Specialization of the upper and lower olfactory rosettes reveals sex- and origin-dependent plasticity in gene expression in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis).

Authors

Dorinda Torres-Sabino, Oscar Aramburu, Maialen Carballeda, Nina Harmse, Paula R Villamayor, Pablo Sánchez-Quinteiro, Diego Robledo, Carmen Bouza, Paulino Martínez

Published in

BMC biology. Jul 13, 2026. Epub Jul 13, 2026.

Abstract

Olfaction mediates several aspects of fish behaviour, including reproduction. In Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis), a reproductive dysfunction in captive-bred (CB) males limits the establishment of an effective artificial production system and has been linked to altered chemical communication.
We performed a comprehensive RNA-seq analysis of the upper and lower olfactory rosettes of adult Senegalese sole, considering sex (female vs. male) and origin (wild-bred, WB, vs. CB). A total of 15,306 expressed genes, including 404 olfactory receptors, were identified, significantly enhancing the transcriptomic information of the organ. Transcriptional variation was primarily driven by rosette identity, with pronounced differential expression and enrichment of olfactory receptor-related functions between the upper and lower rosettes. CB individuals exhibited reduced transcriptional differentiation between individuals compared to their WB counterparts, suggesting constrained sensory plasticity under captive conditions. Distinct expression patterns were detected among olfactory receptor families, with odorant receptors (ORs) predominantly enriched in the upper rosette and in males, whereas trace amine-associated receptors (TAARs) in the lower rosettes and in females. Furthermore, WB males showed upregulation of genes involved in hormone reception and neuroendocrine signalling, whereas CB males of genes associated with steroid and prostaglandin synthesis and stress-related pathways.
These findings reveal a strong effect of environmental history on the molecular organization of the olfactory organs and suggest that altered sensory and neuroendocrine regulation may contribute to the reproductive dysfunction observed in CB males. This study provides a framework for understanding the links between olfaction, environmental adaptation and reproduction in fish, with implications for improving aquaculture sustainability.

PMID:
42443863
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 14 Jul 2026.

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