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Huang H, Liu Y, Wang Q, Dong C, Dong L, Zhang J, Yang Y, Hao X, Li W, Rosa IF, Doretto LB, Cao X, Shao C. Molecular and Physiological Effects of 17α-methyltestosterone on Sex Differentiation of Black Rockfish, Sebastes schlegelii. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:605. [PMID: 38790234 PMCID: PMC11120931 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
It is widely known that all-female fish production holds economic value for aquaculture. Sebastes schlegelii, a preeminent economic species, exhibits a sex dimorphism, with females surpassing males in growth. In this regard, achieving all-female black rockfish production could significantly enhance breeding profitability. In this study, we utilized the widely used male sex-regulating hormone, 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) at three different concentrations (20, 40, and 60 ppm), to produce pseudomales of S. schlegelii for subsequent all-female offspring breeding. Long-term MT administration severely inhibits the growth of S. schlegelii, while short term had no significant impact. Histological analysis confirmed sex reversal at all MT concentrations; however, both medium and higher MT concentrations impaired testis development. MT also influenced sex steroid hormone levels in pseudomales, suppressing E2 while increasing T and 11-KT levels. In addition, a transcriptome analysis revealed that MT down-regulated ovarian-related genes (cyp19a1a and foxl2) while up-regulating male-related genes (amh) in pseudomales. Furthermore, MT modulated the TGF-β signaling and steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways, indicating its crucial role in S. schlegelii sex differentiation. Therefore, the current study provides a method for achieving sexual reversal using MT in S. schlegelii and offers an initial insight into the underlying mechanism of sexual reversal in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Huang
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (C.D.); (L.D.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (L.B.D.)
| | - Yuyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (C.D.); (L.D.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (L.B.D.)
| | - Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (C.D.); (L.D.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (L.B.D.)
| | - Caichao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (C.D.); (L.D.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (L.B.D.)
| | - Le Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (C.D.); (L.D.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (L.B.D.)
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (C.D.); (L.D.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (L.B.D.)
| | - Yu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (C.D.); (L.D.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (L.B.D.)
| | - Xiancai Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (C.D.); (L.D.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (L.B.D.)
| | - Weijing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (C.D.); (L.D.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (L.B.D.)
| | - Ivana F. Rosa
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 01049-010, Brazil;
| | - Lucas B. Doretto
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (C.D.); (L.D.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (L.B.D.)
| | - Xuebin Cao
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China;
| | - Changwei Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (C.D.); (L.D.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (L.B.D.)
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
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Zhang D, Tian T, Han L, Du J, Zhu T, Lei C, Song H, Li S. Expression characteristics of the cyp19a1b aromatase gene and its response to 17β-estradiol treatment in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2024; 50:575-588. [PMID: 38216846 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-023-01291-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
To investigate the regulatory role of the cyp19a1b aromatase gene in the sexual differentiation of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides, LMB), we obtained the full-length cDNA sequence of cyp19a1b using rapid amplification of cDNA ends technique. Tissue expression characteristics and feedback with 17-β-estradiol (E2) were determined using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), while gonad development was assessed through histological section observations. The cDNA sequence of LMB cyp19a1b was found to be1950 base pairs (bp) in length, including a 5' untranslated region of 145 bp, a 3' untranslated region of 278 bp, and an open reading frame encoding a protein consisting of 1527 bp that encoded 508 amino acids. The qRT-PCR results indicated that cyp19a1b abundantly expressed in the brain, followed by the gonads, and its expression in the ovaries was significantly higher than that observed in the testes (P < 0.05). After feeding fish with E2 for 30 days, the expression of cyp19a1b in the pseudo-female gonads (XY-F) was significantly higher than that in males (XY-M) (P < 0.05), whereas expression did not differ significantly between XX-F and XY-F fish (P > 0.05). Although the expression of cyp19a1b in XY-F and XX-F fish was not significantly different after 60 days (P>0.05), both exhibited significantly higher levels than that of XY-M fish (P<0.05). Histological sections analysis showed the presence of oogonia in both XY-F and XX-F fish at 30 days, while spermatogonia were observed in XY-M fish. At 60 days, primary oocytes were abundantly observed in both XY-F and XX-F fish, while a few spermatogonia were visible in XY-M fish. At 90 days, the histological sections' results showed that a large number of oocytes were visible in XY-F and XX-F fish. Additionally, the gonads of XY-M fish contained numerous spermatocytes. These results suggest that cyp19a1b plays a pivotal role in the development of ovaries and nervous system development in LMB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyun Zhang
- Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, China Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510380, China
- College of Life Science, Huzhou University, Huzhou, 313000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Taihang Tian
- Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, China Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510380, China
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, People's Republic of China
| | - Linqiang Han
- Guangdong province Liangshi Aquaculture Seed Industry, Foshan, 528100, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinxing Du
- Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, China Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510380, China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, China Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510380, China
| | - Caixia Lei
- Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, China Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510380, China
| | - Hongmei Song
- Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, China Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510380, China.
| | - Shengjie Li
- Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, China Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510380, China.
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Guo C, Zhang K, Li C, Xing R, Xu S, Wang D, Wang X. Cyp19a1a Promotes Ovarian Maturation through Regulating E2 Synthesis with Estrogen Receptor 2a in Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen, 1788). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1583. [PMID: 38338860 PMCID: PMC10855460 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In the artificial breeding of Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen, 1788), female fish spawn before male release sperm, which indicates rapid ovarian development. In fish, aromatase is responsible for converting androgens into estrogens and estrogen plays a crucial role in ovarian development. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential role of brain-type and ovarian-type aromatase to study the rapid ovarian development mechanism. The results showed that cyp19a1a was mainly expressed in the ovary and could be classified as the ovarian type, whereas cyp19a1b could be considered as the brain type for its expression was mainly in the brain. During ovarian development, the expression of cyp19a1a in the ovary significantly increased from stage IV to stage V and Cyp19a1a signals were present in the follicle cells, while cyp19a1b expression in the pituitary gland decreased from stage IV to stage V. To further investigate the function of Cyp19a1a, recombinant Cyp19a1a (rCyp19a1a) was produced and specific anti-Cyp19a1a antiserum was obtained. The expressions of cyp19a1a, estrogen receptors 2 alpha (esr2a), and androgen receptor alpha (arα) were significantly upregulated in the presence of rCyp19a1a. Meanwhile, cyp19a1a was expressed significantly after E2 treatment in both ovarian and testicular tissue culture. Taken together, we found two forms of aromatase in silver pomfret. The ovarian-type aromatase might play an important role in ovarian differentiation and maturation, and participate in E2 synthesis through co-regulation with esr2a. The brain-type aromatase cyp19a1b might be involved in the regulation of both brain and gonadal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyang Guo
- College of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (C.G.); (K.Z.); (C.L.); (R.X.); (S.X.); (D.W.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Zhejiang Marine High-Efficiency and Healthy Aquaculture, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- College of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (C.G.); (K.Z.); (C.L.); (R.X.); (S.X.); (D.W.)
| | - Chang Li
- College of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (C.G.); (K.Z.); (C.L.); (R.X.); (S.X.); (D.W.)
| | - Ruixue Xing
- College of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (C.G.); (K.Z.); (C.L.); (R.X.); (S.X.); (D.W.)
| | - Shanliang Xu
- College of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (C.G.); (K.Z.); (C.L.); (R.X.); (S.X.); (D.W.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Zhejiang Marine High-Efficiency and Healthy Aquaculture, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Danli Wang
- College of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (C.G.); (K.Z.); (C.L.); (R.X.); (S.X.); (D.W.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Zhejiang Marine High-Efficiency and Healthy Aquaculture, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Xubo Wang
- College of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (C.G.); (K.Z.); (C.L.); (R.X.); (S.X.); (D.W.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Zhejiang Marine High-Efficiency and Healthy Aquaculture, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
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Xu X, Wang X, Liu Q, Qi X, Zhou L, Liu H, Li J. New insights on folliculogenesis and follicular placentation in marine viviparous fish black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii). Gene X 2022; 827:146444. [PMID: 35378250 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In viviparous fish, a considerable degree of variation in placental structures have been described. However, no distinct structures are reported in Scorpaenidae. In this study, we demonstrate a new type of folliculogenesis and follicular placentation in Sebastes schlegelii. Before copulation, the germinal epithelium gradually surrounds the oocytes and develops into individually follicles with a stalk-like structure hanging on the ovigerous lamella, which ensures each follicle have access to spermatozoa after copulation. From V to early gestation stage, the cyp17-I highly expressesaccompanied by cyp19a1a signals disappearance, and 11-ketotestosterone level keeps rising and peaks at blastula stage, while 17β-estradiol declines to the bottom. Meanwhile, the theca cells rapidly proliferate and invade outwards forming a highly hypertrophied and folded microvillous placenta. This unbalance of hormone might be an important factor driving the theca cells proliferation and invasion. Additionally, some conserved genes related to mammalian placentation are significantly high expression in follicular placenta suggesting the high convergence in vertebrate placenta evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Xu
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Qinghua Liu
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.
| | - Xin Qi
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Li Zhou
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Haoming Liu
- Weihai Shenghang Aquatic Science and Technology Co., LTD, Weihai, China; Fisheries Research Institute of Huancui District, Weihai, China
| | - Jun Li
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.
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Li J, Lyu L, Wen H, Li Y, Wang X, Zhang Y, Yao Y, Qi X. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of gonadal development and renewal in the ovoviviparous black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii). BMC Genomics 2021; 22:874. [PMID: 34863110 PMCID: PMC8642938 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08169-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) has an ovoviviparous reproductive pattern and long-term sperm storage, resulting in asynchronous gonadal development between the sexes. However, the comprehensive understanding of gonadal development in black rockfish has not yet been achieved. Here, we studied gonadal development and germ cell renewal using histology and RNA-seq. RESULTS In this study, RNA-seq was performed on testes and ovaries to characterize key pathways and genes that are active during development and gamete maturation in black rockfish. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and annotated in 4 comparisons (F_III vs. F_IV, F_IV vs. F_V, M_III vs. M_IV and M_IV vs. M_V). Based on analysis of DEGs enriched in the testis, 11 and 14 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were mapped to the M_III vs. M_IV group and the M_IV vs. M_V group, respectively. DEGs in ovarian development were also classified into 10 groups according to their biological functions. The expression patterns of the selected genes determined by qPCR were significantly correlated with the RNA-Seq results, supporting the reliability and accuracy of the RNA-Seq analysis. E2 levels showed down regulation from previtellogenesis to mature stage in female and T level showed down regulation from spermatogenesis to regressed stage in the male. CONCLUSIONS The categories "intercellular interaction and cytoskeleton", "molecule amplification" and "repair in the cell cycle" were revealed to be crucial in testis development and spermatogenesis, as was the biosynthesis of a series of metabolites. Our results provide comprehensive insight into black rockfish gonadal development and provide a basis for further study of reproductive physiology and molecular biology in ovoviviparity teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianshuang Li
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China
| | - Likang Lyu
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China
| | - Haishen Wen
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China
| | - Yun Li
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China
| | - Ying Zhang
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China
| | - Yijia Yao
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China
| | - Xin Qi
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, P. R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China.
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Yan T, Cai Y, He J, Zhang Q, Wang X, Zhang S, He L, He Z. Characterization and expression profiles of cyp19a1a in the schizothoracine fish Schizothorax prenanti. Tissue Cell 2019; 58:70-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Romo-Mendoza D, Campos-Ramos R, Vázquez-Islas G, Burgos-Aceves MA, Esquivel-Gutiérrez ER, Guerrero-Tortolero DA. Social factors and aromatase gene expression during adult male-to-female sex change in captive leopard grouper Mycteroperca rosacea. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 265:188-195. [PMID: 29357278 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Social factors and aromatase gene expression in the leopard grouper Mycteroperca rosacea was studied when captive fish were separated by sex during the reproductive (April-June) and post-reproductive (July-September) seasons. Monosex females, monosex males, and mixed-sex, held in social sextet units were analyzed for sex steroids throughout confinement. At the end of the experiment, the gonad-sex was defined by histology, and gonad and brain aromatase gene expressions were quantified. Only males held in the monosex social units changed sex. Histology showed one male remained unchanged, six were found in a transitional sexual stage, in which two had intersex-predominantly-testes, and four had a more defined intersex ovo-testes pattern, and 11 were immature de novo females (neofemales). Neofemales and most intersex fish did not survive. In spring, 11-ketosterone showed a specific male profile, which suggests that male-to-female sex change was not triggered during the reproductive season. The low steroid levels in summer made it impossible to associate the sex change to a gonad hormonal shift; in September, gonad aromatase gene expression was not significantly different among groups. However, brain aromatase expression in intersex fish was significantly higher than monosex females, mixed-sex females, and neofemale groups. These results suggest that in the absence of female hormonal compounds, and at a time when male gonad steroidogenesis was diminished, the brain mediated male-to-male social-behavioral interactions, including stress, by increasing aromatization, resulting in derived intersex-male, which triggered more aromatization, followed by a sex change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Romo-Mendoza
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), Calle IPN 195, La Paz, B.C.S. 23096, Mexico
| | - Rafael Campos-Ramos
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), Calle IPN 195, La Paz, B.C.S. 23096, Mexico
| | - Grecia Vázquez-Islas
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), Calle IPN 195, La Paz, B.C.S. 23096, Mexico
| | - Mario A Burgos-Aceves
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), Calle IPN 195, La Paz, B.C.S. 23096, Mexico
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Kim HK, Kim JH, Baek HJ, Kwon JY. Gene Expression of Aromatases, Steroid Receptor, GnRH and GTHs in the Brain during the Formation of Ovarian Cavity in Red Spotted Grouper, Epinephelus akaara. Dev Reprod 2016; 20:367-377. [PMID: 28144641 PMCID: PMC5270611 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2016.20.4.367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 11/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Red spotted grouper, Epinephelus akaara, is a popular aquaculture species and a protogynous hermaphrodite. Induction of artificial sex change at the time of primary sex differentiation is of interest but has not been successful due to the lack of necessary basic information. To find out the potential neuroendocrine influence on the primary sex differentiation, the expression of key genes in the brain was investigated during the formation of ovarian cavity. Expression of cyp19a1b, esr1, gnrhr1, fsh, lh and cga in the brain was positively associated with the formation of ovarian cavity, showing gradual increase as the formation proceeds. However, the expression of gnrh1 was suppressed during the early part of the ovarian cavity formation, signifying potential hypothalamic influence on the primary sex differentiation in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Kyu Kim
- Dept. of Aquatic Life Medical Science, Sunmoon University, Asan 31460,
Korea
| | - Jung-Hyun Kim
- Dept. of Aquatic Life Medical Science, Sunmoon University, Asan 31460,
Korea
| | - Hea Ja Baek
- Dept. of Marine Biology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Korea
| | - Joon Yeong Kwon
- Dept. of Aquatic Life Medical Science, Sunmoon University, Asan 31460,
Korea
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