Title : Advances in tilapia sex reversal: Bridging the gap from molecular mechanisms to sustainable aquaculture practices
Abstract:
The culture of monosex, predominantly all-male, populations of tilapia is a cornerstone of global tilapia aquaculture. This practice capitalizes on the superior growth rates of males and prevents uncontrolled reproduction in grow-out ponds, leading to higher yields and uniform harvest sizes. This article synthesizes the extensive body of research on tilapia sex reversal, encompassing the underlying genetic, endocrine, and epigenetic mechanisms. It critically evaluates various methodological approaches—hormonal, environmental, genetic, and novel biotechnological—discussing their practical applications, efficiencies, and limitations. The balance between estrogen and androgen signaling, governed by key genes like amhy, cyp19a1a, dmrt1, and foxl2, is central to sex differentiation. Epigenetic regulation, particularly DNA methylation and histone modification, plays a critical role in mediating environmental influences, such as temperature. The field has evolved significantly from reliance on synthetic hormone treatments towards advanced techniques like Marker-Assisted Selection for Genetically Male Tilapia (MAS-GMT), gene editing, and nanoparticle-enhanced hormone delivery, which offer improved precision and reduced environmental impact.The pursuit of sustainable, efficient, and environmentally benign sex-control strategies is paramount. Future directions will involve the integration of multi-omics data, the development of climate-resilient strains, and the refinement of smart delivery systems. These advances are crucial for optimizing tilapia production to meet the demands of global food security.
Keywords: Oreochromis niloticus; Monosex Culture; Sex Determination; Methyltestosterone; Aromatase Inhibitors; Genetically Male Tilapia (GMT); Epigenetics
