Significant Sexual Dimorphism Research Articles

A high-density genetic linkage map and QTL mapping for sex in Clarias fuscus

Hong Kong catfish (Clarias fuscus) is a freshwater fish that has economic value and is widely cultured in southern China. C. fuscus has significant sexual growth dimorphism. In this study, full-sib F1 individuals of C. fuscus were used as a mapping family to construct a high-density genetic linkage map, and sex-related quantitative trait loci (QTL) were mapped using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers by restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) technology. The genetic map was divided into 28 linkage groups with a total map distance of 4870.15 cM, 6453 markers, and an average genetic distance of 0.75 cM between markers. Based on the genetic linkage map, interval mapping was performed to identify sex-related QTLs. A sex-related QTL, qSEX-1, was successfully mapped to LG13, which contained 225 linked SNP markers. The LOD value for the main QTL peak was 77.18, located at 138.32 cM, and the proportion of phenotypic variance explained (PVE) for sex was 83.1%. A candidate sex-determination region was identified within the qSEX-1 interval, with a total map distance of 16.073 cM and 15 SNP markers. The np544 marker was highly linked to sex. In summary, the first genetic linkage map of C. fuscus was generated based on high-throughput sequencing. Moreover, sex-linked SNP loci and a sex-determining interval were identified, providing methodological guidance and important tools for sex control technology in C. fuscus breeding.

A geometric morphometric analysis of geographic variation in the Cape Short-eared gerbil, Desmodillus auricularis (Rodentia: Gerbillinae)

Abstract The genus Desmodillus is monospecific, consisting of only the Cape short-eared gerbil (Desmodillus auricularis). Despite being widely distributed across southern Africa, previous studies did not find evidence of intraspecific phenotypic geographic differentiation. The objectives of this study is to use geometric morphometrics to investigate if and how the skull of D. auricularis varies spatially. It examines the covariation of skull morphology with broad spatial (latitude and longitude) and climatic variables, based on a sample of 580 specimens from southern Africa (Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa). The results did not support the differentiation of D. auricularis populations into distinct geographically isolated phenotypic groups. However, there is strong evidence for clinal variation in skull morphology; the most prominent pattern being a decrease in size from the west (closest to the South Atlantic coast) to the east (towards the continent’s interior). Shape variation was not localized in any skull region and seem to be driven mostly by size (allometry), although it also covaried significantly with latitude and longitude. Statistically significant skull shape sexual dimorphism was also detected, with males having larger crania than females. Spatial clinal variation in skull morphology was mostly associated with differences in the aridity of the habitats relative to their distance from the coast as evidenced by precipitation-related bioclimatic variables—annual precipitation (BIO12), precipitation of driest month (BIO14), and precipitation of driest quarter (BIO17)—covarying the most with skull morphology. This could be driven by either the climate influencing local resources available to populations or by the climate directly instigating phenotypic climatic adaptations.

Insights into chromosomal evolution and sex determination of Pseudobagrus ussuriensis (Bagridae, Siluriformes) based on a chromosome-level genome.

Pseudobagrus ussuriensis is an aquaculture catfish with significant sexual dimorphism. In this study, a chromosome-level genome with a size of 741.97 Mb was assembled for female P. ussuriensis. A total of 26 chromosome-level contigs covering 97.34% of the whole-genome assembly were obtained with an N50 of 28.53 Mb and an L50 of 11. A total of 24,075 protein-coding genes were identified, with 91.54% (22,039) genes being functionally annotated. Based on the genome assembly, four chromosome evolution clusters of catfishes were identified and the formation process of P. ussuriensis chromosomes was predicted. A total of 55 sex-related quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with a phenotypic variance explained value of 100% were located on chromosome 8 (chr08). The QTLs and other previously identified sex-specific markers were located in a sex-determining region of 16.83 Mb (from 6.90 to 23.73 Mb) on chr08, which was predicted as the X chromosome. The sex-determining region comprised 554 genes, with 135 of which being differently expressed between males and females/pseudofemales, and 16 candidate sex-determining genes were screened out. The results of this study provided a useful chromosome-level genome for genetic, genomic and evolutionary studies of P. ussuriensis, and also be useful for further studies on sex-determination mechanism analysis and sex-control breeding of this fish.

Anthropometric measures do not explain the 2D:4D ratio sexual dimorphism in 7-year-old children.

ObjectivesDigit ratio (2D:4D) might reflect prenatal testosterone exposure and has been used as a putative marker for androgen related outcomes. However, such associations might be inflicted by confounders. Application of 2D:4D in epidemiological research motivate identification of biological background determinants.We examined sex, anthropometric measures, and maternal factors as determinants of 2D:4D in Swedish 7‐year‐old children.MethodsThe study was embedded in the Swedish Environmental, Longitudinal, Mother and Child, Asthma and Allergy (SELMA) pregnancy cohort. A total of 870 pre‐pubertal children, median 7.5 years of age, were studied.A single assessor performed digit measurements from scanned photocopies using computer software. Child anthropometric measurements investigated were hand size, birthweight, recumbent birth length, standing height, weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and waist/hip circumference. Maternal factors included age, pregnancy length, parity, and education.ResultsWe found a significant sexual dimorphism regarding digit lengths and 2D:4D, boys on average presenting a lower 2D:4D than girls also after adjustment for summed finger lengths and body fatness. In crude analyses, maternal age correlated with 2D:4D across the whole population and in females but not in adjusted models. No other study variables were associated with 2D:4D.ConclusionDigit ratio showed sexual dimorphism at the age of seven and seems to represent a true sex difference rather than an artifact and bias from hand size, body size or body fat content. Among the rest of our investigated variables, we found no determinants constituting important confounders in future research on 2D:4D ratio.

Sexual Dimorphism of Frontal Sinus: A 2-Dimensional Geometric Morphometric Analysis on Lateral Skull Radiographs

• Sex identification is a keystone in forensic investigation. • Frontal sinus is a reliable method of sex identification. • Geometric morphometric analysis provides better accuracy in sex identification. • Frontal sinus is a novel tool for sex identification among Malaysians. Sex identification is vital in establishing biological identity of unknown remains. In cases of fragmented skeletons, the resiliency of the frontal sinus suggests its potential in establishing biological identity. The traditionally used linear measurement has low reliability and is size-oriented, whereas geometric morphometrics is efficient as being reliable in characterising the shape. However, the frontal sinus approach for sex identification among Malaysians is yet to be explored. This study aims to evaluate sexual dimorphism of frontal sinus among Malaysians using the two-dimensional (2D) geometric morphometrics method. Lateral skull radiographs of 453 adult Malaysian, comprising 228 males and 225 females, were retrieved retrospectively. Eight 2D landmarks were applied to the lateral skull radiographs using TPSDig2 software. 2D geometric morphometric analysis was performed by MorphoJ software. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that the first three Principal Component (PCs) exhibit 83.0% of the total variance of the frontal sinus shape. Procrustes analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences in centroid size and shape ( p -value < 0.05) of frontal sinus between sexes. Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) after cross-validation demonstrated a classification accuracy of 78.5% in males and 82.7% in females, with an average of 80.6%. High classification accuracy suggests that frontal sinus is a valuable tool for sex identification using 2D geometric morphometrics. The significant sexual dimorphism of the frontal sinus shape indicates its capability to aid in forensic investigation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study which showed such findings among Malaysian population.

Anatomical Patterns of the Nasopalatine Canal and Incisive Foramen in an African Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional. Objective: To determine the morphology and morphometry of the nasopalatine canal (NPC) and incisive foramen (IF) in an African population. Methods: Measurements of the NPC and the IF were carried out on 150 Cone-Beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. The maxillary bone thickness anterior to the NPC was measured at 3 levels. Independent t-test and Chi-square test were performed to determine the presence of sexual dimorphism. Results: The presence of one Stenson's foramen was most prevalent. The mean length of NPC was 13.21 ± 3.25mm with significantly longer canals in males. The most prevalent shape of NPC was cylindrical in sagittal view and a single canal in coronal view. The mean angulation of NPC was 118.42° to the horizontal plane. The average dimensions of the IF were 3.53mm and 3.07mm in the anteroposterior and mediolateral diameter, respectively, while the most common shape was round. The anterior maxillary bone was thicker in males and generally reduced in thickness from the anterior nasal spine superiorly towards the alveolar crest inferiorly. Conclusion: This study highlights the anatomical characteristics of the NPC and IF, with significant sexual dimorphism observed regarding the number of Stenson's foramina, length of NPC, shapes of the NPC and IF, as well as alveolar bone thickness anterior to NPC.

Mechanisms Determining Body Size and Shape Difference in Algerian Spur-Thighed Tortoises (Testudo graeca).

Simple SummaryAssessing the body size and body shape variations between sexes and geographical populations can help us understand the adaptive responses of organisms in the face of the pressures to which they are subjected. To evaluate the influence of habitat-type conditions, we selected six Algerian populations of Testudo graeca living in different environments. The results of the traditional morphometric analyses showed that body size and shell shape were smaller and flattened, respectively, in males, especially under unfavorable conditions for tortoises; these changes were jointly caused by anthropogenic and natural pressures. We found clear evidence in several tortoise species that differences in growth durations up to the onset of maturity resulted primarily in different sizes at maturity and ultimately in different adult sizes. Using data for the body size and shell shape of Algerian Testudo graeca, we assessed how proximate causes shaped the observed variation in the morphology of adults. All of the studied populations displayed significant sexual size and shape dimorphisms. Relative to body length, females displayed larger, more voluminous and domed shells than males. We found clear evidence that variation in body size at maturity influenced sexual size dimorphism. Body size at maturity depends on the duration of growth from hatching up to the point of reaching sexual maturity. In the studied populations, sexual maturity, estimated by counting growth lines, was always reached earlier in males than in females (a time difference of 1.4–3.0 years). Similar to sexual size dimorphism, geographic variation in adult body sizes was also influenced by variations in the corresponding sizes at maturity. Remarkably, the population with the largest tortoises had the latest mean maturation time: 9.1 for males and 10.5 for females. Thus, the later completion of maturation was a determinant for a larger size in adulthood. The largest tortoises among the studied populations were measured at the Djelfa locality, where the recorded sizes of males and females reached 186 and 230 mm, respectively.

Sex determination by using mesiodistal dimensions of anterior teeth in Punjab population

Aim: Sex determination by Using Mesiodistal Dimensions of Anterior Teethin Punjab population. Methods: This study had a total of 60 study individuals who were chosen at random. The patients ranged in age from 18 to 30 years old, with no history or clinical signs of crown repair, orthodontic therapy, or trauma. They had a full set of erupting teeth. The teeth were noncarious, nonattrited, intact, and peridontally healthy. All of the maxillary teeth were properly positioned. Following informed permission, the mesiodistal dimensions of maxillary front teeth were measured between anatomic contact sites using a vernier calliper held parallel to the occlusal plane. Results: The study's findings revealed that teeth 13 and 23 had sexual dimorphism, but teeth 11, 12, 21, and 22 had no statistically significant sexual dimorphism. The precision with which gender may be determined using 13. It was discovered that 13 (43.33 percent) females and 15 (50 percent) males were accurately categorised. When the degree of accuracy for sex determination was examined using 23 unique males and females, it was discovered that 63.33 percent of females and 63.33 percent of males were accurately categorised.

Growth, Egg Production, and Phenotypic Characteristics of the Commercial Hybrid Egg-type Philippine Mallard Duck (IP Kayumanggi) under Intensive Management System

Five separate studies were conducted to determine the growth and egg production performance of Itik Pinas (IP) Kayumanggi, a new commercial hybrid egg-type mallard duck in the Philippines under an intensive management system. Results showed that the IP Kayumanggi produced by crossing male IP Khaki and female IP Itim as parents showed significant sexual dimorphism in down feather patterns. The male and female ducklings have 98% black and 99% brown down feathers upon hatch, respectively. In addition, the female ducklings have significantly higher body weight from Weeks 0–4, whereas males were heavier from Weeks 10–18. Cumulative feed consumption was 10.72 kg from brooding (Weeks 1–4) to growing (Weeks 5–16). Daily feed consumption per bird was 124 g during the pre-laying (Weeks 17–18) and laying (Weeks 19–50) periods. Phenotypic characterization revealed that males have predominantly dusky black plumage, green bill, and brown shank, whereas females have mallard-type brown plumage, black bill, and orange shank. The males have significantly higher values for all the body measurements. The average age at first lay was 18 wk, and it reached 80% egg production at 26 wk of age. Average egg weight was 67 g. The average fertility, hatchability, and hatch of fertile were 89, 55, and 62%, respectively. This study provided baseline information on the productive and reproductive performance of IP Kayumanggi.

Prevalence of middle ear effusion (MEE) and other middle ear problems among apparently healthy children in some selected primary schools in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Middle ear effusion (MEE) is the commonest ear problem affecting children less than 6 years and is a threat to deafness which is common in our environment. Tympanometry is used to determine MEE and other problems of the middle ear. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of middle ear effusion and other middle ear problems among apparently healthy school children in some selected schools in Kano Metropolis. The study was in four primary schools located in Kano metropolis where socio-demographic characteristics of the participants (whose parents consented) were recorded, and pneumatic tympanometry was conducted. The participants were 150 school children (78 males and 72 females) aged 4-12 years and were selected using stratified sampling technique, with mean age of 9.8 ± 2.2 years. Results showed that Cronbach’s alpha was &gt; 85% for both intra and inter-observer error estimate. In all the measured parameters, significant sexual dimorphism was only found in the right ear cavity volume (Rt ECV) with males having higher values (p&lt;0.05). Majority of the pupils (82%) had normal (type A) tympanogram, 6% had flat (type B) which signifies middle ear effusion, 5.4% had type C tympanogram which signifies negative middle ear pressure and clinically eustachian tube dysfunction, 5.6% had type As (osteosclerosis of the middle ear), and 1% has Ad type (ossicular discontinuity). Age, height &amp; weight correlated significantly with one or more of the measured ear parameters of the left or right in both sexes. The prevalence of MEE among school-aged children in Kano metropolis is alarming and is a threat to deafness. Therefore, clinicians should be more suspicious and include routine ear examination for children in their practice to detect uncomplicated MEE.

Genome-wide association study reveals the genetic basis of growth trait in yellow catfish with sexual size dimorphism

Sexual size dimorphism has been widely observed in a large number of animals including fish species. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) is a powerful tool to dissect the genetic basis of complex traits, whereas the sex-differences in the genomics of animal complex traits have been ignored in the GWAS analysis. Yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) is an important aquaculture fish in China with significant sexual size dimorphism. In this study, GWAS was conducted to identify candidate SNPs and genes related to body length (BL) and body weight (BW) in 125 female yellow catfish from a breeding population. In total, one BL-related SNP and three BW-related SNPs were identified to be significantly associated with the traits. Besides, one of these SNPs (Chr15:19195072) was shared in both the BW and BL traits in female yellow catfish, which was further validated in 185 male individuals and located on the exon of stat5b gene. Transgenic yellow catfish and zebrafish that expressed yellow catfish stat5b showed increased growth rate and reduction of sexual size dimorphism. These results not only reveal the genetic basis of growth trait and sexual size dimorphism in fish species, but also provide useful information for the marker-assisted breeding in yellow catfish.

Quantifying the ossification and fusion of the calcaneal apophysis using computed tomography.

Knowledge of the anatomical development of the calcaneal apophysis is essential in clinical assessment and management of both paediatric and sub‐adult patients presenting with heel pain. Despite this, the current understanding of calcaneal apophyseal development is constrained by the limitations of the imaging modalities used to examine the apophysis, with no current literature reporting the development of the medial and lateral processes. This study aimed to overcome these limitations by investigating the ossification and fusion of the calcaneal apophysis using three‐dimensional computed tomography analysis, and statistically predicting the apophyseal developmental stage in contemporary Australian children. The development and fusion status of the apophysis was scored using a novel 11‐stage scoring system on 568 multi‐slice computed tomography scans (295 females; 274 males) and 266 lateral radiographic scans (119 females; 147 males) from the Queensland Children's Hospital. Multinomial logistic regression along with classification tables and predictive probabilities were then utilised to assess developmental stage likelihood from known age and sex. The apophysis commenced ossification at a mean age of 5.2 years for females and 7.2 years for males, and then elongated to form the apophyseal cap around 10 years for females and 12.4 years for males. Fusion of the apophysis commenced at a mean age of 11.18 years for females and 13.3 years for males, with the earliest age of complete fusion observed at 10 years for females and 14 years for males. The results demonstrate significant sexual dimorphism in ossification and fusion with females developing and fusing significantly earlier. Furthermore, the use of computed tomography in this study allowed for the first time evaluation of the ossification and fusion of the medial and lateral processes of the calcaneus. The medial process formed at a mean age of 9.5 years for females and 10.9 years for males while the lateral process formed at around 9.8 years for females and 11.7 years for males. The medial process demonstrated slower rates of fusion compared to the lateral process. The present study provides Queensland specific standards for assessing the calcaneal apophyseal developmental stage as well as novel predictive regression models for apophyseal stage estimation using known age and sex to aid in the diagnosis of heel pain conditions such as apophysitis or screen for developmental delays in children and subadults.

A soft tissue analysis for central India population

Based on surgical-orthodontic treatment planning and prediction system Tony G. McCollum(TOMAC), the present study aims to determine surgical norms for Central India population and to evaluate the variation between Central India males and females. Digital lateral cephalograms of hundred subjects (50 males and 50 females) of 15- 25 years of age were obtained. These radiographs were manually traced by single operator based on the parameterstaken from TOMAC soft tissue analysis. The data obtained was statistically analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test and One-sample Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. Statistically significant difference were observed between the Central India population and Caucasian population and also significant sexual dimorphism was noted among the population of Central India. There exist racial diversity between Central India population and the Caucasian population.Therefore, it becomes necessary to have separate norms for different ethnic groups and choose the norms carefully suited to the treatment needs of individual population.

Serum starvation induces sexual dimorphisms in secreted proteins of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) from twin pairs.

There is growing evidence for sex and gender differences in the clinical manifestation and outcomes of human diseases. Human primary endothelial cells represent a useful cardiovascular model to study sexual dimorphisms at the cellular level. Here, we analyzed sexual dimorphisms of the secretome after serum starvation using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) from twin pairs of the opposite sex to minimize the impact of varying genetic background. HUVECs were starved for 5 and 16 h, respectively, and proteins of the cell culture supernatants were analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry. Altogether, 960 extracellular proteins were identified of which 683 were amendable to stringent quantification. Significant alterations were observed for 455 proteins between long-term and short-term starvation and the majority were similar in both sexes. Only 5 proteins showed significant sex-specific regulation between long-versus short-term starvation. Furthermore, 19 unique proteins with significant sexual dimorphisms at the same time points of serum starvation were observed. A larger number of proteins, for example tissue factor inhibitor 2 (TFPI2), displayed higher levels in the supernatants of females compared to male cells after long term serum starvation that might point to higher adaptation capacity of female cells. The overall results demonstrate that male and female cells differ in their secretome.

Orbital and periorbital anthropometric variations and effect of age and gender on these variables

Background: The objective of this study was to identify the orbital and periorbital anthropometric variations and determine the effects of age and gender on these variables. From January 2020 to July 2020, we conducted a hospital-based, descriptive, observational study. Material and methods: Three hundred and eighty individuals of age15 years and above were included in the study. Exophthalmometric value (EV) and outer inter-canthal distance (OICD) were measured [mm] on Hertel’s exophthalmometer. Inner inter-canthal distance (ICD), inter-pupillary distance (IPD) [mm], palpebral fissure width (PFW), palpebral fissure height (PFH), marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD1), marginal reflex distance 2 (MRD2), lid crease height (LC), pre-tarsal show (PTS) and levator function (LF) were recorded using a millimeter ruler scale. Data were analyzed using a Microsoft Excel sheet. Results: Out of 380 subjects, there were 222 females and 158 males. Mean EV was 15.86 mm, OICD — 105.57 mm, ICD — 31.7 mm, IPD — 59.55 mm, PFW — 29.7 mm, PFH — 10.04 mm, MRD1 — 4.21 mm, MRD2 — 5.87 mm, LC — 8.31 mm, PTS — 4.24 mm and LF —14.66 mm. Significant sexual dimorphism was noted in five parameters; EV, ICD, IPD, PFH and MRD2 were significantly higher in males versus females. PFH was decreased while PTS was increased in individuals of more than 40 years. Conclusion: There is a significant difference between males and females in some variables, and no difference was detected in others. Age did not significantly affect a majority of the variables.

Sexual Dimorphism and Geographic Variation of the White-lipped Pit Viper (Trimeresurus albolabris) in China

Sexual dimorphism and geographic variation are common in snakes. The white-lipped pitviper (Trimeresurus albolabris) is a common and widely distributed venomous snake species throughout the Southeast Asia. We report on the sexual dimorphism and geographic variation of T. albolabris in China. Ninety-nine specimens (57 females and 42 males) were examined by using analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, principal component analysis, and other statistical methods for 68 morphological characters. The result showed that T. albolabris displays significant sexual dimorphism in several external characters. Females have a longer snout-vent length, wider anal scales, and larger head size than males, whilst males exhibit a longer tail length and larger number of subcaudal scales. No significant geographic variation was detected, suggesting the absence of obvious morphological differentiation among local populations in China.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease shows significant sex dimorphism.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which has been renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, is a growing global medical problem. The incidence of NAFLD and its associated end-stage liver disease is increasing each year, and many research advancements have been achieved to date. This review focuses on the current knowledge of the sex differences in NAFLD and does not elaborate on areas without differences. Studies have revealed significant sex differences in the prevalence, influencing factors, pathophysiology, complications and therapies of NAFLD. Men have a higher incidence than women. Compared with women, men exhibit increased visceral fat deposition, are more susceptible to leptin resistance, lack estrogen receptors, and tend to synthesize fatty acids into fat storage. Male patients will experience more severe hepatic fibrosis and a higher incidence of liver cancer. However, once NAFLD occurs, women show a faster progression of liver fibrosis, higher levels of liver cell damage and inflammation and are less likely to undergo liver transplantation than men. In general, men have more risk factors and more severe pathophysiological reactions than women, whereas the development of NAFLD is faster in women, and the treatments for women are more limited than those for men. Thus, whether sex differences should be considered in the individualized prevention and treatment of NAFLD in the future is worth considering.

Anthropometric Periocular Soft Tissue Analysis From Preadolescence to Young Adulthood: Photogrammetric Measurements.

The periocular region has a central role in the prediction of ethnicity, understanding emotional expression, age, and sex. The aim of this study was to determine the sex-related growth changes in the periocular region of Turkish preadolescents, adolescents, and young adults. The study included a total of 234 individuals (preadolescents: 34 females and 40 males; adolescents: 40 females, 40 males, and young adults: 40 males and 40 females). A total of 7 periocular parameters (3 bilateral, 3 unilateral linear, and 1 angular measurement) were analyzed statistically to determine sex-related differences. The palpebral fissure and canthal indexes were also calculated. Of the 14 periocular measurements, 9 were found to be sexually dimorphic in certain age groups ( P < 0.05). Right-left palpebral fissure width and left palpebral fissure height were significantly different between young adult males and females ( P = 0.018, P = 0.013, and P = 0.027, respectively). A significant sexual dimorphism was observed for outercanthal distance and canthal index in 3 age groups ( P < 0.05). The data collected in this study may serve as a sex-dependent database source for the Turkish population during normal growth from preadolescence to young adulthood. The present study results would be useful for planning and designing aesthetic and post-traumatic surgical interventions in the periocular region as well as personal identification in this population.

Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Functional Interaction of mRNA-lncRNA-miRNA in Steroidogenesis and Spermatogenesis of Gynogenetic Japanese Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus).

Simple SummaryJapanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) is an important marine cultured fish that has a male heterogametic sex determination and shows significant sexual dimorphism with bigger females. Therefore, gynogenesis has presented great potential in breeding of all-female P. olivaceus. Non-coding RNAs are emerging as critical regulators of reproduction, and in this study, lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA interactions were investigated using high-throughput sequencing to reveal their roles in gynogenetic female and sex-reversed neo-male P. olivaceus. A considerable amount of steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis-related genes and ncRNAs were found, which may be regulated by let-7/miR-125b clusters and have significant functions during spermatogenesis of the neo-male P. olivaceus. These highly conserved and putatively interacted RNAs could replenish the genomic information of P. olivaceus and pave the way to understand the molecular mechanisms of gynogenesis effect and sex reversal in sexual development and gametogenesis of teleost fishes.Teleost fishes exhibit extraordinary diversity, plasticity and adaptability with their sex determination and sexual development, and there is growing evidence that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are emerging as critical regulators of reproduction. Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) is an important marine cultured fish that presents significant sexual dimorphism with bigger females, in which gynogenesis has been applied for aquaculture industry. In order to reveal the regulatory mechanisms of sexual development in gynogenetic female and sex-reversed neo-male P. olivaceus, the lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA interactions were investigated using high-throughput sequencing. A total of 6772 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), 2284 DElncRNAs, and 244 DEmiRNAs were obtained between gynogenetic female ovaries and sex-reversed neo-male testes. Genes in the steroid hormone biosynthesis and secretion pathway were enriched and mostly significantly upregulated in neo-male testes. Subsequently, network analysis uncovered high functional specificity for gynogenetic P. olivaceus sperm motility, as co-expressed DEmRNAs were significantly enriched in microtubule and cytoskeleton-related biological processes. Clustered miRNAs were characterized in the P. olivaceus genome with examples of the largest conserved let-7 clusters. The 20 let-7 members are distributed in 11 clusters and may not transcribe together with their neighboring miR-125b, with let-7 repressing cyp11a and miR-125b repressing esr2b, both as key steroidogenesis pathway genes. In summary, this study provides comprehensive insights into the mRNA–miRNA–lncRNA functional crosstalk in teleost sexual development and gametogenesis and will expand our understanding of ncRNA biology in teleost gynogenesis.

Sex-Dependent Social and Repetitive Behavior and Neurochemical Profile in Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social interaction, impaired communication, and repetitive behaviors. ASD presents a 3:1 ratio of diagnosed boys and girls, raising the question regarding sexual dimorphic mechanisms underlying ASD symptoms, and their molecular basis. Here, we performed in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in juvenile male and female Tsc2+/− mice (an established genetic animal model of ASD). Moreover, behavior and ultrasonic vocalizations during social and repetitive tasks were analyzed. We found significant sexual dimorphisms in the levels of metabolites in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Further, we observed that female mutant animals had a differential social behavior and presented an increase in repetitive behavior. Importantly, while mutant females displayed a more simplified communication during social tasks, mutant males exhibited a similar less complex vocal repertoire but during repetitive tasks. These results hint toward sex-dependent alterations in molecular and metabolic pathways, which can lead to the sexual dimorphic behaviors and communication observed in social and repetitive environments.