科研之友
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摘要
In toads, both males and females develop a unique gonadal structure called the Bidder's organ (B0), which resembles ovarian tissue and is attached to the anterior part of the gonad It is not clear whether the B0 is a vestigial organ, or has an endocrine function. In this study, we investigated the expression of the gonadal development genes Dmrt1, Sox9, Sf1, Dui, and p450arom in the developing B0 as compared with the gonads of male and female cane toads. We demonstrate that Sf1, Dax1, and p450arom, key genes involved in vertebrate steroidogenesis, are transcriptionally active in the B0 during developmental milestones associated with sexual development and maturation. Furthermore, the pattern of transcriptional activity in the B0 is completely independent of the corresponding gonads in both sexes, despite its ovary-like morphology. These results suggest that the B0 likely has a steroidogenic role in the development of the cane toad, distinct from that of the gonads. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 314B:503-513, 2010.
- 出版日期2010-9-15
