Germ cell-specific expression of dead end (dnd) in rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus)

Rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus) is an emerging model fish in China, and the development of its gonads is still elusive. Germ cell-specific genes are conserved in animals. Dead end (Dnd) was first documented as a germ granule component in zebrafish. Here, we report the cloning and expression profile of dnd in rare minnow. RT-PCR results showed that dnd is expressed specifically in the gonads of both sexes, is maternal in origin and is expressed continuously during embryogenesis. Dnd mRNA could be detected exclusively in the germ cells of the testis and ovary. Temporal expression of dnd mRNA is similar to that of vasa and dnd in zebrafish during embryogenesis. Taken together, dnd mRNA is restricted to the germ cells of rare minnow.