Involvement of gonadal soma-derived factor in the reproduction of teleosts

Abstract

Gonadal soma-derived factor (Gsdf) is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily and a teleost-specific gene. Early studies suggested that Gsdf promotes spermatogonial proliferation; however recent reports have shed light on its role in sex differentiation based on expression profiles and gain- and loss-of-function studies. This paper discusses the involvement of Gsdf in gonadal sex differentiation and sex changes in teleosts.

Keywords

• Teleosts
• Medaka
• Gsdf
• Sex determination
• Sex differentiation
• Sex change