Transcriptome of Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua L.) Early Embryos from Farmed and Wild Broodstocks

Author's accepted version (post-print).The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10126-013-9527-y

Caracterização, criopreservação e manipulação genética do sêmen do linguado Paralichthys orbignyanus (Teleostei: Paralichthyiade)

Dissertaçao(mestrado)- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Aqüicultura, Instituto de Oceanografia, 2008.O linguado Paralichthys orbignyanus é um importante recurso pesqueiro do oceano Atlântico Sul e é considerado uma espécie com grande potencial para a aqüicultura. A qualidade do sêmen é uma importante variável no manejo reprodutivo de espécies cultivadas, influenciando diretamente na produção de ovos viáveis. Além disso, o conhecimento das características físicas e químicas do sêmen é um importante fator no desenvolvimento de protocolos de resfriamento e criopreservação do sêmen. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar o sêmen de P. orbignyanus ao longo da estação reprodutiva e utilizar essas informações para auxiliar no processo de criopreservação do sêmen e no desenvolvimento de um protocolo de transferência de genes mediada por espermatozóides (TGME). Na primeira etapa deste estudo, amostras de sêmen de linguados selvagens foram coletadas ao longo da estação reprodutiva. Através dos resultados obtidos foi verificado que a produção de espermatozóides e a motilidade progressiva aumentam significativamente à medida que a estação reprodutiva progride para o seu final (P<0.05). A motilidade progressiva dos espermatozóides durou em média 10 min, porém o tempo total de motilidade alcançou cerca de 100 min. Com relação ao pH, a osmolalidade e a concentração dos íons K+, Cl- e Mg+ dosados no plasma seminal, assim como, para o percentual de células móveis, nenhuma diferença foi verificada ao longo da estação reprodutiva. No meio da estação foi observada uma diminuição na concentração do íon Ca2+, a qual coincidiu com o menor tempo de motilidade dos espermatozóides. A concentração de Na+ foi aumentando ao longo dos períodos monitorados, atingindo a maior concentração no fim da estação reprodutiva (P<0,05). Na segunda parte deste estudo, a criopreservação do sêmen do linguado P.orbignyanus foi realizada. Para isso, foram testadas duas soluções crioprotetoras: uma contendo glicerol diluído numa solução a base de sais e outra contendo DMSO (dimetilsulfóxido) diluído numa solução à base de sacarose. Os dados de fertilização, eclosão e viabilidade larval demonstraram que as duas soluções utilizadas são eficientes na criopreservação do sêmen do linguado. Na última etapa deste estudo, alguns fatores limitantes na TGME em peixes foram avaliados e um protocolo de incorporação de DNA exógeno pelos espermatozóides foi desenvolvido. Os resultados obtidos nesta parte do trabalho demonstraram que o plasma seminal do P.orbignyanus apresenta uma forte atividade da enzima DNase. Entretanto, a atividade dessa enzima pode ser eliminada ou diminuída lavando o sêmen com soluções contendo EDTA. Além disso,foi verificado que uma quantidade de DNA exógeno similar ou inferior a 50 ng/106 espermatozóides deve ser usada na TGME em peixes. Por último, foi demonstrado que os espermatozóides do linguado P. orbignyanus são capazes de incorporar o DNA exógeno espontaneamente após a eliminação da atividade das DNases. Isto ficou evidente através da amplificação do DNA exógeno através de PCR. Desta forma, os resultados obtidos neste estudo podem auxiliar no manejo reprodutivo dessa espécie e,conseqüentemente, na implementação de programas de melhoramento genético tanto da forma clássica através da criopreservação do sêmen dos reprodutores que apresentam as melhores características fenotípicas, como através de técnicas modernas como a TGME.The Brazilian flounder Paralichthys orbignyanus is an important fishing resource from southern Atlantic coast of America and it has being considered for aquaculture. The sperm quality is an important variable in reproductive management of cultured species, influencing directly on the production of viable eggs. Moreover, the adequate knowledge of physical and chemical characteristics of the sperm is an important factor for developing short-term storage and cryopreservation protocols of sperm. The aim of this study was to characterize the P. orbignyanus sperm throughout the reproductive season to facilitate the sperm cryopreservation and to help in development of a sperm mediated gene transfer (SMGT) protocol. In the first part of this study, sperm samples were collected from wild flounders throughout the reproductive season. It was verified that the sperm production and the progressive motility of spermatozoa increased significantly towards the end of reproductive season (P<0.05). The mean time of progressive motility of spermatozoa was 10 min, however the total time of motility reached about 100 min. No difference was observed during the reproductive season in pH, osmolality and concentrations of K+, Cl- e Mg+ measured in seminal plasma as well as in percentage of cells motility. In the middle of the breeding season was observed a reduction in Ca+2 concentration which has coincided with the lesser motility time of spermatozoa. The Na+ concentration increased throughout the season, reaching the highest concentration at the end of reproductive period (P<0.05). In the second part of this study, the cryopreservation of the flounder sperm was carried out. Two different cryosolutions were tested: glycerol saline and DMSO - sucrose. The results of fertilization, hatching rate and larval viability demonstrate that both solutions are efficient in the cryopreservation of the flounder sperm. In the last part of this study, some limitant factors for exogenous DNA uptake by spermatozoa were evaluated and a SMGT protocol was developed. It was observed a strong DNase activity in P.orbignyanus seminal plasma. However, it was verified that DNase activity can be eliminated or decreased washing the sperm with EDTA-containing solutions. Moreover, it was verified that an amount of exogenous DNA similar or inferior to 50 ng/106 cells should be used in fish SMGT. At last, it was demonstrated that fish spermatozoa are capable to uptake exogenous DNA spontaneously after DNase activity elimination. This was evidenced through exogenous DNA amplification by PCR. The results of the present study should help in reproductive management of this species and consequently in implementation of genetic improvement programs based not only in the sperm cryopreservation, but also using modern techniques such as SMGT

Evaluation of DNase activity in seminal plasma and uptake of exogenous DNA by spermatozoa of the Brazilian flounder Paralichthys orbignyanus

Sperm mediated gene transfer (SMGT) has been successfully used in mammals, amphibians, birds, and some invertebrates. In fish, this methodology has failed or had poor efficiency for the production of transgenic specimens, presumably because the processes regulating the interaction between spermatozoa and exogenous DNA are not well understood. Therefore, the objective was to develop a SMGT protocol for the Brazilian flounder Paralichthys orbignyanus, with an emphasis on the role of seminal plasma DNase on exogenous DNA uptake by fish spermatozoa. In this study, there was strong DNase activity in the seminal plasma of P. orbignyanus; however, this DNase activity was decreased or eliminated by washing the spermatozoa with solutions containing EDTA (DNase activity was completely inhibited by 40 mM EDTA). Three washing solutions were tested, all of which maintained sperm quality. Moreover, it was determined that the no more than 50 ng of exogenous DNA/106 cells should be used for SMGT in fish. Finally, it was demonstrated that fish spermatozoa were capable of spontaneous uptake of exogenous DNA after elimination of DNase activity; this was confirmed by exogenous DNA amplification (PCR using sperm genomic DNA as a template) after DNase I treatment. We concluded that whereas DNase activity was an important obstacle for exogenous DNA uptake by fish spermatozoa;controlling this activity improved the efficiency of SMGT in fish

Sperm quality of Brazilian flounder Paralichthys orbignyanus throughout the reproductive season

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the sperm quality of Brazilian £ounder Paralichthys orbignyanus throughout its reproductive season. Sperm was collected at the beginning, middle and end of the breeding period. Spermatozoa density was maximum at the beginning (12.7 AE 0.92 Â 10 9 cells mL À 1 ) and at the end (11.8 AE 0.39 Â 10 9 cells mL ) in the middle of the breeding season, which coincided with the shortest motility duration of spermatozoa. The information reported in this study should help to improve management and optimize the development of protocols for short-term storage and cryopreservation of Brazilian £ounder semen

Biochemical composition and performance of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) eggs and larvae obtained from farmed and wild broodstocks

Farming of Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua L., has been facing several challenges lately. Biological issues such as differences in egg quality and lack of high quality larvae are considered as prominent limiting factors. The aim of this study was to compare fertilization and hatching rates, incidence of malformed larvae at hatching, larval viability (high-salinity stress and starvation tolerance tests) and the biochemical profile (proteins, amino acids, lipids, fatty acids and minerals) between eggs produced from wild and farmed broodstocks. Twenty-five batches of eggs from farmed broodstock (FB) and 27 egg batches from wild broodstock (WB) were collected during the reproductive season. Fertilization and hatching rates were significantly higher in WB group (91±3% and 86±3%, respectively) than in FB (75±3% and 66±3%, respectively). In highsalinity stress test, WB larvae survived for a significantly longer time than FB larvae. No differences between egg batches from the two broodstocks were observed in starvation tolerance tests, incidence of malformed larvae at hatching, as well as in the total content of proteins, lipids, fatty acids, zinc, and calcium concentrations. Regarding fatty acids, FB eggs had significantly higher levels of C16:0, C18:0, C18:2n−6, C18:3n−3, C18:3n−6, C20:4n−6, C20n:5n−3, C22:5n−3 and C22:5n−6, whereas WB eggs had significantly higher levels of C14:0, C16:1n−7, C18:4n−3, C20:4n−3, C22:6n−3 and C24:1n−9. As for the amino acid profile, WB eggs had significantly higher levels of aspartic acid, serine, glycine, threonine, taurine and leucine, while FB eggs had significantly higher levels of proline, tryptophan, phenylalanine and arginine. The concentrations of minerals such as copper and phosphorus were significantly higher in WB eggs, whereas in FB eggs iron concentration was significantly higher. Overall, the biological parameters indicated that egg and larvae originating from WB were of superior quality than those from FB. The information on the biochemical profile may be useful in improving the quality of broodstock feeds for Atlantic cod

Genotype-dependent gene expression profile of the antioxidant defense system (ADS) in the liver of a GH-transgenic zebrafish model

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of growth hormone (GH)overexpression on the gene expression profile of multiple components of the antioxidant defense system(ADS)of different genotypes of a GH transgenic zebrafish (Danio rerio)model. Several ADS-related genes were analyzed by semiquantitative reverse transcription–PCR in the liver of hemizygous (HE) and homozygous (HO)transgenic zebrafish. The results showed a significant reduction in the glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) and the gene expression of two glutathione S-transferase (GST) isoforms and an increase in the glutathione reductase gene in the HO group compared to non-transgenic controls. The expression of the Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and catalase (CAT) genes was reduced in HO and HE groups, respectively. Among the ten genes analyzed, two were altered in HE transgenic zebrafish and five were altered in HO transgenic zebrafish. These findings indicate a genotypedependent gene expression profile of the ADS-related genes in the liver of our GH-transgenic zebrafish model and are in agreement with the general effects of GH hypersecretion in the fish and mouse,which involves a reduction in the capability of the tissues to deal with oxidative stress situations. The GH-transgenic zebrafish model used here seems to be an interesting tool for analyzing the effect of different GH expression levels on physiological processes

Sperm quality of brazilian flounder paralichthys orbignyanus throughout the reproductive season

The aimof this study was to evaluate the sperm quality of Brazilian £ounder Paralichthys orbignyanus throughout its reproductive season. Sperm was collected at the beginning, middle and end of the breeding period. Spermatozoa densitywasmaximumat the beginning (12.7 0.92 109 cellsmL 1) and at the end (11.8 0.39 109 cellsmL 1) of the breeding season (Po0.05). Sperm production and the percentage of spermatozoa moving fast forward increased signi¢cantly towards the end of the breeding season (Po0.05). The mean duration of progressive motility of spermatozoa was around 10min. No di¡erence was observed during the reproductive season in the percentage of motile cells, pH, osmolality and K1, Cl and Mg21 concentrations in seminal plasma. The concentration of Na1 increased throughout the breeding season, reaching 174.62 12.68mmol L 1 at the end (Po0.05). There was a decline in the concentration of Ca21 (12.31 3.08mmol L 1) in the middle of the breeding season, which coincided with the shortest motility duration of spermatozoa. The information reported in this study should help to improve management and optimize the development of protocols for short-termstorage and cryopreservation of Brazilian £ounder semen

SOCS1 and SOCS3 are the main negative modulators of the somatotrophic axis in liver of homozygous gh-transgenic zebrafish (danio rerio)

Homozygote individuals (HO) of the GH-transgenic zebrafish lineage (F0104), despite expressing double the amount of growth hormone (GH) in relation to the hemizygote (HE) individuals, presented smaller growth in relation to the last, and similar to the non-transgenic (NT) group. Through the analysis of the expression of genes of the somatotrophic axis in the livers of HO and NT individuals, it was verified that GHR, JAK2 and STAT5.1 did not present significant differences among the analyzed genotypes (NTand HO). However, in the IGF-I gene expression, an accentuated decrease was observed in group HO(p < 0.01), suggesting a resistance effect to excess GH. This resistance could be related to the insufficient amount of energy for supporting the accelerated metabolic demand caused by excess circulating GH. Analysis of the genes involved in the regulation of GH signalization by dephosphorylation (PTP-H1 and PTP-1B) did not show any significant alteration when comparing groups HO and NT. However, the analysis of the SOCS1 and SOCS3 genes showed an induction in homozygotes of 2.5 times (p < 0.01) and 4.3 times (p < 0.05), respectively, in relation to non-transgenics. The results of the present work demonstrate that, in homozygotes, GH signaling is reduced by the action of the SOCS1 and SOCS3 proteins

Metabolic rate and reactive oxygen species production in different genotypes of GH-transgenic zebrafish

Growth hormone overexpression increases growth and consequently increases the metabolic rate in fishes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of growth hormone overexpression in zebrafish Danio rerio in terms of growth, oxygen consumption, reactive oxygen species production, lipid hydroperoxide content, antioxidant enzyme activity and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit gene expression. The employed models were wild type and transgenic (hemizygous and homozygous) zebrafish expressing the Odonthestes argentinensis growth hormone gene directed by the Cyprinus carpio beta-actin promoter. Higher growth parameters were observed in the hemizygous group. The homozygous group possessed higher oxygen consumption and reactive oxygen species production. Growth hormone transgenesis causes a decrease in glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit expression, an enzyme responsible for glutathione synthesis. Although the lipid hydroperoxide content was similar between groups, we demonstrate that growth hormone overexpression has the potential to generate oxidative stress in fishes