Cell division cycle 2 participates in eyestalk ablation-induced ovarian maturation of Procambarus clarkii

Abstract

Eyestalk ablation is commonly used to promote ovarian development and maturation in captive economic crustaceans. Understanding the molecular mechanism of eyestalk ablation in Procambarus clarkii is essential in finding alternative measures to trigger ovarian maturation on this species without undesirable effects. The cell division cycle 2 (Cdc2) is a catalytic subunit of the maturation-promoting factor, which is a central factor for inducing oocyte meiotic maturation. This study analyzed the Cdc2 gene expression patterns and the progesterone level in the P. clarkii ovary during its eyestalk ablation-induced maturation course with or without synthetic pcGnRH injection. The RNA interference technique was used to elucidate the role of Cdc2 in the eyestalk ablation mechanism. A combination of the present and previous results revealed that the progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation pathway could exist in the ovary. Furthermore, this pathway could play a crucial role in the eyestalk ablation-induced ovarian maturation in P. clarkii. Statement of relevanceThe results of this study enable the utilization of the Cdc2 function to control oocyte maturation in Procambarus clarkii.