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BMC Genomics Jun 2024Gibel carp (Carassius gibelio) is a cyprinid fish that originated in eastern Eurasia and is considered as invasive in European freshwater ecosystems. The populations of...
Reproduction-associated pathways in females of gibel carp (Carassius gibelio) shed light on the molecular mechanisms of the coexistence of asexual and sexual reproduction.
Gibel carp (Carassius gibelio) is a cyprinid fish that originated in eastern Eurasia and is considered as invasive in European freshwater ecosystems. The populations of gibel carp in Europe are mostly composed of asexually reproducing triploid females (i.e., reproducing by gynogenesis) and sexually reproducing diploid females and males. Although some cases of coexisting sexual and asexual reproductive forms are known in vertebrates, the molecular mechanisms maintaining such coexistence are still in question. Both reproduction modes are supposed to exhibit evolutionary and ecological advantages and disadvantages. To better understand the coexistence of these two reproduction strategies, we performed transcriptome profile analysis of gonad tissues (ovaries) and studied the differentially expressed reproduction-associated genes in sexual and asexual females. We used high-throughput RNA sequencing to generate transcriptomic profiles of gonadal tissues of triploid asexual females and males, diploid sexual males and females of gibel carp, as well as diploid individuals from two closely-related species, C. auratus and Cyprinus carpio. Using SNP clustering, we showed the close similarity of C. gibelio and C. auratus with a basal position of C. carpio to both Carassius species. Using transcriptome profile analyses, we showed that many genes and pathways are involved in both gynogenetic and sexual reproduction in C. gibelio; however, we also found that 1500 genes, including 100 genes involved in cell cycle control, meiosis, oogenesis, embryogenesis, fertilization, steroid hormone signaling, and biosynthesis were differently expressed in the ovaries of asexual and sexual females. We suggest that the overall downregulation of reproduction-associated pathways in asexual females, and their maintenance in sexual ones, allows the populations of C. gibelio to combine the evolutionary and ecological advantages of the two reproductive strategies. However, we showed that many sexual-reproduction-related genes are maintained and expressed in asexual females, suggesting that gynogenetic gibel carp retains the genetic toolkits for meiosis and sexual reproduction. These findings shed new light on the evolution of this asexual and sexual complex.
Topics: Animals; Female; Reproduction, Asexual; Reproduction; Carps; Male; Transcriptome; Gene Expression Profiling; Ovary; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
PubMed: 38824502
DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10462-4 -
Journal of Anatomy May 2024In flies (Diptera), the ovary displays several distinct patterns of the follicular epithelium formation and diversification. Two main patterns have been identified in...
In flies (Diptera), the ovary displays several distinct patterns of the follicular epithelium formation and diversification. Two main patterns have been identified in the true flies or Brachycera, namely the Rhagio type and the Drosophila type. These patterns align with the traditional division of Brachycera into Orthorrhapha and Cyclorrhapha. However, studies of the follicular epithelium morphogenesis in cyclorrhaphans other than Drosophila are scarce. We characterise the developmental changes associated with the emergence of follicle cell (FC) diversity in two cyclorrhaphans belonging to the family Tephritidae (Brachycera, Cyclorrhapha). Our analysis revealed that the diversification of FCs in these species shows characteristics of both the Rhagio and Drosophila types. First, a distinct cluster of FCs, consisting of polar cells and border-like cells, differentiates at the posterior pole of the ovarian follicle. This feature is unique to the Rhagio type and has only been reported in species representing the Orthorrhapha group. Second, morphological criteria have identified a significantly smaller number of subpopulations of FCs than in Drosophila. Furthermore, while the general pattern of FC migration is similar to that of Drosophila, the distinctive migration of the anterior-dorsal FCs is absent. In the studied tephritids, the migration of the anterior polar cell/border cell cluster towards the anterior pole of the oocyte is followed by the posterior migration of the main body cuboidal FCs to cover the expanding oocyte. Finally, during the onset of vitellogenesis, a distinct subset of FCs migrates towards the centre of the ovarian follicle to cover the oocyte's anterior pole. Our study also highlights specific actions of some FCs that accompany the migration process, which has not been previously documented in cyclorrhaphans. These results support the hypothesis that the posterior and centripetal migrations of morphologically unique FC subsets arose in the common ancestor of Cyclorrhapha. These events appear to have occurred fairly recently in the evolutionary timeline of Diptera.
PubMed: 38817113
DOI: 10.1111/joa.14065 -
Zoological Science Jun 2024Formation of the synaptonemal complex (SC) is a prerequisite for proper recombination and chromosomal segregation during meiotic prophase I. One mechanism that ensures...
Formation of the synaptonemal complex (SC) is a prerequisite for proper recombination and chromosomal segregation during meiotic prophase I. One mechanism that ensures SC formation is chromosomal movement, which is driven by the force derived from cytoskeletal motors. Here, we report the phenotype of medaka mutants lacking the telomere repeat binding bouquet formation protein 1 (TERB1), which, in combination with the SUN/KASH protein, mediates chromosomal movement by connecting telomeres and cytoskeletal motors. Mutations in the gene exhibit defects in SC formation in medaka. Although SC formation was initiated, as seen by the punctate lateral elements and fragmented transverse filaments, it was not completed in the mutant meiocytes. The mutant phenotype further revealed that the introduction of double strand breaks was independent of synapsis completion. In association with these phenotypes, meiocytes in both the ovaries and testes exhibited an aberrant arrangement of homologous chromosomes. Interestingly, although oogenesis halted at the zygotene-like stage in mutant, testes continued to produce sperm-like cells with aberrant DNA content. This indicates that the mechanism of meiotic checkpoint is sexually different in medaka, similar to the mammalian checkpoint in which oogenesis proceeds while spermatogenesis is arrested. Moreover, our results suggest that spermatogenesis is mechanistically dissociable from meiosis.
Topics: Animals; Oryzias; Synaptonemal Complex; Male; Gametogenesis; Female; Mutation; Meiosis; Fish Proteins
PubMed: 38809870
DOI: 10.2108/zs230108 -
Reproduction in Domestic Animals =... May 2024Meat and eggs from chicken are the major source of animal protein for the human population. The cryopreservation of poultry species is needed to guarantee sustainable... (Review)
Review
Meat and eggs from chicken are the major source of animal protein for the human population. The cryopreservation of poultry species is needed to guarantee sustainable production. Here, we describe the existing cryopreservation technologies for avian reproductive cells using embryonic germ cells, spermatozoa and ovarian tissues. We outline strategies to reconstitute chicken breeds from their cryopreserved embryonic germ cells using surrogate hosts and discuss the perspectives for genetic conservation and reconstitution of chicken and wild avian species using surrogate host animals.
Topics: Animals; Cryopreservation; Male; Female; Chickens; Spermatozoa; Ovary; Embryonic Germ Cells; Germ Cells; Reproduction
PubMed: 38798199
DOI: 10.1111/rda.14591 -
Molecular Aspects of Medicine Jun 2024Meiosis is a critical step for spermatogenesis and oogenesis. Meiosis commences with pre-meiotic S phase that is subsequently followed by meiotic prophase. The meiotic... (Review)
Review
Meiosis is a critical step for spermatogenesis and oogenesis. Meiosis commences with pre-meiotic S phase that is subsequently followed by meiotic prophase. The meiotic prophase is characterized by the meiosis-specific chromosomal events such as chromosome recombination and homolog synapsis. Meiosis initiator (MEIOSIN) and stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8) initiate meiosis by activating the meiotic genes by installing the meiotic prophase program at pre-meiotic S phase. This review highlights the mechanisms of meiotic initiation and meiotic prophase progression from the point of the gene expression program and its relevance to infertility. Furthermore, upstream pathways that regulate meiotic initiation will be discussed in the context of spermatogenic development, indicating the sexual differences in the mode of meiotic entry.
Topics: Spermatogenesis; Humans; Meiosis; Animals; Male; Meiotic Prophase I; Prophase
PubMed: 38797021
DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101282 -
Biomolecules Apr 2024Suppressor of deltex () is a member of the NEDD4 family of the HECT domain E3 ubiquitin ligases. acts as a regulator of Notch endocytic trafficking, promoting Notch...
Suppressor of deltex () is a member of the NEDD4 family of the HECT domain E3 ubiquitin ligases. acts as a regulator of Notch endocytic trafficking, promoting Notch lysosomal degradation and the down-regulation of both ligand-dependent and ligand-independent signalling, the latter involving trafficking through the endocytic pathway and activation of the endo/lysosomal membrane. Mutations of result in developmental phenotypes in the wing that reflect increased Notch signalling, leading to gaps in the specification of the wing veins, and functions to provide the developmental robustness of Notch activity to environmental temperature shifts. The full developmental functions of are unclear; however, this is due to a lack of a clearly defined null allele. Here we report the first defined null mutation of , generated by P-element excision, which removes the complete open reading frame. We show that the mutation is recessive-viable, with the Notch gain of function phenotypes affecting wing vein and leg development. We further uncover new roles for in oogenesis, where it regulates interfollicular stalk formation, egg chamber separation and germline cyst enwrapment by the follicle stem cells. Interestingly, while the null allele exhibited a gain in Notch activity during oogenesis, the previously described allele, which carries a seven amino acid in-frame deletion, displayed a Notch loss of function phenotypes and an increase in follicle stem cell turnover. This is despite both alleles displaying similar Notch gain of function in wing development. We attribute this unexpected context-dependent outcome of being due to the partial retention of function by the intact C2 and WW domain regions of the protein. Our results extend our understanding of the developmental role of in the tissue renewal and homeostasis of the ovary and illustrate the importance of examining an allelic series of mutations to fully understand developmental functions.
Topics: Animals; Oogenesis; Drosophila melanogaster; Drosophila Proteins; Receptors, Notch; Alleles; Female; Wings, Animal; Mutation; Signal Transduction; Phenotype; Membrane Proteins
PubMed: 38785929
DOI: 10.3390/biom14050522 -
Insect Science May 2024Vitellogenin receptor (VgR) plays a crucial role in oogenesis by mediating endocytosis of vitellogenin and a portion of the yolk proteins in many insect species....
Vitellogenin receptor (VgR) plays a crucial role in oogenesis by mediating endocytosis of vitellogenin and a portion of the yolk proteins in many insect species. However, the function of VgR in minute parasitoid wasps is largely unknown. Here, we applied Trichogramma dendrolimi, a minute egg parasitoid, as a study model to investigate the function of VgR in parasitoids. We developed RNA interference (RNAi) methods based on microinjection of prepupae in T. dendrolimi. RNAi employs nanomaterial branched amphipathic peptide capsules (BAPC) as a carrier for double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), significantly enhancing delivery efficiency. Also, artificial hosts without medium were used to culture the injected prepupae in vitro. Utilizing these methods, we found that ovarian growth was disrupted after knockdown of TdVgR, as manifested by the suppressed development of the ovariole and the inhibition of nurse cell internalization by oocytes. Also, the initial mature egg load in the ovary was significantly reduced. Notably, the parasitic capacity of the female adult with ovarian dysplasia was significantly decreased, possibly resulting from the low availability of mature eggs. Moreover, ovarian dysplasia in T. dendrolimi caused by VgR deficiency are conserved despite feeding on different hosts. The results confirmed a critical role of TdVgR in the reproductive ability of T. dendrolimi and provided a reference for gene functional studies in minute insects.
PubMed: 38783625
DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13385 -
Immunologic Research May 2024Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the activation of the immune response against self antigens. Numerous reproductive...
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the activation of the immune response against self antigens. Numerous reproductive complications, including reduced birth rate and complications for the mother and the fetus during pregnancy, have been observed in women with SLE. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of SLE development on oocyte meiosis in lupus-prone mice. Lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice were used for the experiments: disease-free (4 weeks of age) and sick (20 weeks of age, virgin and postpartum). The immune response was monitored by flow cytometry, ELISpot, ELISA, and histology. Oocytes were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy based on chromatin, tubulin, and actin structures. The lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice developed age-dependent symptoms of SLE with increased levels of various autoantibodies, proteinuria, and renal infiltrates and a tendency for the immune response to worsen with changes in cell populations and the cytokine profile. The number and quality of oocytes were also affected, and the successful pregnancy rate of MRL/lpr mice was limited to only 60%. Isolated oocytes showed severe structural changes in all studied groups. Systemic alterations in immune homeostasis in SLE affect the quality of developing oocytes, which is evident from a young age. The data obtained is in line with the trend of reduced fertility in lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice. The phenomenon can be explained by changes in the microenvironment of the relevant organs and close connection between ovulation and inflammatory processes.
PubMed: 38771487
DOI: 10.1007/s12026-024-09489-2 -
Nature May 2024Epigenetic reprogramming resets parental epigenetic memories and differentiates primordial germ cells (PGCs) into mitotic pro-spermatogonia or oogonia. This process...
Epigenetic reprogramming resets parental epigenetic memories and differentiates primordial germ cells (PGCs) into mitotic pro-spermatogonia or oogonia. This process ensures sexually dimorphic germ cell development for totipotency. In vitro reconstitution of epigenetic reprogramming in humans remains a fundamental challenge. Here we establish a strategy for inducing epigenetic reprogramming and differentiation of pluripotent stem-cell-derived human PGC-like cells (hPGCLCs) into mitotic pro-spermatogonia or oogonia, coupled with their extensive amplification (about >10-fold). Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling is a key driver of these processes. BMP-driven hPGCLC differentiation involves attenuation of the MAPK (ERK) pathway and both de novo and maintenance DNA methyltransferase activities, which probably promote replication-coupled, passive DNA demethylation. hPGCLCs deficient in TET1, an active DNA demethylase abundant in human germ cells, differentiate into extraembryonic cells, including amnion, with de-repression of key genes that bear bivalent promoters. These cells fail to fully activate genes vital for spermatogenesis and oogenesis, and their promoters remain methylated. Our study provides a framework for epigenetic reprogramming in humans and an important advance in human biology. Through the generation of abundant mitotic pro-spermatogonia and oogonia-like cells, our results also represent a milestone for human in vitro gametogenesis research and its potential translation into reproductive medicine.
PubMed: 38768632
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07526-6 -
Yi Chuan = Hereditas Dec 2023Normal oogenesis is crucial to successful reproduction. During the human female fetal stage, primordial germ cells transform from mitosis to meiosis. After synapsis and... (Review)
Review
Normal oogenesis is crucial to successful reproduction. During the human female fetal stage, primordial germ cells transform from mitosis to meiosis. After synapsis and recombination of homologous chromosomes, meiosis is arrested at the diplotene stage of prophase in meiosis I. The maintenance of oocyte meiotic arrest in the follicle is primarily attributed to high cytoplasmic concentrations of cyclic adenosine monophosphate. During the menstrual cycle, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone lead to the resumption of meiosis that occurs in certain oocytes and complete the ovulation process. Anything that disturbs oocyte meiosis may result in failure of oogenesis and seriously affect both the fertilization and embryonic development. The rapid development of the assisted reproduction technology, high-throughput sequencing technology, and molecular biology technology provide new ideas and means for human to understand molecular mechanism of meiosis and diagnosis and treatment of oocyte maturation defects. In this review, we mainly summarize the recent physiological and pathological mechanisms of oogenesis, involving homologous recombination, meiotic arrest and resumption, maternal mRNA degradation, post-translational regulation, zona pellucida assembly, and so on. We wish to take this opportunity to raise the awareness of researchers in related fields on oocyte meiosis, providing a theoretical basis for further research and disease treatments.
Topics: Meiosis; Oocytes; Humans; Female; Oogenesis; Animals
PubMed: 38764273
DOI: 10.16288/j.yczz.23-170