Effects of cryopreservation on the epigenetic profile in ovarian follicles of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

• Grant number: 17/21329-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: March 01, 2018
• End date: March 21, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Fishery Resources and Fishery Engineering - Aquaculture
• Principal Investigator: Renata Guimarães Moreira Whitton
• Grantee: Fernanda de Mello
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 14/16320-7 - Impacts of climate/environmental change on the fauna: an integrative approach, AP.PFPMCG.TEM
• Associated scholarship(s): 19/12669-9 - Role of maternally-inherited microRNAs in medaka (Oryzias latipes) using Crispr/Cas9 base genome editing, BE.EP.PD

Abstract

In fish, epigenetic regulation mechanisms in ovarian follicle throughout oogenesis and alterations in this regulation remain poorly understood. Data from mammal studies have indicated that epigenetic profile has a dynamic change during oogenesis, fertilization and early embryo development, and it is fundamental on chromatin packaging and gene transcription regulation. Epigenetic regulation is essential for ovarian follicle until the final maturation and maternally-inherited mRNAs accumulation, which have a direct impact on the progeny development. Recently, studies in mammals involving epigenetic regulation in cryopreserved gametes had identified changes in transcription of important genes and heat shock proteins caused by this process. Cryopreservation of ovarian follicles is a promising method to preserve genetic material in fish, contributing to the reproductive management and conservation of endangered species. For aquaculture species that reproduce only once a year, cryopreservation would allow the production of young forms throughout the year, improving commercial production. However, very little is known about epigenetic profile and the dynamic regulation in ovarian follicle, as well as the possible impacts of alterations generated by exposure to cryoprotectants agents and cryogenic temperature. The present study therefore aims to characterize the epigenetic profile and alterations generated by the cryopreservation process of the ovarian follicles on oogenesis in fishes.