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Separation of Follicular Cells and Oocytes in Ovarian Follicles of Zebrafish
Published on: April 18, 2021
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Nodal regulates ovarian functions in zebrafish
Yara Zayed1, Ramsha Malik1, Xin Qi1
1Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
|April 21, 2020
Summary
Nodal signaling regulates zebrafish ovarian functions. This study found Nodal influences follicle growth, steroid hormone production, and oocyte maturation, suggesting its crucial role in female reproduction.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Nodal, a transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily member, is vital for embryonic development.
- Emerging evidence suggests Nodal's involvement in reproductive processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine Nodal expression in zebrafish ovaries.
- To investigate Nodal's role in regulating ovarian functions, including follicle development, steroidogenesis, and oocyte maturation.
Main Methods:
- Real-time PCR to quantify nodal-related (ndr)1 and ndr2 mRNA levels in ovarian follicles.
- Primary culture of ovarian follicular cells treated with Nodal or subjected to siRNA knockdown.
- Analysis of mRNA levels for steroidogenic enzymes and membrane progestin receptors.
Main Results:
- Nodal homologs (ndr1, ndr2) and receptor (acvr1ba) mRNA levels increase in mature follicles.
- Nodal treatment inhibited follicular cell proliferation but increased steroidogenic enzyme (hsd3b2, cyp17a1) and mPR-β (paqr8) mRNA.
- Nodal knockdown reduced steroidogenic enzyme and mPR-β mRNA levels.
- Nodal treatment promoted oocyte maturation.
Conclusions:
- Nodal is expressed in zebrafish ovaries and plays a significant role in regulating ovarian functions.
- Nodal signaling impacts follicle growth, steroidogenesis, and oocyte maturation in zebrafish.
- These findings highlight Nodal's importance in female reproductive regulation.
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