scholarly journals The Sex Determination Cascade in the Silkworm

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 315
Author(s):  
Xu Yang ◽  
Kai Chen ◽  
Yaohui Wang ◽  
Dehong Yang ◽  
Yongping Huang
Keyword(s):  
Sex Determination ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Model Species ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Master Regulators ◽  
Primary Signal ◽  
Basic Understanding ◽  
Female Specific ◽  
Working Mechanisms

In insects, sex determination pathways involve three levels of master regulators: primary signals, which determine the sex; executors, which control sex-specific differentiation of tissues and organs; and transducers, which link the primary signals to the executors. The primary signals differ widely among insect species. In Diptera alone, several unrelated primary sex determiners have been identified. However, the doublesex (dsx) gene is highly conserved as the executor component across multiple insect orders. The transducer level shows an intermediate level of conservation. In many, but not all examined insects, a key transducer role is performed by transformer (tra), which controls sex-specific splicing of dsx. In Lepidoptera, studies of sex determination have focused on the lepidopteran model species Bombyx mori (the silkworm). In B. mori, the primary signal of sex determination cascade starts from Fem, a female-specific PIWI-interacting RNA, and its targeting gene Masc, which is apparently specific to and conserved among Lepidoptera. Tra has not been found in Lepidoptera. Instead, the B. mori PSI protein binds directly to dsx pre-mRNA and regulates its alternative splicing to produce male- and female-specific transcripts. Despite this basic understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying sex determination, the links among the primary signals, transducers and executors remain largely unknown in Lepidoptera. In this review, we focus on the latest findings regarding the functions and working mechanisms of genes involved in feminization and masculinization in Lepidoptera and discuss directions for future research of sex determination in the silkworm.

scholarly journals A Novel Splice Variant of the Masculinizing Gene Masc with piRNA-Cleavage-Site Defect Functions in Female External Genital Development in the Silkworm, Bombyx mori

Biomolecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qin Zhao ◽  
Juan Li ◽  
Mao-Yu Wen ◽  
He Wang ◽  
Yao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Determination ◽  
Splice Variant ◽  
Cleavage Site ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Sex Differentiation ◽  
Specific Cell ◽  
Over Expression ◽  
Primary Signal ◽  
Genital Development ◽  
Female Specific

In the silkworm, the sex-determination primary signal Fem controls sex differentiation by specific binding of Fem-derived piRNA to the cleavage site in Masc mRNA, thus inhibiting Masc protein production in the female. In this study, we identified a novel splicing isoform of Masc, named Masc-S, which lacks the intact sequence of the cleavage site, encoding a C-terminal truncated protein. Results of RT-PCR showed that Masc-S was expressed in both sexes. Over-expression of Masc-S and Masc in female-specific cell lines showed that Masc-S could be translated against the Fem-piRNA cut. By RNA-protein pull-down, LC/MS/MS, and EMSA, we identified a protein BmEXU that specifically binds to an exclusive RNA sequence in Masc compared to Masc-S. Knockdown of Masc-S resulted in abnormal morphology in female external genital and increased expression of the Hox gene Abd-B, which similarly occurred by Bmexu RNAi. These results suggest that the splice variant Masc-S against Fem-piRNA plays an important role in female external genital development, of which function is opposite to that of full-length Masc. Our study provides new insights into the regulatory mechanism of sex determination in the silkworm.

Transcriptome profiling of differentially expressed genes of male and female inflorescences in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)

Genome ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiyuan Liu ◽  
Haoying Wang ◽  
Zhaosheng Xu ◽  
Helong Zhang ◽  
Guoliang Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Determination ◽  
Differentially Expressed Genes ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Spinacia Oleracea ◽  
Transcriptome Profiling ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Spinacia Oleracea L

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is commonly considered a dioecious plant with heterogametic (XY) and homogametic (XX) sex chromosomes. The characteristic is also utilized for the production of spinach hybrid seeds. However, the molecular mechanisms of sex determination in spinach are still unclear because of a lack of genomic and transcriptomic information. In this study, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed in male and female inflorescences to provide insight into the molecular basis of sex determination in spinach. Comparative transcriptome analyses showed that 2,278 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between male and female inflorescences. A high correlation between the RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR validation for DEGs was observed. Among these, 182 DEGs were annotated to transcription factors including the MYB family protein, bHLH family, and MADS family, suggesting these factors might play a vital role in sex determination. Moreover, 26 DEGs related to flower development, including nine ABCE class genes, were detected. Expression analyses of hormone pathways showed that brassinosteroids may be key hormones related to sex determination in spinach. Overall, this study provides a large amount of DEGs related to sexual expression and lays a foundation for unraveling the regulatory mechanism of sex determination in spinach.

Polymerase chain reaction identification of a female-specific genetic marker in Arceuthobium americanum (lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe) and its implications for Arceuthobium sex determination

Botany ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 89 (6) ◽  
pp. 369-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arvin Dwarka ◽  
Cynthia M. Ross Friedman ◽  
Mairi E. MacKay ◽  
Don Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Sex Determination ◽  
Genetic Marker ◽  
Sex Chromosomes ◽  
Local Alignment ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Arceuthobium Americanum ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Female Specific

In North America, the most widespread and speciose mistletoe is Arceuthobium M. Bieb. (dwarf mistletoes, Viscaceae), which is a dioecious parasite of conifers. Little is known about its sex determination system, and sex chromosomes have not been identified. A genetic marker for early gender discrimination in Arceuthobium would be useful in the study of sex ratios and sex determination. Here, random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis via the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to investigate genetic differences between genders in Arceuthobium americanum Nutt. ex Engelm. collected near Kamloops, British Columbia and Bélair, Manitoba. A total of 196 10-mer primers were selected for analysis of DNA from isolated male and female A. americanum somatic tissue. A ∼900 bp female-specific DNA fragment was generated with primer OPB-18 (5′-CCACAGCAGT-3′). The fragment was cloned and sequenced. Using GenBank and the basic local alignment search tool alignment software, it was determined that the first ∼300 bp of this DNA sequence shared a high degree of similarity to transposable elements (76%) and a Y-chromosome (male) fragment (75%) in Silene latifolia Poir. Sequence-characterized amplified region primers were then designed. This study has generated an efficient molecular tool to differentiate male and female A. americanum while also providing evidence indicating that A. americanum may have homomorphic, possibly protoheteromorphic, sex chromosomes.

scholarly journals Temperature-Induced Sex Reversal in Reptiles: Prevalence, Discovery, and Evolutionary Implications

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Sarah L. Whiteley ◽  
Meghan A. Castelli ◽  
Duminda S.B. Dissanayake ◽  
Clare E. Holleley ◽  
Arthur Georges
Keyword(s):  
Sex Determination ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Sex Reversal ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Wild Populations ◽  
Changing Climate ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Low Incidence ◽  
Thermal Influence ◽  
Genetically Determined

Sex reversal is the process by which an individual develops a phenotypic sex that is discordant with its chromosomal or genotypic sex. It occurs in many lineages of ectothermic vertebrates, such as fish, amphibians, and at least one agamid and one scincid reptile species. Sex reversal is usually triggered by an environmental cue that alters the genetically determined process of sexual differentiation, but it can also be caused by exposure to exogenous chemicals, hormones, or pollutants. Despite the occurrence of both temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) and genetic sex determination (GSD) broadly among reptiles, only 2 species of squamates have thus far been demonstrated to possess sex reversal in nature (GSD with overriding thermal influence). The lack of species with unambiguously identified sex reversal is not necessarily a reflection of a low incidence of this trait among reptiles. Indeed, sex reversal may be relatively common in reptiles, but little is known of its prevalence, the mechanisms by which it occurs, or the consequences of sex reversal for species in the wild under a changing climate. In this review, we present a roadmap to the discovery of sex reversal in reptiles, outlining the various techniques that allow new occurrences of sex reversal to be identified, the molecular mechanisms that may be involved in sex reversal and how to identify them, and approaches for assessing the impacts of sex reversal in wild populations. We discuss the evolutionary implications of sex reversal and use the central bearded dragon (<i>Pogona vitticeps</i>) and the eastern three-lined skink (<i>Bassiana duperreyi</i>) as examples of how species with opposing patterns of sex reversal may be impacted differently by our rapidly changing climate. Ultimately, this review serves to highlight the importance of understanding sex reversal both in the laboratory and in wild populations and proposes practical solutions to foster future research.

scholarly journals Whole-genome sequencing reveals sex determination and liver high-fat storage mechanisms of yellowstripe goby (Mugilogobius chulae)

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Cai ◽  
Guocheng Liu ◽  
Yuanzheng Wei ◽  
Yabing Zhu ◽  
Jianjun Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Determination ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Development Stage ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Immune Gene ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Fat Storage ◽  
Fish Model ◽  
Genome Information

AbstractAs a promising novel marine fish model for future research on marine ecotoxicology as well as an animal model of human disease, the genome information of yellowstripe goby (Mugilogobius chulae) remains unknown. Here we report the first annotated chromosome-level reference genome assembly for yellowstripe goby. A 20.67-cM sex determination region was discovered on chromosome 5 and seven potential sex-determining genes were identified. Based on combined genome and transcriptome data, we identified three key lipid metabolic pathways for high-fat accumulation in the liver of yellowstripe goby. The changes in the expression patterns of MGLL and CPT1 at different development stage of the liver, and the expansion of the ABCA1 gene, innate immune gene TLR23, and TRIM family genes may help in balancing high-fat storage in hepatocytes and steatohepatitis. These results may provide insights into understanding the molecular mechanisms of sex determination and high-fat storage in the liver of marine fishes.

scholarly journals Molecular Mechanisms of Insulin Resistance in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Unraveling the Conundrum in Skeletal Muscle?

2019 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 5372-5381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nigel K Stepto ◽  
Alba Moreno-Asso ◽  
Luke C McIlvenna ◽  
Kirsty A Walters ◽  
Raymond J Rodgers
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ovary Syndrome

Abstract Context Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition affecting 8% to 13% of women across the lifespan. PCOS affects reproductive, metabolic, and mental health, generating a considerable health burden. Advances in treatment of women with PCOS has been hampered by evolving diagnostic criteria and poor recognition by clinicians. This has resulted in limited clinical and basic research. In this study, we provide insights into the current and future research on the metabolic features of PCOS, specifically as they relate to PCOS-specific insulin resistance (IR), that may affect the most metabolically active tissue, skeletal muscle. Current Knowledge PCOS is a highly heritable condition, yet it is phenotypically heterogeneous in both reproductive and metabolic features. Human studies thus far have not identified molecular mechanisms of PCOS-specific IR in skeletal muscle. However, recent research has provided new insights that implicate energy-sensing pathways regulated via epigenomic and resultant transcriptomic changes. Animal models, while in existence, have been underused in exploring molecular mechanisms of IR in PCOS and specifically in skeletal muscle. Future Directions Based on the latest evidence synthesis and technologies, researchers exploring molecular mechanisms of IR in PCOS, specifically in muscle, will likely need to generate new hypothesis to be tested in human and animal studies. Conclusion Investigations to elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving IR in PCOS are in their early stages, yet remarkable advances have been made in skeletal muscle. Overall, investigations have thus far created more questions than answers, which provide new opportunities to study complex endocrine conditions.

scholarly journals Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Sex-Based Differences during the Development of the Adult Parasitic Wasp Cotesia vestalis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 896
Author(s):  
Yuenan Zhou ◽  
Pei Yang ◽  
Shuang Xie ◽  
Min Shi ◽  
Jianhua Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Splicing ◽  
Adult Development ◽  
Sexual Development ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Parasitic Wasp ◽  
Differentially Expressed Gene ◽  
Regulation Mechanism ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Cotesia Vestalis

The endoparasitic wasp Cotesia vestalis is an important biological agent for controlling the population of Plutella xylostella, a major pest of cruciferous crops worldwide. Though the genome of C. vestalis has recently been reported, molecular mechanisms associated with sexual development have not been comprehensively studied. Here, we combined PacBio Iso-Seq and Illumina RNA-Seq to perform genome-wide profiling of pharate adult and adult development of male and female C. vestalis. Taking advantage of Iso-Seq full-length reads, we identified 14,466 novel transcripts as well as 8770 lncRNAs, with many lncRNAs showing a sex- and stage-specific expression pattern. The differentially expressed gene (DEG) analyses showed 2125 stage-specific and 326 sex-specific expressed genes. We also found that 4819 genes showed 11,856 alternative splicing events through combining the Iso-Seq and RNA-Seq data. The results of comparative analyses showed that most genes were alternatively spliced across developmental stages, and alternative splicing (AS) events were more prevalent in females than in males. Furthermore, we identified six sex-determining genes in this parasitic wasp and verified their sex-specific alternative splicing profiles. Specifically, the characterization of feminizer and doublesex splicing between male and female implies a conserved regulation mechanism of sexual development in parasitic wasps.

scholarly journals Recent Advances in Nanotechnology with Nano-Phytochemicals: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications in Cancer Progression

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 3571
Author(s):  
Bonglee Kim ◽  
Ji-Eon Park ◽  
Eunji Im ◽  
Yongmin Cho ◽  
Jinjoo Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Research Perspectives ◽  
Current Review ◽  
Gold Silver ◽  
Significant Efficacy ◽  
Rapid Clearance

Biocompatible nanoparticles (NPs) containing polymers, lipids (liposomes and micelles), dendrimers, ferritin, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, ceramic, magnetic materials, and gold/silver have contributed to imaging diagnosis and targeted cancer therapy. However, only some NP drugs, including Doxil® (liposome-encapsulated doxorubicin), Abraxane® (albumin-bound paclitaxel), and Oncaspar® (PEG-Asparaginase), have emerged on the pharmaceutical market to date. By contrast, several phytochemicals that were found to be effective in cultured cancer cells and animal studies have not shown significant efficacy in humans due to poor bioavailability and absorption, rapid clearance, resistance, and toxicity. Research to overcome these drawbacks by using phytochemical NPs remains in the early stages of clinical translation. Thus, in the current review, we discuss the progress in nanotechnology, research milestones, the molecular mechanisms of phytochemicals encapsulated in NPs, and clinical implications. Several challenges that must be overcome and future research perspectives are also described.

scholarly journals The Dynamics of Flower Development in Castanea Sativa Mill.

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1538
Author(s):  
Ana Teresa Alhinho ◽  
Miguel Jesus Nunes Ramos ◽  
Sofia Alves ◽  
Margarida Rocheta ◽  
Leonor Morais-Cecílio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flower Development ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Castanea Sativa ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Sweet Chestnut ◽  
Chestnut Tree ◽  
Abcde Model ◽  
Organ Identity ◽  
Castanea Sativa Mill ◽  
Female Flowers

The sweet chestnut tree (Castanea sativa Mill.) is one of the most significant Mediterranean tree species, being an important natural resource for the wood and fruit industries. It is a monoecious species, presenting unisexual male catkins and bisexual catkins, with the latter having distinct male and female flowers. Despite the importance of the sweet chestnut tree, little is known regarding the molecular mechanisms involved in the determination of sexual organ identity. Thus, the study of how the different flowers of C. sativa develop is fundamental to understand the reproductive success of this species and the impact of flower phenology on its productivity. In this study, a C. sativa de novo transcriptome was assembled and the homologous genes to those of the ABCDE model for floral organ identity were identified. Expression analysis showed that the C. sativa B- and C-class genes are differentially expressed in the male flowers and female flowers. Yeast two-hybrid analysis also suggested that changes in the canonical ABCDE protein–protein interactions may underlie the mechanisms necessary to the development of separate male and female flowers, as reported for the monoecious Fagaceae Quercus suber. The results here depicted constitute a step towards the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in unisexual flower development in C. sativa, also suggesting that the ABCDE model for flower organ identity may be molecularly conserved in the predominantly monoecious Fagaceae family.

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