How can inflammatory mediators and long non-coding RNAs affect gonadal maturation in fish?

• Grant number: 25/25640-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2026
• End date: December 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Fishery Resources and Fishery Engineering - Inland Water Fishery Resources
• Principal Investigator: Rafael Henrique Nóbrega
• Grantee: Rilare Souza Silva
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 25/14000-0 - Future Scientists: How Inflammatory Mediators and Long Non-Coding RNAs Can Influence Gonadal Maturation in Fish, AP.R

Abstract

Early sexual maturation is an undesirable trait in several fish species, as it negatively affects somatic growth, feed efficiency, and sperm quality, ultimately leading to significant economic losses in aquaculture (Carrillo et al., 2015; Ji et al., 2011; Felip et al., 2006). Genetic strategies have been employed for population control and the production of monosex stocks, but they still present limitations, particularly regarding the generation of fully functional neomales (Chen et al., 2008). In this context, understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate male puberty emerges as a promising alternative, especially with respect to the modulation of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) activity. Recent evidence suggests that inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may act as negative regulators of spermatogenesis by maintaining SSCs in an undifferentiated state (Mazón et al., 2014).This project proposes to investigate the role of these elements in male gonadal maturation in two model species: zebrafish (Danio rerio) and lambari (Astyanax altiparanae), the latter being a promising species for Neotropical aquaculture due to its accelerated reproductive cycle and high physiological plasticity (Chehade et al., 2020; Godoi et al., 2020; Quirino et al., 2020). Our preliminary results indicate that, although lambari expresses several genes associated with the prostaglandin pathway-including ptgs1, ptgs2, ptges, and their receptors-direct effects of these inflammatory mediators on spermatogenesis have not yet been demonstrated, either in vitro or in vivo.Based on this, the objectives of the project are:(i) to investigate the expression patterns of prostaglandins, their receptors, and biosynthetic enzymes throughout the reproductive cycle of lambari; and(ii) through proteomic analyses in zebrafish, to identify pathways and regulatory proteins involved in PGE2-mediated inhibition of spermatogonial activity.In addition to advancing knowledge in fish reproductive biotechnology, the project will provide the fellow with practical scientific training in molecular biology techniques, ex vivo culture, and bioinformatics, fostering an interest in research and promoting their initiation into scientific investigation in a cutting-edge field with high applied impact potential. (AU)