Fsh controls gene expression in fish both independently of and through steroid mediation

ABSTRACT: We recently demonstrated that Fsh modifies in vitro the testicular transcriptome of rainbow trout at early stages of spermatogenesis. Some of the regulated genes were found related to pathways highly relevant for the testicular functions i.e. spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. Unlike in mammals, in fish both gonadotropins are able to efficiently stimulate the steroidogenesis, likely through a direct interaction with their cognate receptors present on the Leydig cells. In this context, we wondered whether the effects of Fsh on the tubular compartment were mediated through the production of steroids. To address this issue we performed in vitro incubations of testis explants in the presence of Fsh alone or in combination with an inhibitor of the steroidogenesis, the trilostane. Trilostane significantly reduced or suppressed the response to Fsh of many genes showing that important aspects of the Fsh action on fish testis is indirect and requires the production of steroids. Interestingly, most of the genes regulated in response to Fsh through the steroid mediation were similarly regulated by Lh and many were also found regulated by androgen treatment. On the other hand, for many other genes the response to Fsh was not affected in the presence of trilostane. A majority of those genes were also preferentially regulated by Fsh, as compared to Lh, suggesting that specific regulatory effects of Fsh were independent of steroid production. Finally antagonistic effects between Fsh and steroids were found, in particular for genes encoding clue factors of steroidogenesis or for genes of the Igf system that tended to be inhibited by androgens.

ORGANISM(S): Oncorhynchus mykiss

PROVIDER: GSE46458 | GEO | 2013/09/23

SECONDARY ACCESSION(S): PRJNA200552

REPOSITORIES: GEO