Expression analysis of the SOX9 gene in various tissues of Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus)

The SOX9 gene is one of the important transcription factors in the development of many tissues and organs, particularly in sex determination and chondrogenesis among vertebrates. Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) is one of the most important species that is native to the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. This species due to economic value and early maturation compared to other farmed species such as Beluga is considered as main candidate species for aquaculture. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characterization of partial sequence of SOX9 and its expression in various tissues using Real Time PCR. Ten different tissues of Persian sturgeon (gills, pyloric, spleen, gonads, kidney, intestine, heart, skin, liver and muscle) were analyzed. Sequence analysis revealed a 210-bp cDNA and then it registered in NCBI gene bank (KP300013). The results showed that the SOX9 mRNA was detected in most tissues and the maximum expression was measured in gill (0.26±0.5). According to the present results, it seems that in early stages, SOX9 may have a lesser role in sex determination and more involved in other developmental processes such as cartilage forming.