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Hu Q, Meng Y, Tian H, Zhang YU, Xiao H. Sexually Dimorphic Expression of Foxl2 and Ftz-F1 in Chinese Giant Salamander Andrias Davidianus. J Exp Zool B Mol Dev Evol 2016; 326:363-374. [PMID: 27527384 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Foxl2 and FTZ-F1 play a crucial role in the regulation of gonad development in fish and mammals, but studies of their function in amphibians are scarce. We isolated the full length of Foxl2 (adFoxl2) and Ftz-F1 (adFtz-f1) cDNA from the Chinese giant salamander Andrias davidianus and quantified its expression in various tissues and developing gonads. The adFoxl2 gene encodes 301aa including a conserved forkhead box, and the adFtz-f1 gene encodes 467aa containing an Ftz-F1 box. The amino acid sequences showed high homology with other amphibians. adFoxl2 expression was high in ovary, whereas adFtz-f1 was higher in testis, moderate in pituitary, ovary, and kidney; and low in the remaining tested tissues. Expression of adFoxl2 gradually increased from 1Y to 5Y in ovary, whereas adFtz-f1 expression gradually decreased in testis. In addition, adFoxl2 and adFtz-f1 were detected in granulosa cell in ovary and in spermatocytes in testis. The adFoxl2 transcription was inhibited in brain and ovary after treatment with methyltestosterone and with letrozole, whereas adFtz-f1 expression was upregulated. High-temperature suppressed the expression of adFxl2 in ovary and enhanced the transcription of adFtz-f1. These results suggest that adFoxl2 functioned in ovary differentiation, whereas adFtz-f1 played a role in testis development, which lays a foundation for study of the sex differentiation mechanism in A. davidianus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaomu Hu
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Meng
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Haifeng Tian
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Y U Zhang
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanbing Xiao
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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Abstract
Steroidogenic factor-1 (Sf-1) (officially designated nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 [NR5A1]) is a master regulator of steroidogenesis and reproduction in mammals. However, its function remains unclear in nonmammalian vertebrates. In the present study, we used immunohistochemistry to detect expression of Sf-1 in the steroidogenic cells, the interstitial, granulosa, and theca cells of the ovary, and the Leydig cells of the testis, in Nile tilapia. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associated protein 9 (Cas9) cleavage of sf-1 resulted in a high mutation rate in the F0 generation and a phenotype of gonadal dysgenesis and reduced steroidogenic cells in XX and XY fish. Sf-1 deficiency also resulted in decreased cytochrome P450, family 19, subfamily A, polypeptide 1a, forkhead box L2 expression, and serum estradiol-17β in XX fish. In XY fish, Sf-1 deficiency increased cytochrome P450, family 19, subfamily A, polypeptide 1a and forkhead box L2 expression but decreased cytochrome P450, family 11, subfamily B, polypeptide 2 expression and serum 11-ketotestosterone levels. 17α-methyltestosterone treatment successfully rescued the gonadal phenotype of Sf-1-deficient XY fish, as demonstrated by normal spermatogenesis and production of F1 mutants. In contrast, estradiol-17β treatment only partially rescued the gonadal phenotype of Sf-1-deficient XX fish, as demonstrated by the appearance of phase II oocytes. Furthermore, both sf-1(+/-) F1 XX and XY mutants developed as fertile males, although spermatogenesis was delayed and efferent duct formation was disordered. Our data suggest that Sf-1 is a major regulator of steroidogenesis and reproduction in fish, as it is in mammals. Sf-1 deficiency resulted in gonadal dysgenesis and feminization of XY gonads. However, unlike in mammals, Sf-1 deficiency also resulted in female to male sex reversal in 8.1% of F0 and 92.1% of sf-1(+/-) F1 in XX fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Ping Xie
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, 400715 Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue He
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, 400715 Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Ning Sui
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, 400715 Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Li Chen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, 400715 Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Na Sun
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, 400715 Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - De-Shou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, 400715 Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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Crespo B, Gómez A, Mazón MJ, Carrillo M, Zanuy S. Isolation and characterization of Ff1 and Gsdf family genes in European sea bass and identification of early gonadal markers of precocious puberty in males. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 191:155-67. [PMID: 23791759 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Puberty represents the transition from an immature to a mature reproductive stage. The mechanisms underlying the onset of normal or precocious puberty have not yet been elucidated. With the goal of gaining an understanding of early events that occur in the testes of precocious animals during this process, a hemigonadectomy was performed on male juvenile sea bass and expression levels of candidate mRNAs were determined through quantitative real-time RT-PCR. For this purpose, the gonadal soma-derived factors gsdf1 and gsdf2, the nuclear receptor 5 subfamily members nr5a1a (ff1b), nr5a1b (ff1d), nr5a2 (ff1a) and nr5a5 (ff1c) and the proliferating cell nuclear antigen or pcna, genes with a putative role in the beginning of spermatogenesis, were isolated and cloned. Hemigonadectomy proved to be a suitable strategy for the study of gonadal stages prior to the appearance of histological differences between precocious and non-precocious fish, as it allowed the subsequent classification of these gonads. The upregulation of the gene encoding the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (Star) in precocious testes indicates that sex steroids could play a role in the onset of spermatogenesis in sea bass. In contrast, the downregulation observed in ff1b expression indicates that this initial surge in star expression is not the result of Ff1b transactivation, suggesting an alternative pathway for this transcriptional activation. Finally, a decrease in gsdf1 expression in precocious animals suggests that this gene may play a role in the onset of puberty, while its correlation with ff1b expression points to gsdf1 as a putative target for Ff1b-mediated transactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Crespo
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 12595 Torre la Sal, Ribera de Cabanes s/n, Castellón, Spain
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Das S, Majumder S, Mukherjee D. Effect of phenol on ovarian secretion of 17β-estradiol in common carp Cyprinus carpio. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 2013; 65:132-141. [PMID: 23423282 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-013-9875-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Phenol is a common substance present in many industrial wastewaters and in nonspecific pesticides. Due to its solubility and volatility phenol is often found in marine and freshwater environment. It is lipophilic compound and has a high potential for accumulating along the trophic chain. Phenol thus is not only a threat to natural environment but also to human health. The effects of phenol on the secretion of 17β-estradiol were examined in female common carp Cyprinus carpio. Vitellogenic stage fish were exposed to physiological safe dose of phenol for 0, 24, 48 and 96 h. In the in vitro experiments, vitellogenic follicles were incubated with phenol and dose- and time-course effects on leuteinising hormone (LH) induced steroid production were examined. Exposure of fish with phenol gradually attenuated serum and ovarian 17β-estradiol levels with increasing time and maximum inhibition was noticed after 96 h. Administration of phenol significantly inhibited LH-induced secretion of 17β-estradiol by the ovarian follicles in vitro. To clarify the mechanism of attenuated production of 17β-estradiol in phenol-treated follicles, stimulated by LH, in vitro effect phenol and LH on aromatase activity (conversion of testosterone to 17β-estradiol) and cytochrome P450arom gene expression in carp ovarian follicles were investigated. Physiological safe dose of phenol significantly inhibited LH-stimulated aromatase activity and P450arom gene expression in ovarian follicles. The present study further demonstrated that LH-induced activation of ovarian steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) is strongly inhibited by phenol treatment. These results suggest that physiological safe dose of phenol as endocrine disruption (ED) potential and the effect can be mediated via several cellular pathways including the inhibition of SF-1 activity, aromatase activity and P450arom gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumana Das
- Department of Zoology, Maulana Azad College, Kolkata 700013, West Bengal, India.
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Das S, Mukherjee D. Effect of cadmium chloride on secretion of 17β-estradiol by the ovarian follicles of common carp, Cyprinus carpio. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 181:107-14. [PMID: 23146792 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2012.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2012] [Revised: 10/05/2012] [Accepted: 10/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd(2+)) is a common environmental pollutant present in wastes associated with mining, smelting and electroplating. It is a major constituent of the tobacco smoke. Exposure of this heavy metal has been linked to wide range of detrimental effects on mammalian reproduction particularly on ovarian steroidogenesis. Low doses of Cd(2+) are reported to stimulate ovarian luteal progesterone synthesis whereas high doses inhibited it. Cd(2+) exposure is also reported to inhibit gonadal function in fish. In the present study the effects of cadmium chloride (CdCl(2)) on the secretion of gonadotropin-induced 17β-estradiol was examined in female common carp Cyprinus carpio. Vitellogenic stage fish were exposed to physiological safe dose of CdCl(2) for 0, 24, 48 and 96 h and serum and ovarian 17β-estradiol levels were estimated. In the in vitro experiments, vitellogenic follicles were incubated with CdCl(2) and a dose- and time-dependent effects on steroid production were estimated induced by LH. Exposure of fish with CdCl(2) gradually attenuated serum and ovarian 17β-estradiol levels with increasing time and maximum inhibition was noticed after 96 h. Administration of CdCl(2) to the incubations significantly inhibited LH-induced release of 17β-estradiol in vitro. To clarify the mechanism of attenuated production of 17β-estradiol, in vitro effects of CdCl(2) on LH induced P450 aromatase activity (conversion of testosterone to 17β-estradiol) and cytochrome P450arom gene expression in carp ovarian follicles were evaluated. Results show that LH-stimulated P450 aromatase activity and P450arom gene expression in ovarian follicles were significantly inhibited by CdCl(2). The present study further demonstrated that LH-induced stimulation of ovarian steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) which activates aromatase enzyme, is strongly inhibited by cadmium chloride treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumana Das
- Department of Zoology, Maulana Azad College, Kolkata 700013, West Bengal, India.
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Sridevi P, Dutta-Gupta A, Senthilkumaran B. Molecular cloning and expression analysis of fushi tarazu factor 1 in the brain of air-breathing catfish, Clarias gariepinus. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28867. [PMID: 22216130 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2011] [Accepted: 11/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fushi tarazu factor 1 (FTZ-F1) encodes an orphan nuclear receptor belonging to the nuclear receptor family 5A (NR5A) which includes adrenal 4-binding protein or steroidogenic factor-1 (Ad4BP/SF-1) and liver receptor homologue 1 (LRH-1) and plays a pivotal role in the regulation of aromatases. Methodology/Principal Findings Present study was aimed to understand the importance of FTZ-F1 in relation to brain aromatase (cyp19a1b) during development, recrudescence and after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) induction. Initially, we cloned FTZ-F1 from the brain of air-breathing catfish, Clarias gariepinus through degenerate primer RT-PCR and RACE. Its sequence analysis revealed high homology with other NR5A1 group members Ad4BP/SF-1 and LRH-1, and also analogous to the spatial expression pattern of the latter. In order to draw functional correlation of cyp19a1b and FTZ-F1, we analyzed the expression pattern of the latter in brain during gonadal ontogeny, which revealed early expression during gonadal differentiation. The tissue distribution both at transcript and protein levels revealed its prominent expression in brain along with liver, kidney and testis. The expression pattern of brain FTZ-F1 during reproductive cycle and after hCG induction, in vivo was analogous to that of cyp19a1b shown in our earlier study indicating its involvement in recrudescence. Conclusions/Significance Based on our previous results on cyp19a1b and the present data, it is plausible to implicate potential roles for brain FTZ-F1 in ovarian differentiation and recrudescence process probably through regulation of cyp19a1b in teleosts. Nevertheless, these interactions would require primary coordinated response from ovarian aromatase and its related transcription factors.
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Tang B, Hu W, Hao J, Zhu Z. Developmental expression of steroidogenic factor-1, cyp19a1a and cyp19a1b from common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2010; 167:408-16. [PMID: 20338172 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2010.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2009] [Revised: 03/17/2010] [Accepted: 03/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1), cyp19a1a and cyp19a1b play pivotal roles in vertebrate steroidogenesis and reproduction. In this study, a SF-1 cDNA (EU022463) was cloned from common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The transcript contains a 1509 base pair (bp) open reading frame (ORF) encoding a 503 amino acid sequence. Comparisons of deduced amino acid sequences demonstrated that carp SF-1 is highly homologous with those of other vertebrates. Tissue specific expressions of SF-1, cyp19a1a and cyp19a1b mRNA were analyzed in 10-month-old carp. SF-1 was abundant in the hypothalamus, pituitary, gonad, spleen and liver (females only). Cyp19a1b was preferentially expressed in the brain of both sexes but also was present at much lower levels in testis, ovary and kidney (females only). Although cyp19a1a expression was preferentially expressed in ovaries, it was also present at much lower levels in brain, testis, kidney and spleen (males only). Northern blot analysis revealed that testes and brains of both sexes expressed a transcript of about 2.8 kb in size. The expression pattern of SF-1, cyp19a1a and cyp19a1b in carp gonads suggested their involvement in sexual development. In 3-month-old carp, SF-1 and cyp19a1b were expressed highly in testes but were at much lower levels in ovaries, while the opposite pattern was observed with cyp19a1a expression. In 10-month-old carp, SF-1 expression was much higher in testes than in ovaries, while the opposite pattern was observed with cyp19a1a expression. These developmental expression patterns in carp gonads suggest important roles of SF-1 and cyp19a1b in testis development and of cyp19a1a in ovary development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Tang
- College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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Tomy S, Wu GC, Huang HR, Chang CF. Age-dependent differential expression of genes involved in steroid signalling pathway in the brain of protandrous black porgy,Acanthopagrus schlegeli. Dev Neurobiol 2009; 69:299-313. [DOI: 10.1002/dneu.20705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Maugars G, Schmitz M. Gene expression profiling during spermatogenesis in early maturing male Atlantic salmon parr testes. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2008; 159:178-87. [PMID: 18799130 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2008.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2008] [Revised: 07/21/2008] [Accepted: 08/19/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The initiation of sexual maturation and spermatogenesis are complex processes that require the highly coordinated regulation of a number of key genes. The endocrine system plays crucial roles in these processes, but the precise mechanisms involved in sexual maturation of fish are poorly understood. We investigated the expression of genes encoding proteins involved in sex steroid biosynthesis (Ff1b (FTZ-F1 homolog), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta(5)-Delta(4)-isomerase (3beta-HSD), cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (P450c17), cytochrome P450 11beta-hydroxylase (P45011beta) and 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD)) and the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) homolog during early sexual maturation of one-summer-old male Atlantic salmon parr by RT-PCR. Genes encoding Ff1b, StAR, 3beta-HSD, P450c17 and 11beta-HSD were upregulated during spermatogonial proliferation. During the course of spermatogenesis expression profiles of Ff1b, StAR, 3beta-HSD, P450scc, P450c17, P45011beta, and 11beta-HSD were similar; transcript levels being low during early stages, then strongly increasing during spermiogenesis. These results indicate that coordinated de novo transcription of genes encoding StAR as well as 3beta-HSD, P450c17 and 11beta-HSD might be required for sex steroids production during the initiation of spermatogenesis in salmon. In contrast, transcription levels of AMH were comparatively high in immature testes, decreased when spermatogenesis was initiated, and were lowest during spermiogenesis, suggesting that AMH suppression plays a crucial role in the process of spermatogenesis in salmonids. Correlation analyses show that FSH and LH might be differentially involved in the regulation of several of these genes studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gersende Maugars
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83 Umeå, Sweden
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Cheshenko K, Pakdel F, Segner H, Kah O, Eggen RIL. Interference of endocrine disrupting chemicals with aromatase CYP19 expression or activity, and consequences for reproduction of teleost fish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2008; 155:31-62. [PMID: 17459383 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2007.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2006] [Revised: 03/05/2007] [Accepted: 03/09/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Many natural and synthetic compounds present in the environment exert a number of adverse effects on the exposed organisms, leading to endocrine disruption, for which they were termed endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). A decrease in reproduction success is one of the most well-documented signs of endocrine disruption in fish. Estrogens are steroid hormones involved in the control of important reproduction-related processes, including sexual differentiation, maturation and a variety of others. Careful spatial and temporal balance of estrogens in the body is crucial for proper functioning. At the final step of estrogen biosynthesis, cytochrome P450 aromatase, encoded by the cyp19 gene, converts androgens into estrogens. Modulation of aromatase CYP19 expression and function can dramatically alter the rate of estrogen production, disturbing the local and systemic levels of estrogens. In the present review, the current progress in CYP19 characterization in teleost fish is summarized and the potential of several classes of EDCs to interfere with CYP19 expression and activity is discussed. Two cyp19 genes are present in most teleosts, cyp19a and cyp19b, primarily expressed in the ovary and brain, respectively. Both aromatase CYP19 isoforms are involved in the sexual differentiation and regulation of the reproductive cycle and male reproductive behavior in diverse teleost species. Alteration of aromatase CYP19 expression and/or activity, be it upregulation or downregulation, may lead to diverse disturbances of the above mentioned processes. Prediction of multiple transcriptional regulatory elements in the promoters of teleost cyp19 genes suggests the possibility for several EDC classes to affect cyp19 expression on the transcriptional level. These sites include cAMP responsive elements, a steroidogenic factor 1/adrenal 4 binding protein site, an estrogen-responsive element (ERE), half-EREs, dioxin-responsive elements, and elements related to diverse other nuclear receptors (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor, retinoid X receptor, retinoic acid receptor). Certain compounds including phytoestrogens, xenoestrogens, fungicides and organotins may modulate aromatase CYP19 activity on the post-transcriptional level. As is shown in this review, diverse EDCs may affect the expression and/or activity of aromatase cyp19 genes through a variety of mechanisms, many of which need further characterization in order to improve the prediction of risks posed by a contaminated environment to teleost fish population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia Cheshenko
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Ueberlandstrasse 133, Postfach 611, CH 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
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Abstract
Sex determination is the process deciding the sex of a developing embryo. This is usually determined genetically; however it is a delicate process, which in many cases can be influenced by environmental factors. The mechanisms controlling zebrafish sex determination and differentiation are not known. To date no sex linked genes have been identified in zebrafish and no sex chromosomes have been identified. However, a number of genes, as presented here, have been linked to the process of sex determination or differentiation in zebrafish. The zebrafish FTZ-F1 genes are of central interest as they are involved in regulating interrenal development and thereby steroid biosynthesis, as well as that they show expression patterns congruent with reproductive tissue differentiation and function. Zebrafish can be sex reversed by exposure to estrogens, suggesting that the estrogen levels are crucial during sex differentiation. The Cyp19 gene product aromatase converts testosterone into 17 beta-estradiol, and when inhibited leads to male to female sex reversal. FTZ-F1 genes are strongly linked to steroid biosynthesis and the regulatory region of Cyp19 contains binding sites for FTZ-F1 genes, further linking FTZ-F1 to this process. The role of FTZ-F1 and other candidates for zebrafish sex determination and differentiation is in focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas von Hofsten
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Per-Erik Olsson
- Örebro Life Science Center, Department of Natural Science, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
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Zhang W, Li X, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Tian J, Ma G. cDNA cloning and mRNA expression of a FTZ-F1 homologue from the pituitary of the orange-spotted grouper, epinephelus coioides. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 301:691-9. [PMID: 15286949 DOI: 10.1002/jez.a.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A FTZ-F1 homologue was cloned from the pituitary cDNA library of the orange-spotted grouper. The full-length cDNA of the orange-spotted grouper FTZ-F1 spanned 1735 bp including a poly (A) tail. The open reading frame encodes a protein of 468 amino acids. Sequence analysis indicated that it had a structure typical of the orphan nuclear receptor superfamily, and the FTZ-F1 box, a characteristic of the FTZ-F1 family. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the orange-spotted grouper FTZ-F1 was closely related to medaka FTZ-F1 and did not belong to either the SF-1/Ad4BP group or the LRH-1/FTF group. Virtual Northern Blot detected a major transcript of about 1.7 kb and a minor transcript of 2.2 kb of FTZ-F1 in the orange-spotted grouper pituitary gland. The expression of FTZ-F1 homologue gene in different tissues and during embryonic development of the orange-spotted grouper was determined using one-step RT-PCR coupled with Southern blot analysis. In addition to the pituitary gland, the orange-spotted grouper FTZ-F1 was also expressed in the hypothalamus, forebrain, heart, liver, kidney, and ovary. The stronger signal from the gel image indicated that the expression level of FTZ-F1 homologue gene was higher in the ovary of stage 3 than stage 2. During embryonic development, mRNA for the orange-spotted grouper FTZ-F1 homologue was present in newly fertilized eggs, but disappeared in embryos at 50 min post fertilization. The orange-spotted grouper FTZ-F1 homologue mRNA reappeared in embryos at 1.5 hr post fertilization. Its expression level was increased from late blastula to neurula stages. Taken together, results of the current study suggest that the orange-spotted grouper FTZ-F1 homologue exhibits characteristics indicative of both the LRH-1/FTF- and the SF-1/Ad4BP-like genes, and may also play important roles in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, cholesterol metabolism, and embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weimin Zhang
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, College of Life Sciences, Zhongshan (Sun Yat-Sen) University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China.
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Yoshiura Y, Senthilkumaran B, Watanabe M, Oba Y, Kobayashi T, Nagahama Y. Synergistic expression of Ad4BP/SF-1 and cytochrome P-450 aromatase (ovarian type) in the ovary of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, during vitellogenesis suggests transcriptional interaction. Biol Reprod 2003; 68:1545-53. [PMID: 12606465 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.102.010843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Involvement of Ad4BP/SF-1 in the ovarian cytochrome P-450 aromatase (oP450arom) gene expression was investigated using ovarian follicles of the Nile tilapia, possessing an average 14-day spawning cycle. The promoter region (5' flanking region) of oP450arom gene cloned from tilapia contains two Ad4 binding sites. Subsequently, a cDNA encoding Ad4BP/SF-1 was cloned from the ovarian follicles. It is expressed in gonadal tissues, brain, and kidney. Oligonucleotide probes containing putative orphan nuclear receptor binding motifs (derived from promoter region of the aromatase gene) formed complexes with in vitro-translated Ad4BP/SF-1 and nuclear extracts of tilapia ovarian (midvitellogenic) follicles, indicating that Ad4BP/SF-1 is one of the transcriptional regulators for aromatase gene expression. Northern blot analysis revealed that the expression of both oP450arom and Ad4BP/SF-1 increased in parallel with ovarian growth from Day 0 to Day 5 after spawning and declined sharply from Day 8 to Day 11. On the day of spawning (Day 14), the expression of both correlates became undetectable. In vitro incubation of post vitellogenic full-grown immature follicles (corresponding to Day 11 after spawning) with hCG purged both oP450arom and Ad4BP/SF-1 messenger RNA transcripts at 18 h. Conversely, in vitro incubation of late vitellogenic follicles (corresponding to Day 8 after spawning) with hCG retained Ad4BP/SF-1 messenger RNA transcripts more or less steadily and up-regulated oP450arom. Ad4BP/SF-1 probably acts as a transcriptional modulator to implement the paradoxical actions of gonadotropins on oP450arom gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasutoshi Yoshiura
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
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14
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Mayer LP, Overstreet SL, Dyer CA, Propper CR. Sexually dimorphic expression of steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) in developing gonads of the American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2002; 127:40-7. [PMID: 12161200 DOI: 10.1016/s0016-6480(02)00019-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Genetic sex determination leads to gonadal differentiation and ultimately the differences between the sexes in steroid hormone secretion. Gonadal steroidogenesis is critical for the development of a sexually dimorphic phenotype and adult reproductive function. Control of gonadal development and steroidogenesis is under the regulation, at least in part, of steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1). We have begun to characterize SF-1 expression in an amphibian to determine the role of this protein in development and reproduction. We have detected a putative SF-1 protein from several tissues in the American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, that co-migrates with mouse SF-1 on a Western blot. Our results show that bullfrog SF-1 protein is expressed in steroidogenic and other reproductive tissues in a manner similar to that reported for other species, with high expression in the brain, pituitary, gonad, liver, and interrenal, but little or no expression in non-reproductive tissues such as skin and intestine. Using a quantitative Western blot analysis system, we documented changes in SF-1 protein in the gonads of developing tadpoles. Our results indicate that there is sexually dimorphic expression of SF-1 protein that becomes evident at the time of sexual differentiation of the gonads. In males, the expression of SF-1 decreases following testicular formation and in females the expression increases with the formation of ovaries. This is the first study to investigate changes in SF-1 during development at the protein level. The expression is similar to that reported for changes in SF-1 mRNA expression in chickens and alligators, however, opposite to that seen in mammals and turtles. These results indicate that SF-1 may play a pivotal role in development of the reproductive system in amphibians as it does in other vertebrate groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loretta P Mayer
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 5051, Tucson 85724-5051, USA.
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15
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Abstract
Fushi tarazu transcription factor-1 (FTZ-F1), a member of a nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, is a transcriptional regulator for fushi tarazu gene expression in Drosophila (Ueda et al., '90). We have cloned a homologue (rrFTZ-F1alpha) of the FTZ-F1 gene of the frog Rana rugosa. The gene, in frogs, has been shown to have high expression level in the testis (Nakajima et al., 2000). In this study, the RT-PCR analysis showed that the FTZ-F1alpha mRNA level in adult frogs did not change throughout the year, even during hibernation. However, when immunohistological studies using the anti-rrFTZ-F1alpha antibody were employed to examine which testicular cells expressed this gene, Sertoli cells were found to produce rrFTZ-F1alpha in the two seasons: the breeding season (from March through May) and the pre-hibernating season (from October through November). Interstitial cells, however, did it in only the breeding season (from April through May). Taken together, the results suggest that the rrFTZ-F1alpha expression is regulated at the post-transcriptional step, and that the rrFTZ-F1alpha may play an important role(s) in the seasonal activities of Sertoli and interstitial cells in the frog testis. J. Exp. Zool. 290:182-189, 2001.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Takase
- Laboratory for Amphibian Biology, Faculty of Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
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16
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D'Cotta H, Fostier A, Guiguen Y, Govoroun M, Baroiller JF. Aromatase plays a key role during normal and temperature-induced sex differentiation of tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Mol Reprod Dev 2001; 59:265-76. [PMID: 11424212 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In the tilapia Oreochromis niloticus, sex is determined genetically (GSD), by temperature (TSD) or by temperature/genotype interactions. Functional masculinization can be achieved by applying high rearing temperatures during a critical period of sex differentiation. Estrogens play an important role in female differentiation of non-mammalian vertebrates. The involvement of aromatase, was assessed during the natural (genetic all-females and all-males at 27 degrees C) and temperature-induced sex differentiation of tilapia (genetic all-females at 35 degrees C). Gonads were dissected between 486--702 degree x days. Aromatase gene expression was analyzed by virtual northern and semi-quantitative RT-PCR revealing a strong expression during normal ovarian differentiation concomitant with high levels (465 +/- 137 fg/g) of oestradiol-17 beta (E2-17 beta). This was encountered in gonads after the onset of ovarian differentiation (proliferation of both stromal and germ cells prior to ovarian meiosis). Genetic males exhibited lower levels of aromatase gene expression and E2-17 beta quantities (71 +/- 23 fg/ g). Aromatase enzyme activity in fry heads established a sexual dimorphism in the brain, with high activity in females (377.9 pmol/head/hr) and low activity in males (221.53 pmol/head/hr). Temperature induced the masculinization of genetic females to a different degree in each progeny, but in all cases repression of aromatase expression was encountered. Genetic males at 35 degrees C also exhibited a repression of aromatase expression. Aromatase brain activity decreased by nearly three-fold in the temperature-masculinized females with also a reduction observed in genetic males at 35 degrees C. This suggests that aromatase repression is required in the gonad (and perhaps in the brain) in order to drive differentiation towards testis development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 59:265-276, 2001.
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Affiliation(s)
- H D'Cotta
- CIRAD-EMVT (Centre de Coopération International en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement), Station SCRIBE-INRA, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, France.
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17
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Abstract
This paper reviews current knowledge concerning the endocrine and environmental regulation of gonadal sex differentiation in gonochoristic fish. In gonochoristic fish, although potentially active around this period, the hypothalamo-pituitary axis is probably not involved in triggering sex differentiation. Although steroids and steroidogenic enzymes are probably not the initial triggers of sex differentiation, new data, including molecular approaches, have confirmed that they are key physiological steps in the regulation of this process. Environmental factors can strongly influence sex differentiation in gonochoristic fish. The most important environmental determinant of sex would appear to be temperature. Interactions between environmental factors and genotype have been suggested for gonochoristic fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Baroiller
- CIRAD-EMVT (Centre International en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement), Campus de Beaulieu, 35042 Rennes, France
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18
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Schwartz CJ, Sampson HM, Hlousek D, Percival-Smith A, Copeland JW, Simmonds AJ, Krause HM. FTZ-Factor1 and Fushi tarazu interact via conserved nuclear receptor and coactivator motifs. EMBO J 2001; 20:510-9. [PMID: 11157757 PMCID: PMC133472 DOI: 10.1093/emboj/20.3.510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To activate transcription, most nuclear receptor proteins require coactivators that bind to their ligand-binding domains (LBDs). The Drosophila FTZ-Factor1 (FTZ-F1) protein is a conserved member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, but was previously thought to lack an AF2 motif, a motif that is required for ligand and coactivator binding. Here we show that FTZ-F1 does have an AF2 motif and that it is required to bind a coactivator, the homeodomain-containing protein Fushi tarazu (FTZ). We also show that FTZ contains an AF2-interacting nuclear receptor box, the first to be found in a homeodomain protein. Both interaction motifs are shown to be necessary for physical interactions in vitro and for functional interactions in developing embryos. These unexpected findings have important implications for the conserved homologs of the two proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anthony Percival-Smith
- Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, University of Toronto and C.H.Best Institute, 112 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1L6 and
Department of Zoology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B7 Corresponding author e-mail:
| | | | | | - Henry M. Krause
- Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, University of Toronto and C.H.Best Institute, 112 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1L6 and
Department of Zoology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B7 Corresponding author e-mail:
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19
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Abstract
Fushi tarazu transcription factor-1 (FTZ-F1), a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, is a regulator for fushi tarazu gene expression in Drosophila. Its expression pattern during organogenesis in vertebrates, however, is not known yet. In this study, we cloned a frog FTZ-F1 homologue (rrFTZ-F1alpha) and analyzed its expression and localization during gonadal development of the frog Rana rugosa. Cloned rrFTZ-F1alpha cDNA encoded a protein of 501 amino acids including the regions I-III and FTZ-F1 box that are evolutionally conserved in the FTZ-F1 superfamily. rrFTZ-F1alpha shared high similarity at the amino acid level with mouse LRH-1 (76%), human FTF (92%), chicken OR2.0 (92%), Xenopus laevis FF1rA (94%) and zebrafish FF1A (82%). Northern blot analysis showed that the rrFTZ-F1alpha mRNA at a size of 7.4 kb was the most prominent in the testis among various tissues of adult frogs examined. The RT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression of rrFTZ-F1alpha was weak in the gonad of tadpoles before stage XVI, but it became stronger in the testis of froglets at stage XXV and much higher in the testis of frogs 2 months after metamorphosis. In addition, in situ hybridization analysis revealed that the rrFTZ-F1alpha gene was transcribed in germ cells except for sperm in the testis, and in oocytes at stage A in the ovary of frogs 2 months after metamorphosis. Together, these results suggest that FTZ-F1alpha probably plays an important role in differentiation of germ cells in the gonad of frogs in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Takase
- Molecular Medicine Unit, Department of Molecular Pathology, University College London, UK
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20
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Abstract
The Ftz-F1 genes encode orphan receptors of the nuclear receptor superfamily. The mammalian Ftz-F1 homologue, SF-1, has been found to be essential for the proper development of the adrenal-gonadal axis and it also plays a critical role in mammalian sex-determination. We report here the isolation and characterisation of a novel zebrafish Ftz-F1 gene, ff1b. Whole-mount in situ hybridization revealed onset of expression in the developing rostral diencephalon at 22 h post-fertilization (h.p.f.). Later, at 30 h.p.f., transcripts could be detected in the anterior regions of the pancreatic anlagen. Expression in both locations peaks at 36 h.p.f. and disappears at around 48 h.p.f.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Chai
- Laboratory of Fish Biology, Institute of Molecular Agrobiology, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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21
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Abstract
The first ATP-dependent step in pre-mRNA splicing involves the stable binding of U2 snRNP to form the prespliceosome. We show that a prespliceosome-like complex forms in the absence of ATP in yeast extracts lacking the U2 suppressor protein CUS2. These complexes display the same pre-mRNA and U snRNA requirements as authentic prespliceosomes and can be chased through the splicing pathway, indicating that they are a functional intermediate in the spliceosome assembly pathway. ATP-independent prespliceosome-like complexes are also observed in extracts containing a mutant U2 snRNA. Loss of CUS2 does not bypass the role of PRP5, an RNA helicase family member required for ATP-dependent prespliceosome formation. Genetic interactions between CUS2 and a heat-sensitive prp5allele parallel those observed between CUS2 and U2, and suggest that CUS2 mediates functional interactions between U2 RNA and PRP5. We propose that CUS2 enforces ATP dependence during formation of the prespliceosome by brokering an interaction between PRP5 and the U2 snRNP that depends on correct U2 RNA structure.
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22
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Affiliation(s)
- V Giguère
- Molecular Oncology Group, McGill University Health Centre.
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23
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Watanabe M, Tanaka M, Kobayashi D, Yoshiura Y, Oba Y, Nagahama Y. Medaka (Oryzias latipes) FTZ-F1 potentially regulates the transcription of P-450 aromatase in ovarian follicles: cDNA cloning and functional characterization. Mol Cell Endocrinol 1999; 149:221-8. [PMID: 10375033 DOI: 10.1016/s0303-7207(99)00006-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Our previous findings suggest the activity of cytochrome P-450 aromatase (P-450arom), the enzyme which converts testosterone to estradiol-17beta, in the ovarian follicle of medaka (Oryzias latipes) is regulated at the transcriptional level. In this study, we cloned a cDNA encoding a FTZ-F1-like protein (mdFtz-F1) from ovarian follicles of medaka. In vitro translated mdFTZ-F1, and nuclear extract from medaka ovarian follicles, formed complexes with oligonucleotide probes containing putative orphan nuclear receptor binding motifs, which are present in the promoter region of the medaka P-450arom gene. The expression pattern of mdFtz-F1 transcripts during oogenesis coincides with that of P-450arom transcripts. Transfection assays further suggest a potential transcriptional regulatory activity of mdFTZ-F1 upon the medaka P-450arom promoter. Taken together, these results suggest a potential role of mdFTZ-F1 in the transcriptional regulation of P-450arom in the ovarian follicle of medaka.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Watanabe
- Department of Molecular Biomechanics, School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Okazaki, Japan
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