1
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Luo X, Guo J, Zhang J, Ma Z, Li H. Overview of chicken embryo genes related to sex differentiation. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17072. [PMID: 38525278 PMCID: PMC10959104 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex determination in chickens at an early embryonic stage has been a longstanding challenge in poultry production due to the unique ZZ:ZW sex chromosome system and various influencing factors. This review has summarized the genes related to the sex differentiation of chicken early embryos (mainly Dmrt1, Sox9, Amh, Cyp19a1, Foxl2, Tle4z1, Jun, Hintw, Ube2i, Spin1z, Hmgcs1, Foxd1, Tox3, Ddx4, cHemgn and Serpinb11 in this article), and has found that these contributions enhance our understanding of the genetic basis of sex determination in chickens, while identifying potential gene targets for future research. This knowledge may inform and guide the development of sex screening technologies for hatching eggs and support advancements in gene-editing approaches for chicken embryos. Moreover, these insights offer hope for enhancing animal welfare and promoting conservation efforts in poultry production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolu Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiancheng Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiahang Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Zheng Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Hua Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, China
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2
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Challagulla A, Jenkins KA, O'Neil TE, Morris KR, Wise TG, Tizard ML, Bean AGD, Schat KA, Doran TJ. Germline engineering of the chicken genome using CRISPR/Cas9 by in vivo transfection of PGCs. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:775-784. [PMID: 32707002 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2020.1789869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Development of simple and readily adoptable methods to mediate germline engineering of the chicken genome will have many applications in research, agriculture and industrial biotechnology. We report germline targeting of the endogenous chicken Interferon Alpha and Beta Receptor Subunit 1 (IFNAR1) gene by in vivo transgenic expression of the high-fidelity Cas9 (Cas9-HF1) and guide RNAs (gRNAs) in chickens. First, we developed a Tol2 transposon vector carrying Cas9-HF1, IFNAR1-gRNAs (IF-gRNAs) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenes (pTgRCG) and validated in chicken fibroblast DF1 cells. Next, the pTgRCG plasmid was directly injected into the dorsal aorta of embryonic day (ED) 2.5 chicken embryos targeting the circulating primordial germ cells (PGCs). The resulting chimera roosters generated a fully transgenic generation 1 (G1) hen with constitutive expression of Cas9-HF1 and IF-gRNAs (G1_Tol2-Cas9/IF-gRNA). We detected a spectrum of indels at gRNA-targeted loci in the G1_Tol2-Cas9/IF-gRNA hen and the indels were stably inherited by the G2 progeny. Breeding of the G1_Tol2-Cas9/IF-gRNA hen resulted in up to 10% transgene-free heterozygote IFNAR1 mutants, following null-segregation of the Tol2 insert. The method described here will provide new opportunities for genome editing in chicken and other avian species that lack PGC culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Challagulla
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Geelong, Australia
| | - Kristie A Jenkins
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Geelong, Australia
| | - Terri E O'Neil
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Geelong, Australia
| | - Kirsten R Morris
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Geelong, Australia
| | - Terry G Wise
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Geelong, Australia
| | - Mark L Tizard
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Geelong, Australia
| | - Andrew G D Bean
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Geelong, Australia
| | - Karel A Schat
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Timothy J Doran
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Geelong, Australia
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3
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Canesini G, Galoppo GH, Tavalieri YE, Lazzarino GP, Stoker C, Luque EH, Ramos JG, Muñoz-de-Toro M. Disruption of the developmental programming of the gonad of the broad snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) after in ovo exposure to atrazine. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:40132-40146. [PMID: 36607581 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-25104-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to agrochemicals during early stages of development can induce subtle alterations that could permanently affect normal physiology. Previously, we reported that in ovo exposure to atrazine (ATZ) disrupts testicular histoarchitecture in postnatal caimans (Caiman latirostris). To assess whether such alterations are the result of disruption of gonadal developmental programming, this study aimed to evaluate the expression of histofunctional biomarkers (VASA, ER, PR, PCNA, and aromatase) and genes involved in gonadal development and differentiation (amh, sox-9, sf-1 and cyp19-a1) in the gonads of male and female caiman embryos and to assess the effect of ATZ exposure on these biomarkers and genes in the gonads of male embryos. Our results suggest that amh, aromatase and sox-9 play a role in sex determination and gonadal differentiation. In male caiman embryos, ATZ exposure increased aromatase expression and altered the temporal expression pattern of amh and sox-9 evidencing an ATZ-induced disruption of gonadal developmental programming. Since the effects of ATZ are consistent across all vertebrate classes, the ATZ-mediated disruptive effects here observed could be present in other vertebrate species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermina Canesini
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
| | - Germán H Galoppo
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina.
| | - Yamil E Tavalieri
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
| | - Gisela P Lazzarino
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
| | - Cora Stoker
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Enrique H Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
| | - Jorge G Ramos
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Mónica Muñoz-de-Toro
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
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4
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Estermann MA, Smith CA. Fadrozole-mediated sex reversal in the embryonic chicken gonad involves a PAX2 positive undifferentiated supporting cell state. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1042759. [DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1042759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadal sex differentiation among vertebrates involves divergent fates of a common group of progenitor cells present in both presumptive ovaries and testes. The first cell type to differentiate gives rise to pre-Sertoli cells in the testis, and pre-follicular cells in the ovary. These cells derive from a common lineage of so-called “supporting cells”. In birds and other egg-laying vertebrates, locally synthesised estrogen has a central role in ovarian development and influences the fate of these supporting cells. Manipulation of estrogen levels during embryonic development induces gonadal sex reversal, providing an experimental setting to evaluate the process of gonadal sex differentiation. Recently, we identified PAX2 as a novel marker of the undifferentiated supporting cell lineage in the chicken embryo, expressed in both sexes prior to overt gonadal sex differentiation. PAX2 expression is downregulated at the onset of gonadal sex differentiation in both males and females. The analysis of this undifferentiated supporting cell marker, together with Sertoli (male) and pre-granulosa (female) will enhance our understanding of supporting cell differentiation. Here we characterized the supporting cells differentiation process and identified undifferentiated supporting cells in estrogen-mediated sex reversal experiments. Female embryos treated with the aromatase inhibitor fadrozole developed into ovotestis, containing pre-granulosa cells, Sertoli cells and PAX2 positive undifferentiated supporting cells. In contrast, male embryos treated with 17β-estradiol showed no PAX2+ undifferentiated gonadal supporting cells. Fadrozole time-course as well as multiple dose analysis suggests that supporting cell transdifferentiation involves a dedifferentiation event into a PAX2+ undifferentiated supporting cell state, followed by a redifferentiation towards the opposite sex lineage.
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5
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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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6
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Smirnov AF, Leoke DY, Trukhina AV. Natural and Experimental Sex Reversal in Birds and Other Groups of Vertebrates, with the Exception of Mammals. RUSS J GENET+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795422060114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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7
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Li P, Guo Y, Jin L, Liang X, Chen G, Sun W, Xiao L, Qian G, Ge C. ESR1 mediates estrogen-induced feminization of genetic male Chinese soft-shelled turtle. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:779-789. [PMID: 35512131 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Exogenous estrogen have shown their femininization abilities during the specific sex differentiation period in several reptiles. However, the specific regulatory mechanism and downstream regulatory genes of estrogen remain elusive. In the present study, 17β-estradiol (E2), as well as drugs of specific antagonists and/or agonists of estrogen receptors, were employed to figure out the molecular pathway involved in the E2-induced feminization in Chinese soft-shelled turtles, an important aquaculture species in China. E2 treatment led to typical female characteristics in the gonads of ZZ individuals, including thickened outer cortex containing a number of germ cells and degenerated medullary cords, as well as the disappearance of male marker SOX9, and the ectopic expression of ovarian regulator FOXL2 at the embryonic developmental stage 27 and 1 month after hatching. The specific ESR1 antagonist or a combination of three estrogen receptor antagonists could block the sex reversal of ZZ individuals induced by estrogen. In addition, specific activation of ESR1 by agonist also led to the feminization of ZZ gonads, which was similar to the effect of estrogen treatment. Furthermore, transcriptome data showed that the expression level of FOXL2 was significantly up-regulated, while mRNA levels of DMRT1, SOX9 and AMH were down-regulated after estrogen treatment. Taken together, our results indicated that E2 induced the feminization of ZZ Chinese soft-shelled turtles via ESR1, and decrease of male genes DMRT1, SOX9and AMH and increase of ovarian development regulator FOXL2 might be responsible for the initiation of E2-induced feminization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Li
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China.,College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China
| | - Yin Guo
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China.,College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China
| | - Lin Jin
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China.,College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- College of Fisheries and Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Gaoan Chen
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China.,College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China
| | - Ling Xiao
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China.,College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China
| | - Guoying Qian
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China
| | - Chutian Ge
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China.,College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China
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8
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Li J, Sun C, Zheng J, Li J, Yi G, Yang N. Time-Course Transcriptional and Chromatin Accessibility Profiling Reveals Genes Associated With Asymmetrical Gonadal Development in Chicken Embryos. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:832132. [PMID: 35345851 PMCID: PMC8957256 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.832132] [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: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In birds, male gonads form on both sides whereas most females develop asymmetric gonads. Multiple early lines of evidence suggested that the right gonad fails to develop into a functional ovary, mainly due to differential expression of PITX2 in the gonadal epithelium. Despite some advances in recent years, the molecular mechanisms underlying asymmetric gonadal development remain unclear. Here, using bulk analysis of whole gonads, we established a relatively detailed profile of four representative stages of chicken gonadal development at the transcriptional and chromatin levels. We revealed that many candidate genes were significantly enriched in morphogenesis, meiosis and subcellular structure formation, which may be responsible for asymmetric gonadal development. Further chromatin accessibility analysis suggested that the transcriptional activities of the candidate genes might be regulated by nearby open chromatin regions, which may act as transcription factor (TF) binding sites and potential cis-regulatory elements. We found that LHX9 was a promising TF that bound to the left-biased peaks of many cell cycle-related genes. In summary, this study provides distinctive insights into the potential molecular basis underlying the asymmetric development of chicken gonads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Congjiao Sun
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangxia Zheng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Junying Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guoqiang Yi
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ning Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Dehdilani N, Taemeh SY, Goshayeshi L, Dehghani H. Genetically engineered birds; pre-CRISPR and CRISPR era. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:24-46. [PMID: 34668968 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Generating biopharmaceuticals in genetically engineered bioreactors continues to reign supreme. Hence, genetically engineered birds have attracted considerable attention from the biopharmaceutical industry. Fairly recent genome engineering methods have made genome manipulation an easy and affordable task. In this review, we first provide a broad overview of the approaches and main impediments ahead of generating efficient and reliable genetically engineered birds, and various factors that affect the fate of a transgene. This section provides an essential background for the rest of the review, in which we discuss and compare different genome manipulation methods in the pre-CRISPR and CRISPR era in the field of avian genome engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Dehdilani
- Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Research Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sara Yousefi Taemeh
- Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Research Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Lena Goshayeshi
- Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Research Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hesam Dehghani
- Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Research Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.,Division of Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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10
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig A Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Andrew T Major
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Martin A Estermann
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
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11
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Rosati L, Falvo S, Chieffi Baccari G, Santillo A, Di Fiore MM. The Aromatase-Estrogen System in the Testes of Non-Mammalian Vertebrates. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1763. [PMID: 34204693 PMCID: PMC8231642 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens are important physiological regulators of testicular activity in vertebrates. Estrogen levels depend on the activity of P450 aromatase, the enzyme responsible for the irreversible conversion of testosterone into 17β-estradiol. Therefore, P450 aromatase is the key player in the aromatase-estrogen system. The present review offers a comparative overview of P450 aromatase activity in male gonads of amphibians, reptiles, and birds, with a particular emphasis on the functions of the aromatase-estrogen system in these organisms during their developmental and adult stages. The aromatase-estrogen system appears to be crucial for the sex differentiation of gonads in vertebrates. Administration of aromatase inhibitors prior to sexual differentiation of gonads results in the development of males rather than females. In adults, both aromatase and estrogen receptors are expressed in somatic cells, Leydig and Sertoli cells, as well as germ cells, with certain differences among different species. In seasonal breeding species, the aromatase-estrogen system serves as an "on/off" switch for spermatogenesis. In some amphibian and reptilian species, increased estrogen levels in post-reproductive testes are responsible for blocking spermatogenesis, whereas, in some species of birds, estrogens function synergistically with testosterone to promote spermatogenesis. Recent evidence indicates that the production of the aromatase enzyme in excessive amounts reduces the reproductive performance in avian species of commercial interest. The use of aromatase inhibitors to improve fertility has yielded suitable positive results. Therefore, it appears that the role of the aromatase-estrogen system in regulating the testicular activity differs not only among the different classes of vertebrates but also among different species within the same class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Rosati
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, 80100 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Sara Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (S.F.); (G.C.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (S.F.); (G.C.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (S.F.); (G.C.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (S.F.); (G.C.B.); (A.S.)
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12
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Choe HN, Tewari J, Zhu KW, Davenport M, Matsunami H, Jarvis ED. Estrogen and sex-dependent loss of the vocal learning system in female zebra finches. Horm Behav 2021; 129:104911. [PMID: 33422557 PMCID: PMC7996629 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Sex hormones alter the organization of the brain during early development and coordinate various behaviors throughout life. In zebra finches, song learning is limited to males, with the associated song learning brain pathways only maturing in males and atrophying in females. While this atrophy can be prevented by treating females with exogenous estrogen during early post-hatch development, the requirement of estrogen during normal male song system development is uncertain. For the first time in songbirds, we administered exemestane, a potent third generation estrogen synthesis inhibitor, from the day of hatching until adulthood in order to reassess the role of estrogen in song circuit development. We examined the behavior, brain anatomy, and transcriptomes of individual song nuclei in these pharmacologically manipulated animals. We found that males with long-term exemestane treatment had diminished male-specific plumage and impaired song learning, but minimal effect on song nuclei sizes and their specialized transcriptome. Consistent with prior findings, females with long-term estrogen treatment retained a functional song system with song nuclei that had specialized gene expression similar, but not identical to males. We also observed that different song nuclei responded to estrogen manipulation differently, with Area X in the striatum being the most altered by estrogen modulation. These findings support the hypothesis that song learning is an ancestral trait in both sexes that was subsequently suppressed in females of some species and that estrogen has come to play a critical role in modulating this suppression as well as refinement of song learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Na Choe
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Jeevan Tewari
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Kevin W Zhu
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Matthew Davenport
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Hiroaki Matsunami
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Erich D Jarvis
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.
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13
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Khwatenge CN, Nahashon SN. Recent Advances in the Application of CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing System in Poultry Species. Front Genet 2021; 12:627714. [PMID: 33679892 PMCID: PMC7933658 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.627714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 system genome editing is revolutionizing genetics research in a wide spectrum of animal models in the genetic era. Among these animals, is the poultry species. CRISPR technology is the newest and most advanced gene-editing tool that allows researchers to modify and alter gene functions for transcriptional regulation, gene targeting, epigenetic modification, gene therapy, and drug delivery in the animal genome. The applicability of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in gene editing and modification of genomes in the avian species is still emerging. Up to date, substantial progress in using CRISPR/Cas9 technology has been made in only two poultry species (chicken and quail), with chicken taking the lead. There have been major recent advances in the modification of the avian genome through their germ cell lineages. In the poultry industry, breeders and producers can utilize CRISPR-mediated approaches to enhance the many required genetic variations towards the poultry population that are absent in a given poultry flock. Thus, CRISPR allows the benefit of accessing genetic characteristics that cannot otherwise be used for poultry production. Therefore CRISPR/Cas9 becomes a very powerful and robust tool for editing genes that allow for the introduction or regulation of genetic information in poultry genomes. However, the CRISPR/Cas9 technology has several limitations that need to be addressed to enhance its use in the poultry industry. This review evaluates and provides a summary of recent advances in applying CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology in poultry research and explores its potential use in advancing poultry breeding and production with a major focus on chicken and quail. This could aid future advancements in the use of CRISPR technology to improve poultry production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collins N. Khwatenge
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, IN, United States
- Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Samuel N. Nahashon
- Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, United States
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14
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In Vivo Inhibition of Marek's Disease Virus in Transgenic Chickens Expressing Cas9 and gRNA against ICP4. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9010164. [PMID: 33450980 PMCID: PMC7828426 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Marek’s disease (MD), caused by MD herpesvirus (MDV), is an economically important disease in chickens. The efficacy of the existing vaccines against evolving virulent stains may become limited and necessitates the development of novel antiviral strategies to protect poultry from MDV strains with increased virulence. The CRISPR/Cas9 system has emerged as a powerful genome editing tool providing an opportunity to develop antiviral strategies for the control of MDV infection. Here, we characterized Tol2 transposon constructs encoding Cas9 and guide RNAs (gRNAs) specific to the immediate early infected-cell polypeptide-4 (ICP4) of MDV. We generated transgenic chickens that constitutively express Cas9 and ICP4-gRNAs (gICP4) and challenged them via intraabdominal injection of MDV-1 Woodlands strain passage-19 (p19). Transgenic chickens expressing both gRNA/Cas9 had a significantly reduced replication of MDV in comparison to either transgenic Cas9-only or the wild-type (WT) chickens. We further confirmed that the designed gRNAs exhibited sequence-specific virus interference in transgenic chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) expressing Cas9/gICP4 when infected with MDV but not with herpesvirus of turkeys (HVT). These results suggest that CRISPR/Cas9 can be used as an antiviral approach to control MDV infection in chickens, allowing HVT to be used as a vector for recombinant vaccines.
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15
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Shioda K, Odajima J, Kobayashi M, Kobayashi M, Cordazzo B, Isselbacher KJ, Shioda T. Transcriptomic and Epigenetic Preservation of Genetic Sex Identity in Estrogen-feminized Male Chicken Embryonic Gonads. Endocrinology 2021; 162:5973467. [PMID: 33170207 PMCID: PMC7745639 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Whereas in ovo exposure of genetically male (ZZ) chicken embryos to exogenous estrogens temporarily feminizes gonads at the time of hatching, the morphologically ovarian ZZ-gonads (FemZZs for feminized ZZ gonads) are masculinized back to testes within 1 year. To identify the feminization-resistant "memory" of genetic male sex, FemZZs showing varying degrees of feminization were subjected to transcriptomic, DNA methylome, and immunofluorescence analyses. Protein-coding genes were classified based on their relative mRNA expression across normal ZZ-testes, genetically female (ZW) ovaries, and FemZZs. We identified a group of 25 genes that were strongly expressed in both ZZ-testes and FemZZs but dramatically suppressed in ZW-ovaries. Interestingly, 84% (21/25) of these feminization-resistant testicular marker genes, including the DMRT1 master masculinizing gene, were located in chromosome Z. Expression of representative marker genes of germline cells (eg, DAZL or DDX4/VASA) was stronger in FemZZs than normal ZZ-testes or ZW-ovaries. We also identified 231 repetitive sequences (RSs) that were strongly expressed in both ZZ-testes and FemZZs, but these RSs were not enriched in chromosome Z. Although 94% (165/176) of RSs exclusively expressed in ZW-ovaries were located in chromosome W, no feminization-inducible RS was detected in FemZZs. DNA methylome analysis distinguished FemZZs from normal ZZ- and ZW-gonads. Immunofluorescence analysis of FemZZ gonads revealed expression of DMRT1 protein in medullary SOX9+ somatic cells and apparent germline cell populations in both medulla and cortex. Taken together, our study provides evidence that both somatic and germline cell populations in morphologically feminized FemZZs maintain significant transcriptomic and epigenetic memories of genetic sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Shioda
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Junko Odajima
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Misato Kobayashi
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mutsumi Kobayashi
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bianca Cordazzo
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kurt J Isselbacher
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Toshi Shioda
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Correspondence: Toshi Shioda, Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cancer Research, Building 149 – 7th Floor, 13th Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA. E-mail:
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16
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Estermann MA, Major AT, Smith CA. Gonadal Sex Differentiation: Supporting Versus Steroidogenic Cell Lineage Specification in Mammals and Birds. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:616387. [PMID: 33392204 PMCID: PMC7775416 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.616387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The gonads of vertebrate embryos are unique among organs because they have a developmental choice; ovary or testis formation. Given the importance of proper gonad formation for sexual development and reproduction, considerable research has been conducted over the years to elucidate the genetic and cellular mechanisms of gonad formation and sexual differentiation. While the molecular trigger for gonadal sex differentiation into ovary of testis can vary among vertebrates, from egg temperature to sex-chromosome linked master genes, the downstream molecular pathways are largely conserved. The cell biology of gonadal formation and differentiation has long thought to also be conserved. However, recent discoveries point to divergent mechanisms of gonad formation, at least among birds and mammals. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of cell lineage allocation during gonadal sex differentiation in the mouse model, focusing on the key supporting and steroidogenic cells and drawing on recent insights provided by single cell RNA-sequencing. We compare this data with emerging information in the chicken model. We highlight surprising differences in cell lineage specification between species and identify gaps in our current understanding of the cell biology underlying gonadogenesis.
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17
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Nagahama Y, Chakraborty T, Paul-Prasanth B, Ohta K, Nakamura M. Sex determination, gonadal sex differentiation, and plasticity in vertebrate species. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:1237-1308. [PMID: 33180655 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00044.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A diverse array of sex determination (SD) mechanisms, encompassing environmental to genetic, have been found to exist among vertebrates, covering a spectrum from fixed SD mechanisms (mammals) to functional sex change in fishes (sequential hermaphroditic fishes). A major landmark in vertebrate SD was the discovery of the SRY gene in 1990. Since that time, many attempts to clone an SRY ortholog from nonmammalian vertebrates remained unsuccessful, until 2002, when DMY/dmrt1by was discovered as the SD gene of a small fish, medaka. Surprisingly, however, DMY/dmrt1by was found in only 2 species among more than 20 species of medaka, suggesting a large diversity of SD genes among vertebrates. Considerable progress has been made over the last 3 decades, such that it is now possible to formulate reasonable paradigms of how SD and gonadal sex differentiation may work in some model vertebrate species. This review outlines our current understanding of vertebrate SD and gonadal sex differentiation, with a focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved. An impressive number of genes and factors have been discovered that play important roles in testicular and ovarian differentiation. An antagonism between the male and female pathway genes exists in gonads during both sex differentiation and, surprisingly, even as adults, suggesting that, in addition to sex-changing fishes, gonochoristic vertebrates including mice maintain some degree of gonadal sexual plasticity into adulthood. Importantly, a review of various SD mechanisms among vertebrates suggests that this is the ideal biological event that can make us understand the evolutionary conundrums underlying speciation and species diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Nagahama
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan.,South Ehime Fisheries Research Center, Ehime University, Ainan, Japan.,Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Tapas Chakraborty
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan.,South Ehime Fisheries Research Center, Ehime University, Ainan, Japan.,Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukouka, Japan.,Karatsu Satellite of Aqua-Bioresource Innovation Center, Kyushu University, Karatsu, Japan
| | - Bindhu Paul-Prasanth
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan.,Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Kohei Ohta
- Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukouka, Japan
| | - Masaru Nakamura
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.,Research Center, Okinawa Churashima Foundation, Okinawa, Japan
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18
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Jin K, Zuo Q, Song J, Zhang Y, Chen G, Li B. CYP19A1 (aromatase) dominates female gonadal differentiation in chicken (Gallus gallus) embryos sexual differentiation. Biosci Rep 2020; 40:BSR20201576. [PMID: 32990306 PMCID: PMC7560524 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20201576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 Family 19 SubFamily A member 1 (CYP19A1) gene encodes an aromatase which regulates the sexual differentiation in vertebrates by initiating and maintaining 17β-Estradiol (E2) synthesis. Here, we described the spatiotemporal expression pattern of CYP19A1 and its functional role in the embryonic gonad development in amphoteric chickens (Gallus gallus). Results showed that CYP19A1 exhibited a sexually dimorphic expression pattern in female gonads early at embryonic day 5.5 (HH 28) and robustly expressed within the cytoplasm in ovarian medullas. Most importantly, we induced the gonadal sex reversal by ectopically delivering the aromatase inhibitor (AI) or estradiol (E2) into chicken embryos. To further explore the role of CYP19A1 in chicken embryonic sexual differentiation, we successfully developed an effective method to deliver lentiviral particles with CYP19A1 manipulation into chicken embryos via embryonic intravascular injection. The analysis of interference and overexpression of CYP19A1 provided solid evidences that CYP19A1 is both necessary and sufficient to initiate sex differentiation toward female in chicken embryos. Collectively, this work demonstrates that CYP19A1 is a crucial sex differentiation gene in the embryonic development, which provides a foundation for understanding the mechanism of sex determination and differentiation in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Jin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
- Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safty of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Qisheng Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
- Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safty of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jiuzhou Song
- Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20741, U.S.A
| | - Yani Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
- Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safty of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Guohong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
- Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safty of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Bichun Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
- Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safty of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
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19
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Development of a transposon-based technology for transfection of day 0 chicken embryos. Gene 2020; 730:144318. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.144318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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20
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Bahrami S, Amiri-Yekta A, Daneshipour A, Jazayeri SH, Mozdziak PE, Sanati MH, Gourabi H. Designing A Transgenic Chicken: Applying New Approaches toward A Promising Bioreactor. CELL JOURNAL 2019; 22:133-139. [PMID: 31721526 PMCID: PMC6874784 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2020.6738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Specific developmental characteristics of the chicken make it an attractive model for the generation of transgenic organisms. Chicken possess a strong potential for recombinant protein production and can be used as a powerful bioreactor to produce pharmaceutical and nutritional proteins. Several transgenic chickens have been generated during the last two decades via viral and non-viral transfection. Culturing chicken primordial germ cells (PGCs) and their ability for germline transmission ushered in a new stage in this regard. With the advent of CRISPR/Cas9 system, a new phase of studies for manipulating genomes has begun. It is feasible to integrate a desired gene in a predetermined position of the genome using CRISPR/Cas9 system. In this review, we discuss the new approaches and technologies that can be applied to generate a transgenic chicken with regards to recombinant protein productions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salahadin Bahrami
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Amiri-Yekta
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Daneshipour
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Hoda Jazayeri
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Hossein Sanati
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.Electronic Address: .,Department of Medical Genetics, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Gourabi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran. Electronic Address:
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21
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Li J, Davis BW, Jern P, Dorshorst BJ, Siegel PB, Andersson L. Characterization of the endogenous retrovirus insertion in CYP19A1 associated with henny feathering in chicken. Mob DNA 2019; 10:38. [PMID: 31467598 PMCID: PMC6712707 DOI: 10.1186/s13100-019-0181-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Henny feathering in chickens is determined by a dominant mutation that transforms male-specific plumage to female-like plumage. Previous studies indicated that this phenotype is caused by ectopic expression in skin of CYP19A1 encoding aromatase that converts androgens to estrogen and thereby inhibits the development of male-specific plumage. A long terminal repeat (LTR) from an uncharacterized endogenous retrovirus (ERV) insertion was found in an isoform of the CYP19A1 transcript from henny feathering chicken. However, the complete sequence and the genomic position of the insertion were not determined. Results We used publicly available whole genome sequence data to determine the flanking sequences of the ERV, and then PCR amplified the entire insertion and sequenced it using Nanopore long reads and Sanger sequencing. The 7524 bp insertion contains an intact endogenous retrovirus that was not found in chickens representing 31 different breeds not showing henny feathering or in samples of the ancestral red junglefowl. The sequence shows over 99% sequence identity to the avian leukosis virus ev-1 and ev-21 strains, suggesting a recent integration. The ERV 3’LTR, containing a powerful transcriptional enhancer and core promoter with TATA box together with binding sites for EFIII and Ig/EBP inside the CYP19A1 5′ untranslated region, was detected partially in an aromatase transcript, which present a plausible explanation for ectopic expression of aromatase in non-ovarian tissues underlying the henny feathering phenotype. Conclusions We demonstrate that the henny feathering allele harbors an insertion of an intact avian leukosis virus at the 5’end of CYP19A1. The presence of this ERV showed complete concordance with the henny feathering phenotype both within a pedigree segregating for this phenotype and across breeds. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13100-019-0181-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Li
- 1Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
| | - Brian W Davis
- 1Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
| | - Patric Jern
- 2Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ben J Dorshorst
- 4Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061 USA
| | - Paul B Siegel
- 4Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061 USA
| | - Leif Andersson
- 1Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA.,2Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden.,3Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-7507 Uppsala, Sweden
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22
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Wang ZB, Du ZQ, Na W, Jing JH, Li YM, Leng L, Luan P, Wu CY, Zhang K, Wang YX, Liu WL, Yuan H, Liu ZH, Mu YS, Meng QW, Wang N, Yang CX, Li H. Production of transgenic broilers by non-viral vectors via optimizing egg windowing and screening transgenic roosters. Poult Sci 2019; 98:430-439. [PMID: 30085302 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The generation of transgenic chickens is of both biomedical and agricultural significance, and recently chicken transgenesis technology has been greatly advanced. However, major issues still exist in the efficient production of transgenic chickens. This study was designed to optimize the production of enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP)-transgenic broilers, including egg windowing at the blunt end (air cell) of egg, and the direct transfection of circulating primordial germ cells by microinjection of the Tol2 plasmid-liposome complex into the early embryonic dorsal aorta. For egg windowing, we discovered that proper manipulation of the inner shell membrane at the blunt end could improve the rate of producing G0 transgenic roosters. From 27 G0 roosters, we successfully collected semen with EGFP-positive sperms from 16 and 19 roosters after direct fluorescence observation and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analyses (13 detected by both methods), respectively. After artificial insemination using the G0 rooster with the highest number of EGFP fluorescent sperm, one G1 EGFP transgenic broiler (1/81, 1.23%) was generated. Our results indicate that appropriate egg windowing and screening of potentially transgene-positive roosters can improve the production of germline-transmitted transgenic birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Bin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Du
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wei Na
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jun-Hong Jing
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yu-Mao Li
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Li Leng
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Peng Luan
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Chun-Yan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yu-Xiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wen-Li Liu
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hui Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zhong-Hua Liu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yan-Shuang Mu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qing-Wen Meng
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Cai-Xia Yang
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hui Li
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
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Overexpressing ovotransferrin and avian β-defensin-3 improves antimicrobial capacity of chickens and poultry products. Transgenic Res 2018; 28:51-76. [PMID: 30374651 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-018-0101-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Zoonotic and foodborne diseases pose a significant burden, decreasing both human and animal health. Modifying chickens to overexpress antimicrobials has the potential to decrease bacterial growth on poultry products and boost chicken innate immunity. Chickens overexpressing either ovotransferrin or avian β-defensin-3 (AvβD3) were generated using Tol-2 transposons. Transgene expression at the RNA and protein level was seen in egg white, breast muscle, and serum. There were significant differences in the immune cell populations in the blood, bursa, and spleen associated with transgene expression including an increased proportion of CD8+ cells in the blood of ovotransferrin and AvβD3 transgenic birds. Expression of the antimicrobials inhibited the in vitro growth of human and chicken bacterial pathogens and spoilage bacteria. For example, transgene expression significantly reduced growth of aerobic and coliform bacteria in breast muscle and decreased the growth of Salmonella enterica in egg white. Overall these results indicate that overexpression of antimicrobials in the chicken can impact the immune system and increase the antimicrobial capacity of poultry products.
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Sid H, Schusser B. Applications of Gene Editing in Chickens: A New Era Is on the Horizon. Front Genet 2018; 9:456. [PMID: 30356667 PMCID: PMC6189320 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The chicken represents a valuable model for research in the area of immunology, infectious diseases as well as developmental biology. Although it was the first livestock species to have its genome sequenced, there was no reverse genetic technology available to help understanding specific gene functions. Recently, homologous recombination was used to knockout the chicken immunoglobulin genes. Subsequent studies using immunoglobulin knockout birds helped to understand different aspects related to B cell development and antibody production. Furthermore, the latest advances in the field of genome editing including the CRISPR/Cas9 system allowed the introduction of site specific gene modifications in various animal species. Thus, it may provide a powerful tool for the generation of genetically modified chickens carrying resistance for certain pathogens. This was previously demonstrated by targeting the Trp38 region which was shown to be effective in the control of avian leukosis virus in chicken DF-1 cells. Herein we review the current and future prospects of gene editing and how it possibly contributes to the development of resistant chickens against infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin Schusser
- Department of Animal Sciences, Reproductive Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University Munich, Freising, Germany
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Morris KR, Hirst CE, Major AT, Ezaz T, Ford M, Bibby S, Doran TJ, Smith CA. Gonadal and Endocrine Analysis of a Gynandromorphic Chicken. Endocrinology 2018; 159:3492-3502. [PMID: 30124802 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Birds have a ZZ male and ZW female sex chromosome system. The relative roles of genetics and hormones in regulating avian sexual development have been revealed by studies on gynandromorphs. Gynandromorphs are rare bilateral sex chimeras, male on one side of the body and female on the other. We examined a naturally occurring gynandromorphic chicken that was externally male on the right side of the body and female on the left. The bird was diploid but with a mix of ZZ and ZW cells that correlated with the asymmetric sexual phenotype. The male side was 96% ZZ, and the female side was 77% ZZ and 23% ZW. The gonads of this bird at sexual maturity were largely testicular. The right gonad was a testis, with SOX9+ Sertoli cells, DMRT1+ germ cells, and active spermatogenesis. The left gonad was primarily testicular, but with some peripheral aromatase-expressing follicles. The bird had low levels of serum estradiol and high levels of testosterone, as expected for a male. Despite the low percentage of ZW cells on that side, the left side had female sex-linked feathering, smaller muscle mass, smaller leg and spur, and smaller wattle than the male side. This indicates that these sexually dimorphic structures must be at least partly independent of sex steroid effects. Even a small percentage of ZW cells appears sufficient to support female sexual differentiation. Given the lack of chromosome-wide dosage compensation in birds, various sexually dimorphic features may arise due to Z-gene dosage differences between the sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten R Morris
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Health and Biosecurity, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claire E Hirst
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew T Major
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Health and Biosecurity, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tariq Ezaz
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Mark Ford
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Health and Biosecurity, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan Bibby
- 2Bridges Consulting, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tim J Doran
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Health and Biosecurity, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Craig A Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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26
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Trukhina AV, Lukina NA, Smirnov AF. Hormonal Sex Inversion and Some Aspects of Its Genetic Determination in Chicken. RUSS J GENET+ 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795418090144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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27
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Han JY, Park YH. Primordial germ cell-mediated transgenesis and genome editing in birds. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2018; 9:19. [PMID: 29423217 PMCID: PMC5791193 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-018-0234-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgenesis and genome editing in birds are based on a unique germline transmission system using primordial germ cells (PGCs), which is quite different from the mammalian transgenic and genome editing system. PGCs are progenitor cells of gametes that can deliver genetic information to the next generation. Since avian PGCs were first discovered in nineteenth century, there have been numerous efforts to reveal their origin, specification, and unique migration pattern, and to improve germline transmission efficiency. Recent advances in the isolation and in vitro culture of avian PGCs with genetic manipulation and genome editing tools enable the development of valuable avian models that were unavailable before. However, many challenges remain in the production of transgenic and genome-edited birds, including the precise control of germline transmission, introduction of exogenous genes, and genome editing in PGCs. Therefore, establishing reliable germline-competent PGCs and applying precise genome editing systems are critical current issues in the production of avian models. Here, we introduce a historical overview of avian PGCs and their application, including improved techniques and methodologies in the production of transgenic and genome-edited birds, and we discuss the future potential applications of transgenic and genome-edited birds to provide opportunities and benefits for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yong Han
- 1Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826 South Korea.,2Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, Minamiminowa, Nagano, 399-4598 Japan
| | - Young Hyun Park
- 1Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826 South Korea
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28
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Lee HJ, Kim YM, Ono T, Han JY. Genome Modification Technologies and Their Applications in Avian Species. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18112245. [PMID: 29072628 PMCID: PMC5713215 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of genome modification technology has provided many great benefits in diverse areas of research and industry. Genome modification technologies have also been actively used in a variety of research areas and fields of industry in avian species. Transgenic technologies such as lentiviral systems and piggyBac transposition have been used to produce transgenic birds for diverse purposes. In recent years, newly developed programmable genome editing tools such as transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) have also been successfully adopted in avian systems with primordial germ cell (PGC)-mediated genome modification. These genome modification technologies are expected to be applied to practical uses beyond system development itself. The technologies could be used to enhance economic traits in poultry such as acquiring a disease resistance or producing functional proteins in eggs. Furthermore, novel avian models of human diseases or embryonic development could also be established for research purposes. In this review, we discuss diverse genome modification technologies used in avian species, and future applications of avian biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Jo Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
| | - Young Min Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
| | - Tamao Ono
- Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University, 8304 Minamiminowa, Kamiina, Nagano 399-4598, Japan.
| | - Jae Yong Han
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, 8304 Minamiminowa, Kamiina, Nagano 399-4598, Japan.
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Cooper CA, Challagulla A, Jenkins KA, Wise TG, O'Neil TE, Morris KR, Tizard ML, Doran TJ. Generation of gene edited birds in one generation using sperm transfection assisted gene editing (STAGE). Transgenic Res 2017; 26:331-347. [PMID: 27896535 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-016-0003-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Generating transgenic and gene edited mammals involves in vitro manipulation of oocytes or single cell embryos. Due to the comparative inaccessibility of avian oocytes and single cell embryos, novel protocols have been developed to produce transgenic and gene edited birds. While these protocols are relatively efficient, they involve two generation intervals before reaching complete somatic and germline expressing transgenic or gene edited birds. Most of this work has been done with chickens, and many protocols require in vitro culturing of primordial germ cells (PGCs). However, for many other bird species no methodology for long term culture of PGCs exists. Developing methodologies to produce germline transgenic or gene edited birds in the first generation would save significant amounts of time and resource. Furthermore, developing protocols that can be readily adapted to a wide variety of avian species would open up new research opportunities. Here we report a method using sperm as a delivery mechanism for gene editing vectors which we call sperm transfection assisted gene editing (STAGE). We have successfully used this method to generate GFP knockout embryos and chickens, as well as generate embryos with mutations in the doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 1 (DMRT1) gene using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The efficiency of the method varies from as low as 0% to as high as 26% with multiple factors such as CRISPR guide efficiency and mRNA stability likely impacting the outcome. This straightforward methodology could simplify gene editing in many bird species including those for which no methodology currently exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin A Cooper
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Arjun Challagulla
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Kristie A Jenkins
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Terry G Wise
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Terri E O'Neil
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Kirsten R Morris
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark L Tizard
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Timothy J Doran
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
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30
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Smith CA, Farlie PG, Davidson NM, Roeszler KN, Hirst C, Oshlack A, Lambert DM. Limb patterning genes and heterochronic development of the emu wing bud. EvoDevo 2016; 7:26. [PMID: 28031782 PMCID: PMC5168868 DOI: 10.1186/s13227-016-0063-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The forelimb of the flightless emu is a vestigial structure, with greatly reduced wing elements and digit loss. To explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with the evolution of vestigial wings and loss of flight in the emu, key limb patterning genes were examined in developing embryos. Methods Limb development was compared in emu versus chicken embryos. Immunostaining for cell proliferation markers was used to analyze growth of the emu forelimb and hindlimb buds. Expression patterns of limb patterning genes were studied, using whole-mount in situ hybridization (for mRNA localization) and RNA-seq (for mRNA expression levels). Results The forelimb of the emu embryo showed heterochronic development compared to that in the chicken, with the forelimb bud being retarded in its development. Early outgrowth of the emu forelimb bud is characterized by a lower level of cell proliferation compared the hindlimb bud, as assessed by PH3 immunostaining. In contrast, there were no obvious differences in apoptosis in forelimb versus hindlimb buds (cleaved caspase 3 staining). Most key patterning genes were expressed in emu forelimb buds similarly to that observed in the chicken, but with smaller expression domains. However, expression of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) mRNA, which is central to anterior–posterior axis development, was delayed in the emu forelimb bud relative to other patterning genes. Regulators of Shh expression, Gli3 and HoxD13, also showed altered expression levels in the emu forelimb bud. Conclusions These data reveal heterochronic but otherwise normal expression of most patterning genes in the emu vestigial forelimb. Delayed Shh expression may be related to the small and vestigial structure of the emu forelimb bud. However, the genetic mechanism driving retarded emu wing development is likely to rest within the forelimb field of the lateral plate mesoderm, predating the expression of patterning genes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13227-016-0063-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig A Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Peter G Farlie
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
| | - Nadia M Davidson
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
| | - Kelly N Roeszler
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
| | - Claire Hirst
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Alicia Oshlack
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
| | - David M Lambert
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111 Australia
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31
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32
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Lambeth LS, Morris K, Ayers KL, Wise TG, O'Neil T, Wilson S, Cao Y, Sinclair AH, Cutting AD, Doran TJ, Smith CA. Overexpression of Anti-Müllerian Hormone Disrupts Gonadal Sex Differentiation, Blocks Sex Hormone Synthesis, and Supports Cell Autonomous Sex Development in the Chicken. Endocrinology 2016; 157:1258-75. [PMID: 26809122 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The primary role of Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) during mammalian development is the regression of Müllerian ducts in males. This highly conserved function is retained in birds and is supported by the high levels of AMH expression in developing testes. Mammalian AMH expression is regulated by a combination of transcription factors, the most important being Sry-type high-mobility-group box transcription factor-9 (SOX9). In the chicken embryo, however, AMH mRNA expression precedes that of SOX9, leading to the view that AMH may play a more central role in avian testicular development. To define its role in chicken gonadal development, AMH was overexpressed using the RCASBP viral vector. AMH caused the gonads of both sexes to develop as small and undeveloped structures at both embryonic and adult stages. Molecular analysis revealed that although female gonads developed testis-like cords, gonads lacked Sertoli cells and were incapable of steroidogenesis. A similar gonadal phenotype was also observed in males, with a complete loss of both Sertoli cells, disrupted SOX9 expression and gonadal steroidogenesis. At sexual maturity both sexes showed a female external phenotype but retained sexually dimorphic body weights that matched their genetic sexes. These data suggest that AMH does not operate as an early testis activator in the chicken but can affect downstream events, such as sex steroid hormone production. In addition, this study provides a unique opportunity to assess chicken sexual development in an environment of sex hormone deficiency, demonstrating the importance of both hormonal signaling and direct cell autonomous factors for somatic sex identity in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke S Lambeth
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Kirsten Morris
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Katie L Ayers
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Terry G Wise
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Terri O'Neil
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Susanne Wilson
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Yu Cao
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Andrew H Sinclair
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Andrew D Cutting
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Timothy J Doran
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Craig A Smith
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
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