Genes differentially expressed in testis of a marine fish, the mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) after exposure to tributyltin oxide

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There is still concern about the effects of organotin compounds (OTs) on marine organisms, and especially on their reproductive systems. We investigated the toxicity of tributyltin oxide (TBTO) on spermatogenesis in a marine fish, the mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus. The primary purpose of this study is to find biomarkers for evaluation of the effects of TBTO on fish spermatogenesis. We used cDNA subtraction and differential display methods to clone genes differentially expressed in the mummichog testis by TBTO exposure. Six downregulated genes have been identified to date. A GenBank homology search revealed that these genes were homologous to the arginase II gene, a testicular type of creatine kinase gene, two different types of dynein heavy-chain genes, a mitochondrial carrier gene, and a functionally unidentified gene. Real-time PCR revealed that exposure of the fish to 4m g/L of TBTO significantly reduced expression of at least three of the six genes: those encoding creatine kinase, a dynein heavy chain, and the functionally unidentified gene in the testis. In the 4m g/L exposure group, significant reduction in spermatogenic cell proliferation and significant increase in numbers of apoptotic germ cells in the testis were observed. These genes can therefore be used as biomarkers for evaluating the effects of TBTO on fish spermatogenesis.
2008-08-20