The novel adipokine asprosin produced by the furin enzymatic cleavage of profibrillin 1 protein (encoded by the Fbn1 gene) is implicated in regulating many physiological functions including reproduction in mammals. In males, asprosin is reported to increase sperm density, sperm motility, and steroid production by interacting with Olfr734 belonging to the G-protein coupled receptor family (GPCR). In 2023, our group predicted and characterized asprosin in silico for the first time and demonstrated the robust expression of fbn1, and furin in the gonads of teleost spotted snakehead (ss) Channa punctata. Taking it forward, in the current study, we have investigated the effect of asprosin on the testicular functions of the spotted snakehead. As C. punctata is a seasonal breeder, reproductive-phase dependent expression of fbn1 in the testis was analysed, which showed significant upregulation during the preparatory and post-spawning phases. In addition, bacterially overexpressed recombinant asprosin of C. punctata was purified to study the effect of ss asprosin on gametogenesis and steroidogenesis. Ex vivo treatment with recombinant asprosin resulted in significant upregulation of spermatogenic marker genes pcna, aldh1a2, cyp26a1, and sycp3. Asprosin also enhanced the gene expression of gonadotropin receptors as well as sex steroid receptors in addition to steroidogenic genes, star and cyp17a1. Further to explore the downstream signalling cascade, the second messenger of GPCRs, cAMP level following asprosin treatment was analysed. Asprosin treatment prominently enhanced the cAMP levels, thereby indicating the involvement of GPCR in transduction of asprosin action. Hence, the study elucidates the regulation of male reproductive function by asprosin in spotted snakehead.
Journal of Endocrinology is committed to supporting researchers in demonstrating the impact of their articles published in the journal.
The two types of article metrics we measure are (i) more traditional full-text views and pdf downloads, and (ii) Altmetric data, which shows the wider impact of articles in a range of non-traditional sources, such as social media.
More information is on the Reasons to publish page.
| Sept 2018 onwards | Past Year | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Text Views | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| PDF Downloads | 18 | 18 | 18 |
Online ISSN: 1479-6805
Print ISSN: 0022-0795
Strengthening biomedical communities
to advance science and health
CONTACT US
Bioscientifica Ltd | Starling House | 1600 Bristol Parkway North | Bristol BS34 8YU | UK
Bioscientifica Ltd | Registered in England no 3190519
