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Investigation of Androgen Receptor Gene Expression in Response to Predator Density and Male Density Variation in Guppy Fish (Poecilia reticulata)
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Mahdi Katebi   , Amir Reza Abed-Elmdoust * , Hamid Farahmand , Ali Momeninejad |
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Abstract: (541 Views) |
Introduction: Due to its broad range of reproductive behaviors and availability of genetic and genomic resources, the guppy fish is a model species for studying the evolution of reproductive behavior. Androgens are the primary hormones regulating spermatogenesis and bind to androgen receptors on cells to control reproductive function across different growth stages. Given the importance of androgens in reproductive processes, the present study aims to examine the expression of the androgen receptor gene in response to varying predator densities and different male guppy densities. The findings of this research offer insights into how predator and male guppy densities affect androgen receptor gene expression, as well as the interaction between environmental factors and reproductive regulation in this model species.
Materials & Methods: Sampling of male and female guppies was conducted 5 minutes, 5 hours, 5 days, and 15 days after exposure to predators. The samples were immediately placed in liquid nitrogen tanks and stored at -80°C until RNA extraction. The data related to the target gene were analyzed using the comparative method 2^(-∆∆ct) with the s18 reference gene. Subsequently, the normality of the data and two-sided statistical analysis were performed to determine the significant effects of treatments.
Results: The expression of the target gene indicated that varying predator densities at different exposure times had a significant effect on androgen receptor gene expression levels (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Androgen receptor gene expression decreased in the presence of predators, leading to a reduction in reproductive behavior in guppies. |
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| Keywords: Guppy fish, Androgen receptor, Predator, Reproduction, Gene expression |
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Full-Text [PDF 713 kb]
(208 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/02/11 | Accepted: 2026/01/30 | Published: 2026/06/5
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