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Jiménez-Díaz E, Del-Rio D, Fiordelisio T. The Contribution of Cell Imaging to the Study of Anterior Pituitary Function and Its Regulation. Neuroendocrinology 2023; 113:179-192. [PMID: 35231920 DOI: 10.1159/000523860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Advances in the knowledge of the neuroendocrine system are closely related to the development of cellular imaging and labeling techniques. This synergy ranges from the staining techniques that allowed the first characterizations of the anterior pituitary gland, its relationship with the hypothalamus, and the birth of neuroendocrinology; through the development of fluorescence microscopy applications, specific labeling strategies, transgenic systems, and intracellular calcium sensors that enabled the study of processes and dynamics at the cellular and tissue level; until the advent of super-resolution microscopy, miniscopes, optogenetics, fiber photometry, and other imaging methods that allowed high spatiotemporal resolution and long-term three-dimensional cellular activity recordings in living systems in a conscious and freely moving condition. In this review, we briefly summarize the main contributions of cellular imaging techniques that have allowed relevant advances in the field of neuroendocrinology and paradigm shifts that have improved our understanding of the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary axes. The development of these methods and equipment is the result of the integration of knowledge achieved by the integration of several disciplines and effort to solve scientific questions and problems of high impact on health and society that this system entails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Jiménez-Díaz
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Laboratorio Nacional de Soluciones Biomiméticas para Diagnóstico y Terapia LaNSBioDyT, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Diana Del-Rio
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Laboratorio Nacional de Soluciones Biomiméticas para Diagnóstico y Terapia LaNSBioDyT, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Tatiana Fiordelisio
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Laboratorio Nacional de Soluciones Biomiméticas para Diagnóstico y Terapia LaNSBioDyT, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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Li X, Zhou L, Peng G, Liao M, Zhang L, Hu H, Long L, Tang X, Qu H, Shao J, Zheng H, Long M. Pituitary P62 deficiency leads to female infertility by impairing luteinizing hormone production. Exp Mol Med 2021; 53:1238-1249. [PMID: 34453106 PMCID: PMC8417229 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-021-00661-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
P62 is a protein adaptor for various metabolic processes. Mice that lack p62 develop adult-onset obesity. However, investigations on p62 in reproductive dysfunction are rare. In the present study, we explored the effect of p62 on the reproductive system. P62 deficiency-induced reproductive dysfunction occurred at a young age (8 week old). Young systemic p62 knockout (p62-/-) and pituitary-specific p62 knockout (p62flox/flox αGSUcre) mice both presented a normal metabolic state, whereas they displayed infertility phenotypes (attenuated breeding success rates, impaired folliculogenesis and ovulation, etc.) with decreased luteinizing hormone (LH) expression and production. Consistently, in an infertility model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pituitary p62 mRNA was positively correlated with LH levels. Mechanistically, p62-/- pituitary RNA sequencing showed a significant downregulation of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway. In vitro experiments using the pituitary gonadotroph cell line LβT2 and siRNA/shRNA/plasmid confirmed that p62 modulated LH synthesis and secretion via mitochondrial OXPHOS function, especially Ndufa2, a component molecule of mitochondrial complex I, as verified by Seahorse and rescue tests. After screening OXPHOS markers, Ndufa2 was found to positively regulate LH production in LβT2 cells. Furthermore, the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-stimulating test in p62flox/flox αGSUcre mice and LβT2 cells illustrated that p62 is a modulator of the GnRH-LH axis, which is dependent on intracellular calcium and ATP. These findings demonstrated that p62 deficiency in the pituitary impaired LH production via mitochondrial OXPHOS signaling and led to female infertility, thus providing the GnRH-p62-OXPHOS(Ndufa2)-Ca2+/ATP-LH pathway in gonadotropic cells as a new theoretical basis for investigating female reproductive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Translational Research Key Laboratory for Diabetes, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Main Street No. 183, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Zhongshan East Street No. 305, Xuanwu, Nanjing, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Zhongshan East Street No. 305, Xuanwu, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Translational Research Key Laboratory for Diabetes, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Main Street No. 183, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
| | - Guiliang Peng
- Department of Endocrinology, Translational Research Key Laboratory for Diabetes, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Main Street No. 183, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingyu Liao
- Department of Endocrinology, Translational Research Key Laboratory for Diabetes, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Main Street No. 183, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Translational Research Key Laboratory for Diabetes, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Main Street No. 183, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Hu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Main Street No. 183, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling Long
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Main Street No. 183, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuefeng Tang
- Department of Pathology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Main Street No. 183, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Qu
- Department of Endocrinology, Translational Research Key Laboratory for Diabetes, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Main Street No. 183, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiaqing Shao
- Department of Endocrinology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Zhongshan East Street No. 305, Xuanwu, Nanjing, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Zhongshan East Street No. 305, Xuanwu, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongting Zheng
- Department of Endocrinology, Translational Research Key Laboratory for Diabetes, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Main Street No. 183, Shapingba, Chongqing, China.
| | - Min Long
- Department of Endocrinology, Translational Research Key Laboratory for Diabetes, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Main Street No. 183, Shapingba, Chongqing, China.
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Arao Y, Hamilton KJ, Wu SP, Tsai MJ, DeMayo FJ, Korach KS. Dysregulation of hypothalamic-pituitary estrogen receptor α-mediated signaling causes episodic LH secretion and cystic ovary. FASEB J 2019; 33:7375-7386. [PMID: 30866655 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201802653rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis disorder. PCOS symptoms most likely result from a disturbance in the complex feedback regulation system of the HPG axis, which involves gonadotrophic hormones and ovarian steroid hormones. However, the nature of this complex and interconnecting feedback regulation makes it difficult to dissect the molecular mechanisms responsible for PCOS phenotypes. Global estrogen receptor α (ERα) knockout (KO) mice exhibit a disruption of the HPG axis, resulting in hormonal dysregulation in which female ERα KO mice have elevated levels of serum estradiol (E2), testosterone, and LH. The ERα KO females are anovulatory and develop cystic hemorrhagic ovaries that are thought to be due to persistently high circulating levels of LH from the pituitary. However, the role of ERα in the pituitary is still controversial because of the varied phenotypes reported in pituitary-specific ERα KO mouse models. Therefore, we developed a mouse model where ERα is reintroduced to be exclusively expressed in the pituitary on the background of a global ERα-null (PitERtgKO) mouse. Serum E2 and LH levels were normalized in PitERtgKO females and were comparable to wild-type serum levels. However, the ovaries of PitERtgKO adult mice displayed a more overt cystic and hemorrhagic phenotype when compared with ERα KO littermates. We determined that anomalous sporadic LH secretion caused the severe ovarian phenotype of PitERtgKO females. Our observations suggest that pituitary ERα is involved in the estrogen negative feedback regulation, whereas hypothalamic ERα is necessary for the precise control of LH secretion. Uncontrolled, irregular LH secretion may be the root cause of the cystic ovarian phenotype with similarities to PCOS.-Arao, Y., Hamilton, K. J., Wu, S.-P., Tsai, M.-J., DeMayo, F. J., Korach, K. S. Dysregulation of hypothalamic-pituitary estrogen receptor α-mediated signaling causes episodic LH secretion and cystic ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukitomo Arao
- Receptor Biology Group, Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Katherine J Hamilton
- Receptor Biology Group, Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - San-Pin Wu
- Pregnancy and Female Reproduction Group, Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA; and
| | | | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Pregnancy and Female Reproduction Group, Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA; and
| | - Kenneth S Korach
- Receptor Biology Group, Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Abstract
Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) libraries are a valuable research resource. Any one of the clones in these libraries can carry hundreds of thousands of base pairs of genetic information. Often the entire coding sequence and significant upstream and downstream regions, including regulatory elements, can be found in a single BAC clone. BACs can be put to many uses, such as to study the function of human genes in knockout mice, to drive reporter gene expression in transgenic animals, and for gene discovery. In order to use BACs for experimental purposes it is often desirable to genetically modify them by introducing reporter elements or heterologous cDNA sequences. It is not feasible to use conventional DNA cloning approaches to modify BACs due to their size and complexity, thus a specialized field "recombineering" has developed to modify BAC clones through the use of homologous recombination in bacteria with short homology regions. Genetically engineered BACs can then be used in cell culture, mouse, or rat models to study cancer, neurology, and genetics.
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Gilbert SB, Roof AK, Rajendra Kumar T. Mouse models for the analysis of gonadotropin secretion and action. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018; 32:219-239. [PMID: 29779578 PMCID: PMC5973545 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropins are pituitary gonadotrope-derived glycoprotein hormones. They act by binding to G-protein coupled receptors on gonads. Gonadotropins play critical roles in reproduction by regulating both gametogenesis and steroidogenesis. Although biochemical and physiological studies provided a wealth of knowledge, gene manipulation techniques using novel mouse models gave new insights into gonadotropin synthesis, secretion and action. Both gain of function and loss of function mouse models for understanding gonadotropin action in a whole animal context have already been generated. Moreover, recent studies on gonadotropin actions in non-gonadal tissues challenged the central dogma of classical gonadotropin actions in gonads and revealed new signaling pathways in these non-gonadal tissues. In this Chapter, we have discussed our current understanding of gonadotropin synthesis, secretion and action using a variety of genetically engineered mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Babcock Gilbert
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Allyson K Roof
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - T Rajendra Kumar
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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Mouse Models for the Study of Synthesis, Secretion, and Action of Pituitary Gonadotropins. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2016; 143:49-84. [PMID: 27697204 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropins play fundamental roles in reproduction. More than 30years ago, Cga transgenic mice were generated, and more than 20years ago, the phenotypes of Cga null mice were reported. Since then, numerous mouse strains have been generated and characterized to address several questions in reproductive biology involving gonadotropin synthesis, secretion, and action. More recently, extragonadal expression, and in some cases, functions of gonadotropins in nongonadal tissues have been identified. Several genomic and proteomic approaches including novel mouse genome editing tools are available now. It is anticipated that these and other emerging technologies will be useful to build an integrated network of gonadotropin signaling pathways in various tissues. Undoubtedly, research on gonadotropins will continue to provide new knowledge and allow us transcend from benchside to the bedside.
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Stallings CE, Kapali J, Ellsworth BS. Mouse Models of Gonadotrope Development. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2016; 143:1-48. [PMID: 27697200 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The pituitary gonadotrope is central to reproductive function. Gonadotropes develop in a systematic process dependent on signaling factors secreted from surrounding tissues and those produced within the pituitary gland itself. These signaling pathways are important for stimulating specific transcription factors that ultimately regulate the expression of genes and define gonadotrope identity. Proper gonadotrope development and ultimately gonadotrope function are essential for normal sexual maturation and fertility. Understanding the mechanisms governing differentiation programs of gonadotropes is important to improve treatment and molecular diagnoses for patients with gonadotrope abnormalities. Much of what is known about gonadotrope development has been elucidated from mouse models in which important factors contributing to gonadotrope development and function have been deleted, ectopically expressed, or modified. This chapter will focus on many of these mouse models and their contribution to our current understanding of gonadotrope development.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Stallings
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States
| | - J Kapali
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States
| | - B S Ellsworth
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States.
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Davis SW, Keisler JL, Pérez-Millán MI, Schade V, Camper SA. All Hormone-Producing Cell Types of the Pituitary Intermediate and Anterior Lobes Derive From Prop1-Expressing Progenitors. Endocrinology 2016; 157:1385-96. [PMID: 26812162 PMCID: PMC4816735 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in PROP1, the most common known cause of combined pituitary hormone deficiency in humans, can result in the progressive loss of all hormones of the pituitary anterior lobe. In mice, Prop1 mutations result in the failure to initiate transcription of Pou1f1 (also known as Pit1) and lack somatotropins, lactotropins, and thyrotropins. The basis for this species difference is unknown. We hypothesized that Prop1 is expressed in a progenitor cell that can develop into all anterior lobe cell types, and not just the somatotropes, thyrotropes, and lactotropes, which are collectively known as the PIT1 lineage. To test this idea, we produced a transgenic Prop1-cre mouse line and conducted lineage-tracing experiments of Prop1-expressing cells. The results reveal that all hormone-secreting cell types of both the anterior and intermediate lobes are descended from Prop1-expressing progenitors. The Prop1-cre mice also provide a valuable genetic reagent with a unique spatial and temporal expression for generating tissue-specific gene rearrangements early in pituitary gland development. We also determined that the minimal essential sequences for reliable Prop1 expression lie within 10 kilobases of the mouse gene and demonstrated that human PROP1 can substitute functionally for mouse Prop1. These studies enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of disease in patients with PROP1 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon W Davis
- Department of Biological Sciences (S.W.D., J.L.K.), University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208; and Department of Human Genetics (M.I.P.-M., V.S., S.A.C.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Jessica L Keisler
- Department of Biological Sciences (S.W.D., J.L.K.), University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208; and Department of Human Genetics (M.I.P.-M., V.S., S.A.C.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - María I Pérez-Millán
- Department of Biological Sciences (S.W.D., J.L.K.), University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208; and Department of Human Genetics (M.I.P.-M., V.S., S.A.C.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Vanessa Schade
- Department of Biological Sciences (S.W.D., J.L.K.), University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208; and Department of Human Genetics (M.I.P.-M., V.S., S.A.C.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Sally A Camper
- Department of Biological Sciences (S.W.D., J.L.K.), University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208; and Department of Human Genetics (M.I.P.-M., V.S., S.A.C.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
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Wang H, Hastings R, Miller WL, Kumar TR. Fshb-iCre mice are efficient and specific Cre deleters for the gonadotrope lineage. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 419:124-38. [PMID: 26472536 PMCID: PMC4684453 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Genetic analysis of development and function of the gonadotrope cell lineage within mouse anterior pituitary has been greatly facilitated by at least three currently available Cre strains in which Cre was either knocked into the Gnrhr locus or expressed as a transgene from Cga and Lhb promoters. However, in each case there are some limitations including CRE expression in thyrotropes within pituitary or ectopic expression outside of pituitary, for example in some populations of neurons or gonads. Hence, these Cre strains often pose problems with regard to undesirable deletion of alleles in non-gonadotrope cells, fertility and germline transmission of mutant alleles. Here, we describe generation and characterization of a new Fshb-iCre deleter strain using 4.7 kb of ovine Fshb promoter regulatory sequences driving iCre expression exclusively in the gonadotrope lineage within anterior pituitary. Fshb-iCre mice develop normally, display no ectopic CRE expression in gonads and are fertile. When crossed onto a loxP recombination-mediated red to green color switch reporter mouse genetic background, in vivo CRE recombinase activity is detectable in gonadotropes at more than 95% efficiency and the GFP-tagged gonadotropes readily purified by fluorescence activated cell sorting. We demonstrate the applicability of this Fshb-iCre deleter strain in a mouse model in which Dicer is efficiently and selectively deleted in gonadotropes. We further show that loss of DICER-dependent miRNAs in gonadotropes leads to profound suppression of gonadotropins resulting in male and female infertility. Thus, Fshb-iCre mice serve as a new genetic tool to efficiently manipulate gonadotrope-specific gene expression in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizhen Wang
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology
| | | | - William L Miller
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - T Rajendra Kumar
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology; Center for Reproductive Sciences, Institute for Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
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Xie H, Hoffmann HM, Meadows JD, Mayo SL, Trang C, Leming SS, Maruggi C, Davis SW, Larder R, Mellon PL. Homeodomain Proteins SIX3 and SIX6 Regulate Gonadotrope-specific Genes During Pituitary Development. Mol Endocrinol 2015; 29:842-55. [PMID: 25915183 PMCID: PMC4447639 DOI: 10.1210/me.2014-1279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sine oculis-related homeobox 3 (SIX3) and SIX6, 2 closely related homeodomain transcription factors, are involved in development of the mammalian neuroendocrine system and mutations of Six6 adversely affect fertility in mice. We show that both small interfering RNA knockdown in gonadotrope cell lines and knockout of Six6 in both embryonic and adult male mice (Six6 knockout) support roles for SIX3 and SIX6 in transcriptional regulation in gonadotrope gene expression and that SIX3 and SIX6 can functionally compensate for each other. Six3 and Six6 expression patterns in gonadotrope cell lines reflect the timing of the expression of pituitary markers they regulate. Six3 is expressed in an immature gonadotrope cell line and represses transcription of the early lineage-specific pituitary genes, GnRH receptor (GnRHR) and the common α-subunit (Cga), whereas Six6 is expressed in a mature gonadotrope cell line and represses the specific β-subunits of LH and FSH (LHb and FSHb) that are expressed later in development. We show that SIX6 repression requires interaction with transducin-like enhancer of split corepressor proteins and competition for DNA-binding sites with the transcriptional activator pituitary homeobox 1. Our studies also suggest that estradiol and circadian rhythm regulate pituitary expression of Six6 and Six3 in adult females but not in males. In summary, SIX3 and SIX6 play distinct but compensatory roles in regulating transcription of gonadotrope-specific genes as gonadotrope cells differentiate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Xie
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and the Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine (H.X., H.M.H., J.D.M., S.L.M., C.T., S.S.L., C.M., R.L., P.L.M.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093; and Department of Human Genetics (S.W.D.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Hanne M Hoffmann
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and the Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine (H.X., H.M.H., J.D.M., S.L.M., C.T., S.S.L., C.M., R.L., P.L.M.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093; and Department of Human Genetics (S.W.D.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Jason D Meadows
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and the Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine (H.X., H.M.H., J.D.M., S.L.M., C.T., S.S.L., C.M., R.L., P.L.M.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093; and Department of Human Genetics (S.W.D.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Susan L Mayo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and the Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine (H.X., H.M.H., J.D.M., S.L.M., C.T., S.S.L., C.M., R.L., P.L.M.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093; and Department of Human Genetics (S.W.D.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Crystal Trang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and the Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine (H.X., H.M.H., J.D.M., S.L.M., C.T., S.S.L., C.M., R.L., P.L.M.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093; and Department of Human Genetics (S.W.D.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Sunamita S Leming
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and the Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine (H.X., H.M.H., J.D.M., S.L.M., C.T., S.S.L., C.M., R.L., P.L.M.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093; and Department of Human Genetics (S.W.D.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Chiara Maruggi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and the Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine (H.X., H.M.H., J.D.M., S.L.M., C.T., S.S.L., C.M., R.L., P.L.M.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093; and Department of Human Genetics (S.W.D.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Shannon W Davis
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and the Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine (H.X., H.M.H., J.D.M., S.L.M., C.T., S.S.L., C.M., R.L., P.L.M.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093; and Department of Human Genetics (S.W.D.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Rachel Larder
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and the Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine (H.X., H.M.H., J.D.M., S.L.M., C.T., S.S.L., C.M., R.L., P.L.M.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093; and Department of Human Genetics (S.W.D.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Pamela L Mellon
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and the Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine (H.X., H.M.H., J.D.M., S.L.M., C.T., S.S.L., C.M., R.L., P.L.M.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093; and Department of Human Genetics (S.W.D.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
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11
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Wang H, Graham I, Hastings R, Gunewardena S, Brinkmeier ML, Conn PM, Camper SA, Kumar TR. Gonadotrope-specific deletion of Dicer results in severely suppressed gonadotropins and fertility defects. J Biol Chem 2014; 290:2699-714. [PMID: 25525274 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.621565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pituitary gonadotropins follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone are heterodimeric glycoproteins expressed in gonadotropes. They act on gonads and promote their development and functions including steroidogenesis and gametogenesis. Although transcriptional regulation of gonadotropin subunits has been well studied, the post-transcriptional regulation of gonadotropin subunits is not well understood. To test if microRNAs regulate the hormone-specific gonadotropin β subunits in vivo, we deleted Dicer in gonadotropes by a Cre-lox genetic approach. We found that many of the DICER-dependent microRNAs, predicted in silico to bind gonadotropin β subunit mRNAs, were suppressed in purified gonadotropes of mutant mice. Loss of DICER-dependent microRNAs in gonadotropes resulted in profound suppression of gonadotropin-β subunit proteins and, consequently, the heterodimeric hormone secretion. In addition to suppression of basal levels, interestingly, the post-gonadectomy-induced rise in pituitary gonadotropin synthesis and secretion were both abolished in mutants, indicating a defective gonadal negative feedback control. Furthermore, mutants lacking Dicer in gonadotropes displayed severely reduced fertility and were rescued with exogenous hormones confirming that the fertility defects were secondary to suppressed gonadotropins. Our studies reveal that DICER-dependent microRNAs are essential for gonadotropin homeostasis and fertility in mice. Our studies also implicate microRNAs in gonadal feedback control of gonadotropin synthesis and secretion. Thus, DICER-dependent microRNAs confer a new layer of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation in gonadotropes to orchestrate the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizhen Wang
- From the Departments of Molecular and Integrative Physiology
| | - Ian Graham
- From the Departments of Molecular and Integrative Physiology
| | - Richard Hastings
- Flow Cytometry Core Laboratory, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | | | - Michelle L Brinkmeier
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, and
| | - P Michael Conn
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79430
| | - Sally A Camper
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, and
| | - T Rajendra Kumar
- From the Departments of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Institute for Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine, and
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Hoffmann HM, Tamrazian A, Xie H, Pérez-Millán MI, Kauffman AS, Mellon PL. Heterozygous deletion of ventral anterior homeobox (vax1) causes subfertility in mice. Endocrinology 2014; 155:4043-53. [PMID: 25060364 PMCID: PMC4164932 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The known genetic causes of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) are often associated with the loss of GnRH neurons, leading to the disruption of the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis and subfertility. The majority of IHH cases have unknown origins and likely arise from compound mutations in more than one gene. Here we identify the homeodomain transcription factor ventral anterior homeobox1 (Vax1) as a potential genetic contributor to polygenic IHH. Although otherwise healthy, male and female Vax1 heterozygous (HET) mice are subfertile, indicating dosage sensitivity for the Vax1 allele. Although Vax1 mRNA is expressed in the pituitary, hypothalamus, and testis, we did not detect Vax1 mRNA in the sperm, ovary, or isolated pituitary gonadotropes. Whereas Vax1 HET females produced normal numbers of superovulated oocytes, corpora lutea numbers were reduced along with a slight increase in circulating basal LH and estrogen. The subfertility originated in the hypothalamus in which kisspeptin and GnRH transcripts were altered along with a substantial reduction of GnRH neuron number. Although the pituitary responded normally to a GnRH challenge, diestrus females had reduced LHβ and FSHβ in diestrus. Furthermore, Vax1 HET males had reduced GnRH mRNA and neuron numbers, whereas the pituitary had normal transcript levels and response to GnRH. Interestingly, the Vax1 HET males had an 88% reduction of motile sperm. Taken together, our data suggest that Vax1 HET subfertility originates in the hypothalamus by disrupting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In addition, male subfertility may also be due to an unknown effect of Vax1 in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne M Hoffmann
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and the Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine (H.M.H., A.T., H.X., A.S.K., P.L.M.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0674; Department of Human Genetics (M.I.P.-M.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
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13
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Cano DA, Soto-Moreno A, Leal-Cerro A. Genetically engineered mouse models of pituitary tumors. Front Oncol 2014; 4:203. [PMID: 25136513 PMCID: PMC4117927 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2014.00203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models constitute valuable tools for investigating the pathogenesis of cancer as well as for preclinical testing of novel therapeutics approaches. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of pituitary-tumor formation remain poorly understood, particularly in sporadic adenomas, thus, making it a challenge to model pituitary tumors in mice. Nevertheless, genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of pituitary tumors have provided important insight into pituitary tumor biology. In this paper, we review various GEMMs of pituitary tumors, highlighting their contributions and limitations, and discuss opportunities for research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Cano
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío , Seville , Spain ; Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla , Seville , Spain
| | - Alfonso Soto-Moreno
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío , Seville , Spain ; Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla , Seville , Spain
| | - Alfonso Leal-Cerro
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla , Seville , Spain
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14
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Cheng X, Chen X, Jin X, He J, Yin Z. Generation and characterization of gsuα:EGFP transgenic zebrafish for evaluating endocrine-disrupting effects. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2014; 278:78-84. [PMID: 24747804 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2014.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Revised: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The glycoprotein subunit α (gsuα) gene encodes the shared α subunit of the three pituitary heterodimeric glycoprotein hormones: follicle-stimulating hormone β (Fshβ), luteinizing hormone β (Lhβ) and thyroid stimulating hormone β (Tshβ). In our current study, we identified and characterized the promoter region of zebrafish gsuα and generated a stable gsuα:EGFP transgenic line, which recapitulated the endogenous gsuα expression in the early developing pituitary gland. A relatively conserved regulatory element set is presented in the promoter regions of zebrafish and three other known mammalian gsuα promoters. Our results also demonstrated that the expression patterns of the gsuα:EGFP transgene were all identical to those expression patterns of the endogenous gsuα expression in the pituitary tissue when our transgenic fish were treated with various endocrine chemicals, including forskolin (FSK), SP600125, trichostatin A (TSA), KClO4, dexamethasone (Dex), β-estradiol and progesterone. Thus, this gsuα:EGFP transgenic fish reporter line provides another valuable tool for investigating the lineage development of gsuα-expressing gonadotrophins and the coordinated regulation of various glycoprotein hormone subunit genes. These reporter fish can serve as a novel platform to perform screenings of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in vivo as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xia Jin
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jiangyan He
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhan Yin
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Ningbo Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, China.
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