Sequence analysis of full-length cDNA of sex chromosome-linked novel gene 2d-2F9 in Gallus gallus

Two glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase isogenes from Candida versatilis SN-18 play an important role in glycerol biosynthesis under osmotic stress

Two isogenes of glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD) from Candida versatilis SN-18 were cloned and sequenced. These intronless genes (Cagpd1 and Cagpd2) were both predicted to encode a 378 amino acid polypeptide, and the deduced amino acid sequences mutually showed 76% identity. Interestingly, Cagpd1 and Cagpd2 were located tandemly in a locus of genomic DNA within a 262 bp interval. To our knowledge, this represents a novel instance of isogenic genes relating to glucose metabolism. The stress response element (STRE) was found respectively at -93 to -89 bp upstream of the 5'end of Cagpd1 and -707 to -703 bp upstream of Cagpd2, indicating that these genes are involved in osmotic stress response. In heterologous expression using a gpd1Δgpd2Δ double deletion mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Cagpd1 and Cagpd2 transformants complemented the function of GPD, with Cagpd2 being much more effective than Cagpd1 in promoting growth and glycerol synthesis. Phylogenetic analysis of the amino acid sequences suggested that Cagpd1p and Cagpd2p are NADP(+)-dependent GPDs (EC 1.1.1.94). However, crude enzyme extract from Cagpd1 and Cagpd2 transformants showed GPD activity with only NAD(+) as cofactor. Hence, both Cagpd1p and Cagpd2p are likely NAD(+)-dependent GPDs (EC 1.1.1.8), similar to GPDs from S. cerevisiae and Candida magnoliae.

The molecular genetics of ovarian differentiation in the avian model

In birds as in mammals, sex is determined at fertilization by the inheritance of sex chromosomes. However, sexual differentiation - development of a male or female phenotype - occurs during embryonic development. Sex differentiation requires the induction of sex-specific developmental pathways in the gonads, resulting in the formation of ovaries or testes. Birds utilize a different sex chromosome system to that of mammals, where females are the heterogametic sex (carrying Z and W chromosomes), while males are homogametic (carrying 2 Z chromosomes). Therefore, while some genes essential for testis and ovarian development are conserved, important differences also exist. Namely, the key mammalian male-determining factor SRY does not exist in birds, and another transcription factor, DMRT1, plays a central role in testis development. In contrast to our understanding of testis development, ovarian differentiation is less well-characterized. Given the presence of a female-specific chromosome, studies in chicken will provide insight into the induction and function of female-specific gonadal pathways. In this review, we discuss sexual differentiation in chicken embryos, with emphasis on ovarian development. We highlight genes that may play a conserved role in this process, and discuss how interaction between ovarian pathways may be regulated.