PUBLICATION

The Role of DNA Methylation Reprogramming during Sex Determination and Transition in Zebrafish

Authors
Wang, X., Ma, X., Wei, G., Ma, W., Zhang, Z., Chen, X., Gao, L., Liu, Z., Yuan, Y., Yi, L., Wang, J., Tokumoto, T., Huang, J., Chen, D., Zhang, J., Liu, J.
ID
ZDB-PUB-210223-2
Date
2021
Source
Genomics, proteomics & bioinformatics   19(1): 48-63 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Liu, Jiang, Ma, Weirui, Tokumoto, Toshinobu, Wang, Xinxin, Zhang, Jian, Zhang, Zhen
Keywords
DNA methylation, Germ cell, Sex determination, Sex transition, Sexual plasticity
MeSH Terms
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • DNA Methylation*
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Germ Cells
  • Zebrafish*/genetics
  • Male
  • Gene Expression
(all 8)
PubMed
33610791 Full text @ Genomics Proteomics Bioinformatics
Abstract
DNA methylation is a prevalent epigenetic modification in vertebrates, and it has been shown to be involved the regulation of gene expression and embryo development. However, it remains unclear how DNA methylation regulates sexual development, especially in species without sex chromosomes. To determine this, we utilized zebrafish to investigate DNA methylation reprogramming during juvenile germ cell development and adult female-to-male sex transition. We revealed that primordial germ cells (PGCs) undergo significant DNA methylation reprogramming during germline development and set to an oocyte/ovary-like pattern at 9 days post fertilization (9 dpf). When DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activity in juveniles was blocked after 9 dpf, the zebrafish developed into females. We also show that Tet3 is involved in PGC development. Notably, we find that DNA methylome reprogramming during adult zebrafish sex transition is similar to the reprogramming during the sex differentiation from 9 dpf PGCs to sperm. Furthermore, inhibiting DNMTs activity can prevent the female-to-male sex transition, suggesting that methylation reprogramming is required for zebrafish sex transition. In summary, DNA methylation plays important roles in zebrafish germline development and sexual plasticity.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Figure Gallery (5 images)
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Expression
Phenotype
No data available
Mutations / Transgenics
Allele Construct Type Affected Genomic Region
bjz1
    Small Deletion
    bjz2TgTransgenic Insertion
      bjz3TgTransgenic Insertion
        1 - 3 of 3
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        Human Disease / Model
        No data available
        Sequence Targeting Reagents
        Target Reagent Reagent Type
        tet1MO2-tet1MRPHLNO
        tet3CRISPR10-tet3CRISPR
        tet3MO1-tet3MRPHLNO
        1 - 3 of 3
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        Fish
        No data available
        Antibodies
        No data available
        Orthology
        No data available
        Engineered Foreign Genes
        Marker Marker Type Name
        EGFPEFGEGFP
        1 - 1 of 1
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        Mapping
        No data available