Sequence and expression of a cDNA encoding the red seabream androgen receptor

Area of Science:

• Molecular biology
• Comparative genomics
• Reproductive biology

Background:

• The androgen receptor (AR) is a crucial nuclear receptor involved in male sexual development and reproduction.
• Understanding AR function across different species provides insights into its evolutionary conservation and functional diversification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize the androgen receptor (AR) cDNA from the ovary of the red seabream (Pagrus major).
• To investigate the functional activity of the red seabream AR (rsAR) in response to androgens.

Main Methods:

• cDNA isolation and sequencing of the androgen receptor from red seabream ovaries.
• Bioinformatic analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence for homology with other species' ARs.
• Functional assay to assess the trans-activation capability of rsAR on androgen-responsive genes.

Main Results:

• The cDNA encoding the androgen receptor (AR) was successfully isolated and sequenced from the red seabream (Pagrus major) ovary.
• The deduced amino acid sequence of red seabream AR (rsAR) exhibited approximately 45% identity to ARs from Xenopus, rat, mouse, and human.
• Functional analysis demonstrated that rsAR possesses the ability to trans-activate androgen-responsive genes in a ligand-dependent manner.

Conclusions:

• The red seabream possesses an androgen receptor (AR) with conserved structural and functional properties compared to other vertebrates.
• This study provides molecular and functional characterization of rsAR, contributing to the understanding of reproductive endocrinology in fish.
• The findings highlight the potential role of androgens in ovarian function in red seabream via the identified AR.