Global proteomics analysis of testis and ovary in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Abstract

The molecular mechanisms controlling sex determination and differentiation in zebrafish (Danio rerio) are largely unknown. A genome-wide analysis may provide comprehensive insights into the processes involved. The mRNA expression in zebrafish gonads has been fairly well studied, but much less data on the corresponding protein expression are available, although the proteins are considered to be more relevant markers of gene function. Because mRNA and protein abundances rarely correlate well, mRNA profiles need to be complemented with the information on protein expression. The work presented here analyzed the proteomes of adult zebrafish gonads by a multidimensional protein identification technology, generating the to-date most populated lists of proteins expressed in mature zebrafish gonads. The acquired proteomics data partially confirmed existing transcriptomics information for several genes, including several novel transcripts. However, disagreements between mRNA and protein abundances were often observed, further stressing the necessity to assess the expression on different levels before drawing conclusions on a certain gene’s expression and function. Several gene groups expressed in a sexually dimorphic way in zebrafish gonads were identified. Their potential importance for gonad development and function is discussed. The data gained in the current study provide a basis for further work on elucidating processes occurring during zebrafish development with use of high-throughput proteomics.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10695-010-9464-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Transcriptomic Analyses of Sexual Dimorphism of the Zebrafish Liver and the Effect of Sex Hormones

“…The transcripts of these genes were either not identified in the female liver or at marginally detectable level. It is interesting to note that chitinase proteins have been previously identified in zebrafish ovarian follicle and testis, while the corresponding transcript counterparts have not been detected in fully-grown follicles or testis, suggesting that these proteins were synthesized in extraovarian and extratesticular tissues and transported to the gonads [39], [42]. Our transcriptome data provided evidence that chitinases were synthesized in the liver and the male fish might have higher synthetic activity of chitinases.…”

“…Zona pellucidas are membrane glycoproteins of the oocyte which are essential for oocyte fertilization [37]. Another prominent female biased gene, nots encodes an aspartic proteinase, which is synthesized in the liver and transported to the ovary [38], [39]. It has been reported as one of the most differentially up-regulated gene by E2 treatment [40] and is also up-regulated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and alkylphenols in female fish [41].…”

Cloning and characterization of Bax1 and Bax2 genes of Ctenopharyngodon idellus and evaluation of transcript expression in response to grass carp reovirus infection

“…Fish reoviruses, belonging to the family reoviridae, genus Aquareovirus (non-enveloped, double-stranded RNA), can induce apoptosis in fish cell lines (DewitteOrr and Bols 2007), including CIK cells from C. idellus kidney (Jia et al 2014). Apoptosis is an inherently programmed phenomenon of cell death that can be triggered or inhibited by various physiological and pathological stimuli (Kerr et al 1972;Groh et al 2011;Xu et al 2012). It plays an essential role in maintaining homeostasis and in case of diseases by removing damaged or infected cells (Ashkenazi and Dixit 1998;Clarke and Tyler 2009).…”

EDA-EMERGE: an FP7 initial training network to equip the next generation of young scientists with the skills to address the complexity of environmental contamination with emerging pollutants

“…This limitation is addressed by EDA-EMERGE with the investigation of toxicogenomic tools to detect and unravel toxicants with unknown receptors and modes of action. The new approaches include DNA microarray fingerprints in algae [21,22], a proteomic approach in zebrafish embryos previously established in adult fish tissue [23] to direct EDA, and a metabolomics EDA approach using invertebrate and fish cell lines in vitro.…”