An RNA-seq time series of the medaka pituitary gland during sexual maturation

Directing both organismal homeostasis and physiological adaptation, the pituitary is a key endocrine gland in all vertebrates. One of its major tasks is to coordinate sexual maturation through the production and release of hormones stimulating gonad development. In order to study its developmental dynamics in the model fish medaka (Oryzias latipes), we sampled both the pituitary and the ovaries of 68 female fish. Of these, 55 spanned the entire course of sexual maturation from prepubertal juveniles to spawning adults. An additional 13 showed either considerably faster or slower growth and development than the majority of fish. We used histological examination of the ovaries to determine a histological maturation stage, and analyzed the pituitary glands using RNA-seq optimized for low input. Taken together, these data reveal the timing of hormone production priorities, and form a comprehensive resource for the study of their regulation.

Automated summary

The pituitary is an important endocrine gland in all vertebrates, playing a role in both organismal homeostasis and physiological adaptation. It coordinates sexual maturation by producing and releasing hormones that stimulate gonad development. A study was conducted on the developmental dynamics of the pituitary in the model fish medaka (Oryzias latipes), where 68 female fish were sampled for their pituitary and ovaries. Histological examination of the ovaries and RNA-seq analysis of the pituitary glands were performed to determine the timing of hormone production priorities and provide a comprehensive resource for their regulation.