The germ cell marker dead end reveals alternatively spliced transcripts with dissimilar expression

Area of Science:

• Aquatic Biology
• Genetics
• Conservation Science

Background:

• The Amazon fish Colossoma macropomum (tambaqui) faces population decline due to overfishing and climate change.
• Germ cell cryopreservation and transplantation offer potential for genetic resource preservation, but require understanding of germ cell behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize the tambaqui's dead end gene (tdnd) homolog.
• To use tdnd as a molecular marker for germ cells to gather essential information for transplantation strategies.
• To analyze the expression profile of tdnd transcripts in different developmental stages.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of the tambaqui dead end gene (tdnd) homolog.
• Amino acid sequence comparison with zebrafish dnd.
• Phylogenetic analysis and motif identification.
• Transcript detection in gonadal tissues using molecular markers.

Main Results:

• The isolated tdnd shares high sequence similarity (98%) with zebrafish dnd.
• Phylogenetic analysis confirms tdnd as a dnd ortholog.
• tdnd transcripts are specifically detected in testes and ovaries, with strong signals in oocytes and spermatogonia.
• At least three tdnd transcripts exhibit differential expression in undifferentiated and mature animals.

Conclusions:

• tdnd serves as a reliable molecular marker for tambaqui germ cells.
• Distinct tdnd transcript profiles suggest varied roles in germline development.
• This research provides foundational data for tambaqui germ cell transplantation and conservation efforts.