1
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Tang Q, Godschall E, Brennan CD, Zhang Q, Abraham-Fan RJ, Williams SP, Güngül TB, Onoharigho R, Buyukaksakal A, Salinas R, Sajonia IR, Olivieri JJ, Calhan OY, Deppmann CD, Campbell JN, Podyma B, Güler AD. Leptin receptor neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus input to the circadian feeding network. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh9570. [PMID: 37624889 PMCID: PMC10456850 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh9570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Salient cues, such as the rising sun or availability of food, entrain biological clocks for behavioral adaptation. The mechanisms underlying entrainment to food availability remain elusive. Using single-nucleus RNA sequencing during scheduled feeding, we identified a dorsomedial hypothalamus leptin receptor-expressing (DMHLepR) neuron population that up-regulates circadian entrainment genes and exhibits calcium activity before an anticipated meal. Exogenous leptin, silencing, or chemogenetic stimulation of DMHLepR neurons disrupts the development of molecular and behavioral food entrainment. Repetitive DMHLepR neuron activation leads to the partitioning of a secondary bout of circadian locomotor activity that is in phase with the stimulation and dependent on an intact suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Last, we found a DMHLepR neuron subpopulation that projects to the SCN with the capacity to influence the phase of the circadian clock. This direct DMHLepR-SCN connection is well situated to integrate the metabolic and circadian systems, facilitating mealtime anticipation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijun Tang
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Elizabeth Godschall
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Charles D. Brennan
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | | | - Sydney P. Williams
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Taha Buğra Güngül
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Roberta Onoharigho
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Aleyna Buyukaksakal
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Ricardo Salinas
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Isabelle R. Sajonia
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Joey J. Olivieri
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - O. Yipkin Calhan
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Christopher D. Deppmann
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - John N. Campbell
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Brandon Podyma
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Ali D. Güler
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
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2
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Oh JH, Jo S, Park KW, Lee EJ, Lee SH, Hwang YS, Jeon HR, Ryu Y, Yoon HJ, Chun SM, Kim CJ, Kim TW, Sung CO, Chae S, Chung SJ. Whole-genome sequencing reveals an association between small genomic deletions and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:555-564. [PMID: 36869069 PMCID: PMC10073127 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00952-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) have been investigated mainly through genome-wide association studies. However, other genomic alterations, including copy number variations, remain less explored. In this study, we conducted whole-genome sequencing of primary (310 PD patients and 100 healthy individuals) and independent (100 PD patients and 100 healthy individuals) cohorts from the Korean population to identify high-resolution small genomic deletions, gains, and SNVs. Global small genomic deletions and gains were found to be associated with an increased and decreased risk of PD development, respectively. Thirty significant locus deletions were identified in PD, with most being associated with an increased PD risk in both cohorts. Small genomic deletions in clustered loci located in the GPR27 region had high enhancer signals and showed the closest association with PD. GPR27 was found to be expressed specifically in brain tissue, and GPR27 copy number loss was associated with upregulated SNCA expression and downregulated dopamine neurotransmitter pathways. Clustering of small genomic deletions on chr20 in exon 1 of the GNAS isoform was detected. In addition, we found several PD-associated SNVs, including one in the enhancer region of the TCF7L2 intron, which exhibited a cis-acting regulatory mode and an association with the beta-catenin signaling pathway. These findings provide a global, whole-genome view of PD and suggest that small genomic deletions in regulatory domains contribute to the risk of PD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hye Oh
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungyang Jo
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kye Won Park
- Department of Neurology, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Jae Lee
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Lee
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Su Hwang
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Ra Jeon
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonjin Ryu
- Korea Brain Bank, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jeong Yoon
- Korea Brain Bank, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Min Chun
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chong Jai Kim
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Won Kim
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Ohk Sung
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sehyun Chae
- Korea Brain Bank, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sun Ju Chung
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Tang Q, Godschall E, Brennan CD, Zhang Q, Abraham-Fan RJ, Williams SP, Güngül TB, Onoharigho R, Buyukaksakal A, Salinas R, Olivieri JJ, Deppmann CD, Campbell JN, Podyma B, Güler AD. A leptin-responsive hypothalamic circuit inputs to the circadian feeding network. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.24.529901. [PMID: 36865258 PMCID: PMC9980144 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.24.529901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Salient cues, such as the rising sun or the availability of food, play a crucial role in entraining biological clocks, allowing for effective behavioral adaptation and ultimately, survival. While the light-dependent entrainment of the central circadian pacemaker (suprachiasmatic nucleus, SCN) is relatively well defined, the molecular and neural mechanisms underlying entrainment associated with food availability remains elusive. Using single nucleus RNA sequencing during scheduled feeding (SF), we identified a leptin receptor (LepR) expressing neuron population in the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) that upregulates circadian entrainment genes and exhibits rhythmic calcium activity prior to an anticipated meal. We found that disrupting DMHLepR neuron activity had a profound impact on both molecular and behavioral food entrainment. Specifically, silencing DMHLepR neurons, mis-timed exogenous leptin administration, or mis-timed chemogenetic stimulation of these neurons all interfered with the development of food entrainment. In a state of energy abundance, repetitive activation of DMHLepR neurons led to the partitioning of a secondary bout of circadian locomotor activity that was in phase with the stimulation and dependent on an intact SCN. Lastly, we discovered that a subpopulation of DMHLepR neurons project to the SCN with the capacity to influence the phase of the circadian clock. This leptin regulated circuit serves as a point of integration between the metabolic and circadian systems, facilitating the anticipation of meal times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijun Tang
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Elizabeth Godschall
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Charles D. Brennan
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | | | - Sydney P. Williams
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Taha Buğra Güngül
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Roberta Onoharigho
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Aleyna Buyukaksakal
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Ricardo Salinas
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Joey J. Olivieri
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Christopher D. Deppmann
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
- Department Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - John N. Campbell
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Brandon Podyma
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Ali D. Güler
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
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4
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5
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Ganmore I, Livny A, Ravona-Springer R, Cooper I, Alkelai A, Shelly S, Tsarfaty G, Heymann A, Schnaider Beeri M, Greenbaum L. TCF7L2 polymorphisms are associated with amygdalar volume in elderly individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15818. [PMID: 31676834 PMCID: PMC6825182 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48899-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The association between several Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) within the transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) as well as additional T2D-related traits is well established. Since alteration in total and regional brain volumes are consistent findings among T2D individuals, we studied the association of four T2D susceptibility SNPS within TCF7L2 (rs7901695, rs7903146, rs11196205, and rs12255372) with volumes of white matter hyperintensities (WMH), gray matter, and regional volumes of amygdala and hippocampus obtained from structural MRI among 191 T2D elderly Jewish individuals. Under recessive genetic model (controlling for age, sex and intracranial volume), we found that for all four SNPs, carriers of two copies of the T2D risk allele (homozygous genotype) had significantly smaller amygdalar volume: rs7901695- CC genotype vs. CT + TT genotypes, p = 0.002; rs7903146-TT vs. TC + CC, p = 0.003; rs11196205- CC vs. CG + GG, p = 0.0003; and rs12255372- TT vs. TG + GG, p = 0.003. Adjusting also for T2D-related covariates, body mass index (BMI), and ancestry did not change the results substantively (rs7901695, p = 0.003; rs7903146, p = 0.005; rs11196205, p = 0.001; and rs12255372, p = 0.005). Conditional analysis demonstrated that only rs11196205 was independently associated with amygdalar volume at a significant level. Separate analysis of left and right amygdala revealed stronger results for left amygdalar volume. Taken together, we report association of TCF7L2 SNPs with amygdalar volume among T2D elderly Jewish patients. Further studies in other populations are required to support these findings and reach more definitive conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ithamar Ganmore
- Department of Neurology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel. .,The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel. .,Memory clinic, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel. .,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Abigail Livny
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ramit Ravona-Springer
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Memory clinic, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Itzik Cooper
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Anna Alkelai
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shahar Shelly
- Department of Neurology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel.,The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Galia Tsarfaty
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anthony Heymann
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Michal Schnaider Beeri
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lior Greenbaum
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The Danek Gertner Institute of Human Genetics, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
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6
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Iyer M, Essner RA, Klingenberg B, Carter ME. Identification of discrete, intermingled hypocretin neuronal populations. J Comp Neurol 2018; 526:2937-2954. [PMID: 30019757 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Neurons in the lateral hypothalamic area that express hypocretin (Hcrt) neuropeptides help regulate many behaviors including wakefulness and reward seeking. These neurons project throughout the brain, including to neural populations that regulate wakefulness, such as the locus coeruleus (LC) and tuberomammilary nucleus (TMN), as well as to populations that regulate reward, such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA). To address the roles of Hcrt neurons in seemingly disparate behaviors, it has been proposed that Hcrt neurons can be anatomically subdivided into at least two distinct subpopulations: a "medial group" that projects to the LC and TMN, and a "lateral group" that projects to the NAc and VTA. Here, we use a dual retrograde tracer strategy to test the hypotheses that Hcrt neurons can be classified based on their downstream projections and medial/lateral location within the hypothalamus. We found that individual Hcrt neurons were significantly more likely to project to both the LC and TMN or to both the VTA and NAc than would be predicted by chance. In contrast, we found that Hcrt neurons that projected to the LC or TMN were mostly distinct from Hcrt neurons that projected to the VTA or NAc. Interestingly, these two populations of Hcrt neurons are intermingled within the hypothalamus and cannot be classified into medial or lateral groups. These results suggest that Hcrt neurons can be distinguished based on their downstream projections but are intermingled within the hypothalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasi Iyer
- Department of Biology, Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts.,Program in Neuroscience, Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts
| | - Rachel A Essner
- Department of Biology, Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts.,Program in Neuroscience, Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts
| | - Bernhard Klingenberg
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew E Carter
- Department of Biology, Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts.,Program in Neuroscience, Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts
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7
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Liu L, Li J, Yan M, Li J, Chen J, Zhang Y, Zhu X, Wang L, Kang L, Yuan D, Jin T. TCF7L2 polymorphisms and the risk of schizophrenia in the Chinese Han population. Oncotarget 2018; 8:28614-28620. [PMID: 28404897 PMCID: PMC5438676 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TCF7L2 (Transcription Factor 7-Like 2) reportedly affect susceptibility to schizophrenia (SCZ). We examined the association between TCF7L2 polymorphisms and SCZ susceptibility in a Chinese Han population. Six SNPs were genotyped in 499 SCZ patients and 500 healthy individuals, after which their associations with SCZ were evaluated using the Chi-squared test and genetic model analyses. We observed that the allele A of rs12573128 is associated with an increased SCZ risk (odds ratio [OR] = 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.63, P = 0.006, adjusted P = 0.030). The AA genotype of rs12573128 was associated with a higher SCZ risk than the GG genotype, before and after adjustment for sex and age (adjusted OR = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.49-5.92, P = 0.002). In addition, SNP rs12573128 was associated with 1.47-fold, 2.64-fold and 1.50-fold increases in SCZ risk of in dominant, recessive and additive model, respectively (adjusted OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.09-1.99, P = 0.012; Bonferroni adjusted P = 0.030). adjusted OR = 2.64, 95% CI = 1.34-5.18, P = 0.005 and adjusted OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.17-1.93, P = 0.002, respectively). These results suggest rs12573128 is significantly associated with an increased risk of SCZ in the Chinese Han population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism and Intervention Research for Plateau Diseases of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712082, China.,Key Laboratory of High Altitude Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712082, China.,Key Laboratory for Basic Life Science Research of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712082, China
| | - Jingjie Li
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Northwest University), Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Mengdan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Northwest University), Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Northwest University), Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Junyu Chen
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, 010050, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, 010050, China
| | - Xikai Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism and Intervention Research for Plateau Diseases of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712082, China.,Key Laboratory of High Altitude Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712082, China.,Key Laboratory for Basic Life Science Research of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712082, China
| | - Li Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism and Intervention Research for Plateau Diseases of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712082, China.,Key Laboratory of High Altitude Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712082, China.,Key Laboratory for Basic Life Science Research of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712082, China
| | - Longli Kang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism and Intervention Research for Plateau Diseases of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712082, China.,Key Laboratory of High Altitude Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712082, China.,Key Laboratory for Basic Life Science Research of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712082, China
| | - Dongya Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism and Intervention Research for Plateau Diseases of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712082, China.,Key Laboratory of High Altitude Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712082, China.,Key Laboratory for Basic Life Science Research of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712082, China
| | - Tianbo Jin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism and Intervention Research for Plateau Diseases of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712082, China.,Key Laboratory of High Altitude Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712082, China.,Key Laboratory for Basic Life Science Research of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712082, China.,Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Northwest University), Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
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8
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Zhou Y, Park SY, Su J, Bailey K, Ottosson-Laakso E, Shcherbina L, Oskolkov N, Zhang E, Thevenin T, Fadista J, Bennet H, Vikman P, Wierup N, Fex M, Rung J, Wollheim C, Nobrega M, Renström E, Groop L, Hansson O. TCF7L2 is a master regulator of insulin production and processing. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:6419-31. [PMID: 25015099 PMCID: PMC4240194 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies have revealed >60 loci associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the underlying causal variants and functional mechanisms remain largely elusive. Although variants in TCF7L2 confer the strongest risk of T2D among common variants by presumed effects on islet function, the molecular mechanisms are not yet well understood. Using RNA-sequencing, we have identified a TCF7L2-regulated transcriptional network responsible for its effect on insulin secretion in rodent and human pancreatic islets. ISL1 is a primary target of TCF7L2 and regulates proinsulin production and processing via MAFA, PDX1, NKX6.1, PCSK1, PCSK2 and SLC30A8, thereby providing evidence for a coordinated regulation of insulin production and processing. The risk T-allele of rs7903146 was associated with increased TCF7L2 expression, and decreased insulin content and secretion. Using gene expression profiles of 66 human pancreatic islets donors’, we also show that the identified TCF7L2-ISL1 transcriptional network is regulated in a genotype-dependent manner. Taken together, these results demonstrate that not only synthesis of proinsulin is regulated by TCF7L2 but also processing and possibly clearance of proinsulin and insulin. These multiple targets in key pathways may explain why TCF7L2 has emerged as the gene showing one of the strongest associations with T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuedan Zhou
- Department of Clinical Sciences, CRC, Lund University, Malmö 20502, Sweden
| | | | - Jing Su
- European Bioinformatics Institute, Functional Genomics, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Kathleen Bailey
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | | | - Liliya Shcherbina
- Department of Clinical Sciences, CRC, Lund University, Malmö 20502, Sweden
| | - Nikolay Oskolkov
- Department of Clinical Sciences, CRC, Lund University, Malmö 20502, Sweden
| | - Enming Zhang
- Department of Clinical Sciences, CRC, Lund University, Malmö 20502, Sweden
| | - Thomas Thevenin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, CRC, Lund University, Malmö 20502, Sweden
| | - João Fadista
- Department of Clinical Sciences, CRC, Lund University, Malmö 20502, Sweden
| | - Hedvig Bennet
- Department of Clinical Sciences, CRC, Lund University, Malmö 20502, Sweden
| | - Petter Vikman
- Department of Clinical Sciences, CRC, Lund University, Malmö 20502, Sweden
| | - Nils Wierup
- Department of Clinical Sciences, CRC, Lund University, Malmö 20502, Sweden
| | - Malin Fex
- Department of Clinical Sciences, CRC, Lund University, Malmö 20502, Sweden
| | - Johan Rung
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75185, Sweden and
| | - Claes Wollheim
- Department of Clinical Sciences, CRC, Lund University, Malmö 20502, Sweden, Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Université de Genève, University Medical Centre, 1 rue Michel-Servet, Geneva 4 1211, Switzerland
| | - Marcelo Nobrega
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Erik Renström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, CRC, Lund University, Malmö 20502, Sweden
| | - Leif Groop
- Department of Clinical Sciences, CRC, Lund University, Malmö 20502, Sweden
| | - Ola Hansson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, CRC, Lund University, Malmö 20502, Sweden,
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Wisniewska MB. Physiological role of β-catenin/TCF signaling in neurons of the adult brain. Neurochem Res 2013; 38:1144-55. [PMID: 23377854 PMCID: PMC3653035 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-013-0980-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Revised: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin pathway, the effectors of which are transcription factors of the LEF1/TCF family, is primarily associated with development. Strikingly, however, some of the genes of the pathway are schizophrenia susceptibility genes, and the proteins that are often mutated in neurodegenerative diseases have the ability to regulate β-catenin levels. If impairment of this pathway indeed leads to these pathologies, then it likely plays a physiological role in the adult brain. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on this subject. The involvement of β-catenin and LEF1/TCF factors in adult neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and the function of thalamic neurons are discussed. The data are still very preliminary and often based on circumstantial or indirect evidence. Further research might help to understand the etiology of the aforementioned pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta B Wisniewska
- Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland.
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Andras P, Andras A. Type 2 diabetes: A side effect of the adaptation of neurons and fat cells to support increased cognitive performance. Med Hypotheses 2013; 80:176-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2012.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2012] [Accepted: 11/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Wisniewska MB, Nagalski A, Dabrowski M, Misztal K, Kuznicki J. Novel β-catenin target genes identified in thalamic neurons encode modulators of neuronal excitability. BMC Genomics 2012; 13:635. [PMID: 23157480 PMCID: PMC3532193 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 11/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background LEF1/TCF transcription factors and their activator β-catenin are effectors of the canonical Wnt pathway. Although Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been implicated in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, its possible role in the adult brain remains enigmatic. To address this issue, we sought to identify the genetic program activated by β-catenin in neurons. We recently showed that β-catenin accumulates specifically in thalamic neurons where it activates Cacna1g gene expression. In the present study, we combined bioinformatics and experimental approaches to find new β-catenin targets in the adult thalamus. Results We first selected the genes with at least two conserved LEF/TCF motifs within the regulatory elements. The resulting list of 428 putative LEF1/TCF targets was significantly enriched in known Wnt targets, validating our approach. Functional annotation of the presumed targets also revealed a group of 41 genes, heretofore not associated with Wnt pathway activity, that encode proteins involved in neuronal signal transmission. Using custom polymerase chain reaction arrays, we profiled the expression of these genes in the rat forebrain. We found that nine of the analyzed genes were highly expressed in the thalamus compared with the cortex and hippocampus. Removal of nuclear β-catenin from thalamic neurons in vitro by introducing its negative regulator Axin2 reduced the expression of six of the nine genes. Immunoprecipitation of chromatin from the brain tissues confirmed the interaction between β-catenin and some of the predicted LEF1/TCF motifs. The results of these experiments validated four genes as authentic and direct targets of β-catenin: Gabra3 for the receptor of GABA neurotransmitter, Calb2 for the Ca2+-binding protein calretinin, and the Cacna1g and Kcna6 genes for voltage-gated ion channels. Two other genes from the latter cluster, Cacna2d2 and Kcnh8, appeared to be regulated by β-catenin, although the binding of β-catenin to the regulatory sequences of these genes could not be confirmed. Conclusions In the thalamus, β-catenin regulates the expression of a novel group of genes that encode proteins involved in neuronal excitation. This implies that the transcriptional activity of β-catenin is necessary for the proper excitability of thalamic neurons, may influence activity in the thalamocortical circuit, and may contribute to thalamic pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta B Wisniewska
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Warsaw, Poland.
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Nagalski A, Irimia M, Szewczyk L, Ferran JL, Misztal K, Kuznicki J, Wisniewska MB. Postnatal isoform switch and protein localization of LEF1 and TCF7L2 transcription factors in cortical, thalamic, and mesencephalic regions of the adult mouse brain. Brain Struct Funct 2012; 218:1531-49. [PMID: 23152144 PMCID: PMC3825142 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-012-0474-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2012] [Accepted: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
β-Catenin signaling, leading to the activation of lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1/T cell factor (LEF1/TCF) transcription factors, plays a well-established role in transcription regulation during development and tissue homeostasis. In the adult organism, the activity of this pathway has been found in stem cell niches and postmitotic thalamic neurons. Recently, studies show that mutations in components of β-catenin signaling networks have been associated with several psychiatric disorders, indicating the involvement of β-catenin and LEF1/TCF proteins in the proper functioning of the brain. Here, we report a comprehensive analysis of LEF1/TCF protein localization and the expression profile of their isoforms in cortical, thalamic, and midbrain regions in mice. We detected LEF1 and TCF7L2 proteins in neurons of the thalamus and dorsal midbrain, i.e., subcortical regions specialized in the integration of diverse sources of sensory information. These neurons also exhibited nuclear localization of β-catenin, suggesting the involvement of β-catenin/LEF1/TCF7L2 in the regulation of gene expression in these regions. Analysis of alternative splicing and promoter usage identified brain-specific TCF7L2 isoforms and revealed a developmentally coordinated transition in the composition of LEF1 and TCF7L2 isoforms. In the case of TCF7L2, the typical brain isoforms lack the so-called C clamp; in addition, the dominant-negative isoforms are predominant in the embryonic thalamus but disappear postnatally. The present study provides a necessary framework to understand the role of LEF1/TCF factors in thalamic and midbrain development until adulthood and predicts that the regulatory role of these proteins in the adult brain is significantly different from their role in the embryonic brain or other non-neural tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nagalski
- Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 4 Ks. Trojdena Street, 02-109, Warsaw, Poland
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Weaver C, Turner N, Hall J. Review of the neuroanatomic landscape implicated in glucose sensing and regulation of nutrient signaling: immunophenotypic localization of diabetes gene Tcf7l2 in the developing murine brain. J Chem Neuroanat 2012; 45:1-17. [PMID: 22796301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2012] [Revised: 06/12/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Genetic variants in the transcription factor 7-like 2(Tcf7l2) gene have been found to confer a significant risk of type 2 diabetes and attenuated insulin secretion. Based on its genomic wide association Tcf7l2 is considered the single most important predictor of diabetes to date. Previous studies of Tcf7l2 mRNA localization in the adult brain suggest a putative role of Tcf7l2 in the CNS regulation of energy homeostasis. The present study further characterizes the immunophenotypic distribution of peptide expression in the brains of Tcf7l2 progeny during developmental time periods between E12.5 and P1. Tcf7l2(-/-) is lethal beyond P1. Results show that while negligible TCF7L2 expression is found in the developing brains of Tcf7l2(-/-)mice, TCF7L2 protein is relatively widespread and robustly expressed in the brain by E18.5 and exhibits specific expression within neuronal populations and regions of the brain in Tcf7l2(+/-) and Tcf7l2(+/+) progeny. Strong immunophenotypic labeling was found in the diencephalic structure of the thalamus that suggests a role of Tcf7l2 in the development and maintenance of thalamic activity. Strongly expressed TCF7L2 was localized in select hypothalamic and preoptic nuclei indicative of Tcf7l2 function within neurons controlling energy balance. Definitive neuronal staining for TCF7L2 within nuclei of the brain stem and circumventricular organs extends TCF7L2 localization within autonomic neurons and its potential integration with autonomic function. In addition robust TCF7L2 expression was found in the tectal and tegmental structures of the superior and inferior colliculi as well as transient expression in neuroepithelium of the cerebral and hippocampal cortices of E16 and E18.5. Patterns of TCF7L2 peptide localization when compared to the adult protein synthetic chemical/anatomical landscape of glucose sensing exhibit a good correlational fit between its expression and regions, nuclei, and pathways regulating energy homeostasis via integration and response to peripheral endocrine, metabolic and neuronal signaling. TCF was also found co-localized with peptides that regulate energy homeostasis including AgRP, POMC and NPY. TCF7l2, some variants of which have been shown to impair GLP-1-induced insulin secretion, was also found co-localize with GLP-1 in adult TCF wild type progeny. Impaired Tcf7l2-mediated neural regulation may contribute to the risk and/or underlying pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes that has found high expression in genomic studies of Tcf7l2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyprian Weaver
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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Association of the type 2 diabetes mellitus susceptibility gene, TCF7L2, with schizophrenia in an Arab-Israeli family sample. PLoS One 2012; 7:e29228. [PMID: 22247771 PMCID: PMC3256145 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many reports in different populations have demonstrated linkage of the 10q24-q26 region to schizophrenia, thus encouraging further analysis of this locus for detection of specific schizophrenia genes. Our group previously reported linkage of the 10q24-q26 region to schizophrenia in a unique, homogeneous sample of Arab-Israeli families with multiple schizophrenia-affected individuals, under a dominant model of inheritance. To further explore this candidate region and identify specific susceptibility variants within it, we performed re-analysis of the 10q24-26 genotype data, taken from our previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) (Alkelai et al, 2011). We analyzed 2089 SNPs in an extended sample of 57 Arab Israeli families (189 genotyped individuals), under the dominant model of inheritance, which best fits this locus according to previously performed MOD score analysis. We found significant association with schizophrenia of the TCF7L2 gene intronic SNP, rs12573128, (p = 7.01×10⁻⁶) and of the nearby intergenic SNP, rs1033772, (p = 6.59×10⁻⁶) which is positioned between TCF7L2 and HABP2. TCF7L2 is one of the best confirmed susceptibility genes for type 2 diabetes (T2D) among different ethnic groups, has a role in pancreatic beta cell function and may contribute to the comorbidity of schizophrenia and T2D. These preliminary results independently support previous findings regarding a possible role of TCF7L2 in susceptibility to schizophrenia, and strengthen the importance of integrating linkage analysis models of inheritance while performing association analyses in regions of interest. Further validation studies in additional populations are required.
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Vazquez-Roque MI, Camilleri M, Vella A, Carlson P, Laugen J, Zinsmeister AR. Association of TCF7L2 allelic variations with gastric function, satiation, and GLP-1 levels. Clin Transl Sci 2011; 4:183-7. [PMID: 21707949 DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-8062.2011.00284.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Genetic variation in transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2), a regulator of proglucagon processing, is reproducibly associated with type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 alters gastric function and increases satiation. HYPOTHESIS Genetic variation in TCF7L2 is associated with satiation, gastric motor function, and GLP-1 concentrations. METHODS In 62 adults, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of TCF7L2 (rs7903146) was genotyped and associations with gastric emptying (GE) of solids and liquids, gastric volume (GV), and satiation (maximum tolerated volume and symptoms after nutrient drink test) were explored using a dominant genetic model, with gender and BMI as covariates. In 50 of the participants, we also measured plasma GLP-1 during fasting and after ingestion of a nutrient drink. RESULTS Presence of the T allele compared to CC genotype in rs7903146 SNP of the TCF7L2 gene was associated with reduced fasting GV (246.3 ± 11.4 mL for CC group, compared to 215.7 ± 11.4 mL for CT/TT group, p= 0.05) and accelerated GE t(1/2) of liquids (26.3 ± 2.0 minutes for CC compared to 17.7 ± 1.4 for CT/TT, p < 0.005). There was no significant association of rs7903146 SNP with GE of solids, gastric accommodation, satiation, fasting, or postprandial GLP-1. CONCLUSION Our data suggest TCF7L2 is associated with altered gastric functions that may predispose to obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria I Vazquez-Roque
- Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research (CENTER), Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Abstract
In canonical Wnt signaling, β-catenin translocates to the cell nucleus, interacting with Tcf/Lef factors to activate transcription of Wnt target genes. In this issue of Genes & Development, Vacik and colleagues (pp. 1783-1795) report that a highly conserved sequence in intron 5 of Tcf7l2 conceals an internal promoter region that, when activated by Vax2, drives transcription of truncated Tcf7l2 mRNAs. The encoded Tcf7l2 protein binds to DNA, but not β-catenin, and therefore acts as a dominant-negative Wnt antagonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Grove
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.
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Misztal K, Wisniewska MB, Ambrozkiewicz M, Nagalski A, Kuznicki J. WNT protein-independent constitutive nuclear localization of beta-catenin protein and its low degradation rate in thalamic neurons. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:31781-8. [PMID: 21757747 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.229666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear localization of β-catenin is a hallmark of canonical Wnt signaling, a pathway that plays a crucial role in brain development and the neurogenesis of the adult brain. We recently showed that β-catenin accumulates specifically in mature thalamic neurons, where it regulates the expression of the Ca(v)3.1 voltage-gated calcium channel gene. Here, we investigated the mechanisms underlying β-catenin accumulation in thalamic neurons. We report that a lack of soluble factors produced either by glia or cortical neurons does not impair nuclear β-catenin accumulation in thalamic neurons. We next found that the number of thalamic neurons with β-catenin nuclear localization did not change when the Wnt/Dishevelled signaling pathway was inhibited by Dickkopf1 or a dominant negative mutant of Dishevelled3. These results suggest a WNT-independent cell-autonomous mechanism. We found that the protein levels of APC, AXIN1, and GSK3β, components of the β-catenin degradation complex, were lower in the thalamus than in the cortex of the adult rat brain. Reduced levels of these proteins were also observed in cultured thalamic neurons compared with cortical cultures. Finally, pulse-chase experiments confirmed that cytoplasmic β-catenin turnover was slower in thalamic neurons than in cortical neurons. Altogether, our data indicate that the nuclear localization of β-catenin in thalamic neurons is their cell-intrinsic feature, which was WNT-independent but associated with low levels of proteins involved in β-catenin labeling for ubiquitination and subsequent degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Misztal
- Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 4 Ks. Trojdena Street, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
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Cravo RM, Margatho LO, Osborne-Lawrence S, Donato J, Atkin S, Bookout AL, Rovinsky S, Frazão R, Lee CE, Gautron L, Zigman JM, Elias CF. Characterization of Kiss1 neurons using transgenic mouse models. Neuroscience 2010; 173:37-56. [PMID: 21093546 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2010] [Revised: 11/09/2010] [Accepted: 11/11/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Humans and mice with loss-of-function mutations of the genes encoding kisspeptins (Kiss1) or kisspeptin receptor (Kiss1r) are infertile due to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Within the hypothalamus, Kiss1 mRNA is expressed in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) and the arcuate nucleus (Arc). In order to better study the different populations of kisspeptin cells we generated Kiss1-Cre transgenic mice. We obtained one line with Cre activity specifically within Kiss1 neurons (line J2-4), as assessed by generating mice with Cre-dependent expression of green fluorescent protein or β-galactosidase. Also, we demonstrated Kiss1 expression in the cerebral cortex and confirmed previous data showing Kiss1 mRNA in the medial nucleus of amygdala and anterodorsal preoptic nucleus. Kiss1 neurons were more concentrated towards the caudal levels of the Arc and higher leptin-responsivity was observed in the most caudal population of Arc Kiss1 neurons. No evidence for direct action of leptin in AVPV Kiss1 neurons was observed. Melanocortin fibers innervated subsets of Kiss1 neurons of the preoptic area and Arc, and both populations expressed melanocortin receptors type 4 (MC4R). Specifically in the preoptic area, 18-28% of Kiss1 neurons expressed MC4R. In the Arc, 90% of Kiss1 neurons were glutamatergic, 50% of which also were GABAergic. In the AVPV, 20% of Kiss1 neurons were glutamatergic whereas 75% were GABAergic. The differences observed between the Kiss1 neurons in the preoptic area and the Arc likely represent neuronal evidence for their differential roles in metabolism and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Cravo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hypothalamic Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard Dallas, TX, USA
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LEF1/beta-catenin complex regulates transcription of the Cav3.1 calcium channel gene (Cacna1g) in thalamic neurons of the adult brain. J Neurosci 2010; 30:4957-69. [PMID: 20371816 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1425-09.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
beta-Catenin, together with LEF1/TCF transcription factors, activates genes involved in the proliferation and differentiation of neuronal precursor cells. In mature neurons, beta-catenin participates in dendritogenesis and synaptic function as a component of the cadherin cell adhesion complex. However, the transcriptional activity of beta-catenin in these cells remains elusive. In the present study, we found that in the adult mouse brain, beta-catenin and LEF1 accumulate in the nuclei of neurons specifically in the thalamus. The particular electrophysiological properties of thalamic neurons depend on T-type calcium channels. Cav3.1 is the predominant T-type channel subunit in the thalamus, and we hypothesized that the Cacna1g gene encoding Cav3.1 is a target of the LEF1/beta-catenin complex. We demonstrated that the expression of Cacna1g is high in the thalamus and is further increased in thalamic neurons treated in vitro with LiCl or WNT3A, activators of beta-catenin. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that the Cacna1G promoter is activated by LEF1 and beta-catenin, and footprinting analysis revealed four LEF1 binding sites in the proximal region of this promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that the Cacna1g proximal promoter is occupied by beta-catenin in vivo in the thalamus, but not in the hippocampus. Moreover, WNT3A stimulation enhanced T-type current in cultured thalamic neurons. Together, our data indicate that the LEF1/beta-catenin complex regulates transcription of Cacna1g and uncover a novel function for beta-catenin in mature neurons. We propose that beta-catenin contributes to neuronal excitability not only by a local action at the synapse but also by activating gene expression in thalamic neurons.
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