Molecular insights into oocyte development and sperm storage in black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii): Proteomic changes across reproductive stages.

Comp Biochem Physiol Part D Genomics Proteomics

Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong, China. Electronic address:

Published: March 2025

AI Article Synopsis

  • The study focused on sperm storage in black rockfish and how the female reproductive system adapts to this, revealing that sperm are stored in specific locations during different reproductive stages.
  • A total of 5012 proteins were identified, showing significant changes in expression at the pre-fertilization stage, with 140 proteins upregulated and 615 downregulated compared to pre-mating.
  • The research indicated that specific signaling pathways related to vesicle sorting, hormone signaling, and immune response are crucial for oocyte development and sperm storage, providing useful insights for reproductive biology and aquaculture.

Article Abstract

Sperm storage in females is widespread among vertebrates and insects, and the expression of proteins in the female reproductive tract is influenced by the presence of sperm, allowing for adaptation to this phenomenon. Through histological observation, we confirmed that sperm were stored in the isthmic fossa outside the oocyte during the post-mating (POM) stage, and closer to the epithelial cells during the pre-fertilization (PRF) stage. In addition, we observed asynchronous ovarian development in black rockfish, where oocytes at various stages could be identified during the PRF phase. This study investigated the ovarian protein expression changes in black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) during key reproductive stages: pre-mating (PRM), POM, unmated control (POM-CT), and PRF. A total of 5012 proteins were identified, with notable fluctuations in protein expression observed at the PRF stage. Specifically, 140 proteins were upregulated and 615 downregulated when compared to the PRM stage, while 101 proteins were upregulated and 531 downregulated in comparison to the POM stage. The functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) revealed distinct pathways: POM vs. PRM showed involvement in vesicle sorting and hormone signaling; PRF vs. POM indicated pathways related to chromatin remodeling and gene expression regulation; and POM vs. POM-CT highlighted pathways associated with immune response. These findings suggested that these signaling pathways may play a crucial role in oocyte development and sperm storage. The majority of DEPs were localized in the nucleus, with key interactions involving proteins such as GSK3B and MED1. These findings enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying oocyte maturation and sperm storage, providing insights relevant to reproductive biology and aquaculture practices.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cbd.2024.101368DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

sperm storage
16
black rockfish
12
oocyte development
8
development sperm
8
rockfish sebastes
8
sebastes schlegelii
8
reproductive stages
8
pom stage
8
prf stage
8
protein expression
8

Similar Publications

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!