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Li W, Li H, Hu Q, Wang L, Yin Z, Hu G. IGFBP1a is a nutrient deficient response factor that can inhibit fish reproduction through the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:761-771. [PMID: 38374691 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is a high energy consuming process, so long-term malnutrition can significantly inhibit gonadal development. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism by which fasting inhibits reproduction. Our present study found that fasting could dramatically induce insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) expression in the liver, hypothalamus, pituitary and ovaries of grass carp. In addition, IGFBP1a in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis could inhibit the development of gonads. These results indicated that fasting may participate in the regulation of fish gonadal development through the mediation of IGFBP1a. Further studies found that IGFBP1a could markedly inhibit gonadotropin-releasing hormone 3 expressions in hypothalamus cells. At the pituitary level, IGFBP1a could significantly reduce the gonadotropin hormones (LH and FSH) expression by blocking the action of pituitary insulin-like growth factor 1. Interestingly, IGFBP1a could also directly inhibit the expression of lhr, fshr, and sex steroid hormone synthase genes (cyp11a, cyp17a, and cyp19a1) in the ovary. These results indicated that IGFBP1a should be a nutrient deficient response factor that could inhibit fish reproduction through the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hangyu Li
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiongyao Hu
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Linlin Wang
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhan Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Guangfu Hu
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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Liu H, Guo Q, Wang X, Ma X, Li X, Tian X. Characterization of insulin-like growth factor 3 and its potential role in the spotted steed Hemibarbus maculatus ovary development. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 349:114464. [PMID: 38316320 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2024.114464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
As a new member of the insulin-like growth factors (Igfs), Igf3 was reported to play a vital role in fish reproduction. However, in spotted steed, the function of Igf3 remains largely unknown. In the present study, we identified and characterized Igf3 gene in spotted steed. Structural analysis showed that Igf3 contained five domains (B, C, A, D, E) and six conserved cysteine residues. The expression of Igf3 mRNA and protein were increased during ovary development and peaked in the maturation stage. The subcellular localization of IGF3 was highly expressed in granulosa cells and theca cells. Furthermore, recombinant IGF3 protein was produced and in vitro treatment with ovarian follicles significantly promoted the germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) rates of spotted steed follicles. The mRNA expression of cdc2 and cyclinB genes were significantly increased after IGF3 treatment, which were main components of maturation promoting factor (MPF). In addition, transcription levels of 3β-hsd, 20β-hsd, Cyp17a and Cyp19a1a were also changed. Taken together, these findings suggest that Igf3 is essential for ovary steroidogenesis and maturation in spotted steed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifen Liu
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China; College of Fisheries, Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China; Hangzhou Xiaoshan Donghai Aquaculture Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 311200, Zhejiang, PR China.
| | - Qi Guo
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China; College of Fisheries, Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China.
| | - Xinyu Wang
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China; College of Fisheries, Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China.
| | - Xiao Ma
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China; College of Fisheries, Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China.
| | - Xuejun Li
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China; College of Fisheries, Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China.
| | - Xue Tian
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China; College of Fisheries, Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China.
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Wilson CA, Batzel P, Postlethwait JH. Direct male development in chromosomally ZZ zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1362228. [PMID: 38529407 PMCID: PMC10961373 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1362228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The genetics of sex determination varies across taxa, sometimes even within a species. Major domesticated strains of zebrafish (Danio rerio), including AB and TU, lack a strong genetic sex determining locus, but strains more recently derived from nature, like Nadia (NA), possess a ZZ male/ZW female chromosomal sex-determination system. AB fish pass through a juvenile ovary stage, forming oocytes that survive in fish that become females but die in fish that become males. To understand mechanisms of gonad development in NA zebrafish, we studied histology and single cell transcriptomics in developing ZZ and ZW fish. ZW fish developed oocytes by 22 days post-fertilization (dpf) but ZZ fish directly formed testes, avoiding a juvenile ovary phase. Gonads of some ZW and WW fish, however, developed oocytes that died as the gonad became a testis, mimicking AB fish, suggesting that the gynogenetically derived AB strain is chromosomally WW. Single-cell RNA-seq of 19dpf gonads showed similar cell types in ZZ and ZW fish, including germ cells, precursors of gonadal support cells, steroidogenic cells, interstitial/stromal cells, and immune cells, consistent with a bipotential juvenile gonad. In contrast, scRNA-seq of 30dpf gonads revealed that cells in ZZ gonads had transcriptomes characteristic of testicular Sertoli, Leydig, and germ cells while ZW gonads had granulosa cells, theca cells, and developing oocytes. Hematopoietic and vascular cells were similar in both sex genotypes. These results show that juvenile NA zebrafish initially develop a bipotential gonad; that a factor on the NA W chromosome, or fewer than two Z chromosomes, is essential to initiate oocyte development; and without the W factor, or with two Z doses, NA gonads develop directly into testes without passing through the juvenile ovary stage. Sex determination in AB and TU strains mimics NA ZW and WW zebrafish, suggesting loss of the Z chromosome during domestication. Genetic analysis of the NA strain will facilitate our understanding of the evolution of sex determination mechanisms.
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Ndandala CB, Zhou Q, Li Z, Guo Y, Li G, Chen H. Identification of Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) Family Genes in the Golden Pompano, Trachinotus ovatus: Molecular Cloning, Characterization and Gene Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2499. [PMID: 38473747 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are hormones that primarily stimulate and regulate animal physiological processes. In this study, we cloned and identified the open reading frame (ORF) cDNA sequences of IGF family genes: the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), and insulin-like growth factor 3 (IGF3). We found that IGF1, IGF2, and IGF3 have a total length of 558, 648, and 585 base pairs (bp), which encoded a predicted protein with 185, 215, and 194 amino acids (aa), respectively. Multiple sequences and phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the mature golden pompano IGFs had been conserved and showed high similarities with other teleosts. The tissue distribution experiment showed that IGF1 and IGF2 mRNA levels were highly expressed in the liver of female and male fish. In contrast, IGF3 was highly expressed in the gonads and livers of male and female fish, suggesting a high influence on fish reproduction. The effect of fasting showed that IGF1 and mRNA expression had no significant difference in the liver but significantly decreased after long-term (7 days) fasting in the muscles and started to recover after refeeding. IGF2 mRNA expression showed no significant difference in the liver but had a significant difference in muscles for short-term (2 days) and long-term fasting, which started to recover after refeeding, suggesting muscles are more susceptible to both short-term and long-term fasting. In vitro incubation of 17β-estradiol (E2) was observed to decrease the IGF1 and IGF3 mRNA expression level in a dose- (0.1, 1, and 10 μM) and time- (3, 6, and 12 h) dependent manner. In addition, E2 had no effect on IGF2 mRNA expression levels in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The effect of 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) in vitro incubation was observed to significantly increase the IGF3 mRNA expression level in a time- and dose-dependent manner. MT had no effect on IGF2 mRNA but was observed to decrease the IGF1 mRNA expression in the liver. Taken together, these data indicate that E2 and MT may either increase or decrease IGF expression in fish; this study provides basic knowledge and understanding of the expression and regulation of IGF family genes in relation to the nutritional status, somatic growth, and reproductive endocrinology of golden pompano for aquaculture development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Brighton Ndandala
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Zhanjiang 524025, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Zhiyuan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yuwen Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Guangli Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Huapu Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Zhanjiang 524025, China
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Li M, Sun L, Zhou L, Wang D. Tilapia, a good model for studying reproductive endocrinology. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 345:114395. [PMID: 37879418 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), with a system of XX/XY sex determination, is a worldwide farmed fish with a shorter sexual maturation time than that of most cultured fish. Tilapia show a spawning cycle of approximately 14 days and can be artificially propagated in the laboratory all year round to obtain genetically all female (XX) and all male (XY) fry. Its genome sequence has been opened, and a perfect gene editing platform has been established. With a moderate body size, it is convenient for taking enough blood to measure hormone level. In recent years, using tilapia as animal model, we have confirmed that estrogen is crucial for female development because 1) mutation of star2, cyp17a1 or cyp19a1a (encoding aromatase, the key enzyme for estrogen synthesis) results in sex reversal (SR) due to estrogen deficiency in XX tilapia, while mutation of star1, cyp11a1, cyp17a2, cyp19a1b or cyp11c1 affects fertility due to abnormal androgen, cortisol and DHP levels in XY tilapia; 2) when the estrogen receptors (esr2a/esr2b) are mutated, the sex is reversed from female to male, while when the androgen receptors are mutated, the sex cannot be reversed; 3) the differentiated ovary can be transdifferentiated into functional testis by inhibition of estrogen synthesis, and the differentiated testis can be transdifferentiated into ovary by simultaneous addition of exogenous estrogen and androgen synthase inhibitor; 4) loss of male pathway genes amhy, dmrt1, gsdf causes SR with upregulation of cyp19a1a in XY tilapia. Disruption of estrogen synthesis rescues the male to female SR of amhy and gsdf but not dmrt1 mutants; 5) mutation of female pathway genes foxl2 and sf-1 causes SR with downregulation of cyp19a1a in XX tilapia; 6) the germ cell SR of foxl3 mutants fails to be rescued by estrogen treatment, indicating that estrogen determines female germ cell fate through foxl3. This review also summarized the effects of deficiency of other steroid hormones, such as androgen, DHP and cortisol, on fish reproduction. Overall, these studies demonstrate that tilapia is an excellent animal model for studying reproductive endocrinology of fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lina Sun
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Linyan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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Wilson CA, Batzel P, Postlethwait JH. Direct Male Development in Chromosomally ZZ Zebrafish. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.27.573483. [PMID: 38234788 PMCID: PMC10793451 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.27.573483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The genetics of sex determination varies across taxa, sometimes even within a species. Major domesticated strains of zebrafish ( Danio rerio ), including AB and TU, lack a strong genetic sex determining locus, but strains more recently derived from nature, like Nadia (NA), possess a ZZ male/ZW female chromosomal sex-determination system. AB strain fish pass through a juvenile ovary stage, forming oocytes that survive in fish that become females but die in fish that become males. To understand mechanisms of gonad development in NA zebrafish, we studied histology and single cell transcriptomics in developing ZZ and ZW fish. ZW fish developed oocytes by 22 days post-fertilization (dpf) but ZZ fish directly formed testes, avoiding a juvenile ovary phase. Gonads of some ZW and WW fish, however, developed oocytes that died as the gonad became a testis, mimicking AB fish, suggesting that the gynogenetically derived AB strain is chromosomally WW. Single-cell RNA-seq of 19dpf gonads showed similar cell types in ZZ and ZW fish, including germ cells, precursors of gonadal support cells, steroidogenic cells, interstitial/stromal cells, and immune cells, consistent with a bipotential juvenile gonad. In contrast, scRNA-seq of 30dpf gonads revealed that cells in ZZ gonads had transcriptomes characteristic of testicular Sertoli, Leydig, and germ cells while ZW gonads had granulosa cells, theca cells, and developing oocytes. Hematopoietic and vascular cells were similar in both sex genotypes. These results show that juvenile NA zebrafish initially develop a bipotential gonad; that a factor on the NA W chromosome or fewer than two Z chromosomes is essential to initiate oocyte development; and without the W factor or with two Z doses, NA gonads develop directly into testes without passing through the juvenile ovary stage. Sex determination in AB and TU strains mimics NA ZW and WW zebrafish, suggesting loss of the Z chromosome during domestication. Genetic analysis of the NA strain will facilitate our understanding of the evolution of sex determination mechanisms.
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Qiao K, Liang Z, Wang A, Wu Q, Yang S, Ma Y, Li S, Schiwy S, Jiang J, Zhou S, Ye Q, Hollert H, Gui W. Waterborne Tebuconazole Exposure Induces Male-Biased Sex Differentiation in Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) Larvae via Aromatase Inhibition. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:16764-16778. [PMID: 37890152 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Tebuconazole is a widely used fungicide for various crops that targets sterol 14-α-demethylase (CYP51) in fungi. However, attention has shifted to aromatase (CYP19) due to limited research indicating its reproductive impact on aquatic organisms. Herein, zebrafish were exposed to 0.5 mg/L tebuconazole at different developmental stages. The proportion of males increased significantly after long-term exposure during the sex differentiation phase (0-60, 5-60, and 19-60 days postfertilization (dpf)). Testosterone levels increased and 17β-estradiol and cyp19a1a expression levels decreased during the 5-60 dpf exposure, while the sex ratio was equally distributed on coexposure with 50 ng/L 17β-estradiol. Chemically activated luciferase gene expression bioassays determined that the male-biased sex differentiation was not caused by tebuconazole directly binding to sex hormone receptors. Protein expression and phosphorylation levels were specifically altered in the vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway despite excluding the possibility of tebuconazole directly interacting with kinases. Aromatase was selected for potential target analysis. Molecular docking and aromatase activity assays demonstrated the interactions between tebuconazole and aromatase, highlighting that tebuconazole poses a threat to fish populations by inducing a gender imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Qiao
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
- Institute of Nuclear-Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
- Department Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Zhuoying Liang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Aoxue Wang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
- Patent Examination Cooperation (Henan) Center of the Patent Office, CNIPA, Zhengzhou 450046, P. R. China
| | - Siyu Yang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Yongfang Ma
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Shuying Li
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Sabrina Schiwy
- Department Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jinhua Jiang
- Institute of Agro-Products Safety and Nutrition, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, P. R. China
| | - Shengli Zhou
- Zhejiang Province Environmental Monitoring Center, Hangzhou 310012, P. R. China
| | - Qingfu Ye
- Institute of Nuclear-Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Henner Hollert
- Department Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department Environmental Media Related Ecotoxicology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, 57392 Schmallenberg, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Wenjun Gui
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
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The Expression Pattern of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Subtype 3 (igf3) in the Orange-Spotted Grouper Epinephelus coioides and Its Function on Ovary Maturation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032868. [PMID: 36769198 PMCID: PMC9918221 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A new insulin-like growth factor (Igf) subtype 3 (igf3) has recently been found in the bony fish orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides). However, the role of igf3 in the maturation of the ovary and sex differentiation in E. coioides is currently unknown. We examined the ovarian localization and receptor binding of the novel ortholog Igf3 using qRT-PCR, and Western blotting, combined with in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry methods. Results demonstrated the presence of igf3 mRNA and protein in mature oocytes. Furthermore, Igf3 protein expression was not detected in testis, brain, kidney and liver homogenates. The calculated molecular weight of Igf3 was 22 kDa, which was consistent with the deduced amino acid sequence from the full-length open reading frame. The immunoreactivity showed that Igf3 was strongly present in the follicle staining fully-grown stage. The igf3 mRNA expression level was significantly positively correlated with ovarian follicular maturation. Meanwhile, Igf3 increased germinal-vesicle breakdown in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In vitro, treatment of primary ovarian cells with Igf3 up-regulated significantly the mRNA expression level of genes related to sex determination and reproduction such as forkhead boxl2 (foxl2), dosage-sensitive sex reversal adrenal hypoplasia critical region on chromosome x gene 1 (dax1), cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily member 1 a (cyp19a1a), cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily a member 1 a (cyp11a1a) and luteinizing hormone receptor 1 (lhr1). Overall, our results demonstrated that igf3 promotes the maturation of the ovary and plays an important role in sex differentiation in E. coioides.
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Hu Y, Ma X, Liu R, Mushtaq I, Qi Y, Yuan C, Huang D. 2,4-Dichlorophenol Increases Primordial Germ Cell Numbers via ESR2a-Dependent Pathway in Zebrafish Larvae. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:13878-13887. [PMID: 36106461 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported the feminizing effects of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) on zebrafish (Danio rerio). However, the effect of 2,4-DCP on the number of primordial germ cells (PGCs), an indicator for early sex differentiation, remains elusive. In the present study, Tg (piwil1:egfp-UTR nanos3) zebrafish (GFP-labeled PGCs) were treated with 2,4-DCP (10, 20, and 40 μg/L) from 5 to 15 days postfertilization to explore the effect on PGC numbers and to elucidate associated molecular mechanisms. The results showed that 2,4-DCP exposure increased PGC numbers, as evidenced by larger GFP fluorescent areas, upregulated expressions of PGC marker genes (vasa and dnd), and raised the female ratio. Notably, the mRNA level of estrogen receptor 2a (esr2a) was also increased subsequently. Moreover, docking studies revealed stable 2,4-DCP interactions with ESR2a, speculating a role of ESR2a signaling pathway in 2,4-DCP toxicity. Furthermore, in esr2a knockout (esr2a-/-) zebrafish, the effects of 2,4-DCP were considerably minimized, proving the involvement of the ESR2a signaling pathway in the 2,4-DCP-mediated increase in PGC numbers. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and point mutation studies demonstrated that 2,4-DCP-stimulated promoter activity was mediated by estrogen response element (ERE) located in -686/-674 of the vasa promoter and -731/-719 of the dnd promoter. Overall, 2,4-DCP can potentially enhance the expression of vasa and dnd by binding to zebrafish ESR2a, thus leading to increased PGC numbers and subsequent female-biased sex differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Hu
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Ma
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongjian Liu
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Iqra Mushtaq
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongmei Qi
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong Yuan
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Dejun Huang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China
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Nicol B, Estermann MA, Yao HHC, Mellouk N. Becoming female: Ovarian differentiation from an evolutionary perspective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:944776. [PMID: 36158204 PMCID: PMC9490121 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.944776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of the bipotential gonadal primordium into ovaries and testes is a common process among vertebrate species. While vertebrate ovaries eventually share the same functions of producing oocytes and estrogens, ovarian differentiation relies on different morphogenetic, cellular, and molecular cues depending on species. The aim of this review is to highlight the conserved and divergent features of ovarian differentiation through an evolutionary perspective. From teleosts to mammals, each clade or species has a different story to tell. For this purpose, this review focuses on three specific aspects of ovarian differentiation: ovarian morphogenesis, the evolution of the role of estrogens on ovarian differentiation and the molecular pathways involved in granulosa cell determination and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Nicol
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States,*Correspondence: Barbara Nicol,
| | - Martin A. Estermann
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Humphrey H-C Yao
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Namya Mellouk
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy en Josas, France
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Differential Expression of Duplicate Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Receptors ( igf1rs) in Medaka Gonads. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12060859. [PMID: 35743889 PMCID: PMC9225247 DOI: 10.3390/life12060859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptors (igf1rs) play important roles in regulating development, differentiation, and proliferation in diverse organisms. In the present study, subtypes of medaka igf1r, igf1ra, and igf1rb were isolated and characterized. RT-PCR results showed that igf1ra and igf1rb mRNA were expressed in all tissues and throughout embryogenesis. Using real-time PCR, the differential expression of igf1ra and igf1rb mRNA during folliculogenesis was observed. The results of in situ hybridization (ISH) revealed that both of them were expressed in ovarian follicles at different stages, and igf1rb was also expressed in theca cells and granulosa cells. In the testis, both igf1ra and igf1rb mRNA were highly expressed in sperm, while igf1rb mRNA was also obviously detected in spermatogonia. In addition, igf1ra mRNA was also present in Leydig cells in contrast to the distribution of igf1rb mRNA in Sertoli cells. Collectively, we demonstrated that differential igf1rs RNA expression identifies medaka meiotic germ cells and somatic cells of both sexes. These findings highlight the importance of the igf system in the development of fish gonads.
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