The Potential Sex Determination Genes, Sox9a and Cyp19a, in Walleye Pollock (Gadus Chalcogrammus) Are Influenced by Water Temperature

Abstract

<jats:p>Our aim was to study the relationship between the sex-determining genes, sox9a and cyp19a, and water temperature in Gadus chalcogrammus. We assessed the sex ratio based on the expression levels of sox9a and cyp19a at different water temperatures (5, 8, 11, and 14 °C) and at different stages of walleye pollock development (embryos, larvae, and juveniles). Next, we used immature walleye pollock to assess sox9a expression in males and cyp19a and vitellogenin (VTG) expression in females at different water temperatures. Males expressed sox9a in the gonadal tissues, while females expressed cyp19a in the gonadal tissues and VTG in the blood plasma. In the first experiment, cyp19a expression was higher at 5 °C and 8 °C, and sox9a expression was higher at 11 and 14 °C. In the second experiment, sox9a expression remained relatively stable, but cyp19a expression decreased with increasing temperature, decreasing significantly after 14 °C. Similar patterns were also observed for VTG expression. These results indicate that lower water temperatures increase cyp19a expression, which increases the female ratio. Higher water temperatures increase sox9a expression, which increases the male ratio. Therefore, this study highlights the potential of the sex-determining genes and the influence of water temperature.</jats:p>

Aspectos moleculares da diferenciação sexual em tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum): identificação de vias não convencionais em uma espécie neotropical

“…Gadiformes (Acanthomorpha: Paracanthopterygii) comprises 621 species distributed in 17 families (Fricke et al, 2020), with diploid chromosome numbers varying from 2n = 26 in Eleginus species to 2n = 46 in European Hake Merluccius merluccius, Atlantic cod Gadus morhua, and 2n=48 in Poor cod Trispoterus minutes, tadpole fish Raniceps raninus, and the burbot Lota lota, the only freshwater gadiform species (Arai, 2011;Ghigliotti et al, 2012;García-Solto et al, 2015;Kirtiklis et al, 2016). However, most studies regarding sex determination and differentiation of gadiforms are usually restricted to species important in fisheries such as cods, mainly the Atlantic cod (Johnsen and Andersen, 2012;Johnsen et al, 2013;Nagasawa et al, 2014;Star et al, 2016;Kirubakaran et al, 2019;Kim et al, 2020). In this way, the characterization of the male specific region on LG11 suggest that the zkY gene is involved in Atlantic cod Gadus morhua sex determination.…”

Intermolecular Interactions between Cysteine and Aromatic Amino Acids with a Phenyl Moiety in the DNA-Binding Domain of Heat Shock Factor 1 Regulate Thermal Stress-Induced Trimerization

“…Similarly, the harvest rate of walleye pollock in South Korea is significantly declining . In addition, directly or indirectly because of the increased water temperature, the survival, growth, habitat migration, population, and sexual differentiation of aquatic organisms are being negatively affected. − When organisms such as fish are subjected to thermal stress, their cells are exposed to oxidative environments, which results in changes that misfold or damage proteins . However, all cells can recover from external stress, including changes in temperature. − If misfolded or damaged proteins are formed because of temperature changes, some genes encode thermal heat shock proteins (HSPs). , HSPs are synthesized in response to stress and are important for preventing proteins from folding incorrectly.…”

Effect of Dietary Vitamin C Supplementation on Growth Performance and Biochemical Parameters in Grower Walleye Pollock, Gadus chalcogrammus

“…Walleye pollock is a widely consumed fish in Korea, popular for its mild flavor and versatility in various culinary preparations [5]. In response to declining catches, Korea is actively advancing reliable aquaculture production technology [6,7] to promote conservation efforts and sustainably manage this species.…”