Reproductive Development Research Articles

Identification of genes associated with sex expression and sex determination in hemp (Cannabis sativa L.).

Dioecy in flowering plants has evolved independently many different times, and thus the genetic mechanisms underlying sex determination are diverse. In hemp (Cannabis sativa), sex is controlled by a pair of sex chromosomes (XX for females and XY for males). In an attempt to understand the molecular mechanism responsible for sex expression in hemp plants, we carried out RNA-Seq of male and female plants at different developmental stages. Using a pipeline involving differential gene expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we identified genes important for male and female flower development. We also demonstrate that sex-biased expression is already established at very early vegetative stages, before the onset of reproductive development, and several genes encoding transcription factors of the REM, bZIP and MADS family as candidate sex determination genes in hemp. Our findings demonstrate that the gene regulatory networks governing male and female development in hemp diverge already at a very early stage, leading to profound morphological differences in male and female hemp plants.

The Role of Long Intergenic Noncoding RNA in Fetal Development

The role of long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) in fetal development has emerged as a significant area of study, challenging the traditional protein-centric view of gene expression. While messenger RNAs (mRNAs) have long been recognized for their role in encoding proteins, recent advances have illuminated the critical functions of lincRNAs in various biological processes. Initially identified through high-throughput sequencing technologies, lincRNAs are transcribed from intergenic regions between protein-coding genes and exhibit unique regulatory functions. Unlike mRNAs, lincRNAs are involved in complex interactions with chromatin and chromatin-modifying complexes, influencing gene expression and chromatin structure. LincRNAs are pivotal in regulating tissue-specific development and embryogenesis. For example, they are crucial for proper cardiac, neural, and reproductive system development, with specific lincRNAs being associated with organogenesis and differentiation processes. Their roles in embryonic development include regulating transcription factors and modulating chromatin states, which are essential for maintaining developmental programs and cellular identity. Studies using RNA sequencing and genetic knockout models have highlighted the importance of lincRNAs in processes such as cell differentiation, tissue patterning, and organ development. Despite their functional significance, the comprehensive annotation and understanding of lincRNAs remain limited. Ongoing research aims to elucidate their mechanisms of action and potential applications in disease diagnostics and therapeutics. This review summarizes current knowledge on the functional roles of lincRNAs in fetal development, emphasizing their contributions to tissue-specific gene regulation and developmental processes.

Variability in spruce beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) adult diapause and evidence for oocyte development prior to winter in a Colorado population.

Diapause regulates seasonal insect life cycles and may be highly variable within and among populations due to genetic and environmental variability. Both types of variation may influence how populations respond plastically or evolutionarily to changing climates. We assessed diapause variability in spruce beetle Dendroctonus rufipennis Kirby (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae), a major forest pest whose life cycle timing is regulated by both prepupal and adult diapauses. Using mating studies and ovary dissections, we tested for variability in adult diapause within and between collection sites in Colorado and Wyoming, USA. Ovary morphology suggested that most females from both sites enter diapause prior to egg formation (oogenesis) when reared at warm temperatures. Though previous studies suggested that adult diapause is obligate, we found that a small proportion of females from both populations terminated diapause without winter chilling in the lab. Moreover, we found that most female beetles sampled at the Colorado field site had mature ovaries relatively early in the fall, suggesting that transient exposure to low temperatures may potentiate pre-winter reproductive development. Adult diapause may act primarily as a block to prevent offspring production late in the season but not necessarily as an overwintering phenotype. Overall, our data do not suggest imminent life cycle shifts mediated by adult diapause, but if the observed variability is heritable, diapause regulation may evolve in response to changing environmental conditions.

Post-Flowering Photoperiod Sensitivity of Soybean in Pod-Setting Responses

The development of soybean (Glycine max) is regulated by the photoperiod, with genes related to photoperiod sensitivity primarily focused on the flowering time. However, their roles in post-flowering reproductive development and the mechanisms by which the photoperiod affects them are not yet determined. In this study, we found that pod formation is sensitive to the photoperiod. Long-day conditions tended to extend the time from flowering to pod formation, and the first wave of flowers tended to fall off. Additionally, the photoperiod affected the pistil morphology; under short-day conditions, the stigma had a curved hook-like structure that facilitated better interaction with the filaments when pollen was released, ultimately influencing the timing of pod formation. Photoperiod-insensitive mutants, lacking E1 family and Evening Complex (EC) genes, showed no difference in the pod formation time under long-day or short-day conditions. Hormone content analysis and transcriptome data analysis indicated that various hormones, reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst pathway signals, and the application of sucrose solution in vitro might influence floral organ abscission.

Effects of green seaweed (<i>Ulva onhoi</i>) on the reproductive development of tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum)</i> plants

Algae-derived products have great potential as crop biostimulants due to their multiple beneficial effects at different stages of plant development. Green seaweeds of the genus <i>Ulva</i> are well suited for this purpose because they are widely distributed and grow rapidly in a wide range of conditions. In this study, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dry seaweed powder (DSP) and liquid seaweed extract (LSE) of <i>Ulva ohnoi</i> on the reproductive development of tomato plants. The experiment included three treatments: 1) plants treated with 5 g of DSP, 2) plants treated with 250 mL of LSE, and (3) control plants (without algae). The reproductive parameters, chlorophyll content, and mineral composition were measured during the flowering and early fruiting periods. The application of DSP was the most effective treatment in promoting early flowering and significantly increased the number of buds (103%), flower clusters (55%), flowers (61%), and fruits (45%) per plant. Furthermore, the DSP-treated plants exhibited an enhancement in the levels of chlorophyll and nutrients in the plants and fruits. The results of the current work show that the application of <i>U. ohnoi</i> in its natural form (dry powder) stimulates the reproductive development of crop tomato. This represents a sustainable and natural alternative to synthetic inputs that growers can incorporate into horticultural production to improve yield attributes.

Perspective on using non-human primates in Exposome research

The physiological and pathological changes in the human body caused by environmental pressures are collectively referred to as the Exposome. Human society is facing escalating environmental pollution, leading to a rising prevalence of associated diseases, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, reproductive development disorders, among others. Vulnerable populations to the pathogenic effects of environmental pollution include those in the prenatal, infancy, and elderly stages of life. Conducting Exposome mechanistic research and proposing effective health interventions are urgent in addressing the current severe environmental pollution. In this review, we address the core issues and bottlenecks faced by current Exposome research, specifically focusing on the most toxic ultrafine nanoparticles. We summarize multiple research models being used in Exposome research. Especially, we discuss the limitations of rodent animal models in mimicking human physiopathological phenotypes, and prospect advantages and necessity of non-human primates in Exposome research based on their evolutionary relatedness, anatomical and physiological similarities to human. Finally, we declare the initiation of NHPE (Non-Human Primate Exposome) project for conducting Exposome research using non-human primates and provide insights into its feasibility and key areas of focus. SynopsisNon-human primate models hold unique advantages in human Exposome research.

PKD2: An Important Membrane Protein in Organ Development.

PKD2 was first identified as the pathogenic protein for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and is widely recognized as an ion channel. Subsequent studies have shown that PKD2 is widely expressed in various animal tissues and plays a crucial role in tissue and organ development. Additionally, PKD2 is conserved from single-celled organisms to vertebrates. Here, we provide an overview of recent advances in the function of PKD2 in key model animals, focusing on the establishment of left-right organ asymmetry, renal homeostasis, cardiovascular development, and signal transduction in reproduction and mating. We specifically focus on the roles of PKD2 in development and highlight future prospects for PKD2 research.

Diet acts on sexual behavior development in a male moth.

In many animals, drastic changes are observed during sexual maturation characterized by the reproductive system development concomitantly to the sexual behavior ontogenesis. These modifications are under the control of internal and external factors such as food. Sexual maturation requires considerable energetic investment, and diet has been shown to affect reproductive activities in many taxonomic groups, especially in insects and vertebrates. By contrast, diet effects on sexual behavior development remain largely unexplored. To elucidate this aspect, we used the male moth Agrotis ipsilon which undergoes sexual maturation occurring between the third and the fifth day postemergence. During this period, males are sensitive to female sex pheromones and a stereotypical sexual behavior characterized by female-oriented flight takes place. In our study, we compared (1) sex pheromone detection by electroantennography recordings and (2) behavioral response in wind tunnel assays between males fed with different diets found in nature. Compared to standard sucrose diet, males fed with sucrose, fructose, and glucose supplemented with sodium (a mineral element necessary for the locomotor activity in several moths) did not respond better to female sex pheromones but clearly exhibited an earlier behavioral response. Thus, such a diet accelerates the development of sex pheromone-mediated oriented flight, probably by facilitating the central processing of sex pheromone information in male A. ipsilon moths. Our results provide new information on the influence of nutritional intake on the ontogenesis of male sexual behavior in animals.

BALANCED NUTRITION EDUCATION AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS SCREENING OF MALE ADOLESCENTS IN DORMITORY

Introduction: Adolescence is a golden period of reproductive, psychological and intelligence development. During the transition period between childhood and adulthood, biological, emotional, social and cognitive changes occur. Fulfilling nutrition during this period is important. This activity aims to educate teenagers about balanced nutrition and screen their nutritional status. Methods: This community service activity is carried out by providing education about balanced nutrition through lecture and discussion methods. While screening the nutritional status of adolescents is done through anthropometric measurements of body weight and height. The results of anthropometric measurements were then processed using the BMI formula according to age to obtain a z-score that describes the nutritional status of adolescents. This activity was carried out in dormitory of a high school with 36 young male participants. Results: Based on verbal observation and evaluation, students can receive and understand the material about balanced nutrition that is given properly. The results of the nutritional status screening showed that 31 of the adolescents in this activity (86%) had good nutrition but there were still students who had problems with thinness (3%), overweight (8%) and obesity(3%). Conclusion: It is recommended that schools and boarding schools follow up on students who are not in the good nutrition category. Students are directed to consume a balanced diet and physical activity so as to achieve the ideal body weight according to their height and age.

TFIIS is required for reproductive development and thermal adaptation in barley

Key messageBarley reproductive fitness and efficient heat stress adaptation requires the activity of TFIIS, the elongation cofactor of RNAPII.Regulation of transcriptional machinery and its adaptive role under different stress conditions are studied extensively in the dicot model plant Arabidopsis, but our knowledge on monocot species remains elusive. TFIIS is an RNA polymerase II-associated transcription elongation cofactor. Previously, it was shown that TFIIS ensures efficient transcription elongation that is necessary for heat stress survival in A. thaliana. However, the function of TFIIS has not been analysed in monocots. In the present work, we have generated and studied independent tfIIs-crispr-mutant barley lines. We show that TFIIS is needed for reproductive development and heat stress survival in barley. The molecular basis of HS-sensitivity of tfIIs mutants is the retarded expression of heat stress protein transcripts, which leads to late accumulation of HSP chaperones, enhanced proteotoxicity and ultimately to lethality. We also show that TFIIS is transcriptionally regulated in response to heat, supporting a conserved adaptive function of these control elements for plant thermal adaptation. In sum, our results are a step forward for the better understanding of transcriptional machinery regulation in monocot crops.

Effects of microplastics separate exposure and co-exposure to 17β-estradiol on the productive performance of juvenile female Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

Microplastics (MPs) and endocrine-disrupting chemicals are persistent and ubiquitous pollutants in aquatic environments. The coexistence of MPs and 17β-estradiol (E2) in aquaculture water is concerning, yet their combined impact on aquaculture products remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the individual and combined effects of MPs and E2 on juvenile female Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis). The results revealed that MPs and E2, alone and in combination, damage the histology and ultrastructure of the hepatopancreas, reduce lipid storage, and inhibit the expression of genes related to innate immunity, energy metabolism, and reproductive development in the hepatopancreas. These effects result in decreased innate immunity and impact growth and development. MPs and E2 also damage pereiopod muscles and ovarian tissues, impairing locomotor function and reproductive development. The coexposure group exhibited the combined damage effects of MPs and E2. Fluctuations in gene expression at different time points suggest that E. sinensis is self-regulated in response to external stimuli from MPs and E2. These findings emphasize the effects of MPs and E2, indicating that their coexistence in aquaculture environments threatens the productive performance of E. sinensis.

Finnish primary school student teachers’ systems thinking regarding sustainability in connection with reproduction, biodiversity and sustainable development

Systems thinking is considered an important skill when teaching biology and sustainable development in the 21st century. The key to understanding biodiversity and thus sustainability in biology is understanding reproduction as a phenomenon. The aim of this study is to analyse student teachers’ systems thinking levels regarding sustainability in connection with reproduction, biodiversity and sustainable development. Second-year primary school student teachers from one Finnish university (N = 174) participated in a questionnaire, and their open-ended answers were categorized using content analysis. The results indicate that most of the student teachers had a relatively low level of systems thinking concerning sustainable development and its relation to the concepts of biodiversity and reproduction. The study also showed that student teachers with higher interest towards biology had a more sophisticated level of systems thinking. For developing sustainability understanding, teaching focusing on the specific systems thinking skills concerning processing and understanding of wholes is crucial.

Investigating Exposure and Hazards of Micro- and Nanoplastics During Pregnancy and Early Life (AURORA Project): Protocol for an Interdisciplinary Study.

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging pollutants of concern with ubiquitous presence in global ecosystems. MNPs pose potential implications for human health; however, the health impacts of MNP exposures are not yet understood. Recent evidence suggests that MNPs can cross the placental barrier, underlying the urgent need to understand their impact on reproductive health and development. The Actionable eUropean ROadmap for early-life health Risk Assessment of micro- and nanoplastics (AURORA) project will investigate MNP exposures and their biological and health effects during pregnancy and early life, which are critical periods due to heightened vulnerability to environmental stressors. The AURORA project will enhance exposure assessment capabilities for measuring MNPs, MNP-associated chemicals, and plastic additives in human tissues, including placenta and blood. In this interdisciplinary project, we will advance methods for in-depth characterization and scalable chemical analytical strategies, enabling high-resolution and large-scale toxicological, exposure assessment, and epidemiological studies. The AURORA project performs observational studies to investigate determinants and health impacts of MNPs by including 800 mother-child pairs from 2 existing birth cohorts and 110 women of reproductive age from a newly established cohort. This will be complemented by toxicological studies using a tiered-testing approach and epidemiological investigations to evaluate associations between maternal and prenatal MNP exposures and health perturbations, such as placental function, immune-inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, accelerated aging, endocrine disruption, and child growth and development. The ultimate goal of the AURORA project is to create an MNP risk assessment framework and identify the remaining knowledge gaps and priorities needed to comprehensively assess the impact of MNPs on early-life health. In the first 3 years of this 5-year project (2021-2026), progress was made toward all objectives. This includes completion of recruitment and data collection for new and existing cohorts, development of analytical methodological protocols, and initiation of the toxicological tiered assessments. As of September 2024, data analysis is ongoing and results are expected to be published starting in 2025. As plastic pollution increases globally, it is imperative to understand the impact of MNPs on human health, particularly during vulnerable developmental stages such as early life. The contributions of the AURORA project will inform future risk assessment. DERR1-10.2196/63176.

Ultrastructural Characterization of Testis in Non-descript Goat (Capra hircus)

Background: The proposed experiment was aimed at locating the spermatogonial stem cell niches inside the testis and to characterise the development of germ cells of testis in the non- descript goats at the different stages of pre and post natal life, which could be useful in selecting the goats for breeding at appropriate time and for other interventions related to reproductive developments in the goats. Methods: The present study was conducted on the testes of non-descript goats divided into three groups, viz. neonatal (within 1 month), prepubertal (from 1-18 months) and pubertal (above 18 months) with 10 healthy animals in each group. The collected samples of testis were processed for scanning electron microscopic study and subsequently, the samples were viewed and the photographs were taken in the facility available at Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF), OUAT, Bhubaneswar. Result: The present study revealed that the testis was surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a thin capsule of connective tissue, from which thin septum originated and extended into the inside of the organ. Among these septa, the seminiferous tubules were found. The seminiferous epithelium consisted of spermatogonial cells at different stages of development separated from each other by interstitial connective tissue. The interstitium was made up of randomly arranged collagen bundles. The intertubular vascular connective tissue contained Leydig cells mainly at wider locations where they were bounded by more than two seminiferous tubules. The mediastinal rete testis area contained many cavities of many intercommunicating channels supported by connective tissue pillars. The present study helped in developing a baseline data on the ultrastructural characteristics of seminiferous epithelium, rete restis, peritubular cells, Lyedig cells and other components of testis in non-descript goat at different post natal stages under study. The appearance of seprmatogonial cell lineage at the various post natal stages in non-descript goat would help in accessing the reproductive status of the animal.

Development of KISS1 knockout pigs is characterized by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, normal growth, and reduced skatole.

Kisspeptin is a major regulator of gonadotropin secretion in pigs. Previously, CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of KISS1 was used to develop a mosaic parental line of pigs to generate offspring that would not need castration due to loss of kisspeptin. The current goal was to characterize growth and reproductive development of F1 pigs from this parental line. Body weights, gonadotropin concentrations and gonadal development were measured from birth through development (boars to 220 d of age, n = 42; gilts to 160 d of age, n = 36). Testosterone, skatole, and androstenone were also measured in boars. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture for quantification of serum hormones, gonadal tissues collected for gross morphology and histology, and a fat biopsy collected (boars) for skatole and androstenone analysis. Body weight did not differ with genotype. There were no differences between KISS1+/+ and heterozygote KISS1+/- animals for most parameters measured. Gonadotropin concentrations were reduced in KISS1-/- boars and gilts compared with KISS1+/+ and KISS1+/- animals (P < 0.05). Concentrations of testosterone in serum and both androstenone and skatole in adipose were less in KISS1-/- boars than in KISS1+/+ and KISS1+/- boars (P < 0.05). Hypogonadism was in all KISS1-/- gilts and boars. These data indicate that knocking out KISS1 causes hypogonadotropic hypogonadism but does not negatively affect growth in pigs. Only one KISS1 allele is needed for normal gonadotropin secretion and gonadal development, and accumulation of compounds in adipose leading to boar taint.

7222 Structural and Mechanistic Studies of the Bioactive Anti-Müllerian Hormone Procomplex

Abstract Disclosure: J.A. Howard: None. L. Hok: None. N.J. Sanford: None. R.L. Cate: None. K. Hart: Employee; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. E. Leach: None. D. Pepin: None. P.K. Donahoe: None. T.B. Thompson: Advisory Board Member; Self; Oviva Therapeutics, Keros Therapeutics. The Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), a divergent member of the TGF-beta signaling superfamily, plays crucial roles in reproductive development and maintenance. Owing to its key role as a negative feedback regulator in folliculogenesis, AMH has garnered significant interest for therapeutic applications in contraception and oncofertility. The bioactive form of AMH is a noncovalent complex, comprising the TGFβ-like signaling domain and a dimeric prodomain whose structure remains largely unexplored. The prodomain component is necessary for the dimerization and secretion of the signaling domain, shuttling the ligand to autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine targets. In contrast, the structure and biochemistry of this domain remain poorly characterized, and its role in enhancing AMH signaling remains unclear. This gap in understanding significantly limits the enhancement and wider application of AMH-based protein therapeutics. Molecular modeling unveiled an unexpected AMH prodomain structure: an N-terminal dimerizing domain (NTD) linked to a novel C-terminal binding domain (CTD). This atypical design was affirmed by both small-angle X-ray scattering and negative-stain EM. The CTD introduces a unique TGFβ superfamily fold consisting of a four-helix bundle and an unstructured binding “belt”. The more prodomain-like NTD does not interact with the signaling ligand, nor does it consistently interact with the CTD. Both domains exhibit high levels of interspecies conservation as well as disease-causing mutations, such as those found in PMDS, PCOS, and POI. Using single-particle Cryo-EM we have elucidated the molecular mechanisms of the interaction between the AMH prodomain and signaling domain bound by mAb 6E11. Our 3.2Å cryo-EM structure confirmed the predicted architecture and binding function of the CTD and demonstrated a new dimension of conformational plasticity within the signaling ligand. We observed movements up to 5Å at the fingertips and 10Å in the outer helices of the CTD. More unexpectedly, the conformation of the AMH signaling ligand in the procomplex form is far more open and extended than has been observed in any other structure of a TGF-beta superfamily ligand, including the AMH ligand bound to its receptor AMHR2. We see that transitioning from a prodomain-bound to a receptor-bound state involves significant conformational remodeling of the signaling domain. This reorganization supports a conformational shift mechanism for AMH signaling in which bivalent binding of AMHR2 at the cell surface induces a &amp;gt;15Å and 38° closing of the ligand fingertips, leading to prodomain displacement and subsequent recruitment of type I receptors. Our findings correct earlier structural misconceptions and build a comprehensive model for interpreting existing functional data. This structure provides a foundation for understanding AMH dysregulation and developing advanced AMH therapeutics. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Intelligent Rapid Asexual Propagation Technology—A Novel Aeroponics Propagation Approach

Various rapid propagation strategies have been discovered, which has facilitated large-scale plant reproduction and cultivar development. These methods, in many plant species, are used to rapidly generate large quantities (900 mini-tubers/m2) of high-quality propagule (free from contamination) at a relatively low cost in a small space. They are also used for plant preservation. This review article aims to provide potential applications for regeneration and clonal propagation. Plant propagation using advanced agrotechnology, such as aeroponics, is becoming increasingly popular among academics and industrialists. The advancement of asexual aeroponic propagation has been achieved through advancements in monitoring and control systems using IoT and smart sensor technology. New sensor technology systems have gained substantial interest in agriculture in recent years. It is used in agriculture to precisely arrange various operations and objectives while harnessing limited resources with minimal human intervention. Modern intelligent technologies and control systems simplify sensor data collection, making it more efficient than manual data collection, which can be slow and prone to errors. Specific ambient variables like temperature, humidity, light intensity, stock solution concentrations (nutrient water), EC (electrical conductivity), pH values, CO2 content, and atomization parameters (frequency and interval) are collected more effectively through these systems. The use of intelligent technologies provides complete control over the system. When combined with IoT, it aids in boosting crop quality and yield while also lowering production costs and providing data directly to tablets and smartphones in aeroponic propagation systems. It can potentially increase the system’s productivity and usefulness compared to the older manual monitoring and operating methods.

8548 Breast Development in Infant Girls: Does Endogenous Estrogen Production During Minipuberty Play a Role?

Abstract Disclosure: M. Goldberg: None. S. Zhao: None. A. Kelly: None. V.A. Stallings: None. D.M. Umbach: None. W.J. Rogan: None. N. Shaw: None. D.P. Sandler: None. Background: Breast tissue, present at birth in most term infants, regresses during infancy but persists longer in girls than boys. In girls, this persistence is thought to be due in part to stimulation by estradiol (E2) produced during minipuberty, the postnatal activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Empirical data are sparse, however. Because E2 concentrations in infant girls fluctuate, repeated E2 measures may be necessary to adequately characterize production across minipuberty and to detect effects on estrogen-sensitive breast tissue. Hypothesis: Higher average exposure to E2 during minipuberty is associated with larger breast bud diameter in late infancy in term females. Methods: We leveraged data from 136 girls from the Infant Feeding and Early Development (IFED) Study, a prospective cohort of reproductive development in term infants enrolled during 2010-2013 from the Philadelphia area. We measured E2 in serum samples collected at study visits every 2-4 weeks from age 2-32 weeks. We assessed breast bud diameter via ultrasound at the 32-week visit. For data analysis, we log2-transformed both E2 and breast bud diameter. For E2 concentrations below the limit of detection (2.99 pg/mL, 35% of samples), we applied multiple imputation. We first calculated the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of repeated E2 to understand the relative magnitude of total variation from within subjects. We then calculated subject-specific mean of E2 across time and estimated associations with breast bud diameter at the 32-week visit using both age- and multivariable-adjusted linear regression models. We present results as percent change in breast bud diameter per doubling in average E2 concentration ([2β-1] x 100%). Results: Most infants were Black (71%) and formula-fed (76%). The median number of E2 measures per girl was 9 (range: 5-10). Most of the variation in E2 concentrations was due to within-individual variation (ICC=0.27). The geometric mean E2 concentration from 2-32 weeks of age was 5.1 pg/mL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.7-5.4). The median breast bud diameter at the 32-week visit was 13.7mm (range: 4.4-30.5). A doubling in average E2 concentration across minipuberty was associated with a 26% larger breast bud diameter (95% CI 10-43%). This association was similar after adjustment for feeding method, race, gestational age, neonatal weight, and breast bud diameter at the neonatal visit (percent change: 28%, 95% CI: 12-46%). Conclusions: Our results suggest that endogenous estrogen production in females during minipuberty stimulates the infant breast bud. More research is needed to investigate the potential biologic relevance of this hormonal stimulation of infant breast tissue to later breast development and risk of malignant and benign breast disorders. Presentation: 6/1/2024

12559 Objective Versus Subjective Measures Of Reproductive Development And Psychological Well-Being In Peri-Menarcheal Adolescents: A Pilot Study

Abstract Disclosure: K.C. McCormick: None. M.E. Lujan: None. J. Chang: None. L. Ipp: None. A. Alladeen: None. H. Lamar: None. J. Mendle: None. H. Vanden Brink: None. Introduction: Risk of psychopathology emerges during the pubertal and peri-menarcheal years; however objective physiological measures of maturation often differ from adolescents’ own reports of their development. Understanding how psychological symptoms emerge in relation to both objective and subjective evaluations of reproductive development can provide critical insights into mental health risk and variability in psychological symptom severity during the pre-menarcheal and early post-menarcheal years. Methods: 52 females 9-15 years old (n=16 pre-menarcheal, n=36 &amp;lt;2 years post-menarche) underwent a non-fasting blood draw for reproductive hormones (estradiol, anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)), anthropometry, detailed reproductive and menstrual history, and a series of surveys to evaluate depression (CES-DC), anxiety (MASC), perceptions of pubertal-related change (POPS), and transdiagnostic psychological processes (rumination, emotional clarity) which can contribute to, and are risk factors for, psychopathology. Whether psychological symptoms are associated with objective measures (menarche, gynecological age, reproductive hormone concentrations) versus subjective measures (self-reported tanner stage, severity of dysmenorrhea) were contrasted using t-tests and Pearson Correlation Coefficient analyses (JMP Pro (v17)). Results: The majority of participants (26/36 post-menarcheal and 11/16 pre-menarcheal) exceeded the standard cut-off of 15 for depressive symptoms, consistent with research on mental health symptomatology in this cohort of youth. POPS scores were higher (39±10.9) in post-menarcheal versus pre-menarcheal (31±12.6) adolescents indicating post-menarcheal adolescents reported more puberty-linked change in their lives (Pttest=0.04). Lower emotional clarity was associated with higher AMH concentrations (r= -0.27, p=0.0944). Depressive symptoms tended to be greater (27+14.8) in those with moderate dysmenorrhea versus mild/no dysmenorrhea (19±11.1, Pttest=0.08). Depression (r=0.30, p=0.032) and anxiety symptoms (r=0.32, p=0.027), and rumination (r=0.30, p=0.033) were associated with higher self-reported Tanner scores; POPS was trending (r=0.25, p=0.0776). Neither estradiol nor FSH were associated with any measures of psychological well-being. Conclusion: Both objective measures of reproductive development and adolescent self-reports may help providers assess individual vulnerability to internalizing psychopathology, such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, given population level increases in depressive symptoms in adolescents, researchers should avoid utilizing simple cutoffs for depression and anxiety, which lack specificity and overlook critical variability which can further elucidate mental and physical health dynamics. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Characterization and expression analysis of the MADS-box gene AGL8 in cotton: insights into gene function differentiation in plant growth and stress resistance.

AGAMOUS-LIKE 8 (AGL8) belongs to the MADS-box family, which plays important roles in transcriptional regulation, sequence-specific DNA binding and other biological processes and molecular functions. The genome of cotton, a representative polyploid plant, contains multiple AGL8 genes. However, their functional differentiation is still unclear. In this study, a comprehensive genomic analysis of AGL8 genes was conducted. Cotton AGL8s were subdivided into four subgroups (Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4) based on phylogenetic analysis, and different subgroups of AGL8s presented different characteristics, including different structures and conserved motifs. With respect to the promoter regions of the GhAGL8 genes, we successfully predicted cis-elements that respond to phytohormone signal transduction and the stress response of plants. Transcriptome data and real-time quantitative PCR validation indicated that three genes, namely, GH_D07G0744, GH_A03G0856 and GH_A07G0749, were highly induced by methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid (SA), and abscisic acid (ABA), which indicated that they function in plant resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. The information from the gene structure, number and types of conserved domains, tissue-specific expression levels, and expression patterns under different treatments highlights the differences in sequence and function of the cotton AGL8 genes. Different AGL8s play roles in vegetative growth, reproductive development, and plant stress resistance. These results lay a foundation for further study of GhAGL8s in cotton.