1
|
Komissarov AS, Galkina SA, Koshel EI, Kulak MM, Dyomin AG, O'Brien SJ, Gaginskaya ER, Saifitdinova AF. New high copy tandem repeat in the content of the chicken W chromosome. Chromosoma 2017; 127:73-83. [PMID: 28951974 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-017-0646-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The content of repetitive DNA in avian genomes is considerably less than in other investigated vertebrates. The first descriptions of tandem repeats were based on the results of routine biochemical and molecular biological experiments. Both satellite DNA and interspersed repetitive elements were annotated using library-based approach and de novo repeat identification in assembled genome. The development of deep-sequencing methods provides datasets of high quality without preassembly allowing one to annotate repetitive elements from unassembled part of genomes. In this work, we search the chicken assembly and annotate high copy number tandem repeats from unassembled short raw reads. Tandem repeat (GGAAA)n has been identified and found to be the second after telomeric repeat (TTAGGG)n most abundant in the chicken genome. Furthermore, (GGAAA)n repeat forms expanded arrays on the both arms of the chicken W chromosome. Our results highlight the complexity of repetitive sequences and update data about organization of sex W chromosome in chicken.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksey S Komissarov
- Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, Saint Petersburg State University, Sredniy av. 41, 199034, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Svetlana A Galkina
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Saint Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya emb. 7/9, 199034, Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Saint Petersburg Association of Scientists and Scholars, Universitetskaya emb. 5, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia
| | - Elena I Koshel
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Saint Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya emb. 7/9, 199034, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Maria M Kulak
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Saint Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya emb. 7/9, 199034, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Aleksander G Dyomin
- Saint Petersburg Association of Scientists and Scholars, Universitetskaya emb. 5, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia
- Chromas Research Resource Center, Saint Petersburg State University, Oranienbaumskoye sh. 2, 198504, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Stephen J O'Brien
- Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, Saint Petersburg State University, Sredniy av. 41, 199034, Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33004, USA
| | - Elena R Gaginskaya
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Saint Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya emb. 7/9, 199034, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alsu F Saifitdinova
- Chromas Research Resource Center, Saint Petersburg State University, Oranienbaumskoye sh. 2, 198504, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
- International Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Komendantskiy av. 53-1, Saint Petersburg, 197350, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wan Z, Lu Y, Rui L, Yu X, Li Z. Sexing chick mRNA: A protocol based on quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Poult Sci 2017; 96:537-540. [DOI: 10.3382/ps/pew338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
3
|
Yang X, Deng J, Zheng J, Xia L, Yang Z, Qu L, Chen S, Xu G, Jiang H, Clinton M, Yang N. A Window of MHM Demethylation Correlates with Key Events in Gonadal Differentiation in the Chicken. Sex Dev 2016; 10:152-8. [DOI: 10.1159/000447659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
|
4
|
Wang Q, Weng H, Chen Y, Wang C, Lian S, Wu X, Zhang F, Li A. Early development of gonads in Muscovy duck embryos. Br Poult Sci 2015; 56:390-7. [PMID: 25760463 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2015.1027172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Characteristics of gonadal development were investigated in Muscovy duck embryos at various embryonic ages. Hematoxylin-Eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining were used to identify primordial germ cells, oogonia and sustentacular cells. Gene specific primers were designed based on conserved regions of duck antimullerian hormone (AMH), oestrogen receptor-α (ESR-α), doublesex and Mab-3 related transcription factor-1(DMRT1) and W chromosome protein kinase C inhibitor/interacting gene (WPKCI). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to characterise gene expression during gonad development in Muscovy duck embryos. Histology indicated that ovarian and testicular cells of Muscovy duck embryos developed on d 9 and 10. Immunohistochemistry showed that mouse vasa homologue-positive cells as well as Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor-positive cells increased significantly more in females than in males between d 9 and 10. AMH and ESR-α expression increased significantly during early development. DMRT1 acts prior to and during testis differentiation whereas WPKCI was expressed actively in the female Muscovy duck embryo before the onset of gonadal differentiation. Gonad development in Muscovy duck embryo was associated with several genes that were expressed before morphological features appear and were gender specific.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Q Wang
- a College of Animal Science , Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou , China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
The molecular genetics of avian sex determination and its manipulation. Genesis 2013; 51:325-36. [DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Revised: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
6
|
Groh KJ, Nesatyy VJ, Segner H, Eggen RIL, Suter MJF. Global proteomics analysis of testis and ovary in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2011; 37:619-647. [PMID: 21229308 PMCID: PMC3146978 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-010-9464-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2010] [Accepted: 12/17/2010] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms controlling sex determination and differentiation in zebrafish (Danio rerio) are largely unknown. A genome-wide analysis may provide comprehensive insights into the processes involved. The mRNA expression in zebrafish gonads has been fairly well studied, but much less data on the corresponding protein expression are available, although the proteins are considered to be more relevant markers of gene function. Because mRNA and protein abundances rarely correlate well, mRNA profiles need to be complemented with the information on protein expression. The work presented here analyzed the proteomes of adult zebrafish gonads by a multidimensional protein identification technology, generating the to-date most populated lists of proteins expressed in mature zebrafish gonads. The acquired proteomics data partially confirmed existing transcriptomics information for several genes, including several novel transcripts. However, disagreements between mRNA and protein abundances were often observed, further stressing the necessity to assess the expression on different levels before drawing conclusions on a certain gene's expression and function. Several gene groups expressed in a sexually dimorphic way in zebrafish gonads were identified. Their potential importance for gonad development and function is discussed. The data gained in the current study provide a basis for further work on elucidating processes occurring during zebrafish development with use of high-throughput proteomics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia J. Groh
- Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Environmental Toxicology, Überlandstrasse 133, Postbox 611, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Victor J. Nesatyy
- Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Environmental Toxicology, Überlandstrasse 133, Postbox 611, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Present Address: EPFL, Station 15, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Helmut Segner
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, Postbox 8466, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rik I. L. Eggen
- Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Environmental Toxicology, Überlandstrasse 133, Postbox 611, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Marc J.-F. Suter
- Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Environmental Toxicology, Überlandstrasse 133, Postbox 611, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Arnold AP, Itoh Y. Factors causing sex differences in birds. AVIAN BIOLOGY RESEARCH 2011; 4:10.3184/175815511X13070045977959. [PMID: 24353746 PMCID: PMC3864897 DOI: 10.3184/175815511x13070045977959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, increasing evidence suggests that sex differences in the phenotype of all tissues is influenced by the inequality of effects of sex chromosome genes in the two sexes. In birds, genes on the Z chromosome are not well dosage compensated, so that most Z genes are expressed higher in ZZ male cells than in ZW female cells. The sex difference in expression of Z and W genes is likely to cause sex differences within cells, in addition to the sex differences caused by different levels of testicular and ovarian hormones. The sexual imbalance in cell physiology has implications for aviculture and novel developments in the poultry industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur P Arnold
- Department of integrative Biology & Physiology University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Yuichiro Itoh
- Department of integrative Biology & Physiology University of California, Los Angeles
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
|
9
|
Rosenthal N, Ellis H, Shioda K, Mahoney C, Coser K, Shioda T. High-throughput applicable genomic sex typing of chicken by TaqMan real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Poult Sci 2010; 89:1451-6. [DOI: 10.3382/ps.2010-00638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
|
10
|
The avian Z-linked gene DMRT1 is required for male sex determination in the chicken. Nature 2009; 461:267-71. [DOI: 10.1038/nature08298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 599] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2009] [Accepted: 07/21/2009] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
11
|
Schoenmakers S, Wassenaar E, Hoogerbrugge JW, Laven JSE, Grootegoed JA, Baarends WM. Female meiotic sex chromosome inactivation in chicken. PLoS Genet 2009; 5:e1000466. [PMID: 19461881 PMCID: PMC2678266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1000466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2008] [Accepted: 04/03/2009] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
During meiotic prophase in male mammals, the heterologous X and Y chromosomes remain largely unsynapsed, and meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) leads to formation of the transcriptionally silenced XY body. In birds, the heterogametic sex is female, carrying Z and W chromosomes (ZW), whereas males have the homogametic ZZ constitution. During chicken oogenesis, the heterologous ZW pair reaches a state of complete heterologous synapsis, and this might enable maintenance of transcription of Z- and W chromosomal genes during meiotic prophase. Herein, we show that the ZW pair is transiently silenced, from early pachytene to early diplotene using immunocytochemistry and gene expression analyses. We propose that ZW inactivation is most likely achieved via spreading of heterochromatin from the W on the Z chromosome. Also, persistent meiotic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) may contribute to silencing of Z. Surprisingly, gammaH2AX, a marker of DSBs, and also the earliest histone modification that is associated with XY body formation in mammalian and marsupial spermatocytes, does not cover the ZW during the synapsed stage. However, when the ZW pair starts to desynapse, a second wave of gammaH2AX accumulates on the unsynapsed regions of Z, which also show a reappearance of the DSB repair protein RAD51. This indicates that repair of meiotic DSBs on the heterologous part of Z is postponed until late pachytene/diplotene, possibly to avoid recombination with regions on the heterologously synapsed W chromosome. Two days after entering diplotene, the Z looses gammaH2AX and shows reactivation. This is the first report of meiotic sex chromosome inactivation in a species with female heterogamety, providing evidence that this mechanism is not specific to spermatogenesis. It also indicates the presence of an evolutionary force that drives meiotic sex chromosome inactivation independent of the final achievement of synapsis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sam Schoenmakers
- Department of Reproduction and Development, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Evelyne Wassenaar
- Department of Reproduction and Development, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jos W. Hoogerbrugge
- Department of Reproduction and Development, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joop S. E. Laven
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J. Anton Grootegoed
- Department of Reproduction and Development, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Willy M. Baarends
- Department of Reproduction and Development, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Feng Y, Peng X, Li S, Gong Y. Isolation and characterization of sexual dimorphism genes expressed in chicken embryonic gonads. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2009; 41:285-94. [PMID: 19352543 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmp012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In chicken, the bipotential embryonic gonad differentiates into either a pair of testes or an ovary, but few genes that underlying the gonadal sex differentiation have been identified and the sex-determination gene is still unknown. To identify more genes involved in chicken sex differentiation, we employed suppression subtractive hybridization to isolate differentially expressed genes between sexes from chicken gonads during a period of E3.5-E6. A total of 152 cDNA clones corresponding to 88 genes (41 from F-M library and 47 from M-F library) were screened using dot-blot analysis. These genes are located mainly on the macrochromosomes (1-5) with five in the sex chromosomes (one in W and four in Z), encoding four dominating molecular categories belonging to enzyme, DNA association, RNA association, and structural protein. Comparing the obtained cDNA sequences with those in chicken EST database, it showed that cDNAs of 32 genes from F-M library and 16 from M-F library have homologs in two reported embryonic gonad cDNA libraries. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis of eight genes involved in epigenetic and transcription regulation showed significantly different expression between sexes of CDK2AP1, SMARCE1, SAP18, SUDS3, and PQBP1 appeared at the early stage in gonad development (E4). Based on the functional comparison of sexual differentially expressed genes, the roles of some putatively important genes including ATP5A1W, CDK2AP1, mitochondrial transcripts, etc. have been analyzed. In conclusion, characterization of isolated genes would provide valuable clues to identify potential candidates involved in genetic mechanisms of chicken sex differentiation and gonad development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Feng
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Alekseevich LA, Lukina NA, Nikitin NS, Nekrasova AA, Smirnov AF. Problems of sex determination in birds exemplified by Gallus gallus domesticus. RUSS J GENET+ 2009. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795409030016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
14
|
Itoh Y, Kampf K, Arnold AP. Disruption of FEM1C-W gene in zebra finch: evolutionary insights on avian ZW genes. Chromosoma 2009; 118:323-34. [PMID: 19139913 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-008-0199-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2008] [Revised: 12/08/2008] [Accepted: 12/09/2008] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Sex chromosome genes control sex determination and differentiation, but the mechanisms of sex determination in birds are unknown. In this study, we analyzed the gene FEM1C which is highly conserved from Caenorhabditis elegans to higher vertebrates and interacts with the sex determining pathway in C. elegans. We found that FEM1C is located on the Z and W chromosome of zebra finches and probably other Passerine birds, but shows only Z linkage in other avian orders. In the zebra finch, FEM1C-W is degraded because of a point mutation and possibly because of loss of the first exon containing the start methionine. Thus, FEM1C-W appears to have degenerated or been lost from most bird species. FEM1C-Z is expressed in a cytoplasmic location in zebra finch fibroblast cells, as in C. elegans. FEM1C represents an interesting example of evolutionary degradation of a W chromosome gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuichiro Itoh
- Department of Physiological Science, University of California, UCLA 621 Charles E. Young Drive South, Room 4117, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1606, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Effects of Aromatase Inhibitor (Fadrozole)-Induced Sex-Reversal on Gonadal Differentiation and mRNA Expression of P450arom, AMH and ER.ALPHA. in Embryos and Growth in Posthatching Quail. J Poult Sci 2008. [DOI: 10.2141/jpsa.45.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
|
16
|
Smith CA, Roeszler KN, Hudson QJ, Sinclair AH. Avian sex determination: what, when and where? Cytogenet Genome Res 2007; 117:165-73. [PMID: 17675857 DOI: 10.1159/000103177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2006] [Accepted: 09/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex is determined genetically in all birds, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. All species have a ZZ/ZW sex chromosome system characterised by female (ZW) heterogamety, but the chromosomes themselves can be heteromorphic (in most birds) or homomorphic (in the flightless ratites). Sex in birds might be determined by the dosage of a Z-linked gene (two in males, one in females) or by a dominant ovary-determining gene carried on the W sex chromosome, or both. Sex chromosome aneuploidy has not been conclusively documented in birds to differentiate between these possibilities. By definition, the sex chromosomes of birds must carry one or more sex-determining genes. In this review of avian sex determination, we ask what, when and where? What is the nature of the avian sex determinant? When should it be expressed in the developing embryo, and where is it expressed? The last two questions arise due to evidence suggesting that sex-determining genes in birds might be operating prior to overt sexual differentiation of the gonads into testes or ovaries, and in tissues other than the urogenital system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C A Smith
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics, Royal Childrens Hospital, Parkville, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Feng Y, Zhang S, Peng X, Yuan J, Yang Y, Zhan H, Gong Y. Expression analysis of genes putatively involved in chicken gonadal development. ACTA BIOLOGICA HUNGARICA 2007; 58:163-72. [PMID: 17585506 DOI: 10.1556/abiol.58.2007.2.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, testis development is initiated by the expression of the sex-determining gene, SRY whereas the genetic trigger for sex determination in birds remains unknown. In the present study, the expression of seven genes implicated in vertebrate sex determination and differentiation were studied in chicken embryonic gonads from day 4 to day 12 of incubation using reverse transcription and the polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results showed transcription of cLhx9, cGATA4, cVnnl, cPptl, cBrd3 were sexually dimorphic during chicken gonadal development, whereas cEki2, cFog2 were expressed at similar levels in both sexes. Results of comparative studies between mammals and chickens show that vertebrate sex-determining pathways comprise both conserved and divergent elements: expression profiles of cGATA4/cFog2 and cVnnl are similar to those in mammals, while others appear some differences. Possible functions of these genes on chicken gonadal development were analyzed based on their expression profiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Feng
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Koyama Y, Yamada D, Saito Y, Sato T, Miyai S, Tasaki M, Kato J, Kasumi T, Seki T, Ariga T, Ogihara J, Mizuno S. Sequence analysis of full-length cDNA of sex chromosome-linked novel gene 2d-2F9 in Gallus gallus. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2007; 71:561-70. [PMID: 17284846 DOI: 10.1271/bbb.60611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We obtained two novel W chromosome-linked chick genes by the use of female-male subtraction macroarrays, one of which, 2d-2F9, (recorded as AB188527 in DDBJ) did not have sufficient length (776 bp) to reveal its real form or characteristics. Hence, we obtained full-length Z-linked and W-linked 2d-2F9 genes of 2596 bp and 2589 bp respectively by the oligo-capping and RACE methods. Sequence analysis of these genes not only revealed that there is a counterpart of the W-linked 2d-2F9 gene on the Z chromosome, but also that there is a low homologous area at 5'-UTR between the W- and Z-kinked genes. Using this information, we designed a set of primers to identify sex and to select clones having the Z and W-linked gene (named 2d-2F9-Z and 2d-2F9-W), and also prepared two sets of primers for RT-PCR. These genes were found to be expressed constitutively and ubiquitously from the early embryo to the hatched chick, and they were assigned to the AAA ATP-superfamily.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyuki Koyama
- Graduate School of Applied Life Sciences, Nihon University, Kameino, Fujisawa, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Itoh Y, Kampf K, Arnold AP. Comparison of the chicken and zebra finch Z chromosomes shows evolutionary rearrangements. Chromosome Res 2007; 14:805-15. [PMID: 17139532 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-006-1082-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2006] [Revised: 07/07/2006] [Accepted: 07/07/2006] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Using fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) of zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones, we determined the chromosomal localizations of 14 zebra finch genes that are Z-linked in chickens: ATP5A1, CHD1, NR2F1, DMRT1, PAM, GHR, HSD17B4, NIPBL, ACO1, HINT1, SMAD2, SPIN, NTRK2 and UBE2R2. All 14 genes also map to the zebra finch Z chromosome, indicating substantial conservation of gene content on the Z chromosome in the two avian lineages. However, the physical order of these genes on the zebra finch Z chromosome differed from that of the chicken, in a pattern that would have required several inversions since the two lineages diverged. Eight of 14 zebra finch BAC DNA showed cross-hybridization to the W chromosome, usually to the entire W chromosome, suggesting that repetitive sequences are shared by the W and Z chromosomes. These repetitive sequences likely evolved in the finch lineage after it diverged from the Galliform lineage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuichiro Itoh
- Department of Physiological Science, UCLA, 621 Charles E. Young Drive South, Room 4117, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1606, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Melamed E, Arnold AP. Regional differences in dosage compensation on the chicken Z chromosome. Genome Biol 2007; 8:R202. [PMID: 17900367 PMCID: PMC2375040 DOI: 10.1186/gb-2007-8-9-r202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2007] [Revised: 09/19/2007] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most Z chromosome genes in birds are expressed at a higher level in ZZ males than in ZW females, and thus are relatively ineffectively dosage compensated. Some Z genes are compensated, however, by an unknown mechanism. Previous studies identified a non-coding RNA in the male hypermethylated (MHM) region, associated with sex-specific histone acetylation, which has been proposed to be involved in dosage compensation. RESULTS Using microarray mRNA expression analysis, we find that dosage compensated and non-compensated genes occur across the Z chromosome, but a cluster of compensated genes are found in the MHM region of chicken chromosome Zp, whereas Zq is enriched in non-compensated genes. The degree of dosage compensation among Z genes is predicted better by the level of expression of Z genes in males than in females, probably because of better compensation of genes with lower levels of expression. Compensated genes have different functional properties than non-compensated genes, suggesting that dosage compensation has evolved gene-by-gene according to selective pressures on each gene. The group of genes comprising the MHM region also resides on a primitive mammalian (platypus) sex chromosome and, thus, may represent an ancestral precursor to avian ZZ/ZW and monotreme XX/XY sex chromosome systems. CONCLUSION The aggregation of dosage compensated genes near the MHM locus may reflect a local sex- and chromosome-specific mechanism of dosage compensation, perhaps mediated by the MHM non-coding RNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther Melamed
- Department of Physiological Science, and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1606, USA
| | - Arthur P Arnold
- Department of Physiological Science, and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1606, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Manolakou P, Lavranos G, Angelopoulou R. Molecular patterns of sex determination in the animal kingdom: a comparative study of the biology of reproduction. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2006; 4:59. [PMID: 17101057 PMCID: PMC1660543 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-4-59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2006] [Accepted: 11/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Determining sexual fate is an integral part of reproduction, used as a means to enrich the genome. A variety of such regulatory mechanisms have been described so far and some of the more extensively studied ones are being discussed. For the insect order of Hymenoptera, the choice lies between uniparental haploid males and biparental diploid females, originating from unfertilized and fertilized eggs accordingly. This mechanism is also known as single-locus complementary sex determination (slCSD). On the other hand, for Dipterans and Drosophila melanogaster, sex is determined by the ratio of X chromosomes to autosomes and the sex switching gene, sxl. Another model organism whose sex depends on the X:A ratio, Caenorhabditis elegans, has furthermore to provide for the brief period of spermatogenesis in hermaphrodites (XX) without the benefit of the "male" genes of the sex determination pathway. Many reptiles have no discernible sex determining genes. Their sexual fate is determined by the temperature of the environment during the thermosensitive period (TSP) of incubation, which regulates aromatase activity. Variable patterns of sex determination apply in fish and amphibians. In birds, while sex chromosomes do exist, females are the heterogametic (ZW) and males the homogametic sex (ZZ). However, we have yet to decipher which of the two (Z or W) is responsible for the choice between males and females. In mammals, sex determination is based on the presence of two identical (XX) or distinct (XY) gonosomes. This is believed to be the result of a lengthy evolutionary process, emerging from a common ancestral autosomal pair. Indeed, X and Y present different levels of homology in various mammals, supporting the argument of a gradual structural differentiation starting around the SRY region. The latter initiates a gene cascade that results in the formation of a male. Regulation of sex steroid production is also a major result of these genetic interactions. Similar observations have been described not only in mammals, but also in other vertebrates, emphasizing the need for further study of both normal hormonal regulators of sexual phenotype and patterns of epigenetic/environmental disruption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Manolakou
- Experimental Embryology Unit, Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Athens University, Greece
| | - Giagkos Lavranos
- Experimental Embryology Unit, Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Athens University, Greece
| | - Roxani Angelopoulou
- Experimental Embryology Unit, Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Athens University, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ezaz T, Stiglec R, Veyrunes F, Marshall Graves JA. Relationships between Vertebrate ZW and XY Sex Chromosome Systems. Curr Biol 2006; 16:R736-43. [PMID: 16950100 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2006.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The peculiar cytology and unique evolution of sex chromosomes raise many fundamental questions. Why and how sex chromosomes evolved has been debated over a century since H.J. Muller suggested that sex chromosome pairs evolved ultimately from a pair of autosomes. This theory was adapted to explain variations in the snake ZW chromosome pair and later the mammal XY. S. Ohno pointed out similarities between the mammal X and the bird/reptile Z chromosomes forty years ago, but his speculation that they had a common evolutionary origin, or at least evolved from similar regions of the genome, has been undermined by comparative gene mapping, and it is accepted that mammal XY and reptile ZW systems evolved independently from a common ancestor. Here we review evidence for the alternative theory, that ZW<-->XY transitions occurred during evolution, citing examples from fish and amphibians, and probably reptiles. We discuss new work from comparative genomics and cytogenetics that leads to a reconsideration of Ohno's idea and advance a new hypothesis that the mammal XY system may have arisen directly from an ancient reptile ZW system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Ezaz
- Research School of Biological Sciences, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Richards MP, Poch SM, McMurtry JP. Characterization of turkey and chicken ghrelin genes, and regulation of ghrelin and ghrelin receptor mRNA levels in broiler chickens. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2006; 145:298-310. [PMID: 16253250 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2005.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2005] [Revised: 08/22/2005] [Accepted: 09/08/2005] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin, a peptide hormone produced by the stomach in mammals, stimulates growth hormone release and food intake. Recently, ghrelin was identified and characterized in chicken proventriculus and shown to stimulate growth hormone release but inhibit feed intake. The purpose of this work was to identify and further characterize the ghrelin gene in chickens and in turkeys. Using molecular cloning techniques we have sequenced cDNAs corresponding to chicken (White Leghorn) and turkey ghrelin mRNAs. A total of 844 (chicken) or 869 (turkey) bases including the complete coding regions (CDS), and the 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs) were determined. Nucleotide sequence (CDS) predicted a 116 amino acid precursor protein (preproghrelin) for both the chicken and the turkey that demonstrated complete conservation of an N-terminal 'active core' (GSSF) including a serine (position 3 of the mature hormone) known to be a modification (acylation) site important for ghrelin bioactivity. Additional nucleotide sequence was found in the 5'-UTRs of both Leghorn and turkey cDNAs that was not present in broilers or the red jungle fowl. The turkey ghrelin gene, sequenced from genomic DNA templates, contained five exons and four introns, a structure similar to mammalian and chicken ghrelin genes. Ghrelin was highly expressed in proventriculus with much lower levels of expression in other tissues such as pancreas, brain, and intestine. RT-PCR was used to quantify ghrelin mRNA levels relative to 18S rRNA in 3-week-old male broiler chickens. The level of ghrelin mRNA increased in proventriculus in response to fasting but did not decline with subsequent refeeding. Plasma ghrelin levels did not change significantly in response to fasting or refeeding and did not appear to reflect changes in proventriculus ghrelin mRNA levels. Ghrelin mRNA levels declined in broiler pancreas after a 48 h fast and increased upon refeeding. Expression of the gene encoding the receptor for ghrelin (growth hormone secretagogue receptor, GHS-R) and a variant form was detected in a variety of tissues collected from 3-week-old male broiler chickens possibly suggesting autocrine/paracrine effects. These results offer new information about the avian ghrelin and ghrelin receptor genes and the potential role that this system might play in regulating feed intake and energy balance in poultry.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Brain/metabolism
- Chickens/genetics
- Chickens/metabolism
- Cloning, Molecular
- Corticosterone/blood
- Fasting
- Gene Components/genetics
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Ghrelin
- Insulin/blood
- Intestine, Small/metabolism
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Pancreas/metabolism
- Peptide Hormones/blood
- Peptide Hormones/genetics
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics
- Protein Isoforms/genetics
- Protein Precursors/genetics
- Proventriculus/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/analysis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, Ghrelin
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
- Turkeys/genetics
- Turkeys/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Richards
- Growth Biology Laboratory, USDA, ARS, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Moriyama S, Ogihara J, Kato J, Hori T, Mizuno S. PKCI-W Forms a Heterodimer with PKCI-Z and Inhibits the Biological Activities of PKCI-Z In Vitro, Supporting the Predicted Role of PKCI-W in Sex Determination in Birds. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 139:91-7. [PMID: 16428323 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvj004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The two chicken genes, PKCI-W on the W chromosome and PKCI-Z on the Z chromosome, belong to the gene family encoding the Hint (histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein)-branch proteins in the widely conserved HIT (histidine triad)-family. It has been speculated that PKCI-W is involved in the sex determination of birds by forming a heterodimer with PKCI-Z and inhibiting the function of PKCI-Z in female embryos. In this study, both PKCI-W and PKCI-Z were expressed in fusion [maltose-binding protein (MBP) or glutathione-S-transferase (GST)] and tagged [(His)(6) or FLAG] forms (FT-forms) in Escherichia coli and purified. Formation of homodimers of PKCI-W-containing or the PKCI-Z-containing FT-protein and the formation of a heterodimer between the PKCI-W-containing and the PKCI-Z-containing FT-proteins were demonstrated by Western blotting after GST-pulldown or binding to and elution from the Co(2+)-resin. The homodimer of PKCI-Z, but not PKCI-W, bound to an N(6)-(3- aminopropyl) adenosine affinity column and hydrolyzed adenosine 5'-monophosphoramidate. Both of these activities were inhibited in vitro in a dominant-negative manner by the formation of a heterodimer containing PKCI-W. These in vitro experimental results support the predicted role of PKCI-W in the process of sex determination in birds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Moriyama
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Chemistry, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa 252-8510
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Itoh Y, Arnold AP. Chromosomal polymorphism and comparative painting analysis in the zebra finch. Chromosome Res 2005; 13:47-56. [PMID: 15791411 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-005-6602-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2004] [Revised: 11/11/2004] [Accepted: 11/11/2004] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) is often studied because of its interesting behaviour and neurobiology. Genetic information on this species has been lacking, making analysis of informative mutants difficult. Here we report on an improved cytological method for preparation of metaphase chromosomes suitable for fluorescent in situ hybridization of adult birds. We found that individual chicken chromosome paints usually hybridized to single zebra finch chromosomes, indicating only minor chromosomal rearrangements since the evolutionary divergence of these two species, and suggesting that the genomic location of chicken genes will predict the location of zebra finch orthologues. Chicken chromosome 1 appears to have split into two macrochromosomes in zebra finches, and chicken chromosome 4 paint hybridizes to a zebra finch macrochromosome and a microchromosome. This pattern was confirmed by mapping the androgen receptor (AR), which is located on chicken chromosome 4 but on a zebra finch microchromosome. We detected a telocentric/submetacentric polymorphism of chromosome 6 in our colony of zebra finches, and found that the polymorphism was inherited in a Mendelian pattern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuichiro Itoh
- Department of Physiological Science and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Schmid M, Nanda I, Hoehn H, Schartl M, Haaf T, Buerstedde JM, Arakawa H, Caldwell RB, Weigend S, Burt DW, Smith J, Griffin DK, Masabanda JS, Groenen MAM, Crooijmans RPMA, Vignal A, Fillon V, Morisson M, Pitel F, Vignoles M, Garrigues A, Gellin J, Rodionov AV, Galkina SA, Lukina NA, Ben-Ari G, Blum S, Hillel J, Twito T, Lavi U, David L, Feldman MW, Delany ME, Conley CA, Fowler VM, Hedges SB, Godbout R, Katyal S, Smith C, Hudson Q, Sinclair A, Mizuno S. Second report on chicken genes and chromosomes 2005. Cytogenet Genome Res 2005; 109:415-79. [PMID: 15905640 DOI: 10.1159/000084205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M Schmid
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
Birds, reptiles, amphibia and fish have an enormous variety of chromosomal sex determination mechanisms that apparently do not follow any phylogenetic or taxonomic scheme. A similar picture is now emerging at the molecular level. Most genes that function downstream of the mammalian master sex-determining gene, Sry, have been found in non-mammalian vertebrates. Although the components of the machinery that determines sex seem to be conserved, their interaction and most importantly the initial trigger is not the same in all vertebrates. This variety is the consequence of the extremely dynamic process of the evolution of sex determination mechanisms and sex chromosomes, which is prone to create differences rather than uniformity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Schartl
- Physiologische Chemie I, Biozentrum der Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Grützner F, Rens W, Tsend-Ayush E, El-Mogharbel N, O'Brien PCM, Jones RC, Ferguson-Smith MA, Marshall Graves JA. In the platypus a meiotic chain of ten sex chromosomes shares genes with the bird Z and mammal X chromosomes. Nature 2004; 432:913-7. [PMID: 15502814 DOI: 10.1038/nature03021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2004] [Accepted: 09/08/2004] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Two centuries after the duck-billed platypus was discovered, monotreme chromosome systems remain deeply puzzling. Karyotypes of males, or of both sexes, were claimed to contain several unpaired chromosomes (including the X chromosome) that form a multi-chromosomal chain at meiosis. Such meiotic chains exist in plants and insects but are rare in vertebrates. How the platypus chromosome system works to determine sex and produce balanced gametes has been controversial for decades. Here we demonstrate that platypus have five male-specific chromosomes (Y chromosomes) and five chromosomes present in one copy in males and two copies in females (X chromosomes). These ten chromosomes form a multivalent chain at male meiosis, adopting an alternating pattern to segregate into XXXXX-bearing and YYYYY-bearing sperm. Which, if any, of these sex chromosomes bears one or more sex-determining genes remains unknown. The largest X chromosome, with homology to the human X chromosome, lies at one end of the chain, and a chromosome with homology to the bird Z chromosome lies near the other end. This suggests an evolutionary link between mammal and bird sex chromosome systems, which were previously thought to have evolved independently.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank Grützner
- Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian National University, GPO Box 475, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|