Gonadal development and molecular cloning of Dmrt1 (doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factor-1) and Sox9 in South American teleosts.

Author(s)

Mateus Contar Adolfi

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI)
• Defense date: 2011-12-09

Examining board members

Maria Ines Borella; Sérgio Ricardo Batlouni; Luiz Renato de França

• Advisor: Maria Ines Borella

Abstract

The sequences of dmrt1 and sox9 genes were analyzed in pirarucu (Arapaima gigas), lambari (Astyanax altiparanae) and piapara (Leporinus elongatus) using molecular cloning techniques. Fragments of dmrt1 gene were cloned in these three species, and sox9 gene fragments have been acquired only for lambari and piapara. Phylogenetic analysis of the genes was shown to be consistent with the morphological phylogeny of these species. The analysis of the gonadal development in lambari was followed by light microscopy, where it was found the presence of germ cells in the region of the future gonad in 5 days after hatching (dah), and that the formation of ovaries occurs first comparing to the formation of testis. The gene expression of dmrt1 and sox9 by qRT-PCR method show specificity for testis comparing to ovary, which indicates that these genes also have a male-specific role in the adult. In lambari, the genes were expressed in all larval periods, with a decrease of expression levels in 12 dah, and increasing its expression at stage of 33 dah. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/07010-6 - Gonadal development and molecular cloning of DMRT1 (doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factor-1)in pirarucu (Arapaima gigas, Teleostei, Osteoglossiformes, Arapaimidae) and lambari (Astyanax altiparanae, Teleostei, Characiformes, Characidae)
• Grantee: Mateus Contar Adolfi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master