Single-Cell RNA-Seq of Pituitary and Ovary Identifies Regulators of Reproduction in Yellow Catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)

The pituitary and gonads serve as central regulatory hubs and functional organs for gametogenesis and maturation. In this study, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of the pituitary and ovary in pre-spawning Pelteobagrus fulvidraco to elucidate the cellular landscape and regulatory pathways governing gonadal development and oocyte maturation. Pituitaries from four female fish (weight: 43.8 ± 3.2 g; length: 14.1 ± 0.7 cm) and four male fish (weight: 78.2 ± 11.2 g; length: 18.9 ± 1.1 cm) were subjected to single-cell transcriptomic analysis. A total of 17 distinct cell types were identified in the female pituitary, whereas 15 cell types were detected in the male pituitary. Both male and female pituitaries comprised multiple hormone-secreting endocrine populations, indicating a largely conserved cellular composition. However, sex-specific differences were observed in thyrotrope subtypes, suggesting potential sexual dimorphism in pituitary endocrine regulation. Examination of receptor gene expression revealed cell-type-specific regulatory capacities, highlighting gonadotropin, steroid, and neuropeptide responsiveness across pituitary populations. In the ovary, 10 cell types were identified, with granulosa cells (~22.9%) and theca cells (~8.6%) showing distinct transcriptional profiles. Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (fshr) was highly expressed in granulosa cells, whereas luteinizing hormone receptor (lhcgr) and steroidogenic genes (hsd3b1, pgr) were predominantly localized in theca cells, indicating functional compartmentalization of gonadotropin and steroid signaling. Prostaglandin (PG) and melatonin (MT) pathways were implicated in paracrine regulation: the prostaglandin synthase ptgs2a was expressed in theca, germ, and immune cells, while ptger2a was expressed in granulosa cells; melatonin synthesis genes (aanat1, aanat2, asmtl) were confined to granulosa cells, with receptors (mtnr1ab) in germ cells. These findings suggest that ovarian paracrine signaling complements systemic endocrine control to modulate oocyte maturation and ovulation. This single-cell atlas provides a high-resolution framework of reproductive cell types and signaling networks in P. fulvidraco, offering insights for improving artificial breeding and reproductive management in aquaculture.