Hypoxia Causes Transgenerational Impairment of Ovarian Development and Hatching Success in Fish

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

53 Scopus Citations
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Author(s)

  • Keng Po Lai
  • Simon Yuan Wang
  • Jing Woei Li
  • Yin Tong
  • Ting Fung Chan
  • Nana Jin
  • Anna Tse
  • Jiang Wen Zhang
  • Bo-Young Lee
  • Jae-Seong Lee
  • Alice Sze Tsai Wong
  • Rudolf Shiu Sun Wu

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3917-3928
Journal / PublicationEnvironmental Science and Technology
Volume53
Issue number7
Online published7 Mar 2019
Publication statusPublished - 2 Apr 2019

Abstract

Hypoxia is a pressing environmental problem in both marine and freshwater ecosystems globally, and this problem will be further exacerbated by global warming in the coming decades. Recently, we reported that hypoxia can cause transgenerational impairment of sperm quality and quantity in fish (in F0, F1, and F2 generations) through DNA methylome modifications. Here, we provide evidence that female fish (Oryzias melastigma) exposed to hypoxia exhibit reproductive impairments (follicle atresia and retarded oocyte development), leading to a drastic reduction in hatching success in the F2 generation of the transgenerational group, although they have never been exposed to hypoxia. Further analyses show that the observed transgenerational impairments in ovarian functions are related to changes in the DNA methylation and expression pattern of two gene clusters that are closely associated with stress-induced cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis. The observed epigenetic and transgenerational alterations suggest that hypoxia may pose a significant threat to the sustainability of natural fish populations.

Citation Format(s)

Hypoxia Causes Transgenerational Impairment of Ovarian Development and Hatching Success in Fish. / Lai, Keng Po; Wang, Simon Yuan; Li, Jing Woei et al.
In: Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 53, No. 7, 02.04.2019, p. 3917-3928.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review