Regulation of transforming growth factor beta 1 in the ovary of ovoviviparous black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii).

Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), a multifunctional secreted polypeptide cytokine, has been reported to play crucial roles in pregnancy process of mammals, including immune tolerance and embryonic development. However, less is known in Pisces. Aimed to figure out the molecular mechanism underlying TGF-β1 functions, black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii), an ovoviviparity teleost, which process the sperm storage and gestation periods, was employed as the research model. In the present study, we found that tgfb1 among four tgfb isoforms was highly expressed and localized in ovary. The recombinant TGF-β1 (rTGF-β1) was mainly involved in immune response, signal transduction, angiogenesis and cell death by analyzing transcriptome of ovarian cells. The current results reveal the pivotal role of TGF-β1 in black rockfish ovary and provide novel insights into cytokines in the pregnancy of ovoviviparity teleost.