:2401-2416. [PMID: 31322700 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The roles of steroids in zebrafish sex differentiation, gonadal development, and function of the adult gonad are poorly understood. Herein, we used ferredoxin 1b (fdx1b) mutant zebrafish to explore such processes. Fdx1b is an essential electron-providing cofactor to mitochondrial steroidogenic enzymes, which are crucial for glucocorticoid and androgen production in vertebrates. Fdx1b-/- zebrafish mutants develop into viable adults in which concentrations of androgens and cortisol are significantly reduced. Adult fdx1b-/- mutant zebrafish display predominantly female secondary sex characteristics but may possess either ovaries or testes, confirming that androgen signaling is dispensable for testicular differentiation in this species, as previously demonstrated in androgen receptor mutant zebrafish. Adult male fdx1b-/- mutant zebrafish exhibit reduced characteristic breeding behaviors and impaired sperm production, resulting in infertility in standard breeding scenarios. However, eggs collected from wild-type females can be fertilized by the sperm of fdx1b-/- mutant males by in vitro fertilization. The testes of fdx1b-/- mutant males are disorganized and lack defined seminiferous tubule structure. Expression of several promale and spermatogenic genes is decreased in the testes of fdx1b-/- mutant males, including promale transcription factor sox9a and spermatogenic genes igf3 and insl3. This study establishes an androgen- and cortisol-deficient fdx1b zebrafish mutant as a model for understanding the effects of steroid deficiency on sex development and reproductive function. This model will be particularly useful for further investigation of the roles of steroids in spermatogenesis, gonadal development, and regulation of reproductive behavior, thus enabling further elucidation of the physiological consequences of endocrine disruption in vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James A Oakes
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, School of Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- The Bateson Centre, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, School of Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- The Bateson Centre, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Belinda R C Wistow
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, School of Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- The Bateson Centre, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Aliesha Griffin
- Epilepsy Research Laboratory and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neurologic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Lise Barnard
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa
| | - Karl-Heinz Storbeck
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa
| | - Vincent T Cunliffe
- The Bateson Centre, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Nils P Krone
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, School of Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- The Bateson Centre, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Jiang YX, Shi WJ, Ma DD, Zhang JN, Ying GG, Zhang H, Ong CN. Male-biased zebrafish sex differentiation and metabolomics profile changes caused by dydrogesterone. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 214:105242. [PMID: 31319296 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.105242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Some progestins, including the widely used dydrogesterone (DDG), have been shown to cause male-biased sex ratio in teleost. However, there is a gap to fully understand the mechanisms of the sex differentiation disturbance by progestins, particularly from the metabolic aspect. We thus aimed to examine the sex changes by exposing zebrafish embryos to 4.4 (L), 44 (M) and 440 (H) ng/L DDG for up to 140 days, and investigated metabolomic profile changes during the critical period of sex differentiation at fry stage (35 dpf). DDG increased the percentage of male zebrafish in a dose-dependent manner, with 98% male fish in the high concentration group. In zebrafish fry, DDG increased the levels of some free fatty acids, monoglycerides, acylcarnitines, organic acids, free amino acids, while decreased lysophospholipids, uric acid and bile acids. DDG exposure also decreased the nucleoside monophosphates and UDP-sugars while increased nucleosides and their bases. These metabolite changes, namely increase in n-3 PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids), myo-inositol, taurine, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, lactic acid, fumaric acid, and uracil, and decrease in uric acid and bile acids, might account for the male-biased sex ratio in zebrafish. It appears that many of these metabolites could inhibit several pathways that regulate zebrafish gonad differentiation, including NF-κB/COX-2 and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, and activate p53 pathway. Thus we proposed a hypothesis that DDG might induce oocytes apoptosis through the above pathways and finally lead to female-to-male sex reversal. The results from this study suggest that DDG at environmentally relevant concentrations could affect zebrafish metabolomic profiles and finally disturb fish sex differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xia Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; 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; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, 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
| | - 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
| | - Jin-Na Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; 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; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, 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.
| | - Hui Zhang
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Choon-Nam Ong
- School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, 117547, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Li J, Dedloff MR, Stevens K, Maney L, Prochaska M, Hongay CF, Wallace KN. A novel group of secretory cells regulates development of the immature intestinal stem cell niche through repression of the main signaling pathways driving proliferation. Dev Biol 2019; 456:47-62. [PMID: 31398318 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The intestinal epithelium has constant turnover throughout the life of the organ, with apoptosis of cells at the tips of folds or villi releasing cells into the lumen. Due to constant turnover, epithelial cells need to be constantly replaced. Epithelial cells are supplied by stem cell niches that form at the base of the interfold space (zebrafish) and crypts (birds and mammals). Within the adult stem cell niche of mammals, secretory cells such as Paneth and goblet cells play a role in modulation of proliferation and stem cell activity, producing asymmetric divisions. Progeny of asymmetric divisions move up the fold or villi, giving rise to all of the epithelial cell types. Although much is known about function and organization of the adult intestinal stem cell niche, less is understood about regulation within the immature stem cell compartment. Following smooth muscle formation, the intestinal epithelium folds and proliferation becomes restricted to the interfold base. Symmetric divisions continue in the developing interfold niche until stem cell progeny begin asymmetric divisions, producing progeny that migrate up the developing folds. Proliferative progeny from the developing stem cell niche begin migrating out of the niche during the third week post-embryogenesis (zebrafish) or during the postnatal period (mammals). Regulation and organization of epithelial proliferation in the immature stem cell niche may be regulated by signals comparable to the adult niche. Here we identify a novel subset of secretory cells associated with the developing stem cell niche that receive Notch signaling (referred to as NRSCs). Inhibition of the embryonic NRSCs between 74 hpf to 120 hpf increases epithelial proliferation as well as EGF and IGF signaling. Inhibition of post-embryonic NRSCs (6 hpf to 12 dpf) also increases epithelial proliferation and expression level of Wnt target genes. We conclude that NRSCs play a role in modulation of epithelial proliferation through repression of signaling pathways that drive proliferation during both embryogenesis and the post embryonic period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianlong Li
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
| | | | - Katrina Stevens
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
| | - Lea Maney
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
| | | | - Cintia F Hongay
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ortega-Recalde O, Day RC, Gemmell NJ, Hore TA. Zebrafish preserve global germline DNA methylation while sex-linked rDNA is amplified and demethylated during feminisation. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3053. [PMID: 31311924 PMCID: PMC6635516 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10894-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The germline is the only cellular lineage capable of transferring genetic information from one generation to the next. Intergenerational transmission of epigenetic memory through the germline, in the form of DNA methylation, has been proposed; however, in mammals this is largely prevented by extensive epigenetic erasure during germline definition. Here we report that, unlike mammals, the continuously-defined ‘preformed’ germline of zebrafish does not undergo genome-wide erasure of DNA methylation during development. Our analysis also uncovers oocyte-specific germline amplification and demethylation of an 11.5-kb repeat region encoding 45S ribosomal RNA (fem-rDNA). The peak of fem-rDNA amplification coincides with the initial expansion of stage IB oocytes, the poly-nucleolar cell type responsible for zebrafish feminisation. Given that fem-rDNA overlaps with the only zebrafish locus identified thus far as sex-linked, we hypothesise fem-rDNA expansion could be intrinsic to sex determination in this species. Germline cells transfer genetic information to offspring, and in zebrafish, drive sex determination. Here the authors report that, unlike mammals, the germline of zebrafish does not undergo genome-wide DNA methylation erasure, while amplifying and demethylating sex-linked rDNA during feminisation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert C Day
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Neil J Gemmell
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Timothy A Hore
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Guo H, Du X, Zhang Y, Wu J, Wang C, Li M, Hua X, Zhang XA, Yan J. Specific miRNA-G Protein-Coupled Receptor Networks Regulate Sox9a/Sox9b Activities to Promote Gonadal Rejuvenation in Zebrafish. Stem Cells 2019; 37:1189-1199. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.3040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Huiping Guo
- Department of Developmental Biology; Institute for Marine Biosystem and Neurosciences; People's Republic of China
| | - Xinlu Du
- Department of Developmental Biology; Institute for Marine Biosystem and Neurosciences; People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Developmental Biology; Institute for Marine Biosystem and Neurosciences; People's Republic of China
| | - Jiacheng Wu
- Department of Developmental Biology; Institute for Marine Biosystem and Neurosciences; People's Republic of China
| | - Chenghui Wang
- Department of Aquaculture; Shanghai Ocean University; Lingang New City, Shanghai People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyou Li
- Department of Developmental Biology; Institute for Marine Biosystem and Neurosciences; People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources; Ministry of Education; Shanghai People's Republic of China
| | - Xianxin Hua
- Department of Cancer Biology; University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA
| | - Xin A. Zhang
- Stephenson Cancer Center and Department of Physiology; The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Oklahoma City Oklahoma USA
| | - Jizhou Yan
- Department of Developmental Biology; Institute for Marine Biosystem and Neurosciences; People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources; Ministry of Education; Shanghai People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Carter NJ, Roach ZA, Byrnes MM, Zhu Y. Adamts9 is necessary for ovarian development in zebrafish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 277:130-140. [PMID: 30951722 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Expression of adamts9 (A disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type-1 motif, member 9) increases dramatically in the somatic cells surrounding oocytes during ovulation in vertebrates from zebrafish to human. However, the function of Adamts9 during ovulation has not been determined due to the embryonic lethality of knockouts in mice and Drosophila. To identify the role of Adamts9 during ovulation we generated knockout (adamts9-/-) zebrafish using CRISPR/Cas9 and characterized the effects of the mutation. From 1047 fish generated by crossing adamts9+/- pairs, we found significantly fewer adult adamts9-/- fish (4%) than predicted by Mendelian ratios (25%). Of the mutants found, there was a significant male bias (82%). Only 3 female mutants were identified (7%), and they had small ovaries with few stage III and IV oocytes compared to wildtype (wt) counterparts of comparable size and age. Astoundingly, the remaining mutants (11%) did not appear to have normal testis or ovaries. Instead there was a pair of transparent, ovarian-like membranous shells that filled the abdominal cavity. Histological examination confirmed that shells were largely empty with no internal structure. Surprisingly, seminiferous tubules and various spermatocytes including mature spermatozoa were observed on the periphery of these transparent shells. No female or female like knockouts were observed to release eggs, and no ovulated oocytes were observed in histological sections. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an adamts9 global knockout model in any adult vertebrates and the first description of how gonadal sex and structure are affected- highlighting the importance of Adamts9 during gonadal development and the value of zebrafish as a model organism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Zachary Adam Roach
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville 27858, NC, USA
| | | | - Yong Zhu
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville 27858, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Loss-of-function of sox3 causes follicle development retardation and reduces fecundity in zebrafish. Protein Cell 2018; 10:347-364. [PMID: 30588557 PMCID: PMC6468042 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-018-0603-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Folliculogenesis is essential for production of female gametes in vertebrates. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying follicle development, particularly apoptosis regulation in ovary, remain elusive. Here, we generated sox3 knockout zebrafish lines using CRISPR/Cas9. sox3 knockout led to follicle development retardation and a reduced fecundity in females. Comparative analysis of transcriptome between sox3−/− and wild-type ovaries revealed that Sox3 was involved in pathways of ovarian steroidogenesis and apoptosis. Knockout of sox3 promoted follicle apoptosis and obvious apoptosis signals were detected in somatic cells of stages III and IV follicles of sox3−/− ovaries. Moreover, Sox3 can bind to and activate the promoter of cyp19a1a. Up-regulation of Cyp19a1a expression promoted 17β-estradiol synthesis, which inhibited apoptosis in follicle development. Thus, Sox3 functions as a regulator of Cyp19a1a expression, via 17β-E2 linking apoptosis suppression, which is implicated in improving female fecundity.
Collapse
|
30
|
Zebrafish androgen receptor is required for spermatogenesis and maintenance of ovarian function. Oncotarget 2018; 9:24320-24334. [PMID: 29849943 PMCID: PMC5966271 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is a nuclear receptor protein family member and inducible transcription factor that modulates androgen target gene expression. Studies using a mouse model confirmed the need for ar in reproductive development, particularly spermatogenesis. Here, we investigated the role of ar in zebrafish using CRISPR/Cas9 gene targeting technology. Targeted disruption of ar in zebrafish increases the number of female offspring and increases offspring weight. In addition, ar-null male zebrafish have female secondary sex characteristics. More importantly, targeted disruption of ar in zebrafish causes male infertility via defective spermatogenesis and female premature ovarian failure during growth. Mechanistic assays suggest that these effects are caused by fewer proliferated cells and more apoptotic cells in ar-null testes. Moreover, genes involved in reproductive development, estradiol induction and hormone synthesis were dys-regulated in testes and ovaries and the reproductive-endocrine axis was disordered. Our data thus suggest that the zebrafish ar is required for spermatogenesis and maintenance of ovarian function, which confirms evolutionarily conserved functions of ar in vertebrates, as well as indicates that ar-null zebrafish are a suitable model for studying pathologic mechanisms related to androgen disorders.
Collapse
|
31
|
Wei Y, Huang L, Cao J, Wang C, Yan J. Dietary Safety Assessment of Flk1-Transgenic Fish. Front Physiol 2018; 9:8. [PMID: 29422865 PMCID: PMC5788912 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00008] [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: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic engineering, also called genetic modification, is facing with growing demands of aquaculture and aquatic products. Although various genetically modified (GM) aquatics have been generated, it is important to evaluate biosafety of GM organisms on the human health before entering into our food chain. For this purpose, we establish a zebrafish wild adult feeding Flk1-transgenic larvae model to examine the predatory fish's histology in multiple tissues, and the global gene expression profile in the liver. 180 days of feeding trial show that there are no significantly morphological changes in intestine, liver, kidney, and sex gonads between fish fed with Flk1 transgenic fish diet (TFD) and fish fed with regular food meal (RFM). However, a characteristic skin spot and autofluorescence increase in the theca of follicle are observed in F1 generation of TFD fish. Liver RNA-sequencing analyses demonstrate that 53 out of 56712 genes or isoforms are differentially transcribed, and mostly involved in proteolysis in extracellular region. According to GO enrichment terms these deregulated genes function in catalytic activity, steroid storing, lipid metabolic process and N-Glycan biosynthesis. These results suggest that a long term of Flk1-transgenic fish diet could alter certain metabolic pathways and possibly cause related tissue deformation. Compared to the previous reports, our feasible transgenic dietary assess system could evaluate subchronic and potential health impact of transgenic fish diet by combining multi-tissue histology and liver transcriptome analyses.
Collapse
|
32
|
Cuco AP, Santos JI, Abrantes N, Gonçalves F, Wolinska J, Castro BB. Concentration and timing of application reveal strong fungistatic effect of tebuconazole in a Daphnia-microparasitic yeast model. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2017; 191:141-163. [PMID: 29096087 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Given the importance of pollutant effects on host-parasite relationships and disease spread, the main goal of this study was to assess the influence of different exposure scenarios for the fungicide tebuconazole (concentration×timing of application) on a Daphnia-microparasitic yeast experimental system. Previous results had demonstrated that tebuconazole is able to suppress Metschnikowia bicuspidata infection at ecologically-relevant concentrations; here, we aimed to obtain an understanding of the mechanism underlying the anti-parasitic (fungicidal or fungistatic) action of tebuconazole. We exposed the Daphnia-yeast system to four nominal tebuconazole concentrations at four timings of application (according to the predicted stage of parasite development), replicated on two Daphnia genotypes, in a fully crossed experiment. An "all-or-nothing" effect was observed, with tebuconazole completely suppressing infection from 13.5μgl-1 upwards, independent of the timing of tebuconazole application. A follow-up experiment confirmed that the suppression of infection occurred within a narrow range of tebuconazole concentrations (3.65-13.5μgl-1), although a later application of the fungicide had to be compensated for by a slight increase in concentration to elicit the same anti-parasitic effect. The mechanism behind this anti-parasitic effect seems to be the inhibition of M. bicuspidata sporulation, since tebuconazole was effective in preventing ascospore production even when applied at a later time. However, this fungicide also seemed to affect the vegetative growth of the yeast, as demonstrated by the enhanced negative effect of the parasite (increasing mortality in one of the host genotypes) at a later time of application of tebuconazole, when no signs of infection were observed. Fungicide contamination can thus affect the severity and spread of disease in natural populations, as well as the inherent co-evolutionary dynamics in host-parasite systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana P Cuco
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Joana I Santos
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Nelson Abrantes
- CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Fernando Gonçalves
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Justyna Wolinska
- Department of Ecosystem Research, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Berlin, Germany; Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bruno B Castro
- CBMA (Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Loss of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2 in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium Leads to RPE65 Decrease and Retinal Degeneration. Mol Cell Biol 2017; 37:MCB.00295-17. [PMID: 29038159 PMCID: PMC5705814 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00295-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent work suggested that the activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) is increased in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) patients and therefore could be an attractive therapeutic target. Notably, ERK1/2 pathway inhibitors are used in cancer therapy, with severe and noncharacterized ocular side effects. To decipher the role of ERK1/2 in RPE cells, we conditionally disrupted the Erk1 and Erk2 genes in mouse RPE. The loss of ERK1/2 activity resulted in a significant decrease in the level of RPE65 expression, a decrease in ocular retinoid levels concomitant with low visual function, and a rapid disorganization of RPE cells, ultimately leading to retinal degeneration. Our results identify the ERK1/2 pathway as a direct regulator of the visual cycle and a critical component of the viability of RPE and photoreceptor cells. Moreover, our results caution about the need for a very fine adjustment of kinase inhibition in cancer or ARMD treatment in order to avoid ocular side effects.
Collapse
|
34
|
Lin Q, Mei J, Li Z, Zhang X, Zhou L, Gui JF. Distinct and Cooperative Roles of amh and dmrt1 in Self-Renewal and Differentiation of Male Germ Cells in Zebrafish. Genetics 2017; 207:1007-1022. [PMID: 28893856 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.117.300274/-/dc1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a fundamental process in male reproductive biology and depends on precise balance between self-renewal and differentiation of male germ cells. However, the regulative factors for controlling the balance are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the roles of amh and dmrt1 in male germ cell development by generating their mutants with Crispr/Cas9 technology in zebrafish. Amh mutant zebrafish displayed a female-biased sex ratio, and both male and female amh mutants developed hypertrophic gonads due to uncontrolled proliferation and impaired differentiation of germ cells. A large number of proliferating spermatogonium-like cells were observed within testicular lobules of the amh-mutated testes, and they were demonstrated to be both Vasa- and PH3-positive. Moreover, the average number of Sycp3- and Vasa-positive cells in the amh mutants was significantly lower than in wild-type testes, suggesting a severely impaired differentiation of male germ cells. Conversely, all the dmrt1-mutated testes displayed severe testicular developmental defects and gradual loss of all Vasa-positive germ cells by inhibiting their self-renewal and inducing apoptosis. In addition, several germ cell and Sertoli cell marker genes were significantly downregulated, whereas a prominent increase of Insl3-positive Leydig cells was revealed by immunohistochemical analysis in the disorganized dmrt1-mutated testes. Our data suggest that amh might act as a guardian to control the balance between proliferation and differentiation of male germ cells, whereas dmrt1 might be required for the maintenance, self-renewal, and differentiation of male germ cells. Significantly, this study unravels novel functions of amh gene in fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiaohong Lin
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jie Mei
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jian-Fang Gui
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Lin Q, Mei J, Li Z, Zhang X, Zhou L, Gui JF. Distinct and Cooperative Roles of amh and dmrt1 in Self-Renewal and Differentiation of Male Germ Cells in Zebrafish. Genetics 2017; 207:1007-1022. [PMID: 28893856 PMCID: PMC5676237 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.117.300274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a fundamental process in male reproductive biology and depends on precise balance between self-renewal and differentiation of male germ cells. However, the regulative factors for controlling the balance are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the roles of amh and dmrt1 in male germ cell development by generating their mutants with Crispr/Cas9 technology in zebrafish. Amh mutant zebrafish displayed a female-biased sex ratio, and both male and female amh mutants developed hypertrophic gonads due to uncontrolled proliferation and impaired differentiation of germ cells. A large number of proliferating spermatogonium-like cells were observed within testicular lobules of the amh-mutated testes, and they were demonstrated to be both Vasa- and PH3-positive. Moreover, the average number of Sycp3- and Vasa-positive cells in the amh mutants was significantly lower than in wild-type testes, suggesting a severely impaired differentiation of male germ cells. Conversely, all the dmrt1-mutated testes displayed severe testicular developmental defects and gradual loss of all Vasa-positive germ cells by inhibiting their self-renewal and inducing apoptosis. In addition, several germ cell and Sertoli cell marker genes were significantly downregulated, whereas a prominent increase of Insl3-positive Leydig cells was revealed by immunohistochemical analysis in the disorganized dmrt1-mutated testes. Our data suggest that amh might act as a guardian to control the balance between proliferation and differentiation of male germ cells, whereas dmrt1 might be required for the maintenance, self-renewal, and differentiation of male germ cells. Significantly, this study unravels novel functions of amh gene in fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiaohong Lin
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jie Mei
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jian-Fang Gui
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zhang J, Liu L, Ren L, Feng W, Lv P, Wu W, Yan Y. The single and joint toxicity effects of chlorpyrifos and beta-cypermethrin in zebrafish (Danio rerio) early life stages. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2017; 334:121-131. [PMID: 28407539 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2017.03.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Water environment pollution caused by the widespread application of beta-cypermethrin (BCP) and chlorpyrifos (CPF) in agriculture has attracted extensive concern of the world. In this study, zebrafish was used as a model to investigate the individual and joint toxicity of BCP and CPF. In the acute toxicity test, 3 hpf embryos were exposed to various concentrations of CPF, BCP and their binary mixtures (MIX) for 96h. The results indicated that these two pesticides and mixtures induced malformation and death in larvae, and affected hatchability. These two pesticides in mixtures were verified to act together in a synergistic manner under experimental conditions. Oxidative stress assaying manifested that CPF, BCP and MIX altered CAT, SOD and GST activities and MDA content, resulting in oxidative damage in larvae. By pathology analysis, CPF (236μg/L), BCP (5.9μg/L) and MIX (236μg/L CPF+5.9μg/L BCP) were found to trigger liver lesions and promote apoptosis in tissues. The transcriptome sequencing suggested that ECM- receptor interaction, focal adhesion, cell cycle, DNA replication, phototransduction and adherens junction pathways were closely associated with the toxicity of these two pesticides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Zhang
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Lili Liu
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Lei Ren
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Weimin Feng
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Peng Lv
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yanchun Yan
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Fu J, Jiao J, Weng K, Yu D, Li R. Zebrafish methanol exposure causes patterning defects and suppressive cell proliferation in retina. Am J Transl Res 2017; 9:2975-2983. [PMID: 28670385 PMCID: PMC5489897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Methanol exposure have been shown to produce retinal abnormalities and visual dysfunctions in rodents and other mammals developing in utero. In this study, we characterized how methanol affects the retinal development in an ex utero embryonic system, the zebrafish. METHODS Zebrafish embryos were raised for 24 hours in fish water supplemented with various concentrations of methanol at 6 hours after fertilisation. The effects of methanol on retinal morphology were assessed by histologic and immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS Zebrafish embryos exposed to moderate (3%) and high (4%) levels of methanol during early embryonic development had a small eye phenotype. Embryos exposed to high (4%) level of methanol had morphological abnormalities of the retinal pigment epithelia and the photoreceptors. Methanol exposure also caused inhibition of cell differentiation and proliferation in the retina at the early developmental stage. CONCLUSIONS Low concentrations of methanol affect photoreceptor function but do not disturb retinal morphology. Higher levels of methanol exposure cause retinal patterning defects and a small eye phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinling Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchun 130041, Jilin, China
| | - Jingxue Jiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchun 130041, Jilin, China
| | - Kechao Weng
- Eye Center of The Second Affiliated Hospital School of Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dan Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchun 130041, Jilin, China
| | - Ruijun Li
- Department of Hand Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchun 130021, Jilin, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Zhang H, Wen W, Yan J. Application of immunohistochemistry technique in hydrobiological studies. AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aaf.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
39
|
Yang YJ, Wang Y, Li Z, Zhou L, Gui JF. Sequential, Divergent, and Cooperative Requirements of Foxl2a and Foxl2b in Ovary Development and Maintenance of Zebrafish. Genetics 2017; 205:1551-1572. [PMID: 28193729 PMCID: PMC5378113 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.116.199133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Foxl2 is essential for mammalian ovary maintenance. Although sexually dimorphic expression of foxl2 was observed in many teleosts, its role and regulative mechanism in fish remained largely unclear. In this study, we first identified two transcript variants of foxl2a and its homologous gene foxl2b in zebrafish, and revealed their specific expression in follicular layer cells in a sequential and divergent fashion during ovary differentiation, maturation, and maintenance. Then, homozygous foxl2a mutants (foxl2a-/-) and foxl2b mutants (foxl2b-/-) were constructed and detailed comparisons, such as sex ratio, gonadal histological structure, transcriptome profiling, and dynamic expression of gonadal development-related genes, were carried out. Initial ovarian differentiation and oocyte development occur normally both in foxl2a-/- and foxl2b-/- mutants, but foxl2a and foxl2b disruptions result in premature ovarian failure and partial sex reversal, respectively, in adult females. In foxl2a-/- female mutants, sox9a-amh/cyp19a1a signaling was upregulated at 150 days postfertilization (dpf) and subsequently oocyte apoptosis was triggered after 180 dpf. In contrast, dmrt1 expression was greater at 105 dpf and increased several 100-fold in foxl2b-/- mutated ovaries at 270 dpf, along with other testis-related genes. Finally, homozygous foxl2a-/-/foxl2b-/- double mutants were constructed in which complete sex reversal occurs early and testis-differentiation genes robustly increase at 60 dpf. Given mutual compensation between foxl2a and foxl2b in foxl2b-/- and foxl2a-/- mutants, we proposed a model in which foxl2a and foxl2b cooperate to regulate zebrafish ovary development and maintenance, with foxl2b potentially having a dominant role in preventing the ovary from differentiating as testis, as compared to foxl2a.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Jing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jian-Fang Gui
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Tissue Extract Fractions from Starfish Undergoing Regeneration Promote Wound Healing and Lower Jaw Blastema Regeneration of Zebrafish. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38693. [PMID: 27974833 PMCID: PMC5156902 DOI: 10.1038/srep38693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural bioactive materials provide an excellent pool of molecules for regenerative therapy. In the present study, we amputate portions of the arms of Archaster typicus starfish, extract and separate the active biomaterials, and compare the effects of each fraction on in vitro wound healing and in vivo lower jaw regeneration of zebrafish. Compared with crude extract, normal hexane fractions (NHFs) have a remarkable effect on cellular proliferation and collective migration, and exhibit fibroblast-like morphology, while methanol-water fractions (MWFs) increase cell size, cell-cell adhesion, and cell death. Relative to moderate mitochondrialand lysosomal aggregation in NHFs-cultured cells, MWFs-cultured cells contain more and bigger lysosomal accumulations and clump detachment. The in vivo zebrafish lower jaw regeneration model reveals that NHFs enhance blastema formation and vasculogenesis, while MWFs inhibit fibrogenesis and induce cellular transformation. Gene expression analyses indicate that NHFs and MWFs separately activate blastema-characteristic genes as well as those genes-related to autophagy, proteasome, and apoptosis either during cell scratch healing or ganciclovir-induced apoptosis. Our results suggest that bioactive compounds from NHFs and MWFs could induce blastema formation and remodeling, respectively, and prevent tissue overgrowth.
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
How sex is determined has been one of the most intriguing puzzles in biology since antiquity. Although a fundamental process in most metazoans, there seems to be myriad of ways in which sex can be determined - from genetic to environmental sex determination. This variation is limited mainly to upstream triggers with the core of sex determination pathway being conserved. Zebrafish has gained prominence as a vertebrate model system to study development and disease. However, very little is known about its primary sex determination mechanism. Here we review our current understanding of the sex determination in zebrafish. Zebrafish lack identifiable heteromorphic sex chromosomes and sex is determined by multiple genes, with some influence from the environment. Recently, chromosome 4 has been identified as sex chromosome along with few sex-linked loci on chromosomes 5 and 16. The identities of candidate sex-linked genes, however, have remained elusive. Sex in zebrafish is also influenced by the number of meiotic oocytes in the juvenile ovary, which appear to instruct retention of the ovarian fate. The mechanism and identity of this instructive signal remain unknown. We hypothesize that sex in zebrafish is a culmination of combinatorial effects of the genome, germ cells and the environment with inputs from epigenetic factors translating the biological meaning of this interaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Nagabhushana
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Council of Scientific and industrial Research, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Sun Y, Zhang G, He Z, Wang Y, Cui J, Li Y. Effects of copper oxide nanoparticles on developing zebrafish embryos and larvae. Int J Nanomedicine 2016; 11:905-18. [PMID: 27022258 PMCID: PMC4788362 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s100350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are used for a variety of purposes in a wide range of commercially available products. Some CuO NPs probably end up in the aquatic systems, thus raising concerns about aqueous exposure toxicity, and the impact of CuO NPs on liver development and neuronal differentiation remains unclear. In this study, particles were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectra, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Zebrafish embryos were continuously exposed to CuO NPs from 4 hours postfertilization at concentrations of 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, or 1 mg/L. The expression of gstp1 and cyp1a was examined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha and superoxide dismutase 1 was examined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Liver development and retinal neurodifferentiation were analyzed by whole-mount in situ hybridization, hematoxylin–eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry, and a behavioral test was performed to track the movement of larvae. We show that exposure of CuO NPs at low doses has little effect on embryonic development. However, exposure to CuO NPs at concentrations of 12.5 mg/L or higher leads to abnormal phenotypes and induces an inflammatory response in a dose-dependent pattern. Moreover, exposure to CuO NPs at high doses results in an underdeveloped liver and a delay in retinal neurodifferentiation accompanied by reduced locomotor ability. Our data demonstrate that short-term exposure to CuO NPs at high doses shows hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity in zebrafish embryos and larvae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Sun
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Gong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Zizi He
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yajie Wang
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianlin Cui
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhao Li
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Sanchez A, Amatruda JF. Zebrafish Germ Cell Tumors. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 916:479-94. [PMID: 27165367 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-30654-4_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are malignant cancers that arise from embryonic precursors known as Primordial Germ Cells. GCTs occur in neonates, children, adolescents and young adults and can occur in the testis, the ovary or extragonadal sites. Because GCTs arise from pluripotent cells, the tumors can exhibit a wide range of different histologies. Current cisplatin-based combination therapies cures most patients, however at the cost of significant toxicity to normal tissues. While GWAS studies and genomic analysis of human GCTs have uncovered somatic mutations and loci that might confer tumor susceptibility, little is still known about the exact mechanisms that drive tumor development, and animal models that faithfully recapitulate all the different GCT subtypes are lacking. Here, we summarize current understanding of germline development in humans and zebrafish, describe the biology of human germ cell tumors, and discuss progress and prospects for zebrafish GCT models that may contribute to better understanding of human GCTs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Sanchez
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - James F Amatruda
- Departments of Pediatrics, Molecular Biology and Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Zhang Z, Lau SW, Zhang L, Ge W. Disruption of Zebrafish Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor (fshr) But Not Luteinizing Hormone Receptor (lhcgr) Gene by TALEN Leads to Failed Follicle Activation in Females Followed by Sexual Reversal to Males. Endocrinology 2015; 156:3747-62. [PMID: 25993524 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropins are primary hormones that control vertebrate reproduction. In a recent study, we analyzed the impacts of FSH and LH on zebrafish reproduction by disrupting FSH and LH-β genes (fshb and lhb) using transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) technology. Using the same approach, we successfully deleted FSH and LH receptor genes (fshr and lhcgr) in the present study. In contrast to the deficiency of its cognate ligand FSH, the fshr-deficient females showed a complete failure of follicle activation with all ovarian follicles arrested at the primary growth-previtellogenic transition, which is the marker for puberty onset in females. Interestingly, after blockade at the primary growth stage for varying times, all females reversed to males, and all these males were fertile. In fshr-deficient males, spermatogenesis was normal in adults, but the initiation of spermatogenesis in juveniles was retarded. In contrast to fshr, the deletion of the lhcgr gene alone caused no obvious phenotypes in both males and females; however, double mutation of fshr and lhcgr resulted in infertile males. In summary, our results in the present study showed that Fshr was indispensable to folliculogenesis and the disruption of the fshr gene resulted in a complete failure of follicle activation followed by masculinization into males. In contrast, lhcgr does not seem to be essential to zebrafish reproduction in both males and females. Neither Fshr nor Lhcgr deficiency could phenocopy the deficiency of their cognate ligands FSH and LH, which is likely due to the fact that Fshr can be activated by both FSH and LH in the zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Zhang
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (Z.Z., W.G.), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau China; and School of Life Sciences (Z.Z., S.-W.L., L.Z., W.G.), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shuk-Wa Lau
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (Z.Z., W.G.), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau China; and School of Life Sciences (Z.Z., S.-W.L., L.Z., W.G.), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (Z.Z., W.G.), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau China; and School of Life Sciences (Z.Z., S.-W.L., L.Z., W.G.), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (Z.Z., W.G.), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau China; and School of Life Sciences (Z.Z., S.-W.L., L.Z., W.G.), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Jia KT, Zhang J, Jia P, Zeng L, Jin Y, Yuan Y, Chen J, Hong Y, Yi M. Identification of MicroRNAs in Zebrafish Spermatozoa. Zebrafish 2015; 12:387-97. [PMID: 26418264 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2015.1115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in almost all biological processes. Plenty of evidences show that some testis- or spermatozoa-specific miRNAs play crucial roles in the process of gonad and germ cell development. In this study, the spermatozoa miRNA profiles were investigated through a combination of illumina deep sequencing and bioinformatics analysis in zebrafish. Deep sequencing of small RNAs yielded 11,820,680 clean reads. By mapping to the zebrafish genome, we identified 400 novel and 204 known miRNAs that could be grouped into 104 families. Furthermore, we selected the six highest expressions of known miRNAs to detect their expression patterns in different tissues by stem-loop quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. We found that among the six miRNAs, dre-miR-202-5p displayed specific and high expression in zebrafish spermatozoa and testis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis indicated that dre-miR-202-5p was predominantly expressed in all kind of germ cells at different spermatogenetic stages, including spermatogonia and spermatozoa, but barely expressed in the germ cells in the ovary. This sex-biased expression pattern suggests that dre-miR-202-5p might be related to spermatogenesis and the functioning of spermatozoa. The identification of miRNAs in zebrafish spermatozoa and germ cells offers new insights into the spermatogenesis and spermatozoa in the teleost and other vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Tong Jia
- 1 School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China .,2 Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China .,3 South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- 1 School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China .,2 Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China .,3 South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Jia
- 1 School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China .,2 Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China .,3 South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Zeng
- 1 School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China .,2 Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China .,3 South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Yilin Jin
- 1 School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China .,2 Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China .,3 South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongming Yuan
- 4 Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore , Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jieying Chen
- 1 School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China .,2 Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunhan Hong
- 4 Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore , Singapore, Singapore
| | - Meisheng Yi
- 1 School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China .,2 Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China .,3 South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Zhang H, Wang X, Lyu K, Gao S, Wang G, Fan C, Zhang XA, Yan J. Time Point-Based Integrative Analyses of Deep-Transcriptome Identify Four Signal Pathways in Blastemal Regeneration of Zebrafish Lower Jaw. Stem Cells 2015; 33:806-18. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.1899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2014] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Department of Biology; Institute for Marine Biosystem and Neurosciences, College of Fisheries and Life Sciences; Shanghai Ocean University Shanghai People's Republic of China
| | - Xuelong Wang
- Department of Biology; Institute for Marine Biosystem and Neurosciences, College of Fisheries and Life Sciences; Shanghai Ocean University Shanghai People's Republic of China
| | - Kailun Lyu
- Department of Biology; Institute for Marine Biosystem and Neurosciences, College of Fisheries and Life Sciences; Shanghai Ocean University Shanghai People's Republic of China
| | - Siqi Gao
- Department of Biology; Institute for Marine Biosystem and Neurosciences, College of Fisheries and Life Sciences; Shanghai Ocean University Shanghai People's Republic of China
| | - Guan Wang
- Genergy Biotechnology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.; Shanghai People's Republic of China
| | - Chunxin Fan
- Department of Biology; Institute for Marine Biosystem and Neurosciences, College of Fisheries and Life Sciences; Shanghai Ocean University Shanghai People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources; Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University; Shanghai People's Republic of China
| | - Xin A. Zhang
- Stephenson Cancer Center and Department of Physiology; The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Oklahoma City Oklahoma USA
| | - Jizhou Yan
- Department of Biology; Institute for Marine Biosystem and Neurosciences, College of Fisheries and Life Sciences; Shanghai Ocean University Shanghai People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources; Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University; Shanghai People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Jo A, Denduluri S, Zhang B, Wang Z, Yin L, Yan Z, Kang R, Shi LL, Mok J, Lee MJ, Haydon RC. The versatile functions of Sox9 in development, stem cells, and human diseases. Genes Dis 2014; 1:149-161. [PMID: 25685828 PMCID: PMC4326072 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor Sox9 was first discovered in patients with campomelic dysplasia, a haploinsufficiency disorder with skeletal deformities caused by dysregulation of Sox9 expression during chondrogenesis. Since then, its role as a cell fate determiner during embryonic development has been well characterized; Sox9 expression differentiates cells derived from all three germ layers into a large variety of specialized tissues and organs. However, recent data has shown that ectoderm- and endoderm-derived tissues continue to express Sox9 in mature organs and stem cell pools, suggesting its role in cell maintenance and specification during adult life. The versatility of Sox9 may be explained by a combination of post-transcriptional modifications, binding partners, and the tissue type in which it is expressed. Considering its importance during both development and adult life, it follows that dysregulation of Sox9 has been implicated in various congenital and acquired diseases, including fibrosis and cancer. This review provides a summary of the various roles of Sox9 in cell fate specification, stem cell biology, and related human diseases. Ultimately, understanding the mechanisms that regulate Sox9 will be crucial for developing effective therapies to treat disease caused by stem cell dysregulation or even reverse organ damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Jo
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Sahitya Denduluri
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Bosi Zhang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Zhongliang Wang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA ; Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400046, China
| | - Liangjun Yin
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA ; Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400046, China
| | - Zhengjian Yan
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA ; Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400046, China
| | - Richard Kang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Lewis L Shi
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - James Mok
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Michael J Lee
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Rex C Haydon
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Schiller V, Zhang X, Hecker M, Schäfers C, Fischer R, Fenske M. Species-specific considerations in using the fish embryo test as an alternative to identify endocrine disruption. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2014; 155:62-72. [PMID: 24992288 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2014.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A number of regulations have been implemented that aim to control the release of potentially adverse endocrine disrupters into the aquatic environment based on evidence from laboratory studies. Currently, such studies rely on testing approaches with adult fish because reliable alternatives have not been validated so far. Fish embryo tests have been proposed as such an alternative, and here we compared two species (medaka and zebrafish) to determine their suitability for the assessment of substances with estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity. Changes in gene expression (in here the phrase gene expression is used synonymously to gene transcription, although it is acknowledged that gene expression is additionally regulated, e.g., by translation and protein stability) patterns between the two species were compared in short term embryo exposure tests (medaka: 7-day post fertilization [dpf]; zebrafish: 48 and 96h post fertilization [hpf]) by using relative quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The tested genes were related to the hypothalamic-gonadal-axis and early steroidogenesis. Test chemicals included 17α-ethinylestradiol and flutamide as estrogenic and anti-androgenic reference compounds, respectively, as well as five additional substances with endocrine activities, namely bisphenol A, genistein, prochloraz, linuron and propanil. Estrogenic responses were comparable in 7-dpf medaka and 48/96-hpf zebrafish embryos and included transcriptional upregulation of aromatase b, vitellogenin 1 as well as steroidogenic genes, suggesting that both species reliably detected exposure to estrogenic compounds. However, anti-androgenic responses differed between the two species, with each species providing specific information concerning the mechanism of anti-androgenic disruption in fish embryos. Although small but significant changes in the expression of selected genes was observed in 48-hpf zebrafish embryos, exposure prolonged to 96hpf was necessary to obtain a response indicative of anti-androgenic activity. In contrast, for medaka clear anti-androgenic response, e.g. transcriptional downregulation of 11β-hydroxylase, 3β-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase, gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2, was already observed at the pre-hatch stage. Together, this data suggests that medaka and zebrafish embryos would provide a beneficial alternative testing platform for endocrine disruption that involves additive information on interspecies and exposure time variability when using both species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Schiller
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- Toxicology Centre University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Markus Hecker
- Toxicology Centre University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Christoph Schäfers
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, 57392 Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Rainer Fischer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Martina Fenske
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Pradhan A, Olsson PE. Juvenile ovary to testis transition in zebrafish involves inhibition of ptges. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:33. [PMID: 24920039 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.119016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The sex differentiation mechanisms in zebrafish (Danio rerio) remains elusive, partly because of the absence of sex chromosomes but also because the process appears to depend on the synchrony of multiple genes and possibly environmental factors. Zebrafish gonadal development is initiated through the development of immature oocytes. Depending on multiple signaling cues, in about half of the individuals, the juvenile ovaries degenerate or undergo apoptosis to initiate testes development while the other half maintains the oogenic pathway. We have previously shown that activation of NFκB and prostaglandin synthase 2 (ptgs2) results in female-biased sex ratios. Prostaglandin synthase and prostaglandins are involved in multiple physiological functions, including cell survival and apoptosis. In the present study, we show that inhibition of ptgs2 by meloxicam results in male-biased sex ratios. On further evaluation, we observed that exposure with the prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) analogue BW-245C induced SRY-box containing gene 9a (sox9a) and resulted in male-biased sex ratios. On the other hand, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) treatment resulted in female-biased sex ratios and involved activation of NFκB and the β-catenin pathway as well as inhibition of sox9. Exposure to the β-catenin inhibitor PNU-74654 resulted in up-regulation of ptgds and male-biased sex ratios, further confirming the involvement of β-catenin in the female differentiation pathway. In this study, we show that PGD2 and PGE2 can program the gonads to either the testis or the ovary differentiation pathways, indicating that prostaglandins are involved in the regulation of zebrafish gonadal differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Pradhan
- Biology, The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Per-Erik Olsson
- Biology, The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|