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Proteome analysis provides insights into sex differences in Holothuria Scabra
Chuhang Cheng1,2, FeiFei Wu3, Yizhi Xu4
1Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Guangxi Academy of Marine Sciences, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China.
Plos One
|August 29, 2024
Summary
The sex-determining mechanism in sea cucumbers (Holothuria scabra) remains unclear. This study identified key sex-related proteins and genes in gonads, revealing significant differences between ovaries and testes.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Proteomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The sex-determining mechanism in the sea cucumber Holothuria scabra is not well understood.
- Holothuria scabra exhibits gonochorism, with distinct sexes observable only in the gonads.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate sex-related proteins and genes in Holothuria scabra gonads.
- To provide novel evidence for sex differences in this species.
Main Methods:
- Proteomic analysis was used to identify proteins in H. scabra gonads.
- Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed for gene validation.
Main Results:
- A total of 5,313 proteins were identified, with 817 expressed in both ovary and testis.
- 136 ovary-specific and 69 testis-specific differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were found.
- Nine DAP coding genes were validated by qRT-PCR, and ovary-biased proteins were enriched in the ribosome pathway.
Conclusions:
- Proteomic analysis successfully identified sex-specific proteins and genes in Holothuria scabra.
- The findings highlight the crucial role of the ribosome pathway in ovary development.
