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Liu H, Yang Q, Li G, Hung TC, Zuo J, Luan N, Liu X, Wu Q. Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus modulates MCLR-induced oogenesis disorders in zebrafish: Evidence from the transcriptome. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175532. [PMID: 39153614 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175532] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MCLR) produced by cyanobacterial blooms have received global attention. MCLR has been recognized as a reproductive toxin to fish and poses a threat to ecosystem stability. It has been proven that probiotic dietary management can improve reproductive performance of fish. It is worth paying attention to exploring whether probiotic management can alleviate the reproductive toxicity caused by MCLR. In this investigation, adult zebrafish were exposed to different doses of MCLR solution (0, 2.2, and 22 μg/L) with or without the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supplementation for a duration of 28 days. The results showed that female zebrafish spawning was reduced after exposure to MCLR, but this reduction was reversed when L. rhamnosus GG was added. To elucidate how L. rhamnosus GG mitigates reproductive toxicity caused by MCLR, we examined a series of indicators of MCLR accumulation, ovarian histology, hormones, and transcriptome levels. Our study showed that L. rhamnosus GG could alleviate oogenesis disorders and ultimately attenuate MCLR-induced reproductive toxicity by reducing MCLR accumulation in the gonads, modulating the expression of endocrine system and auto/paracrine factors. The transcriptome results revealed that single or combined exposure of MCLR and L. rhamnosus GG mainly affected the endocrine system, energy metabolism, and RNA degradation and translation. Overall, our results provide new insights for alleviating MCLR-induced reproductive toxicity and help promote healthy aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoling Liu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Institute of Hydroecology, Ministry of Water Resources & Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Tien-Chieh Hung
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Junli Zuo
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ning Luan
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiaolin Liu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qin Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Edible Wild Plants Conservation and Utilization, Huangshi Key Laboratory of Lake Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, Hubei Province 435002, China
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2
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Yang S, Tang X, Yan F, Yang H, Xu L, Jian Z, Deng H, He Q, Zhu G, Wang Q. A time-course transcriptome analysis revealing the potential molecular mechanism of early gonadal differentiation in the Chinese giant salamander. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2024; 50:101200. [PMID: 38320446 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2024.101200] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
The Chinese giant salamander (CGS) Andrias davidianus is the largest extant amphibian and has recently become an important species for aquaculture with high economic value. Meanwhile, its wild populations and diversity are in urgent need of protection. Exploring the mechanism of its early gonadal differentiation will contribute to the development of CGS aquaculture and the recovery of its wild population. In this study, transcriptomic and phenotypic research was conducted on the critical time points of early gonadal differentiation of CGS. The results indicate that around 210 days post-hatching (dph) is the critical window for female CGS's gonadal differentiation, while 270 dph is that of male CGS. Besides, the TRPM1 gene may be the crucial gene among many candidates determining the sex of CGS. More importantly, in our study, key genes involved in CGS's gonadal differentiation and development are identified and their potential pathways and regulatory models at early stage are outlined. This is an initial exploration of the molecular mechanisms of CGS's early gonadal differentiation at multiple time points, providing essential theoretical foundations for its captive breeding and offering unique insights into the conservation of genetic diversity in wild populations from the perspective of sex development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijun Yang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Xiong Tang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Fan Yan
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Han Yang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Lishan Xu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Zhijie Jian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Huidan Deng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Qu He
- School of Foreign Languages, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Guangxiang Zhu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China.
| | - Qin Wang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China.
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3
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Uju CN, Unniappan S. Growth factors and female reproduction in vertebrates. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 579:112091. [PMID: 37863469 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112091] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Female reproductive efficiency is influenced by the outcomes of various processes, including folliculogenesis, apoptosis, response to gonadotropin signaling, oocyte maturation, and ovulation. The role of hormones in regulating these processes and other reproductive activities has been well established. It is becoming increasingly evident that in addition to well-characterized hormones, growth factors play vital roles in regulating some of these reproductive activities. Growth factors and their receptors are widely distributed in vertebrate ovaries at different stages of ovarian development, indicating their involvement in intraovarian reproductive functions. In the ovary, cell surface receptors allow growth factors to regulate intraovarian reproductive activities. Understanding these actions in the reproductive axis would provide a tool to target growth factors and/or their receptors to yield desirable reproductive outcomes. These include enrichment of in vitro maturation and fertilization culture media, and management of infertility. This review discusses some widely characterized growth factors belonging to the TGF, EGF, IGF, FGF, and BDNF family of peptides and their role in female reproduction in vertebrates, with a focus on mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinelo N Uju
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroendocrinology, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Suraj Unniappan
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroendocrinology, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B4, Canada.
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Lau ESW, Zhu B, Sun MA, Ngai SM, Ge W. Proteomic analysis of zebrafish folliculogenesis identifies YB-1 (Ybx1/ybx1) as a potential gatekeeping molecule controlling early ovarian folliculogenesis. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:482-497. [PMID: 37471641 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
As in mammals, ovarian folliculogenesis in teleosts also consists of two phases: the primary growth (PG) and secondary growth (SG) phases, which are analogous to the preantral and antral phases respectively in mammals. In this study, we performed a proteomic analysis on zebrafish follicles undergoing the PG-SG transition aiming to identify factors involved in the event. Numerous proteins showed significant changes, and the most prominent one was Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1; Ybx1/ybx1), a transcription factor and mRNA-binding protein. YB-1 belongs to the Y-box binding protein family, which also includes the gonad-specific YB-2. Interestingly, phylogenetic analysis showed no YB-2 homolog in zebrafish. Although ybx1 mRNA was expressed in various tissues, its protein Ybx1 was primarily produced in the gonads, similar to YB-2 in other species. In the ovary, Ybx1 protein started to appear in early follicles newly emerged from the germ cell cysts, reached the highest level in late PG oocytes, but decreased precipitously when the follicles entered the SG phase. In PG follicles, Ybx1 might function as a key component of the messenger ribonucleoprotein particles (mRNPs) in association with other RNA-binding proteins. Similar to mammalian YB-1, zebrafish Ybx1 also contains functional signals that determine its intracellular localization. In conclusion, Ybx1 may play dual roles of YB-1 and YB-2 in zebrafish. In the ovary, Ybx1 binds mRNAs to stabilize them while preventing their translation. At PG-SG transition, Ybx1 is removed to release the masked mRNAs for translation into functional proteins, leading to follicle activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Shuk-Wa Lau
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Bo Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Ming-An Sun
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Sai Ming Ngai
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
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5
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Zhai Y, Zhang X, Zhao C, Geng R, Wu K, Yuan M, Ai N, Ge W. Rescue of bmp15 deficiency in zebrafish by mutation of inha reveals mechanisms of BMP15 regulation of folliculogenesis. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010954. [PMID: 37713421 PMCID: PMC10529593 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
As an oocyte-specific growth factor, bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) plays a critical role in controlling folliculogenesis. However, the mechanism of BMP15 action remains elusive. Using zebrafish as the model, we created a bmp15 mutant using CRISPR/Cas9 and demonstrated that bmp15 deficiency caused a significant delay in follicle activation and puberty onset followed by a complete arrest of follicle development at previtellogenic (PV) stage without yolk accumulation. The mutant females eventually underwent female-to-male sex reversal to become functional males, which was accompanied by a series of changes in secondary sexual characteristics. Interestingly, the blockade of folliculogenesis and sex reversal in bmp15 mutant could be partially rescued by the loss of inhibin (inha-/-). The follicles of double mutant (bmp15-/-;inha-/-) could progress to mid-vitellogenic (MV) stage with yolk accumulation and the fish maintained their femaleness without sex reversal. Transcriptome analysis revealed up-regulation of pathways related to TGF-β signaling and endocytosis in the double mutant follicles. Interestingly, the expression of inhibin/activin βAa subunit (inhbaa) increased significantly in the double mutant ovary. Further knockout of inhbaa in the triple mutant (bmp15-/-;inha-/-;inhbaa-/-) resulted in the loss of yolk granules again. The serum levels of estradiol (E2) and vitellogenin (Vtg) both decreased significantly in bmp15 single mutant females (bmp15-/-), returned to normal in the double mutant (bmp15-/-;inha-/-), but reduced again significantly in the triple mutant (bmp15-/-;inha-/-;inhbaa-/-). E2 treatment could rescue the arrested follicles in bmp15-/-, and fadrozole (a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor) treatment blocked yolk accumulation in bmp15-/-;inha-/- fish. The loss of inhbaa also caused a reduction of Vtg receptor-like molecules (e.g., lrp1ab and lrp2a). In summary, the present study provided comprehensive genetic evidence that Bmp15 acts together with the activin-inhibin system in the follicle to control E2 production from the follicle, Vtg biosynthesis in the liver and its uptake by the developing oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Cheng Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Ruijing Geng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Kun Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Mingzhe Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Nana Ai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
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6
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Gan R, Cai J, Sun C, Wang Z, Yang W, Meng F, Zhang L, Zhang W. Transcription factors Dmrt1a, Foxl2, and Nr5a1a potentially interact to regulate cyp19a1a transcription in ovarian follicles of ricefield eel (Monopterus albus). J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 231:106310. [PMID: 37044240 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Aromatase (encoded by Cyp19a1) in the ovarian follicular cells catalyzes the production of estradiol from testosterone, which plays important roles in the ovarian development of vertebrates. In the present study, the interaction of Dmrt1, Foxl2, and Nr5a1a on the regulation of cyp19a1a transcription in ovarian follicles was examined in a teleost, the ricefield eel Monopterus albus. The expression of dmrt1a, foxl2, and nr5a1a was detected in ovarian follicular cells together with cyp19a1a at the mRNA and/or protein levels. Sequence analysis identified one conserved Foxo binding site in the proximal promoter region of ricefield eel cyp19a1a. Transient transfection assay showed that Foxl2 may bind to the conserved Foxo site to activate cyp19a1a transcription and act synergistically with Nr5a1a. Mutation of either the conserved Nr5a1 site or Foxo site abolished or significantly decreased the synergistic effects of Nr5a1a and Foxl2 on cyp19a1a transcription. The sequence between Region III and I-box of Nr5a1a was critical to this synergistic effect. Dmrt1a modulated the Foxl2- and Nr5a1a-induced activation of cyp19a1a transcription and their synergistic effects in a biphasic manner, with inhibitory roles observed at lower doses (10 to 50ng) but release of the inhibition or even potentiating effects observed at higher doses (100 to 200ng). Collectively, data of the present study suggest that the interaction of Dmrt1a, Foxl2, and Nr5a1a in the ovarian follicular cells may facilitate the adequate expression of cyp19a1a and the production of estradiol, and contribute to the development and maturation of ovarian follicles in ricefield eels and other vertebrates as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riping Gan
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jinfeng Cai
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Chao Sun
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Zhiguo Wang
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Wei Yang
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Feiyan Meng
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Lihong Zhang
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; Biology Department, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
| | - Weimin Zhang
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; Biology Department, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
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7
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Carver JJ, Zhu Y. Metzincin metalloproteases in PGC migration and gonadal sex conversion. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 330:114137. [PMID: 36191636 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Development of a functional gonad includes migration of primordial germ cells (PGCs), differentiations of somatic and germ cells, formation of primary follicles or spermatogenic cysts with somatic gonadal cells, development and maturation of gametes, and subsequent releasing of mature germ cells. These processes require extensive cellular and tissue remodeling, as well as broad alterations of the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Metalloproteases, including MMPs (matrix metalloproteases), ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinases), and ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs), are suggested to have critical roles in the remodeling of the ECM during gonad development. However, few research articles and reviews are available on the functions and mechanisms of metalloproteases in remodeling gonadal ECM, gonadal development, or gonadal differentiation. Moreover, most studies focused on the roles of transcription and growth factors in early gonad development and primary sex determination, leaving a significant knowledge gap on how differentially expressed metalloproteases exert effects on the ECM, cell migration, development, and survival of germ cells during the development and differentiation of ovaries or testes. We will review gonad development with focus on the evidence of metalloprotease involvements, and with an emphasis on zebrafish as a model for studying gonadal sex differentiation and metalloprotease functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Carver
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Yong Zhu
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
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8
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Takahashi T, Ogiwara K. cAMP signaling in ovarian physiology in teleosts: A review. Cell Signal 2023; 101:110499. [PMID: 36273754 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110499] [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: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian function in teleosts, like in other vertebrates, is regulated by two distinct gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Gonadotropin effects are mediated by membrane-bound G protein-coupled receptors localized on the surface of follicle cells. Gonadotropin receptor activation results in increased intracellular cAMP, the most important second cellular signaling molecule. FSH stimulation induces the production of 17β-estradiol in the cells of growing follicles to promote vitellogenesis in oocytes. In contrast, in response to LH, fully grown post-vitellogenic follicles gain the ability to synthesize maturation-inducing steroids, which induce meiotic resumption and ovulation. All these events were induced downstream of cAMP. In this review, we summarize studies addressing the role of the cAMP pathway in gonadotropin-induced processes in teleost ovarian follicles. Furthermore, we discuss future problems concerning cAMP signaling in relation to teleost ovarian function and the differences and similarities in the gonadotropin-induced cAMP signaling pathways between mammals and teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Takahashi
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Katsueki Ogiwara
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan.
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9
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Chen W, Zhai Y, Zhu B, Wu K, Fan Y, Zhou X, Liu L, Ge W. Loss of growth differentiation factor 9 causes an arrest of early folliculogenesis in zebrafish-A novel insight into its action mechanism. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010318. [PMID: 36520929 PMCID: PMC9799306 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) was the first oocyte-specific growth factor identified; however, most information about GDF9 functions comes from studies in the mouse model. In this study, we created a mutant for Gdf9 gene (gdf9-/-) in zebrafish using TALEN approach. The loss of Gdf9 caused a complete arrest of follicle development at primary growth (PG) stage. These follicles eventually degenerated, and all mutant females gradually changed to males through sex reversal, which could be prevented by mutation of the male-promoting gene dmrt1. Interestingly, the phenotypes of gdf9-/- could be rescued by simultaneous mutation of inhibin α (inha-/-) but not estradiol treatment, suggesting a potential role for the activin-inhibin system or its signaling pathway in Gdf9 actions. In gdf9-null follicles, the expression of activin βAa (inhbaa), but not βAb (inhbab) and βB (inhbb), decreased dramatically; however, its expression rebounded in the double mutant (gdf9-/-;inha-/-). These results indicate clearly that the activation of PG follicles to enter the secondary growth (SG) requires intrinsic factors from the oocyte, such as Gdf9, which in turn works on the neighboring follicle cells to trigger follicle activation, probably involving activins. In addition, our data also support the view that estrogens are not involved in follicle activation as recently reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiting Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Yue Zhai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Bo Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Kun Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Yuqin Fan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Xianqing Zhou
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Liu
- School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
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10
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Expression Patterns and Gonadotropin Regulation of the TGF-β II Receptor (Bmpr2) during Ovarian Development in the Ricefield Eel Monopterus albus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315349. [PMID: 36499673 PMCID: PMC9739225 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bmpr2 plays a central role in the regulation of reproductive development in mammals, but its role during ovarian development in fish is still unclear. To ascertain the function of bmpr2 in ovarian development in the ricefield eel, we isolated and characterized the bmpr2 cDNA sequence; the localization of Bmpr2 protein was determined by immunohistochemical staining; and the expression patterns of bmpr2 in ovarian tissue incubated with FSH and hCG in vitro were analyzed. The full-length bmpr2 cDNA was 3311 bp, with 1061 amino acids encoded. Compared to other tissues, bmpr2 was abundantly expressed in the ovary and highly expressed in the early yolk accumulation (EV) stages of the ovary. In addition, a positive signal for Bmpr2 was detected in the cytoplasm of oocytes in primary growth (PG) and EV stages. In vitro, the expression level of gdf9, the ligand of bmpr2, in the 10 ng/mL FSH treatment group was significantly higher after incubation for 4 h than after incubation for different durations. However, bmpr2 expression in the 10 ng/mL FSH treatment group at 2 h, 4 h and 10 h was significantly lower. Importantly, the expression level of bmpr2 and gdf9 in the 100 IU/mL hCG group had similar changes that were significantly decreased at 4 h and 10 h. In summary, Bmpr2 might play a pivotal role in ovarian growth in the ricefield eel, and these results provide a better understanding of the function of bmpr2 in ovarian development and the basic data for further exploration of the regulatory mechanism of gdf9 in oocyte development.
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11
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Deng Y, Wang L, Wei T, Chen Y, Wu X, Guo Y, Lin H, Tang H, Liu X. Inhibition of oocyte maturation by nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1) in zebrafish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 321-322:114012. [PMID: 35231489 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
It is well-documented that nitric oxide (NO) is an important regulator of oocyte maturation in mammals. Conversely, the function of NO during oocyte maturation has received little attention in nonmammalian vertebrates. NO is produced from L-arginine through the action of the enzyme NO synthase (NOS). Herein, we examined the expression, hormonal regulation, and involvement of NOS in meiotic signaling in zebrafish oocyte maturation. Three types of nos genes, nos1, nos2a, and nos2b, have been identified in zebrafish. We found that the expression of nos1 was highest in the ovary among the three nos genes, with maximal expression in full-grown (FG)-stage follicles during folliculogenesis. In addition, the concentration of NO was reduced during oocyte maturation and this corresponded with the decreased expression of nos1 in the follicular cell layers, suggesting that NOS1-derived NO may be one of the inhibitors of oocyte maturation in zebrafish. This is the first description of nos1 involvement in oocyte maturation in vertebrates. Moreover, the NO donor SNAP (S-nitroso-l-acetyl penicillamine) partially attenuates human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)- and 17,20β-P-induced GVBD (germinal vesicle breakdown), perhaps by increasing cGMP levels during oocyte maturation. Finally, our results showed that SNAP and the cGMP analog 8-Br-cGMP inhibited hCG-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, further indicating that NO and cGMP block oocyte maturation in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Le Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Tengyu Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Xi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Haoran Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Haipei Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Center for Precision Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510030, China.
| | - Xiaochun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai 519000, China.
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12
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Gao D, Huang J, Lin G, Lu J. A time-course transcriptome analysis of gonads from yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) reveals genes associated with gonad development. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:409. [PMID: 35637435 PMCID: PMC9153201 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08651-0] [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: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The yellow catfish, Pelteobagrus fulvidraco, is a commercially important fish species. It is widely distributed in the fresh water areas of China, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Like many other aquaculture fish species, people have observed significant size dimorphism between male and female yellow catfish and it shows a growth advantage in males. Results Here, at the first time, the time-course transcriptome was used to explore the various expression profiles of genes in different gonad developmental stages and genders. A total of 2696 different expression genes (DEGs) were identified from different stages. Based on these DEGs, 13 gonad development related genes were identified which showed time-specific or sex biased expression patterns. Conclusion This study will provide the crucial information on the molecular mechanism of gonad development of female and male yellow catfish. Especially, during the different gonad development stages, these 13 gonad development related genes exhibit various expression patterns in female and male individual respectively. These results could inspire and facilitate us to understanding the various roles of these genes play in different gonad development stages and genders. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08651-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Gao
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Junrou Huang
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Genmei Lin
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Jianguo Lu
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China. .,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519080, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China. .,Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Zhuhai, 519000, China.
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13
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Liu X, Huang Y, Tan F, Wang HY, Chen JY, Zhang X, Zhao X, Liu K, Wang Q, Liu S, Piferrer F, Fan G, Shao C. Single-Cell Atlas of the Chinese Tongue Sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) Ovary Reveals Transcriptional Programs of Oogenesis in Fish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:828124. [PMID: 35300429 PMCID: PMC8921555 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.828124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Oogenesis is a highly orchestrated process that depends on regulation by autocrine/paracrine hormones and growth factors. However, many details of the molecular mechanisms that regulate fish oogenesis remain elusive. Here, we performed a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of the molecular signatures of distinct ovarian cell categories in adult Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). We characterized the successive stepwise development of three germ cell subtypes. Notably, we identified the cellular composition of fish follicle walls, including four granulosa cell types and one theca cell type, and we proposed important transcription factors (TFs) showing high activity in the regulation of cell identity. Moreover, we found that the extensive niche–germline bidirectional communications regulate fish oogenesis, whereas ovulation in fish is accompanied by the coordination of simultaneous and tightly sequential processes across different granulosa cells. Additionally, a systems biology analysis of the homologous genes shared by Chinese tongue sole and macaques revealed remarkably conserved biological processes in germ cells and granulosa cells across vertebrates. Our results provide key insights into the cell-type-specific mechanisms underlying fish oogenesis at a single-cell resolution, which offers important clues for exploring fish breeding mechanisms and the evolution of vertebrate reproductive systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Liu
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.,Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Yingyi Huang
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.,Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Fujian Tan
- BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hong-Yan Wang
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Jian-Yang Chen
- BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
| | - Xianghui Zhang
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China.,College of Marine Technology and Environment, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaona Zhao
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China.,School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Kaiqiang Liu
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
| | - Francesc Piferrer
- Institut de Ciències Del Mar (ICM), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guangyi Fan
- BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Changwei Shao
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
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14
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Shi R, Li X, Cheng P, Yang Q, Chen Z, Chen S, Wang N. Characterization of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic factor 15 in Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis): Sex-biased expression pattern and promoter regulation. Theriogenology 2022; 182:119-128. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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15
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Song Y, Hu W, Ge W. Establishment of transgenic zebrafish (Danio rerio) models expressing fluorescence proteins in the oocytes and somatic supporting cells. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 314:113907. [PMID: 34543655 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between gonadal somatic support cells and germ cells plays a crucial role in gonadal development. In fish, the process involves various local growth factors such as growth differentiation factor 9 (Gdf9) and gonadal soma-derived factor (Gsdf), which are both members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily. Gdf9, an oocyte-secreted factor, is a potent regulator of folliculogenesis in both mammals and fish. By contrast, Gsdf is expressed by the gonadal somatic cells (i.e., Sertoli cells in the testis and granulosa cells in the ovary) that support germ cell development. In this study, we established two transgenic zebrafish models, and demonstrated that the 2.7-kb proximal promoter region of gdf9 drove mCherry expression specifically in the oocytes, whereas the 2.1-kb proximal promoter region of gsdf drove enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) expression in the Sertoli cells and granulosa cells. These proximal promoters contained sufficient information to respectively mimic the spatiotemporal expression patterns of endogenous gdf9 and gsdf in zebrafish. In the Tg(gdf9:mCherry) fish, mCherry was weakly expressed in the oocytes at primary growth stage but strongly expressed in those entering the secondary growth phase. In the Tg(gsdf:eGFP) fish, eGFP-positive Sertoli cells were distributed around spermatogenic cysts in the testis, whereas eGFP-positive granulosa cells were located at the outer side of the follicle layer in the ovary. The eGFP-positive Sertoli cells and granulosa cells seemed to have originated from the dorsal epithelium of the gonads. These Tg(gdf9:mCherry) and Tg(gsdf:eGFP) zebrafish models are suitable for studying gonadal development and function especially on the interaction between germ cells and supporting somatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlong Song
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China; State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.
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16
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Li M, Rong X, Lu L, Li Y, Yao K, Ge W, Duan C. IGF-2 mRNA binding protein 2 regulates primordial germ cell development in zebrafish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 313:113875. [PMID: 34352271 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein-2 (IGF2BP2 or IMP2) is a member of a conserved family of RNA binding proteins. These proteins bind to and regulate target mRNA localization, stability, and translation. Their structure, expression and functions in bony fish are not well understood. Here, we characterized the zebrafish igf2bp2 gene and investigated its functional role in early development. Zebrafish igf2bp2 gives rise to 4 alternatively spliced transcripts. When expressed in cultured cells, all 4 proteins were detected in the cytoplasm. Igf2bp2-A, the longest isoform, has a domain structure similar to its mammalian counterpart. Igf2bp2-B lacks one of the C-terminal KH domains, while Igf2bp2-C lacks the two N-terminal RRM domains. Igf2bp2-D lacks both regions. In adult fish, these igf2bp2 isoforms were detected exclusively in the oocyte. After fertilization, they disappeared within 6 h post fertilization (hpf). At 20 ~ 24 hpf, igf2bp2-A mRNA, but not other mRNAs, was re-expressed in the embryos including in primordial germ cells. Targeted knockdown of Igf2bp2s reduced the numbers of primordial germ cells but did not affect global patterning or growth. The effect was rescued by overexpression of Igf2bp2-A. Likewise, dominant-negative inhibition of Igf2bp2 resulted in a similar reduction in primordial germ cell number. These results not only provide new information about the structure and expression of zebrafish Igf2bp2, but also reveal a critical role of this conserved RNA binding protein in primordial germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Xiaozhi Rong
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Ling Lu
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Yun Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Kai Yao
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China; College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430081, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Cunming Duan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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17
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Meng F, Zhang L, Zhang W. Two forms of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 in the ricefield eel: Expression and functional characterization in relation to ovarian follicle development. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 304:113720. [PMID: 33508329 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (Gper1) mediates many rapid, non-genomic estrogenic effects in vertebrates, and plays an important reproductive role in the maintenance of oocyte meiotic arrest in teleost fishes. In the present study, two genes for Gper1, namely gper1a and gper1b, were identified in the genome of a teleost fish, the ricefield eel (Monopterus albus) through Blast and syntenic analysis. Although genes neighboring gper1b are of high synteny, ricefield eel Gper1b shares very low (around 15) percent identities with Gper1 homologues of other vertebrates. In transiently transfected HEK293T cells, both ricefield eel Gper1a and Gper1b responded to estradiol (E2) and estradiol-BSA (E2-BSA) challenges by activating pCRE but not pSRE luciferase reporters, which were abolished by G-15 and NF-449. The production of cAMP was also increased in HEK293T cells transfected with Gper1a or Gper1b expression construct after E2-BSA challenge, which was also abolished by G-15. Surprisingly, both Gper1a and Gper1b showed ligand-independent effects on pCRE luciferase reporters at higher transfected doses (10 ng). RT-PCR analysis showed that the transcript of gper1a is broadly expressed in tissues of both female and male fish while the expression of gper1b in tissues demonstrates obvious sexual dimorphism, with transcripts detected in all tissues examined in female whereas they were barely detectable in some peripheral tissues of male including the testis. In the ovary, the expression of both gper1a and gper1b was detected in the oocyte but not the follicular layer, with the mRNA levels increased during vitellogenesis, peaked at the late vitellogenic stage, and decreased precipitously at the full-grown and germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) stages. Moreover, E2 and E2-BSA induced cAMP production in the in vitro incubated follicles at mid-vitellogenic stage but not the GVBD stage, and the induction could be completely abolished by G-15, a Gper1 inhibitor. Taken together, these results suggest that both Gper1a and Gper1b may play important roles in the development and maturation of ovarian follicles in ricefield eels, possibly through inhibition of oocyte meiotic resumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyan Meng
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Lihong Zhang
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; Biology Department, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
| | - Weimin Zhang
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; Biology Department, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
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18
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Ai N, Liu L, Lau ESW, Tse ACK, Ge W. Separation of Oocyte and Follicle Layer for Gene Expression Analysis in Zebrafish. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2218:1-9. [PMID: 33606218 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0970-5_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish ovarian follicles are mainly composed of the oocyte and a thin layer of follicle cells. Recent studies have demonstrated extensive cell-cell interactions between the oocyte and surrounding follicle layer and that the two compartments communicate mostly through paracrine factors. To understand the paracrine communication within the follicle, it is essential to know the spatial expression patterns of genes in the two compartments. However, since the follicle layer is extremely thin and the oocytes are enormous in size in fish, it is often difficult to detect gene expression by traditional methods such as in situ hybridization. Separation of the oocyte and surrounding follicle layer followed by RT-PCR detection provides a sensitive way to reveal the expression of individual genes in the two compartments of the follicle. This chapter introduces a method for mechanic separation of the oocyte and follicle layer at full-grown stage for expression analysis. Since fish have similar follicle structure, this method may also be used in other species as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Ai
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Lin Liu
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.,School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Esther Shuk-Wa Lau
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Anna Chung-Kwan Tse
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), University of Macau, Macau, China.
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19
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Falahati A, Ozaki Y, Damsteegt EL, Zadmajid V, Freeman KJ, Lokman PM. Spatiotemporal expression of activin receptor-like kinase-5 and bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II in the ovary of shortfinned eel, Anguilla australis. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 251:110509. [PMID: 33002594 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2020.110509] [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: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In the eel ovary, the expression of growth differentiation factor-9 (Gdf9) appears to be largely confined to the germ cell in early stages of oogenesis. However, both the target tissue and the function of Gdf9 in fish remain unknown. This study aimed to describe the abundance and localization of activin receptor-like kinase-5 (Alk5) and bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II (Bmpr2), which together mediate the Gdf9 signal, in the ovary of a basal teleost, the shortfinned eel, Anguilla australis, during early folliculogenesis. The cDNA encoding eel alk5 and bmpr2 genes were cloned, characterized and the transcript abundances of these receptors quantified by quantitative real-time PCR. Ovarian transcript abundance for both receptors, along with that of gdf9 and of its paralogue bmp15, increased from the previtellogenic to early vitellogenic stage. Localization of receptor mRNAs by in situ hybridization revealed that these receptors are located in the somatic cells surrounding the oocyte. Furthermore, tissue distribution analysis showed that the expression of alk5 and bmpr2 were highest in ovary and thyroid, respectively. Unexpectedly, however, bmpr2 mRNA levels were lower in the ovary than in any of the other 17 tissues examined, and indeed, lower than ovarian gdf9 transcript abundance. These findings, together with the ovarian expression pattern of Gdf9, suggest that Gdf9, and conceivably, Bmp15, from the oocyte can signal through receptors that are located on the somatic cells surrounding the oocyte; this, in turn, facilitates elucidation of the function of these growth factors during oogenesis in teleost fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Falahati
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Yuichi Ozaki
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; National Research Institute of Aquaculture, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, 224-1 Hiruta, Tamaki, Watarai, Mie 519-0423, Japan
| | - Erin L Damsteegt
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Vahid Zadmajid
- Department of Fisheries Science, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Kaitlyn J Freeman
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - P Mark Lokman
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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20
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Yu H, Wang Y, Wang M, Liu Y, Cheng J, Zhang Q. Growth differentiation factor 9 (gdf9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (bmp15) are potential intraovarian regulators of steroidogenesis in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 297:113547. [PMID: 32659273 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Members of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily are vital regulators during the development of fish ovary. However, its intraovarian functions in teleost are still unclear. As members of the TGF-β superfamily, gdf9 and bmp15 are necessary for follicle formation and granulosa cell proliferation. Here in Japanese flounder, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH) analysis showed that gdf9 and bmp15 were mainly expressed in oogonia and oocytes, whereas weakly expressed in non-ovarian tissues. Overexpression of single gdf9 and the co-overexpression with bmp15 could up-regulate the expression of most steroidogenic genes, while the overexpression of single bmp15 could down-regulate the expression of most steroidogenic genes. These findings demonstrate that single gdf9 and the combination with bmp15 may act as "activator", while single bmp15 may act as "inhibitor" in the process of steroidogenesis in flounder. This was also verified in negative feedback regulation of gdf9 and bmp15 during hormone treatment. High concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) could down-regulate gdf9 and up-regulate bmp15, which were beneficial for the homeostasis of hCG hormone. Besides, knockdown of either gdf9 or bmp15 could significantly down-regulate most steroidogenic genes. This indicated that heterodimer of GDF9:BMP15 might be the most bioactive ligand in gonad development of flounder. Taken together, our study provided a novel recognition that gdf9 and bmp15 could regulate steroidogenesis in teleost through mechanism different from that in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yujue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Mengya Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yuxiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Quanqi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, Shandong, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 266237 Qingdao, Shandong, China.
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21
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Yan T, Zhang S, Zhang Q, Deng F, Cai Y, He J, Ma Z, He L, Luo J, Yang D, He Z. Expression patterns and oestradiol regulation of growth differentiation factor 9 in Schizothorax prenanti. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 248-249:110470. [PMID: 32653508 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2020.110470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) plays pivotal roles in regulating follicular development in many mammalian species. In the present study, the full-length Schizothorax prenanti gdf9 cDNA sequence was isolated and characterized, and its expression pattern in developing gonads and in the gonads of exogenous oestradiol (E2)-fed fish were analysed. The S. prenanti gdf9 cDNA sequence consisted of 1958 base pairs (bp), encoded a 413 amino acid, and showed high sequence similarity with Carassius gibelio and Cyprinus carpio. The quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that gdf9 was mainly expressed in the gonads, with particularly high expression in the cortical alveoli stage ovary and late-spermatogenic stage testis. Immunohistochemical signals for Gdf9 were mainly detected in chromatin nucleolar oocytes, spermatogonia and spermatocytes. Furthermore, the gonadal expression of gdf9 induced by exogenous E2 was related to the feeding time and dose. Taken together, these findings were helpful to gain a better understanding of the role of Gdf9 in both folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis in S. prenanti.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiming Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Songpei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Faqiang Deng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yueping Cai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jiayang He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Zhijun Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Liang He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jie Luo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Deying Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Zhi He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
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22
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Li J, Ge W. Zebrafish as a model for studying ovarian development: Recent advances from targeted gene knockout studies. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 507:110778. [PMID: 32142861 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian development is a complex process controlled by precise coordination of multiple factors. The targeted gene knockout technique is a powerful tool to study the functions of these factors. The successful application of this technique in mice in the past three decades has significantly enhanced our understanding on the molecular mechanism of ovarian development. Recently, with the advent of genome editing techniques, targeted gene knockout research can be carried out in many species. Zebrafish has emerged as an excellent model system to study the control of ovarian development. Dozens of genes related to ovarian development have been knocked out in zebrafish in recent years. Much new information and perspectives on the molecular mechanism of ovarian development have been obtained from these mutant zebrafish. Some findings have challenged conventional views. Several genes have been identified for the first time in vertebrates to control ovarian development. Focusing on ovarian development, the purpose of this review is to briefly summarize recent findings using these gene knockout zebrafish models, and compare these findings with mammalian models. These established mutants and rapid development of gene knockout techniques have prompted zebrafish as an ideal animal model for studying ovarian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhen Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China, 730070.
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.
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23
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Yan YL, Batzel P, Titus T, Sydes J, Desvignes T, BreMiller R, Draper B, Postlethwait JH. A Hormone That Lost Its Receptor: Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) in Zebrafish Gonad Development and Sex Determination. Genetics 2019; 213:529-553. [PMID: 31399485 PMCID: PMC6781894 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.119.302365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal mammalian testes secrete Anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh), which inhibits female reproductive tract (Müllerian duct) development. Amh also derives from mature mammalian ovarian follicles, which marks oocyte reserve and characterizes polycystic ovarian syndrome. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) lacks Müllerian ducts and the Amh receptor gene amhr2 but, curiously, retains amh To discover the roles of Amh in the absence of Müllerian ducts and the ancestral receptor gene, we made amh null alleles in zebrafish. Results showed that normal amh prevents female-biased sex ratios. Adult male amh mutants had enormous testes, half of which contained immature oocytes, demonstrating that Amh regulates male germ cell accumulation and inhibits oocyte development or survival. Mutant males formed sperm ducts and some produced a few offspring. Young female mutants laid a few fertile eggs, so they also had functional sex ducts. Older amh mutants accumulated nonvitellogenic follicles in exceedingly large but sterile ovaries, showing that Amh helps control ovarian follicle maturation and proliferation. RNA-sequencing data partitioned juveniles at 21 days postfertilization (dpf) into two groups that each contained mutant and wild-type fish. Group21-1 upregulated ovary genes compared to Group21-2, which were likely developing as males. By 35 dpf, transcriptomes distinguished males from females and, within each sex, mutants from wild types. In adult mutants, ovaries greatly underexpressed granulosa and theca genes, and testes underexpressed Leydig cell genes. These results show that ancestral Amh functions included development of the gonadal soma in ovaries and testes and regulation of gamete proliferation and maturation. A major gap in our understanding is the identity of the gene encoding a zebrafish Amh receptor; we show here that the loss of amhr2 is associated with the breakpoint of a chromosome rearrangement shared among cyprinid fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lin Yan
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Peter Batzel
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Tom Titus
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Jason Sydes
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Thomas Desvignes
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Ruth BreMiller
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Bruce Draper
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, California 95616
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24
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Gioacchini G, Marisaldi L, Basili D, Candelma M, Pignalosa P, Aiese Cigliano R, Sanseverino W, Hardiman G, Carnevali O. A de novo transcriptome assembly approach elucidates the dynamics of ovarian maturation in the swordfish (Xiphias gladius). Sci Rep 2019; 9:7375. [PMID: 31089194 PMCID: PMC6517582 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43872-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mediterranean swordfish (Xiphias gladius) has been recently classified as overfished and in 2016, the International Commission for the Conservation of the Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) established a multi-annual management plan to recover this stock. To successfully achieve this goal, knowledge about swordfish biology is needed. To date, few studies on swordfish have been performed and none of them has provided useful insights into the reproductive biology at molecular level. Here we set to characterise the molecular dynamics underlying ovarian maturation by employing a de novo transcriptome assembly approach. Differential gene expression analysis in mature and immature ovaries identified a number of differentially expressed genes associated with biological processes driving ovarian maturation. Focusing on ovarian steroidogenesis and vitellogenin uptake, we depict the molecular dynamics characterizing these processes while a phylogenetic analysis let us identify a candidate vitellogenin receptor. This is the first swordfish transcriptome assembly and these findings provide in-depth understanding of molecular processes describing ovarian maturation. Moreover, the establishment of a publicly available database containing information on the swordfish transcriptome aims to boost research on this species with the long-term of developing more comprehensive and successful stock management plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Gioacchini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DISVA), Marche Polytechnic University (UNIVPM), 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Luca Marisaldi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DISVA), Marche Polytechnic University (UNIVPM), 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Danilo Basili
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DISVA), Marche Polytechnic University (UNIVPM), 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Michela Candelma
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DISVA), Marche Polytechnic University (UNIVPM), 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Gary Hardiman
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, BT9 5AG, Belfast, UK
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DISVA), Marche Polytechnic University (UNIVPM), 60131, Ancona, Italy.
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25
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Tsakogiannis A, Manousaki T, Lagnel J, Papanikolaou N, Papandroulakis N, Mylonas CC, Tsigenopoulos CS. The Gene Toolkit Implicated in Functional Sex in Sparidae Hermaphrodites: Inferences From Comparative Transcriptomics. Front Genet 2019; 9:749. [PMID: 30713551 PMCID: PMC6345689 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-biased gene expression is the mode through which sex dimorphism arises from a nearly identical genome, especially in organisms without genetic sex determination. Teleost fishes show great variations in the way the sex phenotype forms. Among them, Sparidae, that might be considered as a model family displays a remarkable diversity of reproductive modes. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the sex-biased transcriptome in gonads and brain (the tissues with the most profound role in sexual development and reproduction) of two sparids with different reproductive modes: the gonochoristic common dentex, Dentex dentex, and the protandrous hermaphrodite gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata. Through comparative analysis with other protogynous and rudimentary protandrous sparid transcriptomes already available, we put forward common male and female-specific genes and pathways that are probably implicated in sex-maintenance in this fish family. Our results contribute to the understanding of the complex processes behind the establishment of the functional sex, especially in hermaphrodite species and set the groundwork for future experiments by providing a gene toolkit that can improve efforts to control phenotypic sex in finfish in the ever-increasingly important field of aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Tsakogiannis
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Tereza Manousaki
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Jacques Lagnel
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Nikos Papandroulakis
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Constantinos C. Mylonas
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Costas S. Tsigenopoulos
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Heraklion, Greece
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26
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Atteia HH, Alzahrani S, El-Sherbeeny NA, Youssef AM, Farag NE, Mehanna ET, Elhawary R, Ibrahim GA, Elmistekawy A, Zaitone SA. Evening Primrose Oil Ameliorates Hyperleptinemia and Reproductive Hormone Disturbances in Obese Female Rats: Impact on Estrus Cyclicity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:942. [PMID: 32082253 PMCID: PMC7002433 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a public health burden disturbing all body functions and reproductive hormones. As obesity increases among females, there will be a rising challenge to physicians in care from fertility problems. Evening primrose oil (EPR oil) contains essential fatty acids including omega-6 linoleic acid with strong anti-inflammatory activity. Since EPR oil has utility in alleviating dysmenorrhea, this study aimed to ascertain its modulatory effect on systemic inflammation, reproductive hormones and estrus cycle irregularity in female obese rats. Thirty-two female rats were distributed to 4 groups: (i) normal, (ii) dietary obese-control female rats, and (iii and iv) dietary obese female rats treated with EPR oil (5 or 10 g/kg). Rats were examined for estrus regularity by taking vaginal smears daily during the last 2 weeks of the experiment. Serum level of insulin, leptin, adiponectin, and inflammatory cytokines was measured. In addition, serum lipid profile, and liver enzyme activities were estimated. Adipose tissues were taken for histopathologic examination as well as determination of gene expression for leptin, leptin receptors, adiponectin, and visfatin. Obese rats exhibited significant weight gain (90.69 ± 8.9), irregular prolonged estrus cycles (83.33%), increased serum levels of insulin, leptin, prolactin and testosterone and decreased gonadotropin levels. EPR oil exhibited a curative effect on obesity-related irregularity in estrus cycle and ovarian pathology. The underlying molecular mechanism may be related to reduction of systemic inflammation, alleviating insulin resistance and modulation of adipokine expression. EPR oil may be considered as a promising therapeutic intervention against obesity-related female hormonal disturbances and estrus irregularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hebatallah H. Atteia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Sharifa Alzahrani
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nagla A. El-Sherbeeny
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Amal M. Youssef
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Noha E. Farag
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Eman T. Mehanna
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Reda Elhawary
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Gehan A. Ibrahim
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Amr Elmistekawy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Division, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sawsan A. Zaitone
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
- *Correspondence: Sawsan A. Zaitone ;
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27
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Yang Y, Shu L, Jiang Q, Huang H, Ye H. Does the bone morphogenetic protein 7 inhibit oocyte maturation by autocrine/paracrine in mud crab? Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 266:119-125. [PMID: 29746856 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A bone morphogenetic protein ligand (BMP7) and its two receptors (BMPRIB and BMPRII) were recently cloned and characterized in the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain. However specific functions of BMP7 and the mechanistic pathways regulating its function are largely unidentified. In the present study, we separated oocytes and follicle cells from the ovarian explants of S. paramamosain. Subsequent analysis using semi-quantitative PCR demonstrated that the mRNA of Sp-BMP7 was exclusively expressed in follicle cells while Sp-BMPRs were expressed in both oocytes and follicle cells. In vitro experiments further showed that the mRNA and protein levels of Cyclin B increased but Sp-BMP7 declined in 17α, 20β-Dihydroxyprogesterone (DHP)-induced oocytes. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of Sp-BMP7 were not affected by the elimination of the contact/gap junction-mediated communication between oocytes and follicle cells. Our data indicate that BMP7 may play a role in the suppression of DHP-induced oocyte maturation by affecting autocrine/paracrine pathways in S. paramamosain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya'nan Yang
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ling Shu
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qingling Jiang
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Huiyang Huang
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
| | - Haihui Ye
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Exploitation and Utilization of Marine Biological Resources, Xiamen, China.
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28
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Chen W, Liu L, Ge W. Expression analysis of growth differentiation factor 9 (Gdf9/gdf9), anti-müllerian hormone (Amh/amh) and aromatase (Cyp19a1a/cyp19a1a) during gonadal differentiation of the zebrafish, Danio rerio. Biol Reprod 2018; 96:401-413. [PMID: 28203731 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.144964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In the zebrafish, no sex-determining gene has been identified, while some sex-related genes, such as cyp19a1a and amh, show sexually dimorphic expression. Interestingly, most of these genes are expressed in the somatic cells. With increasing evidence suggesting roles of germ cells in gonadal differentiation, there is an increasing interest in the factors released by the germ cells for the bidirectional communication between the two compartments. We have reported that Gdf9/gdf9 is an oocyte-specific factor in the zebrafish, similar to that of mammals. Whether and how Gdf9 is involved in gonadal differentiation is unknown. In this study, we compared the expression levels of gdf9, cyp19a1a, and amh among several other sex-related genes in the gonads before, during, and after sex differentiation. The expression of gdf9 started in the gonads before sex differentiation, and its level surged in the differentiated ovary. Its expression pattern was similar to that of cyp19a1a, but reciprocal to amh expression. Using recombinant zebrafish Gdf9 (rzfGdf9), we further showed that Gdf9 significantly suppressed the expression of amh while increased that of activin beta subunits (inhbaa and inhbb) in vitro. Although gdf9 and cyp19a1a showed co-expression during gonadal differentiation, we only observed a slight but not significant response of cyp19a1a to rzfGdf9. Knocking down the expression of gdf9 and cyp19a1a with vivo-morpholinos caused a male-skewed sex ratio. Our data suggested that Gdf9 is likely involved in promoting oocyte/ovary differentiation in the zebrafish and it may act by suppressing amh expression, at least partly, in the somatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiting Chen
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.,School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lin Liu
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China.,School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.,School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
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29
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Jia Y, Wang F, Zhang R, Liang T, Zhang W, Ji X, Du Q, Chang Z. Identification of suh gene and evidence for involvement of notch signaling pathway on gonadal differentiation of Yellow River carp (Cyprinus carpio). FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2018; 44:375-386. [PMID: 29164452 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-017-0441-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The suh gene is crucial in Notch pathway and regulates mammalian gonad development. In this study, the sequences of suh1 and suh2 genes in Yellow River carp (Cyprinus carpio) were verified. The partial 5'-flanking regions of suh1 and suh2 were analyzed and several potential transcription factor-binding sites were identified. Phylogenetic, gene structure, and chromosome synteny analyses revealed that carp suh1 and suh2 were orthologs and homologous to vertebrate suh. Investigation of the expression profiles of suh1 and suh2 with qPCR showed that these genes were abundant in the brain and gonad of carp, with suh1 exhibiting sexual dimorphism expression pattern in gonad. To study the relationship between gonad differentiation and Notch signaling, primordial gonads were exposed to DAPT, an inhibitor of Notch signaling, in vitro and in vivo. The results revealed a significant downregulation of suh1 and other Notch genes in vitro. In addition, expression of male-biased genes, such as amh, dmrt1, etc., was downregulated, whereas that of female-biased genes, such as foxl2, gdf9, etc., was upregulated. When the primordial gonads were subjected to long-term DAPT exposure, an increased proportion of ovary and delay in testis development were observed. These results suggest that suh gene may have a conservative function between teleosts and mammals. Furthermore, Notch signaling was found to be involved in gonad differentiation in Yellow River carp, and DAPT was noted to inhibit and enhance the expression of male- and female-biased genes, respectively, and induce the increase in number of females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfang Jia
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46# East of Construction Road, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Wang
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46# East of Construction Road, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruihua Zhang
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46# East of Construction Road, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Liang
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46# East of Construction Road, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, People's Republic of China
| | - WanWan Zhang
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46# East of Construction Road, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolin Ji
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46# East of Construction Road, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiyan Du
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46# East of Construction Road, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongjie Chang
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46# East of Construction Road, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, People's Republic of China.
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30
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Zhu B, Pardeshi L, Chen Y, Ge W. Transcriptomic Analysis for Differentially Expressed Genes in Ovarian Follicle Activation in the Zebrafish. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:593. [PMID: 30364302 PMCID: PMC6193065 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In teleosts, the onset of puberty in females is marked by the appearance of the first wave of pre-vitellogenic (PV) follicles from the pool of primary growth (PG) follicles (follicle activation) in the ovary during sexual maturation. To understand the mechanisms underlying follicle activation and therefore puberty onset, we undertook this transcriptomic study to investigate gene expression profiles in the event. Our analysis revealed a total of 2,027 up-regulated and 859 down-regulated genes during the PG-PV transition. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that in addition to basic cellular functions such as gene transcription, cell differentiation, and cell migration, other biological processes such as steroidogenesis, cell signaling and angiogenesis were also enriched in up-regulated genes; by comparison, some processes were down-regulated including piRNA metabolism, gene silencing and proteolysis. Further Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis identified a variety of signaling pathways that might play pivotal roles in PG-PV transition, including MAPK, TGF-β, Hedgehog, FoxO, VEGF, Jak-STAT, and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathways. Other pathways of particular interest included endocytosis and glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis. We also analyzed expression changes of genes expressed in different compartments viz. oocytes and follicle cells. Interestingly, most oocyte-specific genes remained unchanged in expression during follicle activation whereas a great number of genes specifically expressed in the follicle cells showed significant changes in expression. Overall, this study reported a comprehensive analysis for genes, biological processes and pathways involved in follicle activation, which also marks female puberty onset in the zebrafish when occurring for the first time in sexual maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhu
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, China
| | - Lakhansing Pardeshi
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Core, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, China
| | - Yingying Chen
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Core, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Ge ;
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31
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Yan YL, Desvignes T, Bremiller R, Wilson C, Dillon D, High S, Draper B, Buck CL, Postlethwait J. Gonadal soma controls ovarian follicle proliferation through Gsdf in zebrafish. Dev Dyn 2017; 246:925-945. [PMID: 28856758 PMCID: PMC5761338 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant signaling between germ cells and somatic cells can lead to reproductive disease and depends on diffusible signals, including transforming growth factor-beta (TGFB) -family proteins. The TGFB-family protein Gsdf (gonadal soma derived factor) controls sex determination in some fish and is a candidate for mediating germ cell/soma signaling. RESULTS Zebrafish expressed gsdf in somatic cells of bipotential gonads and expression continued in ovarian granulosa cells and testicular Sertoli cells. Homozygous gsdf knockout mutants delayed leaving the bipotential gonad state, but then became a male or a female. Mutant females ovulated a few oocytes, then became sterile, accumulating immature follicles. Female mutants stored excess lipid and down-regulated aromatase, gata4, insulin receptor, estrogen receptor, and genes for lipid metabolism, vitellogenin, and steroid biosynthesis. Mutant females contained less estrogen and more androgen than wild-types. Mutant males were fertile. Genomic analysis suggests that Gsdf, Bmp15, and Gdf9, originated as paralogs in vertebrate genome duplication events. CONCLUSIONS In zebrafish, gsdf regulates ovarian follicle maturation and expression of genes for steroid biosynthesis, obesity, diabetes, and female fertility, leading to ovarian and extra-ovarian phenotypes that mimic human polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), suggesting a role for a related TGFB signaling molecule in the etiology of PCOS. Developmental Dynamics 246:925-945, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lin Yan
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
| | | | - Ruth Bremiller
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
| | | | - Danielle Dillon
- Center for Bioengineering Innovation, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona
| | - Samantha High
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
| | - Bruce Draper
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California
| | - Charles Loren Buck
- Center for Bioengineering Innovation, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona
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32
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Tripathy M, Priyam M, Rai U. Repertoire of bone morphogenetic proteins and growth/differentiation factors in ovary of the Indian wall lizard (Hemidactylus flaviviridis) with emphasis on differential expression and gonadotropic regulation of bmp15 and gdf9. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 253:13-24. [PMID: 28837789 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.08.015] [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: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of ovarian transcriptome of Indian wall lizard demonstrates the existence of several bone morphogenetic proteins (bmp1, 2, 3, 3b, 7, 8, 15) and growth/differentiation factors (gdf5, 9) for the first time in reptilian ovary. The characterization of putative full-length/partial protein sequences of BMPs (BMP2, 3, 3b, 7, 15) and GDF9 showed high homology of their TGF-β domain with that of other vertebrates while BMP1 bore homology to zinc-dependent metalloprotease. Phylogenetic analyses showed clustering of BMPs and GDF9 from wall lizards with that of squamates lying in close proximity to chelonia, crocodilia and aves. This study also correlates the expression of ovarian bmp15 and gdf9 with folliculogenesis. Level of bmp15 dramatically increased with the onset of follicular growth in early recrudescence and attained peak during late recrudescence whereas gdf9 sharply decreased during recrudescence as compared to regression. Nonetheless, expression of these growth factors decreased appreciably with the formation of vitellogenic follicle during breeding phase. Ovarian expression of bmp15 and gdf9 appeared to be regulated by gonadotropin as bmp15 considerably increased while gdf9 decreased in parallel to follicular development after administration of 3 injections of FSH. Expression of both the growth factors declined with the prolongation of treatment that led to formation of early/late vitellogenic follicle. Our in vitro study revealed stimulatory effect of FSH on expression of bmp15 and gdf9 in early growing, previtellogenic and early vitellogenic follicles. In light of in vitro results, FSH-induced in vivo decline in gene expression seems to be due to some other FSH-induced factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamta Tripathy
- Comparative Immunoendocrinology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Manisha Priyam
- Comparative Immunoendocrinology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Umesh Rai
- Comparative Immunoendocrinology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
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IGF1 stimulates differentiation of primary follicles and their growth in ovarian explants of zebrafish (Danio rerio) cultured in vitro. J Biosci 2017; 42:647-656. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-017-9716-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Robust gdf9 and bmp15 expression in the oocytes of ovotestes through the Figla-independent pathway in the hermaphroditic black porgy, Acanthopagrus schlegelii. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186991. [PMID: 29073214 PMCID: PMC5658113 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 1,500 fish species are hermaphroditic, but no hermaphroditic lineage appears to be evolutionarily ancient in fishes. Thus, whether more than one sex at a time was present during the evolutionary shift from gonochorism to hermaphroditism in fishes is an intriguing question. Ectopic oocytes were created in the ovotestes of protandrous black porgy via the withdrawal of estradiol (E2) administration. These ectopic oocytes reprogrammed the surrounding cells, which changed from Sertoli cells to follicle-like cells. We observed that gdf9 and bmp15 expression was localized in the primary oocytes and gradually decreased after oocytes entered a secondary oocyte stage. Robust expression of gdf9 and bmp15 in ectopic oocytes was associated with the surrounding Sertoli cells. However, blocking Cyp19a1a activity and increasing androgen levels did not stimulate the expression of gdf9 and bmp15. Thus, the robust gdf9 and bmp15 expression was not related to the inappropriate male microenvironment. Furthermore, in vitro data demonstrated that gdf9 and bmp15 were not downstream genes of Figla signaling. Therefore, our results suggest that there are two independent mechanisms, a Figla-dependent pathway and a Figla-independent pathway, by which oocyte-surrounding cells are altered from a male somatic fate to a female somatic fate. This functional switch might clarify how oocytes created an appropriate microenvironment during the transition from the ancient gonochorism to the present hermaphroditism.
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Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) has been shown to be involved in regulating follicular development and reproduction in many mammalian species. However, related information about the effect of the GDF9 gene on reproductive traits of New Zealand white rabbits was rarely reported. In this study, rabbits were distributed into two groups (poor and prolific offspring productions) and cloning and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) were employed to characterize the rabbit GDF9 gene. By cloning, 2515-bp genomic DNA and 1359-bp cDNA sequences were obtained. Comparing the two cDNA sequences, three potential mutation sites (C.539C>T,C.562G>C and C.718C>G) in exon 2 of the GDF9 gene were found, and the corresponding amino acids changed (P.183T>M, P.188E>Q and P.240L>V). The qPCR results revealed that GDF9 was not tissue-specific, but rather expressed in all collected tissues. The expression level of the GDF9 gene was highest in the ovary, and was significantly increased (P< 0.05) compared with the other tissues. The liver had the second highest expression, and the heart and spleen had the least expression in New Zealand white rabbits. In the prolific group, the expression quantity of the GDF9 gene significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the heart, spleen, ovary, liver and uterus (P < 0.01) than the other groups. The amino acid sequence identities of human, sheep, goat, mouse, cattle, pig, cat, donkey, Nancy Ma's night monkey and olive baboon were 72, 68, 69, 66, 69, 71, 67, 73, 75 and 73%, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis was executed, and a random coil was determined to be the primary secondary structure.
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Liu KC, Lau SW, Ge W. Spatiotemporal expression analysis of nuclear estrogen receptors in the zebrafish ovary and their regulation in vitro by endocrine hormones and paracrine factors. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 246:218-225. [PMID: 28013034 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Revised: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol (E2) stimulates luteinizing hormone receptor (lhcgr) expression via nuclear estrogen receptors (nERs) in the zebrafish ovary. We have demonstrated that endocrine hormones such as gonadotropin (hCG) and paracrine factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) can modulate E2-induced lhcgr expression in vitro. These observations raised a question on whether these hormones and factors exert their effects via regulating the expression of nERs. In this study, we first characterized the spatiotemporal expression profiles of three nER subtypes in the zebrafish ovary, including esr1 (ERα), esr2a (ERβ2) and esr2b (ERβ1). All three nERs increased their expression at the pre-vitellogenic stage and peaked at mid- (esr1 and esr2a) or late vitellogenic (esr2b) stage, followed by a significant decline at the full-grown stage. RT-PCR analysis showed that esr1 and esr2b were exclusively expressed in the follicle layer while esr2a was expressed in both compartments. We then examined how E2, hCG, PACAP and EGF regulated the expression of nERs in cultured zebrafish follicle cells. E2 quickly increased esr1 but reduced esr2a and esr2b expression from 1.5 to 12h of treatment. Similarly, EGF down-regulated esr2a significantly at 1.5h and this effect was further intensified at 24h. hCG decreased the expression of all three nER subtypes with similar potency throughout the 24-h time-course. Interestingly, PACAP exerted a biphasic regulation on esr2a. Our present study suggests that nERs, especially esr2a, provide potential target points for other hormones and factors to modulate E2 activity during folliculogenesis in the zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka-Cheuk Liu
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shuk-Wa Lau
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China; School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China.
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Das D, Khan PP, Maitra S. Endocrine and paracrine regulation of meiotic cell cycle progression in teleost oocytes: cAMP at the centre of complex intra-oocyte signalling events. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 241:33-40. [PMID: 26773339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Revised: 01/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Participation of major endocrine and/or local autocrine/paracrine factors and potential interplay between apparently disparate intra-oocyte signalling events during maintenance and withdrawal of meiotic prophase arrest has been an area of active research in recent years. Studies on oocyte maturation have contributed substantially in the discovery of some of the most important biochemical and cellular events like functional significance of novel membrane-associated steroid receptors, elucidation of maturation promoting factor (MPF), cytostatic factor (CSF) and other signalling cascades that entrain the cell cycle clock to hormonal stimuli. While follicular estrogen has largely been implicated in maintenance of prophase arrest, involvement of maturational steroid and membrane progestin receptor in resumption of meiotic G2-M1 transition in piscine oocytes has been shown earlier. Moreover, detection of ovarian IGF system, maturational gonadotropin stimulation of IGF ligands and potential synergism between maturational steroid and IGF1 in zebrafish oocytes are most recent advancements. Though endocrine/paracrine regulation of cyclic nucleotide-mediated signalling events in meiotic cell cycle progression is well established, involvement of PI3K/Akt signalling cascade has also been reported in fish, amphibian and mammalian oocytes. The major objective of this overview is to describe how fish oocytes maintain high cAMP/PKA activity and how steroid- and/or growth factor-mediated signalling cascade regulate this pathway for the withdrawal of meiotic arrest. Moreover, special emphasis is placed on some recent findings on interaction of PKA with some of the MPF-regulating components (e.g., synthesis of cyclin B or MEK/MAPK signalling cascade) for the maintenance of prophase arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debabrata Das
- Department of Zoology, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan 731235, India
| | | | - Sudipta Maitra
- Department of Zoology, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan 731235, India.
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Dranow DB, Hu K, Bird AM, Lawry ST, Adams MT, Sanchez A, Amatruda JF, Draper BW. Bmp15 Is an Oocyte-Produced Signal Required for Maintenance of the Adult Female Sexual Phenotype in Zebrafish. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1006323. [PMID: 27642754 PMCID: PMC5028036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the zebrafish is a major model organism, how they determine sex is not well understood. In domesticated zebrafish, sex determination appears to be polygenic, being influenced by multiple genetic factors that may vary from strain to strain, and additionally can be influenced by environmental factors. However, the requirement of germ cells for female sex determination is well documented: animals that lack germ cells, or oocytes in particular, develop exclusively as males. Recently, it has been determined that oocytes are also required throughout the adult life of the animal to maintain the differentiated female state. How oocytes control sex differentiation and maintenance of the sexual phenotype is unknown. We therefore generated targeted mutations in genes for two oocyte produced signaling molecules, Bmp15 and Gdf9 and here report a novel role for Bmp15 in maintaining adult female sex differentiation in zebrafish. Females deficient in Bmp15 begin development normally but switch sex during the mid- to late- juvenile stage, and become fertile males. Additionally, by generating mutations in the aromatase cyp19a1a, we show that estrogen production is necessary for female development and that the function of Bmp15 in female sex maintenance is likely linked to the regulation of estrogen biosynthesis via promoting the development of estrogen-producing granulosa cells in the oocyte follicle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B. Dranow
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Kevin Hu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - April M. Bird
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - S. Terese Lawry
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Melissa T. Adams
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Angelica Sanchez
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - James F. Amatruda
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Bruce W. Draper
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
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Zhou R, Yu SMY, Ge W. Expression and functional characterization of intrafollicular GH-IGF system in the zebrafish ovary. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 232:32-42. [PMID: 26654745 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Revised: 11/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The somatotrophic axis plays important roles in influencing reproduction. All key members of this axis including growth hormone (GH, gh), GH receptors (ghra and ghrb), insulin-like growth factors (IGFs, igf1, igf2 and igf3) and IGF receptors (igf1ra and igf1rb) were detected in the zebrafish ovary. GH was exclusively expressed in the full-grown oocytes, while its receptors were detectable in both the follicle cells and oocytes. The IGFs and their receptors were all expressed in both compartments except igf3, which was expressed in the follicle cells only. During folliculogenesis, there was a sharp decrease of gh expression at follicle activation; however, the expression of its receptors increased significantly. The expression profiles of igf1, igf2a, and igf2b were similar to that of fshr, whereas igf3 expression was close to lhcgr, suggesting differential roles for different forms of IGFs in follicle development. To examine if the ovarian GH-IGF system is regulated by gonadotropins (e.g., hCG) and GH, we performed in vitro experiments using cultured zebrafish follicle cells. The expression of igf1 and igf1ra, but not others, was down-regulated by hCG (LH analog), whereas recombinant zebrafish GH stimulated igf1 expression. In addition, GH also increased the expression of activin βA subunit (inhbaa). In agreement with this, the stimulatory effect of GH but not IGF-I on oocyte maturation could be abolished by follistatin. In conclusion, the present study revealed an intrafollicular network involving GH-IGF mini-axis in the zebrafish ovary; however, it might not work in the same way as that of the systemic somatotrophic axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhou
- School of Life Sciences and Centre for Cell and Developmental Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Susana Man Ying Yu
- School of Life Sciences and Centre for Cell and Developmental Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China; School of Life Sciences and Centre for Cell and Developmental Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China.
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Xie L, Tang Q, Yang L, Chen L. Insulin-like growth factor I promotes oocyte maturation through increasing the expression and phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor in the zebrafish ovary. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 419:198-207. [PMID: 26599586 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 10/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The resumption of oocyte meiosis is a critical step for the progression of oocyte development, which requires an intimate collaboration of a variety of hormones and growth factors. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) family are well recognized to promote oocyte maturation. However, the mechanism by which they coordinate this process remains unknown. The present study demonstrated that IGF-I can increase egfr mRNA and protein levels in follicle cell culture or intact follicles. This stimulation can be significantly inhibited by IGF-IR specific inhibitor, NVP-ADW742. The inhibitors against phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1) and Akt also dramatically abolished IGF-I-induced egfr expression, suggesting that the classical PI3K/Akt pathway mediated the action of IGF-I in this regulation. We further found that not only was the protein level of Egfr increased, but also the phosphorylation level was enhanced by IGF-I. Unlike egfr, IGF-I failed to stimulate the expression of Egf-like ligands whereas decreased the level of protein-tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type, kappa (ptprk), a protein tyrosine phosphatase. The oocyte maturation assay further confirmed that IGF-I initiates this regulation through its cognate receptor in the follicle cells. Taken together, IGF-I promoted oocyte maturation, in part at least, through Egf-like ligands/Egfr pathway. This study sheds light on the cross-talk between two important growth factors in the zebrafish ovary and the mechanism underlying the IGF-I induction on oocyte maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xie
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Health, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | | | - Ling Yang
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Lianyi Chen
- Hubei Medical Association, Wuhan 430071, China
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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: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [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.
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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
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Effects of 11-ketotestosterone and temperature on inhibin subunit mRNA levels in the ovary of the shortfinned eel, Anguilla australis. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 187:14-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2015.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Presslauer C, Nagasawa K, Dahle D, Babiak J, Fernandes JMO, Babiak I. Induced autoimmunity against gonadal proteins affects gonadal development in juvenile zebrafish. PLoS One 2014; 9:e114209. [PMID: 25436775 PMCID: PMC4250200 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A method to mitigate or possibly eliminate reproduction in farmed fish is highly demanded. The existing approaches have certain applicative limitations. So far, no immunization strategies affecting gonadal development in juvenile animals have been developed. We hypothesized that autoimmune mechanisms, occurring spontaneously in a number of diseases, could be induced by targeted immunization. We have asked whether the immunization against specific targets in a juvenile zebrafish gonad will produce an autoimmune response, and, consequently, disturbance in gonadal development. Gonadal soma-derived factor (Gsdf), growth differentiation factor (Gdf9), and lymphocyte antigen 75 (Cd205/Ly75), all essential for early gonad development, were targeted with 5 immunization tests. Zebrafish (n = 329) were injected at 6 weeks post fertilization, a booster injection was applied 15 days later, and fish were sampled at 30 days. We localized transcripts encoding targeted proteins by in situ hybridization, quantified expression of immune-, apoptosis-, and gonad-related genes with quantitative real-time PCR, and performed gonadal histology and whole-mount immunohistochemistry for Bcl2-interacting-killer (Bik) pro-apoptotic protein. The treatments resulted in an autoimmune reaction, gonad developmental retardation, intensive apoptosis, cell atresia, and disturbed transcript production. Testes were remarkably underdeveloped after anti-Gsdf treatments. Anti-Gdf9 treatments promoted apoptosis in testes and abnormal development of ovaries. Anti-Cd205 treatment stimulated a strong immune response in both sexes, resulting in oocyte atresia and strong apoptosis in supporting somatic cells. The effect of immunization was FSH-independent. Furthermore, immunization against germ cell proteins disturbed somatic supporting cell development. This is the first report to demonstrate that targeted autoimmunity can disturb gonadal development in a juvenile fish. It shows a straightforward potential to develop auto-immunization-based technologies to mitigate fish reproduction before they reach maturation. However, the highly variable results between treatments and individuals suggest significant optimization should be performed to achieve the full potential of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kazue Nagasawa
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, University of Nordland, 8049 Bodø, Norway
| | - Dalia Dahle
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, University of Nordland, 8049 Bodø, Norway
| | - Joanna Babiak
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, University of Nordland, 8049 Bodø, Norway
| | | | - Igor Babiak
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, University of Nordland, 8049 Bodø, Norway
- * E-mail:
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Palomino J, Herrera G, Dettleff P, Martínez V. Growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15 expression in previtellogenic oocytes and during early embryonic development of Yellow-tail Kingfish Seriola lalandi. Biol Res 2014; 47:60. [PMID: 25723449 PMCID: PMC4335437 DOI: 10.1186/0717-6287-47-60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During fish oocyte maturation, specific molecules are expressed and accumulated within oocyte until fertilization and embryo development. Special attention have been paid in members of the transforming growth factor (TGF-β) superfamily; growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9/gdf9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15/bmp15), which exert regulatory functions during oocyte maturation and follicle development. However, little attention has been paid to the involvement of these molecules during embryogenesis considering its importance for the formation of a good quality egg and subsequent embryo survival. The purpose of this study was to analyze the expression of gdf9 and bmp15 in previtellogenic oocytes and during early embryonic development in Seriola lalandi, a pelagic fish with increasing prospect for its aquaculture development, which however, show high mortality at embryo and larval stages. Results Through RT-qPCR it was found that gdf9 expression was higher in previtellogenic oocytes decreasing after ovulation. This expression profile agrees with its participation in early stages of the follicular development. The transcripts for bmp15 also showed the highest levels in previtellogenic oocytes, however this expression was lower than obtained with gdf9. Conversely, in recently spawned oocytes mRNA bmp15 levels were highest than observed to gdf9. This, is consequent with the main role proposed for this growth factor at the final fish oocyte maturation: avoid the ovulation of an immature oocyte. During embryo development, low levels of mRNA were detected to gdf9, with an increase in 48 H post-fertilization embryos. The bmp15 expression did not change throughout development and was higher than gdf9 at 16 cells, blastula and appearance embryos stages. Conclusions Both (gdf9 and bmp15) expression profiles in previtellogenic oocytes and newly spawned eggs are consistent with the described functions for these growth factors in vertebrate ovarian physiology in early and late stages of the follicular development. So, these genes could be considered as quality biomarkers at these stages. However, further studies of these proteins throughout folliculogenesis, are necessaries to fully understand their functions during the oocyte formation. In addition, the persistent expression of these growth factors during development, allows us to speculate possible roles in embryonic processes, which must also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Palomino
- FAVET-INBIOGEN, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences,Avda.La Pintana, University of Chile, SantiagoSanta Rosa, 11735, Chile.
| | - Giannina Herrera
- FAVET-INBIOGEN, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences,Avda.La Pintana, University of Chile, SantiagoSanta Rosa, 11735, Chile.
| | - Phillip Dettleff
- FAVET-INBIOGEN, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences,Avda.La Pintana, University of Chile, SantiagoSanta Rosa, 11735, Chile.
| | - Víctor Martínez
- FAVET-INBIOGEN, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences,Avda.La Pintana, University of Chile, SantiagoSanta Rosa, 11735, Chile.
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Persani L, Rossetti R, Di Pasquale E, Cacciatore C, Fabre S. The fundamental role of bone morphogenetic protein 15 in ovarian function and its involvement in female fertility disorders. Hum Reprod Update 2014; 20:869-83. [PMID: 24980253 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large number of studies have contributed to understanding the general mechanisms driving ovarian folliculogenesis in humans and show a complex endocrine dialog between the central nervous system, the pituitary and the ovary, integrated by various intraovarian paracrine messages. The role of intraovarian paracrine regulation has acquired more relevance in the recent years owing to the discovery of previously unknown factors, such as the oocyte-derived bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)15. METHODS A thorough literature search was carried out in order to summarize what has been reported so far on the role of BMP15, and the BMP15 paralog, growth and differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), in ovarian function and female fertility. Research articles published in English until March 2014 were included. RESULTS The biological actions of BMP15 include: (i) the promotion of follicle growth and maturation starting from the primary gonadotrophin-independent phases of folliculogenesis; (ii) the regulation of follicular granulosa cell (GC) sensitivity to FSH action and the determination of ovulation quota; (iii) the prevention of GC apoptosis and (iv) the promotion of oocyte developmental competence. The existence of biologically active heterodimers with GDF9, and/or the synergistic co-operation of BMP15 and GDF9 homodimers are indeed relevant in this context. Experimental disruption of the bmp15 gene in mice resulted in a mild fertility defect limited to females, whereas natural missense mutations in ewes cause variable phenotypes (ranging from hyperprolificacy to complete sterility) depending on a fine gene dosage mechanism also involving GDF9. Strong evidence supports the concept that such a mechanism plays an important role in the regulation of ovulation rate across mammalian and non-mammalian species. Following the discovery of sheep fecundity genes, several research groups have focused on alterations in human BMP15 associated with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) or polycystic ovary syndrome. Several variants of BMP15 are significantly associated with POI supporting their pathogenic role, but the underlying biological mechanism is still under investigation and of great interest in medicine. BMP15 maps to the Xp locus involved in the determination of the ovarian defect in Turner syndrome and significantly contributes to the determination of ovarian reserve. Pioneering studies in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation indicate that BMP15 may represent a marker of ovarian response or oocyte quality. CONCLUSIONS BMP15, an oocyte-derived growth and differentiation factor, is a critical regulator of folliculogenesis and GC activities. Variations in BMP15 gene dosage have a relevant influence on ovarian function and can account for several defects of female fertility. The modulation of BMP15 action may have interesting pharmacological perspectives and the analysis of BMP15 may become a useful marker in IVF procedures. Recent outcomes indicate that the close interactions of BMP15/GDF9 have a critical biological impact that should be taken into account in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Persani
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Community Health, University of Milan, 20100 Milan, Italy Laboratory of Endocrine & Metabolic Research and Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Rossetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Community Health, University of Milan, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Di Pasquale
- Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research - UOS of Milan, National Research Council (CNR) and Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Via Manzoni 59, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Cacciatore
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Community Health, University of Milan, 20100 Milan, Italy Laboratory of Endocrine & Metabolic Research and Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Stéphane Fabre
- INRA, Université de Toulouse INPT, UMR1388, Génétique, Physiologie et Systèmes D'Elevage, F-31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
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Kanagaraj P, Gautier-Stein A, Riedel D, Schomburg C, Cerdà J, Vollack N, Dosch R. Souffle/Spastizin controls secretory vesicle maturation during zebrafish oogenesis. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004449. [PMID: 24967841 PMCID: PMC4072560 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During oogenesis, the egg prepares for fertilization and early embryogenesis. As a consequence, vesicle transport is very active during vitellogenesis, and oocytes are an outstanding system to study regulators of membrane trafficking. Here, we combine zebrafish genetics and the oocyte model to identify the molecular lesion underlying the zebrafish souffle (suf) mutation. We demonstrate that suf encodes the homolog of the Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) gene SPASTIZIN (SPG15). We show that in zebrafish oocytes suf mutants accumulate Rab11b-positive vesicles, but trafficking of recycling endosomes is not affected. Instead, we detect Suf/Spastizin on cortical granules, which undergo regulated secretion. We demonstrate genetically that Suf is essential for granule maturation into secretion competent dense-core vesicles describing a novel role for Suf in vesicle maturation. Interestingly, in suf mutants immature, secretory precursors accumulate, because they fail to pinch-off Clathrin-coated buds. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of the abscission regulator Dynamin leads to an accumulation of immature secretory granules and mimics the suf phenotype. Our results identify a novel regulator of secretory vesicle formation in the zebrafish oocyte. In addition, we describe an uncharacterized cellular mechanism for Suf/Spastizin activity during secretion, which raises the possibility of novel therapeutic avenues for HSP research. Oocytes of egg laying animals frequently represent the biggest cell type of a species. The size of the egg is a consequence of active transport processes, e.g. the import of yolk proteins, which results in the massive storage of vesicles. In addition, secretory vesicles termed cortical granules are stored in the oocyte to be discharged right after fertilization during cortical reaction, which also occurs in mammals. Their secretion leads to chorion expansion, which prevents the lethal entry of additional sperm and protects the developing embryo against physical damage. Mutants with a defect in membrane transport are successful tools to discover genes regulating vesicle formation. We molecularly identify the disrupted gene in the recessive maternal-effect mutation souffle, which encodes a homolog of human SPASTIZIN. SPASTIZIN was previously implicated in endocytosis, but our cellular analysis of mutant oocytes connects this gene also with the regulation of cortical granule exocytosis. More precisely, we show that Suf/Spastizin is crucial for the maturation of cortical granules into secretion competent vesicles describing a novel role for this protein. Since SPASITIZN causes the disease Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia in humans, our results will help to decipher the pathogenesis of this neurodegenerative disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palsamy Kanagaraj
- Institut fuer Entwicklungsbiochemie, Georg-August Universitaet Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | | | - Dietmar Riedel
- Max-Planck Institut fuer Biophysikalische Chemie, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Schomburg
- Institut fuer Entwicklungsbiochemie, Georg-August Universitaet Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Joan Cerdà
- IRTA-Institute of Marine Sciences, CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nadine Vollack
- Institut fuer Entwicklungsbiochemie, Georg-August Universitaet Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Roland Dosch
- Institut fuer Entwicklungsbiochemie, Georg-August Universitaet Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Departement de Zoologie et Biologie Animale, Universite de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Kleppe L, Edvardsen RB, Furmanek T, Taranger GL, Wargelius A. Global transcriptome analysis identifies regulated transcripts and pathways activated during oogenesis and early embryogenesis in Atlantic cod. Mol Reprod Dev 2014; 81:619-35. [PMID: 24687555 PMCID: PMC4265210 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms underlying oogenesis and maternally controlled embryogenesis in fish are not fully understood, especially in marine species. Our aim was to study the egg and embryo transcriptome during oogenesis and early embryogenesis in Atlantic cod. Follicles from oogenesis stages (pre-, early-, and late-vitellogenic), ovulated eggs, and two embryonic stages (blastula, gastrula) were collected from broodstock fish and fertilized eggs. Gene expression profiles were measured in a 44 K oligo microarray consisting of 23,000 cod genes. Hundreds of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the follicle stages investigated, implicating a continuous accumulation and degradation of polyadenylated transcripts throughout oogenesis. Very few DEGs were identified from ovulated egg to blastula, showing a more stable maternal RNA pool in early embryonic stages. The highest induction of expression was observed between blastula and gastrula, signifying the onset of zygotic transcription. During early vitellogenesis, several of the most upregulated genes are linked to nervous system signaling, suggesting increasing requirements for ovarian synaptic signaling to stimulate the rapid growth of oocytes. Highly upregulated genes during late vitellogenesis are linked to protein processing, fat metabolism, osmoregulation, and arrested meiosis. One of the genes with the highest upregulation in the ovulated egg is involved in oxidative phosphorylation, reflecting increased energy requirements during fertilization and the first rapid cell divisions of early embryogenesis. In conclusion, this study provides a large-scale presentation of the Atlantic cod's maternally controlled transcriptome in ovarian follicles through oogenesis, ovulated eggs, and early embryos. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 619–635, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Kleppe
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
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Huang CX, Wei XL, Chen N, Zhang J, Chen LP, Wang WM, Li JY, Wang HL. Growth differentiation factor 9 of Megalobrama amblycephala: molecular characterization and expression analysis during the development of early embryos and growing ovaries. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2014; 40:193-203. [PMID: 23892883 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-013-9836-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 07/20/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) is a member of the transforming growth factorβ superfamily and plays an essential role during follicle maturation in mammals. In the present study, the full-length complementary DNA (cDNA) of gdf9 was obtained from Megalobrama amblycephala. The cDNA sequence is 2,061 bp in length with an open reading frame of 1,287 bp encoding 428 amino acid residues. The deduced amino acid sequence shared identities of about 42-86 % with the homologues of other vertebrates. During the early development of embryos, the gdf9 mRNA was detected in zygote with significantly high level and declined sharply by 47 and 87 % at 4 hours post-fertilization (hpf) and 6 hpf and even to an undetectable level through advancing stages. Expression analysis based on quantitative real-time PCR revealed that gdf9 mRNA was mainly expressed in ovary, but much lower levels were also found in some nonovarian tissues. Within the follicle, gdf9 mRNA was localized both in the oocytes and the follicle layer cells by in situ hybridization. During the ovarian cycle, gdf9 mRNA significantly decreased after the previtellogenic stage and became to increase again after the fully grown stage. The results imply that Gdf9 may play critical physiological functions in M. amblycephala early embryonic development and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Xiao Huang
- Key Lab of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, College of Fishery, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
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Hong LY, Hong WS, Zhu WB, Shi Q, You XX, Chen SX. Cloning and expression of melatonin receptors in the mudskipper Boleophthalmus pectinirostris: their role in synchronizing its semilunar spawning rhythm. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 195:138-50. [PMID: 24239555 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Revised: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The mudskipper Boleophthalmus pectinirostris, a burrow-dwelling fish inhabiting intertidal mudflats, spawns only once during the spawning season around either the first or last lunar quarters. To understand the molecular mechanisms regulating this semilunar spawning rhythm, we cloned all melatonin receptor subtypes (mtnr1a1.4, mtnr1a1.7, mtnr1b, and mtnr1c). Expression of three melatonin receptor subtypes (except mtnr1c) was found in the ovaries. In contrast, the expression of all receptor subtypes was found in the diencephalon and the pituitary. In the fully-grown follicles, only mtnr1a1.7 mRNA was detected in both the isolated follicle layers and denuded oocytes. Interestingly, the transcript levels of both mtnr1a1.4 in the diencephalon and mtnr1a1.7 in the ovary displayed two cycles within one lunar month, and peaked around the first and last lunar quarters. We used 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP), a maturation-inducing hormone, as a biomarker to examine the involvement of melatonin receptors in the control of the spawning cycle. Melatonin significantly increased the plasma DHP level 1h post intraperitoneal injection. Melatonin also directly stimulated ovarian fragments in vitro to produce a significantly higher amount of DHP. Taken together, these results provided the first evidence that melatonin receptors were involved in the synchronization of the semilunar spawning rhythm in the female mudskipper by acting through the HPG axis and/or directly on ovarian tissues to stimulate the production of DHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yan Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China; College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Wan Shu Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China; College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Wen Bo Zhu
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Qiong Shi
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Marine and Fisheries Institute, BGI, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Xin Xin You
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Marine and Fisheries Institute, BGI, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Shi Xi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China; College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China.
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Jackowska M, Kempisty B, Woźna M, Piotrowska H, Antosik P, Zawierucha P, Bukowska D, Nowicki M, Jaśkowski J, Brüssow KP. Differential expression of GDF9, TGFB1, TGFB2 and TGFB3 in porcine oocytes isolated from follicles of different size before and after culture in vitro. Acta Vet Hung 2013; 61:99-115. [PMID: 23439295 DOI: 10.1556/avet.2012.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The TGFB superfamily genes are involved in several important cell functions, including proliferation and differentiation, and the role of the expression of these genes in growth and development of theca and granulosa cells is well recognised. However, the dependence between the stage of oocyte maturation or follicular size and the expression of these genes in pigs is still not entirely known. This study was aimed at investigating the expression pattern of GDF9, TGFB1, TGFB2 and TGFB3 in porcine oocytes before and after in vitro maturation (IVM) as well as in oocytes collected from follicles of different sizes. RQ-PCR was performed to analyse the expression of GDF9, TGFB1, TGFB2 and TGFB3 in oocytes before and after IVM (oocytes cultured for 44 h in TCM-199), isolated from large (> 5 mm), medium (3-5 mm) and small (< 3 mm) follicles collected from ovaries of 28 puberal crossbred Landrace gilts after slaughter. We found an increased expression of both TGFB1 and TGFB2 in oocytes before IVM collected from large as compared to medium and small follicles (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). In these groups of oocytes we did not observe differences in GDF9 and TGFB3 mRNA levels. However, after IVM, GDF9 protein distribution in oocytes was significantly higher in large and medium follicles as compared to small ones (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, an increased TGFB1, TGFB2 and TGFB3 proteins pattern was observed in oocytes of large compared to small follicles. The highest GDF9 and TGFB1 mRNA levels were found in oocytes after IVM compared to those before IVM. Based on our study we can suppose that the distribution pattern of TGFB superfamily genes is associated with the stage of maturation of porcine oocytes and the follicle size. Furthermore, GDF9 and TGFB1 may serve as molecular markers of the develop-mental potential of porcine oocytes. The confocal microscopic observation revealed that TGFB1 and TGFB3 were translocated between the zona and the cytoplasm of oocytes, depending on the stage of maturation and follicle size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Jackowska
- 1 Poznan University of Life Sciences Department of Veterinary Science Poznan Poland
| | | | - Magdalena Woźna
- 1 Poznan University of Life Sciences Department of Veterinary Science Poznan Poland
| | - Hanna Piotrowska
- 4 Poznan University of Medical Sciences Department of Toxicology 6 Swiecickiego St. 60-781 Poznan Poland
| | - Paweł Antosik
- 1 Poznan University of Life Sciences Department of Veterinary Science Poznan Poland
| | | | - Dorota Bukowska
- 1 Poznan University of Life Sciences Department of Veterinary Science Poznan Poland
| | - Michał Nowicki
- 2 Poznan University of Medical Sciences Department of Histology and Embryology 6 Swiecickiego St. 60-781 Poznan Poland
| | - Jędrzej Jaśkowski
- 1 Poznan University of Life Sciences Department of Veterinary Science Poznan Poland
| | - Klaus-Peter Brüssow
- 5 Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology Department of Reproductive Biology Dummerstorf Germany
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