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Chen G, Zhou T, Cao J, Li X, Zhu C, Wang L, Zou G, Liang H. Roles of estrogen receptors during sexual reversal in Pelodiscus sinensis. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:634. [PMID: 38727746 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09482-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, exhibits distinct sexual dimorphism, with the males growing faster and larger than the females. During breeding, all-male offspring can be obtained using 17β-estradiol (E2). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying E2-induced sexual reversal have not yet been elucidated. Previous studies have investigated the molecular sequence and expression characteristics of estrogen receptors (ERs). METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, primary liver cells and embryos of P. sinensis were treated with ER agonists or inhibitors. Cell incubation experiments revealed that nuclear ERs (nERs) were the main pathway for the transmission of estrogen signals. Our results showed that ERα agonist (ERα-ag) upregulated the expression of Rspo1, whereas ERα inhibitor (ERα-Inh) downregulated its expression. The expression of Dmrt1 was enhanced after ERα-Inh + G-ag treatment, indicating that the regulation of male genes may not act through a single estrogen receptor, but a combination of ERs. In embryos, only the ERα-ag remarkably promoted the expression levels of Rspo1, Wnt4, and β-catenin, whereas the ERα-Inh had a suppressive effect. Additionally, Dmrt1, Amh, and Sox9 expression levels were downregulated after ERβ inhibitor (ERβ-Inh) treatment. GPER agonist (G-ag) has a significant promotion effect on Rspo1, Wnt4, and β-catenin, while the inhibitor G-Inh does not affect male-related genes. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these results suggest that ERs play different roles during sexual reversal in P. sinensis and ERα may be the main carrier of estrogen-induced sexual reversal in P. sinensis. Further studies need to be performed to analyze the mechanism of ER action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guobin Chen
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan, 430223, China
| | - Tong Zhou
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan, 430223, China
| | - Jizeng Cao
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan, 430223, China
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Anhui Xijia Agricultural Development Co. Ltd, Bengbu, 233700, China
| | - Chengjun Zhu
- Anhui Xijia Agricultural Development Co. Ltd, Bengbu, 233700, China
| | - Long Wang
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan, 430223, China
| | - Guiwei Zou
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan, 430223, China
| | - Hongwei Liang
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan, 430223, China.
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Gao Y, Wu Q, Wang G, Zhang S, Ma W, Shi X, Liu H, Wu L, Tian X, Li X, Ma X. Histomorphic analysis and expression of mRNA and miRNA in embryonic gonadal differentiation in Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). Gene 2024; 893:147913. [PMID: 37866663 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147913] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
The Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is extensively cultured in Asia for its nutritional and medical value. Gonadal differentiation is fantastic in turtles, whereas morphologic, mRNA, and miRNA expressions were insufficient in the turtle. In this study, ovaries and testes histomorphology analysis of 14-23 stage embryos were performed, and mRNA and miRNA expression profiles were analyzed. Histomorphology analysis revealed that gonads were undifferentiated at embryonic stage 14. Ovarian morphological differentiation became evident from stage 15, which was characterized by the development of the cortical region and degeneration of the medullary region. Concurrently, testicular morphological differentiation was apparent from stage 15, marked by the development of the medullary region and degeneration of the cortical region. qRT-PCR results showed that Cyp19a1 and Foxl2 exhibited female-specific expression at stage 15 and the expression increased throughout most of the embryonic development. Dmrt1, Amh, and Sox9 displayed male-specific expression at stage 15 and tended to increase substantially at later developmental stages. The expression of miR-8356 and miR-3299 in ZZ gonads were significantly higher than that in ZW gonads at stage 15, 17 and 19, and they had the highest expression at stage 15. While the expression of miR-8085 and miR-7982 had the highest expression at stage 19. Furthermore, chromatin remodeler genes showed differential expression in female and male P. sinensis gonads. These results of master sex-differentiation genes and morphological characteristics would provide a reference for the research of sex differentiation and sex reversal in turtles. Additionally, the expression of chromatin remodeler genes indicated they might be involved in gonadal differentiation of P. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Gao
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Qisheng Wu
- Fisheries Research Institute of Fujian, Xiamen 361000, China.
| | - Guiyu Wang
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Shufang Zhang
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Wenge Ma
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Xi Shi
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Huifen Liu
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Limin Wu
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Xue Tian
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Xuejun Li
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Xiao Ma
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
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Zhu J, Wang Y, Chen C, Ji L, Hong X, Liu X, Chen H, Wei C, Zhu X, Li W. Identification of Sex-Specific Markers and Candidate Genes Using WGS Sequencing Reveals a ZW-Type Sex-Determination System in the Chinese Soft-Shell Turtle ( Pelodiscus sinensis). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:819. [PMID: 38255893 PMCID: PMC10815769 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020819] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Male and female Chinese soft-shelled turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis) have sex-dimorphic growth patterns, and males have higher commercial value because of their larger size and thicker calipash. Thus, developing sex-specific markers is beneficial to studies on all-male breeding in P. sinensis. Here, we developed an accurate and efficient workflow for the screening of sex-specific sequences with ZW or XY sex determination systems. Based on this workflow, female and male P. sinensis reference genomes of 2.23 Gb and 2.26 Gb were obtained using de novo assembly. After aligning and filtering, 4.01 Mb female-specific sequences were finally identified. Subsequently, the seven developed sex-specific primer pairs were 100% accurate in preliminary, population, and embryonic validation. The presence and absence of bands for the primers of P44, P45, P66, P67, P68, and P69, as well as two and one bands for the PB1 primer, indicate that the embryos are genetically female and male, respectively. NR and functional annotations identified several sex-determining candidate genes and related pathways, including Ran, Eif4et, and Crkl genes, and the insulin signaling pathway and the cAMP signaling pathway, respectively. Collectively, our results reveal that a ZW-type sex-determination system is present in P. sinensis and provide novel insights for the screening of sex-specific markers, sex-control breeding, and the studies of the sex determination mechanism of P. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxian Zhu
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China;
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (Y.W.); (C.C.); (L.J.); (X.H.); (X.L.); (H.C.); (C.W.)
| | - Yongchang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (Y.W.); (C.C.); (L.J.); (X.H.); (X.L.); (H.C.); (C.W.)
| | - Chen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (Y.W.); (C.C.); (L.J.); (X.H.); (X.L.); (H.C.); (C.W.)
| | - Liqin Ji
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (Y.W.); (C.C.); (L.J.); (X.H.); (X.L.); (H.C.); (C.W.)
| | - Xiaoyou Hong
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (Y.W.); (C.C.); (L.J.); (X.H.); (X.L.); (H.C.); (C.W.)
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (Y.W.); (C.C.); (L.J.); (X.H.); (X.L.); (H.C.); (C.W.)
| | - Haigang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (Y.W.); (C.C.); (L.J.); (X.H.); (X.L.); (H.C.); (C.W.)
| | - Chengqing Wei
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (Y.W.); (C.C.); (L.J.); (X.H.); (X.L.); (H.C.); (C.W.)
| | - Xinping Zhu
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China;
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (Y.W.); (C.C.); (L.J.); (X.H.); (X.L.); (H.C.); (C.W.)
| | - Wei Li
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China;
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (Y.W.); (C.C.); (L.J.); (X.H.); (X.L.); (H.C.); (C.W.)
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Zhang Q, Chen J, Wang W, Lin J, Guo J. Genome-wide investigation of the TGF-β superfamily in scallops. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:24. [PMID: 38166626 PMCID: PMC10763453 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09942-w] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily genes can regulate various processes, especially in embryogenesis, adult development, and homeostasis. To understand the evolution and divergence patterns of the TGF-β superfamily in scallops, genome-wide data from the Bay scallop (Argopecten irradians), the Zhikong scallop (Chlamys farreri) and the Yesso scallop (Mizuhopecten yessoensis) were systematically analysed using bioinformatics methods. RESULTS Twelve members of the TGF-β superfamily were identified for each scallop. The phylogenetic tree showed that these genes were grouped into 11 clusters, including BMPs, ADMP, NODAL, GDF, activin/inhibin and AMH. The number of exons and the conserved motif showed some differences between different clusters, while genes in the same cluster exhibited high similarity. Selective pressure analysis revealed that the TGF-β superfamily in scallops was evolutionarily conserved. The spatiotemporal expression profiles suggested that different TGF-β members have distinct functions. Several BMP-like and NODAL-like genes were highly expressed in early developmental stages, patterning the embryonic body plan. GDF8/11-like genes showed high expression in striated muscle and smooth muscle, suggesting that these genes may play a critical role in regulating muscle growth. Further analysis revealed a possible duplication of AMH, which played a key role in gonadal growth/maturation in scallops. In addition, this study found that several genes were involved in heat and hypoxia stress in scallops, providing new insights into the function of the TGF-β superfamily. CONCLUSION Characteristics of the TGF-β superfamily in scallops were identified, including sequence structure, phylogenetic relationships, and selection pressure. The expression profiles of these genes in different tissues, at different developmental stages and under different stresses were investigated. Generally, the current study lays a foundation for further study of their pleiotropic biological functions in scallops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Institute of Oceanography, College of Geography and Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory on Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Marine Bioaffiliationersity, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Jianming Chen
- Institute of Oceanography, College of Geography and Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, 350108, China.
- Fujian Key Laboratory on Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Marine Bioaffiliationersity, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, 350108, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Institute of Oceanography, College of Geography and Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, 350108, China.
- Fujian Key Laboratory on Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Marine Bioaffiliationersity, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, 350108, China.
| | - Jingyu Lin
- Institute of Oceanography, College of Geography and Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Jiabao Guo
- Institute of Oceanography, College of Geography and Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
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5
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Zhou T, Cao J, Chen G, Wang Y, Zou G, Liang H. Role of Sox3 in Estradiol-Induced Sex Reversal in Pelodiscus sinensis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:248. [PMID: 38203425 PMCID: PMC10779075 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis, an economically important species in China, exhibits significant sexual dimorphism. Males are more valuable than females owing to their wider calipash and faster growth. Estradiol (E2)-induced sex reversal is used to achieve all-male breeding of turtles; however, the mechanism of this sex reversal remains unclear. In this study, we characterized the Sox3 gene, whose expression level was high in the gonads and brain and exhibited significant sexual dimorphism in the ovary. During embryonic development, Sox3 was highly expressed at the initiation of ovarian differentiation. E2 and Sox3-RNAi treatment before sexual differentiation led to 1352, 908, 990, 1011, and 975 differentially expressed genes in five developmental stages, respectively, compared with only E2 treatment. The differentially expressed genes were clustered into 20 classes. The continuously downregulated and upregulated genes during gonadal differentiation were categorized into Class 0 (n = 271) and Class 19 (n = 606), respectively. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that Sox3 significantly affected sexual differentiation via the Wnt, TGF-β, and TNF signaling pathways and mRNA surveillance pathway. The expression of genes involved in these signaling pathways, such as Dkk4, Nog, Msi1, and Krt14, changed significantly during gonadal differentiation. In conclusion, the deletion of Sox3 may lead to significant upregulation of the mRNA surveillance pathway and TNF and Ras signaling pathways and downregulation of the Wnt and TGF-β signaling pathways, inhibiting E2-induced sex reversal. These findings suggest that Sox3 may play a certain promoting effect during E2-induced sex reversal in P. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Zhou
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan 430223, China; (T.Z.); (J.C.); (G.C.); (Y.W.); (G.Z.)
| | - Jizeng Cao
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan 430223, China; (T.Z.); (J.C.); (G.C.); (Y.W.); (G.Z.)
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Guobin Chen
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan 430223, China; (T.Z.); (J.C.); (G.C.); (Y.W.); (G.Z.)
| | - Yubin Wang
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan 430223, China; (T.Z.); (J.C.); (G.C.); (Y.W.); (G.Z.)
| | - Guiwei Zou
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan 430223, China; (T.Z.); (J.C.); (G.C.); (Y.W.); (G.Z.)
| | - Hongwei Liang
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan 430223, China; (T.Z.); (J.C.); (G.C.); (Y.W.); (G.Z.)
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Zhang Y, Yu X, Liu L, Zheng J. Mechanisms of DHEA-induced AMH increase in the ovarian tissues of PCOS rat. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100797. [PMID: 37633225 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100797] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to build a DHEA-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rat model to evaluate the potential mechanism of DHEA-induced AMH rise in these rat ovarian tissues. A total of 36 female 3-week-old rats were allocated into two groups at random. The control group received merely the same amount of sesame oil for 20 days while the experimental group received 0.2 mL of sesame oil Plus DHEA 6 mg/100 g daily. Both groups' vaginal opening times were noted, and vaginal smears were taken. By using RT-qPCR and Western blot, the mRNA and protein expression of AMH, GATA4, SF1, and SOX9 in the ovarian tissues of the two groups was investigated.The rats in the experimental group appeared to have obvious disorders of the estrus cycle, as evidenced by the ratio of estrus being significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05); HE staining revealed that the ovarian volume, follicular vacuoles, and follicular lumen of the rats in the experimental group increased significantly.The ELISA results revealed that T and AMH in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group at day 15 and 20. AMH、GATA4 and SF1 mRNA and protein expression were higher in the experimental group than in the control group on day 15 and 20 (P < 0.05). On day 20, the experimental group outperformed the control group (P < 0.05). In the DHEA-induced PCOS rat model, androgen may have enhanced AMH expression via increasing the expression of genes associated to the AMH promoter binding site (GATA4, SF1, SOX9).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine,The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaomeng Yu
- Departments of Obstetrics,Women and Children's Hospital of Jinzhou, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
| | - Lili Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine,The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
| | - Jindan Zheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine,The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China.
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François C, Paillusseau C, Bagatella S, Origgi F, Schilliger L. Case report: Intracoelomic neoplastic mass of undetermined origin in an Asia minor spur-thighed tortoise ( Testudo graeca ibera). Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1265034. [PMID: 38033634 PMCID: PMC10682079 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1265034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This article describes the diagnostic, treatment and attempted characterization of a neoplasia of undetermined origin in a Asia minor spur-thighed tortoise. A 21-year-old male Asia minor spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca ibera) was admitted for a 4-month history of diarrhea, and a 2-month history of anorexia and lethargy. Physical examination revealed a firm midcoelomic mass in the right prefemoral fossa. Blood biochemistry indicated hypocalcemia and mild elevation of aspartate aminotransferase. Supportive care was administered in the form of heating, baths, and calcium injections. Ultrasound examination of the coelomic cavity revealed a 6-cm diameter, highly vascularized mass with liver-like echogenicity. Neoplasia was suspected, and endoscopy was performed, revealing a brown circumscribed mass with smooth edges. Surgical removal of the mass was evaluated by CT scan and achieved via a plastrotomy; however, the patient died 1 day post-surgery. The mass was located on the dorsal right side of the coelomic cavity in the anatomic location of the right testicle. Histopathology revealed neoplastic cells organized in packets supported by fibrous septa. Neoplastic cells showed moderate and inconsistent positive immunohistochemical labeling for S100 and NSE, and negative immunohistochemical labeling for pan-cytokeratin, vimentin, CD3, CD79a, chromogranin A, and synaptophysin. The prominent histological and anatomical characteristics of the mass indicated a possible testicular or neuroendocrine (e.g., adrenal gland) origin. Due to inconclusive immunohistochemical profiles and poorly differentiated neoplastic cells, only a final diagnosis of intracoelomic malignant tumor of undetermined origin could be established. This case underscores the difficulties encountered in achieving definitive diagnoses of neoplastic diseases in reptile medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stefano Bagatella
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Animal Pathology (ITPA), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Origgi
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Animal Pathology (ITPA), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Handi RM, Inamdar Doddamani LS. Sexually dimorphic expression of AMH facilitates testis differentiation pathway in the tropical lizard, Calotes versicolor (Daud.). Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 577:112011. [PMID: 37453692 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112011] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), also known as Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS), is a glycoprotein that belongs to transforming growth factor β superfamily. The significance of AMH during gonadal differentiation is not clearly deciphered in reptiles. Hence, current study aims to know the onset of AMH secretion and its functional role in Mullerian duct regression gonadal differentiation in tropical lizard, Calotes versicolor which exhibits a novel Female-Male-Female-Male (FMFM) pattern of temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). The Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR techniques were employed to analyze the gonadal expression profile of AMH during different stages of embryonic development. The eggs of the lizard were incubated at both male-producing temperature (MPT: 25.5 ± 0.5 °C) and female-producing temperatures (FPT: 31.5 ± 0.5 °C). The results reveal that the onset of AMH gene expression was observed as early as oviposition prior to the immunolocalization of AMH protein at early-TSP (Temperature-sensitive period). The substantial rise in the intensity of the immunoreaction of AMH protein in the cytoplasm confining to Sertoli cells of seminiferous cords at MPT with low level of expression at FPT during gonadal sex differentiation, specify sexually dimorphic expression of AMH protein. Further, with the onset of sexual differentiation, the developing testis immensely expresses AMH gene which is 7-fold greater than that of transcripts levels in female embryos; signifies its conserved role in Mullerian duct regression thereby promoting testis differentiation. The robust immunnoexpression of AMH protein during post-gonadal differentiation coincides with the onset of the regression of Mullerian duct point out a positive correlation between testis differentiation and Mullerian duct regression, thus facilitating testis differentiation pathway. Based on the immunoexpression pattern of AMH protein and transcript levels of AMH gene, it is inferred that AMH plays a significant role in Mullerian duct regression, favoring testis differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul M Handi
- Molecular Endocrinology, Reproduction and Development Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Karnatak University, Dharwad, 580 003, India
| | - Laxmi S Inamdar Doddamani
- Molecular Endocrinology, Reproduction and Development Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Karnatak University, Dharwad, 580 003, India.
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9
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Molecular cloning and characterization of Sirt1 and its role in the follicle of juvenile Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). Gene 2023; 860:147211. [PMID: 36708847 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147211] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Sirt1 is a member of the Sirtuins family that regulates ovarian senescence, follicular development, and oocyte maturation in vertebrates. To understand its role in the ovary of Pelodiscus sinensis, we cloned the full-length cDNA of Ps-Sirt1 and characterized its potential function by intraperitoneally injecting agonist (resveratrol) and antagonist (EX527) in the female juvenile turtle. The full-length cDNA of Ps-Sirt1 was 2106 bp, comprising 203 bp 5'UTR, a 226 bp 3'UTR, and a 1677 bp ORF encoding 558 amino acids. The calculated molecular weight of predicted protein was 63 kDa, and the isoelectric point was 4.65. The predicted protein comprised a conserved Sir2 domain. Amino acid sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses showed that Ps-Sirt1 was most closely related to turtles, and distantly related to fish. Expression pattern analysis showed Ps-Sirt1 was highest expressed in ovary, followed by testis, liver, heart, and brain. In the ovarian differentiation processes, Sirt1 showed significantly higher expression at embryonic stage 15 and 21. In the testis differentiation process, Sirt1 expression was downregulated at embryonic stages 15-19. Activated and inactivated Sirt1 decreased the number of primordial follicles in juvenile turtles. Bcl2, Bax, mTOR, and rpS6 expressions were up-regulated, whereas GnRH, Fshb, p50, and p65 were down-regulated after agonist treatment. The inaction of Sirt1 with antagonist up-regulated GnRH, Fshb, p65, p53, Foxo3a, Bcl2, Bax, mTOR, and rpS6, but down-regulated p50. In summary, Sirt1 might be involved in the ovarian follicle development of P. sinensis.
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10
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Gessler TB, Wu Z, Valenzuela N. Transcriptomic thermal plasticity underlying gonadal development in a turtle with ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes despite canalized genotypic sex determination. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e9854. [PMID: 36844670 PMCID: PMC9951354 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding genome-wide responses to environmental conditions during embryogenesis is essential for discerning the evolution of developmental plasticity and canalization, two processes generating phenotypic variation targeted by natural selection. Here, we present the first comparative trajectory analysis of matched transcriptomic developmental time series from two reptiles incubated under identical conditions, a turtle with a ZZ/ZW system of genotypic sex determination (GSD), Apalone spinifera, and a turtle with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), Chrysemys picta. Results from our genome-wide, hypervariate gene expression analysis of sexed embryos across five developmental stages revealed that substantial transcriptional plasticity in the developing gonads can persist for >145 Myr, long after the canalization of sex determination via the evolution of sex chromosomes, while some gene-specific thermal sensitivity drifts or evolves anew. Such standing thermosensitivity represents an underappreciated evolutionary potential harbored by GSD species that may be co-opted during future adaptive shifts in developmental programing, such as a GSD to TSD reversal, if favored by ecological conditions. Additionally, we identified novel candidate regulators of vertebrate sexual development in GSD reptiles, including sex-determining candidate genes in a ZZ/ZW turtle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thea B. Gessler
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal BiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA,Genetics and Genomics ProgramIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
| | - Zhiqiang Wu
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal BiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at ShenzhenChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Nicole Valenzuela
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal BiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
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11
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Lei L, Zhu J, Chen C, Wang Y, Wu C, Qi M, Wang Y, Liu X, Hong X, Yu L, Chen H, Wei C, Liu Y, Li W, Zhu X. Genome-wide identification, evolution and expression analysis of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) gene family in chinese soft-shell turtle ( Pelodiscus sinensis). Front Genet 2023; 14:1109478. [PMID: 36816024 PMCID: PMC9928969 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1109478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play a crucial role in bone formation and differentiation. Recent RNA-Seq results suggest that BMPs may be involved in the sex differentiation of P. sinensis, yet more relevant studies about BMPs in P. sinensis are lacking. Methods: Herein, we identified BMP gene family members, analyzed the phylogeny, collinear relationship, scaffold localization, gene structures, protein structures, transcription factors and dimorphic expression by using bioinformatic methods based on genomic and transcriptomic data of P. sinensis. Meanwhile, qRT-PCR was used to verify the RNA-Seq results and initially explore the function of the BMPs in the sex differentiation of P. sinensis. Results: A total of 11 BMP genes were identified, 10 of which were localized to their respective genomic scaffolds. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that BMP genes were divided into eight subfamilies and shared similar motifs ("WII", "FPL", "TNHA", "CCVP", and "CGC") and domain (TGF-β superfamily). The results of the sexually dimorphic expression profile and qRT-PCR showed that Bmp2, Bmp3, Bmp15l, Bmp5, Bmp6 and Bmp8a were significantly upregulated in ovaries, while Bmp2lb, Bmp7, Bmp2bl and Bmp10 were remarkable upregulated in testes, suggesting that these genes may play a role in sex differentiation of P. sinensis. Discussion: Collectively, our comprehensive results enrich the basic date for studying the evolution and functions of BMP genes in P. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luo Lei
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China,Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junxian Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China,College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongchang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Congcong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ming Qi
- Zhejiang Fisheries Technical Extension Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yakun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoyou Hong
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lingyun Yu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Haigang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chengqing Wei
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yihui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China,*Correspondence: Xinping Zhu, ; Wei Li,
| | - Xinping Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China,Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China,College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Xinping Zhu, ; Wei Li,
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12
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Jin L, Sun W, Bao H, Liang X, Li P, Shi S, Wang Z, Qian G, Ge C. The forkhead factor Foxl2 participates in the ovarian differentiation of Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis. Dev Biol 2022; 492:101-110. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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13
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Wang L, Cen S, Shi X, Zhang H, Wu L, Tian X, Ma W, Li X, Ma X. Molecular characterization and functional analysis of Esr1 and Esr2 in gonads of Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 222:106147. [PMID: 35714971 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2022.106147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens and their receptors play crucial roles in regulating the gonadal development of vertebrates. To clarify the roles of estrogen receptors in the gonadal development of turtles, estrogen receptors (Esr1 and Esr2) in Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) were identified and characterized, and their function in gonads was investigated by intraperitoneal injection of agonist propylpyrazoletriol (PPT) and diarylpropionitrile (DPN), and antagonist ICI 182,780 (ICI). Ps-Esr1 encoded a 588 amino acid protein and Ps-Esr2 encoded a 556 amino acid protein. The two receptors contained classic domains, including the DNA-binding domain and ligand-binding domain, and amino acid sequences showed high homology with other turtles. Ps-Esr1 showed the highest expression in the testis, followed by the ovary and liver. However, Ps-Esr2 showed the highest expression in the ovary, followed by the brain and testis. Ps-Esr1 expression showed an up-regulation trend in gonadal differentiation. Histomorphometric analysis showed that the number of follicles increased in female juvenile turtles treated with DPN or PPT. In addition, Tsc2, GnRH, and Fshβ were up-regulated in ovaries of turtles treated with agonists, while Sycp3 and Picalm were up-regulated in testes of turtles treated with agonists. Treatment with the antagonist decreased the number of sperm in matured turtles. Stra8, Scyp3, Dmc1, Picalm, Evl, Boule, and Cdk1 were up-regulated in testis after antagonist treatment. The results indicated that Esr1 might play an important role in gonadal differentiation, and the two estrogen receptors might be involved in the spermatogenesis of the turtle. These results could provide a reference for further research on the function of the estrogen signal in male vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luming Wang
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Shuangshuang Cen
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Xi Shi
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Haoran Zhang
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Limin Wu
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Xue Tian
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Wenge Ma
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Xuejun Li
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Xiao Ma
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
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14
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Wei W, He J, Yaqoob MA, Gui L, Ren J, Li J, Li M. Integrated mRNA and miRNA Expression Profile Analysis of Female and Male Gonads in Acrossocheilus fasciatus. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:1296. [PMID: 36138775 PMCID: PMC9495813 DOI: 10.3390/biology11091296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are regarded as key regulators in gonadal development and sex determination in diverse organisms. However, the functions of miRNAs in gonads of Acrossocheilus fasciatus, an economically important freshwater species in the south of China, are still unclear. Here, high-throughput sequencing was performed to investigate the mRNA and miRNAs on gonads of A. fasciatus. In total, 49,447 unigenes were obtained, including 11,635 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), among which 4147 upregulated genes and 7488 downregulated genes in the testis compared to the ovary, while 300 (237 known, and 63 novel) miRNAs with 36 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified, from which 17 upregulated and 19 downregulated DEMs. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed to analyze the potential biological functions of DEGs and DEMs. Using qRT-PCR, 9 sex-related genes and 9 miRNAs were selected to verify the sequencing data. By dual-luciferase reporter assay, miR-22a-5p and miR-22b-5p interaction with piwil1, and miR-10d-5p interaction with piwil2 were identified. These findings could provide a reference for miRNA-regulated sex control of A. fasciatus and may reveal new insights into aquaculture and breeding concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Wei
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Rice-Fish Farming, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Jiamei He
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Rice-Fish Farming, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Muhammad Amjad Yaqoob
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Rice-Fish Farming, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Lang Gui
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Rice-Fish Farming, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Jianfeng Ren
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Jiale Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Mingyou Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Rice-Fish Farming, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
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15
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Zhou T, Chen G, Chen M, Wang Y, Zou G, Liang H. Tandem Mass Tag-Based Quantitative Proteomics Analysis of Gonads Reveals New Insight into Sexual Reversal Mechanism in Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtles. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11071081. [PMID: 36101459 PMCID: PMC9312195 DOI: 10.3390/biology11071081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chinese soft-shelled turtles display obvious sex dimorphism. The exogenous application of hormones (estradiol and methyltestosterone) can change the direction of gonadal differentiation of P. sinensis to produce sex reversed individuals. However, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, TMT-based quantitative proteomics analysis of four types of P. sinensis (female, male, pseudo-female, and pseudo-male) gonads were compared. Quantitative analysis of 6107 labeled proteins in the four types of P. sinensis gonads was performed. We identified 440 downregulated and 423 upregulated proteins between pseudo-females and males, as well as 394 downregulated and 959 upregulated proteins between pseudo-males and females. In the two comparisons, the differentially expressed proteins, including K7FKG1, K7GIQ2, COL4A6, K7F2U2, and K7FF80, were enriched in some important pathways, such as focal adhesion, endocytosis, apoptosis, extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, and the regulation of actin cytoskeleton, which were upregulated in pseudo-female vs. male and downregulated in pseudo-male vs. female. In pathways such as ribosome and spliceosome, the levels of RPL28, SRSF3, SNRNP40, and HNRNPK were increased from male to pseudo-female, while they decreased from female to pseudo-male. All differentially expressed proteins after sexual reversal were divided into six clusters, according to their altered levels in the four types of P. sinensis, and associated with cellular processes, such as embryonic development and catabolic process, that were closely related to sexual reversal. These data will provide clues for the sexual reversal mechanism in P. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Zhou
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan 430223, China; (T.Z.); (G.C.); (M.C.); (Y.W.)
| | - Guobin Chen
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan 430223, China; (T.Z.); (G.C.); (M.C.); (Y.W.)
- College of Fisheries and Life, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Meng Chen
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan 430223, China; (T.Z.); (G.C.); (M.C.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yubin Wang
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan 430223, China; (T.Z.); (G.C.); (M.C.); (Y.W.)
- College of Fisheries and Life, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Guiwei Zou
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan 430223, China; (T.Z.); (G.C.); (M.C.); (Y.W.)
- Correspondence: (G.Z.); (H.L.); Tel.: +86-27-8178-0097 (H.L.)
| | - Hongwei Liang
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan 430223, China; (T.Z.); (G.C.); (M.C.); (Y.W.)
- Correspondence: (G.Z.); (H.L.); Tel.: +86-27-8178-0097 (H.L.)
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16
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Ma X, Liu F, Chen Q, Sun W, Shen J, Wu K, Zheng Z, Huang J, Chen J, Qian G, Ge C. Foxl2 is required for the initiation of the female pathway in a temperature-dependent sex determination system in Trachemys scripta. Development 2022; 149:275948. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.200863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
KDM6B-mediated epigenetic modification of the testicular regulator Dmrt1 has previously been identified as the primary switch of the male pathway in a temperature-dependent sex-determination (TSD) system; however, the molecular network of the female pathway has not yet been established. Here, we have functionally characterized for the first time an upstream regulator of the female pathway, the forkhead transcription factor FOXL2, in Trachemys scripta, a turtle species with a TSD system. FOXL2 exhibited temperature-dependent female-specific expression patterns before the onset of gonadal differentiation and was preferentially localized in ovarian somatic cells. Foxl2 responded rapidly to temperature shifts and estrogen. Importantly, forced expression of Foxl2 at the male-producing temperature led to male-to-female sex reversal, as evidenced by the formation of an ovary-like structure, and upregulation of the ovarian regulators Cyp19a1 and R-spondin1. Additionally, knockdown of Foxl2 caused masculinization at the female-producing temperature, which was confirmed by loss of the female phenotype, development of seminiferous tubules, and elevated expression of Dmrt1 and Sox9. Collectively, we demonstrate that Foxl2 expression is necessary and sufficient to drive ovarian determination in T. scripta, suggesting a crucial role of Foxl2 in female sex determination in the TSD system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Ma
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University 1 , Ningbo 315100 , China
- College of Fisheries and Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University 2 , Shanghai 201306 , China
| | - Fang Liu
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University 1 , Ningbo 315100 , China
- College of Fisheries and Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University 2 , Shanghai 201306 , China
| | - Qiran Chen
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University 1 , Ningbo 315100 , China
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China 3 MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding , , Qingdao 266003 , China
| | - Wei Sun
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University 1 , Ningbo 315100 , China
| | - Jiadong Shen
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University 1 , Ningbo 315100 , China
| | - Kaiyue Wu
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University 1 , Ningbo 315100 , China
| | - Ziyan Zheng
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University 1 , Ningbo 315100 , China
| | - Jiaqi Huang
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University 1 , Ningbo 315100 , China
| | - Jiawen Chen
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University 1 , Ningbo 315100 , China
| | - Guoying Qian
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University 1 , Ningbo 315100 , China
| | - Chutian Ge
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University 1 , Ningbo 315100 , China
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Lei L, Chen C, Zhu J, Wang Y, Liu X, Liu H, Geng L, Su J, Li W, Zhu X. Transcriptome analysis reveals key genes and pathways related to sex differentiation in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2022; 42:100986. [PMID: 35447559 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2022.100986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Most vertebrates exhibit sexual dimorphisms in size, colour, behaviour, physiology and many others. The Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) male individuals reach a larger size than females which produce significant economic implications in aquaculture. However, the mechanisms of sex determination and plastic patterns of sex differentiation in P. sinensis remain unclear. Here, comparative transcriptome analysis on male and female embryonic gonads prior to gonad formation and stages mediated gonadal differentiation of P. sinensis were performed to characterize the potential sex-related genes and their molecular pathways in P. sinensis. A total of 6369 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from day 9 and day 16 and assigned to 626 GO pathways and 161 KEGG signalling pathways, including ovarian steroidogenesis pathway, steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways, and the GnRH signalling pathway (P < 0.05). Moreover, protein interaction network analyses revealed that Akr1c3, Sult2b1, Sts, Cyp3a, Cyp1b1, Sox30 and Lhx9 might be key candidate genes for sex differentiation in P. sinensis. These data provide a genomic rationale for the sex differentiation of P. sinensis and enrich the candidate gene pool for sex differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luo Lei
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214081, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangdong, Guangzhou 510380, PR China
| | - Chen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangdong, Guangzhou 510380, PR China
| | - Junxian Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangdong, Guangzhou 510380, PR China
| | - Yakun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangdong, Guangzhou 510380, PR China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangdong, Guangzhou 510380, PR China
| | - Haiyang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangdong, Guangzhou 510380, PR China
| | - Lulu Geng
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214081, PR China
| | - Junyu Su
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangdong, Guangzhou 510380, PR China
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangdong, Guangzhou 510380, PR China.
| | - Xinping Zhu
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214081, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangdong, Guangzhou 510380, PR China.
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18
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Zhu J, Lei L, Chen C, Wang Y, Liu X, Geng L, Li R, Chen H, Hong X, Yu L, Wei C, Li W, Zhu X. Whole-Transcriptome Analysis Identifies Gender Dimorphic Expressions of Mrnas and Non-Coding Rnas in Chinese Soft-Shell Turtle ( Pelodiscus sinensis). BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11060834. [PMID: 35741355 PMCID: PMC9219891 DOI: 10.3390/biology11060834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
In aquaculture, the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is an economically important species with remarkable gender dimorphism in its growth patterns. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon have not been elucidated well. Here, we conducted a whole-transcriptome analysis of the female and male gonads of P. sinensis. Overall, 7833 DE mRNAs, 619 DE lncRNAs, 231 DE circRNAs, and 520 DE miRNAs were identified. Some "star genes" associated with sex differentiation containing dmrt1, sox9, and foxl2 were identified. Additionally, some potential genes linked to sex differentiation, such as bmp2, ran, and sox3, were also isolated in P. sinensis. Functional analysis showed that the DE miRNAs and DE ncRNAs were enriched in the pathways related to sex differentiation, including ovarian steroidogenesis, the hippo signaling pathway, and the calcium signaling pathway. Remarkably, a lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction network was constructed, containing the key genes associated with sex differentiation, including fgf9, foxl3, and dmrta2. Collectively, we constructed a gender dimorphism profile of the female and male gonads of P. sinensis, profoundly contributing to the exploration of the major genes and potential ncRNAs involved in the sex differentiation of P. sinensis. More importantly, we highlighted the potential functions of ncRNAs for gene regulation during sex differentiation in P. sinensis as well as in other turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxian Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (J.Z.); (L.L.); (C.C.); (Y.W.); (X.L.); (L.G.); (R.L.); (H.C.); (X.H.); (L.Y.); (C.W.)
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Luo Lei
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (J.Z.); (L.L.); (C.C.); (Y.W.); (X.L.); (L.G.); (R.L.); (H.C.); (X.H.); (L.Y.); (C.W.)
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (J.Z.); (L.L.); (C.C.); (Y.W.); (X.L.); (L.G.); (R.L.); (H.C.); (X.H.); (L.Y.); (C.W.)
| | - Yakun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (J.Z.); (L.L.); (C.C.); (Y.W.); (X.L.); (L.G.); (R.L.); (H.C.); (X.H.); (L.Y.); (C.W.)
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (J.Z.); (L.L.); (C.C.); (Y.W.); (X.L.); (L.G.); (R.L.); (H.C.); (X.H.); (L.Y.); (C.W.)
| | - Lulu Geng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (J.Z.); (L.L.); (C.C.); (Y.W.); (X.L.); (L.G.); (R.L.); (H.C.); (X.H.); (L.Y.); (C.W.)
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Ruiyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (J.Z.); (L.L.); (C.C.); (Y.W.); (X.L.); (L.G.); (R.L.); (H.C.); (X.H.); (L.Y.); (C.W.)
| | - Haigang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (J.Z.); (L.L.); (C.C.); (Y.W.); (X.L.); (L.G.); (R.L.); (H.C.); (X.H.); (L.Y.); (C.W.)
| | - Xiaoyou Hong
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (J.Z.); (L.L.); (C.C.); (Y.W.); (X.L.); (L.G.); (R.L.); (H.C.); (X.H.); (L.Y.); (C.W.)
| | - Lingyun Yu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (J.Z.); (L.L.); (C.C.); (Y.W.); (X.L.); (L.G.); (R.L.); (H.C.); (X.H.); (L.Y.); (C.W.)
| | - Chengqing Wei
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (J.Z.); (L.L.); (C.C.); (Y.W.); (X.L.); (L.G.); (R.L.); (H.C.); (X.H.); (L.Y.); (C.W.)
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (J.Z.); (L.L.); (C.C.); (Y.W.); (X.L.); (L.G.); (R.L.); (H.C.); (X.H.); (L.Y.); (C.W.)
- Correspondence: (W.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xinping Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (J.Z.); (L.L.); (C.C.); (Y.W.); (X.L.); (L.G.); (R.L.); (H.C.); (X.H.); (L.Y.); (C.W.)
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China
- Correspondence: (W.L.); (X.Z.)
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19
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Li P, Guo Y, Jin L, Liang X, Chen G, Sun W, Xiao L, Qian G, Ge C. ESR1 mediates estrogen-induced feminization of genetic male Chinese soft-shelled turtle. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:779-789. [PMID: 35512131 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Exogenous estrogen have shown their femininization abilities during the specific sex differentiation period in several reptiles. However, the specific regulatory mechanism and downstream regulatory genes of estrogen remain elusive. In the present study, 17β-estradiol (E2), as well as drugs of specific antagonists and/or agonists of estrogen receptors, were employed to figure out the molecular pathway involved in the E2-induced feminization in Chinese soft-shelled turtles, an important aquaculture species in China. E2 treatment led to typical female characteristics in the gonads of ZZ individuals, including thickened outer cortex containing a number of germ cells and degenerated medullary cords, as well as the disappearance of male marker SOX9, and the ectopic expression of ovarian regulator FOXL2 at the embryonic developmental stage 27 and 1 month after hatching. The specific ESR1 antagonist or a combination of three estrogen receptor antagonists could block the sex reversal of ZZ individuals induced by estrogen. In addition, specific activation of ESR1 by agonist also led to the feminization of ZZ gonads, which was similar to the effect of estrogen treatment. Furthermore, transcriptome data showed that the expression level of FOXL2 was significantly up-regulated, while mRNA levels of DMRT1, SOX9 and AMH were down-regulated after estrogen treatment. Taken together, our results indicated that E2 induced the feminization of ZZ Chinese soft-shelled turtles via ESR1, and decrease of male genes DMRT1, SOX9and AMH and increase of ovarian development regulator FOXL2 might be responsible for the initiation of E2-induced feminization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Li
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China.,College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China
| | - Yin Guo
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China.,College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China
| | - Lin Jin
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China.,College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- College of Fisheries and Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Gaoan Chen
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China.,College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China
| | - Ling Xiao
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China.,College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China
| | - Guoying Qian
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China
| | - Chutian Ge
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China.,College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China
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20
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Zhou X, Luo H, Zeng D, Hu Y, Wang P, Xiong G, Wang X. Sex-relevant genes in the embryo stage of Chinese soft-shelled turtles as revealed by RNA-Seq analysis. ANIM BIOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1163/15707563-bja10073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is an economically important and rare freshwater aquaculture species in China. The male turtles have better economic benefits than females due to their faster growth speed. In order to explore the mechanism of sex differentiation and determination of P. sinensis, transcriptome analysis was carried out using embryo samples from the sex determination, sex differentiation and shelling stages, respectively. The gender types of embryos were identified by genotyping and histological analysis. In all, 277,230 and 273,859 genes were identified from embryos of male and female turtles, respectively. Cluster analysis of gene expression patterns exhibited trends for all differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which can be classified into three subclusters. In the sex determination, sex differentiation, and shelling stages 975, 43, and 300 DEGs, respectively, were identified by comparing the male and female groups. KEGG analysis was used to explore the function of the DEGs. Fgf9, foxl2, mex3b, sox7,tgfβ-3, wnt4, wnt7a, and wt1 were upregulated in ovary development stages and chfr, ampk, aldh2, dao, glt1d1, hvcn1, psmd9, srsf9 and ubc were upregulated in testis development stages, indicating that these genes play important roles in the sex development of P. sinensis. The results of this study provide preliminary insights into the sex determination and differentiation of Chinese soft-shelled turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianwen Zhou
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, Hunan, China
- Affair Center of Animal Husbandry and Aquaculture in XiangXi Autonomous Prefecture, Jishou 416000, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Luo
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Southwest University College of Animal Science, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Dan Zeng
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Yazhou Hu
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Pei Wang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Gang Xiong
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Biological Electromechanical Vocational and Technical College, Changsha 410126, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, Hunan, China
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21
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Sex Chromosomes and Master Sex-Determining Genes in Turtles and Other Reptiles. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111822. [PMID: 34828428 PMCID: PMC8622242 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Among tetrapods, the well differentiated heteromorphic sex chromosomes of birds and mammals have been highly investigated and their master sex-determining (MSD) gene, Dmrt1 and SRY, respectively, have been identified. The homomorphic sex chromosomes of reptiles have been the least studied, but the gap with birds and mammals has begun to fill. This review describes our current knowledge of reptilian sex chromosomes at the cytogenetic and molecular level. Most of it arose recently from various studies comparing male to female gene content. This includes restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq) experiments in several male and female samples, RNA sequencing and identification of Z- or X-linked genes by male/female comparative transcriptome coverage, and male/female transcriptomic or transcriptome/genome substraction approaches allowing the identification of Y- or W-linked transcripts. A few putative master sex-determining (MSD) genes have been proposed, but none has been demonstrated yet. Lastly, future directions in the field of reptilian sex chromosomes and their MSD gene studies are considered.
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22
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Zhang Y, Xiao L, Sun W, Li P, Zhou Y, Qian G, Ge C. Knockdown of R-spondin1 leads to partial sex reversal in genetic female Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 309:113788. [PMID: 33865850 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis is an important aquaculture species in China, the male individual being more valuable in aquaculture because of its larger body size, higher growth rate and less fat compared with females. Understanding the mechanism of ovarian differentiation and development is crucial for the production of mono-sex male offspring. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism underlying turtle ovarian differentiation. Here, we characterized the Rspo1 gene, an upstream regulator of vertebrate female sexual differentiation, in P. sinensis. The messenger RNA of Rspo1 was initially expressed at stage 14, preceding gonadal sex differentiation, and exhibited a sexually dimorphic expression pattern throughout the sex determination and gonadal differentiation periods. Rspo1 was rapidly downregulated during aromatase inhibitor-induced female-to-male sex reversal, which occurred prior to gonadal differentiation. Rspo1 loss of function by RNA interference led to partial female-to-male sex reversal, with masculinized changes in the phenotype of gonads, the distribution of germ cells and the expression of testicular regulators. Collectively, these findings suggest that Rspo1 is necessary for primary female sexual differentiation in P. sinensis. This study demonstrates for the first time the functional role of Rspo1 in reptilian sex determination, and is of fundamental significance for the production of fertile pseudo-female parents and mono-sex male offspring of P.sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China; College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China; College of Fisheries and Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Ling Xiao
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China; College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China; College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Pan Li
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China; College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Yingjie Zhou
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China; College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Guoying Qian
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China; College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Chutian Ge
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China; College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China.
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23
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Vining B, Ming Z, Bagheri-Fam S, Harley V. Diverse Regulation but Conserved Function: SOX9 in Vertebrate Sex Determination. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12040486. [PMID: 33810596 PMCID: PMC8066042 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex determination occurs early during embryogenesis among vertebrates. It involves the differentiation of the bipotential gonad to ovaries or testes by a fascinating diversity of molecular switches. In most mammals, the switch is SRY (sex determining region Y); in other vertebrates it could be one of a variety of genes including Dmrt1 or dmy. Downstream of the switch gene, SOX9 upregulation is a central event in testes development, controlled by gonad-specific enhancers across the 2 Mb SOX9 locus. SOX9 is a ‘hub’ gene of gonadal development, regulated positively in males and negatively in females. Despite this diversity, SOX9 protein sequence and function among vertebrates remains highly conserved. This article explores the cellular, morphological, and genetic mechanisms initiated by SOX9 for male gonad differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Vining
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia; (B.V.); (Z.M.); (S.B.-F.)
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Zhenhua Ming
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia; (B.V.); (Z.M.); (S.B.-F.)
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Stefan Bagheri-Fam
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia; (B.V.); (Z.M.); (S.B.-F.)
| | - Vincent Harley
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia; (B.V.); (Z.M.); (S.B.-F.)
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-3-8572-2527
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24
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Wang YY, Duan SH, Wang GL, Li JL. Integrated mRNA and miRNA expression profile analysis of female and male gonads in Hyriopsis cumingii. Sci Rep 2021; 11:665. [PMID: 33436779 PMCID: PMC7804246 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80264-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyriopsis cumingii is an important species for freshwater pearl cultivation in China. In terms of pearl production, males have larger pearls and better glossiness than females, but there are few reports focusing on the sex of H. cumingii. In this study, six mRNA and six microRNA (miRNA) libraries were prepared from ovaries and testes. Additionally, 28,502 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 32 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified. Compared with testis, 14,360 mRNAs and 20 miRNAs were up-regulated in ovary, 14,142 mRNAs and 12 miRNAs were down-regulated. In DEGs, the known genes related to sex determinism and/or differentiation were also identified, such as DMRT1, SOX9, SF1 for males, FOXL2 for females, and other potentially significant candidate genes. Three sex-related pathways have also been identified, which are Wnt, Notch, and TGF-beta. In 32 DEMs, the three miRNAs (miR-9-5p, miR-92, miR-184) were paid more attention, they predicted 28 target genes, which may also be candidates for sex-related miRNAs and genes. Differential miRNAs target genes analysis reveals the pathway associated with oocyte meiosis and spermatogenesis. Overall, the findings of the study provide significant insights to enhance our understanding of sex differentiation and/or sex determination mechanisms for H. cumingii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Yu Wang
- grid.412514.70000 0000 9833 2433Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai, 201306 China ,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai, 201306 China ,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai, 201306 China
| | - Sheng-Hua Duan
- grid.412514.70000 0000 9833 2433Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai, 201306 China ,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai, 201306 China ,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai, 201306 China
| | - Gui-Ling Wang
- grid.412514.70000 0000 9833 2433Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai, 201306 China ,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai, 201306 China ,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai, 201306 China
| | - Jia-Le Li
- grid.412514.70000 0000 9833 2433Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai, 201306 China ,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai, 201306 China ,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai, 201306 China
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25
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Genome-wide investigation of Dmrt gene family in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea). Theriogenology 2020; 156:272-282. [PMID: 32791392 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The Dmrt (Doublesex and Mab-3 related transcription factor) gene family is a class of crucial transcription factors characterized by a conserved DM (Doublesex/Mab-3) domain. Previous researches indicate this gene family is involved in various physiological processes, especially in sex determination/differentiation and gonad development. Despite the vital roles of the Dmrt gene family in physiological processes, the comprehensive characterization and analysis of the dmrt genes in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea), one of the most commercially important marine fish in China, have not been described. In this study, we performed the first genome-wide systematic analysis of L. crocea dmrt genes through the bioinformatics method. A total of seven members of the Dmrt gene family including Lcdmrt1, Lcdmrt2a, Lcdmrt2b, Lcdmrt3, Lcdmrt4, Lcdmrt5, and Lcdmrt6 were excavated based on the genome data of L. crocea. Further analysis revealed that the dmrt genes of L. crocea were distributed unevenly across four chromosomes. There were three dmrt genes (Lcdmrt1, Lcdmrt2a, and Lcdmrt3) on 3rd chromosome, one (Lcdmrt6) on 13th chromosome, one (Lcdmrt4) on 14th chromosome, two on (Lcdmrt5 and Lcdmrt2b) 17th chromosome. The gene structure analysis indicated that the number of introns of different dmrt genes of L. crocea had some differences: Lcdmrt1 had four introns, Lcdmrt2a, Lcdmrt2b, and Lcdmrt6 had two introns, Lcdmrt3, Lcdmrt4, and Lcdmrt5 had only one intron. The expression pattern analysis with published gonad transcriptome datasets and further confirmed by qRT-PCR revealed that these members of the Dmrt gene family except for Lcdmrt4 were all sexually dimorphic and preferred expressing in testis. Furthermore, the expression pattern analysis also revealed that the expression level of Lcdmrt1 and Lcdmrt6 was significantly higher than that of other members, suggesting that these two genes may play a more important role in testis. Overall, our studies provide a comprehensive insight into the Dmrt gene family members and a basis for the further study of their biological functions in L. crocea.
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Toyota K, Masuda S, Sugita S, Miyaoku K, Yamagishi G, Akashi H, Miyagawa S. Estrogen Receptor 1 (ESR1) Agonist Induces Ovarian Differentiation and Aberrant Müllerian Duct Development in the Chinese Soft-shelled Turtle, Pelodiscus sinensi. Zool Stud 2020; 59:e54. [PMID: 33456551 PMCID: PMC7807172 DOI: 10.6620/zs.2020.59-54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Estrogens play critical roles in ovarian and reproductive organ development, but the molecular signaling pathways in non-mammalian vertebrates are not well understood. Studies of reptiles have indicated that administration of exogenous estrogens during embryonic development causes ovarian differentiation and presumptive male to female sex-reversal. The Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, belongs to the family Trionychidae and exhibits genotypic sex determination system with ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes. In order to assess the role of estrogens and their signaling pathway on sex determination and differentiation, P. sinensis eggs were given a single administration of endogenous estrogen,17β-estradiol (E2) or a synthetic estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) agonist, 4,4',4"-(4-propyl-[1H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl) trisphenol (PPT) in ovo during gonadal differentiation, and the subsequent effects were examined during a final developmental stage prior to hatching. The administration of both E2 and PPT induced ovarian differentiation in genetic male embryos. Intriguingly, PPT but not E2 induced the Müllerian duct enlargement and aberrant glandular development. These data suggest that ovarian differentiation and reproductive tract anomalies induced by the exogenous estrogen exposure act through ESR1 in the Chinese soft-shelled turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Toyota
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan. E-mail: (Miyagawa); (Toyota); (Masuda); (Sugita); (Miyaoku); (Yamagishi); (Akashi)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kanagawa University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1293, Japan
- Sado Marine Biological Station, Faculty of Science, Niigata University, Sado, Niigata 952-2135, Japan
| | - Shoichiro Masuda
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan. E-mail: (Miyagawa); (Toyota); (Masuda); (Sugita); (Miyaoku); (Yamagishi); (Akashi)
| | - Sarina Sugita
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan. E-mail: (Miyagawa); (Toyota); (Masuda); (Sugita); (Miyaoku); (Yamagishi); (Akashi)
| | - Kaori Miyaoku
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan. E-mail: (Miyagawa); (Toyota); (Masuda); (Sugita); (Miyaoku); (Yamagishi); (Akashi)
| | - Genki Yamagishi
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan. E-mail: (Miyagawa); (Toyota); (Masuda); (Sugita); (Miyaoku); (Yamagishi); (Akashi)
| | - Hiroshi Akashi
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan. E-mail: (Miyagawa); (Toyota); (Masuda); (Sugita); (Miyaoku); (Yamagishi); (Akashi)
| | - Shinichi Miyagawa
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan. E-mail: (Miyagawa); (Toyota); (Masuda); (Sugita); (Miyaoku); (Yamagishi); (Akashi)
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