Dimorphic Expression of Selected Genes in Lepidocephalus thermalis using Cross-Specific Primers

Abstract

Background: The existence of two distinct forms within a species that differ in one or more characteristics is known as dimorphism. The gonads are the primary organs in teleost to show sexual dimorphism. Lepidocephalus thermalis belongs to the Cobitidae family. No expression study on the developmental stages was done on this species. Since there is no specific primers reported for L. thermalis, the study has been carried out with the help of the specific primers of catfish. Methods: qRT- PCR is an acknowledged method for gene expression analysis due to its precision and reproducibility. In the current study, the expression of 14 different transcription factors involved in sex differentiation of Indian spiny loach during different developmental stages was analyzed using qRT- PCR and has been compared among the different stages of gonadal development for that transcription factor. Results: Gene expression patterns have been obtained from the total RNA isolated from MSG (Meso nephric gonadal complex), medium stage ovary, medium stage testis, large stage ovary and large stage testis. From the study, it has been analyzed that only sf1 has higher expression in testis and all the other transcription factors has shown higher expression in ovary.