mPRα在性成熟雌性牙鲆(Paralichthys olivaceus)不同组织中的定性定量表达特征

通过荧光实时定量PCR方法(qRT-PCR)检测雌性性成熟牙鲆(Paralichthys olivaceus)第Ⅴ时期不同时相的卵母细胞中膜孕激素受体(mPRα)的表达,同时采用原位杂交、免疫组化和Western blotting方法研究性成熟雌性牙鲆mPRα mRNA和蛋白在各组织中的分布和表达.qRT-PCR结果显示,在牙鲆卵巢成熟时期的第Ⅴ时相卵母细胞,mPRα mRNA的表达量最高,表明mPRα介导孕激素参与了牙鲆卵母细胞成熟的调控.组织定量定位结果显示,在牙鲆的卵巢、脑、头肾、肾、肝脏组织中均有mPRα mRNA和蛋白表达存在,且在脑、卵巢中表达量较高,表明mPRα在牙鲆不同组织中都发挥着一定的作用,且在内分泌相关组织如脑和卵巢中的作用更明显.原位杂交和免疫组化结果显示,mPRα mRNA和蛋白表达明显定位在牙鲆卵母细胞膜上,且分布在其他组织的管腔结构.本研究为进一步探究牙鲆mPRα信号转导机制提供了理论基础和形态学依据.     

半滑舌鳎膜孕激素受体基因克隆与组织表达分析

采用同源克隆和末端快速扩增（RACE）方法，首次获得全长为1 319bp的半滑舌鳎膜孕激素受体（mPRα）的cDNA序列；将推断的氨基酸序列与其他物种mPRα氨基酸序列进行多重比较分析，发现存在7个跨膜区域。使用MEGA 4.0临位相联法和ClustalX方法对mPRα的氨基酸序列进行聚类分析和序列相似度分析。结果表明，半滑舌鳎mPRα与漠斑牙鲆、大西洋绒须石首鱼以及青鳉等鱼类的mPRα聚为一支，亲缘关系较近，相似度较高，分别为94%、93% 和90%；而与高等哺乳动物人和牛相似性均为53%，亲缘关系较远。应用半定量RT-PCR技术分析了mPRα mRNA在性成熟雌性半滑舌鳎不同组织的表达，结果表明,mPR α mRNA组织表达具有广泛性，但表达量存在差异，在脑、肾、脾和卵巢等组织表达丰富，在肝、胃和肌肉组织表达较弱。     

膜孕激素受体(mPRα)在半滑舌鳎(Cynoglossus semilaevis)卵母细胞成熟过程中的表达特征

通过实时荧光定量PCR方法(qRT-PCR)检测半滑舌鳎(Cynoglossus semilaevis)雌性性成熟不同时期、不同时相卵母细胞中膜孕激素受体(mPRα)的表达,通过qRT-PCR和Western blotting方法检测促性腺激素(HCG)对成熟期半滑舌鳎卵母细胞mPRα表达的影响,同时,采用原位杂交、免疫组化和Western blotting方法研究雌性性成熟半滑舌鳎mPRα mRNA和蛋白在各组织中的表达.对半滑舌鳎性成熟不同时期、不同时相卵母细胞中mPRα mRNA的定量研究结果显示,在成熟时期半滑舌鳎Ⅴ时相卵母细胞的mPRα mRNA表达量最高.HCG对成熟期半滑舌鳎卵母细胞mPRα表达的影响研究结果显示,20 IU/ml HCG比10 IU/ml HCG对成熟时期半滑舌鳎卵母细胞mPRα mRNA和蛋白表达的促进作用更明显,进一步证明mPRα介导孕激素参与了卵母细胞成熟的调控.对mPRα组织表达的定量和定位研究中,Western blotting结果显示,在半滑舌鳎的卵巢、垂体、脑、头肾、肾、肝脏组织中均有mPRα蛋白表达,且在脑、垂体和卵巢中表达量较高,表明mPRα在不同组织中都发挥着一定的作用,且在内分泌相关组织如脑、垂体和卵巢中的作用更明显.原位杂交和免疫组化结果显示,mPRα mRNA和蛋白表达明显定位在卵母细胞膜上,且在其他组织的外周和管腔结构表达.本研究为进一步研究mPRα在膜上的信号转导机制提供了理论基础和形态学依据.     

金钱鱼孕激素受体基因的克隆、鉴定与表达研究

核受体(Pgr),隶属于核受体超家族,由核受体亚家族3C组成员3基因编码.孕酮通过结合Pg r介导其在脊椎动物繁殖过程中的生理学功能,因此,研究金钱鱼核受体基因(pg r基因)在不同组织及不同发育时期性腺中的表达模式,有助于为金钱鱼的繁殖提供理论依据.笔者克隆金钱鱼的pg r基因,用Megalign软件比较Pgr氨基酸...     

mPRα在性成熟雌性牙鲆(Paralichthys olivaceus)不同组织中的定性定量表达特征

通过荧光实时定量PCR方法(qRT-PCR)检测雌性性成熟牙鲆(Paralichthys olivaceus)第Ⅴ时期不同时相的卵母细胞中膜孕激素受体(mPRα)的表达,同时采用原位杂交、免疫组化和Western blotting方法研究性成熟雌性牙鲆mPRα mRNA和蛋白在各组织中的分布和表达。qRT-PCR结果显示,在牙鲆卵巢成熟时期的第Ⅴ时相卵母细胞,mPRα mRNA的表达量最高,表明mPRα介导孕激素参与了牙鲆卵母细胞成熟的调控。组织定量定位结果显示,在牙鲆的卵巢、脑、头肾、肾、肝脏组织中均有mPRα mRNA和蛋白表达存在,且在脑、卵巢中表达量较高,表明mPRα在牙鲆不同组织中都发挥着一定的作用,且在内分泌相关组织如脑和卵巢中的作用更明显。原位杂交和免疫组化结果显示,mPRα mRNA和蛋白表达明显定位在牙鲆卵母细胞膜上,且分布在其他组织的管腔结构。本研究为进一步探究牙鲆mPRα信号转导机制提供了理论基础和形态学依据。     

半滑舌鳎新型膜孕激素受体基因分子特征及其在卵巢发育过程的作用

为进一步提高半滑舌鳎(Cynoglossus semilaevis Günther)人工育苗技术水平,对半滑舌鳎新型膜孕激素受体(m PR-like)基因进行研究。采用同源克隆和末端快速扩增(RACE)方法,获得全长为2 002 bp的半滑舌鳎新型膜孕激素受体的c DNA序列;二级结构分析表明,该蛋白存在7个跨膜区域;三级结构分析表明该蛋白有多个结合位点。使用MEGA4.0临位相联法和Clustal X方法对m PR-like的氨基酸序列进行聚类分析和序列相似度分析,发现半滑舌鳎m PR-like与青鳉(Oryzias latipes)和三刺鱼(Gasterosteus aculeayus)的m PR-like聚为一支,相似度分别为68%和72%。应用实时定量PCR方法分析了m PR-like m RNA表达情况,发现m PR-like m RNA在性成熟雌性半滑舌鳎不同组织表达具有广泛性,但表达量存在差异,在脑、卵巢、心脏、鳃、脾和胃等组织表达丰富;在不同发育阶段卵母细胞中,m PR-like m RNA表达水平从II时相卵母细胞到V时相卵母细胞持续升高,而在VI时相卵母细胞的表达水平显著下降(P0.05);在半滑舌鳎繁殖周期的脑和卵巢组织中,m PR-like m RNA的表达水平从性腺发育II期到V期持续升高,并且在V期达到最高峰(P0.05),VI期表达量开始下降;在半滑舌鳎繁殖周期的垂体组织中,不同繁殖期m PR-like m RNA表达水平变化幅度不大,但在性腺发育V期时垂体中的表达量显著高于其他繁殖期(P0.05)。放射免疫测定的结果表明,半滑舌鳎雌鱼血清中孕酮激素的含量变化在整个繁殖周期中差异显著(P0.05),在性腺发育IV期含量迅速升高并在V期达到峰值。该基因在半滑舌鳎多种组织中的表达特征,预示其具有多种生理学作用;在卵母细胞和繁殖周期脑–垂体–卵巢的表达特征表明其参与卵母细胞成熟过程和生殖调控。     

鱼类性别相关基因FTZ-F1的研究进展

FTZ-F1基因属于孤核受体超家族成员,最初是在果蝇(Drosophila)中发现的,该基因在果蝇胚胎发生的早期调控体节分化基因ftshi-tarazu(FTZ)表达。目前已经发现了很多它的同源基因。研究证明它在类固醇生成、性别分化过程中都发挥着重要的作用。鱼类在脊椎动物系统进化中处于承前启后的地位,是脊椎动物中分布最广、种类最多的类群,具有多种多样的生物学特征和重大的经济价值,所以对于鱼类性别决定机理的研究具有重大意义。文章就鱼类中发现的性别相关基因FTZ-F1,及该基因在胚胎发育过程中的作用、在性逆转鱼中的作用及与芳香化酶的相互作用关系等进行了综述,旨在为系统研究鱼类性别决定机制提供参考。     

膜孕激素受体(mPRα)在半滑舌鳎(Cynoglossus semilaevis)卵母细胞成熟过程中的表达特征

通过实时荧光定量PCR方法(qRT-PCR)检测半滑舌鳎(Cynoglossus semilaevis)雌性性成熟不同时期、不同时相卵母细胞中膜孕激素受体(mPRα)的表达,通过qRT-PCR和Western blotting方法检测促性腺激素(HCG)对成熟期半滑舌鳎卵母细胞mPRα表达的影响,同时,采用原位杂交、免疫组化和Western blotting方法研究雌性性成熟半滑舌鳎mPRα mRNA和蛋白在各组织中的表达。对半滑舌鳎性成熟不同时期、不同时相卵母细胞中mPRα mRNA的定量研究结果显示,在成熟时期半滑舌鳎Ⅴ时相卵母细胞的mPRα mRNA表达量最高。HCG对成熟期半滑舌鳎卵母细胞mPRα表达的影响研究结果显示,20 IU/ml HCG比10 IU/ml HCG对成熟时期半滑舌鳎卵母细胞mPRα mRNA和蛋白表达的促进作用更明显,进一步证明mPRα介导孕激素参与了卵母细胞成熟的调控。对mPRα组织表达的定量和定位研究中,Western blotting结果显示,在半滑舌鳎的卵巢、垂体、脑、头肾、肾、肝脏组织中均有mPRα蛋白表达,且在脑、垂体和卵巢中表达量较高,表明mPRα在不同组织中都发挥着一定的作用,且在内分泌相关组织如脑、垂体和卵巢中的作用更明显。原位杂交和免疫组化结果显示,mPRα mRNA和蛋白表达明显定位在卵母细胞膜上,且在其他组织的外周和管腔结构表达。本研究为进一步研究mPRα在膜上的信号转导机制提供了理论基础和形态学依据。     

中华乌塘鳢嗅觉系统孕酮受体的免疫细胞化学研究

为了进一步探讨中华乌塘鳢[Bostrichthys sinensis(Lacépède)]感受性信息素(17α-P和17α,20β-P)的作用机制,以免疫细胞化学(SABC)法进行中华乌塘鳢嗅觉系统孕酮受体的免疫定位和数量分析。结果显示,孕酮受体免疫阳性细胞在性成熟中华乌塘鳢的嗅上皮、嗅神经和嗅球上均有分布,免疫阳性细胞数量由高到低依次为:嗅上皮、嗅球、嗅神经。半定量分析结果表明,中华乌塘鳢嗅觉系统的孕酮受体免疫阳性细胞的数量与其性腺发育程度有关。性成熟雄鱼和雌鱼嗅上皮的免疫阳性细胞数量分别显著或极显著(P<0.05或P<0.01)高于性未成熟雄鱼和雌鱼;性未成熟鱼嗅神经上未发现孕酮受体免疫阳性细胞;性成熟雌鱼嗅球上的免疫阳性细胞数量显著高于性未成熟雌鱼(P<0.05)。本研究证实了硬骨鱼类嗅觉系统中存在孕酮受体免疫阳性细胞。     

TGF-β信号通路在鱼类性别决定与分化中的作用

脊椎动物性别分化和性腺发育的分子机制保守，但不同类群的最上游的性别决定基因却大不相同，尤其是鱼类，其性别决定基因表现出明显的多样性。性别决定包括环境性别决定和遗传性别决定，环境性别决定主要受温度、光照、激素和pH等的影响，而遗传性别决定一般由位于性染色体上的性别决定基因决定。转化生长因子-β(transforming growth factor β, TGF-β)信号通路参与介导了多种生物学过程，近年来很多研究表明，鱼类有多个性别决定基因都是TGF-β信号通路的成员，且该信号通路对于鱼类的性别分化也有重要的作用。本文总结了鱼类已报道的性别决定基因或候选基因，详细综述了TGF-β信号通路在鱼类性别决定与分化中的各种功能，并探讨了该信号通路参与鱼类性别决定的可能机制，这对认识TGF-β信号通路在鱼类性别决定、分化中的作用和性控育种有重要意义。     

Rapid, nongenomic steroid actions initiated at the cell surface: lessons from studies with fish

In addition to the classic mechanism of steroid action mediated by binding to nuclear receptors, there is a growing body of evidence that steroids also exert rapid, nongenomic actions that are initiated at the cell surface by binding to specific steroid membrane receptors. However, the lack of information on the molecular structures of any steroid membrane receptors has impeded development of this alternative model of steroid hormone action. One of the best characterized models of nongenomic steroid action is the progestin induction of oocyte maturation (OM) in fish and amphibians via activation of plasma membrane progestin receptors (mPRs) on oocytes. Investigations of the marked changes in mPR abundance during OM in fishes have provided the first clear evidence of hormonal regulation of steroid membrane receptors and its physiological importance. Recently, a novel gene was discovered in the ovaries of spotted seatrout whose protein has the characteristics of an mPR and the intermediary in the progestin induction of oocyte maturation in this species. The putative mPR is also detected on seatrout sperm by Western blot analysis and is likely the mPR previously characterized in this species that mediates progestin initiation of sperm hyperactivity. Both structural and functional studies suggest the seatrout mPR is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR). Subsequently, thirteen structurally-related cDNAs were identified in other vertebrate species, and several of them were also shown to have characteristics of mPRs. The discovery of the molecular structure and likely orientation in the plasma membrane of this new class of steroid membrane receptors provides a plausible mechanistic explanation of how steroids acting at the cell surface can cause rapid intracellular responses. Membrane receptors for estrogens (mER) and androgens (mAR) have also been characterized in teleost gonads. In addition, the first clear evidence for endocrine disruption of a nongenomic steroid action by binding to a membrane steroid receptor was obtained with the seatrout mPR. Thus fish are valuable models for investigating nonclassical steroid actions and their interference by environmental contaminants.     

Progestin is important for testicular development of male turbot (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Scophthalmus maximus</Emphasis>) during the annual reproductive cycle through functionally distinct progestin receptors

In teleost, sex steroid hormones are critical for reproduction. Progestin is known to promote spermiation. To further understand the functions of progestin via its receptors during the annual reproductive cycle in male turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), we observed testicular development, quantified several sex steroid hormones, detected the expression of progestin receptors, and measured various sperm parameters. Results showed that the turbot testicular structure was of the lobular type. During breeding season, a number of spermatocytes (stage III) developed into spermatids (stage IV), then differentiated into sperm during spermiogenesis (stage V), and finally regressed to spermatocytes (stage VI). Concomitant with testicular development, serum progesterone (P4) and 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) exhibited higher levels from stage IV to V than other stages. Furthermore, males with higher motility sperm showed higher levels of P4 and DHP compared with fish with lower motility sperm. These results indicated that P4 and DHP might induce spermatogenesis due to seasonal changes. Concurrently, in testes, the nuclear progesterone receptor (pgr) was expressed throughout the reproductive cycle and its level peaked during spermiogenesis while expression of membrane progestin receptor alpha (mPRα) did not change significantly. However, in sperm, mPRα expression was higher than in testes and had a significant positive correlation with curvilinear velocities (VCL), sperm motility, and motility duration. In conclusion, progestin appears to exert a direct pgr-mediated effect on spermiogenesis and improve sperm motility characteristics depending on the abundance of mPRα protein in sperm during spermiation.     

Molecular endocrinology of oocyte growth and maturation in fish

Pituitary gonadotropins (GTHs) are of primary importance in triggering oocyte growth and maturation. However, the actions of GTHs are not direct, but are mediated by the ovarian production of steroidal mediators of oocyte growth (estradiol-17β) and maturation (maturation-inducing hormone, MIH; 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, 17α,20β-DP in salmonid fishes; 17α,20β,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, 20β-S in sciaenid fishes). It is established that production of estradiol-17β and 17α,20β-DP by salmonid ovarian follicles occurs via the interaction of two cell layers, the thecal and granulosa cell layers (two-cell type model). A distinct shift in the salmonid steroidogenesis from estradiol-17β to 17α,20β-DP occurs in the ovarian follicle layer immediately prior to oocyte maturation. It is possible that this shift is a consequence of dramatic changes in the expression of the genes encoding various steroidogenic enzymes. As an initial step to address this question, we have isolated and characterized the cDNAs encoding a number of ovarian steroidogenic enzymes including the rainbow trout cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P-450, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), 17α-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase cytochrome P-450, aromatase cytochrome P-450 cDNAS as well as the pig 20β-HSD cDNA. Estradiol-17β stimulates the hepatic synthesis and secretion of a yolk precursor, vitellogenin. Vitellogenin is then transported to the ovary where it is selectively taken up into the oocyte by a receptor-mediated process involving specific cell-surface receptors. Estradiol-17β was also shown to induce the synthesis of egg membrane proteins in the liver. The maturation-inducing action of 17α,20β-DP and 20β-S is through the binding to the oocyte plasma membrane. This initial MIH-surface interaction is followed by the formation of the major mediator of MIH, maturation-promoting factor (MPF). We have purified MPF from mature oocytes of carp. Carp MPF consists of two components: the homolog of the cdc2⁺ gene product of fission yeast (p34^cdc2) and cyclin B. The cdc2 kinase protein is present in immature oocytes as well as in oocytes induced to mature by 17α,20β-DP treatment, while cyclin B proteins can be detected only in mature oocytes. Addition of bacterially expressed goldfish cyclin B to the extracts of immature goldfish oocytes induced MPF activation. These results suggest that the appearance of cyclin B protein is a crucial step for 17α,20β-DP-induced oocyte maturation in fish.     

TGF-β系统及其在硬骨鱼中的研究进展

TGF-β（transforming growth factor-β）是一类多效应细胞因子,在很多生理活动中发挥功能。TGF-β以前体形式合成,随后被切割活化形成成熟的TGF-β。TGF-β以二聚体的形式发挥作用,与受体TβRI（transforming growth factor-β receptor I）和TβRII（transforming growth factor-β receptor Ⅱ）形成一个大型复合物后,磷酸化胞内的Smad,激活下游信号通路。鱼类中,对TGF-β家族成员的研究主要集中在对TGF-β1的研究,包括TGF-β1与免疫相关和与生殖相关的功能,也有研究表明TGF-β1与肝功能相关。此外,有少量对TGF-β家族其他成员和TGF-β受体的研究。     

Gonadotropins and their paracrine signaling network in the zebrafish ovary

Pituitary gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), play fundamental roles in vertebrate ovarian development and function. However, there has been an increasing body of evidence that the actions of FSH and LH are mediated or modulated by a variety of locally produced peptide or protein factors, which form an intimate regulatory network within and between the ovarian follicles. In the past few years, a variety of growth factors have been identified and characterized in the zebrafish ovary including activin and epidermal growth factor (EGF), which are important components of the intraovarian communication network. To understand how this local network interacts with the gonadotropins from the pituitary, we have recently cloned and characterized all the subunits of zebrafish FSH and LH from the pituitary as well as their receptors (FSHR and LHR) from the ovary. Using the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells as the bioreactor, we have produced recombinant zebrafish FSH and LH with biological activities. With the recombinant hormones available, the functions of zebrafish FSH and LH in the ovary and their interactions with the local factors will be an important issue to address in the future. This review briefly summarizes some recent work from our laboratory and others on both gonadotropins and their potential intraovarian signaling factors in the zebrafish.     

Marine mammal stranding response in Mexico: Lessons learned

1. Marine mammals are indicators of ecosystem health, and thus stranding records are an invaluable information source. The response to marine mammal stranding (RMMS) must be comprehensive, taking into account three components: (i) operations, (ii) research, and (iii) information dissemination. Although RMMS had previously been practised in several coastal locations in Mexico, the recent enforcement of a new regulation for RMMS has posed a challenge to actors as they adapt to it.
2. To understand the functioning of RMMS in Mexico, Bahía Todos Santos and Bahía de La Paz, two localities with over 20 years of experience in RMMS, were selected. To achieve this goal, a document review to identify the actors involved and their functions was undertaken together with a social network analysis to identify relevant actors in each locality and semi-structured interviews to identify key topics for RMMS.
3. The composition of the involved actors was similar at both locations. Some actors were found to have mandatory functions (i.e. governmental actors), while others (i.e. civil society organizations) performed functions beyond those established in official documents. Governmental agencies, the academic sector, and civil society organizations were the most connected actors and could help disseminate information, facilitate communication within the network, and influence decision-making.
4. The main topics identified were, in order of relevance: (i) economic constraints; (ii) actors' involvement; (iii) stranding response logistics; and (iv) recognition among actors.
5. In conclusion, several limitations to the RMMS exist at both localities, mainly related to the lack of economic resources, but actors involved in RMMS actions are motivated by their own interests. This study proposes the integration of actors into local networks that take into consideration the biological, physical, and social characteristics of each place.

     

Distinct expression of three estrogen receptors in response to bisphenol A and nonylphenol in male Nile tilapias (Oreochromis niloticus)

Environmental estrogens, such as bisphenol A (BisA) and nonylphenol (NP), have been shown to affect the estrogen receptor (ER) expression and induce male reproductive abnormalities. To elucidate molecular mechanisms of action of xenoestrogenic chemicals on the expression of estrogen receptors in the testes of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), three full-length cDNAs respectively encoding ntERα, ntERβ1 and ntERβ2 were cloned from testes. The amino acid sequences of ntERα, ntERβ1 and ntERβ2 showed a high degree of similarity to the relevant fish species. Tissue-specific expression study showed that three receptors were highly expressed in pituitary, liver, testis, kidney and intestine tissues. The ntERα, ntERβ1 and ntERβ2 mRNA expressions were significantly higher at the sexual early recrudescing stage than at other recrudesced stages. After being exposed to xenoestrogens from weeks 2 to 4, the ntERα mRNA levels were increased significantly in testes after NP treatment at all sampling times or after 4 weeks of exposure to BPA. The ntERβ1 mRNA levels remained unchanged, while a significant decrease of the ntERβ2 mRNA level was observed in testes after exposure to NP and BPA. The present study demonstrates that the regulation of all three ntER subtypes in testes may act via different molecular mechanisms of exposure to NP and BPA.     

精子膜蛋白受精素(Fertilin)研究进展

精子膜蛋白受精素(Fertilin)是参与精卵质膜间相互作用最有特征性的候选分子之一。受精素由α、β两个亚基组成,为精子表面的异二聚体跨膜糖蛋白。fertilin-α(Fα)、Fertilin-β(Fβ)可能在精子发生、精子成熟、精子获能及精卵结合和融合中发挥重要作用。