Variations in the gene expression of zona pellucida proteins, zpb and
zpc, in female European eel (Anguilla anguilla) during induced sexual
maturation
I. Mazzeo; D.S. Peñaranda; V. Gallego; J. Hildahl; R.
Nourizadeh-Lillabadi; J.F. Asturiano; L. Pérez; F.A. Weltzien
Abstract
Vertebrate
eggs are surrounded by an extracellular glycoprotein coat termed zona pellucida
(ZP). Integrity of ZP is critical for a correct embryo development. Two zona pellucida
protein genes (zpb and zpc) from European eel were characterized,
specific qPCR assays developed and their expression in immature males and
females carried out.
An experimental group of silver stage eel females was maintained at 18
ºC and hormonally induced to sexual maturation by weekly injections of carp pituitary
extract during 12 weeks. Changes in zpb
and zpc expression during sexual
maturation were studied in liver and ovary by qPCR. In liver, no changes were
recorded during hormonal treatment, while in ovary expression of both genes
decreased during sexual development.
These results are a first step in the characterization of ZP in European
eel and in the understanding of the mechanism underlying egg envelope
formation.
