Producción de gonadotropinas recombinantes de lenguado Senegalés (Solea senegalensis) para el control de la reproducción

Abstract

The aquaculture of Senegalese sole is hampered by the absence of methods to control reproduction, particularly of male fish reared in captivity. Teleost reproduction is regulated by the pituitary gonadotropins follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) and luteinizing hormone (Lh), but the mode of action of these hormones during Senegalese sole spermatogenesis is poorly known. Here, we aimed at producing Senegalese sole single-chain recombinant Fsh (rFshsc) and Lh (rLhsc). The cDNAs encoding the recombinant gonadotropins were introduced into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and stably expressing clones were selected for their production efficiency. The rFshsc and rLhsc were found to be glycosylated when released in the culture medium. Transactivation assays using Senegalese sole gonadotropin receptors indicated that rFshsc and rLhsc are active on their cognate receptors but also some cross reaction is observed. This preliminary study demonstrates that CHO cells are useful systems for producing functional recombinant gonadotropins, and offers new tools for the aquaculture of Senegalese sole and the investigation of its reproductive endocrinology.