Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
10:43
Dissection of Larval Zebrafish Gonadal Tissue
Published on: April 26, 2017
Goat PRND expression pattern suggests its involvement in early sex differentiation
A Kocer1, M Gallozzi, L Renault
1UMR de Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
Summary
Goat prion protein (PRNP) and Doppel (PRNT) genes show weak expression, while PRND expression increases in developing testes. Doppel
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The prion protein gene locus, including PRNP, PRNT, and PRND, plays roles in mammalian development.
- Understanding the expression patterns of these genes is crucial for elucidating their functions in reproductive tissues.
- Previous studies on ruminant PRNT identified specific genetic variations impacting its expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression profiles of goat prion protein (PRNP), Doppel (PRNT), and PRND genes during testicular and ovarian development.
- To determine the cellular localization of Doppel protein in developing reproductive tissues.
- To explore the potential role of Doppel in early testis differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to assess gene expression.
- Analysis was conducted on goat testes and ovaries across various developmental stages.
- Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the cellular localization of Doppel protein.
Main Results:
- Weak and stochastic expression of PRNP and PRNT genes was observed in both tissues.
- PRND expression was detected in both ovaries and testes, with a notable increase in testes between 36 and 46 days postcoitum.
- Doppel protein exhibited distinct localization patterns in germinal, Leydig, and Sertoli cells during development, correlating with C-kit expression.
Conclusions:
- The expression patterns of PRNP, PRNT, and PRND genes vary during goat reproductive development.
- Doppel protein's dynamic localization suggests a significant role in early testis differentiation.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the functional implications of Doppel in reproductive processes.
More Related Videos
07:34The Power of Simplicity: Sea Urchin Embryos as in Vivo Developmental Models for Studying Complex Cell-to-cell Signaling Network Interactions
Published on: February 16, 2017
12:11Analysis of Chromosome Segregation, Histone Acetylation, and Spindle Morphology in Horse Oocytes
Published on: May 11, 2017
Related Concept Videos
01:15Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus
Development of the reproductive organs in an embryo starts from a bipotential state. This means the early embryo can develop either male or female reproductive organs. The formation of these organs begins with the growth of gonadal ridges that arise from the intermediate mesoderm during the fifth week of development.
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...
01:51Determination
During embryogenesis, cells become progressively committed to different fates through a two-step process: specification followed by determination. Specification is demonstrated by removing a segment of an early embryo, “neutrally” culturing the tissue in vitro—for example, in a petri dish with simple medium—and then observing the derivatives. If the cultured region gives rise to cell types that it would normally generate in the embryo, this means that it is specified. In contrast, determination...
02:27Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
02:19The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness
The Y chromosome is a sex chromosome found in several vertebrates and mammals, including humans. In addition to 22 pairs of autosomes, the human males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. In these organisms, the presence or absence of the Y chromosome determines the development of male traits.
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size. Today,...
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size. Today,...
02:45The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes
In most organisms, sex is determined by the ratio of X and Y chromosomes. However, in some organisms, such as Drosophila and C.elegans, sex is determined by the ratio of the number of X chromosomes to the number of sets of autosomes. The Y chromosome in Drosophila is active but does not determine sex. It contains genes responsible for the production of sperms in adult flies.
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female Drosophila...
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female Drosophila...
01:24Gonadal and Placental Hormones
The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...