Zebrafish androgen receptor is required for spermatogenesis and maintenance of ovarian function.

ABSTRACT: The androgen receptor (AR) is a nuclear receptor protein family member and inducible transcription factor that modulates androgen target gene expression. Studies using a mouse model confirmed the need for ar in reproductive development, particularly spermatogenesis. Here, we investigated the role of ar in zebrafish using CRISPR/Cas9 gene targeting technology. Targeted disruption of ar in zebrafish increases the number of female offspring and increases offspring weight. In addition, ar-null male zebrafish have female secondary sex characteristics. More importantly, targeted disruption of ar in zebrafish causes male infertility via defective spermatogenesis and female premature ovarian failure during growth. Mechanistic assays suggest that these effects are

SUBMITTER: Yu G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5966271 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature