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Feng B, Hu Y, Wang F. Reduction in Gonad Development and Sperm Motility in Male Brown Planthopper Nilaparvata lugens via RNAi-Mediated Knockdown of tramtrack. Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:3643. [PMID: 40332247 PMCID: PMC12026634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26083643] [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: 02/28/2025] [Revised: 04/08/2025] [Accepted: 04/09/2025] [Indexed: 05/08/2025] Open
Abstract
The brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens, a major rice pest, threatens global food security through rapid reproduction. This study investigates the role of the tramtrack (ttk) gene in male reproductive development and spermatogenesis using RNA interference (RNAi). Gene expression analysis revealed higher ttk levels in testes. RNAi-mediated knockdown of ttk in fourth-instar male nymphs reduced its expression by up to 80%, leading to severely impaired gonad development. Testes, vas deferens, and accessory glands in treated males exhibited 8-89% volume reductions compared to controls, accompanied by a 51-69% decline in sperm count and 60-85% reduction in sperm motility. Consequently, eggs fertilized by treated males showed a 73% decrease in hatching rates, with arrested embryonic development. These findings demonstrate ttk's critical role in spermatogenesis and gonad maturation in N. lugens, highlighting its potential as an RNAi target for sustainable pest control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fanghai Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol and Institute of Entomology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (B.F.); (Y.H.)
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2
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Harsh S, Liu HY, Bhaskar PK, Rushlow C, Bach EA. The pioneer factor Zelda induces male-to-female somatic sex reversal in adult tissues. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2025:2025.03.26.645575. [PMID: 40236223 PMCID: PMC11996320 DOI: 10.1101/2025.03.26.645575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2025]
Abstract
Somatic sex identity must be maintained throughout adulthood for tissue function. Adult somatic stem cells in the Drosophila testis (i.e., CySCs) lacking the transcription factor Chinmo are reprogrammed to their ovarian counterparts by induction of female-specific Tra F , but this is not mechanistically understood. Pioneer factors play central roles in direct reprogramming, and many upregulated genes in chinmo -/- CySCs contain binding sites for the pioneer factor Zelda (Zld). microRNAs repress zld mRNA in wild type CySCs, but they are downregulated after Chinmo loss, allowing for zld mRNA translation. Zld depletion from chinmo -/- CySCs suppresses feminization, and ectopic Zld induces Tra F and feminizes wild-type CySCs. qkr58E-2 and ecdysone receptor ( EcR ), direct Zld targets in the embryo, are female-biased in adult gonads and upregulated in chinmo -/- CySCs. The RNA-binding protein Qkr58E-2 produces Tra F , while EcR promotes female-biased gene expression. Ectopic Zld feminizes adult male adipose tissue, demonstrating that Zld can instruct female and override male identity in adult XY tissues. Highlights zld mRNA is repressed by microRNAs in XY somatic gonadal cells Zld is upregulated in and required for sex reversal of XY chinmo -/- cells Zld induces Qkr58E-2 and EcR, which cause Tra F and female-biased transcription Zld feminizes XY adipose cells by inducing Tra F and downregulating Chinmo.
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Grmai L, Jimenez E, Baxter E, Doren MV. Steroid signaling controls sex-specific development in an invertebrate. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.22.573099. [PMID: 38187640 PMCID: PMC10769319 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.22.573099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
In vertebrate sexual development, two important steroid hormones, testosterone and estrogen, regulate the sex-specific development of many tissues. In contrast, invertebrates utilize a single steroid hormone, ecdysone, to regulate developmental timing in both sexes. However, here we show that in Drosophila melanogaster, sex-specific ecdysone (E) signaling controls important aspects of gonad sexual dimorphism. Rather than being regulated at the level of hormone production, hormone activity is regulated cell-autonomously through sex-specific hormone reception. Ecdysone receptor (EcR) expression is restricted to the developing ovary and is repressed in the testis at a time when ecdysone initiates ovary morphogenesis. Interestingly, EcR expression is regulated downstream of the sex determination factor Doublesex (Dsx), the founding member of the Dsx/Mab3 Related Transcription Factor (DMRT) family that regulates gonad development in all animals. E signaling is required for normal ovary development1,2, and ectopic activation of E signaling in the testis antagonized stem cell niche identity and feminized somatic support cells, which were transformed into follicle-like cells. This work demonstrates that invertebrates can also use steroid hormone signaling to control sex-specific development. Further, it may help explain recent work showing that vertebrate sexual development is surprisingly cell-autonomous. For example, chickens utilize testosterone and estrogen to control sex-specific development, but when they have a mixture of cells with male and female genotypes, the male cells develop as male and the female cells develop as female despite exposure to the same circulating hormones3. Sex-specific regulation of steroid hormone signaling may well underly such cell-autonomous sexual fate choices in vertebrates as it does in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Grmai
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Erin Jimenez
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ellen Baxter
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mark Van Doren
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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4
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Wang B, Mao Z, Chen Y, Ying J, Wang H, Sun Z, Li J, Zhang C, Zhuo J. Identification and Functional Analysis of the fruitless Gene in a Hemimetabolous Insect, Nilaparvata lugens. INSECTS 2024; 15:262. [PMID: 38667392 PMCID: PMC11050625 DOI: 10.3390/insects15040262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The fruitless (fru) gene functions as a crucial "tuner" in male insect courtship behavior through distinct expression patterns. In Nilaparvata lugens, our previous research showed doublesex (dsx) influencing male courtship songs, causing mating failures with virgin females. However, the impact of fru on N. lugens mating remains unexplored. In this study, the fru homolog (Nlfru) in N. lugens yielded four spliceosomes: Nlfru-374-a/b, Nlfru-377, and Nlfru-433, encoding proteins of 374aa, 377aa, and 433aa, respectively. Notably, only Nlfru-374b exhibited male bias, while the others were non-sex-specific. All NlFRU proteins featured the BTB conserved domain, with NlFRU-374 and NlFRU-377 possessing the ZnF domain with different sequences. RNAi-mediated Nlfru or its isoforms' knockdown in nymph stages blocked wing-flapping behavior in mating males, while embryonic knockdown via maternal RNAi resulted in over 80% of males losing wing-flapping ability, and female receptivity was reduced. Nlfru expression was Nldsx-regulated, and yet courtship signals and mating success were unaffected. Remarkably, RNAi-mediated Nlfru knockdown up-regulated the expression of flightin in macropterous males, which regulated muscle stiffness and delayed force response, suggesting Nlfru's involvement in muscle development regulation. Collectively, our results indicate that Nlfru functions in N. lugens exhibit a combination of conservation and species specificity, contributing insights into fru evolution, particularly in Hemiptera species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jichong Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory for ManagingBiotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MARA and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (B.W.); (Z.M.); (Y.C.); (J.Y.); (H.W.); (Z.S.); (J.L.); (C.Z.)
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5
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Ueno M, Nakata M, Kaneko Y, Iwami M, Takayanagi-Kiya S, Kiya T. fruitless is sex-differentially spliced and is important for the courtship behavior and development of silkmoth Bombyx mori. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 159:103989. [PMID: 37453662 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.103989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Sexual dimorphisms of the brain play essential roles in successful reproduction. Silkmoth Bombyx mori exhibits extensive sexual differences in sexual behavior, as well as their morphology. Although the neural circuits that transmit information about sex pheromone in the male brain are extensively analyzed, the molecular mechanisms that regulate their development are still elusive. In the present study, we focused on the silkmoth ortholog of fruitless (fru) as a candidate gene that regulates sexual dimorphisms of the brain. fru transcripts were expressed from multiple promoters in various tissues, and brain-specific transcripts were sex-specifically spliced, in a manner similar to Drosophila. Interestingly, fru was highly expressed in the adult female brain and the male larval testis. Analysis of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated fru knockout strains revealed that fru plays important roles in survival during late larval and pupal stages, testis development, and adult sexual behavior. fru mutant males exhibited highly reduced levels of courtship and low copulation rate, indicating that fru plays significant roles in the sexual behavior of silkmoths, although it is not absolutely necessary for copulation. In the fru mutant males, sexually dimorphic pattern of the odorant receptor expression was impaired, possibly causing the defects in courtship behavior. These results provide important clues to elucidate the development of sexual dimorphisms of silkmoth brains, as well as the evolution of fruitless gene in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masumi Ueno
- Division of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Japan
| | - Masami Nakata
- Division of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Kaneko
- Division of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Japan
| | - Masafumi Iwami
- Division of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Japan
| | - Seika Takayanagi-Kiya
- Division of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Japan
| | - Taketoshi Kiya
- Division of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Japan.
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6
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Sun J, Liu WK, Ellsworth C, Sun Q, Pan Y, Huang YC, Deng WM. Integrating lipid metabolism, pheromone production and perception by Fruitless and Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf6254. [PMID: 37390217 PMCID: PMC10313179 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf6254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Sexual attraction and perception are crucial for mating and reproductive success. In Drosophila melanogaster, the male-specific isoform of Fruitless (Fru), FruM, is a known master neuro-regulator of innate courtship behavior to control the perception of sex pheromones in sensory neurons. Here, we show that the non-sex-specific Fru isoform (FruCOM) is necessary for pheromone biosynthesis in hepatocyte-like oenocytes for sexual attraction. Loss of FruCOM in oenocytes resulted in adults with reduced levels of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), including sex pheromones, and show altered sexual attraction and reduced cuticular hydrophobicity. We further identify Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (Hnf4) as a key target of FruCOM in directing fatty acid conversion to hydrocarbons. Fru or Hnf4 depletion in oenocytes disrupts lipid homeostasis, resulting in a sex-dimorphic CHC profile that differs from doublesex- and transformer-dependent CHC dimorphism. Thus, Fru couples pheromone perception and production in separate organs to regulate chemosensory communications and ensure efficient mating behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Wen-Kan Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Calder Ellsworth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Qian Sun
- Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Yufeng Pan
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yi-Chun Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Wu-Min Deng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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7
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Rajan A, Anhezini L, Rives-Quinto N, Chhabra JY, Neville MC, Larson ED, Goodwin SF, Harrison MM, Lee CY. Low-level repressive histone marks fine-tune gene transcription in neural stem cells. eLife 2023; 12:e86127. [PMID: 37314324 PMCID: PMC10344426 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Coordinated regulation of gene activity by transcriptional and translational mechanisms poise stem cells for a timely cell-state transition during differentiation. Although important for all stemness-to-differentiation transitions, mechanistic understanding of the fine-tuning of gene transcription is lacking due to the compensatory effect of translational control. We used intermediate neural progenitor (INP) identity commitment to define the mechanisms that fine-tune stemness gene transcription in fly neural stem cells (neuroblasts). We demonstrate that the transcription factor FruitlessC (FruC) binds cis-regulatory elements of most genes uniquely transcribed in neuroblasts. Loss of fruC function alone has no effect on INP commitment but drives INP dedifferentiation when translational control is reduced. FruC negatively regulates gene expression by promoting low-level enrichment of the repressive histone mark H3K27me3 in gene cis-regulatory regions. Identical to fruC loss-of-function, reducing Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 activity increases stemness gene activity. We propose low-level H3K27me3 enrichment fine-tunes gene transcription in stem cells, a mechanism likely conserved from flies to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Rajan
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn ArborUnited States
| | - Lucas Anhezini
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn ArborUnited States
| | - Noemi Rives-Quinto
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn ArborUnited States
| | - Jay Y Chhabra
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn ArborUnited States
| | - Megan C Neville
- Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth D Larson
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Stephen F Goodwin
- Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Melissa M Harrison
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Cheng-Yu Lee
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn ArborUnited States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborUnited States
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborUnited States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborUnited States
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8
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Zhang X, Li J, Chen S, Yang N, Zheng J. Overview of Avian Sex Reversal. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098284. [PMID: 37175998 PMCID: PMC10179413 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex determination and differentiation are processes by which a bipotential gonad adopts either a testicular or ovarian cell fate, and secondary sexual characteristics adopt either male or female developmental patterns. In birds, although genetic factors control the sex determination program, sex differentiation is sensitive to hormones, which can induce sex reversal when disturbed. Although these sex-reversed birds can form phenotypes opposite to their genotypes, none can experience complete sex reversal or produce offspring under natural conditions. Promising evidence indicates that the incomplete sex reversal is associated with cell autonomous sex identity (CASI) of avian cells, which is controlled by genetic factors. However, studies cannot clearly describe the regulatory mechanism of avian CASI and sex development at present, and these factors require further exploration. In spite of this, the abundant findings of avian sex research have provided theoretical bases for the progress of gender control technologies, which are being improved through interdisciplinary co-operation and will ultimately be employed in poultry production. In this review, we provide an overview of avian sex determination and differentiation and comprehensively summarize the research progress on sex reversal in birds, especially chickens. Importantly, we describe key issues faced by applying gender control systems in poultry production and chronologically summarize the development of avian sex control methods. In conclusion, this review provides unique perspectives for avian sex studies and helps scientists develop more advanced systems for sex regulation in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuan Zhang
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianbo Li
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Sirui Chen
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jiangxia Zheng
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Sun J, Liu WK, Ellsworth C, Sun Q, Pan YF, Huang YC, Deng WM. Integrating lipid metabolism, pheromone production and perception by Fruitless and Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.23.529767. [PMID: 36865119 PMCID: PMC9980076 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.23.529767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Sexual attraction and perception, governed by separate genetic circuits in different organs, are crucial for mating and reproductive success, yet the mechanisms of how these two aspects are integrated remain unclear. In Drosophila , the male-specific isoform of Fruitless (Fru), Fru M , is known as a master neuro-regulator of innate courtship behavior to control perception of sex pheromones in sensory neurons. Here we show that the non-sex specific Fru isoform (Fru COM ) is necessary for pheromone biosynthesis in hepatocyte-like oenocytes for sexual attraction. Loss of Fru COM in oenocytes resulted in adults with reduced levels of the cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), including sex pheromones, and show altered sexual attraction and reduced cuticular hydrophobicity. We further identify Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 ( Hnf4 ) as a key target of Fru COM in directing fatty acid conversion to hydrocarbons in adult oenocytes. fru - and Hnf4 -depletion disrupts lipid homeostasis, resulting in a novel sex-dimorphic CHC profile, which differs from doublesex - and transformer -dependent sexual dimorphism of the CHC profile. Thus, Fru couples pheromone perception and production in separate organs for precise coordination of chemosensory communication that ensures efficient mating behavior. Teaser Fruitless and lipid metabolism regulator HNF4 integrate pheromone biosynthesis and perception to ensure robust courtship behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Wen-Kan Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Calder Ellsworth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Qian Sun
- Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Yu-Feng Pan
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yi-Chun Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Wu-Min Deng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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Qian H, Ma K, Feng J, Guo Z, Gong J, Chen H, Bai H, Qiu G. Transcriptome analysis of the post-larvae of giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) after IAG gene knockdown with microRNA interference. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 325:114054. [PMID: 35580689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The insulin-like androgenic gland hormone gene (IAG) of crustaceans plays pivotal roles in the regulation of sex differentiation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short, non-coding RNAs that function as post-transcriptional gene regulators. However, little information about the regulatory relationship between miRNA and Macrobrachium rosenbergii IAG (MrIAG) were exposed. In this study, we used the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of MrIAG to predict potential target sites of miRNAs. The results showed that miR-184 has one target site in the 3'UTR of MrIAG. Dual-luciferase report assay in vitro confirmed that miR-184 can significantly down-regulate MrIAG expression. Besides, we constructed mutant plasmids of 3'UTR of MrIAG. The result displayed that after co-transfection of mutant plasmids and miR-184 agomir, the activity of luciferase was not affected compared to the control. These results indicated that miR-184 could directly regulate MrIAG. In addition, we found that overexpression of miR-184 in M. rosenbergii can lead to significant changes in the transcription level of genes. Compared with control group, we identified 1510 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the miR-184 injection group. Some DEGs were involved in sex differentiation, gonad development, growth and molting were found. qRT-PCR verification was performed on eight DEGs randomly, and the results showed that the expression level of sex-, growth-, and metabolism-related genes changed significantly after MrIAG gene knockdown. Collectively, findings from this study suggest that miR-184, by mediating IAG expression, may be involved in many physiological processes in M. rosenbergii. The current study lays a basic understanding for short-term silencing of MrIAG with miR-184, and facilitates miRNA function analysis in M. rosenbergii in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongli Qian
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, PR China
| | - Keyi Ma
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, PR China.
| | - Jianbin Feng
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, PR China
| | - Ziqi Guo
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, PR China
| | - Jinhua Gong
- Jiangsu Dinghe Aquatic Technology Development Co., Ltd., Taizhou 225300, PR China
| | - Huangen Chen
- Jiangsu Fishery Technology Extension Center, Nanjing 210036, PR China
| | - Haotian Bai
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, PR China
| | - Gaofeng Qiu
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, PR China.
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11
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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: 0.3] [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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Xu J, Liu Y, Li H, Tarashansky AJ, Kalicki CH, Hung RJ, Hu Y, Comjean A, Kolluru SS, Wang B, Quake SR, Luo L, McMahon AP, Dow JAT, Perrimon N. Transcriptional and functional motifs defining renal function revealed by single-nucleus RNA sequencing. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2203179119. [PMID: 35696569 PMCID: PMC9231607 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2203179119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in single-cell sequencing provide a unique opportunity to gain novel insights into the diversity, lineage, and functions of cell types constituting a tissue/organ. Here, we performed a single-nucleus study of the adult Drosophila renal system, consisting of Malpighian tubules and nephrocytes, which shares similarities with the mammalian kidney. We identified 11 distinct clusters representing renal stem cells, stellate cells, regionally specific principal cells, garland nephrocyte cells, and pericardial nephrocytes. Characterization of the transcription factors specific to each cluster identified fruitless (fru) as playing a role in stem cell regeneration and Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (Hnf4) in regulating glycogen and triglyceride metabolism. In addition, we identified a number of genes, including Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor at 64C (RhoGEF64c), Frequenin 2 (Frq2), Prip, and CG1093 that are involved in regulating the unusual star shape of stellate cells. Importantly, the single-nucleus dataset allows visualization of the expression at the organ level of genes involved in ion transport and junctional permeability, providing a systems-level view of the organization and physiological roles of the tubules. Finally, a cross-species analysis allowed us to match the fly kidney cell types to mouse kidney cell types and planarian protonephridia, knowledge that will help the generation of kidney disease models. Altogether, our study provides a comprehensive resource for studying the fly kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xu
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Yifang Liu
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Hongjie Li
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- HHMI, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Alexander J. Tarashansky
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Colin H. Kalicki
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Ruei-Jiun Hung
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Yanhui Hu
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Aram Comjean
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Sai Saroja Kolluru
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Stephen R. Quake
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Liqun Luo
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- HHMI, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Andrew P. McMahon
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | - Julian A. T. Dow
- Institute of Molecular, Cell & Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115
- HHMI, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115
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13
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Sato K, Yamamoto D. Mutually exclusive expression of sex-specific and non-sex-specific fruitless gene products in the Drosophila central nervous system. Gene Expr Patterns 2022; 43:119232. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2022.119232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Peng Q, Chen J, Pan Y. From fruitless to sex: On the generation and diversification of an innate behavior. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 20:e12772. [PMID: 34672079 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Male sexual behavior in Drosophila melanogaster, largely controlled by the fruitless (fru) gene encoding the male specific FruM protein, is among the best studied animal behaviors. Although substantial studies suggest that FruM specifies a neuronal circuitry governing all aspects of male sexual behaviors, recent findings show that FruM is not absolutely necessary for such behaviors. We propose that another regulatory gene doublesex encoding the male-specific DsxM protein builds a core neuronal circuitry that possesses the potential for courtship, which could be either induced through adult social experience or innately manifested during development by FruM expression in a broader neuronal circuitry. FruM expression levels and patterns determine the modes of courtship behavior from innate heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, to learned courtship. We discuss how FruM expression is regulated by hormones and social experiences and tunes functional flexibility of the sex circuitry. We propose that regulatory genes hierarchically build the potential for innate and learned aspects of courtship behaviors, and expression changes of these regulatory genes among different individuals and species with different social experiences ultimately lead to behavioral diversification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qionglin Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yufeng Pan
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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15
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Goodwin SF, Hobert O. Molecular Mechanisms of Sexually Dimorphic Nervous System Patterning in Flies and Worms. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 2021; 37:519-547. [PMID: 34613817 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-120319-115237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Male and female brains display anatomical and functional differences. Such differences are observed in species across the animal kingdom, including humans, but have been particularly well-studied in two classic animal model systems, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Here we summarize recent advances in understanding how the worm and fly brain acquire sexually dimorphic features during development. We highlight the advantages of each system, illustrating how the precise anatomical delineation of sexual dimorphisms in worms has enabled recent analysis into how these dimorphisms become specified during development, and how focusing on sexually dimorphic neurons in the fly has enabled an increasingly detailed understanding of sex-specific behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen F Goodwin
- Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SR, United Kingdom;
| | - Oliver Hobert
- Department of Biological Sciences and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA;
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16
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Takahashi M, Okude G, Futahashi R, Takahashi Y, Kawata M. The effect of the doublesex gene in body colour masculinization of the damselfly Ischnura senegalensis. Biol Lett 2021; 17:20200761. [PMID: 34102071 PMCID: PMC8187028 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2020.0761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Odonata species display a remarkable diversity of colour patterns, including intrasexual polymorphisms. In the damselfly (Ischnura senegalensis), the expression of a sex-determining transcription factor, the doublesex (Isdsx) gene is reportedly associated with female colour polymorphism (CP) (gynomorph for female-specific colour and andromorph for male-mimicking colour). Here, the function of Isdsx in thoracic coloration was investigated by electroporation-mediated RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi of the Isdsx common region in males and andromorphic females reduced melanization and thus changed the colour pattern into that of gynomorphic females, while the gynomorphic colour pattern was not affected. By contrast, RNAi against the Isdsx long isoform produced no changes, suggesting that the Isdsx short isoform is important for body colour masculinization in both males and andromorphic females. When examining the expression levels of five genes with differences between sexes and female morphs, two melanin-suppressing genes, black and ebony, were expressed at higher levels in the Isdsx RNAi body area than a control area. Therefore, the Isdsx short isoform may induce thoracic colour differentiation by suppressing black and ebony, thereby generating female CP in I. senegalensis. These findings contribute to the understanding of the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms underlying female CP in Odonata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michihiko Takahashi
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aramaki, Aoba, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Genta Okude
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, the University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 6, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
| | - Ryo Futahashi
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 6, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
| | - Yuma Takahashi
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi, Inage, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Masakado Kawata
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aramaki, Aoba, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
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