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This project aims to decipher the synthesis and function of catecholestrogens (CE) during two important phases of fish reproductive biology which are known to involve strong estrogen regulation and action, i.e. gonad sex differentiation, and final oocyte maturation (FOM). Two complementary models will be used, the Indian catfish and the rainbow trout. In the first part of the project, Next Generation Sequencing technologies will be used to acquire a genomic data base for catfish, such a data base being already available in rainbow trout. Using these data, oligonucleotide microarrays will be set up to study the effect of CE on embryonic gonadal transcriptome in trout, and ovarian transcriptome in trout and catfish. A particular attention will be paid to the potential role of CE on the expression of genes involved in steroidogenic regulation Besides, the expression of enzymes involved in CE synthesis will be investigated using quantitative PCR in both species.

Partners:

• Alexis Fostier, Inra LPGP
• Professor K. P. Joy, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University