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Archives of Insect Biochemistry and... Jan 2021Sugarbabe is a C H zinc-finger transcription factor that is sensitive to sugar and essential for lipid biosynthesis in larvae of Drosophila melanogaster. However, the...
Sugarbabe is a C H zinc-finger transcription factor that is sensitive to sugar and essential for lipid biosynthesis in larvae of Drosophila melanogaster. However, the role of Sugarbabe in adult insect development remains unexplored. Vitellogenesis is a nutrient-dependent process that is promoted by juvenile hormone (JH) in many insect species. Here, we cloned an ortholog gene of D. melanogaster Sugarbabe (DmSug) in the migratory locust Locusta migratoria. The locust Sugarbabe (LmSug) has five C H zinc-finger motifs similar to DmSug. LmSug was expressed at a low level in adult female locusts raised under poor nutrient conditions. JH treatment increased the expression level of LmSug. Knockdown of the JH receptor gene Met caused a reduction of LmSug expression. Depletion of the LmSug transcript level caused a significant reduction in vitellogenin expression in the fat body, resulting in impaired oocyte development and ovary growth. The results suggest that LmSug is expressed in response to JH, and plays an essential role in female insect reproduction.
Topics: Animals; Drosophila Proteins; Fat Body; Female; Insect Proteins; Juvenile Hormones; Locusta migratoria; Oogenesis; Transcription Factors; Vitellogenesis; Vitellogenins; Zinc Fingers
PubMed: 32978973
DOI: 10.1002/arch.21742 -
Veterinary Parasitology Jan 2007This study presents new information on the vitellogenesis of the tick Amblyomma triste. In this species, the ovary consists of a layer of epithelial cells, which form...
This study presents new information on the vitellogenesis of the tick Amblyomma triste. In this species, the ovary consists of a layer of epithelial cells, which form the ovarian wall, oogonia and developing oocytes; and the pedicel, a cellular structure that synthesizes and provides yolk precursors for developing oocytes. The pedicel also attaches oocytes to the external surface of the epithelial wall. In this study, evidence is provided in support of pedicel cells in providing compounds for oocytes during vitellogenesis.
Topics: Animals; Female; Ixodidae; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Oocytes; Ovary; Vitellogenesis
PubMed: 16978785
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.08.013 -
General and Comparative Endocrinology Nov 2020The black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) is one of the most commercially important prawn species world-wide, yet there are currently key issues that hinder aquaculture of...
The black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) is one of the most commercially important prawn species world-wide, yet there are currently key issues that hinder aquaculture of this species, such as low spawning capacity of captive-reared broodstock females and lack of globally available fully domesticated strains. In this study, we analysed the molecular changes that occur from vitellogenesis to spawning of a fully domesticated population of P.monodon (Madagascar) using four tissues [brain and thoracic ganglia (central nervous system - CNS), eyestalks, antennal gland, and ovary] highlighting differentially expressed genes that could be involved in the sexual maturation. In addition, due to their key role in regulating multiple physiological processes including reproduction, transcripts encoding P.monodon neuropeptides and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) were identified and their expression pattern was assessed. A few neuropeptides and their putative GPCRs which were previously implicated in reproduction are discussed. We identified 573 differentially expressed transcripts between previtellogenic and vitellogenic stages, across the four analysed tissues. Multiple transcripts that have been linked to ovarian maturation were highlighted throughout the study, these include vitellogenin, Wnt, heat shock protein 21, heat shock protein 90, teneurin, Fs(1)M3, hemolymph clottable proteins and some other candidates. Seventy neuropeptide transcripts were also characterized from our de novo assembly. In addition, a hybrid approach that involved clustering and phylogenetics analysis was used to annotate all P. monodon GPCRs, revealing 223 Rhodopsin, 100 Secretin and 27 Metabotropic glutamate GPCRs. Given the key commercial significance of P.monodon and the industry requirements for developing better genomic tools to control reproduction in this species, our findings provide a foundation for future gene-based studies, setting the scene for developing innovative tools for reproduction and/or sexual maturation control in P. monodon.
Topics: Animals; Cluster Analysis; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Madagascar; Molecular Sequence Annotation; Neuropeptides; Ovary; Penaeidae; Phylogeny; RNA, Messenger; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; Transcriptome; Vitellogenesis
PubMed: 32822704
DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113585 -
PloS One 2020The life cycle of European eel (Anguilla anguilla), a catadromous species, is complex and enigmatic. In nature, during the silvering process prior to their long spawning...
The life cycle of European eel (Anguilla anguilla), a catadromous species, is complex and enigmatic. In nature, during the silvering process prior to their long spawning migration, reproductive development is arrested, and they cease feeding. In studies of reproduction using hormonal induction, eels are equivalently not feed. Therefore, in female eels that undergo vitellogenesis, the liver plays different, essential roles being involved both in vitellogenins synthesis and in reallocating resources for the maintenance of vital functions, performing the transoceanic reproductive migration and completing reproductive development. The present work aimed at unravelling the major transcriptomic changes that occur in the liver during induced vitellogenesis in female eels. mRNA-Seq data from 16 animals (eight before induced vitellogenesis and eight after nine weeks of hormonal treatment) were generated and differential expression analysis was performed comparing the two groups. This analysis detected 1,328 upregulated and 1,490 downregulated transcripts. Overrepresentation analysis of the upregulated genes included biological processes related to biosynthesis, response to estrogens, mitochondrial activity and localization, while downregulated genes were enriched in processes related to morphogenesis and development of several organs and tissues, including liver and immune system. Among key genes, the upregulated ones included vitellogenin genes (VTG1 and VTG2) that are central in vitellogenesis, together with ESR1 and two novel genes not previously investigated in European eel (LMAN1 and NUPR1), which have been linked with reproduction in other species. Moreover, several upregulated genes, such as CYC1, ELOVL5, KARS and ACSS1, are involved in the management of the effect of fasting and NOTCH, VEGFA and NCOR are linked with development, autophagy and liver maintenance in other species. These results increase the understanding of the molecular changes that occur in the liver during vitellogenesis in this complex and distinctive fish species, bringing new insights on European eel reproduction and broodstock management.
Topics: Anguilla; Animals; Female; Liver; RNA-Seq; Reproduction; Transcriptome; Vitellogenesis
PubMed: 32790680
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236438 -
Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz May 2010The vitellogenic process in Culex quinquefasciatus, which is triggered by a blood meal, involves the synthesis, distribution and storage of the nutrients necessary for...
The vitellogenic process in Culex quinquefasciatus, which is triggered by a blood meal, involves the synthesis, distribution and storage of the nutrients necessary for embryo development. The fat body of an adult female Cx. quinquefasciatus revealed two cell types: large trophocytes and small, eosinophilic, "oenocyte-like" cells, which show no morphological changes throughout the gonotrophic cycle. Trophocytes, which only begin to synthesise vitellogenin (Vg) 12 h post-blood meal (PBM), undergo a series of morphological changes following engorgement. These changes include the expansion of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and Golgi complex, which are later destroyed by autophagosomes. At 84 h PBM, trophocytes return to their pre-engorgement morphology. The ovarian follicles of non-blood-fed Cx. quinquefasciatus contain a cluster of eight undifferentiated cells surrounded by follicular epithelium. After engorgement, the oocyte membrane facing the perioocytic space increases its absorptive surface by microvilli development; large amounts of Vg and lipids are stored between 24 and 48 h PBM. Along with yolk storage in the oocyte, follicular cells exhibit the development of RER cisternae and electron-dense granules begin to fill the perioocytic space, possibly giving rise to endochorion. Later in the gonotrophic cycle, electron-dense vesicles, which are possible exochorion precursors, fuse at the apical membrane of follicular cells. This fusion is followed by follicular cell degeneration.
Topics: Adipose Tissue; Animals; Culex; Female; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Ovary; Vitellogenesis
PubMed: 20512237
DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762010000300003 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2021In this study, a novel Crustacean Hyperglycemic Hormone-type II gene was identified and biologically characterized in a shrimp, . Based on its structure and function,...
In this study, a novel Crustacean Hyperglycemic Hormone-type II gene was identified and biologically characterized in a shrimp, . Based on its structure and function, this gene was named (). The complete cDNA sequence of consisted of 1,022 nt with an open reading frame (ORF) of 339 nt encoding a polypeptide of 112 amino acids. It was classified as a member of the CHH-type II family based on conserved cysteine residues, a characteristically positioned glycine residue, and the absence of CHH precursor-related peptide (CPRP) domain. The deduced mature PemVIH shared the highest sequence similarities with giant river prawn sinus gland peptide A. Unlike (), was expressed only in the brain and ventral nerve cord, but not the eyestalks. Whole mount immunofluorescence using a newly generated PemVIH antiserum detected positive signals in neuronal cluster 9/11 and 17 of the brain, commissural ganglion (CoG), and neuronal clusters of ventral nerve cord. The presence of PemVIH-positive neurons in CoG, a part of stomatogastric nervous system, suggested a potential mechanism for crosstalk between nutritional and reproductive signaling. The role of in vitellogenesis was evaluated using RNA interference technique. Temporal knockdown of in female subadults resulted in a 3-fold increase in ovarian vitellogenin expression, suggesting an inhibitory role of in vitellogenesis. This study provided novel insight into the control of vitellogenesis and additional strategies for improving ovarian maturation in without the current harmful practice of eyestalk ablation.
Topics: Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Arthropod Proteins; Cloning, Molecular; Female; Invertebrate Hormones; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Ovary; Penaeidae; Vitellogenesis; Vitellogenins
PubMed: 34867802
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.760538 -
BMC Developmental Biology Mar 2019Knowledge about vitellogenesis in spiders is rudimentary. Therefore, the aim of study was to check the vitellogenin (Vg) presence in various tissues of the female spider...
BACKGROUND
Knowledge about vitellogenesis in spiders is rudimentary. Therefore, the aim of study was to check the vitellogenin (Vg) presence in various tissues of the female spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum, determine when and where vitellogenesis starts and takes place, and the putative role of selected hormones in the vitellogenesis.
RESULTS
Here we show two genes encoding Vg (PtVg4 and PtVg6) in the genome of the spider P. tepidariorum. One gene PtVg4 and three subunits of Vg (250 kDa, 47 kDa and 30 kDa) are expressed in the midgut glands, ovaries and hemolymph. Heterosynthesis of the Vg in the midgut glands and autosynthesis in the ovaries were observed. Vitellogenesis begins in the last nymphal stage in the midgut glands (heterosynthesis). However, after sexual maturity is reached, Vg is also synthesized in the ovaries (autosynthesis). Changes in the PtVg4 expression level and in the Vg concentration after treatment with 20-hydroxyecdysone, a juvenile hormone analog (fenoxycarb) and an antijuvenoid compound (precocene I) were observed. Therefore, we propose a hypothetical model for the hormonal regulation of vitellogenesis in P. tepidariorum.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results are the first comprehensive study on spider vitellogenesis. In our opinion, this work will open discussion on the evolutionary context of possible similarities in the hormonal control of vitellogenesis between P. tepidariorum and other arthropods as well as their consequences.
Topics: Animals; Benzopyrans; Ecdysterone; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Juvenile Hormones; Ovary; Phenylcarbamates; Spiders; Vitellogenesis; Vitellogenins
PubMed: 30849941
DOI: 10.1186/s12861-019-0184-x -
The Journal of Animal Ecology Mar 2019Oxidative stress is a potential cost of reproduction, but conclusive evidence for this relationship is lacking. The goal of this study was to serially assess across a...
Oxidative stress is a potential cost of reproduction, but conclusive evidence for this relationship is lacking. The goal of this study was to serially assess across a seasonal gradient the relationship between reproduction, circulating plasma energy metabolites and oxidative state. Here, we examine a study animal ideally suited to test for the oxidative costs of reproduction: the Allen Cays Rock Iguana. Female rock iguanas reproduce at varying frequencies, often skipping years, allowing for a comparison between reproductive and non-reproductive females during the same narrow, annual breeding season. This feature of iguana life history enabled us to address not just sex and seasonal differences in physiology, but also potential oxidative costs of reproduction in females. Male and female iguanas were sampled during the early (vitellogenic), late (gravid) and post-reproductive seasons. Ultrasound examinations were performed on females to quantify reproductive investment, and blood samples were collected for physiology assays, which included reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs), antioxidants, triglycerides, free glycerol and glucose. The early reproductive season was characterized by significant increases in reproductive female's triglycerides, free glycerol and oxidative stress compared to late and post-reproductive periods and non-reproductive females and males during all sampling periods. Antioxidants were significantly elevated during the early reproductive season for reproductive females, non-reproductive females and males when compared to late and post-season. Follicle number in early reproductive females was positively related to d-ROMs, triglycerides and free glycerol, negatively related to antioxidants and showed no relationship with glucose. Measures of oxidative stress, d-ROMs and oxidative index were positively correlated with circulating levels of the lipid metabolite free glycerol during the early reproductive period, but this relationship weakened in the late season and disappeared in the post-season. Broadly, this study supports the hypothesis that the relationship between reproduction and oxidative stress is driven by energy investment, being greatest during early reproduction when vitellogenesis is occurring.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Female; Male; Oxidative Stress; Reproduction; Seasons; Vitellogenesis
PubMed: 30521087
DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12936 -
Molecular Reproduction and Development Mar 2005Vitellogenesis in the mature female crab Charybdis feriatus occurs all year round during which active synthesis of the vitellogenin (Vg) precursor occurs. Several... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Vitellogenesis in the mature female crab Charybdis feriatus occurs all year round during which active synthesis of the vitellogenin (Vg) precursor occurs. Several polypeptides from the ovaries were shown to be immuno-reactive to the shrimp vitellin (Vn) antibody. N-terminal amino acid sequence determination revealed that several ovarian polypeptides and one polypeptide secreted by the hepatopancreas were identical to part of the C. feriatus Vg (CfVg) precursor. The full-length cDNA sequence encoding a protein with high amino acid sequence similarity to the Vg of the shrimp Metapenaeus ensis was cloned. In common with the shrimp M. ensis MeVg2, the crab vitellogenin gene is expressed only in the hepatopancreas. The expression level of CfVg is undetectable in the non-reproductive females, increases to maximum at the middle stages of vitellogenesis and drops to a lower level in late vitellogenesis. Expression of CfVg also extended to females that are undergoing brooding of developing larvae. Although the 8 kb transcript for the full-length cDNA was detected, smaller transcripts specific to CfVg mRNA were also detected, suggesting the occurrence of alternative splicing/expression of the CgVg gene to produce the smaller transcripts. Using a short term in vitro hepatopancreas explant culture assay, we have demonstrated that low concentrations of farnesoic acid (FA) stimulate CfVg gene expression in the hepatopancreas. Although both methyl farnesoate (MF) and juvenile hormone III also caused up-regulation of the CfVg gene, their effects are only significant at much higher concentrations.
Topics: Alternative Splicing; Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Base Sequence; Blotting, Northern; Blotting, Western; Brachyura; Cloning, Molecular; DNA, Complementary; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Hepatopancreas; Molecular Sequence Data; Reproduction; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Species Specificity; Vitellogenesis; Vitellogenins
PubMed: 15625694
DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20213 -
Fish Physiology and Biochemistry Feb 2022Egg biochemical composition is among the main factors affecting offspring quality and survival during the yolk-sac stage, when larvae depend exclusively on yolk...
Egg biochemical composition is among the main factors affecting offspring quality and survival during the yolk-sac stage, when larvae depend exclusively on yolk nutrients. These nutrients are primarily embedded in the developing oocytes during vitellogenesis. In aquaculture, assisted reproduction procedures may be applied enabling gamete production. For the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), reproductive treatment involves administration of pituitary extracts from carp (CPE) or salmon (SPE) to induce and sustain vitellogenesis. In the present study, we compared the influence of CPE and SPE treatments on offspring quality and composition as well as nutrient utilization during the yolk-sac stage. Thus, dry weight, proximal composition (total lipid, total protein), free amino acids, and fatty acids were assessed in eggs and larvae throughout the yolk-sac stage, where body and oil-droplet area were measured to estimate growth rate, oil-droplet utilization, and oil-droplet utilization efficiency. The results showed that CPE females spawned eggs with higher lipid and free amino acid contents. However, SPE females produced more buoyant eggs with higher fertilization rate as well as larger larvae with more energy reserves (estimated as oil-droplet area). Overall, general patterns of nutrient utilization were detected, such as the amount of total lipid and monounsaturated fatty acids decreasing from the egg stage and throughout the yolk-sac larval stage. On the contrary, essential fatty acids and free amino acids were retained. Notably, towards the end of the yolk-sac stage, the proximal composition and biometry of surviving larvae, from both treatments, were similar.
Topics: Amino Acids; Anguilla; Animals; Cell Extracts; Fatty Acids; Female; Hormones; Larva; Ovum; Pituitary Gland; Vitellogenesis; Yolk Sac
PubMed: 35044583
DOI: 10.1007/s10695-021-01042-4