Identification of specific molecular markers for spermatogonial stem cells in teleost is crucial for enhancing the efficacy of reproductive biotechnologies in aquaculture, such as transplantation and surrogate production in fishes. Since it is not yet possible to distinguish spermatogonial stem cells of European eel (Anguilla anguilla) using specific molecular markers, we isolated spermatogonial cells from immature European eels to find these potential markers. We attempted this by studying three candidate genes: vasa, nanos2, and dnd1. Two vasa (vasa1 and vasa2) genes, nanos2, and dnd1 were identified, characterized, and studied in the muscle, testis, and isolated spermatogonia. Our results showed that vasa1 and vasa2 had the highest levels of expression when measured by qPCR. In situ hybridization and immunochemistry assays showed that the four genes were localized explicitly in type A spermatogonia. However, vasa1 and vasa2 exhibited stronger signals in the immature testicular tissue than the other two potential markers. According to this, vasa1 and vasa2 were found to be the most effective markers for spermatogonial cells in the European eel.

Department of Aquaculture Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences Páter Károly U 1 2100 Gödöllő Hungary

Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice Zátiší 728 2 389 25 Vodňany Czech Republic

Grupo de Acuicultura y Biodiversidad Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal Universitat Politècnica de València Camino de Vera S N 46022 Valencia Spain

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