RESUMO
Genetic defects affecting steroid biosynthesis cause cortisol deficiency and differences of sex development; among these defects are recessive mutations in the steroidogenic enzymes CYP11A1 and CYP11B, whose function is supported by reducing equivalents donated by ferredoxin reductase (FDXR) and ferredoxin. So far, mutations in the mitochondrial flavoprotein FDXR have been associated with a progressive neuropathic mitochondriopathy named FDXR-related mitochondriopathy (FRM), but cortisol insufficiency has not been documented. However, patients with FRM often experience worsening or demise following stress associated with infections. We investigated 2 female patients with FRM carrying the potentially novel homozygous FDXR mutation p.G437R with ambiguous genitalia at birth and sudden death in the first year of life; they presented with cortisol deficiency and androgen excess compatible with 11-hydroxylase deficiency. In addition, steroidogenic FDXR-variant cell lines reprogrammed from 3 patients with FRM fibroblasts displayed deficient mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid production. Finally, Fdxr-mutant mice allelic to the severe p.R386W human variant showed reduced progesterone and corticosterone production. Therefore, our comprehensive studies show that human FDXR variants may cause compensated but possibly life-threatening adrenocortical insufficiency in stress by affecting adrenal glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid synthesis through direct enzyme inhibition, most likely in combination with disturbed mitochondrial redox balance.
Assuntos
Insuficiência Adrenal , Ferredoxina-NADP Redutase , Humanos , Feminino , Insuficiência Adrenal/genética , Insuficiência Adrenal/metabolismo , Animais , Camundongos , Ferredoxina-NADP Redutase/genética , Ferredoxina-NADP Redutase/metabolismo , Mutação , Hidrocortisona/metabolismo , Lactente , Doenças Mitocondriais/genética , Doenças Mitocondriais/metabolismo , Masculino , Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/genética , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/metabolismo , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/patologiaRESUMO
Apoptosis plays a key role in the effective removal of excessive and defective germ cells, which is essential for sequential hermaphroditism and sex change in vertebrates. The ricefield eel, Monopterus albus is a protogynous hermaphroditic fish that undergoes a sequential sex change from female to male. Previous studies have demonstrated that apoptosis is involved in sex change in M. albus. However, the apoptotic signaling pathway is unclear. In the current study, we explored the underlying mechanism of apoptosis during gonadal development and focused on the role of the mitochondrial apoptosis signaling pathway in sex change in M. albus. Flow cytometry was performed to detect apoptosis in gonads at five sexual stages and ovary tissues exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in vitro. Then the expression patterns of key genes and proteins in the mitochondrial pathway, death receptor pathway and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) pathway were examined. The results showed that the apoptosis rate was significantly increased in the early intersexual stage and then decreased with the natural sex change from female to male. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that bax, tnfr1, and calpain were mainly expressed in the five stages. ELISA demonstrated that the relative content of cytochrome-c (cyt-c) in the mitochondrial pathway was significantly higher than that of caspase8 and caspase12, with a peak in the early intersexual stage, while the levels of caspase8 and caspase12 peaked in the late intersexual stage. Interestingly, the Pearson's coefficient between cyt-c and the apoptosis rate was 0.705, which suggests that these factors are closely related during the gonadal development of M. albus. Furthermore, the cyt-c signal was found to be increased in the intersexual stage by immunohistochemistry. After incubation with H2O2, the mRNA expression of mitochondrial pathway molecules such as bax, apaf-1, and caspase3 increased in ovary tissues. In conclusion, the present results suggest that the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway may play a more important role than the other apoptotic pathways in sex change in M. albus.
Assuntos
Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual , Enguias , Animais , Apoptose , Calpaína/metabolismo , Citocromos c/metabolismo , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/metabolismo , Enguias/genética , Enguias/metabolismo , Feminino , Peróxido de Hidrogênio/metabolismo , Peróxido de Hidrogênio/farmacologia , Masculino , Oócitos/metabolismo , Ovário/metabolismo , RNA Mensageiro/metabolismo , Receptores Tipo I de Fatores de Necrose Tumoral/metabolismo , Proteína X Associada a bcl-2/metabolismoRESUMO
Clownfish can be an excellent research model for investigating the socially-controlled sexual development of sequential hermaphrodite teleosts. However, the molecular cascades underlying the social cues that orchestrate the sexual development process remain poorly understood. Here, we performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis of gonads from females, males, and nonbreeders of Amphiprion clarkii, which constitute a complete social group, allowing us to investigate the molecular regulatory network under social control. Our analysis highlighted that the gonads of nonbreeders and males exhibited high similarities but were far from females, both in global transcriptomic profiles and histological characteristics, and identified numerous candidate genes involved in sexual development, some well-known and some novel. Significant upregulation of cyp19a1a, foxl2, nr5a1a, wnt4a, hsd3b7, and pgr in females provides strong evidence for the importance of steroidogenesis in ovarian development and maintenance, with cyp19a1a playing a central role. Amh and sox8 are two potential key factors that may regulate testicular tissue development in early and late stages, respectively, as they are expressed at higher levels in males than in females, but with slightly different expression timings. Unlike previous descriptions in other fishes, the unique expression pattern of dmrt1 in A. clarkii implied its potential function in both male and female gonads, and we speculated that it might play promoting roles in the early development of both testicular and ovarian tissues.
Assuntos
Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual , Perciformes , Animais , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/metabolismo , Feminino , Perfilação da Expressão Gênica , Gônadas/metabolismo , Masculino , Perciformes/genética , Diferenciação Sexual/genética , TranscriptomaRESUMO
The Sertoli cells of the testes play an essential role during gonadal development, in addition to supporting subsequent germ cell survival and spermatogenesis. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a member of the TGF-ß superfamily, which is secreted by immature Sertoli cells from the 8th week of fetal gestation. lnhibin B is a glycoprotein, which is produced by the Sertoli cells from early in fetal development. In people with a Difference or Disorder of Sex Development (DSD), these hormones may be useful to determine the presence of testicular tissue and potential for spermatogenesis. However, fetal Sertoli cell development and function is often dysregulated in DSD conditions and altered production of Sertoli cell hormones may be detected throughout the life course in these individuals. As such this review will consider the role of AMH and inhibin B in individuals with DSD.
Assuntos
Hormônio Antimülleriano , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual , Inibinas , Células de Sertoli , Diferenciação Sexual , Hormônio Antimülleriano/genética , Hormônio Antimülleriano/metabolismo , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/genética , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/metabolismo , Humanos , Subunidades beta de Inibinas/genética , Subunidades beta de Inibinas/metabolismo , Inibinas/genética , Inibinas/metabolismo , Masculino , Células de Sertoli/metabolismo , Diferenciação Sexual/fisiologia , Espermatogênese/fisiologia , Testículo/metabolismoRESUMO
SOX genesare master regulatory genes controlling development and are fundamental to the establishment of sex determination in a multitude of organisms. The discovery of the master sex-determining gene SRY in 1990 was pivotal for the understanding of how testis development is initiated in mammals. With this discovery, an entire family of SOX factors were uncovered that play crucial roles in cell fate decisions during development. The importance of SOX genes in human reproductive development is evident from the various disorders of sex development (DSD) upon loss or overexpression of SOX gene function. Here, we review the roles that SOX genes play in gonad development and their involvement in DSD. We start with an overview of sex determination and differentiation, DSDs, and the SOX gene family and function. We then provide detailed information and discussion on SOX genes that have been implicated in DSDs, both at the gene and regulatory level. These include SRY, SOX9, SOX3, SOX8, and SOX10. This review provides insights on the crucial balance of SOX gene expression levels needed for gonad development and maintenance and how changes in these levels can lead to DSDs.
Assuntos
Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual , Fatores de Transcrição SOX9 , Animais , Humanos , Masculino , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/genética , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/metabolismo , Processos de Determinação Sexual/genética , Diferenciação Sexual , Fatores de Transcrição SOX9/genética , Fatores de Transcrição SOX9/metabolismo , Fatores de Transcrição SOXE/genética , Fatores de Transcrição SOXE/metabolismo , Testículo/metabolismoRESUMO
Fishes are the only vertebrates that undergo sex change during their lifetime, but even within this group, a unique reproductive strategy is displayed by only 1.5% of the teleosts. This lability in alternating sexual fate is the result of the simultaneous suppression and activation of opposing male and female networks. Here, we provide a brief review summarizing recent advances in our understanding of the environmental cues that trigger sex change and their perception, integration, and translation into molecular cascades that convert the sex of an individual. We particularly focus on molecular events underpinning the complex behavioral and morphological transformation involved in sex change, dissecting the main molecular players and regulatory networks that shape the transformation of one sex into the opposite. We show that histological changes and molecular pathways governing gonadal reorganization are better described than the neuroendocrine basis of sex change and that, despite important advances, information is lacking for the majority of hermaphrodite species. We highlight significant gaps in our knowledge of how sex change takes place and suggest future research directions.
Assuntos
Sinais (Psicologia) , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual , Animais , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/metabolismo , Feminino , Peixes , Gônadas/metabolismo , Masculino , VertebradosRESUMO
The SRY gene induces testis development even in XX individuals. However, XX/Sry testes fail to produce mature sperm, due to the absence of Y chromosome carrying genes essential for spermatogenesis. XX/Sry Sertoli cells show abnormalities in the production of lactate and cholesterol required for germ cell development. Leydig cells are essential for male functions through testosterone production. However, whether XX/Sry adult Leydig cells (XX/Sry ALCs) function normally remains unclear. In this study, the transcriptomes from XY and XX/Sry ALCs demonstrated that immediate early and cholesterogenic gene expressions differed between these cells. Interestingly, cholesterogenic genes were upregulated in XX/Sry ALCs, although downregulated in XX/Sry Sertoli cells. Among the steroidogenic enzymes, CYP17A1 mediates steroid 17α-hydroxylation and 17,20-lyase reaction, necessary for testosterone production. In XX/Sry ALCs, the latter reaction was selectively decreased. The defects in XX/Sry ALCs, together with those in the germ and Sertoli cells, might explain the infertility of XX/Sry testes.
Assuntos
Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/patologia , Regulação da Expressão Gênica no Desenvolvimento , Células Intersticiais do Testículo/patologia , Células de Sertoli/patologia , Proteína da Região Y Determinante do Sexo/metabolismo , Espermatogênese , Testículo/patologia , Animais , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/genética , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/metabolismo , Células Intersticiais do Testículo/metabolismo , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos Transgênicos , Células de Sertoli/metabolismo , Diferenciação Sexual , Proteína da Região Y Determinante do Sexo/genética , Proteína de Ligação a Elemento Regulador de Esterol 2/genética , Proteína de Ligação a Elemento Regulador de Esterol 2/metabolismo , Testículo/metabolismo , Cromossomo X , Cromossomo YRESUMO
Heterozygous mutations in the human SOX9 gene cause the skeletal malformation syndrome campomelic dysplasia which in 75% of 46, XY individuals is associated with male-to-female sex reversal. Although studies in homozygous Sox9 knockout mouse models confirmed that SOX9 is critical for testis development, mice heterozygous for the Sox9-null allele were reported to develop normal testes. This led to the belief that the SOX9 dosage requirement for testis differentiation is different between humans, which often require both alleles, and mice, in which one allele is sufficient. However, in prior studies, gonadal phenotypes in heterozygous Sox9 XY mice were assessed only by either gross morphology, histological staining or analyzed on a mixed genetic background. In this study, we conditionally inactivated Sox9 in somatic cells of developing gonads using the Nr5a1-Cre mouse line on a pure C57BL/6 genetic background. Section and whole-mount immunofluorescence for testicular and ovarian markers showed that XY Sox9 heterozygous gonads developed as ovotestes. Quantitative droplet digital PCR confirmed a 50% reduction of Sox9 mRNA as well as partial sex reversal shown by an upregulation of ovarian genes. Our data show that haploinsufficiency of Sox9 can perturb testis development in mice, suggesting that mice may provide a more accurate model of human disorders/differences of sex development than previously thought.
Assuntos
Displasia Campomélica/patologia , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/patologia , Gônadas/patologia , Heterozigoto , Fatores de Transcrição SOX9/fisiologia , Diferenciação Sexual , Fator Esteroidogênico 1/fisiologia , Animais , Displasia Campomélica/etiologia , Displasia Campomélica/metabolismo , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/etiologia , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/metabolismo , Feminino , Regulação da Expressão Gênica no Desenvolvimento , Gônadas/metabolismo , Humanos , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos Knockout , FenótipoRESUMO
The superposition of male sexual characteristics in female marine gastropods (imposex) represents one of the clearest ecological examples of organotin-mediated endocrine disruption. Recent evidences suggest that signaling pathways mediated by members of the nuclear receptor superfamily, RXR and PPARγ, are involved in the development of this pseudohermaphroditic condition. Here, we identified significant differences in RXR expression in two caenogastropod species from Nuevo Gulf, Argentina, Buccinanops globulosus and Trophon geversianus, which present clear contrast in imposex incidence. In addition, B. globulosus males from a polluted and an unpolluted area showed differences in RXR expression. Conversely, PPARγ levels were similar between both analyzed species. These findings indicate specie-specific RXR and PPARγ expression, suggesting a major role of RXR in the induction of imposex.
Assuntos
Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/metabolismo , Gastrópodes , Regulação da Expressão Gênica no Desenvolvimento , Receptores X de Retinoides/metabolismo , Animais , Suscetibilidade a Doenças , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/patologia , Feminino , Masculino , PPAR gama/metabolismoRESUMO
Oestrogenic wastewater treatment works (WwTW) effluents discharged into UK rivers have been shown to affect sexual development, including inducing intersex, in wild roach (Rutilus rutilus). This can result in a reduced breeding capability with potential population level impacts. In the absence of a sex probe for roach it has not been possible to confirm whether intersex fish in the wild arise from genetic males or females, or whether sex reversal occurs in the wild, as this condition can be induced experimentally in controlled exposures to WwTW effluents and a steroidal oestrogen. Using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq), we identified a candidate for a genetic sex marker and validated this marker as a sex probe through PCR analyses of samples from wild roach populations from nonpolluted rivers. We also applied the sex marker to samples from roach exposed experimentally to oestrogen and oestrogenic effluents to confirm suspected phenotypic sex reversal from males to females in some treatments, and also that sex-reversed males are able to breed as females. We then show, unequivocally, that intersex in wild roach populations results from feminisation of males, but find no strong evidence for complete sex reversal in wild roach at river sites contaminated with oestrogens. The discovered marker has utility for studies in roach on chemical effects, wild stock assessments, and reducing the number of fish used where only one sex is required for experimentation. Furthermore, we show that the marker can be applied nondestructively using a fin clip or skin swab, with animal welfare benefits.
Assuntos
Cyprinidae/genética , Feminização/genética , Marcadores Genéticos/genética , Animais , Sequência de Bases , Cyprinidae/metabolismo , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/genética , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/metabolismo , Estrogênios/metabolismo , Feminino , Feminização/metabolismo , Masculino , Rios , Análise de Sequência de DNA/métodosRESUMO
Disorders (or differences) of sex development (DSD) are a heterogeneous group of congenital conditions with variations in chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex. Impaired gonadal development is central to the pathogenesis of the majority of DSDs and therefore a clear understanding of gonadal development is essential to comprehend the impacts of these disorders on the individual, including impacts on future fertility. Gonadal development was traditionally considered to involve a primary 'male' pathway leading to testicular development as a result of expression of a small number of key testis-determining genes. However, it is increasingly recognized that there are several gene networks involved in the development of the bipotential gonad towards either a testicular or ovarian fate. This includes genes that act antagonistically to regulate gonadal development. This review will highlight some of the novel regulators of gonadal development and how the identification of these has enhanced understanding of gonadal development and the pathogenesis of DSD. We will also describe the impact of DSDs on fertility and options for fertility preservation in this context.
Assuntos
Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/metabolismo , Preservação da Fertilidade/métodos , Fertilidade , Animais , Criopreservação/métodos , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/genética , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/terapia , Feminino , Gônadas/citologia , Gônadas/metabolismo , Gônadas/fisiologia , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMO
Cyp19a1a is a key gene responsible for the production of estradiol-17ß (E2), the main functional estrogen and a major downstream regulator of reproduction in teleost fish. It is widely known that CYP19 gene expression, aromatase activity, and E2 production can influence gonadal differentiation and sex reversal in teleost fish, but the feedback mechanisms whereby E2 regulates cyp19a1a remain poorly understood, especially regarding the potential roles of endogenous small RNA molecules (miRNAs). Here, we identified miR-26a-5p as a regulatory factor of its predicted target gene (cyp19a1a). In vitro and in vivo studies showed that miR-26a-5p can decrease cyp19a1a expression. Furthermore, high doses of E2 act as a repressor of miR-26a-5p. This study proposes a regulatory feedback loop whereby E2 regulates cyp19a1a through miR-26a-5p, and suggests that this positive feedback is an important aspect of the control of E2 production.
Assuntos
Aromatase/genética , Bass , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual , Estradiol/farmacologia , MicroRNAs/genética , Animais , Aromatase/metabolismo , Bass/genética , Bass/metabolismo , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/genética , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/metabolismo , Retroalimentação Fisiológica/efeitos dos fármacos , Feminino , Gônadas/efeitos dos fármacos , Gônadas/metabolismo , Gônadas/fisiologia , Masculino , MicroRNAs/metabolismo , Processos de Determinação Sexual/efeitos dos fármacos , Processos de Determinação Sexual/genética , Transdução de Sinais/efeitos dos fármacos , Transdução de Sinais/genéticaRESUMO
Mastermind-like domain-containing 1 (MAMLD1) has been shown to play an important role in the process of sexual development and is associated with 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSDs). However, the causative role of MAMLD1 variations in DSDs remains disputable. In this study, we have described a clinical series on children from unrelated families with 46,XY DSD harbouring MAMLD1 variants. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for each patient. WES data were filtered using common tools and disease customisation algorithms, including comparison against lists of known and candidate MAMLD1-related and DSD-related genes. Lastly, we investigated the hypothesis that MAMLD1-related DSD may follow an oligogenic mode of inheritance. Forty-three potentially deleterious/candidate variants of 18 genes (RET, CDH23, MYO7A, NOTCH2, MAML1, MAML2, CYP1A1, WNT9B, GLI2, GLI3, MAML3, WNT9A, FRAS1, PIK3R3, FREM2, PTPN11, EVC, and FLNA) were identified, which may have contributed to the patient phenotypes. MYO7A was the most commonly identified gene. Specific gene combinations were also identified. In the interactome analysis, MAMLD1 exhibited direct connection with MAML1/2/3 and NOTCH1/2. Through NOTCH1/2, the following eight genes were shown to be associated with MAMLD1:WNT9A/9B, GLI2/3, RET, FLNA, PTPN11, and EYA1. Our findings provide further evidence that individuals with MAMLD1-related 46,XY DSD could carry two or more variants of known DSD-related genes, and the phenotypic outcome of affected individuals might be determined by multiple genes.
Assuntos
Proteínas de Ligação a DNA/genética , Proteínas de Ligação a DNA/metabolismo , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/genética , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/patologia , Sequenciamento do Exoma/métodos , Herança Multifatorial , Mutação , Proteínas Nucleares/genética , Proteínas Nucleares/metabolismo , Fatores de Transcrição/genética , Fatores de Transcrição/metabolismo , Adolescente , Criança , Pré-Escolar , China/epidemiologia , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/epidemiologia , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/metabolismo , Feminino , Redes Reguladoras de Genes , Marcadores Genéticos , Humanos , Lactente , Masculino , FenótipoRESUMO
XY C57BL/6J (B6) mice harboring a Mus musculus domesticus-type Y chromosome (Y POS ), known as B6.Y POS mice, commonly undergo gonadal sex reversal and develop as phenotypic females. In a minority of cases, B6.Y POS males are identified and a proportion of these are fertile. This phenotypic variability on a congenic B6 background has puzzled geneticists for decades. Recently, a B6.Y POS colony was shown to carry a non-B6-derived region of chromosome 11 that protected against B6.Y POS sex reversal. Here. we show that a B6.Y POS colony bred and archived at the MRC Harwell Institute lacks the chromosome 11 modifier but instead harbors an â¼37 Mb region containing non-B6-derived segments on chromosome 13. This region, which we call Mod13, protects against B6.Y POS sex reversal in a proportion of heterozygous animals through its positive and negative effects on gene expression during primary sex determination. We discuss Mod13's influence on the testis determination process and its possible origin in light of sequence similarities to that region in other mouse genomes. Our data reveal that the B6.Y POS sex reversal phenomenon is genetically complex and the explanation of observed phenotypic variability is likely dependent on the breeding history of any local colony.
Assuntos
Disgenesia Gonadal 46 XY/genética , Processos de Determinação Sexual/genética , Cromossomo Y/genética , Animais , Cromossomos Humanos Par 13/genética , Cromossomos Humanos Par 13/metabolismo , Proteínas de Ligação a DNA/genética , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/genética , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/metabolismo , Feminino , Regulação da Expressão Gênica no Desenvolvimento/genética , Genoma , Disgenesia Gonadal 46 XY/metabolismo , Gônadas/metabolismo , Humanos , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Proteínas Nucleares/genética , Ovário/metabolismo , Testículo/metabolismo , Fatores de Transcrição/genéticaRESUMO
The kisspeptin system, a known regulator of reproduction in fish, was investigated during two key phases within the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) life cycle: protandrous sex change and larval ontogeny. Seabream specific partial cDNA sequences were identified for two key targets, kissr4 and kiss2, which were subsequently cloned and qPCR assays developed. Thereafter, to examine association in expression with sex change, a group of adult seabream (2+ years old) undergoing sex change were sampled for gene expression at two different periods of the annual cycle. To study the kisspeptin system ontogeny during early life stages, transcript levels were monitored in larvae (till 30 days-post-hatch, DPH) and post-larvae (from 30 till 140 DPH). During sex change, higher expression of kissr4 and kiss2 was observed in males when compared to females or individual undergoing sex change, this is suggestive of differential actions of the kisspeptin system during protandrous sex change. Equally, variable expression of the kisspeptin system during early ontogenic development was observed. The higher expression of kissr4 and kiss2 observed from 5 DPH, with elevations at 5-20 and 90 DPH for kissr4 and at 5, 10, 20, and 60 DPH for kiss2, is coincident with the early ontogeny of gnrh genes previously reported for seabream, and possibly related with early development of the reproductive axis in this species.
Assuntos
Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/metabolismo , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/patologia , Kisspeptinas/metabolismo , Dourada/fisiologia , Animais , Feminino , Regulação da Expressão Gênica no Desenvolvimento , Kisspeptinas/genética , Larva , Masculino , Reprodução , Dourada/genética , Dourada/metabolismoRESUMO
The reproductive cycle of teleost fishes is regulated by the brain-pituitary-gonad (BPG) axis. The transcription profile of genes involved in the reproduction signalling in the BPG-axis differs in females and males during the gametogenic cycle. Impacts of endocrine disrupting chemicals on these signalling pathways in fish are known, but the participation of the BPG-axis in the development of the intersex condition is not well understood. Intersex thicklip grey mullets (Chelon labrosus) have been identified in several estuaries from the SE Bay of Biscay, revealing the presence of feminizing contaminants in the area. In previous studies, transcription patterns of genes related with steroidogenesis and gamete growth have been shown to differ among female, male and intersex mullets. However, many components of the reproduction control have not been studied yet. The aim of this study was to assess the transcription levels of target BPG-axis genes in female, male and intersex mullets captured in the polluted harbour of Pasaia, during their gametogenic cycle. After histologically examining the gonads, the transcription levels of previously sequenced target genes were measured by qPCR: kiss2, gpr54 and gnrh1 in brain, fshß and lhß in pituitary and fshr and lhr in gonads. In both females and males, brain genes were most transcribed in early gametogenesis, proving their relevance in the onset of both oogenesis and spermatogenesis. Pituitary gonadotropins in females showed upregulation as oogenesis progressed, reaching the highest transcription levels at vitellogenic stage, while in males transcript levels were constant during spermatogenesis. Transcription levels of gonadotropin receptors showed different patterns in ovaries and testes, suggesting differing function in relation to gametogenesis and maturation. Intersex mullets showed transcription levels of brain target genes similar to those observed in females at cortical alveoli stage and to those in mid spermatogenic males. In intersex testes the transcription pattern of gonadotropin receptor fshr was downregulated in comparison to non-intersex testes.
Assuntos
Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/genética , Reprodução/genética , Smegmamorpha/genética , Transcriptoma/efeitos dos fármacos , Poluentes da Água/farmacologia , Poluição da Água , Animais , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/metabolismo , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/veterinária , Ecossistema , Disruptores Endócrinos/farmacologia , Feminino , Gametogênese/efeitos dos fármacos , Gametogênese/genética , Perfilação da Expressão Gênica , Regulação da Expressão Gênica/efeitos dos fármacos , Gônadas/efeitos dos fármacos , Gônadas/metabolismo , Sistema Hipotálamo-Hipofisário/efeitos dos fármacos , Sistema Hipotálamo-Hipofisário/metabolismo , Masculino , Reprodução/efeitos dos fármacos , Caracteres Sexuais , Poluição da Água/efeitos adversosRESUMO
Sex development is a complex process involving many genes and hormones. Defects in this process lead to Differences of Sex Development (DSD), a group of heterogeneous conditions not as rare as previously thought. Part of the obstacles in proper management of these patients is due to an incomplete understanding of the genetics programs and molecular pathways involved in sex development and DSD. Several challenges delay progress and the lack of a proper model system for the single patient severely hinders advances in understanding these diseases. The revolutionary techniques of cellular reprogramming and guided in vitro differentiation allow us now to exploit the versatility of induced pluripotent stem cells to create alternatives models for DSD, ideally on a patient-specific personalized basis.
Assuntos
Técnicas de Reprogramação Celular/métodos , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/metabolismo , Células-Tronco Pluripotentes Induzidas/metabolismo , Animais , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/patologia , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/terapia , Gônadas/citologia , Gônadas/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Gônadas/metabolismo , Humanos , Células-Tronco Pluripotentes Induzidas/citologia , Modelagem Computacional Específica para o Paciente , Cultura Primária de Células/métodosRESUMO
Lifespan is shortened by mating, but these deleterious effects must be delayed long enough for successful reproduction. Susceptibility to brief mating-induced death is caused by the loss of protection upon self-sperm depletion. Self-sperm maintains the expression of a DAF-2 insulin-like antagonist, INS-37, which promotes the nuclear localization of intestinal HLH-30/TFEB, a key pro-longevity regulator. Mating induces the agonist INS-8, promoting HLH-30 nuclear exit and subsequent death. In opposition to the protective role of HLH-30 and DAF-16/FOXO, TOR/LET-363 and the IIS-regulated Zn-finger transcription factor PQM-1 promote seminal-fluid-induced killing. Self-sperm maintenance of nuclear HLH-30/TFEB allows hermaphrodites to resist mating-induced death until self-sperm are exhausted, increasing the chances that mothers will survive through reproduction. Mothers combat males' hijacking of their IIS pathway by expressing an insulin antagonist that keeps her healthy through the activity of pro-longevity factors, as long as she has her own sperm to utilize.
Assuntos
Fatores de Transcrição Hélice-Alça-Hélice Básicos/metabolismo , Proteínas de Caenorhabditis elegans/metabolismo , Caenorhabditis elegans/metabolismo , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/metabolismo , Longevidade/efeitos dos fármacos , Peptídeos/farmacologia , Transdução de Sinais/efeitos dos fármacos , Serina-Treonina Quinases TOR/metabolismo , Animais , Fatores de Transcrição Hélice-Alça-Hélice Básicos/genética , Caenorhabditis elegans/genética , Proteínas de Caenorhabditis elegans/genética , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/genética , Feminino , Insulina/química , Longevidade/genética , Masculino , Reprodução/efeitos dos fármacos , Reprodução/genética , Comportamento Sexual Animal , Transdução de Sinais/genética , Serina-Treonina Quinases TOR/genéticaRESUMO
Sexual differentiation and early gonadal development are critical events in vertebrate reproduction. In this study, the initial testis development and expression of the Vasa, Nanos2 and Sox9 proteins were examined in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus submitted to induced sex reversal. To that end, 150O. niloticus larvae at 5 days post-hatching (dph) were kept in nurseries with no hormonal addition (control group) and 150 larvae were kept with feed containing 17α-methyltestosterone to induce male sex reversal (treated group). Morphological sexual differentiation of Nile tilapia occurred between 21 and 25 dph and sex reversal resulted in 94% males, whereas the control group presented 53% males. During sexual differentiation, gonocytes (Gon) were the predominant germ cells, which decreased and disappeared after that stage in both groups. Undifferentiated spermatogonia (Aund) were identified at 21 dph in the control group and at 23 dph in the treated group. Differentiated spermatogonia (Adiff) were found at 23 dph in both groups. Vasa and Nanos2 occurred in Gon, Aund and Adiff and there were no significant differences between groups. Vasa-labelled Adiff increased at 50 dph in both groups and Nanos2 presented a high proportion of labelled germ cells during sampling. Sertoli cells expressed Sox9 throughout the experiment and its expression was significantly greater during sexual differentiation in the control group. The results indicate that hormonal treatment did not alter initial testis development and expression of Vasa and Nanos2 in Nile tilapia, although lower expression of Sox9 and a delay in sexual differentiation was detected in the treated group.
Assuntos
Ciclídeos/genética , RNA Helicases DEAD-box/genética , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/genética , Proteínas de Ligação a RNA/genética , Fatores de Transcrição SOX9/genética , Testículo/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Animais , Diferenciação Celular/genética , Ciclídeos/crescimento & desenvolvimento , RNA Helicases DEAD-box/metabolismo , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/metabolismo , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual/veterinária , Feminino , Regulação da Expressão Gênica no Desenvolvimento , Gônadas/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Gônadas/metabolismo , Masculino , Proteínas de Ligação a RNA/metabolismo , Fatores de Transcrição SOX9/metabolismo , Diferenciação Sexual/genética , Testículo/metabolismoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Studies regarding genetic and clinical characteristics, gender preference, and gonadal malignancy rates for steroid 5-alpha-reductase type 2 deficiency (5α-RD2) are limited and they were conducted on small number of patients. OBJECTIVE: To present genotype-phenotype correlation, gonadal malignancy risk, gender preference, and diagnostic sensitivity of serum testosterone/dihydrotestosterone (T/DHT) ratio in patients with 5α-RD2. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with variations in the SRD5A2 gene were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, phenotype, gender assignment, hormonal tests, molecular genetic data, and presence of gonadal malignancy were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 85 patients were included in the study. Abnormality of the external genitalia was the most dominant phenotype (92.9%). Gender assignment was male in 58.8% and female in 29.4% of the patients, while it was uncertain for 11.8%. Fourteen patients underwent bilateral gonadectomy, and no gonadal malignancy was detected. The most frequent pathogenic variants were p.Ala65Pro (30.6%), p.Leu55Gln (16.5%), and p.Gly196Ser (15.3%). The p.Ala65Pro and p.Leu55Gln showed more undervirilization than the p.Gly196Ser. The diagnostic sensitivity of stimulated T/DHT ratio was higher than baseline serum T/DHT ratio, even in pubertal patients. The cut-off values yielding the best sensitivity for stimulated T/DHT ratio were ≥ 8.5 for minipuberty, ≥ 10 for prepuberty, and ≥ 17 for puberty. CONCLUSION: There is no significant genotype-phenotype correlation in 5α-RD2. Gonadal malignancy risk seems to be low. If genetic analysis is not available at the time of diagnosis, stimulated T/DHT ratio can be useful, especially if different cut-off values are utilized in accordance with the pubertal status.