SMARCE1 Promotes chicken embryonic gonad development by regulating ER α and AR expression

Area of Science:

• Avian reproductive biology
• Developmental genetics
• Molecular endocrinology

Background:

• Sex determination and differentiation are complex processes involving differential gene expression.
• SMARCE1 was identified as a differentially expressed gene between male and female chicken embryos.
• Understanding SMARCE1's role is crucial for avian gonad development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the function of SMARCE1 in avian sex determination and differentiation.
• To analyze the effect of SMARCE1 overexpression on key sex-related gene expression in chicken embryos.
• To elucidate the molecular pathways regulated by SMARCE1 during gonad development.

Main Methods:

• Overexpression of SMARCE1 in chicken embryos using RCASBP.B retrovirus.
• Quantitative real-time RT-PCR to assess gene expression levels.
• Whole mount in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry for spatial expression analysis.
• Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining for histological examination of gonads.

Main Results:

• SMARCE1 overexpression significantly upregulated CYP19A1, FOXL2, ERα, and SOX9 expression.
• AR expression was significantly decreased, while DMRT1 and AMH expression remained unchanged.
• Histological analysis revealed thickened ovarian cortex and increased seminiferous cords and interstitial cells in response to SMARCE1 overexpression.
• Proposed pathways include SMARCE1-FOXL2-CYP19A1 and SMARCE1-ERα antagonism of the SMARCE1-AR pathway.

Conclusions:

• SMARCE1 promotes chicken embryonic gonad development.
• SMARCE1 regulates gonad development primarily by modulating ERα and AR expression.
• The findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying avian gonadogenesis.