Cytochrome P450 aromatases: Impact on gonadal development, recrudescence and effect of hCG in the catfish, Clarias gariepinus

Present study analyzed the importance of two forms of aromatases during ovarian development and recrudescence of north African/air-breathing catfish. We cloned both CYP19A1 (1941 bp; ovarian form) and CYP19A2 (1786 bp; brain form), which showed 47% homology between the two forms. Characterization of encoded proteins in non-steroidogenic COS-7 cells illustrated that both isoforms efficiently catalyzed the aromatization reaction by producing estradiol-17β (E2) from testosterone. Tissue distribution pattern revealed preferential expression of CYP19A2 in brain while CYP19A1 predominated in ovary with trace amounts detected in other tissues including brain. Relative real-time PCR analysis revealed high transcript levels of both isoforms in the prespawning phase of ovarian cycle, which is in accordance with serum E2 level. Aromatase activity in brain was comparatively lower than ovary, indicating the predominant requirement of aromatase in ovary. Ontogeny studies displayed sexual dimorphism, with early expression of CYP19A1 and CYP19A2 in ovary and brain, respectively. Phase-dependent rise of expression and enzyme activity of aromatase after hCG treatment revealed the stimulatory role of gonadotropin during preparatory and prespawning phases, preferentially to promote vitellogenesis. Lack of influence of hCG treatment during spawning phase endorses it further. A good correlation of expression, enzyme activity and serum E2 levels suggests a crucial role of CYP19A1 during ovarian differentiation and ovarian cycle of catfish. Likewise, CYP19A2 might also be involved in these processes either indirectly or directly.