Expressional changes of AMH signaling system in the quail testis induced by photoperiod

Abstract

Gonadal sex differentiation proceeds by the interplay of various genes including the transcription factors and secretory factors in a complex network. The sex-differentiating genes are expressed not only during early sex differentiation but also throughout the gonadal development and even in the adult gonads. In addition, the evidence that they actually function in the adult gonads have been accumulated from the studies using the conditional knockout mice. However, many previous studies were focused on one single gene though those genes function in a network. In this study, the expressions of various sex-differentiating genes were analyzed simultaneously in the adult testis of the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), whose testicular functions are dramatically changed by altering the photoperiod, to elucidate the roles of them in the adult gonad. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was significantly upregulated in the regressed testis induced by the short-day condition. The expressions of the transcription factors that promote AMH expression in mammals (SF1, SOX9, WT1 and GATA4) were also increased in the regressed testis. Moreover, AMH receptor (AMHR2) showed similar expression pattern to its ligand. We also analyzed the expressions of other transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) superfamily members and their receptors. The expressions of the ligands and receptors of TGFB family, and follistatin and betaglycan in addition to inhibin subunits were increased in the regressed testis. These results suggest that AMH is involved in the adult testicular functions of the Japanese quail together with other TGFB superfamily members.

Expression of GnIH and its effects on follicle development and steroidogenesis in quail ovaries under different photoperiods

“…The elevated AMH expression in ovaries and YFs after shortening the photoperiod in this experiment suggests that the photoperiod change mainly affects the levels of AMH in YFs and ovaries, leading to stalled follicle development. This result is consistent with the findings in Siberian rats and male quail, when shortened photoperiods elevated AMH levels in the ovaries of Siberian rats, stalling follicle development in the ovaries and limiting follicle development ( Shahed and Young, 2013 ); short photoperiods elevated AMH and AMHR2 levels in the testes of male quail thereby inhibiting testicular development ( Otake and Park, 2016 ). Studies in different species have shown that GDF9 and BMP15, which also belong to the TGF-β superfamily, also play an important regulatory role in follicle development and are important paracrine factors in the ovary.…”

“…Shortening the photoperiod in this study increased the protein levels of GDF9 and BMP15, inhibiting the secretion of progesterone and estradiol in the ovaries and follicles of quail, which in turn affected follicle development. It has been shown that GDF9 and BMP15 can also synergistically increase AMH levels ( Pierre et al, 2016 ; Convissar et al, 2017 ), but the changes in AMH levels are photoperiodic in nature ( Otake and Park, 2016 ). Therefore, it was not possible to confirm whether the elevated AMH levels in this experiment were caused by photoperiodic changes or by changes in the expression of GDF9 and BMP15 or GnIH, while the exact mechanism of action of which is still unclear and needs to be further investigated.…”

Photoperiodic Changes in Both Hypothalamus Neurotransmitters and Circulating Gonadal Steroids Metabolomic Profiles in Relation to Seasonal Reproduction in Male Quail

“…In seasonal reproduction of the Iberian mole, gene expression levels of NR5A1 were significantly reduced in the inactive testis (Dadhich et al, 2011). However, in quail, the expression of NR5A1 was increased in the regressed testis (Otake and Park, 2016). It was suggested that NR5A1 action on testicular development participates in the AMH signaling system in quail.…”

Effects of stocking density on ovarian development and maturation during the rearing period in Shan-ma ducks

“…AMH and AMHR expression in quails were found to significantly decrease because light was found to promote reproductive activity. On the contrary, the AMH and AMHR expression was found to significantly increase since short light periods inhibit testes development ( Otake and Park, 2016 ). Exogenous administering of AMH was found to inhibit follicular development and egg production in hens, while active immunization with AMH was found to promote the expression of FSHR and LHR , steroid production, and follicular development in geese ( Chen et al, 2020 ).…”