Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
8436212 | Differentiation | 2018 | 35 Pages |
Abstract
Development of the gonads is a complex process, which starts with a period of undifferentiated, bipotential gonads. During this period the expression of sex-determining genes is initiated. Sex determination is a process triggering differentiation of the gonads into the testis or ovary. Sex determination period is followed by sexual differentiation, i.e. appearance of the first testis- and ovary-specific features. In Xenopus laevis W-linked DM-domain gene (DM-W) had been described as a master determinant of the gonadal female sex. However, the data on the expression and function of other genes participating in gonad development in X. laevis, and in anurans, in general, are very limited. We applied microarray technique to analyze the expression pattern of a subset of X. laevis genes previously identified to be involved in gonad development in several vertebrate species. We also analyzed the localization and the expression level of proteins encoded by these genes in developing X. laevis gonads. These analyses pointed to the set of genes differentially expressed in developing testes and ovaries. Gata4, Sox9, Dmrt1, Amh, Fgf9, Ptgds, Pdgf, Fshr, and Cyp17a1 expression was upregulated in developing testes, while DM-W, Fst, Foxl2, and Cyp19a1 were upregulated in developing ovaries. We discuss the possible roles of these genes in development of X. laevis gonads.
Keywords
WT1FollistatinDMRT1emx2PDGFRαGATA4PTCH1GATA binding protein 4DHHWNT4FGF9InhibinSF1FGFR2NR5A1DAX1PDGFRspo1Wilms tumor 1BMP4FSTForkhead box L2foxl2R-spondin 1PTGDSSOxAMHTestisOvarySex determinationGonad developmentDesert HedgehogStarSteroidogenic factor 1Fibroblast growth factor 9platelet-derived growth factordoublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 1XenopusAnti-Müllerian hormoneSteroidogenic acute regulatory proteinbone morphogenetic protein 4Prostaglandin D synthasePatched 1Gonadplatelet-derived growth factor receptor αfibroblast growth factor receptor 2
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Authors
Rafal P. Piprek, Milena Damulewicz, Malgorzata Kloc, Jacek Z. Kubiak,