1
|
Helfrich-Förster C, Rieger D. A clock for all seasons. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2024; 210:473-480. [PMID: 38896260 PMCID: PMC11226552 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-024-01711-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Circadian clocks play an essential role in adapting locomotor activity as well as physiological, and metabolic rhythms of organisms to the day-night cycles on Earth during the four seasons. In addition, they can serve as a time reference for measuring day length and adapt organisms in advance to annual changes in the environment, which can be particularly pronounced at higher latitudes. The physiological responses of organisms to day length are also known as photoperiodism. This special issue of the Journal of Comparative Physiology A aims to account for diurnal and photoperiodic adaptations by presenting a collection of ten review articles, five original research articles, and three perspective pieces. The contributions include historical accounts, circadian and photoperiodic clock models, epigenetic, molecular, and neuronal mechanisms of seasonal adaptations, latitudinal differences in photoperiodic responses and studies in the wild that address the challenges of global change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dirk Rieger
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Biocentre, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Michel S, Kervezee L. One seasonal clock fits all? J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2024; 210:641-647. [PMID: 37947808 PMCID: PMC11226558 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-023-01680-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Adaptation of physiology and behavior to seasonal changes in the environment are for many organisms essential for survival. Most of our knowledge about the underlying mechanisms comes from research on photoperiodic regulation of reproduction in plants, insects and mammals. However, even humans, who mostly live in environments with minimal seasonal influences, show annual rhythms in physiology (e.g., immune activity, brain function), behavior (e.g., sleep-wake cycles) and disease prevalence (e.g., infectious diseases). As seasonal variations in environmental conditions may be drastically altered due to climate change, the understanding of the mechanisms underlying seasonal adaptation of physiology and behavior becomes even more relevant. While many species have developed specific solutions for dedicated tasks of photoperiodic regulation, we find a number of common principles and mechanisms when comparing insect and mammalian systems: (1) the circadian system contributes to photoperiodic regulation; (2) similar signaling molecules (VIP and PDF) are used for transferring information from the circadian system to the neuroendocrine system controlling the photoperiodic response; (3) the hormone melatonin participates in seasonal adaptation in insects as well as mammals; and (4) changes in photoperiod affect neurotransmitter function in both animal groups. The few examples of overlap elaborated in this perspective article, as well as the discussion on relevance for humans, should be seen as encouragement to unravel the machinery of seasonal adaptation in a multitude of organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Michel
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Postzone S5-P, 2300 RC, PO Box 9600, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Laura Kervezee
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Postzone S5-P, 2300 RC, PO Box 9600, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kulsoom K, Ali W, Saba Z, Hussain S, Zahra S, Irshad M, Ramzan MS. Revealing Melatonin's Mysteries: Receptors, Signaling Pathways, and Therapeutics Applications. Horm Metab Res 2024; 56:405-418. [PMID: 38081221 DOI: 10.1055/a-2226-3971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Melatonin (5-methoxy-acetyl tryptamine) is a sleep-inducing hormone, and the pineal gland produces it in response to the circadian clock of darkness. In the body, MT1 and MT2 receptors are mostly found, having an orthosteric pocket and ligand binding determinants. Melatonin acts by binding on melatonin receptors, intracellular proteins, and orphan nuclear receptors. It inhibits adenyl cyclase and activates phospholipase C, resulting in gene expression and an intracellular alteration environment. Melatonin signaling pathways are also associated with other intracellular signaling pathways, i. e., cAMP/PKA and MAPK/ERK pathways. Relative expression of different proteins depends on the coupling profile of G protein, accounting pharmacology of the melatonin receptor bias system, and mediates action in a Gi-dependent manner. It shows antioxidant, antitumor, antiproliferative, and neuroprotective activity. Different types of melatonin agonists have been synthesized for the treatment of sleeping disorders. Researchers have developed therapeutics that target melatonin signaling, which could benefit a wide range of medical conditions. This review focuses on melatonin receptors, pharmacology, and signaling cascades; it aims to provide basic mechanical aspects of the receptor's pharmacology, melatonin's functions in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, and any treatments and drugs designed for these diseases. This will allow a basic comparison between the receptors in question, highlighting any parallels and differences that may exist and providing fundamental knowledge about these receptors to future researchers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kulsoom Kulsoom
- Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Wajahat Ali
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xian, China
| | - Zainab Saba
- Department of Optometry, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering & Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan
| | - Shabab Hussain
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, Universita degli studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Samra Zahra
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Maria Irshad
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Muhammad Saeed Ramzan
- Department of Pharmacology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Stępniak J, Karbownik-Lewińska M. Protective Effects of Melatonin against Carcinogen-Induced Oxidative Damage in the Thyroid. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1646. [PMID: 38730600 PMCID: PMC11083294 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Melatonin, primarily synthesized in the pineal gland, plays a crucial role in regulating circadian rhythms and possesses significant antioxidative properties. By neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, melatonin emerges as a promising agent for the prevention and therapy of many different disorders, including cancer. This paper reviews the relationship between the thyroid gland and melatonin, presenting experimental evidence on the protective effects of this indoleamine against oxidative damage to macromolecules in thyroid tissue caused by documented carcinogens (as classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC) or caused by potential carcinogens. Furthermore, the possible influence on cancer therapy in humans and the overall well-being of cancer patients are discussed. The article highlights melatonin's essential role in maintaining thyroid health and its contribution to management strategies in patients with thyroid cancer and other thyroid diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Stępniak
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Lodz, Rzgowska St. 281/289, 93-338 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Karbownik-Lewińska
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Lodz, Rzgowska St. 281/289, 93-338 Lodz, Poland;
- Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital-Research Institute, Rzgowska St. 281/289, 93-338 Lodz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chiu JC. Editorial: Rising stars in chronobiology 2022. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1412956. [PMID: 38725565 PMCID: PMC11079284 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1412956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna C. Chiu
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liddle TA, Majumdar G, Stewart C, Bain MM, Stevenson TJ. Dissociating Mechanisms That Underlie Seasonal and Developmental Programs for the Neuroendocrine Control of Physiology in Birds. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0154-23.2023. [PMID: 38548332 PMCID: PMC11007308 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0154-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Long-term programmed rheostatic changes in physiology are essential for animal fitness. Hypothalamic nuclei and the pituitary gland govern key developmental and seasonal transitions in reproduction. The aim of this study was to identify the molecular substrates that are common and unique to developmental and seasonal timing. Adult and juvenile quail were collected from reproductively mature and immature states, and key molecular targets were examined in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) and pituitary gland. qRT-PCR assays established deiodinase type 2 (DIO2) and type 3 (DIO3) expression in adults changed with photoperiod manipulations. However, DIO2 and DIO3 remain constitutively expressed in juveniles. Pituitary gland transcriptome analyses established that 340 transcripts were differentially expressed across seasonal photoperiod programs and 1,189 transcripts displayed age-dependent variation in expression. Prolactin (PRL) and follicle-stimulating hormone subunit beta (FSHβ) are molecular markers of seasonal programs and are significantly upregulated in long photoperiod conditions. Growth hormone expression was significantly upregulated in juvenile quail, regardless of photoperiodic condition. These findings indicate that a level of cell autonomy in the pituitary gland governs seasonal and developmental programs in physiology. Overall, this paper yields novel insights into the molecular mechanisms that govern developmental programs and adult brain plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Adam Liddle
- Laboratory of Seasonal Biology, School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Gaurav Majumdar
- Department of Zoology, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India
| | - Calum Stewart
- Laboratory of Seasonal Biology, School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Maureen M Bain
- Laboratory of Seasonal Biology, School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Tyler John Stevenson
- Laboratory of Seasonal Biology, School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pawlicki P, Yurdakok-Dikmen B, Tworzydlo W, Kotula-Balak M. Toward understanding the role of the interstitial tissue architects: Possible functions of telocytes in the male gonad. Theriogenology 2024; 217:25-36. [PMID: 38241912 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Telocytes represent a relatively recently discovered population of interstitial cells with a unique morphological structure that distinguishes them from other neighboring cells. Through their long protrusions extending from the cell body, telocytes create microenvironments via tissue compartmentalization and create homo- and hetero-cellular junctions. These establish a three-dimensional network enabling the maintenance of interstitial compartment homeostasis through regulation of extracellular matrix organization and activity, structural support, paracrine and juxtracrine communication, immunomodulation, immune surveillance, cell survival, and apoptosis. The presence of telocytes has also been confirmed in testicular interstitial tissue of many species of animals. The objective of this review is to summarize recent findings on telocytes in the male gonad, on which conclusions have been deduced that indicate the involvement of telocytes in maintaining the cytoarchitecture of the testicular interstitial tissue, in the processes of spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis, and photoperiod-mediated changes in the testes in seasonally reproductive animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Pawlicki
- Center of Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Redzina 1c, 30-248, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Begum Yurdakok-Dikmen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ankara University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara, 06110, Dışkapı, Turkey.
| | - Waclaw Tworzydlo
- Department of Developmental Biology and Invertebrate Morphology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 9, 30-385, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Malgorzata Kotula-Balak
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Preclinical Sciences, University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UA, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059, Krakow, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chang J, Xu Y, Fu Y, Liu J, Jiang D, Pan J, Ouyang H, Liu W, Xu J, Tian Y, Huang Y, Ruan J, Shen X. The dynamic landscape of chromatin accessibility and active regulatory elements in the mediobasal hypothalamus influences the seasonal activation of the reproductive axis in the male quail under long light exposure. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:197. [PMID: 38373887 PMCID: PMC10877898 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10097-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In cold and temperate zones, seasonal reproduction plays a crucial role in the survival and reproductive success of species. The photoperiod influences reproductive processes in seasonal breeders through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, in which the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) serves as the central region responsible for transmitting light information to the endocrine system. However, the cis-regulatory elements and the transcriptional activation mechanisms related to seasonal activation of the reproductive axis in MBH remain largely unclear. In this study, an artificial photoperiod program was used to induce the HPG axis activation in male quails, and we compared changes in chromatin accessibility changes during the seasonal activation of the HPG axis. RESULTS Alterations in chromatin accessibility occurred in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) and stabilized at LD7 during the activation of the HPG axis. Most open chromatin regions (OCRs) are enriched mainly in introns and distal intergenic regions. The differentially accessible regions (DARs) showed enrichment of binding motifs of the RFX, NKX, and MEF family of transcription factors that gained-loss accessibility under long-day conditions, while the binding motifs of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily and BZIP family gained-open accessibility. Retinoic acid signaling and GTPase-mediated signal transduction are involved in adaptation to long days and maintenance of the HPG axis activation. According to our footprint analysis, three clock-output genes (TEF, DBP, and HLF) and the THRA were the first responders to long days in LD3. THRB, NR3C2, AR, and NR3C1 are the key players associated with the initiation and maintenance of the activation of the HPG axis, which appeared at LD7 and tended to be stable under long-day conditions. By integrating chromatin and the transcriptome, three genes (DIO2, SLC16A2, and PDE6H) involved in thyroid hormone signaling showed differential chromatin accessibility and expression levels during the seasonal activation of the HPG axis. TRPA1, a target of THRB identified by DAP-seq, was sensitive to photoactivation and exhibited differential expression levels between short- and long-day conditions. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that trans effects were the main factors affecting gene expression during the seasonal activation of the HPG axis. This study could lead to further research on the seasonal reproductive behavior of birds, particularly the role of MBH in controlling seasonal reproductive behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianye Chang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518120, China
| | - Yanglong Xu
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Yuting Fu
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Danli Jiang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Jianqiu Pan
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Hongjia Ouyang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Wenjun Liu
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Jin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yunbo Tian
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Yunmao Huang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China.
| | - Jue Ruan
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518120, China.
| | - Xu Shen
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ji C, Ou Y, Yu W, Lv J, Zhang F, Li H, Gu Z, Li J, Zhong Z, Wang H. Thyroid-stimulating hormone-thyroid hormone signaling contributes to circadian regulation through repressing clock2/npas2 in zebrafish. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:61-74. [PMID: 37328030 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is important for the thyroid gland, development, growth, and metabolism. Defects in TSH production or the thyrotrope cells within the pituitary gland cause congenital hypothyroidism (CH), resulting in growth retardation and neurocognitive impairment. While human TSH is known to display rhythmicity, the molecular mechanisms underlying the circadian regulation of TSH and the effects of TSH-thyroid hormone (TH) signaling on the circadian clock remain elusive. Here we show that TSH, thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and tshba display rhythmicity in both larval and adult zebrafish and tshba is regulated directly by the circadian clock via both E'-box and D-box. Zebrafish tshba-/- mutants manifest congenital hypothyroidism, with the characteristics of low levels of T4 and T3 and growth retardation. Loss or overexpression of tshba alters the rhythmicity of locomotor activities and expression of core circadian clock genes and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis-related genes. Furthermore, TSH-TH signaling regulates clock2/npas2 via the thyroid response element (TRE) in its promoter, and transcriptome analysis reveals extensive functions of Tshba in zebrafish. Together, our results demonstrate that zebrafish tshba is a direct target of the circadian clock and in turn plays critical roles in circadian regulation along with other functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Ji
- Center for Circadian Clocks, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China; School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Yue Ou
- Center for Circadian Clocks, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China; School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Wangjianfei Yu
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Jiaxin Lv
- Center for Circadian Clocks, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China; School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Fanmiao Zhang
- Center for Circadian Clocks, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China; School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Huashan Li
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Zeyun Gu
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Jiayuan Li
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Zhaomin Zhong
- Center for Circadian Clocks, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China; School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Han Wang
- Center for Circadian Clocks, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China; School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hughes BR, Shanaz S, Ismail-Sutton S, Wreglesworth NI, Subbe CP, Innominato PF. Circadian lifestyle determinants of immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1284089. [PMID: 38111535 PMCID: PMC10727689 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1284089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionised cancer care in recent years. Despite a global improvement in the efficacy and tolerability of systemic anticancer treatments, a sizeable proportion of patients still do not benefit maximally from ICI. Extensive research has been undertaken to reveal the immune- and cancer-related mechanisms underlying resistance and response to ICI, yet more limited investigations have explored potentially modifiable lifestyle host factors and their impact on ICI efficacy and tolerability. Moreover, multiple trials have reported a marked and coherent effect of time-of-day ICI administration and patients' outcomes. The biological circadian clock indeed temporally controls multiple aspects of the immune system, both directly and through mediation of timing of lifestyle actions, including food intake, physical exercise, exposure to bright light and sleep. These factors potentially modulate the immune response also through the microbiome, emerging as an important mediator of a patient's immune system. Thus, this review will look at critically amalgamating the existing clinical and experimental evidence to postulate how modifiable lifestyle factors could be used to improve the outcomes of cancer patients on immunotherapy through appropriate and individualised entrainment of the circadian timing system and temporal orchestration of the immune system functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bethan R. Hughes
- Oncology Department, Ysbyty Gwynedd, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Bangor, United Kingdom
- School of Medical Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
| | - Sadiq Shanaz
- Oncology Department, Ysbyty Gwynedd, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Bangor, United Kingdom
| | - Seline Ismail-Sutton
- Oncology Department, Ysbyty Gwynedd, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Bangor, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas I. Wreglesworth
- Oncology Department, Ysbyty Gwynedd, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Bangor, United Kingdom
- School of Medical Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
| | - Christian P. Subbe
- School of Medical Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
- Department of Acute Medicine, Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor, United Kingdom
| | - Pasquale F. Innominato
- Oncology Department, Ysbyty Gwynedd, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Bangor, United Kingdom
- Cancer Chronotherapy Team, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Research Unit ‘Chronotherapy, Cancers and Transplantation’, Faculty of Medicine, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Munley KM, Sinkiewicz DM, Szwed SM, Demas GE. Sex and seasonal differences in neural steroid sensitivity predict territorial aggression in Siberian hamsters. Horm Behav 2023; 154:105390. [PMID: 37354601 PMCID: PMC10527453 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Many animals display marked changes in physiology and behavior on a seasonal timescale, including non-reproductive social behaviors (e.g., aggression). Previous studies from our lab suggest that the pineal hormone melatonin acts via steroid hormones to regulate seasonal aggression in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus), a species in which both males and females display increased non-breeding aggression. The neural actions of melatonin on steroids and aggressive behavior, however, are relatively unexplored. Here, we housed male and female hamsters in long-day photoperiods (LDs, characteristic of breeding season) or short-day photoperiods (SDs, characteristic of non-breeding season) and administered timed melatonin (M) or control injections. Following 10 weeks of treatment, we quantified aggressive behavior and neural steroid sensitivity by measuring the relative mRNA expression of two steroidogenic enzymes (aromatase and 5α-reductase 3) and estrogen receptor 1 in brain regions associated with aggression or reproduction [medial preoptic area (MPOA), anterior hypothalamus (AH), arcuate nucleus (ARC), and periaqueductal gray (PAG)] via quantitative PCR. Although LD-M and SD males and females displayed increased aggression and similar changes in gene expression in the ARC, there were sex-specific effects of treatment with melatonin and SDs on gene expression in the MPOA, AH, and PAG. Furthermore, males and females exhibited different relationships between neural gene expression and aggression in response to melatonin and SDs. Collectively, these findings support a role for melatonin in regulating seasonal variation in neural steroid sensitivity and aggression and reveal how distinct neuroendocrine responses may modulate a similar behavioral phenotype in male and female hamsters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M Munley
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA.
| | - David M Sinkiewicz
- Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Sydney M Szwed
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Gregory E Demas
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Liu J, Xu Y, Wang Y, Zhang J, Fu Y, Liufu S, Jiang D, Pan J, Ouyang H, Huang Y, Tian Y, Shen X. The DNA methylation status of the serotonin metabolic pathway associated with reproductive inactivation induced by long-light exposure in Magang geese. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:355. [PMID: 37365488 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09342-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Domestic geese are seasonal breeders and have the lowest reproductive capacity among all poultry species. Magang geese is a topical short-day breeder, short photoperiod exposure stimulates its reproductive activity while long photoperiod inhibits. To explore epigenetic change that could influence reproductive activity, we performed whole genome bisulfite sequencing and transcriptome sequencing in the hypothalamus at three reproductive stages during long-light exposure in male Magang geese. RESULTS A total number of 10,602 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified among three comparison groups. We observed that the vast majority of DMRs were enriched in intron regions. By integrating the BS-sequencing and RNA-seq data, the correlation between methylation changes of CG DMRs and expression changes of their associated genes was significant only for genes containing CG DMRs in their intron. A total of 278 DMR-associated DEGs were obtained among the three stages. KEGG analysis revealed that the DMR-associated DEGs were mainly involved in 11 pathways. Among them, the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway was significantly enriched in both two comparisons (RA vs.RD and RD vs.RI); the Wnt signaling pathway, apelin signaling pathway, melanogenesis, calcium signaling pathway, focal adhesion, and adherens junction were significantly enriched in the RA vs. RI comparison. In addition, the expression level of two serotonin-metabolic genes was significantly altered during reproductive axis inactivation by the methylation status of their promoter region (TPH2) and intron region (SLC18A2), respectively. These results were confirmed by Bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP), pyrosequencing, and real-time qPCR, indicating that serotonin metabolic signaling may play a key role in decreasing the reproductive activity of Magang geese induced by long-light exposure. Furthermore, we performed a metabolomics approach to investigate the concentration of neurotransmitters among the three stages, and found that 5-HIAA, the last product of the serotonin metabolic pathway, was significantly decreased in the hypothalamus during RI. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals that the methylation status of the serotonin metabolic pathway in the hypothalamus is associated with reproductive inactivation, and provided new insight into the effect of DNA methylation on the reproductive regulation of the hypothalamus in Magang geese.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Yanglong Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Yushuai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510275, China
| | - Jinning Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510275, China
| | - Yuting Fu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Sui Liufu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Danli Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Jianqiu Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Hongjia Ouyang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Yunmao Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China.
| | - Yunbo Tian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China.
| | - Xu Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Liu X, Cai L, Zhu L, Tian Z, Shen Z, Cheng J, Zhang S, Li Z, Liu X. Mutation of the clock gene timeless disturbs diapause induction and adult emergence rhythm in Helicoverpa armigera. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:1876-1884. [PMID: 36654480 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circadian rhythms are physical and behavioral changes that follow the 24-h cycle of Earth's light and temperature and are regulated by clock genes. Timeless (Tim) has been identified as a canonical clock gene in some insects, however, its functions have been little studied in lepidopteran pests. RESULTS To investigate Tim (HaTim) gene function in Helicoverpa armigera, an important lepidopteran pest, we obtained the HaTim mutant using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system. Our results showed that the transcript levels of HaTim rhythmically peaked at night in heads of the wild larvae and adult, and the diel expression of HaTim was sensitive to photoperiod and temperature. The expression rhythms of other clock genes, such as HaPer, HaCry1, HaCry2 and HaCwo, were disturbed in the HaTim mutant larvae, as that stage is a sensitivity period for diapause induction. Fifth-instar wild-type larvae could be induced to pupate in diapause under a short-day photoperiod and low temperature, however, fifth-instar HaTim mutant larvae could not be induced under the same conditions. In addition, the emergence of wild-type adults peaked early at night, but the rhythm was disturbed in the HaTim mutant with arrhythmic expression of some clock genes, such as HaPer, HaCry1 and HaCwo in adults. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the clock gene Tim is involved in diapause induction and adult emergence in H. armigera, and is a potential target gene for controlling pest. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Liu
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Limei Cai
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiqiang Tian
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongjian Shen
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Songdou Zhang
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
de Souza EJO, Queiroz LMD, Lima EIMD, Costa GRDR, Torres TR, Bezerra AC, Martins dos Santos W, da Silva CS. Can GPS monitoring help farmers select the best nutritional management strategy for finishing sheep on pasture? Livest Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2023.105229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
|
15
|
Kalita E, Panda M, Prajapati VK. The interplay between circadian clock and viral infections: A molecular perspective. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2023; 137:293-330. [PMID: 37709380 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The circadian clock influences almost every aspect of mammalian behavioral, physiological and metabolic processes. Being a hierarchical network, the circadian clock is driven by the central clock in the brain and is composed of several peripheral tissue-specific clocks. It orchestrates and synchronizes the daily oscillations of biological processes to the environment. Several pathological events are influenced by time and seasonal variations and as such implicate the clock in pathogenesis mechanisms. In context with viral infections, circadian rhythmicity is closely associated with host susceptibility, disease severity, and pharmacokinetics and efficacies of antivirals and vaccines. Leveraging the circadian molecular mechanism insights has increased our understanding of clock infection biology and proposes new avenues for viral diagnostics and therapeutics. In this chapter, we address the molecular interplay between the circadian clock and viral infections and discuss the importance of chronotherapy as a complementary approach to conventional medicines, emphasizing the significance of virus-clock studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elora Kalita
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| | - Mamta Panda
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Prajapati
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, India..
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Munley KM, Han Y, Lansing MX, Demas GE. Winter madness: Melatonin as a neuroendocrine regulator of seasonal aggression. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 337:873-889. [PMID: 35451566 PMCID: PMC9587138 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Individuals of virtually all vertebrate species are exposed to annual fluctuations in the deterioration and renewal of their environments. As such, organisms have evolved to restrict energetically expensive processes and activities to a specific time of the year. Thus, the precise timing of physiology and behavior is critical for individual reproductive success and subsequent fitness. Although the majority of research on seasonality has focused on seasonal reproduction, pronounced fluctuations in other non-reproductive social behaviors, including agonistic behaviors (e.g., aggression), also occur. To date, most studies that have investigated the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying seasonal aggression have focused on the role of photoperiod (i.e., day length); prior findings have demonstrated that some seasonally breeding species housed in short "winter-like" photoperiods display increased aggression compared with those housed in long "summer-like" photoperiods, despite inhibited reproduction and low gonadal steroid levels. While fewer studies have examined how the hormonal correlates of environmental cues regulate seasonal aggression, our previous work suggests that the pineal hormone melatonin acts to increase non-breeding aggression in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) by altering steroid hormone secretion. This review addresses the physiological and cellular mechanisms underlying seasonal plasticity in aggressive and non-aggressive social behaviors, including a key role for melatonin in facilitating a "neuroendocrine switch" to alternative physiological mechanisms of aggression across the annual cycle. Collectively, these studies highlight novel and important mechanisms by which melatonin regulates aggressive behavior in vertebrates and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the neuroendocrine bases of seasonal social behaviors broadly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M. Munley
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Yuqi Han
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Matt X. Lansing
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Gregory E. Demas
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Chmura HE, Williams CT. A cross-taxonomic perspective on the integration of temperature cues in vertebrate seasonal neuroendocrine pathways. Horm Behav 2022; 144:105215. [PMID: 35687987 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The regulation of seasonality has been an area of interest for decades, yet global climate change has created extra urgency in the quest to understand how sensory circuits and neuroendocrine control systems interact to generate flexibility in biological timekeeping. The capacity of temperature to alter endogenous or photoperiod-regulated neuroendocrine mechanisms driving seasonality, either as a direct cue or through temperature-dependent effects on energy and metabolism, is at the heart of this phenological flexibility. However, until relatively recently, little research had been done on the integration of temperature information in canonical seasonal neuroendocrine pathways, particularly in vertebrates. We review recent advances from research in vertebrates that deepens our understanding of how temperature cues are perceived and integrated into seasonal hypothalamic thyroid hormone (TH) signaling, which is a critical regulator of downstream seasonal phenotypic changes such as those regulated by the BPG (brain-pituitary-gonadal) axis. Temperature perception occurs through cutaneous transient receptor potential (TRP) neurons, though sensitivity of these neurons varies markedly across taxa. Although photoperiod is the dominant cue used to trigger seasonal physiology or entrain circannual clocks, across birds, mammals, fish, reptiles and amphibians, seasonality appears to be temperature sensitive and in at least some cases this appears to be related to phylogenetically conserved TH signaling in the hypothalamus. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms through which temperature modulates seasonal neuroendocrine pathways remains poorly understood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen E Chmura
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2140 Koyukuk Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA; Rocky Mountain Research Station, United States Forest Service, 800 E. Beckwith Ave., Missoula, MT 59801, USA.
| | - Cory T Williams
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, 1878 Campus Delivery Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Aubry LM, Williams CT. Vertebrate Phenological Plasticity: from Molecular Mechanisms to Ecological and Evolutionary Implications. Integr Comp Biol 2022; 62:958-971. [PMID: 35867980 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icac121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Seasonal variation in the availability of essential resources is one of the most important drivers of natural selection on the phasing and duration of annually recurring life-cycle events. Shifts in seasonal timing are among the most commonly reported responses to climate change and the capacity of organisms to adjust their timing, either through phenotypic plasticity or evolution, is a critical component of resilience. Despite growing interest in documenting and forecasting the impacts of climate change on phenology, our ability to predict how individuals, populations, and species might alter their seasonal timing in response to their changing environments is constrained by limited knowledge regarding the cues animals use to adjust timing, the endogenous genetic and molecular mechanisms that transduce cues into neural and endocrine signals, and the inherent capacity of animals to alter their timing and phasing within annual cycles. Further, the fitness consequences of phenological responses are often due to biotic interactions within and across trophic levels, rather than being simple outcomes of responses to changes in the abiotic environment. Here, we review the current state of knowledge regarding the mechanisms that control seasonal timing in vertebrates, as well as the ecological and evolutionary consequences of individual, population, and species-level variation in phenological responsiveness. Understanding the causes and consequences of climate-driven phenological shifts requires combining ecological, evolutionary, and mechanistic approaches at individual, populational, and community scales. Thus, to make progress in forecasting phenological responses and demographic consequences, we need to further develop interdisciplinary networks focused on climate change science.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lise M Aubry
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, 1474 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Cory T Williams
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, 1878 Campus Delivery Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wang X, Ran X, Niu X, Huang S, Li S, Wang J. Whole-genome sequence analysis reveals selection signatures for important economic traits in Xiang pigs. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11823. [PMID: 35821031 PMCID: PMC9276726 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14686-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Xiang pig (XP) is one of the best-known indigenous pig breeds in China, which is characterized by its small body size, strong disease resistance, high adaptability, favorite meat quality, small litter sizes, and early sexual maturity. However, the genomic evidence that links these unique traits of XP is still poorly understood. To identify the genomic signatures of selection in XP, we performed whole-genome resequencing on 25 unrelated individual XPs. We obtained 876.70 Gb of raw data from the genomic libraries. The LD analysis showed that the lowest level of linkage disequilibrium was observed in Xiang pig. Comparative genomic analysis between XPs and other breeds including Tibetan, Meishan, Duroc and Landrace revealed 3062, 1228, 907 and 1519 selected regions, respectively. The genes identified in selected regions of XPs were associated with growth and development processes (IGF1R, PROP1, TBX19, STAC3, RLF, SELENOM, MSTN), immunity and disease resistance (ZCCHC2, SERPINB2, ADGRE5, CYP7B1, STAT6, IL2, CD80, RHBDD3, PIK3IP1), environmental adaptation (NR2E1, SERPINB8, SERPINB10, SLC26A7, MYO1A, SDR9C7, UVSSA, EXPH5, VEGFC, PDE1A), reproduction (CCNB2, TRPM6, EYA3, CYP7B1, LIMK2, RSPO1, ADAM32, SPAG16), meat quality traits (DECR1, EWSR1), and early sexual maturity (TAC3). Through the absolute allele frequency difference (ΔAF) analysis, we explored two population-specific missense mutations occurred in NR6A1 and LTBP2 genes, which well explained that the vertebrae numbers of Xiang pigs were less than that of the European pig breeds. Our results indicated that Xiang pigs were less affected by artificial selection than the European and Meishan pig breeds. The selected candidate genes were mainly involved in growth and development, disease resistance, reproduction, meat quality, and early sexual maturity. This study provided a list of functional candidate genes, as well as a number of genetic variants, which would provide insight into the molecular basis for the unique traits of Xiang pig.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiying Wang
- Institute of Agro-Bioengineering/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science and College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.,Tongren University, Tongren, 554300, China
| | - Xueqin Ran
- Institute of Agro-Bioengineering/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science and College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
| | - Xi Niu
- Institute of Agro-Bioengineering/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science and College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Shihui Huang
- Institute of Agro-Bioengineering/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science and College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Institute of Agro-Bioengineering/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science and College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Jiafu Wang
- Institute of Agro-Bioengineering/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservative and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science and College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Susceptibility to the Common Cold Virus is Associated with Day Length. iScience 2022; 25:104789. [PMID: 35982792 PMCID: PMC9379560 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Seasonal rhythms are endogenous timing mechanisms that allow animals living at temperate latitudes to synchronize their physiology to the seasons. Human viral respiratory disease is prevalent in the winter at temperate latitudes, but the role of endogenous mechanisms in these recurring annual patterns is unclear. The Common Cold Project is a repository of data describing the experimental viral challenge of 1,337 participants across the seasons of the year. We report a secondary analysis of these data to investigate if susceptibility to the common cold is associated with day length. The majority of the participants (78%) showed signs of infection but only 32% developed clinical signs of disease, and the probability of infection was significantly higher in longer day lengths (summer), but the disease was more likely in short (winter) day lengths. The persistence of winter disease patterns in experimental conditions supports the role of endogenous seasonality in human susceptibility to viral infection. Outbreaks of viral respiratory disease recur in winter in the northern hemisphere In controlled experiments, common cold infection was more likely in summer Infection was more likely to progress to the development of cold in winter Innate seasonality of human immunity could affect the prevalence of the common cold
Collapse
|
21
|
Melatonin Receptors: A Key Mediator in Animal Reproduction. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9070309. [PMID: 35878326 PMCID: PMC9320721 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9070309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin, a hormone produced by the mammalian pineal gland, influences various physiological activities, many of which are related to animal reproduction, including neuroendocrine function, rhythm regulation, seasonal behavior, gonadogenesis, gamete development and maturation, sexual maturation, and thermoregulation. Melatonin exerts beneficial actions mainly via binding with G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), termed MT1 and MT2. Melatonin receptors are crucial for mediating animal reproduction. This paper reviews the characteristics of melatonin receptors including MT1 and MT2, as well as their roles in mediating signal transduction and biological effects, with a focus on their function in animal reproduction. In addition, we briefly summarize the developments in pharmacological research regarding melatonin receptors as drug targets. It is expected that this review will provide a reference for further exploration and unveiling of melatonin receptor function in reproductive regulation.
Collapse
|
22
|
Takeda M, Suzuki T. Circadian and Neuroendocrine Basis of Photoperiodism Controlling Diapause in Insects and Mites: A Review. Front Physiol 2022; 13:867621. [PMID: 35812309 PMCID: PMC9257128 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.867621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The photoperiodic system is concealed in the highly complex black-box, comprising four functional subunits: 1) a photo/thermo-sensitive input unit, 2) a photoperiodic clock based on a circadian system, 3) a condenser unit counting the number of inductive signals, and 4) a neuroendocrine switch that triggers a phenotypic shift. This review aims to summarize the research history and current reach of our understanding on this subject to connect it with the molecular mechanism of the circadian clock rapidly being unveiled. The review also focuses on the mode of intersubunit information transduction. It will scan the recent advancement in research on each functional subunit, but special attention will be given to the circadian clock–endocrine conjunct and the role of melatonin signaling in the regulation of insect photoperiodism. Prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) probably plays the most crucial role in the regulation of pupal diapause, which is the simplest model system of diapause regulation by hormones investigated so far, particularly in the Chinese oak silkmoth (Antheraea pernyi). A search for the trigger to release the PTTH found some candidates, that is, indoleamines. Indolamine metabolism is controlled by arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (aaNAT). Indolamine dynamics and aaNAT enzymatic activity changed according to photoperiods. aaNAT activity and melatonin content in the brain showed not only a photoperiodic response but also a circadian fluctuation. aaNAT had multiple E-boxes, suggesting that it is a clock-controlled gene (ccg), which implies that cycle (cyc, or brain–muscle Arnt-like 1 = Bmal1)/Clock (Clk) heterodimer binds to E-box and stimulates the transcription of aaNAT, which causes the synthesis of melatonin. RNAi against transcription modulators, cyc, or Clk downregulated aaNAT transcription, while RNAi against repressor of cyc/Clk, per upregulated aaNAT transcription. Immunohistochemical localization showed that the circadian neurons carry epitopes of melatonin-producing elements such as aaNAT, the precursor serotonin, HIOMT, and melatonin as well as clock gene products such as cyc-ir, Per-ir, and dbt-ir, while PTTH-producing neurons juxtaposed against the clock neurons showed hMT2-ir in A. pernyi brain. Melatonin probably binds to the putative melatonin receptor (MT) that stimulates Ca2+ influx, which in turn activates PKC. This induces Rab 8 phosphorylation and exocytosis of PTTH, leading to termination of diapause. All the PTTH-expressing neurons have PKC-ir, and Rab8-ir. When diapause is induced and maintained under short days, serotonin binding to 5HTR1B suppresses PTTH release in a yet unknown way. RNAi against this receptor knocked out photoperiodism; short day response is blocked and diapause was terminated even under the short day condition. The result showed that a relatively simple system controls both induction and termination in pupal diapause of A. pernyi: the circadian system regulates the transcription of aaNAT as a binary switch, the enzyme produces a melatonin rhythm that gates PTTH release, and 5HTR1B and MT are probably also under photoperiodic regulation. Finally, we listed the remaining riddles which need to be resolved, to fully understand this highly complex system in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Makio Takeda
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
- *Correspondence: Makio Takeda,
| | - Takeshi Suzuki
- Graduate School of Bio-Applications and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Grape-Seed Procyanidin Extract (GSPE) Seasonal-Dependent Modulation of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in the Liver of Healthy F344 Rats. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12060839. [PMID: 35740964 PMCID: PMC9221469 DOI: 10.3390/biom12060839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Seasonality is gaining attention in the modulation of some physiological and metabolic functions in mammals. Furthermore, the consumption of natural compounds, such as GSPE, is steadily increasing. Consequently, in order to study the interaction of seasonal variations in day length over natural compounds’ molecular effects, we carried out an animal study using photo-sensitive rats which were chronically exposed for 9 weeks to three photoperiods (L6, L18, and L12) in order to mimic the day length of different seasons (winter/summer/and autumn-spring). In parallel, animals were also treated either with GSPE 25 (mg/kg) or vehicle (VH) for 4 weeks. Interestingly, a seasonal-dependent GSPE modulation on the hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism was observed. For example, some metabolic genes from the liver (SREBP-1c, Gk, Acacα) changed their expression due to seasonality. Furthermore, the metabolomic results also indicated a seasonal influence on the GSPE effects associated with glucose-6-phosphate, D-glucose, and D-ribose, among others. These differential effects, which were also reflected in some plasmatic parameters (i.e., glucose and triglycerides) and hormones (corticosterone and melatonin), were also associated with significant changes in the expression of several hepatic circadian clock genes (Bmal1, Cry1, and Nr1d1) and ER stress genes (Atf6, Grp78, and Chop). Our results point out the importance of circannual rhythms in regulating metabolic homeostasis and suggest that seasonal variations (long or short photoperiods) affect hepatic metabolism in rats. Furthermore, they suggest that procyanidin consumption could be useful for the modulation of the photoperiod-dependent changes on glucose and lipid metabolism, whose alterations could be related to metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease). Furthermore, even though the GSPE effect is not restricted to a specific photoperiod, our results suggest a more significant effect in the L18 condition.
Collapse
|
24
|
Plaza J, Palacios C, Abecia JA, Nieto J, Sánchez-García M, Sánchez N. GPS monitoring reveals circadian rhythmicity in free-grazing sheep. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
|
25
|
Hypothalamic remodeling of thyroid hormone signaling during hibernation in the arctic ground squirrel. Commun Biol 2022; 5:492. [PMID: 35606540 PMCID: PMC9126913 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03431-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hibernation involves prolonged intervals of profound metabolic suppression periodically interrupted by brief arousals to euthermy, the function of which is unknown. Annual cycles in mammals are timed by a photoperiodically-regulated thyroid-hormone-dependent mechanism in hypothalamic tanycytes, driven by thyrotropin (TSH) in the pars tuberalis (PT), which regulates local TH-converting deiodinases and triggers remodeling of neuroendocrine pathways. We demonstrate that over the course of hibernation in continuous darkness, arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii) up-regulate the retrograde TSH/Deiodinase/TH pathway, remodel hypothalamic tanycytes, and activate the reproductive axis. Forcing the premature termination of hibernation by warming animals induced hypothalamic deiodinase expression and the accumulation of secretory granules in PT thyrotrophs and pituitary gonadotrophs, but did not further activate the reproductive axis. We suggest that periodic arousals may allow for the transient activation of hypothalamic thyroid hormone signaling, cellular remodeling, and re-programming of brain circuits in preparation for the short Arctic summer. Arctic ground squirrels hibernating in darkness activate the pars tuberalis - hypothalamus thyroid hormone signaling pathway, remodel hypothalamic tanycytes, and activate the reproductive axis.
Collapse
|
26
|
Dardente H, Simonneaux V. GnRH and the photoperiodic control of seasonal reproduction: Delegating the task to kisspeptin and RFRP-3. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13124. [PMID: 35384117 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Synchronization of mammalian breeding activity to the annual change of photoperiod and environmental conditions is of the utmost importance for individual survival and species perpetuation. Subsequent to the early 1960s, when the central role of melatonin in this adaptive process was demonstrated, our comprehension of the mechanisms through which light regulates gonadal activity has increased considerably. The current model for the photoperiodic neuroendocrine system points to pivotal roles for the melatonin-sensitive pars tuberalis (PT) and its seasonally-regulated production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), as well as for TSH-sensitive hypothalamic tanycytes, radial glia-like cells located in the basal part of the third ventricle. Tanycytes respond to TSH through increased expression of thyroid hormone (TH) deiodinase 2 (Dio2), which leads to heightened production of intrahypothalamic triiodothyronine (T3) during longer days of spring and summer. There is strong evidence that this local, long-day driven, increase in T3 links melatonin input at the PT to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) output, to align breeding with the seasons. The mechanism(s) through which T3 impinges upon GnRH remain(s) unclear. However, two distinct neuronal populations of the medio-basal hypothalamus, which express the (Arg)(Phe)-amide peptides kisspeptin and RFamide-related peptide-3, appear to be well-positioned to relay this seasonal T3 message towards GnRH neurons. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the cellular, molecular and neuroendocrine players, which keep track of photoperiod and ultimately govern GnRH output and seasonal breeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hugues Dardente
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Valérie Simonneaux
- Institute for Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
He X, Di R, Guo X, Cao X, Zhou M, Li X, Xia Q, Wang X, Zhang J, Zhang X, Liu Q, Chu M. Transcriptomic Changes of Photoperiodic Response in the Hypothalamus Were Identified in Ovariectomized and Estradiol-Treated Sheep. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:848144. [PMID: 35480892 PMCID: PMC9036065 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.848144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurate timing of seasonal changes is an essential ability for an animal’s survival, and the change in the photoperiod is the key factor affecting reproductive seasonality in mammals. Emerging evidence has suggested that multiple hypothalamic genes participate in the photoperiod-induced regulation of reproductive activities in sheep, but the mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we initially examined the plasma level of two major reproductive hormones, namely, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin (PRL), under different photoperiods in ovariectomized and estradiol-treated (OVX + E2) sheep using radioimmunoassay (RIA). Of the two hormones, the concentration of PRL significantly increased with the extension of the photoperiod, while FSH showed the opposite trend. Subsequently, an examination of the transcriptomic variation between the short photoperiod (SP) and long photoperiod (LP) was conducted. Differential expression analyses and functional annotation showed that several key genes in the insulin secretion (VAMP2, PRKACB, PRKCG, and PLCB1), GnRH (MAPK13, CGA, CDC42, ATF4, and LHB) pathways, and circadian entrainment (KCNJ5, PER1, GNB2, MTNR1A, and RASD1), as well as numerous lncRNAs, including XR_173257.3, XR_173415.3, XR_001435315.1, XR_001024596.2, and XR_001023464.2, were shown potentially vital for the hypothalamic photoperiodic response. Four of the differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs were validated by qPCR. The constructed mRNA–mRNA interaction networks further revealed that transcripts potentially participated in hypothalamic thyroid hormone synthesis, endocrine resistance, and neuroactive ligand–receptor interactions. The interactome analysis of lncRNAs and their targets implied that XR_173257.3 and its target arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) and XR_173415.3 and its target TH might participate in the regulation of seasonal reproduction. Together, the changes in reproductive hormones and transcriptome will help to determine the important photoperiod-induced lncRNAs and mRNAs and provide a valuable resource for further research on reproductive seasonality in sheep.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Di
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofei Guo
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaohan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Xia
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinlong Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaosheng Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiuyue Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qiuyue Liu, ; Mingxing Chu,
| | - Mingxing Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qiuyue Liu, ; Mingxing Chu,
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Winters TJ, Martin S, Anderson H, Procter ND, Lutterschmidt DI. Role of melatonin in temperature-induced activation of the neuroendocrine reproductive axis in garter snakes. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2022; 97:167-183. [PMID: 35220307 DOI: 10.1159/000523788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
An animal's ability to respond optimally to changing environmental conditions is paramount to successfully reproducing and thus maximizing fitness. Studies on photoperiod-induced changes in neural thyroid hormone metabolism have conclusively linked environmental cues to the neuroendocrine reproductive axis of birds and mammals. Whether this conserved mechanism also transduces changes in environmental temperature, however, has not been fully addressed. We investigated whether the hormone melatonin mediates the effects of low temperature winter dormancy on thyroid hormone metabolism within the hypothalamus of red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis). To address this question, we used immunohistochemistry to assess changes in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the infundibulum of the pituitary and deiodinase 3 (Dio3) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the hypothalamus. We also asked if changes in TSH, Dio3, and/or GnRH immunoreactivity are associated with changes in male courtship behavior. In contrast to our predictions, 6 weeks of low-temperature dormancy at 4°C significantly decreased TSH-labeled cell number in the infundibulum; it is possible that an initial decrease in TSH is related to the release of snakes from temperature refractoriness. Treatment of snakes with the melatonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan during dormancy at 4°C both reversed the temperature-induced change in TSH-immunoreactivity and disrupted the temporal pattern of male courtship behavior. These results suggest that TSH cells within the infundibulum are both modulated by temperature and sensitive to changes in melatonin. As predicted, male snakes hibernated at an elevated temperature of 12°C for 6 weeks and treated with vehicle showed no change in TSH-, Dio3-, or GnRH-immunoreactive cell number. Treatment of snakes with the melatonin receptor antagonist luzindole was not sufficient in rescuing the effects of dormancy at 12°C on TSH immunoreactivity or courtship behavior. However, luzindole-treated snakes showed a significant increase in GnRH- immunoreactive cell number, suggesting that melatonin exerts an inhibitory effect on GnRH in garter snakes. In summary, our results provide critical insights into the mechanisms that mediate the effects of temperature on reproductive physiology and behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Treven J Winters
- Department of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Stephanie Martin
- Department of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Holden Anderson
- Department of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Nichole D Procter
- Department of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Munley KM, Dutta S, Jasnow AM, Demas GE. Adrenal MT 1 melatonin receptor expression is linked with seasonal variation in social behavior in male Siberian hamsters. Horm Behav 2022; 138:105099. [PMID: 34920297 PMCID: PMC8847318 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Many animals exhibit pronounced changes in physiology and behavior on a seasonal basis, and these adaptations have evolved to promote survival and reproductive success. While the neuroendocrine pathways mediating seasonal reproduction are well-studied, far less is known about the mechanisms underlying seasonal changes in social behavior, particularly outside of the context of the breeding season. Our previous work suggests that seasonal changes in melatonin secretion are important in regulating aggression in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus); it is unclear, however, how melatonin acts via its receptors to modulate seasonal variation in social behavior. In this study, we infused a MT1 melatonin receptor-expressing (MT1) or control (CON) lentivirus into the adrenal glands of male Siberian hamsters. We then housed hamsters in long-day (LD) or short-day (SD) photoperiods, administered timed melatonin or control injections, and quantified aggressive and non-aggressive social behaviors (e.g., investigation, self-grooming) following 10 weeks of treatment. LD hamsters infused with the MT1 lentivirus had significantly higher adrenal mt1 expression than LD CON hamsters, as determined via quantitative PCR. While melatonin administration was necessary to induce SD-like reductions in body and relative reproductive mass, only LD hamsters infused with the MT1 lentivirus displayed SD-like changes in social behavior, including increased aggression and decreased investigation and grooming. In addition, SD CON and LD hamsters infused with the MT1 lentivirus exhibited similar relationships between adrenal mt1 expression and aggressive behavior. Together, our findings suggest a role for adrenal MT1 receptor signaling in regulating behavior, but not energetics or reproduction in seasonally breeding species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M Munley
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
| | - Sohini Dutta
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44240, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Aaron M Jasnow
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44240, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Gregory E Demas
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Hypothalamic expression of GnRH-I and GnIH in the Eurasian tree sparrow over a single long day. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2022; 21:147-158. [PMID: 35037197 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-021-00143-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal reproductive cycles of most birds are regulated by photoperiod via neuroendocrine control. The present study aims to investigate the role of a single long day in triggering hypothalamic expressions of GnRH-I and GnIH in the Eurasian tree sparrow (Passer montanus). Sparrows were divided into two groups (n = 24 each) and pre-treated under short days (9L: 15D) for 4 days. On the fifth day, one group was exposed to long day (14L: 10D), while other was continued under short day for another 1 day. Birds of both the groups were sacrificed and perfused on fifth day at different time points, i.e., ZT 14, ZT 16 and ZT 18 and the expressions of GnRH-I and GnIH mRNAs and peptides were studied using real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. In addition, testicular size was measured to know testicular development. Observations revealed that birds exposed to a single long day (14L: 10D) showed an increase in hypothalamic expressions of GnRH-I mRNA and peptide and decrease in levels of GnIH mRNA only at ZT 16 and ZT 18 with no significant change in GnIH peptide. However, no significant change in GnRH-I or GnIH expression was observed at any time point under short day and birds maintained high and low expression levels of GnIH and GnRH-I, respectively. Our results clearly indicate that the photoperiodic response system of sparrow is highly sensitive to light and responds even to single long day. Furthermore, they suggest that the GnRH-I and GnIH are expressed in the hypothalamus of tree sparrow in an anti-phasic manner and switching over of their expression occurs at late hours of exposure of birds to single long day.
Collapse
|
31
|
Luengas-Martinez A, Paus R, Young HS. A novel personalised treatment approach for psoriasis: anti-VEGF-A therapy. Br J Dermatol 2021; 186:782-791. [PMID: 34878645 PMCID: PMC9313866 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.20940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Chronic plaque psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease in which genetic predisposition along with environmental factors lead to the development of the disease, which affects 2% of the UK’s population and is associated with extracutaneous morbidities and a reduced quality of life. A complex crosstalk between innate and adaptive immunity, the epithelia and the vasculature maintain the inflammatory milieu in psoriasis. Despite the development of promising treatment strategies, mostly targeting the immune system, treatments fail to fulfil every patient’s goals. Vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A) mediates angiogenesis and is upregulated in the plaques and plasma of patients with psoriasis. Transgenic expression of VEGF‐A in experimental models led to the development of skin lesions that share many psoriasis features. Targeting VEGF‐A in in vivo models of psoriasis‐like inflammation resulted in disease clearance. Anti‐angiogenesis treatments are widely used for cancer and eye disease and there are clinical reports of patients treated with VEGF‐A inhibitors who have experienced Psoriasis Area and Severity Index improvement. Existing psoriasis treatments downregulate VEGF‐A and angiogenesis as part of their therapeutic effect. Pharmacogenetics studies suggest the existence of different genetic signatures within patients with psoriasis that correspond with different treatment responsiveness and disease severity. There is a subset of patients with psoriasis with an increased predisposition to produce high levels of VEGF‐A, who may be most likely to benefit from anti‐VEGF‐A therapy, offering an opportunity to personalize treatment in psoriasis. Anti‐VEGF‐A therapies may offer an alternative to existing anticytokine strategies or be complementary to standard treatments for the management of psoriasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Luengas-Martinez
- Centre for Dermatology Research, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - R Paus
- Centre for Dermatology Research, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Dr. Philip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - H S Young
- Centre for Dermatology Research, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Hartsock MJ, Strnad HK, Spencer RL. Iterative Metaplasticity Across Timescales: How Circadian, Ultradian, and Infradian Rhythms Modulate Memory Mechanisms. J Biol Rhythms 2021; 37:29-42. [PMID: 34781753 DOI: 10.1177/07487304211058256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Work in recent years has provided strong evidence for the modulation of memory function and neuroplasticity mechanisms across circadian (daily), ultradian (shorter-than-daily), and infradian (longer-than-daily) timescales. Despite rapid progress, however, the field has yet to adopt a general framework to describe the overarching role of biological rhythms in memory. To this end, Iyer and colleagues introduced the term iterative metaplasticity, which they define as the "gating of receptivity to subsequent signals that repeats on a cyclic timebase." The central concept is that the cyclic regulation of molecules involved in neuroplasticity may produce cycles in neuroplastic capacity-that is, the ability of neural cells to undergo activity-dependent change. Although Iyer and colleagues focus on the circadian timescale, we think their framework may be useful for understanding how biological rhythms influence memory more broadly. In this review, we provide examples and terminology to explain how the idea of iterative metaplasticity can be readily applied across circadian, ultradian, and infradian timescales. We suggest that iterative metaplasticity may not only support the temporal niching of neuroplasticity processes but also serve an essential role in the maintenance of memory function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Hartsock
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Light at night disrupts biological clocks, calendars, and immune function. Semin Immunopathol 2021; 44:165-173. [PMID: 34731290 PMCID: PMC8564795 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-021-00899-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Light at night is a pervasive problem in our society; over 80% of the world’s population experiences significant light pollution. Exacerbating this issue is the reality that artificially lit outdoor areas are growing by 2.2% per year and continuously lit areas brighten by 2.2% each year due to the rapid growths in population and urbanization. Furthermore, the increase in the prevalence of night shift work and smart device usage contributes to the inescapable nature of artificial light at night (ALAN). Although previously assumed to be innocuous, ALAN has deleterious effects on the circadian system and circadian-regulated physiology, particularly immune function. Due to the relevance of ALAN to the general population, it is important to understand its roles in disrupting immune function. This review presents a synopsis of the effects of ALAN on circadian clocks and immune function. We delineate the role of ALAN in altering clock gene expression and suppressing melatonin. We review the effects of light at night on inflammation and the innate and adaptive immune systems in various species to demonstrate the wide range of ALAN consequences. Finally, we propose future directions to provide further clarity and expansion of the field.
Collapse
|
34
|
Kurogi Y, Mizuno Y, Imura E, Niwa R. Neuroendocrine Regulation of Reproductive Dormancy in the Fruit Fly Drosophila melanogaster: A Review of Juvenile Hormone-Dependent Regulation. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.715029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals can adjust their physiology, helping them survive and reproduce under a wide range of environmental conditions. One of the strategies to endure unfavorable environmental conditions such as low temperature and limited food supplies is dormancy. In some insect species, this may manifest as reproductive dormancy, which causes their reproductive organs to be severely depleted under conditions unsuitable for reproduction. Reproductive dormancy in insects is induced by a reduction in juvenile hormones synthesized in the corpus allatum (pl. corpora allata; CA) in response to winter-specific environmental cues, such as low temperatures and short-day length. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the study of dormancy-inducing conditions dependent on CA control mechanisms in Drosophila melanogaster. This review summarizes dormancy control mechanisms in D. melanogaster and discusses the implications for future studies of insect dormancy, particularly focusing on juvenile hormone-dependent regulation.
Collapse
|
35
|
Xia Q, Chu M, He X, Liu Q, Zhang X, Zhang J, Guo X, Di R. Identification of Photoperiod-Induced LncRNAs and mRNAs in Pituitary Pars Tuberalis of Sheep. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:644474. [PMID: 34414222 PMCID: PMC8369575 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.644474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pituitary pars tuberalis (PT) is the regulating center of seasonal reproduction, which can sense the melatonin signal and eventually cause downstream changes of GnRH secretion through TSHβ. Recently, lncRNAs have been identified in animal reproductive-related tissues, and they play important roles in reproductive regulation. Therefore, in this study, we expect to identify photoperiod-induced lncRNAs and genes in pituitary PT of sheep by comparison of expression profiles between short photoperiod (SP) and long photoperiod (LP). Through RNA-Seq, a total of 55,472 lncRNAs were identified in pituitary PT of Sunite ewes. The number of differentially expressed (DE) genes and lncRNAs between SP and LP increased gradually with the extension of LP (from LP7 to LP42). The notable LP-induced candidate genes included EYA3, TSHB, SIX1, DCT, VMO1, AREG, SUV39H2, and EZH2, and SP-induced genes involved ENSOARG00000012585, CHGA, FOS, SOCS3, and TH. In enriched pathways for DE genes and lncRNA target genes between SP and LP, the reproduction- and circadian-related pathways were highlighted. In addition, the interactome analysis of lncRNAs and their targets implied that MSTRG.209166 and its trans-target TSHB, MSTRG.288068 and its cis-target SIX1, and ENSOARG00000026131 and its cis-target TH might participate in regulation of seasonal reproduction. Together, these results will help to determine important photoperiod-induced lncRNAs and genes and give us some new insights into the epigenetic regulation of seasonal reproduction in sheep.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Xia
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingxing Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyun He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiuyue Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Animal Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Jinlong Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Animal Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaofei Guo
- Tianjin Institute of Animal Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Ran Di
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Dusky Grouper Epinephelus marginatus Growth and Survival When Exposed to Different Photoperiods. FISHES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/fishes6030031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Photoperiod is considered an environmental factor that influences reproduction and the growth processes of fish throughout the year. In the present study, we subjected dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus to different photoperiods in order to evaluate growth and survival. Juvenile dusky grouper were randomly distributed in twelve 100 L tanks containing four fish per aquarium. The fish were exposed to continuous light, normal photoperiod or continuous darkness for 50 days. Fish were fed 3% of their total biomass, twice a day, and the diet consisted of ground commercial dry pellets (42% crude protein, 12% humidity, 9% ether extract, 15% mineral matter, 4% crude fiber, 3.5% calcium and 3% vitamin C, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions). There was no mortality during the experiment. After 50 days, the best performance was found for exposure to continuous light (24 h artificial light). The final weight of the fish reared under continuous light was significantly higher than that of the fish exposed to continuous darkness. The specific growth rate of the fish exposed to continuous light was significantly higher than that of the fish exposed to the natural photoperiod and to continuous darkness. Modifications to the photoperiod can be a key factor in increasing the efficacy of current production and the improvement of current aquaculture protocols.
Collapse
|
37
|
López-Olmeda JF, Zhao H, Reischl M, Pylatiuk C, Lucon-Xiccato T, Loosli F, Foulkes NS. Long photoperiod impairs learning in male but not female medaka. iScience 2021; 24:102784. [PMID: 34308290 PMCID: PMC8283132 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Day length in conjunction with seasonal cycles affects many aspects of animal biology. We have studied photoperiod-dependent alterations of complex behavior in the teleost, medaka (Oryzias latipes), a photoperiodic breeder, in a learning paradigm whereby fish have to activate a sensor to obtain a food reward. Medaka were tested under a long (14:10 LD) and short (10:14 LD) photoperiod in three different groups: mixed-sex, all-males, and all-females. Under long photoperiod, medaka mixed-sex groups learned rapidly with a stable response. Unexpectedly, males-only groups showed a strong learning deficit, whereas females-only groups performed efficiently. In mixed-sex groups, female individuals drove group learning, whereas males apparently prioritized mating over feeding behavior resulting in strongly reduced learning performance. Under short photoperiod, where medaka do not mate, male performance improved to a level similar to that of females. Thus, photoperiod has sex-specific effects on the learning performance of a seasonal vertebrate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose Fernando López-Olmeda
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Biological Information Processing (IBCS-BIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Haiyu Zhao
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Biological Information Processing (IBCS-BIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, No.222 South Tianshui Road, 730000 Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Markus Reischl
- Institute for Applied Computer Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Christian Pylatiuk
- Institute for Applied Computer Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Tyrone Lucon-Xiccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Felix Loosli
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Biological Information Processing (IBCS-BIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Nicholas S. Foulkes
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Biological Information Processing (IBCS-BIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
Iodothyronine deiodinases are enzymes capable of activating and inactivating thyroid hormones (THs) and have an important role in regulating TH action in tissues throughout the body. Three types of deiodinases (D1, D2, and D3) were originally defined based on their biochemical characteristics. Cloning of the first complementary DNAs in the 1990s (Dio1 in rat and dio2 and dio3 in frog) allowed to confirm the existence of 3 distinct enzymes. Over the years, increasing genomic information revealed that deiodinases are present in all chordates, vertebrates, and nonvertebrates and that they can even be found in some mollusks and annelids, pointing to an ancient origin. Research in nonmammalian models has substantially broadened our understanding of deiodinases. In relation to their structure, we discovered for instance that biochemical properties such as inhibition by 6-propyl-2-thiouracil, stimulation by dithiothreitol, and temperature optimum are subject to variation. Data from fish, amphibians, and birds were key in shifting our view on the relative importance of activating and inactivating deiodination pathways and in showing the impact of D2 and D3 not only in local but also whole body T3 availability. They also led to the discovery of new local functions such as the acute reciprocal changes in D2 and D3 in hypothalamic tanycytes upon photostimulation, involved in seasonal rhythmicity. With the present possibilities for rapid and precise gene silencing in any species of interest, comparative research will certainly further contribute to a better understanding of the importance of deiodinases for adequate TH action, also in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veerle M Darras
- Laboratory of Comparative Endocrinology, Biology Department, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: Veerle Darras, PhD, Laboratory of Comparative Endocrinology, Biology Department, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 61, PB 2464, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Wyse C, O'Malley G, Coogan AN, McConkey S, Smith DJ. Seasonal and daytime variation in multiple immune parameters in humans: Evidence from 329,261 participants of the UK Biobank cohort. iScience 2021; 24:102255. [PMID: 33817568 PMCID: PMC8010467 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Seasonal disease outbreaks are perennial features of human infectious disease but the factors generating these patterns are unclear. Here we investigate seasonal and daytime variability in multiple immune parameters in 329,261 participants in UK Biobank and test for associations with a wide range of environmental and lifestyle factors, including changes in day length, outdoor temperature and vitamin D at the time the blood sample was collected. Seasonal patterns were evident in lymphocyte and neutrophil counts, and C-reactive protein CRP, but not monocytes, and these were independent of lifestyle, demographic, and environmental factors. All the immune parameters assessed demonstrated significant daytime variation that was independent of confounding factors. At a population level, human immune parameters vary across season and across time of day, independent of multiple confounding factors. Both season and time of day are fundamental dimensions of immune function that should be considered in all studies of immuno-prophylaxis and disease transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Wyse
- School of Physiotherapy, Division of Population Health Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaux Lane House, Mercer Street Lower, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Grace O'Malley
- School of Physiotherapy, Division of Population Health Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaux Lane House, Mercer Street Lower, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andrew N. Coogan
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Kildare, Ireland
| | - Sam McConkey
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland: University of Medicine and Health Science, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Daniel J. Smith
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Saoca C, Rizzo M, Giannetto C, Fazio F, Giudice E, Panzera M, Piccione G. Circannual variability of calcium and phosphorus serum levels in foal and calf: a comparison. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2019.1614385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Saoca
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Rizzo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Claudia Giannetto
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Fazio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Giudice
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Michele Panzera
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Butruille L, Vancamp P, Demeneix BA, Remaud S. Thyroid hormone regulation of adult neural stem cell fate: A comparative analysis between rodents and primates. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2021; 116:133-192. [PMID: 33752817 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2021.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormone (TH) signaling, a highly conserved pathway across vertebrates, is crucial for brain development and function throughout life. In the adult mammalian brain, including that of humans, multipotent neural stem cells (NSCs) proliferate and generate neuronal and glial progenitors. The role of TH has been intensively investigated in the two main neurogenic niches of the adult mouse brain, the subventricular and the subgranular zone. A key finding is that T3, the biologically active form of THs, promotes NSC commitment toward a neuronal fate. In this review, we first discuss the roles of THs in the regulation of adult rodent neurogenesis, as well as how it relates to functional behavior, notably olfaction and cognition. Most research uncovering these roles of TH in adult neurogenesis was conducted in rodents, whose genetic background, brain structure and rate of neurogenesis are considerably different from that of humans. To bridge the phylogenetic gap, we also explore the similarities and divergences of TH-dependent adult neurogenesis in non-human primate models. Lastly, we examine how photoperiodic length changes TH homeostasis, and how that might affect adult neurogenesis in seasonal species to increase fitness. Several aspects by which TH acts on adult NSCs seem to be conserved among mammals, while we only start to uncover the molecular pathways, as well as how other in- and extrinsic factors are intertwined. A multispecies approach delivering more insights in the matter will pave the way for novel NSC-based therapies to combat neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucile Butruille
- UMR 7221 Phyma, CNRS/Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Pieter Vancamp
- UMR 7221 Phyma, CNRS/Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Barbara A Demeneix
- UMR 7221 Phyma, CNRS/Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Remaud
- UMR 7221 Phyma, CNRS/Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Munley KM, Trinidad JC, Deyoe JE, Adaniya CH, Nowakowski AM, Ren CC, Murphy GV, Reinhart JM, Demas GE. Melatonin-dependent changes in neurosteroids are associated with increased aggression in a seasonally breeding rodent. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e12940. [PMID: 33615607 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aggression is a complex social behaviour that allows individuals to compete for access to limited resources (eg, mates, food and territories). Excessive or inappropriate aggression, however, has become problematic in modern societies, and current treatments are largely ineffective. Although previous work in mammals suggests that aggressive behaviour varies seasonally, seasonality is largely overlooked when developing clinical treatments for inappropriate aggression. Here, we investigated how the hormone melatonin regulates seasonal changes in neurosteroid levels and aggressive behaviour in Siberian hamsters, a rodent model of seasonal aggression. Specifically, we housed males in long-day (LD) or short-day (SD) photoperiods, administered timed s.c. melatonin injections (which mimic a SD-like signal) or control injections, and measured aggression using a resident-intruder paradigm after 9 weeks of treatment. Moreover, we quantified five steroid hormones in circulation and in brain regions associated with aggressive behaviour (lateral septum, anterior hypothalamus, medial amygdala and periaqueductal gray) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. SD hamsters and LD hamsters administered timed melatonin injections (LD-M) displayed increased aggression and exhibited region-specific decreases in neural dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone and oestradiol, but showed no changes in progesterone or cortisol. Male hamsters also showed distinct associations between neurosteroids and aggressive behaviour, in which neural progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone were positively correlated with aggression in all treatment groups, whereas neural testosterone, oestradiol and cortisol were negatively correlated with aggression only in LD-M and SD hamsters. Collectively, these results provide insight into a novel neuroendocrine mechanism of mammalian aggression, in which melatonin reduces neurosteroid levels and elevates aggressive behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M Munley
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | | | - Jessica E Deyoe
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Catherine H Adaniya
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Andrea M Nowakowski
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Clarissa C Ren
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Grace V Murphy
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - John M Reinhart
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Gregory E Demas
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Regional Differences in Height, Weight, and Body Composition may Result from Photoperiodic Responses: An Ecological Analysis of Japanese Children and Adolescents. J Circadian Rhythms 2021; 19:3. [PMID: 33664773 PMCID: PMC7908924 DOI: 10.5334/jcr.198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This ecological study examined whether geographical differences in the physique of Japanese children and adolescents can be explained from the perspective of photoperiodicity induced by effective day length (light duration exceeding a certain threshold of illuminance) using prefecture-level anatomical data and Mesh Climatic Data. Multiple regression analysis for height prediction demonstrated that when controlled by weight, effective day lengths of the longest and shortest months were inversely correlated with height distribution. Conversely, for weight prediction, when controlled by height, the effective day lengths of the longest and shortest months were positively correlated with weight distribution. The regression coefficients were greater for the effective day length of the shortest month in both height and weight prediction. This phenomenon where the same two explanatory variables are negatively correlated with height and positively correlated with weight in a significant manner is rare, and there may be no physiological interpretation of this phenomenon other than one based on changes in thyroid hormone signaling. These distribution characteristics are common to the photoperiodicity by which seasonal breeding vertebrates reciprocally switch thyroid hormone signaling according to prior photoperiodic history through epigenetic functions. From these perspectives, thyroid hormone signaling in a certain region was assumed to be activated in summer according to the prior shorter winter day length and inactivated in winter according to the prior longer summer day length. Regarding the prevalence of obesity, the coexistence of longer summer and winter day lengths was thought to set body composition to be short and fat in early adolescence.
Collapse
|
44
|
Owczarek A, Gieczewska KB, Polanska M, Paterczyk B, Gruza A, Winiarska K. Melatonin Lowers HIF-1α Content in Human Proximal Tubular Cells (HK-2) Due to Preventing Its Deacetylation by Sirtuin 1. Front Physiol 2021; 11:572911. [PMID: 33519498 PMCID: PMC7841413 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.572911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although melatonin is widely known for its nephroprotective properties, there are no reports clearly pointing at its impact on the activity of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), the main mediator of metabolic responses to hypoxia, in kidneys. The aim of the present study was to elucidate how melatonin affects the expression of the regulatory subunit HIF-1α in renal proximal tubules. HK-2 cells, immortalized human proximal tubular cells, were cultured under hypoxic conditions (1% O2). Melatonin was applied at 100 μM concentration. Protein and mRNA contents were determined by Western blot and RT-qPCR, respectively. HIF-1α acetylation level was established by means of immunoprecipitation followed by Western blot. Melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2 localization in HK-2 cells was visualized using immunofluorescence confocal analysis. It was found that melatonin in HK-2 cells (1) lowered HIF-1α protein, but not mRNA, content; (2) attenuated expression of HIF-1 target genes; (3) increased HIF-1α acetylation level; and (4) diminished sirtuin 1 expression (both protein and mRNA). Sirtuin 1 involvement in the regulation of HIF-1α level was confirmed applying cells with silenced Sirt1 gene. Moreover, the presence of membrane MT1 and MT2 receptors was identified in HK-2 cells and their ligand, ramelteon, turned out to mimic melatonin action on both HIF-1α and sirtuin 1 levels. Thus, it is concluded that the mechanism of melatonin-evoked decline in HIF-1α content in renal proximal tubular cells involves increased acetylation of this subunit which results from the attenuated expression of sirtuin 1, an enzyme reported to deacetylate HIF-1α. This observation provides a new insight to the understanding of melatonin action in kidneys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Owczarek
- Department of Metabolic Regulation, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna B Gieczewska
- Department of Plant Anatomy and Cytology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Experimental Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Polanska
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Functional Biology and Ecology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bohdan Paterczyk
- Laboratory of Electron and Confocal Microscopy, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Gruza
- Department of Metabolic Regulation, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Winiarska
- Department of Metabolic Regulation, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
The circadian clock controls several aspects of mammalian physiology and orchestrates the daily oscillations of biological processes and behavior. Our circadian rhythms are driven by an endogenous central clock in the brain that synchronizes with clocks in peripheral tissues, thereby regulating our immune system and the severity of infections. These rhythms affect the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of therapeutic agents and vaccines. The core circadian regulatory circuits and clock-regulated host pathways provide fertile ground to identify novel antiviral therapies. An increased understanding of the role circadian systems play in regulating virus infection and the host response to the virus will inform our clinical management of these diseases. This review provides an overview of the experimental and clinical evidence reporting on the interplay between the circadian clock and viral infections, highlighting the importance of virus-clock research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helene Borrmann
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Xiaodong Zhuang
- Xiaodong Zhuang, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK; e-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Kupprat F, Kloas W, Krüger A, Schmalsch C, Hölker F. Misbalance of thyroid hormones after two weeks of exposure to artificial light at night in Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coaa124. [PMID: 33659060 PMCID: PMC7905158 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) can affect the physiology and behavior of animals because it alters the natural rhythm of light and darkness. Thyroid hormones (TH) are partially regulated by the light information of photoperiod and are involved in metabolic adjustments to daily and seasonal changes in the environment, such as larval and juvenile development, somatic growth and reproduction. ALAN can change photoperiodic information and might thereby lead to changes in thyroid metabolism, but so far research on this topic is scarce. Therefore, we tested in two different experiments the effects of nocturnal illumination at a wide range of light intensities on TH in plasma of Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis). Total 3,3',5-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) was significantly affected by ALAN and reduced at the highest tested intensity of 100 lx after only two weeks of exposure. Although total L-thyroxine (T4) was not significantly affected, the ratio of T3 to T4 tended to slightly decrease at 100 lx. In a second low-light experiment ALAN did not have clear effects on T3, T4 or the ratio of T3 to T4 at intensities between 0.01 lx and 1 lx. The results show first signs of endocrine disruption in thyroid metabolism after a relatively short ALAN exposure of two weeks under high-intensity streetlight conditions. Misbalanced thyroidal status can have serious implications for metabolic rates as well as developmental and reproductive processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Kupprat
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt University, Invalidenstr. 42, 10099 Berlin, Germany
- Corresponding author: Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Werner Kloas
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt University, Invalidenstr. 42, 10099 Berlin, Germany
| | - Angela Krüger
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Schmalsch
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Franz Hölker
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Reiter RJ, Sharma R. Central and peripheral actions of melatonin on reproduction in seasonal and continuous breeding mammals. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 300:113620. [PMID: 32950582 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Under field conditions, especially for mammals that inhabit high latitudes, the regulation of seasonal breeding activity to ensure delivery of the young at the time most conducive to their survival is essential. This is most frequently accomplished by the annual reproductive cycle being linked to seasonal photoperiod changes which determine the nocturnal duration of the pineal melatonin signal. Mating can occur during any season that ensures spring/early summer delivery of the offspring. Thus, the season of mating is determined by the duration of pregnancy. The precise hormonal control of the annual cycle of reproduction by melatonin is accomplished at the level of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis which, in turn, determines the physiological state of the gonad and adnexa due to the regulation of pituitary gonadotrophin release. Many species are continuous rather than seasonal breeders. In these species, melatonin has a minor hormonal influence on the central regulation of reproduction but, nevertheless, its antioxidant functions at the level of the gonads support optimal reproductive physiology. Possibly like all cells, those in the ovary, e.g., granulosa cells and oocytes (less is known about melatonin synthesis by the testes or spermatogenic cells), synthesize melatonin which is used locally to combat free radicals and reactive nitrogen species which would otherwise cause oxidative/nitrosative stress to these critically important cells. Oxidative damage to the oocyte, zygote, blastocyst, etc., results in an abnormal fetus which is either sloughed or gives rise to an unhealthy offspring. The importance of the protection of the gametes (both oocytes and sperm) from oxidative molecular mutilation cannot be overstated. Fortunately, as a highly effective free radical scavenger and indirect antioxidant (by upregulating antioxidant enzyme), locally-produced melatonin is in the optimal location to protect the reproductive system from such damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States.
| | - Ramaswamy Sharma
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Falcón J, Torriglia A, Attia D, Viénot F, Gronfier C, Behar-Cohen F, Martinsons C, Hicks D. Exposure to Artificial Light at Night and the Consequences for Flora, Fauna, and Ecosystems. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:602796. [PMID: 33304237 PMCID: PMC7701298 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.602796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The present review draws together wide-ranging studies performed over the last decades that catalogue the effects of artificial-light-at-night (ALAN) upon living species and their environment. We provide an overview of the tremendous variety of light-detection strategies which have evolved in living organisms - unicellular, plants and animals, covering chloroplasts (plants), and the plethora of ocular and extra-ocular organs (animals). We describe the visual pigments which permit photo-detection, paying attention to their spectral characteristics, which extend from the ultraviolet into infrared. We discuss how organisms use light information in a way crucial for their development, growth and survival: phototropism, phototaxis, photoperiodism, and synchronization of circadian clocks. These aspects are treated in depth, as their perturbation underlies much of the disruptive effects of ALAN. The review goes into detail on circadian networks in living organisms, since these fundamental features are of critical importance in regulating the interface between environment and body. Especially, hormonal synthesis and secretion are often under circadian and circannual control, hence perturbation of the clock will lead to hormonal imbalance. The review addresses how the ubiquitous introduction of light-emitting diode technology may exacerbate, or in some cases reduce, the generalized ever-increasing light pollution. Numerous examples are given of how widespread exposure to ALAN is perturbing many aspects of plant and animal behaviour and survival: foraging, orientation, migration, seasonal reproduction, colonization and more. We examine the potential problems at the level of individual species and populations and extend the debate to the consequences for ecosystems. We stress, through a few examples, the synergistic harmful effects resulting from the impacts of ALAN combined with other anthropogenic pressures, which often impact the neuroendocrine loops in vertebrates. The article concludes by debating how these anthropogenic changes could be mitigated by more reasonable use of available technology - for example by restricting illumination to more essential areas and hours, directing lighting to avoid wasteful radiation and selecting spectral emissions, to reduce impact on circadian clocks. We end by discussing how society should take into account the potentially major consequences that ALAN has on the natural world and the repercussions for ongoing human health and welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack Falcón
- Laboratoire Biologie des Organismes et Ecosystèmes Aquatiques (BOREA), MNHN, CNRS FRE 2030, SU, IRD 207, UCN, UA, Paris, France
| | - Alicia Torriglia
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM U 1138, Ophtalmopole Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris - SU, Paris, France
| | - Dina Attia
- ANSES, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Claude Gronfier
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center (CRNL), Waking Team, Inserm UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Francine Behar-Cohen
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM U 1138, Ophtalmopole Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris - SU, Paris, France
| | | | - David Hicks
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
van Beest FM, Beumer LT, Chimienti M, Desforges JP, Huffeldt NP, Pedersen SH, Schmidt NM. Environmental conditions alter behavioural organization and rhythmicity of a large Arctic ruminant across the annual cycle. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:201614. [PMID: 33204486 PMCID: PMC7657931 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.201614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The existence and persistence of rhythmicity in animal activity during phases of environmental change is of interest in ecology, evolution and chronobiology. A wide diversity of biological rhythms in response to exogenous conditions and internal stimuli have been uncovered, especially for polar vertebrates. However, empirical data supporting circadian organization in behaviour of large ruminating herbivores remains inconclusive. Using year-round tracking data of the largest Arctic ruminant, the muskox (Ovibos moschatus), we modelled rhythmicity as a function of behaviour and environmental conditions. Behavioural states were classified based on patterns in hourly movements, and incorporated within a periodicity analyses framework. Although circadian rhythmicity in muskox behaviour was detected throughout the year, ultradian rhythmicity was most prevalent, especially when muskoxen were foraging and resting in mid-winter (continuous darkness). However, when combining circadian and ultradian rhythmicity together, the probability of behavioural rhythmicity declined with increasing photoperiod until largely disrupted in mid-summer (continuous light). Individuals that remained behaviourally rhythmic during mid-summer foraged in areas with lower plant productivity (NDVI) than individuals with arrhythmic behaviour. Based on our study, we conclude that muskoxen may use an interval timer to schedule their behavioural cycles when forage resources are low, but that the importance and duration of this timer are reduced once environmental conditions allow energetic reserves to be replenished ad libitum. We argue that alimentary function and metabolic requirements are critical determinants of biological rhythmicity in muskoxen, which probably applies to ruminating herbivores in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Floris M. van Beest
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 116, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Larissa T. Beumer
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 116, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Marianna Chimienti
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
- Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste Anne de Bellevue, QuebecCanada, H9X 3V9
| | - Nicholas Per Huffeldt
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Stine Højlund Pedersen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Niels Martin Schmidt
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 116, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Wood SH, Hindle MM, Mizoro Y, Cheng Y, Saer BRC, Miedzinska K, Christian HC, Begley N, McNeilly J, McNeilly AS, Meddle SL, Burt DW, Loudon ASI. Circadian clock mechanism driving mammalian photoperiodism. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4291. [PMID: 32855407 PMCID: PMC7453030 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18061-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The annual photoperiod cycle provides the critical environmental cue synchronizing rhythms of life in seasonal habitats. In 1936, Bünning proposed a circadian-based coincidence timer for photoperiodic synchronization in plants. Formal studies support the universality of this so-called coincidence timer, but we lack understanding of the mechanisms involved. Here we show in mammals that long photoperiods induce the circadian transcription factor BMAL2, in the pars tuberalis of the pituitary, and triggers summer biology through the eyes absent/thyrotrophin (EYA3/TSH) pathway. Conversely, long-duration melatonin signals on short photoperiods induce circadian repressors including DEC1, suppressing BMAL2 and the EYA3/TSH pathway, triggering winter biology. These actions are associated with progressive genome-wide changes in chromatin state, elaborating the effect of the circadian coincidence timer. Hence, circadian clock-pituitary epigenetic pathway interactions form the basis of the mammalian coincidence timer mechanism. Our results constitute a blueprint for circadian-based seasonal timekeeping in vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S H Wood
- Centre for Biological Timing, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
- Arctic Chronobiology and Physiology Research Group, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, 9037, Norway
| | - M M Hindle
- The Roslin Institute, and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9PRG, UK
| | - Y Mizoro
- Centre for Biological Timing, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Y Cheng
- UQ Genomics Initiative, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - B R C Saer
- Centre for Biological Timing, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - K Miedzinska
- The Roslin Institute, and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9PRG, UK
| | - H C Christian
- University of Oxford, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
| | - N Begley
- Centre for Biological Timing, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - J McNeilly
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - A S McNeilly
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - S L Meddle
- The Roslin Institute, and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9PRG, UK
| | - D W Burt
- The Roslin Institute, and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9PRG, UK
- UQ Genomics Initiative, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - A S I Loudon
- Centre for Biological Timing, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|