Heterochiasmy and the establishment of gsdf as a novel sex determining gene in Atlantic halibut

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β): A master signal pathway in teleost sex determination

Sex determination and differentiation in fish has always been a hot topic in genetic breeding of aquatic animals. With the advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) in recent years, sex chromosomes and sex determining genes can be efficiently identified in teleosts. To date, master sex determination genes have been elucidated in 114 species, of which 72 species have sex determination genes belonging to TGF-β superfamily. TGF-β is the only signaling pathway that the largest proportion of components, which including ligands (amhy, gsdfy, gdf6), receptors (amhr, bmpr), and regulator (id2bby), have opportunity recognized as a sex determination gene. In this review, we focus on the recent studies about teleost sex-determination genes within TGF-β superfamily and propose several hypotheses on how these genes regulate sex determination process. Differing from other reviews, our review specifically devotes significant attention to all members of the TGF-β signal pathway, not solely the sex determination genes within the TGF-β superfamily. However, the functions of the paralogous genes of TGF superfamily are still needed ongoing research. Further studies are required to more accurately interpret the molecular mechanism of TGF-β superfamily sex determination genes.

Diversity and Convergence of Sex-Determination Mechanisms in Teleost Fish

Sexual reproduction is prevalent across diverse taxa. However, sex-determination mechanisms are so diverse that even closely related species often differ in sex-determination systems. Teleost fish is a taxonomic group with frequent turnovers of sex-determining mechanisms and thus provides us with great opportunities to investigate the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms underlying the turnover of sex-determining systems. Here, we compile recent studies on the diversity of sex-determination mechanisms in fish. We demonstrate that genes in the TGF-β signaling pathway are frequently used for master sex-determining (MSD) genes. MSD genes arise via two main mechanisms, duplication-and-transposition and allelic mutations, with a few exceptions. We also demonstrate that temperature influences sex determination in many fish species, even those with sex chromosomes, with higher temperatures inducing differentiation into males in most cases. Finally, we review theoretical models for the turnover of sex-determining mechanisms and discuss what questions remain elusive.

Sex-limited experimental evolution drives transcriptomic divergence in a hermaphrodite

The evolution of gonochorism from hermaphroditism is linked with the formation of sex chromosomes, as well as the evolution of sex-biased and sex-specific gene expression to allow both sexes to reach their fitness optimum. There is evidence that sexual selection drives the evolution of male-biased gene expression in particular. However, previous research in this area in animals comes from either theoretical models or comparative studies of already old sex chromosomes. We therefore investigated changes in gene expression under 3 different selection regimes for the simultaneous hermaphrodite Macrostomum lignano subjected to sex-limited experimental evolution (i.e. selection for fitness via eggs, sperm, or a control regime allowing both). After 21 and 22 generations of selection for male-specific or female-specific fitness, we characterized changes in whole-organism gene expression. We found that female-selected lines had changed the most in their gene expression. Although annotation for this species is limited, gene ontology term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses suggest that metabolic changes (e.g. biosynthesis of amino acids and carbon metabolism) are an important adaptive component. As predicted, we found that the expression of genes previously identified as testis-biased candidates tended to be downregulated in the female-selected lines. We did not find any significant expression differences for previously identified candidates of other sex-specific organs, but this may simply reflect that few transcripts have been characterized in this way. In conclusion, our experiment suggests that changes in testis-biased gene expression are important in the early evolution of sex chromosomes and gonochorism.

Has recombination changed during the recent evolution of the guppy Y chromosome?

Genome sequencing and genetic mapping of molecular markers have demonstrated nearly complete Y-linkage across much of the guppy (Poecilia reticulata) XY chromosome pair. Predominant Y-linkage of factors controlling visible male-specific coloration traits also suggested that these polymorphisms are sexually antagonistic (SA). However, occasional exchanges with the X are detected, and recombination patterns also appear to differ between natural guppy populations, suggesting ongoing evolution of recombination suppression under selection created by partially sex-linked SA polymorphisms. We used molecular markers to directly estimate genetic maps in sires from 4 guppy populations. The maps are very similar, suggesting that their crossover patterns have not recently changed. Our maps are consistent with population genomic results showing that variants within the terminal 5 Mb of the 26.5 Mb sex chromosome, chromosome 12, are most clearly associated with the maleness factor, albeit incompletely. We also confirmed occasional crossovers proximal to the male-determining region, defining a second, rarely recombining, pseudo-autosomal region, PAR2. This fish species may therefore have no completely male-specific region (MSY) more extensive than the male-determining factor. The positions of the few crossover events suggest a location for the male-determining factor within a physically small repetitive region. A sex-reversed XX male had few crossovers in PAR2, suggesting that this region's low crossover rate depends on the phenotypic, not the genetic, sex. Thus, rare individuals whose phenotypic and genetic sexes differ, and/or occasional PAR2 crossovers in males can explain the failure to detect fully Y-linked variants.

Tilapia, a good model for studying reproductive endocrinology

The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), with a system of XX/XY sex determination, is a worldwide farmed fish with a shorter sexual maturation time than that of most cultured fish. Tilapia show a spawning cycle of approximately 14 days and can be artificially propagated in the laboratory all year round to obtain genetically all female (XX) and all male (XY) fry. Its genome sequence has been opened, and a perfect gene editing platform has been established. With a moderate body size, it is convenient for taking enough blood to measure hormone level. In recent years, using tilapia as animal model, we have confirmed that estrogen is crucial for female development because 1) mutation of star2, cyp17a1 or cyp19a1a (encoding aromatase, the key enzyme for estrogen synthesis) results in sex reversal (SR) due to estrogen deficiency in XX tilapia, while mutation of star1, cyp11a1, cyp17a2, cyp19a1b or cyp11c1 affects fertility due to abnormal androgen, cortisol and DHP levels in XY tilapia; 2) when the estrogen receptors (esr2a/esr2b) are mutated, the sex is reversed from female to male, while when the androgen receptors are mutated, the sex cannot be reversed; 3) the differentiated ovary can be transdifferentiated into functional testis by inhibition of estrogen synthesis, and the differentiated testis can be transdifferentiated into ovary by simultaneous addition of exogenous estrogen and androgen synthase inhibitor; 4) loss of male pathway genes amhy, dmrt1, gsdf causes SR with upregulation of cyp19a1a in XY tilapia. Disruption of estrogen synthesis rescues the male to female SR of amhy and gsdf but not dmrt1 mutants; 5) mutation of female pathway genes foxl2 and sf-1 causes SR with downregulation of cyp19a1a in XX tilapia; 6) the germ cell SR of foxl3 mutants fails to be rescued by estrogen treatment, indicating that estrogen determines female germ cell fate through foxl3. This review also summarized the effects of deficiency of other steroid hormones, such as androgen, DHP and cortisol, on fish reproduction. Overall, these studies demonstrate that tilapia is an excellent animal model for studying reproductive endocrinology of fish.

Rapid turnover and evolution of sex-determining regions in Sebastes rockfishes

Nature has evolved a wealth of sex determination (SD) mechanisms, driven by both genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies of SD in fishes have shown that not all taxa fit the classic paradigm of sex chromosome evolution and diverse SD methods can be found even among closely related species. Here, we apply a suite of genomic approaches to investigate sex-biased genomic variation in eight species of Sebastes rockfish found in the northeast Pacific Ocean. Using recently assembled chromosome-level rockfish genomes, we leverage published sequence data to identify disparate sex chromosomes and sex-biased loci in five species. We identify two putative male sex chromosomes in S. diaconus, a single putative sex chromosome in the sibling species S. carnatus and S. chrysomelas, and an unplaced sex determining contig in the sibling species S. miniatus and S. crocotulus. Our study provides evidence for disparate means of sex determination within a recently diverged set of species and sheds light on the diverse origins of sex determination mechanisms present in the animal kingdom.

SNP Panel and Genomic Sex Identification in Atlantic Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus)

The ability to identify sex is necessary in population biology for a proper understanding of the dynamics of a population. In Atlantic halibut, phenotypic sex identification is not possible due to the lack of significant external morphological differences. We developed an Illumina SNP panel for Atlantic halibut with 4000 SNPs spread evenly throughout the genome with a minor allele frequency MAF ≥ 0.4, except for N = 249 SNPs located in a sex-determining region on chromosome 12, N = 176 of these SNPs were selected to genetically identify male and female individuals using a DAPC analysis. The genomic identification of sex allows for non-lethal sex determination and validation of sex identification in the field. The SNP panel is a new genomic resource for Atlantic halibut that will make it possible to generate the genotypic data for the large number of individuals needed to estimate population abundance using genomics and the Close Kin Mark Recapture (CKMR) approach, an emerging component of fisheries management and stock monitoring.

Evaluating the role of sexual antagonism in the evolution of sex chromosomes: new data from fish

The recent increase in available molecular and genomic data for diverse taxa helps to shed new light on long-standing theories. Research into sex chromosome evolution has particularly benefited from a growing number of studies of fish, motivated by their highly diverse mechanisms of sex determination. Sexual antagonism is regularly cited as an influential force in sex chromosome emergence; however, this so far proves difficult to demonstrate. In this review, we highlight recent developments in the investigation of sexual antagonism in sex chromosome research in fish. We find strong emphasis placed on study-organism specific genomic features and patterns of recombination, rather than evidence for a comprehensive role of sexual antagonism. In this light, we discuss the alternative models of sex chromosome evolution. We conclude that fish represents a key resource for further research, provided attention is given to species-specific effects while simultaneously integrating comparative studies across taxa for a vital and comprehensive understanding of sex chromosome evolution and investigation of proposed models.

Insights into the circulating microbiome of Atlantic and Greenland halibut populations: the role of species-specific and environmental factors

Establishing long-term microbiome-based monitoring programs is critical for managing and conserving wild fish populations in response to climate change. In most cases, these studies have been conducted on gut and, to a lesser extent, skin (mucus) microbiomes. Here, we exploited the concept of liquid biopsy to study the circulating bacterial microbiome of two Northern halibut species of economic and ecological importance. Amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene were achieved using a single drop of blood fixed on FTA cards to identify the core blood microbiome of Atlantic and Greenland halibut populations inhabiting the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada. We provide evidence that the circulating microbiome DNA (cmDNA) is driven by genetic and environmental factors. More specifically, we found that the circulating microbiome signatures are species-specific and vary according to sex, size, temperature, condition factor, and geographical localization. Overall, our study provides a novel approach for detecting dysbiosis signatures and the risk of disease in wild fish populations for fisheries management, most notably in the context of climate change.

Bisphenol A alters sexual dimorphism and gene expression in marine medaka Oryzias melastigma

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor that is present in freshwater and marine environments. However, conclusive evidence for the toxicity of chronic BPA exposure to marine fishes remains lacking. Therefore, we investigated the influence of BPA on male marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma). BPA exposure induced formation of testis-ova at 2610 µg/L, and male-type anal fins became more female type in a concentration-dependent manner. Some males with female-type anal fins had normal testes, indicating that anal fin shape is more sensitive to BPA. Gonadal soma-derived factor (gsdf) expression decreased after BPA exposure in the 746 and 2610 µg/L exposure groups, although the changes were not statistically significant. Additionally, liver vitellogenin (vtg) expression increased in a dose-dependent manner and was significantly higher in all exposure groups. vtg and gsdf are likely to be useful biomarkers for the impact of estrogenic endocrine disrupters in O. melastigma.

Master-Key Regulators of Sex Determination in Fish and Other Vertebrates-A Review

In vertebrates, mainly single genes with an allele ratio of 1:1 trigger sex-determination (SD), leading to initial equal sex-ratios. Such genes are designated master-key regulators (MKRs) and are frequently associated with DNA structural variations, such as copy-number variation and null-alleles. Most MKR knowledge comes from fish, especially cichlids, which serve as a genetic model for SD. We list 14 MKRs, of which dmrt1 has been identified in taxonomically distant species such as birds and fish. The identification of MKRs with known involvement in SD, such as amh and fshr, indicates that a common network drives SD. We illustrate a network that affects estrogen/androgen equilibrium, suggesting that structural variation may exert over-expression of the gene and thus form an MKR. However, the reason why certain factors constitute MKRs, whereas others do not is unclear. The limited number of conserved MKRs suggests that their heterologous sequences could be used as targets in future searches for MKRs of additional species. Sex-specific mortality, sex reversal, the role of temperature in SD, and multigenic SD are examined, claiming that these phenomena are often consequences of artificial hybridization. We discuss the essentiality of taxonomic authentication of species to validate purebred origin before MKR searches.

A chromosome-level genome assembly enables the identification of the follicule stimulating hormone receptor as the master sex-determining gene in the flatfish Solea senegalensis

Sex determination (SD) shows huge variation among fish and a high evolutionary rate, as illustrated by the Pleuronectiformes (flatfishes). This order is characterized by its adaptation to demersal life, compact genomes and diversity of SD mechanisms. Here, we assembled the Solea senegalensis genome, a flatfish of great commercial value, into 82 contigs (614 Mb) combining long- and short-read sequencing, which were next scaffolded using a highly dense genetic map (28,838 markers, 21 linkage groups), representing 98.9% of the assembly. Further, we established the correspondence between the assembly and the 21 chromosomes by using BAC-FISH. Whole genome resequencing of six males and six females enabled the identification of 41 single nucleotide polymorphism variants in the follicle stimulating hormone receptor (fshr) consistent with an XX/XY SD system. The observed sex association was validated in a broader independent sample, providing a novel molecular sexing tool. The fshr gene displayed differential expression between male and female gonads from 86 days post-fertilization, when the gonad is still an undifferentiated primordium, concomitant with the activation of amh and cyp19a1a, testis and ovary marker genes, respectively, in males and females. The Y-linked fshr allele, which included 24 nonsynonymous variants and showed a highly divergent 3D protein structure, was overexpressed in males compared to the X-linked allele at all stages of gonadal differentiation. We hypothesize a mechanism hampering the action of the follicle stimulating hormone driving the undifferentiated gonad toward testis.

Independent Evolution of Sex Chromosomes and Male Pregnancy-Related Genes in Two Seahorse Species

Unlike birds and mammals, many teleosts have homomorphic sex chromosomes, and changes in the chromosome carrying the sex-determining locus, termed "turnovers", are common. Recent turnovers allow studies of several interesting questions. One question is whether the new sex-determining regions evolve to become completely non-recombining, and if so, how and why. Another is whether (as predicted) evolutionary changes that benefit one sex accumulate in the newly sex-linked region. To study these questions, we analyzed the genome sequences of two seahorse species of the Syngnathidae, a fish group in which many species evolved a unique structure, the male brood pouch. We find that both seahorse species have XY sex chromosome systems, but their sex chromosome pairs are not homologs, implying that at least one turnover event has occurred. The Y-linked regions occupy 63.9% and 95.1% of the entire sex chromosome of the two species and do not exhibit extensive sequence divergence with their X-linked homologs. We find evidence for occasional recombination between the extant sex chromosomes that may account for their homomorphism. We argue that these Y-linked regions did not evolve by recombination suppression after the turnover, but by the ancestral nature of the low crossover rates in these chromosome regions. With such an ancestral crossover landscape, a turnover can instantly create an extensive Y-linked region. Finally, we test for adaptive evolution of male pouch-related genes after they became Y-linked in the seahorse.

Generation of a chromosome‐level genome assembly for Pacific halibut ( Hippoglossus stenolepis ) and characterization of its sex‐determining genomic region

The Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) is a key species in the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea ecosystems, where it also supports important fisheries. However, the lack of genomic resources limits our understanding of evolutionary, environmental and anthropogenic forces affecting key life history characteristics of Pacific halibut and prevents the application of genomic tools in fisheries management and conservation efforts. In the present study, we report on the first generation of a high‐quality chromosome‐level assembly of the Pacific halibut genome, with an estimated size of 602 Mb, 24 chromosome‐length scaffolds that contain 99.8% of the assembly and a N₅₀ scaffold length of 27.3 Mb. In the first application of this important resource, we conducted genome‐wide analyses of sex‐specific genetic variation by pool sequencing and characterized a potential sex‐determining region in chromosome 9 with a high density of female‐specific SNPs. Within this region, we identified the bmpr1ba gene as a potential candidate for master sex‐determining (MSD) gene. bmpr1ba is a member of the TGF‐β family that in teleosts has provided the largest number of MSD genes, including a paralogue of this gene in Atlantic herring. The genome assembly constitutes an essential resource for future studies on Pacific halibut population structure and dynamics, evolutionary history and responses to environmental and anthropogenic influences. Furthermore, the genomic location of the sex‐determining region in Pacific halibut has been identified and a putative candidate MSD gene has been proposed, providing further support for the rapid evolution of sex‐determining mechanisms in teleost fish.