RXR Expression in Marine Gastropods with Different Sensitivity to Imposex Development

Sci Rep. 2020 Jun 11;10(1):9507. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-66402-1.

Abstract

The superposition of male sexual characteristics in female marine gastropods (imposex) represents one of the clearest ecological examples of organotin-mediated endocrine disruption. Recent evidences suggest that signaling pathways mediated by members of the nuclear receptor superfamily, RXR and PPARγ, are involved in the development of this pseudohermaphroditic condition. Here, we identified significant differences in RXR expression in two caenogastropod species from Nuevo Gulf, Argentina, Buccinanops globulosus and Trophon geversianus, which present clear contrast in imposex incidence. In addition, B. globulosus males from a polluted and an unpolluted area showed differences in RXR expression. Conversely, PPARγ levels were similar between both analyzed species. These findings indicate specie-specific RXR and PPARγ expression, suggesting a major role of RXR in the induction of imposex.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Disorders of Sex Development / metabolism*
  • Disorders of Sex Development / pathology
  • Female
  • Gastropoda*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
  • Male
  • PPAR gamma / metabolism
  • Retinoid X Receptors / metabolism*

Substances

  • PPAR gamma
  • Retinoid X Receptors