1
|
Moses E, Atlan T, Sun X, Franek R, Siddiqui A, Marinov GK, Shifman S, Zucker DM, Oron-Gottesman A, Greenleaf WJ, Cohen E, Ram O, Harel I. The killifish germline regulates longevity and somatic repair in a sex-specific manner. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.18.572041. [PMID: 38187630 PMCID: PMC10769255 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.18.572041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Classical evolutionary theories propose tradeoffs between reproduction, damage repair, and lifespan. However, the specific role of the germline in shaping vertebrate aging remains largely unknown. Here, we use the turquoise killifish ( N. furzeri ) to genetically arrest germline development at discrete stages, and examine how different modes of infertility impact life-history. We first construct a comprehensive single-cell gonadal atlas, providing cell-type-specific markers for downstream phenotypic analysis. Next, we show that germline depletion - but not arresting germline differentiation - enhances damage repair in female killifish. Conversely, germline-depleted males instead showed an extension in lifespan and rejuvenated metabolic functions. Through further transcriptomic analysis, we highlight enrichment of pro-longevity pathways and genes in germline-depleted male killifish and demonstrate functional conservation of how these factors may regulate longevity in germline-depleted C. elegans . Our results therefore demonstrate that different germline manipulation paradigms can yield pronounced sexually dimorphic phenotypes, implying alternative responses to classical evolutionary tradeoffs.
Collapse
|
2
|
Krueger CJ, Dai Z, Zhu C, Zhang B. Heritable CRISPR Mutagenesis of Essential Maternal Effect Genes as a Simple Tool for Sustained Population Suppression of Invasive Species in a Zebrafish Model. Zebrafish 2024. [PMID: 38512221 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2023.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive species control is important for ecological and agricultural management. Genetic methods can provide species specificity for population control. We developed heritable maternal effect embryo lethality (HMEL), a novel strategy allowing negative population pressure from HMEL individuals to be transmitted within a population across generations. We demonstrate the HMEL technique in zebrafish through genome-integrated CRISPR/Cas targeted mutagenic disruption of nucleoplasmin 2b (npm2b), a female-specific essential maternal effect gene, causing heritable sex-limited disruption of reproduction. HMEL-induced high-efficiency mutation of npm2b in females suppresses population, while males transmit the HMEL allele across generations. HMEL could be easily modified to target other genes causing sex-specific sterility, or generalized to control invasive fish or other vertebrate species for environmental conservation or agricultural protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Krueger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhifei Dai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Bo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang J, Torres IM, Shang M, Al-Armanazi J, Dilawar H, Hettiarachchi DU, Paladines-Parrales A, Chambers B, Pottle K, Soman M, Su B, Dunham RA. One-step knock-in of two antimicrobial peptide transgenes at multiple loci of catfish by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated multiplex genome engineering. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 260:129384. [PMID: 38224812 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated multiplex genome editing (MGE) conventionally uses multiple single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) for gene-targeted mutagenesis via the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway. MGE has been proven to be highly efficient for functional gene disruption/knockout (KO) at multiple loci in mammalian cells or organisms. However, in the absence of a DNA donor, this approach is limited to small indels without transgene integration. Here, we establish the linear double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and double-cut plasmid (dcPlasmid) combination-assisted MGE in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), allowing combinational deletion mutagenesis and transgene knock-in (KI) at multiple sites through NHEJ/homology-directed repair (HDR) pathway in parallel. In this study, we used single-sgRNA-based genome editing (ssGE) and multi-sgRNA-based MGE (msMGE) to replace the luteinizing hormone (lh) and melanocortin-4 receptor (mc4r) genes with the cathelicidin (As-Cath) transgene and the myostatin (two target sites: mstn1, mstn2) gene with the cecropin (Cec) transgene, respectively. A total of 9000 embryos were microinjected from three families, and 1004 live fingerlings were generated and analyzed. There was no significant difference in hatchability (all P > 0.05) and fry survival (all P > 0.05) between ssGE and msMGE. Compared to ssGE, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated msMGE assisted by the mixture of dsDNA and dcPlasmid donors yielded a higher knock-in (KI) efficiency of As-Cath (19.93 %, [59/296] vs. 12.96 %, [45/347]; P = 0.018) and Cec (22.97 %, [68/296] vs. 10.80 %, [39/361]; P = 0.003) transgenes, respectively. The msMGE strategy can be used to generate transgenic fish carrying two transgenes at multiple loci. In addition, double and quadruple mutant individuals can be produced with high efficiency (36.3 % ∼ 71.1 %) in one-step microinjection. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated msMGE allows the one-step generation of simultaneous insertion of the As-Cath and Cec transgenes at four sites, and the simultaneous disruption of the lh, mc4r, mstn1 and mstn2 alleles. This msMGE system, aided by the mixture donors, promises to pioneer a new dimension in the drive and selection of multiple designated traits in other non-model organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinhai Wang
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America.
| | - Indira Medina Torres
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - Mei Shang
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - Jacob Al-Armanazi
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - Hamza Dilawar
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - Darshika U Hettiarachchi
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - Abel Paladines-Parrales
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - Barrett Chambers
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - Kate Pottle
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - Misha Soman
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - Baofeng Su
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America.
| | - Rex A Dunham
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ruan Y, Li X, Wang X, Zhai G, Lou Q, Jin X, He J, Mei J, Xiao W, Gui J, Yin Z. New insights into the all-testis differentiation in zebrafish with compromised endogenous androgen and estrogen synthesis. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011170. [PMID: 38451917 PMCID: PMC10919652 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The regulatory mechanism of gonadal sex differentiation, which is complex and regulated by multiple factors, remains poorly understood in teleosts. Recently, we have shown that compromised androgen and estrogen synthesis with increased progestin leads to all-male differentiation with proper testis development and spermatogenesis in cytochrome P450 17a1 (cyp17a1)-/- zebrafish. In the present study, the phenotypes of female-biased sex ratio were positively correlated with higher Fanconi anemia complementation group L (fancl) expression in the gonads of doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 1 (dmrt1)-/- and cyp17a1-/-;dmrt1-/- fish. The additional depletion of fancl in cyp17a1-/-;dmrt1-/- zebrafish reversed the gonadal sex differentiation from all-ovary to all-testis (in cyp17a1-/-;dmrt1-/-;fancl-/- fish). Luciferase assay revealed a synergistic inhibitory effect of Dmrt1 and androgen signaling on fancl transcription. Furthermore, an interaction between Fancl and the apoptotic factor Tumour protein p53 (Tp53) was found in vitro. The interaction between Fancl and Tp53 was observed via the WD repeat domain (WDR) and C-terminal domain (CTD) of Fancl and the DNA binding domain (DBD) of Tp53, leading to the K48-linked polyubiquitination degradation of Tp53 activated by the ubiquitin ligase, Fancl. Our results show that testis fate in cyp17a1-/- fish is determined by Dmrt1, which is thought to stabilize Tp53 by inhibiting fancl transcription during the critical stage of sexual fate determination in zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yonglin Ruan
- State key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuehui Li
- State key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- State key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Zhai
- State key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiyong Lou
- State key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xia Jin
- State key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiangyan He
- State key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Mei
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wuhan Xiao
- State key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianfang Gui
- State key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhan Yin
- State key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hu Y, Zhao S, Liu Z, Kang T, Hsueh AJ, Li J. Gonacin: A germ cell-derived hormone with glucogenic, orexigenic, and gonadal activities. iScience 2023; 26:108065. [PMID: 37860761 PMCID: PMC10582579 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108065] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Fish require abundant nutrients to generate a large number of eggs for spawning. Based on the evolutionary conservation of human FBN2 and its C-terminal placensin-like sequences in fish, we identified a peptide hormone gonacin (GONAdal Cell placensIN) and found its high expression in early-stage germ cells in the ovary and testis of zebrafish. We demonstrated that gonacin is essential for food intake, glucose release, and ovarian development in zebrafish. Similar expression patterns and functions of gonacin were also demonstrated in rainbow trout. Gonacin represents the first hormone secreted by germ cells with endocrine functions in vertebrates, bridging the energy homeostasis and reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Shengyou Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Zhiquan Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Tao Kang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Aaron J.W. Hsueh
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jianzhen Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ayobahan SU, Alvincz J, Reinwald H, Strompen J, Salinas G, Schäfers C, Eilebrecht E, Eilebrecht S. Comprehensive identification of gene expression fingerprints and biomarkers of sexual endocrine disruption in zebrafish embryo. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 250:114514. [PMID: 36608563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disruptors (EDs), capable of modulating the sex hormone system of an organism, can exert long-lasting negative effects on reproduction in both humans and the environment. For these reasons, the properties of EDs prevent a substance from being approved for marketing. However, regulatory testing to evaluate endocrine disruption is time-consuming, costly, and animal-intensive. Here, we combined sublethal zebrafish embryo assays with transcriptomics and proteomics for well-characterized endocrine disrupting reference compounds to identify predictive biomarkers for sexual endocrine disruption in this model. Using RNA and protein gene expression fingerprints from two different sublethal exposure concentrations, we identified specific signatures and impaired biological processes induced by ethinylestradiol, tamoxifen, methyltestosterone and flutamide 96 h post fertilization (hpf). Our study promotes vtg1 as well as cyp19a1b, fam20cl, lhb, lpin1, nr1d1, fbp1b, and agxtb as promising biomarker candidates for identifying and differentiating estrogen and androgen receptor agonism and antagonism. Evaluation of these biomarkers for pre-regulatory zebrafish embryo-based bioassays will help identify endocrine disrupting hazards of compounds at the molecular level. Such approaches additionally provide weight-of-evidence for the identification of putative EDs and may contribute significantly to a reduction in animal testing in higher tier studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve U Ayobahan
- Fraunhofer Attract Eco'n'OMICs, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Julia Alvincz
- Fraunhofer Attract Eco'n'OMICs, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Hannes Reinwald
- Fraunhofer Attract Eco'n'OMICs, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Schmallenberg, Germany; Department Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jannis Strompen
- Fraunhofer Attract Eco'n'OMICs, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Gabriela Salinas
- NGS-Services for Integrative Genomics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Schäfers
- Department of Ecotoxicology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Elke Eilebrecht
- Department of Ecotoxicology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Eilebrecht
- Fraunhofer Attract Eco'n'OMICs, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Schmallenberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Takahashi T, Ogiwara K. cAMP signaling in ovarian physiology in teleosts: A review. Cell Signal 2023; 101:110499. [PMID: 36273754 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian function in teleosts, like in other vertebrates, is regulated by two distinct gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Gonadotropin effects are mediated by membrane-bound G protein-coupled receptors localized on the surface of follicle cells. Gonadotropin receptor activation results in increased intracellular cAMP, the most important second cellular signaling molecule. FSH stimulation induces the production of 17β-estradiol in the cells of growing follicles to promote vitellogenesis in oocytes. In contrast, in response to LH, fully grown post-vitellogenic follicles gain the ability to synthesize maturation-inducing steroids, which induce meiotic resumption and ovulation. All these events were induced downstream of cAMP. In this review, we summarize studies addressing the role of the cAMP pathway in gonadotropin-induced processes in teleost ovarian follicles. Furthermore, we discuss future problems concerning cAMP signaling in relation to teleost ovarian function and the differences and similarities in the gonadotropin-induced cAMP signaling pathways between mammals and teleosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Takahashi
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Katsueki Ogiwara
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tanaka S, Zmora N, Levavi-Sivan B, Zohar Y. Chemogenetic Depletion of Hypophysiotropic GnRH Neurons Does Not Affect Fertility in Mature Female Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105596. [PMID: 35628411 PMCID: PMC9143870 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypophysiotropic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and its neurons are crucial for vertebrate reproduction, primarily in regulating luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and ovulation. However, in zebrafish, which lack GnRH1, and instead possess GnRH3 as the hypophysiotropic form, GnRH3 gene knockout did not affect reproduction. However, early-stage ablation of all GnRH3 neurons causes infertility in females, implicating GnRH3 neurons, rather than GnRH3 peptides in female reproduction. To determine the role of GnRH3 neurons in the reproduction of adult females, a Tg(gnrh3:Gal4ff; UAS:nfsb-mCherry) line was generated to facilitate a chemogenetic conditional ablation of GnRH3 neurons. Following ablation, there was a reduction of preoptic area GnRH3 neurons by an average of 85.3%, which was associated with reduced pituitary projections and gnrh3 mRNA levels. However, plasma LH levels were unaffected, and the ablated females displayed normal reproductive capacity. There was no correlation between the number of remaining GnRH3 neurons and reproductive performance. Though it is possible that the few remaining GnRH3 neurons can still induce an LH surge, our findings are consistent with the idea that GnRH and its neurons are likely dispensable for LH surge in zebrafish. Altogether, our results resurrected questions regarding the functional homology of the hypophysiotropic GnRH1 and GnRH3 in controlling ovulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sakura Tanaka
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA; (S.T.); (N.Z.)
| | - Nilli Zmora
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA; (S.T.); (N.Z.)
| | - Berta Levavi-Sivan
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel;
| | - Yonathan Zohar
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA; (S.T.); (N.Z.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Transcriptomes of testis and pituitary from male Nile tilapia (O. niloticus L.) in the context of social status. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268140. [PMID: 35544481 PMCID: PMC9094562 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
African cichlids are well established models for studying social hierarchies in teleosts and elucidating the effects social dominance has on gene expression. Ascension in the social hierarchy has been found to increase plasma levels of steroid hormones, follicle stimulating hormone (Fsh) and luteinizing hormone (Lh) as well as gonadosomatic index (GSI). Furthermore, the expression of genes related to gonadotropins and steroidogenesis and signaling along the brain-pituitary-gonad axis (BPG-axis) is affected by changes of an animal’s social status. In this study, we use RNA-sequencing to obtain an in-depth look at the transcriptomes of testes and pituitaries from dominant and subordinate male Nile tilapia living in long-term stable social hierarchies. This allows us to draw conclusions about factors along the brain-pituitary-gonad axis that are involved in maintaining dominance over weeks or even months. We identify a number of genes that are differentially regulated between dominant and subordinate males and show that in high-ranking fish this subset of genes is generally upregulated. Genes differentially expressed between the two social groups comprise growth factors, related binding proteins and receptors, components of Wnt-, Tgfβ- and retinoic acid-signaling pathway, gonadotropin signaling and steroidogenesis pathways. The latter is backed up by elevated levels of 11-ketotestosterone, testosterone and estradiol in dominant males. Luteinizing hormone (Lh) is found in higher concentration in the plasma of long-term dominant males than in subordinate animals. Our results both strengthen the existing models and propose new candidates for functional studies to expand our understanding of social phenomena in teleost fish.
Collapse
|
10
|
Tsakoumis E, Ahi EP, Schmitz M. Impaired leptin signaling causes subfertility in female zebrafish. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 546:111595. [PMID: 35139421 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction is an energetically costly event across vertebrates and tightly linked to nutritional status and energy reserves. In mammals, the hormone leptin is considered as a link between energy homeostasis and reproduction. However, its role in fish reproduction is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the possible role of leptin in the regulation of reproduction in zebrafish, using a loss of function leptin receptor (lepr) strain. Impaired leptin signaling resulted in severe reproductive deficiencies in female zebrafish. lepr mutant females laid significantly fewer eggs, with low fertilization rates compared to wild-type females. Folliculogenesis was not affected, but oocyte maturation and ovulation were disrupted in lepr mutants. Interestingly, the expression of luteinizing hormone beta (lhb) in the pituitary was significantly lower in mutant females. Analysis of candidate genes in the ovaries and isolated fully grown follicles revealed differential expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation and ovulation in the mutants, which are known to be regulated by LH signaling. Moreover, subfertility in lepr mutants could be partially restored by administration of human chorionic gonadotropin. In conclusion, our results show that leptin deficiency does not affect early stages of follicular development, but leptin might be essential in later steps, such as in oocyte maturation and ovulation. To our knowledge, this is the first time that leptin is associated to reproductive deficiencies in zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil Tsakoumis
- Department of Organismal Biology, Environmental Toxicology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Ehsan Pashay Ahi
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Monika Schmitz
- Department of Organismal Biology, Environmental Toxicology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Tseng PW, Wu GC, Kuo WL, Tseng YC, Chang CF. The Ovarian Transcriptome at the Early Stage of Testis Removal-Induced Male-To-Female Sex Change in the Protandrous Black Porgy Acanthopagrus schlegelii. Front Genet 2022; 13:816955. [PMID: 35401660 PMCID: PMC8986339 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.816955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike gonochoristic fishes, sex is fixed after gonadal differentiation (primary sex determination), and sex can be altered in adults (secondary sex determination) of hermaphroditic fish species. The secondary sex determination of hermaphroditic fish has focused on the differences between testicular tissue and ovarian tissue during the sex change process. However, comprehensive studies analyzing ovarian tissue or testicular tissue independently have not been performed. Hermaphroditic black porgy shows a digonic gonad (ovarian tissue with testicular tissue separated by connective tissue). Protandrous black porgy has stable maleness during the first two reproductive cycles (<2 years old), and approximately 50% enter femaleness (natural sex change) during the third reproductive cycle. Precocious femaleness is rarely observed in the estradiol-17β (E2)-induced female phase (oocytes maintained at the primary oocyte stage), and a reversible female-to-male sex change is found after E2 is withdrawn in <2-year-old fish. However, precocious femaleness (oocytes entering the vitellogenic oocyte stage) is observed in testis-removed fish in <2-year-old fish. We used this characteristic to study secondary sex determination (femaleness) in ovarian tissue via transcriptomic analysis. Cell proliferation analysis showed that BrdU (5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine)-incorporated germline cells were significantly increased in the testis-removed fish (female) compared to the control (sham) fish (male) during the nonspawning season (2 months after surgery). qPCR analysis showed that there were no differences in pituitary-releasing hormones (lhb and gtha) in pituitary and ovarian steroidogenesis-related factors (star, cyp11a1, hsd3b1, and cyp19a1a) or female-related genes (wnt4a, bmp15, gdf9, figla, and foxl2) in ovarian tissues between intact and testis-removed fish (2 months after surgery). Low expression of pituitary fshb and ovarian cyp17a1 was found after 2 months of surgery. However, we did find small numbers of genes (289 genes) showing sexual fate dimorphic expression in both groups by transcriptomic analysis (1 month after surgery). The expression profiles of these differentially expressed genes were further examined by qPCR. Our present work identified several candidate genes in ovarian tissue that may be involved in the early period of secondary sex determination (femaleness) in black porgy. The data confirmed our previous suggestion that testicular tissue plays an important role in secondary sex determination in protandrous black porgy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Wei Tseng
- Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
- Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Chung Wu
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
- Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Guan-Chung Wu, ; Yung-Che Tseng, ; Ching-Fong Chang,
| | - Wei-Lun Kuo
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Che Tseng
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organism Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Guan-Chung Wu, ; Yung-Che Tseng, ; Ching-Fong Chang,
| | - Ching-Fong Chang
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
- Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Guan-Chung Wu, ; Yung-Che Tseng, ; Ching-Fong Chang,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Roles of Gonadotropin Receptors in Sexual Development of Medaka. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030387. [PMID: 35159197 PMCID: PMC8834109 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), are secreted from the pituitary and bind to the FSH receptor (FSHR) and LH receptor (LHR) to regulate gonadal development in vertebrates. Previously, using fshr-knockout (KO) medaka (Oryzias latipes), we demonstrated that FSH regulates ovarian development by elevating estrogen levels. However, the lhr-KO phenotype in medaka is poorly characterized. Here, we generated lhr-KO medaka using the transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) technique. We analyzed its phenotype and that of fshr-KO, lhr;fshr double-heterozygotes (double-hetero), and double-KO fish. All genetically male medaka displayed normal testes and were fertile, whereas fshr-KO and double-KO genetically female fish displayed small ovaries containing many early pre-vitellogenic oocytes and were infertile. Although lhr-KO genetically female fish had normal ovaries with full-grown oocytes, ovulation did not occur. Levels of 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, which is required for meiotic maturation of oocytes and sperm maturation in teleost fish, were significantly decreased in all KO female medaka ovaries except for double-heteros. Further, 17β-estradiol levels in fshr-KO and double-KO ovaries were significantly lower than those in double-heteros. These findings indicate that LH is necessary for oocyte maturation and FSH is necessary for follicle development, but that neither are essential for spermatogenesis in medaka.
Collapse
|
13
|
Trudeau VL. Neuroendocrine Control of Reproduction in Teleost Fish: Concepts and Controversies. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2021; 10:107-130. [PMID: 34788545 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-020420-042015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
During the teleost radiation, extensive development of the direct innervation mode of hypothalamo-pituitary communication was accompanied by loss of the median eminence typical of mammals. Cells secreting follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone cells are directly innervated, distinct populations in the anterior pituitary. So far, ∼20 stimulatory and ∼10 inhibitory neuropeptides, 3 amines, and 3 amino acid neurotransmitters are implicated in the control of reproduction. Positive and negative sex steroid feedback loops operate in both sexes. Gene mutation models in zebrafish and medaka now challenge our general understanding of vertebrate neuropeptidergic control. New reproductive neuropeptides are emerging. These include but are not limited to nesfatin 1, neurokinin B, and the secretoneurins. A generalized model for the neuroendocrine control of reproduction is proposed. Hopefully, this will serve as a research framework on diverse species to help explain the evolution of neuroendocrine control and lead to the discovery of new hormones with novel applications. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 10 is February 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vance L Trudeau
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; ,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sex Determination and Differentiation in Teleost: Roles of Genetics, Environment, and Brain. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10100973. [PMID: 34681072 PMCID: PMC8533387 DOI: 10.3390/biology10100973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The fish reproductive system is a complex biological system. Nonetheless, reproductive organ development is conserved, which starts with sex determination and then sex differentiation. The sex of a teleost is determined and differentiated from bipotential primordium by genetics, environmental factors, or both. These two processes are species-specific. There are several prominent genes and environmental factors involved during sex determination and differentiation. At the cellular level, most of the sex-determining genes suppress the female pathway. For environmental factors, there are temperature, density, hypoxia, pH, and social interaction. Once the sexual fate is determined, sex differentiation takes over the gonadal developmental process. Environmental factors involve activation and suppression of various male and female pathways depending on the sexual fate. Alongside these factors, the role of the brain during sex determination and differentiation remains elusive. Nonetheless, GnRH III knockout has promoted a male sex-biased population, which shows brain involvement during sex determination. During sex differentiation, LH and FSH might not affect the gonadal differentiation, but are required for regulating sex differentiation. This review discusses the role of prominent genes, environmental factors, and the brain in sex determination and differentiation across a few teleost species.
Collapse
|
15
|
Li J, Liu Z, Kang T, Li M, Wang D, Cheng CHK. Igf3: a novel player in fish reproduction†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1194-1204. [PMID: 33693502 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As in other vertebrates, fish reproduction is tightly controlled by gonadotropin signaling. One of the most perplexing aspects of gonadotropin action on germ cell biology is the restricted expression of gonadotropin receptors in somatic cells of the gonads. Therefore, the identification of factors conveying the action of gonadotropins on germ cells is particularly important for understanding the mechanism of reproduction. Insulin-like growth factors (Igfs) are recognized as key factors in regulating reproduction by triggering a series of physiological processes in vertebrates. Recently, a novel member of Igfs called Igf3 has been identified in teleost. Different from the conventional Igf1 and Igf2 that are ubiquitously expressed in a majority of tissues, Igf3 is solely or highly expressed in the fish gonads. The role of Igf3 in mediating the action of gonadotropin through Igf type 1 receptor on several aspects of oogenesis and spermatogenesis have been demonstrated in several fish species. In this review, we will summarize existing data on Igf3. This new information obtained from Igf3 provides insight into elucidating the molecular mechanism of fish reproduction, and also highlights the importance of Igf system in mediating the action of gonadotropin signaling on animal reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhen Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zhiquan Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Tao Kang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Minghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Christopher H K Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Tenugu S, Pranoty A, Mamta SK, Senthilkumaran B. Development and organisation of gonadal steroidogenesis in bony fishes - A review. AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aaf.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
17
|
Marvel M, Levavi-Sivan B, Wong TT, Zmora N, Zohar Y. Gnrh2 maintains reproduction in fasting zebrafish through dynamic neuronal projection changes and regulation of gonadotropin synthesis, oogenesis, and reproductive behaviors. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6657. [PMID: 33758252 PMCID: PMC7987954 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86018-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Restricted food intake, either from lack of food sources or endogenous fasting, during reproductive periods is a widespread phenomenon across the animal kingdom. Considering previous studies show the canonical upstream regulator of reproduction in vertebrates, the hypothalamic Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gnrh), is inhibited in some fasting animals, we sought to understand the neuroendocrine control of reproduction in fasted states. Here, we explore the roles of the midbrain neuropeptide, Gnrh2, in inducing reproduction via its pituitary prevalence, gonadotropin synthesis, gametogenesis, and reproductive outputs in the zebrafish model undergoing different feeding regimes. We discovered a fasting-induced four-fold increase in length and abundance of Gnrh2 neuronal projections to the pituitary and in close proximity to gonadotropes, whereas the hypothalamic Gnrh3 neurons are reduced by six-fold in length. Subsequently, we analyzed the functional roles of Gnrh2 by comparing reproductive parameters of a Gnrh2-depleted model, gnrh2-/-, to wild-type zebrafish undergoing different feeding conditions. We found that Gnrh2 depletion in fasted states compromises spawning success, with associated decreases in gonadotropin production, oogenesis, fecundity, and male courting behavior. Gnrh2 neurons do not compensate in other circumstances by which Gnrh3 is depleted, such as in gnrh3-/- zebrafish, implying that Gnrh2 acts to induce reproduction specifically in fasted zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Marvel
- grid.266673.00000 0001 2177 1144Department of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21202 USA
| | - Berta Levavi-Sivan
- grid.9619.70000 0004 1937 0538Department of Animal Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ten-Tsao Wong
- grid.266673.00000 0001 2177 1144Department of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21202 USA
| | - Nilli Zmora
- grid.266673.00000 0001 2177 1144Department of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21202 USA
| | - Yonathan Zohar
- grid.266673.00000 0001 2177 1144Department of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21202 USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Improving the sexual activity and reproduction of female zebrafish with high testosterone levels. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3822. [PMID: 33589678 PMCID: PMC7884839 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83085-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
High levels of testosterone cause clinical symptoms in female reproduction and possibly, alterations in sexuality. Yet, the underlying mechanisms remain to be examined. Here, we report a study that investigates the effects of testosterone in follicle development and sexual mating using zebrafish models. We developed an acute zebrafish model with high testosterone levels by exposing young female zebrafish to testosterone dissolved in swimming water. After given a high concentration of testosterone treatment (e.g., 100 ng/ml), the fish showed hallmark pathological symptoms similar to those displayed in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), such as follicular growth-arrest, rare ovulation, ovary enlargement, decrease in reproduction, and down regulation of the expression of some PCOS susceptible genes, such as Tox3. These fish are referred to as the PCOS fish. By monitoring mating-like swimming behaviors, we measured the sexual activity of PCOS zebrafish. In general, the PCOS fish showed no desire to interact with males. As a consequence, their mating rate was decreased as compared to control animals. The sexuality levels of PCOS fish, however, could be improved after short periods of rearing in conditions that lack of males. After only 3 days of rearing alone, the PCOS fish showed an increase in sexuality levels and displayed characteristic swimming patterns for mating. After 30 days of separation from males, not only the sexual activity, but also the mating rate was improved in the PCOS fish. Together, the data suggests that zebrafish can serve as a new type of research model to further develop strategies for the treatment of reproductive disorders, such as those related to PCOS.
Collapse
|
19
|
Querat B. Unconventional Actions of Glycoprotein Hormone Subunits: A Comprehensive Review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:731966. [PMID: 34671318 PMCID: PMC8522476 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.731966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The glycoprotein hormones (GPH) are heterodimers composed of a common α subunit and a specific β subunit. They act by activating specific leucine-rich repeat G protein-coupled receptors. However, individual subunits have been shown to elicit responses in cells devoid of the receptor for the dimeric hormones. The α subunit is involved in prolactin production from different tissues. The human chorionic gonadotropin β subunit (βhCG) plays determinant roles in placentation and in cancer development and metastasis. A truncated form of the thyrotropin (TSH) β subunit is also reported to have biological effects. The GPH α- and β subunits are derived from precursor genes (gpa and gpb, respectively), which are expressed in most invertebrate species and are still represented in vertebrates as GPH subunit paralogs (gpa2 and gpb5, respectively). No specific receptor has been found for the vertebrate GPA2 and GPB5 even if their heterodimeric form is able to activate the TSH receptor in mammals. Interestingly, GPA and GPB are phylogenetically and structurally related to cysteine-knot growth factors (CKGF) and particularly to a group of antagonists that act independently on any receptor. This review article summarizes the observed actions of individual GPH subunits and presents the current hypotheses of how these actions might be induced. New approaches are also proposed in light of the evolutionary relatedness with antagonists of the CKGF family of proteins.
Collapse
|
20
|
Xie Y, Huang D, Chu L, Liu Y, Sun X, Li J, Cheng CHK. Igf3 is essential for ovary differentiation in zebrafish†. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:589-601. [PMID: 33276384 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish gonadal sexual differentiation is an important but poorly understood subject. Previously, we have identified a novel insulin-like growth factor (Igf) named insulin-like growth factor 3 (Igf3) in teleosts. The importance of Igf3 in oocyte maturation and ovulation has been recently demonstrated by us in zebrafish. In this study, we have further found the essential role of Igf3 in gonadal sexual differentiation of zebrafish. A differential expression pattern of igf3 between ovary and testis during sex differentiation (higher level in ovary than in testis) was found in zebrafish. An igf3 knockout zebrafish line was established using TALENs-mediated gene knockout technique. Intriguingly, all igf3 homozygous mutants were males due to the female-to-male sex reversal occurred during sex differentiation. Further analysis showed that Igf3 did not seem to affect the formation of so-called juvenile ovary and oocyte-like germ cells. Oocyte development was arrested at primary growth stage, and the ovary was gradually sex-reversed to testis before 60 day post fertilization (dpf). Such sex reversal was likely due to decreased germ cell proliferation by suppressing PI3K/Akt pathway in early ovaries of igf3 mutants. Estrogen is considered as a master regulator in fish sex differentiation. Here, we found that igf3 expression could be upregulated by estrogen in early stages of ovarian follicles as evidenced in in vitro treatment assays and cyp19a1a mutant zebrafish, and E2 failed to rescue the defects of igf3 mutants in ovarian development, suggesting that Igf3 may serve as a downstream factor of estrogen signaling in sex differentiation. Taken together, we demonstrated that Igf3 is essential for ovary differentiation in zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Xie
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shandong University Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Duo Huang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shandong University Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Lianhe Chu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shandong University Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Yun Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shandong University Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Xiao Sun
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shandong University Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Jianzhen Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Christopher H K Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shandong University Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Hu W, Huang P, Xiong Y, Guo W, Wang Y, Fan Q, Wang Q, Mei J. Synergistic Combination of Exogenous Hormones to Improve the Spawning and Post-spawning Survival of Female Yellow Catfish. Front Genet 2020; 11:961. [PMID: 33005173 PMCID: PMC7483481 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple repeat spawners make large contributions to long-term population stability and aquaculture breeding programs. A high percentage of female yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) died for spawning failure or incomplete spawning after artificial spawning by traditional synthetic hormones including human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH), and domperidone (DOM). The present study was designed to compare the efficacy of different combinations of exogenous hormones for inducing ovulation in yellow catfish using hCG, LHRH, DOM, and carp pituitary extraction (CPE). We found a optimal strategy for exogenous hormones administration, the mixture of LHRH/CPE for the first injection and LHRH/CPE/DOM for the second injection, could greatly improve the rates of spawning success, weight of ovulated eggs and survival rate after spawning. Interestingly, a population of female yellow catfish with defective reproductive duct could not spawn and showed high mortality after induced by a combination of hCG/LHRH/DOM, whereas a synergistic combination of hCG, LHRH, DOM, and CPE could efficiently induce spawning and reduce mortality in the defective yellow catfish, in which a significant decrease of Vitellin and E2 levels. Altogether, our findings provide an effective combination of exogenous hormones to improve spawning and post-spawning survival of female yellow catfish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weihua Hu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Peipei Huang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Xiong
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjie Guo
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuhong Wang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qixue Fan
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingyun Wang
- Fisheries Research Institute, Wuhan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Mei
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Li J, Bai L, Liu Z, Wang W. Dual roles of PDE9a in meiotic maturation of zebrafish oocytes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 532:40-46. [PMID: 32826058 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The essential role of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling in regulating the oocyte meiotic cell cycle has been established. However, control of the level of cGMP in ovarian follicles is unclear. The cGMP-hydrolyzing phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are important in regulating the cellular cGMP level. We used zebrafish as a model to study the role of a cGMP-hydrolyzing phosphodiesterase-9a (PDE9a) in meiotic maturation of oocytes. Three PDE9a coding genes (PDE9aa, PDE9ab, and PDE9ac) were identified in zebrafish. Both pde9aa and pde9ac are expressed in most adult tissues including the ovary, but pde9ab is only expressed in the ovary, kidney, pituitary, and brain. All three pde9as mRNA exhibited different expression profiles during folliculogenesis. All of them are highly expressed in the oocyte but not in the follicular cell. The expression of both pde9aa and pde9ab, but not pde9ac, in ovarian follicles increases during oocyte maturation either in natural ovulatory cycle or induced by administration of hCG in vivo. We overexpressed pde9aa by injection of capped pde9aa mRNA into the oocytes. The cGMP level was decreased, and oocyte maturation was stimulated. When the activity of PDE9a was blocked by a specific inhibitor, Bay736691, the oocyte maturation was also stimulated. The stimulatory effect could be blocked by a gap junction blocker. However, the spontaneous oocyte maturation of denuded oocytes was not largely affected after treatment with Bay736691. All of the mature oocytes obtained by either treatment of Bay736691 or injection of pde9aa mRNA, could be fertilized in vitro. These results demonstrate the dual roles of PDE9a in oocyte maturation. The basal level of PDE9a is responsible for maintaining the meiotic arrest, and the increased level of PDE9a induced by LH signaling is helpful for stimulating meiotic maturation by hydrolyzing cGMP in oocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhen Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730070, China.
| | - Lin Bai
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730070, China
| | - Zhiquan Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730070, China
| | - Wenyi Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730070, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Xiong S, Tian J, Ge S, Li Z, Long Z, Guo W, Huang P, He Y, Xiao T, Gui JF, Mei J. The microRNA-200 cluster on chromosome 23 is required for oocyte maturation and ovulation in zebrafish†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:769-778. [PMID: 32697314 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The reproductive process is usually controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis in vertebrates, while Kiss/gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) system in the hypothalamus is required for mammalian reproduction but dispensable for fish reproduction. The regulation of follicle stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone (LH) expression in fish species is still unknown. Here, we identified miR-200s on chromosome 23 (chr23-miR-200s) as important regulators for female zebrafish reproduction. Knockout of chr23-miR-200s (chr23-miR-200s-KO) resulted in dysregulated expression of luteinizing hormone beta lhb (luteinizing hormone beta) and some hormone genes in the pituitary as revealed by comparative transcriptome profiling, leading to failure of oocyte maturation and ovulation as well as defects in reproductive duct development. Chr23-miR-200s mainly expressed in the pituitary and regulated lhb expression by targeting the transcription repressor wt1a. Injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) could rescue the defects of oocyte maturation in chr23-miR-200s-KO zebrafish, whereas GnRH or LHRH-A2 could not, suggesting that Chr23-miR-200s regulated lhb expression in a GnRH-independent pathway. It was remarkable that either injection of carp pituitary extraction, or co-injection of hCG with synthetic oxytocin and vasotocin could greatly rescue the defects of both oocyte maturation and ovulation in chr23-miR-200s-KO zebrafish. Altogether, our findings highlight an important function of chr23-miR-200s in controlling oocyte maturation by regulation LH expression, and oxytocin and vasotocin are potentially responsible for the ovulation in fish species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuting Xiong
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Featured Aquatic Resources Utilization, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinsong Tian
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Si Ge
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhe Long
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Featured Aquatic Resources Utilization, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenjie Guo
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Peipei Huang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan He
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tiaoyi Xiao
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Featured Aquatic Resources Utilization, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Jian-Fang Gui
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Mei
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Targeted mutation of secretogranin-2 disrupts sexual behavior and reproduction in zebrafish. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:12772-12783. [PMID: 32467166 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2002004117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The luteinizing hormone surge is essential for fertility as it triggers ovulation in females and sperm release in males. We previously reported that secretoneurin-a, a neuropeptide derived from the processing of secretogranin-2a (Scg2a), stimulates luteinizing hormone release, suggesting a role in reproduction. Here we provide evidence that mutation of the scg2a and scg2b genes using TALENs in zebrafish reduces sexual behavior, ovulation, oviposition, and fertility. Large-scale spawning within-line crossings (n = 82 to 101) were conducted. Wild-type (WT) males paired with WT females successfully spawned in 62% of the breeding trials. Spawning success was reduced to 37% (P = 0.006), 44% (P = 0.0169), and 6% (P < 0.0001) for scg2a -/- , scg2b -/- , and scg2a -/- ;scg2b -/- mutants, respectively. Comprehensive video analysis indicates that scg2a -/- ;scg2b -/- mutation reduces all male courtship behaviors. Spawning success was 47% in saline-injected WT controls compared to 11% in saline-injected scg2a -/- ;scg2b -/- double mutants. For these mutants, spawning success increased 3-fold following a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of synthetic secretoneurin-a (P = 0.0403) and increased 3.5-fold with injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Embryonic survival at 24 h remained on average lower in scg2a -/- ;scg2b -/- fish compared to WT injected with secretoneurin-a (P < 0.001). Significant reductions in the expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone 3 in the hypothalamus, and luteinizing hormone beta and glycoprotein alpha subunits in the pituitary provide evidence for disrupted hypothalamo-pituitary function in scg2a and scg2b mutant fish. Our results indicate that secretogranin-2 is required for optimal reproductive function and support the hypothesis that secretoneurin is a reproductive hormone.
Collapse
|
25
|
Palma P, Nocillado J, Superio J, Ayson EGDJ, Ayson F, Bar I, Elizur A. Gonadal response of juvenile protogynous grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) to long-term recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone administration†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:798-809. [PMID: 30371741 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the gonadal development of protogynous hermaphroditic grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) was investigated. Recombinant giant grouper (E. lanceolatus) FSH (rggFSH) was produced in yeast. Its receptor-binding capacity and steroidogenic potency were confirmed in vitro. Weekly injections of rggFSH to juvenile tiger grouper for 8 weeks (100 μg/kg body weight, BW) resulted in significantly larger and more advanced oocytes (cortical alveolar stage vs primary growth stage in control). Sustained treatment with rggFSH (20 to 38 weeks at 200 μg/kg BW) resulted in significant reduction in gonad size, degeneration of oocytes, and proliferation of spermatogonial cells, indicative of female to male sex change. Gene expression analysis showed that, while initiating female to male sex change, the rggFSH significantly suppressed the steroidogenic genes cyp11b, cyp19a1a, and foxl2 which restrained the endogenous production of sex steroid hormones and thus prevented the differentiation of spermatogonial cells. Expression profile of sex markers dmrt1, amh, figla, and bmp15 suggests that the observed sex change was restricted at the initiation stage. Based on these results, we propose that the process of female to male sex change in the protogynous grouper is initiated by FSH, rather than sex steroids, and likely involves steroid-independent pathway. The cortical alveolar stage in oocyte development is the critical point after which FSH-induced sex change is possible in grouper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Palma
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia.,Aquaculture Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines
| | - Josephine Nocillado
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joshua Superio
- Aquaculture Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines
| | | | - Felix Ayson
- Aquaculture Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines
| | - Ido Bar
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia.,Environmental Futures Research Institute, School of Natural Sciences and Environment, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Abigail Elizur
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Li J, Ge W. Zebrafish as a model for studying ovarian development: Recent advances from targeted gene knockout studies. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 507:110778. [PMID: 32142861 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian development is a complex process controlled by precise coordination of multiple factors. The targeted gene knockout technique is a powerful tool to study the functions of these factors. The successful application of this technique in mice in the past three decades has significantly enhanced our understanding on the molecular mechanism of ovarian development. Recently, with the advent of genome editing techniques, targeted gene knockout research can be carried out in many species. Zebrafish has emerged as an excellent model system to study the control of ovarian development. Dozens of genes related to ovarian development have been knocked out in zebrafish in recent years. Much new information and perspectives on the molecular mechanism of ovarian development have been obtained from these mutant zebrafish. Some findings have challenged conventional views. Several genes have been identified for the first time in vertebrates to control ovarian development. Focusing on ovarian development, the purpose of this review is to briefly summarize recent findings using these gene knockout zebrafish models, and compare these findings with mammalian models. These established mutants and rapid development of gene knockout techniques have prompted zebrafish as an ideal animal model for studying ovarian development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhen Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China, 730070.
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Thönnes M, Vogt M, Steinborn K, Hausken KN, Levavi-Sivan B, Froschauer A, Pfennig F. An ex vivo Approach to Study Hormonal Control of Spermatogenesis in the Teleost Oreochromis niloticus. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:443. [PMID: 32793114 PMCID: PMC7366826 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As the male reproductive organ, the main task of the testis is the production of fertile, haploid spermatozoa. This process, named spermatogenesis, starts with spermatogonial stem cells, which undergo a species-specific number of mitotic divisions until starting meiosis and further morphological maturation. The pituitary gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone, are indispensable for vertebrate spermatogenesis, but we are still far from fully understanding the complex regulatory networks involved in this process. Therefore, we developed an ex vivo testis cultivation system which allows evaluating the occurring changes in histology and gene expression. The experimental circulatory flow-through setup described in this work provides the possibility to study the function of the male tilapia gonads on a cellular and transcriptional level for at least 7 days. After 1 week of culture, tilapia testis slices kept their structure and all stages of spermatogenesis could be detected histologically. Without pituitary extract (tilPE) however, fibrotic structures appeared, whereas addition of tilPE preserved spermatogenic cysts and somatic interstitium completely. We could show that tilPE has a stimulatory effect on spermatogonia proliferation in our culture system. In the presence of tilPE or hCG, the gene expression of steroidogenesis related genes (cyp11b2 and stAR2) were notably increased. Other testicular genes like piwil1, amh, or dmrt1 were not expressed differentially in the presence or absence of gonadotropins or gonadotropin containing tilPE. We established a suitable system for studying tilapia spermatogenesis ex vivo with promise for future applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Thönnes
- Faculty of Biology, School of Science, Institute of Zoology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marlen Vogt
- Faculty of Biology, School of Science, Institute of Zoology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Katja Steinborn
- Faculty of Biology, School of Science, Institute of Zoology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Krist N. Hausken
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Berta Levavi-Sivan
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Alexander Froschauer
- Faculty of Biology, School of Science, Institute of Zoology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Frank Pfennig
- Faculty of Biology, School of Science, Institute of Zoology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- *Correspondence: Frank Pfennig
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Suzuki H, Kazeto Y, Gen K, Ozaki Y. Functional analysis of recombinant single-chain Japanese eel Fsh and Lh produced in FreeStyle 293-F cell lines: Binding specificities to their receptors and differential efficacy on testicular steroidogenesis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 285:113241. [PMID: 31400434 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) and luteinizing hormone (Lh), play central roles in the control of gonadal development of vertebrates. In mammals, Fsh and Lh exclusively activate their respective cognate receptors: Fsh receptor (Fshr) in the Sertoli cell and Lh/choriogonadotropin receptor (Lhcgr) in the Leydig cell. In teleosts, the distinct functions of Fsh and Lh and information on cellular localization of their receptors are still poorly understood. Recently we established FreeStyle 293-F cell lines producing recombinant Japanese eel Fsh and Lh (reFsh and reLh), which form a single chain consisting of a common α-subunit and β-subunits. In this study, we conducted functional analyses of reFsh and reLh, focusing on the binding specificities to their receptors and effects on testicular steroidogenesis in vitro. Assays with gonadotropin receptors-expressing COS-7 cells indicated reFsh stimulated its cognate receptor, meanwhile reLh activated both receptors. Although results of in vitro incubations showed that reFsh and reLh induced testicular 11-ketotestosterone production in a dose and time-dependent manner by upregulating expression of steroidogenic enzymes, the effective doses of reLh were apparently lower and the effects of reLh emerged faster in comparison with reFsh. Results of quantitative real-time PCR using testicular cell fractions showed that fshr and lhcgr1 mRNA were detected both in Sertoli and Leydig cells. These analyses revealed that reFsh and reLh were biologically active and hence will be useful for future studies. Moreover, our data showed that both eel Fsh and Lh acted as steroidogenic hormones through their receptors in testicular somatic cells; however, Lh was more potent on androgen production, implying differential functions on spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Suzuki
- Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan; National Research Institute of Aquaculture, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, 224-1 Hiruda, Tamaki, Watarai, Mie 519-0423, Japan.
| | - Yukinori Kazeto
- National Research Institute of Aquaculture, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Tsuiura, Kamiura, Saiki, Oita 879-2602, Japan.
| | - Koichiro Gen
- Seikai National Fisheries Research Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, 1551-8 Taira, Nagasaki 851-2213, Japan.
| | - Yuichi Ozaki
- National Research Institute of Aquaculture, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, 224-1 Hiruda, Tamaki, Watarai, Mie 519-0423, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Liu DT, Hong WS, Chen SX, Zhu Y. Upregulation of adamts9 by gonadotropin in preovulatory follicles of zebrafish. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 499:110608. [PMID: 31586455 PMCID: PMC6878983 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Previously we had identified adamts9 as a downstream target of Pgr, which is essential for ovulation in zebrafish. The primary goal of this study is to determine whether human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, LH analog) also regulate adamts9 expression prior to ovulation. The expression of adamts9 was induced by hCG in a dose and time dependent manner in zebrafish preovulatory follicles in vitro. Interestingly, the stimulatory effect of hCG on adamts9 expression was not blocked in pgr-/- follicles but blocked in lhcgr-/-. This effect of hCG was via Lhcgr and its associated cAMP and PKC signaling pathways. Reduced fecundity and reduced expression of adamts9 were also found in lhcgr-/- females in vivo. Therefore, we have provided the first evidence of gonadotropin (hCG) regulated adamts9 in zebrafish, which could be important for ovulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Teng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361102, People's Republic of China
| | - Wan Shu Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361102, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi Xi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361102, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361102, People's Republic of China; Department of Biology, East Carolina University, 1000 5th Street, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kanda S. Evolution of the regulatory mechanisms for the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in vertebrates-hypothesis from a comparative view. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 284:113075. [PMID: 30500374 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in vertebrates. In addition to wealth of knowledge in mammals, recent studies in non-mammalian species, especially teleosts, have provided evidence that some of the components in the HPG axis are conserved in bony vertebrates. On the other hand, from the comparisons of the recent accumulating knowledge between mammals and teleosts, unique characteristics of the regulatory system in each group have been unveiled. A hypophysiotropic neurotransmitter/hormone, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), pituitary gonadotropins, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were proven to be common important elements of the HPG axis in teleosts and mammals, although the roles of each vary. Conversely, there are some modulators of GnRH or gonadotropins that are not common to all vertebrates. In this review, I will introduce the mechanism for HPG axis regulation in mammals and teleosts, and describe their evolution from a hypothetical common ancestor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Kanda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Li J, Niu C, Cheng CHK. Igf3 serves as a mediator of luteinizing hormone in zebrafish ovulation. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:1235-1243. [PMID: 29945206 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Both oocyte maturation and ovulation is triggered by the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in vertebrates, but exactly how these processes are regulated by LH remains to be fully elucidated. Previously, we found that Igf3, a fish-specific member of the igf family predominantly expressed in the gonads, could mediate the action of LH on oocyte maturation in zebrafish. Here, we further reveal the importance of Igf3 in mediating the action of LH on ovulation in zebrafish. All the four igf gene family members are expressed in the zebrafish ovary but only the igf3 transcript level is increased in hCG-induced ovulation in vivo. The expression of Igf3 protein in the follicles is also increased during ovulation. The actions of hCG on the expression of ovulatory enzymes and on ovulation itself could be largely mimicked by the recombinant zebrafish Igf3 protein. Intriguingly, the phosphorylation of Igf1r, the receptor for Igf3, could be activated by hCG in the follicular cells during ovulation. And inhibition of Igf3 signaling by Igf1r inhibitors and Igf3 antiserum could significantly attenuate the hCG-induced ovulation. Collectively, all these data support the notion that Igf3 serves as a mediator of LH action in zebrafish ovulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhen Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Caiyan Niu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Christopher H K Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Li J, Cheng CHK. Evolution of gonadotropin signaling on gonad development: insights from gene knockout studies in zebrafish. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:686-694. [PMID: 29718109 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadal development is precisely regulated by the two gonadotropins luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Much progress on understanding the functions of LH and FSH signaling on gonad development has been achieved in the past decades, mostly from studies in mammals, especially genetic studies in both mouse and human. The functions of both LH and FSH signaling in nonmammalian species are still largely unknown. In recent years, using zebrafish, a teleost phylogenetically distant from mammals, we and others have genetically analyzed the functions of gonadotropins and their receptors through gene knockout studies. In this review, we will summarize the pertinent findings and discuss how the actions of gonadotropin signaling on gonad development have evolved during evolution from fish to mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhen Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Christopher H K Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shandong University Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Li J, Wang Y, Kang T, Li X, Niu C. Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins inhibit oocyte maturation of zebrafish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 281:83-90. [PMID: 31170402 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The function of insulin-like growth factor (Igf) system in ovary has attracted much attention, but the role of Igf binding proteins (Igfbps) in ovary is still largely unknown. In this study, the role of Igfbps in oocyte maturation was investigated in zebrafish. The expression of all eight identified Igfbps except Igfbp6b could be detected in the adult ovary and exhibited differential expression profiles during folliculogenesis. The expression of several Igfbps is dynamically changed during oocyte maturation induced by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). By treatment of an Igfbps inhibitor NBI-31772 in vitro, the oocyte maturation could be stimulated in a clear dose-, time- and stage-dependent manner. Such effects were also observed by administration of NBI-31772 in vivo. Igfbps are differentially expressed in both follicular cells and oocytes, but the effect of NBI-31772 could only be found in intact follicles and not in the denuded oocytes. Previous studies have demonstrated that Igf3 is the major Igf member in regulating oocyte maturation of zebrafish. Interestingly, NBI-31772 could increase the effect of Igf3 on oocyte maturation. Furthermore, we found the effect of NBI-31772 on oocyte maturation could be blocked by an Igf type 1 receptor inhibitor BMS-536924 in vitro, suggesting the Igfbps can inhibit the oocyte maturation via Igf/Igf1r pathway. Together, we provided the first evidence in fish that Igfbps inhibit oocyte maturation of zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhen Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China.
| | - Yamei Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Tao Kang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Xuehui Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Caiyan Niu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Shang G, Peng X, Ji C, Zhai G, Ruan Y, Lou Q, Jin X, He J, Wang H, Yin Z. Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and luteinizing hormone are required for normal ovarian steroidogenesis and oocyte maturation in zebrafish†. Biol Reprod 2019; 101:760-770. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
In recent studies, luteinizing hormone (LH) was reported to play important roles in oocyte maturation. However, the mechanism by which LH signaling, especially regarding the steroidogenesis process, affects oocyte maturation has not been clarified. In this study, zebrafish models with a functional deficiency in luteinizing hormone beta (Lhb) or steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (Star), an enzyme that promotes the transport of cholesterol into the inner mitochondrial membrane for maturation-induced hormone (MIH) production, were generated using transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs). Similar phenotypes of the maturation-arrested oocytes in both female mutants have been observed. The levels of MIH in the oocytes of the female mutants were clearly decreased in both the lhb and star knockout zebrafish. The expression of star was dramatically down-regulated in the lhb mutant follicles and was clearly promoted by forskolin and hCG in vitro. Furthermore, treatment with the MIH precursors, pregnenolone or progesterone, as well as with MIH itself rescued the maturation-arrested oocyte phenotypes in both lhb and star mutants. The plasma levels of other steroids, including testosterone, estradiol, and cortisol, were not affected in the lhb mutants, while the levels of gonad hormones testosterone and estradiol were significantly increased in the star mutants. The cortisol levels were decreased in the star mutants. Collectively, our results confirm that LH plays important roles in the initiation of MIH synthesis from cholesterol and maintains oocyte maturation in zebrafish, as well as provide evidence that Star might act downstream of LH signaling in steroidogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Xuyan Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Province Eye Hospital, Henan International Joint Research Laboratory for Ocular Immunology and Retinal Injury Repair, Zhengzhou, Henan, P.R. China
| | - Cheng Ji
- Center for Circadian Clocks, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- Department of Genetics, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Gang Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Yonglin Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, P.R. China
- Institute of Hydrobiology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Qiyong Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Xia Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Jiangyan He
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Han Wang
- Center for Circadian Clocks, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- Department of Genetics, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Zhan Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Schulz RW, Taranger GL, Bogerd J, Nijenhuis W, Norberg B, Male R, Andersson E. Entry into puberty is reflected in changes in hormone production but not in testicular receptor expression in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:48. [PMID: 31226998 PMCID: PMC6588918 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0493-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Puberty in male Atlantic salmon in aquaculture can start as early as after the first winter in seawater, stunts growth and entails welfare problems due to the maturation-associated loss of osmoregulation capacity in seawater. A better understanding of the regulation of puberty is the basis for developing improved cultivation approaches that avoid these problems. Our aim here was to identify morphological and molecular markers signaling the initiation of, and potential involvement in, testis maturation. METHODS In the first experiment, we monitored for the first time in large Atlantic salmon males several reproductive parameters during 17 months including the first reproductive cycle. Since testicular growth accelerated after the Winter solstice, we focused in the second experiment on the 5 months following the winter solstice, exposing fish from February 1 onwards to the natural photoperiod (NL) or to continuous additional light (LL). RESULTS In the first experiment, testis weight, plasma androgens and pituitary gonadotropin transcript levels increased with the appearance of type B spermatogonia in the testis, but testicular transcript levels for gonadotropin or androgen receptors did not change while being clearly detectable. In the second experiment, all males kept under NL had been recruited into puberty until June. However, recruitment into puberty was blocked in ~ 40% of the males exposed to LL. The first morphological sign of recruitment was an increased proliferation activity of single spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. Irrespective of the photoperiod, this early sign of testis maturation was accompanied by elevated pituitary gnrhr4 and fshb and testicular igf3 transcript levels as well as increased plasma androgen levels. The transition into puberty occurred again with stable testicular gonadotropin and androgen receptor transcript levels. CONCLUSIONS The sensitivity to reproductive hormones is already established before puberty starts and up-regulation of testicular hormone receptor expression is not required to facilitate entry into puberty. The increased availability of receptor ligands, on the other hand, may result from an up-regulation of pituitary Gnrh receptor expression, eventually activating testicular growth factor and sex steroid release and driving germ and Sertoli cell proliferation and differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rüdiger W Schulz
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, P.O.Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Geir Lasse Taranger
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, P.O.Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jan Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter Nijenhuis
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Birgitta Norberg
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, P.O.Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rune Male
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eva Andersson
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, P.O.Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
The initiation of puberty in Atlantic salmon brings about large changes in testicular gene expression that are modulated by the energy status. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:475. [PMID: 31185904 PMCID: PMC6558769 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5869-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background When puberty starts before males reach harvest size, animal welfare and sustainability issues occur in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) aquaculture. Hallmarks of male puberty are an increased proliferation activity in the testis and elevated androgen production. Examining transcriptional changes in salmon testis during the transition from immature to maturing testes may help understanding the regulation of puberty, potentially leading to procedures to modulate its start. Since differences in body weight influence, via unknown mechanisms, the chances for entering puberty, we used two feed rations to create body weight differences. Results Maturing testes were characterized by an elevated proliferation activity of Sertoli cells and of single undifferentiated spermatogonia. Pituitary gene expression data suggest increased Gnrh receptor and gonadotropin gene expression, potentially responsible for the elevated circulating androgen levels in maturing fish. Transcriptional changes in maturing testes included a broad variety of signaling systems (e.g. Tgfβ, Wnt, insulin/Igf, nuclear receptors), but also, activation of metabolic pathways such as anaerobic metabolism and protection against ROS. Feed restriction lowered the incidence of puberty. In males maturing despite feed restriction, plasma androgen levels were higher than in maturing fish receiving the full ration. A group of 449 genes that were up-regulated in maturing fully fed fish, was up-regulated more prominently in testis from fish maturing under caloric restriction. Moreover, 421 genes were specifically up-regulated in testes from fish maturing under caloric restriction, including carbon metabolism genes, a pathway relevant for nucleotide biosynthesis and for placing epigenetic marks. Conclusions Undifferentiated spermatogonia and Sertoli cell populations increased at the beginning of puberty, which was associated with the up-regulation of metabolic pathways (e.g. anaerobic and ROS pathways) known from other stem cell systems. The higher androgen levels in males maturing under caloric restriction may be responsible for the stronger up-regulation of a common set of (449) maturation-associated genes, and the specific up-regulation of another set of (421) genes. The latter opened regulatory and/or metabolic options for initiating puberty despite feed restriction. As a means to reduce the incidence of male puberty in salmon, however, caloric restriction seems unsuitable. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5869-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
37
|
Jiang DN, Mustapha UF, Shi HJ, Huang YQ, Si-Tu JX, Wang M, Deng SP, Chen HP, Tian CX, Zhu CH, Li MH, Li GL. Expression and transcriptional regulation of gsdf in spotted scat (Scatophagus argus). Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 233:35-45. [PMID: 30980893 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gonadal soma-derived factor (Gsdf) is critical for testicular differentiation and early germ cell development in teleosts. The spotted scat (Scatophagus argus), with a stable XX-XY sex-determination system and the candidate sex determination gene dmrt1, provides a good model for understanding the mechanism of sex determination and differentiation in teleosts. In this study, we analyzed spotted scat gsdf tissue distribution and gene expression patterns in gonads, as well as further analysis of transcriptional regulation. Tissue distribution analysis showed that gsdf was only expressed in testis and ovary. Real-time PCR showed that both gsdf and dmrt1 were expressed significantly higher in testes at different phases (phase III, IV and V) compared to ovaries at phase II, III and IV, while gsdf was expressed significantly higher in phase II ovaries than those of phase III and IV. Western blot analysis also showed that Gsdf was more highly expressed in the testis than ovary. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that Gsdf was expressed in Sertoli cells surrounding spermatogonia in the testis, while it was expressed in the somatic cells surrounding the oogonia of the ovary. Approximately 2.7 kb of the 5' upstream region of gsdf was cloned from the spotted scat genomic DNA and in silico promoter analysis revealed the putative transcription factor binding sites of Dmrt1 and Sf1. The luciferase reporter assay, using the human embryonic kidney cells, demonstrated that Dmrt1 activated gsdf expression in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of Sf1 in spotted scat. These results suggest that Gsdf could play a role in regulating the development of spermatogonia and oogonia, and also participate in male sex differentiation by acting as a downstream gene of Dmrt1 in spotted scat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Neng Jiang
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Umar Farouk Mustapha
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Hong-Juan Shi
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yuan-Qing Huang
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Jia-Xin Si-Tu
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Mei Wang
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Si-Ping Deng
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Hua-Pu Chen
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Chang-Xu Tian
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Chun-Hua Zhu
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Ming-Hui Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Guang-Li Li
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Wang YQ, Li YW, Chen QL, Liu ZH. Long-term exposure of xenoestrogens with environmental relevant concentrations disrupted spermatogenesis of zebrafish through altering sex hormone balance, stimulating germ cell proliferation, meiosis and enhancing apoptosis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 244:486-494. [PMID: 30366296 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.10.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Environmental estrogens are capable of interfering with the spermatogenesis and fertility of fish. However in natural waters, these chemicals are more likely to occur as a combination rather than a single stressor. Whether and how the mixture of xenoestrogens with environmental relevant concentrations may affect fish spermatogenesis remains largely unknown. In this study, male zebrafish adults were administered to 17alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2) and a mixture of xenoestrogens (Mix (E2, EE2, DES, 4-t-OP, 4-NP and BPA)), with the estrogenic potency equivalent to EE2. After a 60-day exposures, elevated mRNA levels of vitellogenin 1 (vtg1) and estrogen receptor 1 (esr1) in the liver of fish in both treated groups were observed. Moreover, the plasma level of E2 declined significantly in the Mix group and the ratio of 11-KT/E2 was significantly elevated in both treated groups. Consistently, the mRNA level of P450 side-chain cleavage (scc) in the EE2 group and ovarian type aromatase (cyp19a1a) in the Mix group was significantly suppressed. In addition, decreased gonadosomatic index and sperm count in the fish of Mix group were present. Furthermore, increased number of the proliferating germ cells (such as spermatogonia and spermatocytes) was observed in the fish of both groups, suggesting a stimulated germ cell proliferation and meiosis. Accordingly, both exposures significantly up-regulated the mRNA levels of genes in mitosis (cyclinb1) and meiosis (cyp26a1 in EE2 group, aldh1a2, cyp26a1, sycp3 and spo11 in Mix). In addition, decreased number of spermatozoa and increased number of TUNEL-positive signals were present in the testis of fish in the Mix group, indicating an enhanced apoptosis. Further analyses demonstrated the significant elevated expressions of tnfrsf1a and the ratio of tnfrsf1a/tnfrsf1b in the Mix group, suggesting an elevated apoptosis in the testis of fish in the Mix group via extrinsic pathway. The present study greatly extends our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the reproductive toxicity of xenoestrogens on fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Qin Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Animal Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Ying-Wen Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Animal Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Qi-Liang Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Animal Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Zhi-Hao Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Animal Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Establishment and application of distant hybridization technology in fish. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2018; 62:22-45. [DOI: 10.1007/s11427-018-9408-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
40
|
Fuentes R, Letelier J, Tajer B, Valdivia LE, Mullins MC. Fishing forward and reverse: Advances in zebrafish phenomics. Mech Dev 2018; 154:296-308. [PMID: 30130581 PMCID: PMC6289646 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Understanding how the genome instructs the phenotypic characteristics of an organism is one of the major scientific endeavors of our time. Advances in genetics have progressively deciphered the inheritance, identity and biological relevance of genetically encoded information, contributing to the rise of several, complementary omic disciplines. One of them is phenomics, an emergent area of biology dedicated to the systematic multi-scale analysis of phenotypic traits. This discipline provides valuable gene function information to the rapidly evolving field of genetics. Current molecular tools enable genome-wide analyses that link gene sequence to function in multi-cellular organisms, illuminating the genome-phenome relationship. Among vertebrates, zebrafish has emerged as an outstanding model organism for high-throughput phenotyping and modeling of human disorders. Advances in both systematic mutagenesis and phenotypic analyses of embryonic and post-embryonic stages in zebrafish have revealed the function of a valuable collection of genes and the general structure of several complex traits. In this review, we summarize multiple large-scale genetic efforts addressing parental, embryonic, and adult phenotyping in the zebrafish. The genetic and quantitative tools available in the zebrafish model, coupled with the broad spectrum of phenotypes that can be assayed, make it a powerful model for phenomics, well suited for the dissection of genotype-phenotype associations in development, physiology, health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Fuentes
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joaquín Letelier
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CSIC/UPO/JA), Seville, Spain; Center for Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Benjamin Tajer
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Leonardo E Valdivia
- Center for Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Mary C Mullins
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Li J, Huang D, Sun X, Li X, Cheng CHK. Zinc mediates the action of androgen in acting as a downstream effector of luteinizing hormone on oocyte maturation in zebrafish†. Biol Reprod 2018; 100:468-478. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhen Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Duo Huang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shandong University Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiao Sun
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shandong University Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Xuehui Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Christopher H K Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shandong University Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Szymańska K, Kałafut J, Rivero-Müller A. The gonadotropin system, lessons from animal models and clinical cases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 70:561-587. [PMID: 30264954 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4784.18.04307-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review article centers upon family of gonadotropin hormones which consists of two pituitary hormones - follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) as well as one non-pituitary hormone - human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) secreted by placenta, and their receptors. Gonadotropins play an essential role in proper sexual development, puberty, gametogenesis, maintenance of pregnancy and male sexual differentiation during the fetal development. They belong to the family of glycoprotein hormones thus they constitute heterodimeric proteins built of common α subunit and hormone-specific β-subunit. Hitherto, several mutations in genes encoding both gonadotropins and their receptors have been identified in humans. Their occurrence resulted in a number of different phenotypes including delayed puberty, primary amenorrhea, hermaphroditism, infertility and hypogonadism. In order to understand the effects of mutations on the phenotype observed in affected patients, detailed molecular studies are required to map the relationship between the structure and function of gonadotropins and their receptors. Nonetheless, in vitro assays are often insufficient to understand physiology. Therefore, several animal models have been developed to unravel the physiological roles of gonadotropins and their receptors.
Collapse
|
43
|
Tang H, Wang L, Chen Y, He J, Qu L, Guo Y, Liu Y, Liu X, Lin H. Ovulation is associated with the LH-dependent induction of pla2g4aa in zebrafish. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 473:53-60. [PMID: 29326060 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The effects of the preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge on the ovulatory process are mediated by prostaglandins (PGs), the synthesis of which involves prostaglandin synthetase and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). In our previous study, we systematically investigated the function of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase (ptgs) genes on ovulation in zebrafish. However, the role of cPLA2 in ovulation was not determined in zebrafish. In this study, we investigated the function of cpla2α in PGs production and ovulation in periovulatory follicles. Our data showed that the expression of pla2g4aa increased during zebrafish folliculogenesis and the follicular layer was the primary region with expression of pla2g4aa. In addition, the expression of pla2g4aa was regulated by LH in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, injection of AACOCF3, a specific inhibitor of cPLA2, significantly reduced ovarian PGs level and blocked hCG-induced ovulation. Collectively, these findings suggest that pla2g4aa is related to the ovulation process in zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haipei Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Le Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Jianan He
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Ling Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Xiaochun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| | - Haoran Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Yue Z, Yu M, Zhao H, Wang J, Zhang X, Tian H, Wang W, Ru S. The anti-estrogenicity of chronic exposure to semicarbazide in female Japanese flounders (Paralichthys olivaceus), and its potential mechanisms. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 129:806-812. [PMID: 29100632 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.10.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the anti-estrogenic effects of chronic exposure to a new marine pollutant, semicarbazide (SMC; 1, 10, and 100μg/L), in female Paralichthys olivaceus, as well as the associated mechanism. After 130days of exposure, plasma 17β-estradiol and testosterone concentrations, and hepatic estrogen receptors, vitellogenin, and choriogenin mRNA levels decreased significantly in SMC-exposed groups. Moreover, down-regulation of genes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, including gonadotropin-releasing hormone, gonadotropic hormones and their receptors, the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, 17α-hydroxylase, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and cytochrome P450 19A, was observed after SMC exposure. Furthermore, the kisspeptin/g protein-coupled receptor 54 (kiss/gpr54) system and gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic (GABAergic) system were also affected by SMC: SMC significantly down-regulated mRNA expression of kiss2, gpr54, and the GABA synthesis enzyme gad67. Our results demonstrated for the first time that environmentally relevant concentrations of SMC exerted anti-estrogenicity in female flounders, providing theoretical support for ecological risk assessments of SMC in marine environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zonghao Yue
- Marine Life Science College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Miao Yu
- Marine Life Science College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Haifeng Zhao
- Qingdao Institute for Food and Drug Control, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Marine Life Science College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiaona Zhang
- Marine Life Science College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Hua Tian
- Marine Life Science College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Marine Life Science College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shaoguo Ru
- Marine Life Science College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Li G, Tang H, Chen Y, Yin Y, Ogawa S, Liu M, Guo Y, Qi X, Liu Y, Parhar IS, Liu X, Lin H. Estrogen directly stimulates LHb expression at the pituitary level during puberty in female zebrafish. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 461:1-11. [PMID: 28801227 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 08/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The LHb expression is up-regulated during puberty in female zebrafish. However, the molecular mechanism underlying how LHb expression is regulated during puberty remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that the mRNA expression levels of lhb, fshb and cyp19a1b were up-regulated along with the puberty onset in zebrafish. Among the three nuclear estrogen receptors (nERs), the esr2b is the only type whose expression is significantly up-regulated during puberty onset in the pituitary. However, in situ hybridization results revealed that lhb mRNA was colocalized with esr1 and esr2a but not esr2b. Exposure to estradiol (E2) significantly stimulates LHb expression in both wild-type and kiss1-/-;kiss2-/-;gnrh3-/- triple knockout pubertal zebrafish. Moreover, exposure of cultured pituitary cells to E2 increased the LHb expression, indicating that the estrogenic effect on LHb expression could be acted at the pituitary level. Finally, we cloned and analyzed the promoter of lhb by luciferase assay. Our results indicated that the E2 responsive regions of lhb promoter for ERα and ERβ2 are identical, suggesting that ERα and ERβ2 could bind to the same half ERE region of the promoter of lhb, exhibiting a classical ERE-dependent pathway. In summary, we demonstrate that E2 could directly act on the pituitary level to stimulate LHb transcription during puberty in zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaofei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Haipei Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yike Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Satoshi Ogawa
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia
| | - Meifeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Xin Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Ishwar S Parhar
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia
| | - Xiaochun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, China.
| | - Haoran Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Takahashi T, Hagiwara A, Ogiwara K. Prostaglandins in teleost ovulation: A review of the roles with a view to comparison with prostaglandins in mammalian ovulation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 461:236-247. [PMID: 28919301 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Prostaglandins are well known to be central regulators of vertebrate ovulation. Studies addressing the role of prostaglandins in mammalian ovulation have established that they are involved in the processes of oocyte maturation and cumulus oocyte complex expansion. In contrast, despite the first indication of the role of prostaglandins in teleost ovulation appearing 40 years ago, the mechanistic background of their role has long been unknown. However, studies conducted on medaka over the past decade have provided valuable information. Emerging evidence indicates an indispensable role of prostaglandin E2 and its receptor subtype Ptger4b in the process of follicle rupture. In this review, we summarize studies addressing the role of prostaglandins in teleost ovulation and describe recent advances. To help understand differences from and similarities to ovulation in mammalian species, the findings on the roles of prostaglandins in mammalian ovulation are discussed in parallel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Takahashi
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan.
| | - Akane Hagiwara
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan
| | - Katsueki Ogiwara
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Zhu B, Ge W. Genome editing in fishes and their applications. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 257:3-12. [PMID: 28919449 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
There have been revolutionary progresses in genome engineering in the past few years. The newly-emerged genome editing technologies including zinc-finger nuclease (ZFN), transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated with Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9) have enabled biological scientists to perform efficient and precise targeted genome editing in different species. Fish represent the largest group of vertebrates with many species having values for both scientific research and aquaculture industry. Genome editing technologies have found extensive applications in different fish species for basic functional studies as well asapplied research in such fields as disease modeling and aquaculture. This mini-review focuses on recent advancements and applications of the new generation of genome editing technologies in fish species, with particular emphasis on their applications in understanding reproductive functions because the reproductive axis has been most systematically and best studied among others and its function has been difficult to address with reverse genetics approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhu
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Mettl3 Mutation Disrupts Gamete Maturation and Reduces Fertility in Zebrafish. Genetics 2017; 208:729-743. [PMID: 29196300 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.117.300574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), catalyzed by Mettl3 methyltransferase, is a highly conserved epigenetic modification in eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA). Previous studies have implicated m6A modification in multiple biological processes, but the in vivo function of m6A has been difficult to study, because mettl3 mutants are embryonic lethal in both mammals and plants. In this study, we have used transcription activator-like effector nucleases and generated viable zygotic mettl3 mutant, Zmettl3m/m , in zebrafish. We find that the oocytes in Zmettl3m/m adult females are stalled in early development and the ratio of full-grown stage (FG) follicles is significantly lower than that of wild type. Human chorionic gonadotropin-induced ovarian germinal vesicle breakdown in vitro and the numbers of eggs ovulated in vivo are both decreased as well, while the defects of oocyte maturation can be rescued by sex hormone in vitro and in vivo In Zmettl3m/m adult males, we find defects in sperm maturation and sperm motility is significantly reduced. Further study shows that 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) and 17β-estradiol (E2) levels are significantly decreased in Zmettl3m/m , and defective gamete maturation is accompanied by decreased overall m6A modification levels and disrupted expression of genes critical for sex hormone synthesis and gonadotropin signaling in Zmettl3m/m Thus, our study provides the first in vivo evidence that loss of Mettl3 leads to failed gamete maturation and significantly reduced fertility in zebrafish. Mettl3 and m6A modifications are essential for optimal reproduction in vertebrates.
Collapse
|
49
|
Xie Y, Chu L, Liu Y, Sham KWY, Li J, Cheng CHK. The highly overlapping actions of Lh signaling and Fsh signaling on zebrafish spermatogenesis. J Endocrinol 2017; 234:233-246. [PMID: 28611209 DOI: 10.1530/joe-17-0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Gonadotropin signaling plays a pivotal role in the spermatogenesis of vertebrates, but exactly how gonadotropins regulate the process in non-mammalian species remains elusive. Using a gene knockout approach in zebrafish, we have previously demonstrated the non-canonical action of gonadotropin signaling on spermatogenesis by analyzing four single mutant lines (lhb, lhr, fshb and fshr) and three double mutant lines (lhb;fshb, lhr;fshr and fshb;lhr). In this study, we further investigated the actions of gonadotropins on the testis by establishing three other double-mutant zebrafish lines (lhb;lhr, fshb;fshr and lhb;fshr). All lhb;lhr and fshb;fshr mutant males were fertile. Analysis on the gonadosomatic index and testicular histology in these lhb;lhr and fshb;fshr mutants demonstrated that Lh signaling and Fsh signaling could functionally compensate each other in the testis. Intriguingly, it was found that the lhb;fshr mutant male fish were also morphologically and histologically normal and functionally fertile, a phenomenon which could be explained by the cross-activation of Lhr by Fsh. We have demonstrated this cross-reactivity for the first time in zebrafish. Fsh was shown to activate Lhr using three different assay systems, in which Lh-Fshr activation was also confirmed. Taken together, we conclude that the action of Lh signaling and Fsh signaling is redundant in that either alone can support zebrafish spermatogenesis based on two observations. First, that either Lh signaling or Fsh signaling alone is sufficient to support male fertility. Second, that the two gonadotropin ligands could promiscuously activate both receptors. Apart from revealing the complexity of gonadotropin signaling in controlling male reproduction in zebrafish, this study also shed light toward a better understanding on the evolution of gonadotropin signaling in vertebrates from fish to mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Xie
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shandong University Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Lianhe Chu
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shandong University Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Yun Liu
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shandong University Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Kathy W Y Sham
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shandong University Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianzhen Li
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shandong University Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
- College of Life SciencesNorthwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Christopher H K Cheng
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shandong University Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Tang H, Liu Y, Li J, Li G, Chen Y, Yin Y, Guo Y, Cheng CHK, Liu X, Lin H. LH signaling induced ptgs2a expression is required for ovulation in zebrafish. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 447:125-133. [PMID: 28254490 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that ovulation is induced by luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. However, the down-stream factors that mediating LH surge induced ovulation are less clear. The cyclooxygenases (also known as PTGS) as key enzymes for prostaglandins synthesis appear to be important for ovulation in mammals, but their functional roles and molecular mechanism in regulation of fish ovulation are largely unexplored. In this study, we have systematically investigated the expression, regulation and functional roles of cox genes during zebrafish ovulation. Three types of cox genes including ptgs1, ptgs2a and ptgs2b have been identified in zebrafish. The ptgs2a was dominantly expressed in the ovary with a maximal level at the maturation stage of the follicles. In addition, the ptgs2a expression is up-regulated by LH signaling in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, co-injection of a selective Ptgs2 inhibitor and non-selective Ptgs inhibitor with hCG could significantly block the stimulatory effect of hCG induced ovulation in vivo. Collectively, our findings indicate that LH signaling induced ptgs2a expression is required for ovulation in zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haipei Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Jianzhen Li
- South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, China; School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gaofei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yike Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Christopher H K Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; School of Biomedical Sciences Core Laboratory, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Xiaochun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, China.
| | - Haoran Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, China
| |
Collapse
|