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Gong J, Li B, Zhao J, Zhou Z, Ke Q, Zhu Q, Xu D, Zhou T, Xu P. Sex-Specific Genomic Region Identification and Molecular Sex Marker Development of Rock Bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus). MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 24:163-173. [PMID: 35122574 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-022-10095-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) is a valuable commercial marine teleost species, which exhibits sexual dimorphism in growth performance. However, the absence of a rapid and cost-effective sex identification method based on sex-specific genetic marker has impeded study on sex determination mechanisms and breeding applications. In the present study, we firstly developed the PCR method for identifying potential sex-specific sequences in Oplegnathus fasciatus with the next-generation sequencing. Sex-specific genomic regions/loci for sex determination were discovered on Chr2 and Chr6 by genome-wide association analysis, sequencing depth, and heterozygosity comparison between females and males. Candidate sex-determining genes (CCDC63, ITR, WNT4) were furtherly detected in transcriptome data of testes and ovaries. Taken together, a male-specific 34-bp deletion on the Chr2 was identified and developed into molecular marker of sex for O. fasciatus. After validation in individuals with known phenotypic sexes, the accuracy was 100%. This study gives an insight into the mechanism of sex determination in O. fasciatus, and the gender marker is crucial both for future genomic research and for development of efficient and sustainable aquaculture practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Gong
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of Marine Organisms, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Bijun Li
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of Marine Organisms, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ji Zhao
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of Marine Organisms, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhixiong Zhou
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of Marine Organisms, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qiaozhen Ke
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of Marine Organisms, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- State Key Laboratory of Large Yellow Croaker Breeding, Ningde Fufa Fisheries Company Limited, Ningde, China
| | - Qihui Zhu
- Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, China
| | - Dongdong Xu
- Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of Marine Organisms, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of Marine Organisms, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Large Yellow Croaker Breeding, Ningde Fufa Fisheries Company Limited, Ningde, China.
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Farhadi A, Fang S, Zhang Y, Cui W, Fang H, Ikhwanuddin M, Ma H. The significant sex-biased expression pattern of Sp-Wnt4 provides novel insights into the ovarian development of mud crab (Scylla Paramamosain). Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 183:490-501. [PMID: 33957197 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.04.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The wingless-type MMTV integration site family member-4 (Wnt4), a member of the wingless-related integration site (Wnt) family, is widely accepted as a key regulator of ovarian development in mammals. In this study, a full-length cDNA of Wnt4 (designated as Sp-Wnt4) was cloned, characterized, and functionally studied in mud crab (Scylla paramamosain). The full-length cDNA of Sp-Wnt4 consists of 2659 bp with an open reading frame (ORF) encoding 359 amino acids, a 907 bp 5'-UTR and a 672 bp 3'-UTR. Sp-Wnt4 contains 25 cysteine (Cys) residues and three potential N-glycosylation sites. Sp-Wnt4 protein shared the highest identity (98.9%) to the Wnt4 protein of Portunus trituberculatus. The phylogenetic tree showed that Sp-Wnt4 and Wnt4 protein of Malacostracan crustaceans clustered together, indicating that they had a close genetic distance. Sp-Wnt4 was expressed at a higher level in the ovary compared to other tissues, with the highest expression level at the third stage (O-III) of the ovarian development (P < 0.05). A downward trend was observed in the expression level of Sp-Wnt4 from the embryo stage to crablet stages (P < 0.05). After unilateral eyestalk ablation, the expression level of Sp-Wnt4 significantly increased in testis (14-fold) and downregulated (3.1-fold) in the gill (P < 0.05) of females. In situ hybridization (ISH) assay revealed that Sp-Wnt4 transcripts were mainly localized in the cytoplasm of oocyte cells. These findings showed that Sp-Wnt4 play crucial roles in the ovarian development of S. paramamosain. In conclusion, our study provides novel insights into the evolution and roles of the Wnt4 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ardavan Farhadi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Shaobin Fang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Yin Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Wenxiao Cui
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Huan Fang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Mhd Ikhwanuddin
- STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China; Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus 21030, Malaysia
| | - Hongyu Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China.
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Piprek RP, Kloc M, Tassan JP, Kubiak JZ. Development of Xenopus laevis bipotential gonads into testis or ovary is driven by sex-specific cell-cell interactions, proliferation rate, cell migration and deposition of extracellular matrix. Dev Biol 2017; 432:298-310. [PMID: 29080791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 10/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Information on the mechanisms orchestrating sexual differentiation of the bipotential gonads into testes or ovaries in amphibians is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the development of Xenopus laevis gonad, to identify the earliest signs of sexual differentiation, and to describe mechanisms driving these processes. We used light and electron microscopy, immunofluorescence and cell tracing. In order to identify the earliest signs of sexual differentiation the sex of each tadpole was determined using genotyping with the sex markers. Our analysis revealed a series of events participating in the gonadal development, including cell proliferation, migration, cell adhesion, stroma penetration, and basal lamina formation. We found that during the period of sexual differentiation the sites of intensive cell proliferation and migration differ between male and female gonads. In the differentiating ovaries the germ cells remain associated with the gonadal surface epithelium (cortex) and a sterile medulla forms in the ovarian center, whereas in the differentiating testes the germ cells detach from the surface epithelium, disperse, and the cortex and medulla fuse. Cell junctions that are more abundant in the ovarian cortex possibly can favor the persistence of germ cells in the cortex. Also the stroma penetrates the female and male gonads differently. These finding indicate that the crosstalk between the stroma and the coelomic epithelium-derived cells is crucial for development of male and female gonad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal P Piprek
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Malgorzata Kloc
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Surgery, The Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA; University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Tassan
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes, Cell Cycle Group, 35043 Rennes, France; Université Rennes 1, Faculty of Medicine, 35043 Rennes, France
| | - Jacek Z Kubiak
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes, Cell Cycle Group, 35043 Rennes, France; Université Rennes 1, Faculty of Medicine, 35043 Rennes, France; Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (WIHE), Warsaw, Poland
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4
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Identification and expression analysis of two Wnt4 genes in the spotted scat (Scatophagus argus). ELECTRON J BIOTECHN 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejbt.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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5
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Abstract
Current knowledge on gonadal development and sex determination is the product of many decades of research involving a variety of scientific methods from different biological disciplines such as histology, genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology. The earliest embryological investigations, followed by the invention of microscopy and staining methods, were based on histological examinations. The most robust development of histological staining techniques occurred in the second half of the nineteenth century and resulted in structural descriptions of gonadogenesis. These first studies on gonadal development were conducted on domesticated animals; however, currently the mouse is the most extensively studied species. The next key point in the study of gonadogenesis was the advancement of methods allowing for the in vitro culture of fetal gonads. For instance, this led to the description of the origin of cell lines forming the gonads. Protein detection using antibodies and immunolabeling methods and the use of reporter genes were also invaluable for developmental studies, enabling the visualization of the formation of gonadal structure. Recently, genetic and molecular biology techniques, especially gene expression analysis, have revolutionized studies on gonadogenesis and have provided insight into the molecular mechanisms that govern this process. The successive invention of new methods is reflected in the progress of research on gonadal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal P Piprek
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
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Robledo D, Ribas L, Cal R, Sánchez L, Piferrer F, Martínez P, Viñas A. Gene expression analysis at the onset of sex differentiation in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus). BMC Genomics 2015; 16:973. [PMID: 26581195 PMCID: PMC4652359 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-2142-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controlling sex ratios is essential for the aquaculture industry, especially in those species with sex dimorphism for relevant productive traits, hence the importance of knowing how the sexual phenotype is established in fish. Turbot, a very important fish for the aquaculture industry in Europe, shows one of the largest sexual growth dimorphisms amongst marine cultured species, being all-female stocks a desirable goal for the industry. Although important knowledge has been achieved on the genetic basis of sex determination (SD) in this species, the master SD gene remains unknown and precise information on gene expression at the critical stage of sex differentiation is lacking. In the present work, we examined the expression profiles of 29 relevant genes related to sex differentiation, from 60 up to 135 days post fertilization (dpf), when gonads are differentiating. We also considered the influence of three temperature regimes on sex differentiation. RESULTS The first sex-related differences in molecular markers could be observed at 90 days post fertilization (dpf) and so we have called that time the onset of sex differentiation. Three genes were the first to show differential expression between males and females and also allowed us to sex turbot accurately at the onset of sex differentiation (90 dpf): cyp19a1a, amh and vasa. The expression of genes related to primordial germ cells (vasa, gsdf, tdrd1) started to increase between 75-90 dpf and vasa and tdrd1 later presented higher expression in females (90-105 dpf). Two genes placed on the SD region of turbot (sox2, fxr1) did not show any expression pattern suggestive of a sex determining function. We also detected changes in the expression levels of several genes (ctnnb1, cyp11a, dmrt2 or sox6) depending on culture temperature. CONCLUSION Our results enabled us to identify the first sex-associated genetic cues (cyp19a1a, vasa and amh) at the initial stages of gonad development in turbot (90 dpf) and to accurately sex turbot at this age, establishing the correspondence between gene expression profiles and histological sex. Furthermore, we profiled several genes involved in sex differentiation and found specific temperature effects on their expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Robledo
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Laia Ribas
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Rosa Cal
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, 36390, Vigo, Spain.
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Departamento de Genética. Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002, Lugo, Spain.
| | - Francesc Piferrer
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Paulino Martínez
- Departamento de Genética. Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002, Lugo, Spain.
| | - Ana Viñas
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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7
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Wnt signaling in testis development: Unnecessary or essential? Gene 2015; 565:155-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.04.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Revised: 03/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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8
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Chen H, Li S, Xiao L, Zhang Y, Li G, Liu X, Lin H. Wnt4 in protogynous hermaphroditic orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides): Identification and expression. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 183:67-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2015.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2014] [Revised: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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9
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Hu Q, Zhu Y, Liu Y, Wang N, Chen S. Cloning and characterization of wnt4a gene and evidence for positive selection in half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). Sci Rep 2014; 4:7167. [PMID: 25418599 PMCID: PMC4241513 DOI: 10.1038/srep07167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt4 gene plays a role in developmental processes in mammals. However, little is known regarding its function in teleosts. We cloned and characterized the full-length half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) wnt4a gene (CS-wnt4a). CS-wnt4a cDNA was 1746 bp in length encoding 353aa. CS-wnt4a expression level was highest in the testis, and gradually increased in the developing gonads until 1 year of age. In situ hybridization revealed that CS-wnt4a expression level was highest in stage II oocytes and sperm in the adult ovary and testis, respectively. CS-wnt4a expression level was significantly up-regulated in the gonads after exposure to high temperature. The level of methylation of the CS-wnt4a first exon was negatively correlated with the expression of CS-wnt4a. The branch-site model suggested that vertebrate wnt4a differed significantly from that of wnt4b, and that the selective pressures differed between ancestral aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Two positively selected sites were found in the ancestral lineages of teleost fish, but none in the ancestral lineages of mammals. One positively selected site was located on the α-helices of the 3D structure, the other on the random coil. Our results are of value for further study of the function of wnt4 and the mechanism of selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaomu Hu
- 1] Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Qingdao 266071, China [2] Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan 430223, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Na Wang
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Songlin Chen
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Qingdao 266071, China
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Chassot AA, Gillot I, Chaboissier MC. R-spondin1, WNT4, and the CTNNB1 signaling pathway: strict control over ovarian differentiation. Reproduction 2014; 148:R97-110. [PMID: 25187620 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Sex differentiation is a unique developmental process. Starting from a bipotential gonad, it gives rise to the ovary and the testis, two highly specialized organs that differ morphologically and physiologically despite sharing common reproductive and endocrine functions. This highlights the specific plasticity of the gonadal precursors and the existence of complex antagonistic genetic regulation. Mammalian sex determination is controlled by paternal transmission of the Y-linked gene, sex-determining region Y (SRY). Using mouse models, it has been shown that the main role of Sry is to activate the expression of the transcription factor Sox9; either one of these two genes is necessary and sufficient to allow testicular development through Sertoli cell differentiation. Thus, defects in SRY/Sry and/or SOX9/Sox9 expression result in male-to-female sex reversal of XY individuals. Molecular mechanisms governing ovarian differentiation remained unknown for a long time, until the discovery of the roles of R-spondin1 (RSPO1) and WNT4. In XX individuals, activation of the β-catenin signaling pathway by the secreted proteins RSPO1 and WNT4 is required to allow granulosa cell differentiation and, in turn, ovarian differentiation. Thus, mutations in RSPO1 result in female-to-male sex reversal of XX patients, and mouse models have allowed the identification of genetic cascades activated by RSPO1 and WNT4 to regulate ovarian development. In this review, we will discuss the respective roles of RSPO1, WNT4, and the β-catenin signaling pathway during ovarian differentiation in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Amandine Chassot
- University of Nice-Sophia AntipolisParc Valrose, F-06108 Nice, FranceUMR-INSERM1091IBV, F-06108 Nice, France University of Nice-Sophia AntipolisParc Valrose, F-06108 Nice, FranceUMR-INSERM1091IBV, F-06108 Nice, France
| | - Isabelle Gillot
- University of Nice-Sophia AntipolisParc Valrose, F-06108 Nice, FranceUMR-INSERM1091IBV, F-06108 Nice, France University of Nice-Sophia AntipolisParc Valrose, F-06108 Nice, FranceUMR-INSERM1091IBV, F-06108 Nice, France
| | - Marie-Christine Chaboissier
- University of Nice-Sophia AntipolisParc Valrose, F-06108 Nice, FranceUMR-INSERM1091IBV, F-06108 Nice, France University of Nice-Sophia AntipolisParc Valrose, F-06108 Nice, FranceUMR-INSERM1091IBV, F-06108 Nice, France
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Navarro-Martín L, Velasco-Santamaría Y, Duarte-Guterman P, Robertson C, Lanctôt C, Pauli B, Trudeau V. Sexing Frogs by Real-Time PCR: Using Aromatase (cyp19) as an Early Ovarian Differentiation Marker. Sex Dev 2012; 6:303-15. [DOI: 10.1159/000343783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
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12
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Nicol B, Guerin A, Fostier A, Guiguen Y. Ovary-predominant wnt4
expression during gonadal differentiation is not conserved in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss
). Mol Reprod Dev 2011; 79:51-63. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2011] [Accepted: 10/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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13
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Wu GC, Chang CF. wnt4 Is Associated with the Development of Ovarian Tissue in the Protandrous Black Porgy, Acanthopagrus schlegeli1. Biol Reprod 2009; 81:1073-82. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.077362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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14
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Yu H, Pask AJ, Shaw G, Renfree MB. Comparative analysis of the mammalian WNT4 promoter. BMC Genomics 2009; 10:416. [PMID: 19732466 PMCID: PMC2758904 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-10-416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2008] [Accepted: 09/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background WNT4 is a critical signalling molecule in embryogenesis and homeostasis, but the elements that control its transcriptional regulation are largely unknown. This study uses comparative cross species sequence and functional analyses between humans and a marsupial (the tammar wallaby,Macropus eugenii) to refine the mammalian Wnt4 promoter. Results We have defined a highly conserved 89 bp minimal promoter region in human WNT4 by comparative analysis with the tammar wallaby. There are many conserved transcription factor binding sites in the proximal promoter region, including SP1, MyoD, NFκB and AP2, as well as highly conserved CpG islands within the human, mouse and marsupial promoters, suggesting that DNA methylation may play an important role in WNT4 transcriptional regulation. Conclusion Using a marsupial model, we have been able to provide new information on the transcriptional regulators in the promoter of this essential mammalian developmental gene, WNT4. These transcription factor binding sites and CpG islands are highly conserved in two disparate mammals, and are likely key controlling elements in the regulation of this essential developmental gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongshi Yu
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Kangaroo Genomics, Department of Zoology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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15
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Nakamura M. Sex determination in amphibians. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2008; 20:271-82. [PMID: 18996493 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2008.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2008] [Accepted: 10/13/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The heterogametic sex is male in all mammals, whereas it is female in almost all birds. By contrast, there are two heterogametic types (XX/XY and ZZ/ZW) for genetic sex determination in amphibians. Though the original heterogametic sex was female in amphibians, the two heterogametic types were probably interchangeable, suggesting that sex chromosomes evolved several times in this lineage. Indeed, the frog Rana rugosa has the XX/XY and ZZ/ZW sex-determining systems within a single species, depending on the local population in Japan. The XY and ZW geographic forms with differentiated sex chromosomes probably have a common origin as undifferentiated sex chromosomes resulted from the hybridization between the primary populations of West Japan and Kanto forms. It is clear that the sex chromosomes are still undergoing evolution in this species group. Regardless of the presence of a sex-determining gene in amphibians, the gonadal sex of some species can be changed by sex steroids. Namely, sex steroids can induce the sex reversal, with estrogens inducing the male-to-female sex reversal, whereas androgens have the opposite effect. In R. rugosa, gonadal activity of CYP19 (P450 aromatase) is correlated with the feminization of gonads. Of particular interest is that high levels of CYP19 expression are observed in indifferent gonads at time before sex determination. Increases in the expression of CYP19 in female gonads and CYP17 (P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/C17-20 lyase) in male gonads suggest that the former plays an important role in phenotypic female determination, whereas the latter is needed for male determination. Thus, steroids could be the key factor for sex determination in R. rugosa. In addition to the role of sex steroids in gonadal sex determination in this species, Foxl2 and Sox3 are capable of promoting CYP19 expression. Since both the genes are autosomal, another factor up-regulating CYP19 expression must be recruited. The factor, which may be located on the X or W chromosome, intervenes directly or indirectly, in the transcriptional regulation of the CYP19 gene for feminization in amphibians. A factor up-regulating CYP17 expression remains to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahisa Nakamura
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences, Waseda University, 2-2 Wakamatsu, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan.
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16
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Maruo K, Suda M, Yokoyama S, Oshima Y, Nakamura M. Steroidogenic gene expression during sex determination in the frog Rana rugosa. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2008; 158:87-94. [PMID: 18550057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2008.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2008] [Revised: 04/05/2008] [Accepted: 04/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Rana rugosa is unique among frog species in that it has two distinct types of sex chromosomes in two separate forms (XX/XY and ZZ/ZW). Treatment with sex steroids can reverse its gender from female to male or male to female. This phenomenon makes it a novel model for studying gonadal differentiation. The physiological role of sex steroids in sex differentiation in amphibians is yet unclear, however. To address this issue, we cloned the cDNAs of 17betaHSD types 8 (17betaHSD8) and 12 (17betaHSD12), 5alpha-reductase type 1 (5alphaRed1), and the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein known as StAR in the steroidogenic pathway. Then, we measured the mRNA levels of these genes during sex differentiation by real-time RT-PCR. The levels of CYP11A1, 3betaHSD, CYP17 and CYP19 mRNA were also measured by real-time RT-PCR. As a result, we detected transcripts of all such genes except for that of 17betaHSD8 in the indifferent gonad before the onset of sex determination. The expression of CYP17 occurred in indifferent gonads in both sexes; and its transcript levels were much higher in the male gonads. By contrast, the levels for CYP19 were much higher in the female gonads. CYP11A1, 3betaHSD, 17betaHSD12, 5alphaRed1 and StAR showed no sexually dimorphic expression during gonadal sex differentiation. Taken together, the results suggest that CYP17 has a major influence on testis development and that CYP19 plays a similar role in ovary development. However, the factors that up-regulate their expression remain to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Maruo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences, Waseda University, 1-6-1 Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8050, Japan
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Matsushita Y, Oshima Y, Nakamura M. Expression of DMRT genes in the gonads of Rana rugosa during sex determination. Zoolog Sci 2008; 24:95-9. [PMID: 17409722 DOI: 10.2108/zsj.24.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sex is determined by various transcription factors. Dmrt1, a gene that contains the DM domain (Doublesex/Mab-3 DNA-binding motif), is known to be one of the critical factors required for testicular development in vertebrates. Recently, other DM domain-containing genes (DMRT genes) were isolated in mice and fish. In mice, three of the seven known DMRT genes are expressed in the embryonic gonad. In amphibians, however, only Dmrt1 and Dmrt4 have been cloned. To clarify the role(s) of DMRT genes in sex determination in vertebrates, the molecular cloning of amphibian DMRT genes would be very helpful. In this study, we isolated Dmrt2, -3, and -5 from the frog Rana rugosa and analyzed by RT-PCR their expression during sex determination. The analysis revealed that all three genes are expressed in the developing gonad/mesonephros complex during sex determination with no dimorphism. The results suggest that Dmrt2, -3, and -5 may be involved in sexual development in R. rugosa and that they may function in both testicular and ovarian differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusaku Matsushita
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
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18
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Urbatzka R, Lutz I, Kloas W. Aromatase, steroid-5-alpha-reductase type 1 and type 2 mRNA expression in gonads and in brain of Xenopus laevis during ontogeny. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2007; 153:280-8. [PMID: 17362947 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2007.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2006] [Revised: 01/29/2007] [Accepted: 01/30/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The key enzymes involved in the production of endogenous sex steroids are steroid-5-alpha-reductase and aromatase converting testosterone (T) into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and into estradiol (E2), respectively. To gain more insights into the molecular mechanisms of sexual differentiation of amphibians, we determined the mRNA expression of steroid-5-alpha-reductase type1 (Srd5a1), type2 (Srd5a2) and aromatase (Aro) during ontogeny starting from the egg and ending after completion of metamorphosis in Xenopus laevis. Expression of all three enzymes was measured by means of semi-quantitative RT-PCR, determining for the first time Srd5a1 and Srd5a2 mRNA expression in amphibians. mRNA was analyzed in whole body homogenates from stage 12 to 48, while brain and gonads with kidney were studied separately from stage 48 to 66. Different ontogenetic mRNA expression patterns were observed for all genes analyzed, revealing early mRNA expression of Srd5a1 already in the egg at stage 12 whereas Srd5a2 and Aro was detected at stage 39. Sex-specific mRNA expressions of Srd5a2 and of Aro were determined in the gonads with kidney but not in brain. Srd5a2 was two-fold higher expressed in testes than in ovaries while Aro mRNA was ten-fold higher in ovaries. No gender-specific mRNA expression was observed for Srd5a1 in gonads and in brain. The ontogenetic patterns of Aro, Srd5a1 and Srd5a2 suggest that these genes are involved in sexual differentiation of gonads and brain already in early developmental stages. Especially in gonads Srd5a2 seems to be important for physiological regulation of testis development while Aro is associated with the development of ovaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Urbatzka
- Department of Inland Fisheries, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany.
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19
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Oshima Y, Noguchi K, Nakamura M. Expression of Lhx9 Isoforms in the Developing Gonads of Rana rugosa. Zoolog Sci 2007; 24:798-802. [DOI: 10.2108/zsj.24.798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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20
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Kim Y, Capel B. Balancing the bipotential gonad between alternative organ fates: a new perspective on an old problem. Dev Dyn 2006; 235:2292-300. [PMID: 16881057 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.20894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The embryonic gonads give rise to one of two morphologically and functionally different organs, a testis or an ovary. Sex determination is the embryonic process that determines the developmental fate of the gonad. In mammals, sex determination is regulated by a DNA binding protein encoded on the Y chromosome, Sry, and it's downstream mediator, Sox9, which trigger testis determination in the bipotential gonad. However, evidence suggests that the extracellular signals. Fgf9 and Wnt4, are also required to establish divergent organogenesis of the gonad. In this review, we discuss how these extracellular signals interface with cell-autonomous factors to determine the fate of the mammalian gonad, and we derive a model that could provide a molecular explanation for testis determination in vertebrates where Sry is absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuna Kim
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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