scholarly journals Expression of Wsb2 in the developing and adult mouse testis

Reproduction ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 133 (4) ◽  
pp. 753-761 ◽  
Author(s):  
M A Sarraj ◽  
P J McClive ◽  
A Szczepny ◽  
H Daggag ◽  
K L Loveland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Adult Mouse ◽  
Gonad Development ◽  
Gonadal Development ◽  
Mouse Testis ◽  
Hedgehog Signalling ◽  
Real Time Analysis ◽  
Female Specific ◽  
Male Specific

We present a detailed study of the expression pattern of WD repeat and SOCS box-containing 2 (Wsb2) in mouse embryonic and adult gonads. Wsb2 was previously identified in a differential screen aimed at identifying the genes involved in male- and female-specific gonadal development. Wsb2 expression was analysed during mouse gonadogenesis by real-time PCR, whole-mount and section in situ hybridisation and immunofluorescence. Wsb2 mRNA expression was initially detected in gonads of both sexes from 11.5 days post coitum (dpc) until 12.0 dpc. By 12.5 dpc and thereafter, Wsb2 expression rapidly decreased in the female, while persisting in the male gonads. In foetal, newborn and juvenile testes, Wsb2 mRNA and protein were readily detected in the seminiferous cords within both Sertoli and germ cells. Wsb2 mRNA was present in spermatogonia, spermatocytes and in Sertoli cells of the adult mouse testis. The differential expression of Wsb2 in male versus female embryonic gonads suggests some male-specific role in gonad development, and its expression in the first wave of spermatogenesis indicates a role in germ cells. Real-time analysis of adult mouse testis tubules cultured in the presence of the Hedgehog signalling inhibitor, cyclopamine, showed a downregulation of Wsb2 mRNA after treatment which suggests that Wsb2 may be a target of Hedgehog signalling.

scholarly journals Mouse Gonad Development in the Absence of the Pro-Ovary Factor WNT4 and the Pro-Testis Factor SOX9

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1103
Author(s):  
Furong Tang ◽  
Nainoa Richardson ◽  
Audrey Albina ◽  
Marie-Christine Chaboissier ◽  
Aitana Perea-Gomez
Keyword(s):  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Gonad Development ◽  
Supporting Cell ◽  
Gonadal Development ◽  
Ovary Development ◽  
Double Knockout ◽  
Cell Identity ◽  
Knockout Mouse Model ◽  
Steroidogenic Cell ◽  
Male Specific

The transcription factors SRY and SOX9 and RSPO1/WNT4/β-Catenin signaling act as antagonistic pathways to drive testis and ovary development respectively, from a common gonadal primordium in mouse embryos. In this work, we took advantage of a double knockout mouse model to study gonadal development when Sox9 and Wnt4 are both mutated. We show that the XX gonad mutant for Wnt4 or for both Wnt4 and Sox9 develop as ovotestes, demonstrating that ectopic SOX9 function is not required for the partial female-to-male sex reversal caused by a Wnt4 mutation. Sox9 deletion in XY gonads leads to ovarian development accompanied by ectopic WNT/β-catenin signaling. In XY Sox9 mutant gonads, SRY-positive supporting precursors adopt a female-like identity and develop as pre-granulosa-like cells. This phenotype cannot be fully prevented by the deletion of Wnt4 or Rspo1, indicating that SOX9 is required for the early determination of the male supporting cell identity independently of repressing RSPO1/WNT4/β-Catenin signaling. However, in XY Sox9 Wnt4 double mutant gonads, pre-granulosa cells are not maintained, as they prematurely differentiate as mature granulosa cells and then trans-differentiate into Sertoli-like cells. Together, our results reveal the dynamics of the specific and independent actions of SOX9 and WNT4 during gonadal differentiation: SOX9 is essential in the testis for early specification of male-supporting cells whereas WNT4 functions in the ovary to maintain female-supporting cell identity and inhibit male-specific vascular and steroidogenic cell differentiation.

scholarly journals Interspecific hybridization of sturgeon species affects differently their gonadal development

2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (No. 1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Linhartová ◽  
M. Havelka ◽  
M. Pšenička ◽  
M. Flajšhans
Keyword(s):  
Interspecific Hybridization ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Interspecific Hybrids ◽  
Gonad Development ◽  
Gonadal Development ◽  
Genetic Origin ◽  
Ploidy Levels ◽  
Sturgeon Species ◽  
Fertile Hybrids

Gonad development in fish is generally assumed to be negatively influenced by interspecific hybridization, resulting in sterility or sub-sterility. However, this is not the case in sturgeons (Acipenseridae), in which fertile hybrids are common. In the present study, we investigated gonad development in several sturgeon interspecific hybrids and purebred species. Six interspecific hybrid groups and three purebred groups were analyzed including 20 hybrid specimens with even ploidy, 40 specimens having odd ploidy levels, and 30 purebred specimens. Hybrids of species with the same ploidy (even ploidy – 2n, 4n) exhibited normally developed gonads similar to those seen in purebred specimens. In contrast, hybrids of species differing in ploidy (odd ploidy – 3n) did not display fully developed gonads. Ovaries were composed of oocytes or nests of differentiating oocytes that ceased development in early stages of meiosis (pachytene to zygotene) with a higher content of adipose and apoptotic tissue. Testes contained single spermatogonia along with Sertoli cells and spaces lacking germ cells. The obtained results showed that gonad development was influenced by genetic origin and ploidy of the sturgeon hybrids and were consistent with full fertility of hybrids with even ploidy. Sterility of females, but possibly limited fertility of males, is suggested for hybrids with odd ploidy.

Purification and Analysis of Male Germ Cells from Adult Mouse Testis

2016 ◽  
pp. 159-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thierry Buchou ◽  
Minjia Tan ◽  
Sophie Barral ◽  
Anne-Laure Vitte ◽  
Sophie Rousseaux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Adult Mouse ◽  
Mouse Testis ◽  
Male Germ Cells

scholarly journals A Transient Hermaphroditic Stage in Early Male Gonadal Development in Little Yellow Croaker, Larimichthys polyactis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing-Ping Xie ◽  
Bing-Bing Li ◽  
Wei Zhan ◽  
Feng Liu ◽  
Peng Tan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Evolutionary Relationship ◽  
Gonadal Development ◽  
Ovary Development ◽  
Larimichthys Polyactis ◽  
Efferent Duct ◽  
Sequential Hermaphroditism ◽  
Serum Hormone ◽  
Early Primary ◽  
Male Specific

Animal taxa show remarkable variability in sexual reproduction, where separate sexes, or gonochorism, is thought to have evolved from hermaphroditism for most cases. Hermaphroditism accounts for 5% in animals, and sequential hermaphroditism has been found in teleost. In this study, we characterized a novel form of the transient hermaphroditic stage in little yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) during early gonadal development. The ovary and testis were indistinguishable from 7 to 40 days post-hatching (dph). Morphological and histological examinations revealed an intersex stage of male gonads between 43 and 80 dph, which consist of germ cells, somatic cells, efferent duct, and early primary oocytes (EPOs). These EPOs in testis degenerate completely by 90 dph through apoptosis yet can be rescued by exogenous 17-β-estradiol. Male germ cells enter the mitotic flourishing stage before meiosis is initiated at 180 dph, and they undergo normal spermatogenesis to produce functional sperms. This transient hermaphroditic stage is male-specific, and the ovary development appears to be normal in females. This developmental pattern is not found in the sister species Larimichthys crocea or any other closely related species. Further examinations of serum hormone levels indicate that the absence of 11-ketotestosterone and elevated levels of 17-β-estradiol delineate the male intersex gonad stage, providing mechanistic insights on this unique phenomenon. Our research is the first report on male-specific transient hermaphroditism and will advance the current understanding of fish reproductive biology. This unique gonadal development pattern can serve as a useful model for studying the evolutionary relationship between hermaphroditism and gonochorism, as well as teleost sex determination and differentiation strategies.

247. Expression of components of the hedgehog signalling pathway during murine spermatogenesis

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 98 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Szczepny ◽  
D. A. Jans ◽  
G. Hime ◽  
K. L. Loveland
Keyword(s):  
Adult Mouse ◽  
Transmembrane Protein ◽  
Signalling Pathway ◽  
Negative Regulator ◽  
Mouse Testis ◽  
Hedgehog Signalling ◽  
Hedgehog Signalling Pathway ◽  
Sites Of Action ◽  
Lower Expression

Hedgehog (Hh) signalling is best known for its involvement in regulating patterning, driving cell proliferation, promoting cell survival and directing differentiation during embryonic development.1 The role that Hedgehog signalling plays in the testis is not yet clearly defined, though deletion of one Hedgehog ligand, Dhh, leads to male infertility. The Gli family of zinc finger TFs, consisting of Gli1, Gli2 and Gli3, are mediators of the Hh signalling cascade in vertebrates. We have previously shown that the mRNA transcripts encoding all three Glis in the adult mouse testis are expressed highly in spermatogonia, spermatocytes and to a lower extent in the round spermatids. To understand the potential sites of action of Hh proteins in spermatogenesis, we have extended our analysis to other genes involved in the Hh signalling pathway in the adult mouse testis. Using in situ hybridization, Patched2, a transmembrane receptor for Hh, was detected in spermatogonia and spermatocytes, with an apparently lower expression in the round spermatids. The mRNA of Smoothened, another transmembrane protein which forms a membrane receptor complex with Patched, is highly expressed in spermatogonia and spermatocytes, again showing lower expression in round spermatids and interstitial cells. Fused, a positive regulator of Hh signalling, is highly expressed in spermatogonia and spermatocytes with slightly lower expression in round spermatids. SuFu is a negative regulator of Hh signalling, known to repress Gli1 function in part by tethering it in the cytoplasm. The mRNA encoding SuFu is absent from spermatogonia, detected in spermatocytes and persists in round spermatids where its expression appears highest, suggesting that the SuFu protein may be acting to switch off Hh signalling at that stage of spermatogenesis. Overall, the regulated expression pattern of these genes in the adult mouse testis suggests a role for Hh signalling in the regulation of spermatogenesis. (1)Ruiz i Altaba A. (1999) Trends Genet. 15(10), 418–425.

scholarly journals Expression of hedgehog signalling components in adult mouse testis

2006 ◽  
Vol 235 (11) ◽  
pp. 3063-3070 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anette Szczepny ◽  
Gary R. Hime ◽  
Kate L. Loveland
Keyword(s):  
Adult Mouse ◽  
Mouse Testis ◽  
Hedgehog Signalling

scholarly journals On the role of germ cells in mammalian gonad development: quiet passengers or back-seat drivers?

Reproduction ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 149 (4) ◽  
pp. R181-R191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clarissa Rios-Rojas ◽  
Josephine Bowles ◽  
Peter Koopman
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Gonad Development ◽  
Careful Analysis ◽  
Gonadal Development ◽  
Cell Phenotype ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Endocrine Organs ◽  
And Function ◽  
Molecular Signals

In addition to their role as endocrine organs, the gonads nurture and protect germ cells, and regulate the formation of gametes competent to convey the genome to the following generation. After sex determination, gonadal somatic cells use several known signalling pathways to direct germ cell development. However, the extent to which germ cells communicate back to the soma, the molecular signals they use to do so and the significance of any such signalling remain as open questions. Herein, we review findings arising from the study of gonadal development and function in the absence of germ cells in a range of organisms. Most published studies support the view that germ cells are unimportant for foetal gonadal development in mammals, but later become critical for stabilisation of gonadal function and somatic cell phenotype. However, the lack of consistency in the data, and clear differences between mammals and other vertebrates and invertebrates, suggests that the story may not be so simple and would benefit from more careful analysis using contemporary molecular, cell biology and imaging tools.

scholarly journals Sex Determination in the Drosophila Germline Is Dictated by the Sexual Identity of the Surrounding Soma

Genetics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 155 (4) ◽  
pp. 1741-1756 ◽  
Author(s):  
J A Waterbury ◽  
J I Horabin ◽  
D Bopp ◽  
P Schedl
Keyword(s):  
Sex Determination ◽  
Sexual Identity ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
X Chromosome ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Chromosome Counting ◽  
Counting System ◽  
Germline Expression ◽  
Female Specific ◽  
Male Specific

Abstract It has been suggested that sexual identity in the germline depends upon the combination of a nonautonomous somatic signaling pathway and an autonomous X chromosome counting system. In the studies reported here, we have examined the role of the sexual differentiation genes transformer (tra) and doublesex (dsx) in regulating the activity of the somatic signaling pathway. We asked whether ectopic somatic expression of the female products of the tra and dsx genes could feminize the germline of XY animals. We find that TraF is sufficient to feminize XY germ cells, shutting off the expression of male-specific markers and activating the expression of female-specific markers. Feminization of the germline depends upon the constitutively expressed transformer-2 (tra-2) gene, but does not seem to require a functional dsx gene. However, feminization of XY germ cells by TraF can be blocked by the male form of the Dsx protein (DsxM). Expression of the female form of dsx, DsxF, in XY animals also induced germline expression of female markers. Taken together with a previous analysis of the effects of mutations in tra, tra-2, and dsx on the feminization of XX germ cells in XX animals, our findings indicate that the somatic signaling pathway is redundant at the level tra and dsx. Finally, our studies call into question the idea that a cell-autonomous X chromosome counting system plays a central role in germline sex determination.

Effect of parasitism on plasma sex-specific proteins in Cyphocarax gilbert (Teleost, Curimatidae)

Parasitology ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 130 (6) ◽  
pp. 653-659 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. GOMES DA SILVA ◽  
J. S. AZEVEDO ◽  
M. A. SILVA-NETO ◽  
N. R. WILLE LIMA ◽  
M. DANSA-PETRETSKI
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Binding ◽  
Gonadal Development ◽  
Specific Protein ◽  
Infected Fish ◽  
Remarkable Feature ◽  
Eastern Brazil ◽  
Sds Page ◽  
Specific Proteins ◽  
Female Specific ◽  
Male Specific

Cyphocarax gilbert (Szidat, L., 1948) is a fish commonly found in coastal drainage of eastern Brazil. This fish is sometimes caught with signs of infection by the crustacean Riggia paranensis, a haematophagous parasite. A remarkable feature of infected fish is that they lack gonads. In this paper we have analysed the frequency of parasitism, the gonadal development of non-infected fish and the profile of plasma proteins in both infected and non-infected specimens. Two reproductive periods/year were observed, beginning in February and August. On average, 40% of fish were infected, in the Itabapoana River (Brazil). Sex-specific proteins were identified by electrophoresis. SDS-PAGE analysis demonstrated that a 143 kDa female-specific glycolipoprotein (FSP) is a calcium-binding phosphoprotein. FSP was isolated through ultracentrifugation and SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the native protein is composed of three polypeptides of 143, 100 and 70 kDa. Both FSP and a 33 kDa male-specific protein (MSP) are absent from infected fish plasma. FSP levels in female plasma changes with the developmental stage of gonads. Altogether these data suggest that the FSP corresponds to fish vitellogenin. Furthermore, the absence of the above-mentioned proteins in infected fish suggests that R. paranensis might interfere with the regular hormonal process of fish vitellogenesis.

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