Identification of candidate genes and physiological pathways involved in gonad deformation in whitefish (Coregonus spp.) from Lake Thun, Switzerland.

ABSTRACT: In 2000, fishermen reported the appearance of deformed reproductive organs in whitefish (Coregonus spp.) from Lake Thun, Switzerland. Despite intensive investigations, the causes of these abnormalities remain unknown. Using gene expression profiling, we sought to identify candidate genes and physiological processes possibly associated with the observed gonadal deformations, in order to gain insights into potential causes. Using in situ-synthesized oligonucleotide arrays, we compared the expression levels at 21,492 unique transcript probes in liver and head kidney tissue of male whitefish with deformed and normally developed gonads, respectively. The fish had been collected on spawning sites of two genetically distinct whitefish forms of Lake Thun. We contrasted the gene expression profiles

SUBMITTER: Bittner D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3155325 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature