Table 5 Sex-related genes previously described in Actinopterygii that matched with GWAS candidate regions identified in this study

SDY

Ssa02, 19, 20

Interferon regulatory factor

Up-regulation of inhibitors of CYP19A (cytochrome P450 aromatase), preventing the accumulation of estrogens required for female development.

[8, 9, 16]

SOX family

Ssa01–3, 5–7, 9–10, 12–17, 19, 21–23, 25–29

Transcription factors

Testis development and male fertility in mammals. Sertoli cell differentiation and seminiferous tubule formation.

[31, 32]

RSPO1

Ssa02, 5

Activator protein

Activator of ovarian determination and differentiation through the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway.

[33, 34]

LMO7

Ssa21, 25

Protein-protein interactions

Regulation of transcription of the emerin gene, an inhibitor of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway through beta-catenin.

[35, 36]

ESR1

Ssa02, 6, 15

Ligand-activated transcription factor

Estrogen nuclear receptor involved in female development in vertebrates. Maintenance of development and maintenance of female status.

[37, 38]

U2AF2A

Ssa02, 14, 15, 27

Binding factor

Steroid receptor. Regulation of transcription mediated by steroid hormone receptors and alternative sex-specific splicing in vertebrates. Female sex differentiation.

[39]

GNRH-R

Ssa02, 5, 23

Binding factor

Receptor of gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Regulation of female reproduction in vertebrates.

[40, 41]

DND

Ssa17, 21

Binding factor

Germ-cell-marker gene in many vertebrates. Involved in primordial germ cell migration and survival in teleosts.

[42]

FIGLA

Ssa02, 20, 21

Transcription factor

Germ-cell-specific transcription factor associated with ovary development and differentiation in vertebrates.

[43]