Abstract
In recent years, decreases in fish populations have been attributed, in part, to the effect of environmental chemicals on ovarian development. To understand the underlying molecular events we developed a dynamic model of ovary development linking gene transcription to key physiological end points, such as gonadosomatic index (GSI), plasma levels of estradiol (E2) and vitellogenin (VTG), in largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides). We were able to identify specific clusters of genes, which are affected at different stages of ovarian development. A subnetwork was identified that closely linked gene expression and physiological end points and by interrogating the Comparative Toxicogenomic Database (CTD), quercetin and tretinoin (ATRA) were identified as two potential candidates that may perturb this system. Predictions were validated by investigation of reproductive associated transcripts using qPCR in ovary and in the liver of both male and female largemouth bass treated after a single injection of quercetin and tretinoin (10 and 100 μg/kg). Both compounds were found to significantly alter the expression of some of these genes. Our findings support the use of omics and online repositories for identification of novel, yet untested, compounds. This is the first study of a dynamic model that links gene expression patterns across stages of ovarian development.
Highlights
The increasing amount of pollutants released into the environment is a major issue for the development of a sustainable economy
By utilizing the Comparative Toxicogenomic Database (CTD),[20] a robust database providing information about chemical interaction with genes, proteins, and disease, we identified tretinoin and quercetin as potential chemicals that were associated with the observed molecular response in largemouth bass (LMB) ovary following reproductive disruption
This approach is highly relevant for classifying chemicals prior to conducting risk assessments, and we propose that this is a viable approach for chemical prioritization, reducing animal numbers, and developing safer chemicals in the public domain
Summary
The increasing amount of pollutants released into the environment is a major issue for the development of a sustainable economy. Growing numbers of anthropogenic pollutants affect freshwater and marine environments with profound impact on species of economic importance. This leads to an increase in the need for additional ecosystem maintenance to secure a constant, minimally burdened, food supply.[1,2]. Time of exposure has been shown to be a crucial factor that determines the potency of EDs.[7]
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