Heat Shock Procedure Affects Cell Division-Associated Genes in Gynogenetic Manipulation

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Genetics
• Aquaculture

Background:

• Heat shock is vital for gynogenetic manipulation and maternal genome diploidization.
• The molecular mechanisms, especially transcriptomic changes during heat shock for gynogenesis, remain largely unknown.
• Artificial gynogenesis in zebrafish (Danio rerio) using rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus) sperm was investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the transcriptomic changes and molecular mechanisms underlying artificial gynogenesis in zebrafish induced by heat shock.
• To understand the effects of gynogenetic manipulation on early embryonic development and gene expression patterns.
• To identify key genes and pathways involved in the heat shock-induced diploidization process.

Main Methods:

• Artificial gynogenesis was induced in zebrafish using inactivated rare minnow sperm.
• Heat shock treatments were applied during the pseudo-fertilization process.
• Transcriptomic analysis was performed on embryos to assess gene expression changes.

Main Results:

• Artificial gynogenesis, including pseudo-fertilization and heat shock, reduced hatching rates; heat shock alone yielded moderate hatching rates.
• Early cleavage stages showed altered expression of genes related to RNA transcription and protein synthesis.
• A co-expression network involving hub genes (GIT1, Sepsecs, FLNB) was significantly correlated with the heat shock procedure.
• Gynogenetic zebrafish embryos exhibited downregulated cyclin and cyclin-dependent kinase genes.
• Genes controlling cell cycle and genomic stability were significantly impacted by gynogenetic treatment.

Conclusions:

• Artificial gynogenesis via heat shock significantly alters embryonic gene expression, impacting cell division and genomic stability in zebrafish.
• The findings highlight changes in RNA transcription, protein synthesis, and cell cycle regulation, providing molecular insights into heat shock effects.
• This research contributes to understanding the molecular basis of germplasm improvement through gynogenesis, including its purifying and allogynogenetic effects.