Dataset for selection of stable reference genes for accurate quantitative gene expression analysis in silvertip tetra (Hasemania nana): Implications for sex differentiation and determination

Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is a widely used method for accurate quantitative gene expression analysis. For accurate quantitative verification of RT-qPCR, it is essential to select a reference gene with high expression stability depending on the experimental environment or the different tissues. In this study, we evaluated the stability of nine candidate reference genes, labeled elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1A), ERBB receptor feedback inhibitor 1-like isoform x2 (ERRFI), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), integrin beta2 like (ITGB2), phosphatidylinositol-binding clathrin assembly protein-like isoform x3 (PICALM), 60 s ribosomal protein L5 (RPL5), 60 s ribosomal protein L7 (RPL7), tubulin beta chain (TUBB), and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2A (UBE2A), in the brain (including pituitary gland) gonads and caudal fins of silvertip tetra (Hasemania nana) males and females. The stability evaluation of the reference gene was analyzed using a program based on the geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RankAggreg algorithms. As a result, RPL5 (brain, caudal fin), EF1A (gonad), and PICALM (three tissue types) genes were evaluated as the most stable genes in silvertip tetra females. In males, TUBB (brain, caudal fin) and ITGB2 (gonads, three tissue types) genes were the most stable, and in both sexes, TUBB (brain), ITGB2 (caudal fin), RPL5 (gonads), and PICALM (three tissue types) genes are considered appropriate as reference genes for qRT-PCR analysis. However, the GAPDH gene was judged to be inappropriate for use as a reference gene because gene stability in the brain, caudal fin, and gonads was evaluated to be low in all males and females. As an introductory study on silvertip tetra, a new research model fish, the results of this study are expected to provide helpful information regarding sex differentiation and determination in fish.