PUBLICATION

Characterization of the mRNA expression of StAR and steroidogenic enzymes in zebrafish ovarian follicles

Authors
Ings, J.S., and Van Der Kraak, G.J.
ID
ZDB-PUB-060526-4
Date
2006
Source
Molecular reproduction and development   73(8): 943-954 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Keywords
steroidogenesis, StAR, folliculogenesis, mRNA expression, ovary, zebrafish
MeSH Terms
  • Animals
  • Aromatase/genetics
  • Aromatase/metabolism
  • Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Enzyme/genetics
  • Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Enzyme/metabolism
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin/metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases/genetics
  • Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases/metabolism
  • Lyases/genetics
  • Lyases/metabolism
  • Ovarian Follicle/physiology*
  • Phosphoproteins/genetics
  • Phosphoproteins/metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger/metabolism*
  • Zebrafish*/anatomy & histology
  • Zebrafish*/physiology
PubMed
16700073 Full text @ Mol. Reprod. Dev.
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the levels of expression of steroid biosynthetic enzymes and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) at different stages of ovarian follicular development in zebrafish (Danio rerio), and to investigate the sites within the steroid biosynthetic pathway that may be regulated by gonadotropins. Ovarian follicles of sexually mature fish were separated into primary, previtellogenic, vitellogenic, and mature stages and the expression of StAR, P450 side chain cleavage (P450scc), 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD), P450 hydroxylase/lyase (P450c17), 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17beta-HSD1), 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17beta-HSD3), and P450 aromatase (P450aromA) was determined by Real time RT-PCR. The expression of all genes changed significantly as follicles grew, with a decrease in the expression of StAR, P450scc, 3beta-HSD and P450c17 with maturation, and an increase in the expression of 17beta-HSD3 during vitellogenesis and 17beta-HSD1 and P450aromA during previtellogenesis. In vitro incubation of vitellogenic follicles demonstrated that the expression of StAR, 17beta-HSD3, and P450aromA increased in response to hCG, and decreased in the absence of hCG. In contrast, the expression of P450scc, 3beta-HSD, P450c17, and 17beta-HSD1 remained constant between treatments and over time. Testosterone and estradiol production in the culture medium was stimulated by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). These experiments aid in the characterization of the roles and regulation of steroids throughout ovarian development, and suggest that gonadotropins play a key role in the regulation of StAR, 17beta-HSD3, and P450aromA in zebrafish.
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