硬骨鱼类雌激素受体及其在生殖调节中的作用研究

Studies on Oestrogen Receptors and Their Physiological Function in the Reproductive Regulation of Teleosts

在脊椎动物中,雌激素的生理作用是通过雌激素受体(ER)介导的,这种转录因子属于类固醇激素核受体家族成员。从哺乳动物到硬骨鱼类,均存在2种ER类型,即ERα和ERβ。与高等脊椎动物不同的是,由于基因重复等原因,硬骨鱼类ERβ存在异型体结构,称为ERβ1和β2或者ERβ和γ,它们在鱼类胚胎发育和性腺发育过程中表现为不同的组织分布和表达类型。一般认为,雌激素主要调节雌性个体的生理功能。然而,鱼类的精巢也表现明显的雌激素受体活性,说明雌激素也参与调节硬骨鱼类精巢的生理功能。

In vertebrates, estrogen actions are mediated by estrogen receptors（ERs）, which are transcription factors belonging to the family of steroid nuclear receptors. Estrogen hormones interact with cellular ERs to exert their biological effects in vertebrate animals. Two types of ERs, ERα and ERβ, have been characterised from mammals to teleosts. The ERβ subtype is found as two different isoforms in several fish species because of a gene duplication event. These subtypes form two distinct molecular clusters and display different tissue distributions and expression patterns during embryogenesis and gonad development. Estrogens have been most commonly associated with the regulation of female functions. However, the testes of a variety of teleosts are known to express estrogen receptor activity, suggesting that estrogens also participate in the regulation of testicular function.