title: Molecular characterization of growth differentiation factor 9 and its spatio-temporal expression pattern in gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio).
abstract: Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) is a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily with a key role in regulating follicle development. In this study, the GDF9 full-length genomic DNA and cDNA were isolated and characterized from the gibel carp ovary using rapid-amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and LD-PCR. The full-length genomic DNA and cDNA sequences of GDF9 are 3979 and 2044 bp which code 428 amino acid residues with a specific RKKR protease cleavage site of TGF-β superfamily. Sequence analysis showed that gibel carp was similar to zebrafish and other fish species. Spatio-temporal expression analysis using real-time quantitative PCR revealed that GDF9 mRNA was largely expressed in ovary and testis. GDF9 is mainly present at stage I follicles indicating its important role in early follicles development. The same result was obtained in immunohistochemistry localization of GDF9 protein. Within the follicle, the follicle layer cells were barely expressed whereas GDF9 mRNA was mostly expressed in the oocytes. Supplemented with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in isolated follicles, the expression of GDF9 mRNA was increased firstly and then decreased. The results of this study indicated that GDF9 gene played a role in fish during development of follicles, especially in the early stage follicles.
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Huchenghuan Road 999, Lingang New District, Shanghai, 201306, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Zhiwei
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Aqin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Zhigang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Hua
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.forename: Xiangjun
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Leng
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002347:Carps / Q000235:genetics*; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000494:pharmacology; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D055429:Growth Differentiation Factor 9 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D010053:Ovary / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D021381:Protein Transport; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D018076:DNA, Complementary; D055429:Growth Differentiation Factor 9; D012333:RNA, Messenger