Abstract
Due to the accumulation of yolk protein, the size of oocyte increased several times during oogenesis in teleosts; this process is known as vitellogenesis. Follicle undergoes final maturation by resumption of meiosis. Vitellogenin (Vtg) is a homodimeric phospholipoglycoprotein, the main precursor of yolk protein, which is synthesized in the liver under the stimulation of estrogen. Vtgs released into the blood and transported to the growing oocytes, and taken up by oocyte via receptor-mediated endocytosis. In their native state, purified Vtgs have a molecular weight of about 325 kilodaltons. Vtg splits into two major peptides having molecular weights of 190 and 160 kD on the treatment of sulfated sodium dodecyl. Vtgs include protein carbohydrates, lipids, minerals, vitamins, and other important materials, which are essential for embryogenesis. Yolk protein is made up of five different components such as heavy-chain lipovitellin, light-chain lipovitellin, phosvitin, β-component, and carboxy-terminal component. There are two forms of Vtgs, complete and incomplete. Incomplete Vtgs are further divided into those having phosvitin and phosvitinless (Pv-less) domain. Vtg C is another type of incomplete vitellogenin, without Pv and β-c and Ct domain but having lipovitellin (LvH and LvL). Lr8 is an important receptor having a molecular weight of 100–110 kDa. The Lr8 receptor has two variants Lr8+ and Lr8−, while Lr8− is dominant in the ovary. During the previtellogenic stage, the expression of Lr8− mRNA is highest, whereas its expression is lower or absent during the late- vitellogenic stage in ovulated eggs. Vtg in the blood of female fishes is an important biomarker of the onset of puberty and progression of gonad maturation. In some fishes, which don’t display sexual dimorphism, the presence of Vtgs in their blood is an important indicator to identify the gender of fishes in aquaculture.
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Gupta, G., Kumar, M., Rani, S., Mohanta, B. (2021). Vitellogenesis and Their Endocrine Control in Fishes. In: Sundaray, J.K., Rather, M.A., Kumar, S., Agarwal, D. (eds) Recent updates in molecular Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology of Fish. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-8369-8_2
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