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Zhang F, Liu Q, Gong P, Wang Y, Shi C, Zhu L, Zhao J, Yao W, Luo J. Genome-wide association study provided insights into the polled phenotype and polled intersex syndrome (PIS) in goats. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:661. [PMID: 38956513 PMCID: PMC11218382 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10568-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breeding polled goats is a welfare-friendly approach for horn removal in comparison to invasive methods. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis underlying polledness in goats, we conducted whole-genome sequencing of 106 Xinong Saanen dairy goats, including 33 horned individuals, 70 polled individuals, and 3 polled intersexuality syndrome (PIS) individuals. METHODS The present study employed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis to precisely map the genetic locus underlying the polled phenotype in goats. RESULTS The analysis conducted in our study revealed a total of 320 genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the horned/polled phenotype in goats. These SNPs exhibited two distinct peaks on chromosome 1, spanning from 128,817,052 to 133,005,441 bp and from 150,336,143 to 150,808,639 bp. The present study identified three genome-wide significant SNPs, namely Chr1:129789816, Chr1:129791507, and Chr1:129791577, as potential markers of PIS-affected goats. The results of our LD analysis suggested a potential association between MRPS22 and infertile intersex individuals, as well as a potential association between ERG and the polled trait in goats. CONCLUSION We have successfully identified three marker SNPs closely linked to PIS, as well as several candidate genes associated with the polled trait in goats. These results may contribute to the development of SNP chips for early prediction of PIS in goats, thereby facilitating breeding programs aimed at producing fertile herds with polled traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuhong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, P. R. China
| | - Qingqing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, P. R. China
| | - Ping Gong
- Institute of Animal Husbandry Quality Standards, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences, Urumchi, 830000, P. R. China
| | - Yaling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, P. R. China
| | - Chenbo Shi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, P. R. China
| | - Lu Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, P. R. China
| | - Jianqing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, P. R. China
| | - Weiwei Yao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, P. R. China
| | - Jun Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, P. R. China.
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Nicol B, Estermann MA, Yao HHC, Mellouk N. Becoming female: Ovarian differentiation from an evolutionary perspective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:944776. [PMID: 36158204 PMCID: PMC9490121 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.944776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of the bipotential gonadal primordium into ovaries and testes is a common process among vertebrate species. While vertebrate ovaries eventually share the same functions of producing oocytes and estrogens, ovarian differentiation relies on different morphogenetic, cellular, and molecular cues depending on species. The aim of this review is to highlight the conserved and divergent features of ovarian differentiation through an evolutionary perspective. From teleosts to mammals, each clade or species has a different story to tell. For this purpose, this review focuses on three specific aspects of ovarian differentiation: ovarian morphogenesis, the evolution of the role of estrogens on ovarian differentiation and the molecular pathways involved in granulosa cell determination and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Nicol
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States,*Correspondence: Barbara Nicol,
| | - Martin A. Estermann
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Humphrey H-C Yao
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Namya Mellouk
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy en Josas, France
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Ma X, Liu F, Chen Q, Sun W, Shen J, Wu K, Zheng Z, Huang J, Chen J, Qian G, Ge C. Foxl2 is required for the initiation of the female pathway in a temperature-dependent sex determination system in Trachemys scripta. Development 2022; 149:275948. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.200863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
KDM6B-mediated epigenetic modification of the testicular regulator Dmrt1 has previously been identified as the primary switch of the male pathway in a temperature-dependent sex-determination (TSD) system; however, the molecular network of the female pathway has not yet been established. Here, we have functionally characterized for the first time an upstream regulator of the female pathway, the forkhead transcription factor FOXL2, in Trachemys scripta, a turtle species with a TSD system. FOXL2 exhibited temperature-dependent female-specific expression patterns before the onset of gonadal differentiation and was preferentially localized in ovarian somatic cells. Foxl2 responded rapidly to temperature shifts and estrogen. Importantly, forced expression of Foxl2 at the male-producing temperature led to male-to-female sex reversal, as evidenced by the formation of an ovary-like structure, and upregulation of the ovarian regulators Cyp19a1 and R-spondin1. Additionally, knockdown of Foxl2 caused masculinization at the female-producing temperature, which was confirmed by loss of the female phenotype, development of seminiferous tubules, and elevated expression of Dmrt1 and Sox9. Collectively, we demonstrate that Foxl2 expression is necessary and sufficient to drive ovarian determination in T. scripta, suggesting a crucial role of Foxl2 in female sex determination in the TSD system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Ma
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University 1 , Ningbo 315100 , China
- College of Fisheries and Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University 2 , Shanghai 201306 , China
| | - Fang Liu
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University 1 , Ningbo 315100 , China
- College of Fisheries and Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University 2 , Shanghai 201306 , China
| | - Qiran Chen
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University 1 , Ningbo 315100 , China
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China 3 MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding , , Qingdao 266003 , China
| | - Wei Sun
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University 1 , Ningbo 315100 , China
| | - Jiadong Shen
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University 1 , Ningbo 315100 , China
| | - Kaiyue Wu
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University 1 , Ningbo 315100 , China
| | - Ziyan Zheng
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University 1 , Ningbo 315100 , China
| | - Jiaqi Huang
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University 1 , Ningbo 315100 , China
| | - Jiawen Chen
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University 1 , Ningbo 315100 , China
| | - Guoying Qian
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University 1 , Ningbo 315100 , China
| | - Chutian Ge
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University 1 , Ningbo 315100 , China
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Mukherjee P, Roy S, Ghosh D, Nandi SK. Role of animal models in biomedical research: a review. Lab Anim Res 2022; 38:18. [PMID: 35778730 PMCID: PMC9247923 DOI: 10.1186/s42826-022-00128-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The animal model deals with the species other than the human, as it can imitate the disease progression, its’ diagnosis as well as a treatment similar to human. Discovery of a drug and/or component, equipment, their toxicological studies, dose, side effects are in vivo studied for future use in humans considering its’ ethical issues. Here lies the importance of the animal model for its enormous use in biomedical research. Animal models have many facets that mimic various disease conditions in humans like systemic autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular diseases, Atherosclerosis, diabetes, etc., and many more. Besides, the model has tremendous importance in drug development, development of medical devices, tissue engineering, wound healing, and bone and cartilage regeneration studies, as a model in vascular surgeries as well as the model for vertebral disc regeneration surgery. Though, all the models have some advantages as well as challenges, but, present review has emphasized the importance of various small and large animal models in pharmaceutical drug development, transgenic animal models, models for medical device developments, studies for various human diseases, bone and cartilage regeneration model, diabetic and burn wound model as well as surgical models like vascular surgeries and surgeries for intervertebral disc degeneration considering all the ethical issues of that specific animal model. Despite, the process of using the animal model has facilitated researchers to carry out the researches that would have been impossible to accomplish in human considering the ethical prohibitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Mukherjee
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Mohanpur, Nadia, India
| | - S Roy
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Mohanpur, Nadia, India
| | - D Ghosh
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, India
| | - S K Nandi
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, India.
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Simon R, Drögemüller C, Lühken G. The Complex and Diverse Genetic Architecture of the Absence of Horns (Polledness) in Domestic Ruminants, including Goats and Sheep. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13050832. [PMID: 35627216 PMCID: PMC9140736 DOI: 10.3390/genes13050832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Horns are the most obvious common feature of Bovidae. The naturally occurring absence of horns in these species, also known as polledness, is of surprisingly heterogeneous nature, although they are Mendelian traits. This review compares in detail the molecular differences among the causes of inherited polledness in the domestic ruminant species of cattle, yak, sheep, and goat based on the causal gene variants that have been discovered in recent years. The genetic causes for the lack of horns in small ruminants seem not only to be more complex, e.g., in sheep, breed-specific characteristics are still unexplained, but in goats, there is also the associated disorder of intersexuality—polled intersex syndrome (PIS). In connection with animal welfare and the associated discussion about a legal ban on the dehorning of all farm animals, naturally hornless animals and the causal genetic variants are of increasing research interest in the age of genome editing. However, the low acceptance of genetic engineering in livestock, especially in European societies, limits its use in food-producing animals. Therefore, genotype-based targeted selection of naturally occurring variants is still a widely used method for spreading this desired trait within and across populations, at least in cattle and sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Simon
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany; (R.S.); (G.L.)
| | - Cord Drögemüller
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
| | - Gesine Lühken
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany; (R.S.); (G.L.)
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Han H, Yang S, Li J, Zhao J, Wei H, Ha S, Li W, Li C, Quan K. Intersex goats show different gene expression levels in the hypothalamus and pituitary compared with non-intersex goats based on RNA-Seq. Vet Med Sci 2021; 8:367-376. [PMID: 34822225 PMCID: PMC8788962 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.672] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The conditions for sex reversal in vertebrate species have been extensively studied, and the results highlighted numerous key factors involved in sex differentiation. However, the transcriptomes in hypothalamic and pituitary tissues from intersex goats have rarely been studied. The aim of this study was to screen candidate genes and signalling pathways related to sex reversal in Huai goats by analyzing gene expression in hypothalamic and pituitary tissues via transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analyses. In total, 612 and 139 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the intersex and non‐intersex groups in the hypothalamus and pituitary, respectively. The DEGs in the hypothalamus and pituitary were significantly enriched in 41 and 16 signalling pathways, respectively, including the calcium signalling pathway, neuroactive ligand‐receptor interaction signalling pathway, and oestrogen signalling pathway, which might be related to intersex sex development disorders. A candidate gene from the tachykinin family (TACR1) was significantly enriched in the calcium signalling pathway. Thirty‐one DEGs were shared between these two comparisons and were enriched in several acetyl‐CoA‐related processes and the oestrogen signalling pathway. The results of the real‐time PCR analysis show that the transcriptome sequencing results were reliable. The transcriptome data indicate that the regulation of various physiological systems is involved in intersex goat development. Therefore, these results provide helpful data enhancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying intersex syndrome in goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyuan Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shuai Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jun Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jinyan Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Hongfang Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Si Ha
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Wantao Li
- Henan Genetic Protection Engineering Research Center for Livestock and Poultry, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
| | - Congcong Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Kai Quan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
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7
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Integrated Analysis of miR-430 on Steroidogenesis-Related Gene Expression of Larval Rice Field Eel Monopterus albus. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136994. [PMID: 34209701 PMCID: PMC8269179 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aims to reveal the mechanism by which miR-430s regulate steroidogenesis in larval rice field eel Monopterus albus. To this end, M. albus embryos were respectively microinjected with miRNA-overexpressing mimics (agomir430a, agomir430b, and agomir430c) or miRNA-knockdown inhibitors (antagomir430a, antagomir430b, and antagomir430c). Transcriptome profiling of the larvae indicated that a total of more than 149 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified among the eight treatments. Specifically, DEGs related to steroidogenesis, the GnRH signaling pathway, the erbB signaling pathway, the Wnt signaling pathway, and other pathways were characterized in the transcriptome. We found that steroidogenesis-related genes (hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase 3 (17β-hsdb3), hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase 7 (17β-hsdb7), hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase 12 (17β-hsdb12), and cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily a (cyp19a1b)) were significantly downregulated in miR-430 knockdown groups. The differential expressions of miR-430 in three gonads indicated different roles of three miR-430 (a, b, and c) isoforms in regulating steroidogenesis and sex differentiation. Mutation of the miR-430 sites reversed the downregulation of cytochrome P450 family 17 (cyp17), cyp19a1b, and forkhead box L2 (foxl2) reporter activities by miR-430, indicating that miR-430 directly interacted with cyp17, cyp19a1b, and foxl2 genes to inhibit their expressions. Combining these findings, we concluded that miR-430 regulated the steroidogenesis and the biosynthesis of steroid hormones by targeting cyp19a1b in larval M. albus. Our results provide a novel insight into steroidogenesis at the early stage of fish at the molecular level.
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Huang Y, Li D, Qiao L, Liu Y, Peng Q, Wu S, Zhang M, Yang Y, Tan J, Xu S, Jin L, Wang S, Tang K, Grünewald S. A genome-wide association study of facial morphology identifies novel genetic loci in Han Chinese. J Genet Genomics 2021; 48:198-207. [PMID: 33593615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The human face is a heritable surface with many complex sensory organs. In recent years, many genetic loci associated with facial features have been reported in different populations, yet there is a lack of studies on the Han Chinese population. Here, we report a genome-wide association study of 3D normal human faces of 2,659 Han Chinese with autosegment phenotypes of facial morphology. We identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) encompassing four genomic regions showing significant associations with different facial regions, including SNPs in DENND1B associated with the chin, SNPs among PISRT1 associated with eyes, SNPs between DCHS2 and SFRP2 associated with the nose, and SNPs in VPS13B associated with the nose. We replicate 24 SNPs from previously reported genetic loci in different populations, whose candidate genes are DCHS2, SUPT3H, HOXD1, SOX9, PAX3, and EDAR. These results provide a more comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis of variation in human facial morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Huang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Dan Li
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Shanghai 200031, China; DeepBlue Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Lu Qiao
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Qianqian Peng
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Sijie Wu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Shanghai 200031, China; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Manfei Zhang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Shanghai 200031, China; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yajun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China; Fudan-Taizhou Institute of Health Sciences, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Jingze Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China; Fudan-Taizhou Institute of Health Sciences, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Shuhua Xu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Shanghai 200031, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Shanghai 200438, China; Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Li Jin
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Shanghai 200031, China; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China; Fudan-Taizhou Institute of Health Sciences, Taizhou 225300, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Sijia Wang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Shanghai 200031, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Shanghai 200438, China; Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China.
| | - Kun Tang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Shanghai 200031, China; DeepBlue Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200336, China.
| | - Stefan Grünewald
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Shanghai 200031, China.
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E GX, Zhou DK, Zheng ZQ, Yang BG, Li XL, Li LH, Zhou RY, Nai WH, Jiang XP, Zhang JH, Hong QH, Ma YH, Chu MX, Gao HJ, Zhao YJ, Duan XH, He YM, Na RS, Han YG, Zeng Y, Jiang Y, Huang YF. Identification of a Goat Intersexuality-Associated Novel Variant Through Genome-Wide Resequencing and Hi-C. Front Genet 2021; 11:616743. [PMID: 33633772 PMCID: PMC7901718 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.616743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Polled intersex syndrome (PIS) leads to reproductive disorders in goats and exerts a heavy influence on goat breeding. Since 2001, the core variant of an 11.7 kb deletion at ~129 Mb on chromosome 1 (CHI1) has been widely used as a genetic diagnostic criterion. In 2020, a ~0.48 Mb insertion within the PIS deletion was identified by sequencing in XX intersex goats. However, the suitability of this variation for the diagnosis of intersex goats worldwide and its further molecular genetic mechanism need to be clarified. Results: The whole-genome selective sweep of intersex goats from China was performed with whole-genome next-generation sequencing technology for large sample populations and a case–control study on interbreeds. A series of candidate genes related to the goat intersexuality phenotype were found. We further confirmed that a ~0.48 Mb duplicated fragment (including ERG and KCNJ15) downstream of the ~20 Mb PIS region was reversely inserted into the PIS locus in intersex Chinese goats and was consistent with that in European Saanen and Valais black-necked goats. High-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) technology was then used to compare the 3D structures of the PIS variant neighborhood in CHI1 between intersex and non-intersex goats. A newly found structure was validated as an intrachromosomal rearrangement. This inserted duplication changed the original spatial structure of goat CHI1 and caused the appearance of several specific loop structures in the adjacent ~20 kb downstream region of FOXL2. Conclusions: Results suggested that the novel complex PIS variant genome was sufficient as a broad-spectrum clinical diagnostic marker of XX intersexuality in goats from Europe and China. A series of private dense loop structures caused by segment insertion into the PIS deletion might affect the expression of FOXL2 or other neighboring novel candidate genes. However, these structures require further in-depth molecular biological experimental verification. In general, this study provided new insights for future research on the molecular genetic mechanism underlying female-to-male sex reversal in goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Xin E
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage & Herbivore, Chongqing Engineering Research Centre for Herbivores Resource Protection and Utilization, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dong-Ke Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Zhu-Qing Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Bai-Gao Yang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage & Herbivore, Chongqing Engineering Research Centre for Herbivores Resource Protection and Utilization, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiang-Long Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science & Technology, Qinghuangdao, China
| | - Lan-Hui Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, China
| | - Rong-Yan Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, China
| | - Wen-Hui Nai
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Xun-Ping Jiang
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia-Hua Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage & Herbivore, Chongqing Engineering Research Centre for Herbivores Resource Protection and Utilization, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiong-Hua Hong
- Department of Herbivore Science, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
| | - Yue-Hui Ma
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Xing Chu
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Hui-Jiang Gao
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Yong-Ju Zhao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage & Herbivore, Chongqing Engineering Research Centre for Herbivores Resource Protection and Utilization, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xing-Hai Duan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage & Herbivore, Chongqing Engineering Research Centre for Herbivores Resource Protection and Utilization, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong-Meng He
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage & Herbivore, Chongqing Engineering Research Centre for Herbivores Resource Protection and Utilization, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ri-Su Na
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage & Herbivore, Chongqing Engineering Research Centre for Herbivores Resource Protection and Utilization, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan-Guo Han
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage & Herbivore, Chongqing Engineering Research Centre for Herbivores Resource Protection and Utilization, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage & Herbivore, Chongqing Engineering Research Centre for Herbivores Resource Protection and Utilization, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yong-Fu Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage & Herbivore, Chongqing Engineering Research Centre for Herbivores Resource Protection and Utilization, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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10
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Yang S, Han H, Li J, Zhang Y, Zhao J, Wei H, Hasi T, Lv H, Zhao X, Quan K. Transcriptomic analysis of gene expression in normal goat ovary and intersex goat gonad. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 56:12-25. [PMID: 33073450 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Intersexuality is a congenital reproductive disorder that usually occurs in hornless goats, hindering breeding of goats with hornless traits and the development of the goat industry. In this study, we aimed to identify differentially expressed genes in intersex and normal goat gonads by comparing gene transcription profiles of intersex and normal goat gonads. As intersex goats are genetically based on females, we chose female goats as controls. The goats in the control group and the experimental group were both over one-year old. We evaluated the anatomical characteristics of the reproductive organs of five intersex goats using histopathological methods. The gonads were found to be ovarian and testicular types. RNA-Seq technology was used to identify differentially expressed genes in gonads and normal goat ovary tissues. Transcription analysis results were verified by qPCR. The results showed that 2,748 DEGs were upregulated and 3,327 DEGs were downregulated in intersex ovaries unlike in controls, whereas 2006 DEGs were upregulated and 2032 DEGs were downregulated in the interstitial testes. Many of these genes play important roles in mammalian sex determination and sex differentiation, such as SOX9, WT1, GATA4, DMRT1, DHH, AMH, CYP19A1 and FST. We found that many DEGs are involved in biological developmental regulation by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, and that most genes associated with the steroid synthesis pathway were downregulated. The DEGs identified in this study may be involved in the regulation of intersex goat sex determination and differentiation, and may increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of mammalian sex differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Haoyuan Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - JinYan Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongfang Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tonglaga Hasi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huifang Lv
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xingxu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Kai Quan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, China
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11
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Simon R, Lischer HEL, Pieńkowska-Schelling A, Keller I, Häfliger IM, Letko A, Schelling C, Lühken G, Drögemüller C. New genomic features of the polled intersex syndrome variant in goats unraveled by long-read whole-genome sequencing. Anim Genet 2020; 51:439-448. [PMID: 32060960 DOI: 10.1111/age.12918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In domestic goats, the polled intersex syndrome (PIS) refers to XX female-to-male sex reversal associated with the absence of horn growth (polled). The causal variant was previously reported as a 11.7 kb deletion at approximately 129 Mb on chromosome 1 that affects the transcription of both FOXL2 and several long non-coding RNAs. In the meantime the presence of different versions of the PIS deletion was postulated and trials to establish genetic testing with the existing molecular genetic information failed. Therefore, we revisited this variant by long-read whole-genome sequencing of two genetically female (XX) goats, a PIS-affected and a horned control. This revealed the presence of a more complex structural variant consisting of a deletion with a total length of 10 159 bp and an inversely inserted approximately 480 kb-sized duplicated segment of a region located approximately 21 Mb further downstream on chromosome 1 containing two genes, KCNJ15 and ERG. Publicly available short-read whole-genome sequencing data, Sanger sequencing of the breakpoints and FISH using BAC clones corresponding to both involved genome regions confirmed this structural variant. A diagnostic PCR was developed for simultaneous genotyping of carriers for this variant and determination of their genetic sex. We showed that the variant allele was present in all 334 genotyped polled goats of diverse breeds and that all analyzed 15 PIS-affected XX goats were homozygous. Our findings enable for the first time a precise genetic diagnosis for polledness and PIS in goats and add a further genomic feature to the complexity of the PIS phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Simon
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, 35390, Germany
| | - H E L Lischer
- Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit, University of Bern, Bern, 3001, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - A Pieńkowska-Schelling
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bern, Bern, 3001, Switzerland.,Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - I Keller
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, 3001, Switzerland
| | - I M Häfliger
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bern, Bern, 3001, Switzerland
| | - A Letko
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bern, Bern, 3001, Switzerland
| | - C Schelling
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - G Lühken
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, 35390, Germany
| | - C Drögemüller
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bern, Bern, 3001, Switzerland
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12
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Polejaeva IA, Rutigliano HM, Wells KD. Livestock in biomedical research: history, current status and future prospective. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 28:112-24. [PMID: 27062879 DOI: 10.1071/rd15343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Livestock models have contributed significantly to biomedical and surgical advances. Their contribution is particularly prominent in the areas of physiology and assisted reproductive technologies, including understanding developmental processes and disorders, from ancient to modern times. Over the past 25 years, biomedical research that traditionally embraced a diverse species approach shifted to a small number of model species (e.g. mice and rats). The initial reasons for focusing the main efforts on the mouse were the availability of murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and genome sequence data. This powerful combination allowed for precise manipulation of the mouse genome (knockouts, knockins, transcriptional switches etc.) leading to ground-breaking discoveries on gene functions and regulation, and their role in health and disease. Despite the enormous contribution to biomedical research, mouse models have some major limitations. Their substantial differences compared with humans in body and organ size, lifespan and inbreeding result in pronounced metabolic, physiological and behavioural differences. Comparative studies of strategically chosen domestic species can complement mouse research and yield more rigorous findings. Because genome sequence and gene manipulation tools are now available for farm animals (cattle, pigs, sheep and goats), a larger number of livestock genetically engineered (GE) models will be accessible for biomedical research. This paper discusses the use of cattle, goats, sheep and pigs in biomedical research, provides an overview of transgenic technology in farm animals and highlights some of the beneficial characteristics of large animal models of human disease compared with the mouse. In addition, status and origin of current regulation of GE biomedical models is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina A Polejaeva
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Heloisa M Rutigliano
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Kevin D Wells
- Division of Animal Sciences, Animal Sciences Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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13
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Pannetier M, Chassot AA, Chaboissier MC, Pailhoux E. Involvement of FOXL2 and RSPO1 in Ovarian Determination, Development, and Maintenance in Mammals. Sex Dev 2016; 10:167-184. [PMID: 27649556 DOI: 10.1159/000448667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, sex determination is a process through which the gonad is committed to differentiate into a testis or an ovary. This process relies on a delicate balance between genetic pathways that promote one fate and inhibit the other. Once the gonad is committed to the female pathway, ovarian differentiation begins and, depending on the species, is completed during gestation or shortly after birth. During this step, granulosa cell precursors, steroidogenic cells, and primordial germ cells start to express female-specific markers in a sex-dimorphic manner. The germ cells then arrest at prophase I of meiosis and, together with somatic cells, assemble into functional structures. This organization gives the ovary its definitive morphology and functionality during folliculogenesis. Until now, 2 main genetic cascades have been shown to be involved in female sex differentiation. The first is driven by FOXL2, a transcription factor that also plays a crucial role in folliculogenesis and ovarian fate maintenance in adults. The other operates through the WNT/CTNNB1 canonical pathway and is regulated primarily by R-spondin1. Here, we discuss the roles of FOXL2 and RSPO1/WNT/ CTNNB1 during ovarian development and homeostasis in different models, such as humans, goats, and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maëlle Pannetier
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy en Josas, France
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14
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Parma P, Veyrunes F, Pailhoux E. Sex Reversal in Non-Human Placental Mammals. Sex Dev 2016; 10:326-344. [PMID: 27529721 DOI: 10.1159/000448361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonads are very peculiar organs given their bipotential competence. Indeed, early differentiating genital ridges evolve into either of 2 very distinct organs: the testis or the ovary. Accumulating evidence now demonstrates that both genetic pathways must repress the other in order for the organs to differentiate properly, meaning that if this repression is disrupted or attenuated, the other pathway may completely or partially be expressed, leading to disorders of sex development. Among these disorders are the cases of XY male-to-female and XX female-to-male sex reversals as well as true hermaphrodites, in which there is a discrepancy between the chromosomal and gonadal sex. Here, we review known cases of XY and XX sex reversals described in mammals, focusing mostly on domestic animals where sex reversal pathologies occur and on wild species in which deviations from the usual XX/XY system have been documented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Parma
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Milan University, Milan, Italy
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15
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Bertho S, Pasquier J, Pan Q, Le Trionnaire G, Bobe J, Postlethwait JH, Pailhoux E, Schartl M, Herpin A, Guiguen Y. Foxl2 and Its Relatives Are Evolutionary Conserved Players in Gonadal Sex Differentiation. Sex Dev 2016; 10:111-29. [PMID: 27441599 DOI: 10.1159/000447611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Foxl2 is a member of the large family of Forkhead Box (Fox) domain transcription factors. It emerged during the last 15 years as a key player in ovarian differentiation and oogenesis in vertebrates and especially mammals. This review focuses on Foxl2 genes in light of recent findings on their evolution, expression, and implication in sex differentiation in animals in general. Homologs of Foxl2 and its paralog Foxl3 are found in all metazoans, but their gene evolution is complex, with multiple gains and losses following successive whole genome duplication events in vertebrates. This review aims to decipher the evolutionary forces that drove Foxl2/3 gene specialization through sub- and neo-functionalization during evolution. Expression data in metazoans suggests that Foxl2/3 progressively acquired a role in both somatic and germ cell gonad differentiation and that a certain degree of sub-functionalization occurred after its duplication in vertebrates. This generated a scenario where Foxl2 is predominantly expressed in ovarian somatic cells and Foxl3 in male germ cells. To support this hypothesis, we provide original results showing that in the pea aphid (insects) foxl2/3 is predominantly expressed in sexual females and showing that in bovine ovaries FOXL2 is specifically expressed in granulosa cells. Overall, current results suggest that Foxl2 and Foxl3 are evolutionarily conserved players involved in somatic and germinal differentiation of gonadal sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Bertho
- INRA, UR1037 Fish Physiology and Genomics, Rennes, France
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16
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New Veterinary Biologic Products. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2016; 248:1124. [PMID: 27135666 DOI: 10.2460/javma.248.10.1124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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17
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Armstrong CL, Koziol JH, Maxwell HS, Wolfe DF, Ghosh S. Theriogenology Question of the Month. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2016; 248:1121-4. [PMID: 27135665 DOI: 10.2460/javma.248.10.1121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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18
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Allais-Bonnet A, Castille J, Pannetier M, Passet B, Elzaïat M, André M, Montazer-Torbati F, Moazami-Goudarzi K, Vilotte JL, Pailhoux E. A specific role for PRND in goat foetal Leydig cells is suggested by prion family gene expression during gonad development in goats and mice. FEBS Open Bio 2016; 6:4-15. [PMID: 27047737 PMCID: PMC4794797 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Three genes of the prion protein gene family are expressed in gonads. Comparative analyses of their expression patterns in mice and goats revealed constant expression of PRNP and SPRN in both species and in both male and female gonads, but with a weaker expression of SPRN. By contrast, expression of PRND was found to be sex‐dimorphic, in agreement with its role in spermatogenesis. More importantly, our study revealed that PRND seems to be a key marker of foetal Leydig cells specifically in goats, suggesting a yet unknown role for its encoded protein Doppel during gonadal differentiation in nonrodent mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Allais-Bonnet
- Biologie du Développement et Reproduction INRA, UMR 1198 Jouy-en-Josas France; ALLICE Paris France
| | - Johan Castille
- Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative INRA, UMR 1313 Jouy-en-Josas France
| | - Maëlle Pannetier
- Biologie du Développement et Reproduction INRA, UMR 1198 Jouy-en-Josas France
| | - Bruno Passet
- Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative INRA, UMR 1313 Jouy-en-Josas France
| | - Maëva Elzaïat
- Biologie du Développement et Reproduction INRA, UMR 1198 Jouy-en-Josas France
| | - Marjolaine André
- Biologie du Développement et Reproduction INRA, UMR 1198 Jouy-en-Josas France
| | | | | | - Jean-Luc Vilotte
- Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative INRA, UMR 1313 Jouy-en-Josas France
| | - Eric Pailhoux
- Biologie du Développement et Reproduction INRA, UMR 1198 Jouy-en-Josas France
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19
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Copy number variation in the region harboring SOX9 gene in dogs with testicular/ovotesticular disorder of sex development (78,XX; SRY-negative). Sci Rep 2015; 5:14696. [PMID: 26423656 PMCID: PMC4589768 DOI: 10.1038/srep14696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the disorder of sex development in dogs with female karyotype (XX DSD) is quite common, its molecular basis is still unclear. Among mutations underlying XX DSD in mammals are duplication of a long sequence upstream of the SOX9 gene (RevSex) and duplication of the SOX9 gene (also observed in dogs). We performed a comparative analysis of 16 XX DSD and 30 control female dogs, using FISH and MLPA approaches. Our study was focused on a region harboring SOX9 and a region orthologous to the human RevSex (CanRevSex), which was located by in silico analysis downstream of SOX9. Two highly polymorphic copy number variable regions (CNVRs): CNVR1 upstream of SOX9 and CNVR2 encompassing CanRevSex were identified. Although none of the detected copy number variants were specific to either affected or control animals, we observed that the average number of copies in CNVR1 was higher in XX DSD. No copy variation of SOX9 was observed. Our extensive studies have excluded duplication of SOX9 as the common cause of XX DSD in analyzed samples. However, it remains possible that the causative mutation is hidden in highly polymorphic CNVR1.
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20
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Bresciani C, Parma P, De Lorenzi L, Di Ianni F, Bertocchi M, Bertani V, Cantoni AM, Parmigiani E. A Clinical Case of an SRY-Positive Intersex/Hermaphrodite Holstein Cattle. Sex Dev 2015; 9:229-38. [PMID: 26418730 DOI: 10.1159/000440691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A single-born, 15-month-old Holstein cattle, diagnosed as hermaphrodite, was investigated for estrous cycle, hormonal profiles, karyotype, presence of SRY, as well as anatomopathological and histological aspects. Normal continuous estrous cycles and basal testosterone levels were reported. Necropsy showed the presence of a female genital tract that mismatched a vulvar opening and a male pelvic urethra continued within a penis. Moreover, we observed islands of seminiferous tubules with the presence of germline cells, 2 pampiniform plexi, the corpus cavernosum, the penile urethra, the corpus spongiosum and the glans. Cytogenetic analyses of the blood cells showed an XX karyotype, while the molecular analyses revealed the presence of the SRY gene in several tissues, including blood. This is the first report in the scientific literature of an SRY-positive hermaphrodite Holstein cattle with continuous ovarian cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Bresciani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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21
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Trukhina AV, Lukina NA, Nekrasova AA, Smirnov AF. Sex inversion and epigenetic regulation in vertebrates. RUSS J GENET+ 2015. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795415020155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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22
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Elzaiat M, Jouneau L, Thépot D, Klopp C, Allais-Bonnet A, Cabau C, André M, Chaffaux S, Cribiu EP, Pailhoux E, Pannetier M. High-throughput sequencing analyses of XX genital ridges lacking FOXL2 reveal DMRT1 up-regulation before SOX9 expression during the sex-reversal process in goats. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:153. [PMID: 25395674 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.122796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXL2 loss of function in goats leads to the early transdifferentiation of ovaries into testes, then to the full sex reversal of XX homozygous mutants. By contrast, Foxl2 loss of function in mice induces an arrest of follicle formation after birth, followed by complete female sterility. In order to understand the molecular role of FOXL2 during ovarian differentiation in the goat species, putative FOXL2 target genes were determined at the earliest stage of gonadal sex-specific differentiation by comparing the mRNA profiles of XX gonads expressing the FOXL2 protein or not. Of these 163 deregulated genes, around two-thirds corresponded to testicular genes that were up-regulated when FOXL2 was absent, and only 19 represented female-associated genes, down-regulated in the absence of FOXL2. FOXL2 should therefore be viewed as an antitestis gene rather than as a female-promoting gene. In particular, the key testis-determining gene DMRT1 was found to be up-regulated ahead of SOX9, thus suggesting in goats that SOX9 primary up-regulation may require DMRT1. Overall, our results equated to FOXL2 being an antitestis gene, allowing us to propose an alternative model for the sex-determination process in goats that differs slightly from that demonstrated in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maëva Elzaiat
- INRA, UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Luc Jouneau
- INRA, UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Dominique Thépot
- INRA, UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | | | - Cédric Cabau
- INRA, Sigenae GenPhySE (Génétique, Physiologie et Systèmes d'Elevage), Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Marjolaine André
- INRA, UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Stéphane Chaffaux
- INRA, UMR1313 Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Edmond-Paul Cribiu
- INRA, UMR1313 Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Eric Pailhoux
- INRA, UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Maëlle Pannetier
- INRA, UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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23
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Salamon S, Nowacka-Woszuk J, Szczerbal I, Dzimira S, Nizanski W, Ochota M, Switonski M. A lack of association between polymorphisms of three positional candidate genes (CLASP2 , UBP1, and FBXL2) and canine disorder of sexual development (78,XX; SRY -negative). Sex Dev 2014; 8:160-5. [PMID: 24994500 DOI: 10.1159/000363531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A disorder of sexual development (DSD) of dogs with a female karyotype, missing SRY gene, and presence of testicles or ovotestes is quite commonly diagnosed. It is suggested that this disorder is caused by an autosomal recessive mutation; however, other models of inheritance have not been definitely ruled out. In an earlier study it was hypothesized that the mutation may reside in a pericentromeric region of canine chromosome 23 (CFA23). Three positional candidate genes (CLASP2, UBP1, and FBXL2) were selected in silico in the search for polymorphisms in 7 testicular or ovotesticular XX DSD dogs, 8 XX DSD dogs of unknown cause (SRY-negative, with enlarged clitoris and unknown histology of gonads), and 29 normal female dogs as a control group. Among the 15 molecularly studied dogs with enlarged clitoris there were 3 new cases of testicular or ovotesticular XX DSD and 4 new cases of XX DSD with unknown cause (histology of the gonads unknown). Altogether, 11 (including 10 novel) polymorphisms in 5'- and 3'-flanking regions of the studied genes were found. The distribution analysis of these polymorphisms showed no association with the DSD phenotypes. Thus, it was concluded that the presence of the causative mutation for testicular or ovotesticular XX DSD in the pericentromeric region of CFA23 is unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Salamon
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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24
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FOXL2 Is a Female Sex-Determining Gene in the Goat. Curr Biol 2014; 24:404-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2013.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Revised: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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25
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Rousseau S, Iannuccelli N, Mercat MJ, Naylies C, Thouly JC, Servin B, Milan D, Pailhoux E, Riquet J. A genome-wide association study points out the causal implication of SOX9 in the sex-reversal phenotype in XX pigs. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79882. [PMID: 24223201 PMCID: PMC3819277 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Among farm animals, pigs are known to show XX sex-reversal. In such cases the individuals are genetically female but exhibit a hermaphroditism, or a male phenotype. While the frequency of this congenital disease is quite low (less than 1%), the economic losses are significant for pig breeders. These losses result from sterility, urogenital infections and the carcasses being downgraded because of the risk of boar taint. It has been clearly demonstrated that the SRY gene is not involved in most cases of sex-reversal in pigs, and that autosomal recessive mutations remain to be discovered. A whole-genome scan analysis was performed in the French Large-White population to identify candidate genes: 38 families comprising the two non-affected parents and 1 to 11 sex-reversed full-sib piglets were genotyped with the PorcineSNP60 BeadChip. A Transmission Disequilibrium Test revealed a highly significant candidate region on SSC12 (most significant p-value<4.65.10-10) containing the SOX9 gene. SOX9, one of the master genes involved in testis differentiation, was sequenced together with one of its main regulatory region Tesco. However, no causal mutations could be identified in either of the two sequenced regions. Further haplotype analyses did not identify a shared homozygous segment between the affected pigs, suggesting either a lack of power due to the SNP properties of the chip, or a second causative locus. Together with information from humans and mice, this study in pigs adds to the field of knowledge, which will lead to characterization of novel molecular mechanisms regulating sexual differentiation and dysregulation in cases of sex reversal.
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Daniel-Carlier N, Harscoët E, Thépot D, Auguste A, Pailhoux E, Jolivet G. Gonad differentiation in the rabbit: evidence of species-specific features. PLoS One 2013; 8:e60451. [PMID: 23593221 PMCID: PMC3620232 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The rabbit is an attractive species for the study of gonad differentiation because of its 31-day long gestation, the timing of female meiosis around birth and the 15-day delay between gonadal switch and the onset of meiosis in the female. The expression of a series of genes was thus determined by qPCR during foetal life until adulthood, completed by a histological analysis and whenever possible by an immunohistological one. Interesting gene expression profiles were recorded. Firstly, the peak of SRY gene expression that is observed in early differentiated XY gonads in numerous mammals was also seen in the rabbit, but this expression was maintained at a high level until the end of puberty. Secondly, a peak of aromatase gene expression was observed at two-thirds of the gestation in XX gonads as in many other species except in the mouse. Thirdly, the expression of STRA8 and DMC1 genes (which are known to be specifically expressed in germ cells during meiosis) was enhanced in XX gonads around birth but also slightly and significantly in XY gonads at the same time, even though no meiosis occurs in XY gonad at this stage. This was probably a consequence of the synchronous strong NANOS2 gene expression in XY gonad. In conclusion, our data highlighted some rabbit-specific findings with respect to the gonad differentiation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Daniel-Carlier
- UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Erwana Harscoët
- UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Dominique Thépot
- UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Aurélie Auguste
- UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Eric Pailhoux
- UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Geneviève Jolivet
- UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Jouy en Josas, France
- * E-mail:
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Piferrer F. Epigenetics of sex determination and gonadogenesis. Dev Dyn 2013; 242:360-70. [PMID: 23335256 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.23924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Revised: 12/27/2012] [Accepted: 12/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics is commonly defined as the study of heritable changes in gene function that cannot be explained by changes in DNA sequence. The three major epigenetic mechanisms for gene expression regulation include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs. Epigenetic mechanisms provide organisms with the ability to integrate genomic and environmental information to modify the activity of their genes for generating a particular phenotype. During development, cells differentiate, acquire, and maintain identity through changes in gene expression. This is crucial for sex determination and differentiation, which are among the most important developmental processes for the proper functioning and perpetuation of species. This review summarizes studies showing how epigenetic regulatory mechanisms contribute to sex determination and reproductive organ formation in plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Further progress will be made by integrating several approaches, including genomics and Next Generation Sequencing to create epigenetic maps related to different aspects of sex determination and gonadogenesis. Epigenetics will also contribute to understand the etiology of several disorders of sexual development. It also might play a significant role in the control of reproduction in animal farm production and will aid in recognizing the environmental versus genetic influences on sex determination of sensitive species in a global change scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesc Piferrer
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain.
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Whitlock BK, Coffman EA, Bray KY, Himmelreich EL, Maxwell HS. Theriogenology question of the month. Intersex syndrome. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2013; 242:169-72. [PMID: 23276091 DOI: 10.2460/javma.242.2.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian K Whitlock
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
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Abstract
Experimental animals in biomedical research provide insights into disease mechanisms and models for determining the efficacy and safety of new therapies and for discovery of corresponding biomarkers. Although mouse and rat models are most widely used, observations in these species cannot always be faithfully extrapolated to human patients. Thus, a number of domestic species are additionally used in specific disease areas. This review summarizes the most important applications of domestic animal models and emphasizes the new possibilities genetic tailoring of disease models, specifically in pigs, provides.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bähr
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Pannetier M, Pailhoux E. [Sex differentiation: state of the art and future prospects]. Med Sci (Paris) 2011; 27:859-65. [PMID: 22027423 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/20112710014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Our knowledge on sex differentiation in mammals has considerably progressed during the last decennials, beginning with the discovery of the testis-determining factor. Here, the morphogenetic processes involved in the early gonadic switch will be presented, together with the major genes involved in testis and ovary formation. Existing differences between the widely used mouse model and other mammals, such as human and goat, will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maëlle Pannetier
- Inra, UMR1198-Biologie du développement et de la reproduction, Bâtiment J. Poly, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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Li X, Xiao Y, Gao H, Li B, Xu L, Cheng M, Jiang B, Ma Y. Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins Ameliorate Diabetic Nephropathy via Modulation of Levels of AGE, RAGE and CTGF. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 111:e31-41. [DOI: 10.1159/000191103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2007] [Accepted: 09/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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