Análisis multi-ómico en gónadas de Solea senegalensis perspectivas moleculares de la reproducción en individuos salvajes y F1

This doctoral thesis, focused on the species Solea senegalensis (Kaup, 1858), advances the understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating reproduction by providing evidence of processes associated with reproductive dysfunction in captive-bred individuals. This species, of high economic relevance for European and Mediterranean aquaculture, faces major reproductive limitations under controlled farming conditions, particularly in males, which restricts the consolidation of a fully closed production cycle. Using an integrative multi-omics approach, this thesis combines transcriptomic, proteomic, and DNA methylation analyses of gonadal tissue from males and females of different origins (wild and F1), with the aim of characterizing the biological pathways underlying gonadal maturation and identifying dysregulated processes associated with domestication. Transcriptomic analysis identified gene networks involved in sexual differentiation, steroidogenesis, and cell communication, demonstrating that sexual maturity and fertility do not rely exclusively on structural genes but rather on coordinated regulation across metabolic and neuroendocrine pathways. Comparative proteomic analysis revealed significant differences in protein expression between wild and F1 individuals, particularly in males, highlighting the downregulation of proteins related to spermatogenesis, flagellar assembly, and sperm–egg interaction. These findings confirm the presence of a molecularly based testicular dysfunction associated with incomplete maturation and reduced fertilization competence under farming conditions. Integration of these approaches showed that while metabolic pathways maintain correspondence between transcripts and proteins, reproductive pathways exhibit translational uncoupling, which partially explains the reduced reproductive competence observed in F1 males. The analysis of DNA methylation patterns provided an additional regulatory layer, revealing epigenetic modifications associated with origin that contribute to interpreting the variability observed between gene expression and protein abundance levels. This multi-omic uncoupling reflects a partial desynchronization of molecular regulation, likely influenced by artificial rearing conditions and the absence of natural environmental stimuli. Overall, this research provides an integrative view of the regulation of reproductive processes, establishing molecular bases to understand the mechanisms underlying the low reproductive performance of captive-bred F1 individuals of S. senegalensis. The findings contribute to the development of molecular biomarkers of gonadal maturity and fertility, including epigenetic regulators, as well as to the implementation of appropriate management and genetic selection strategies aimed at optimizing reproductive efficiency and sustainability in aquaculture. The multi-omics approach developed here consolidates a reference methodological framework for the study of reproductive physiology and domestication effects in marine species of aquaculture interest.

Author dc:creator

• Anaya Romero, Marco Eliécer

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Rebordinos González, Laureana
• Arias Pérez, Alberto

Statement dc:rights

• Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 Internacional

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Language dc:language.iso

spa

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10498/39669

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:rodin.uca.es:10498/39669