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Hirayama M, Mure LS, Le HD, Panda S. Neuronal reprogramming of mouse and human fibroblasts using transcription factors involved in suprachiasmatic nucleus development. iScience 2024; 27:109051. [PMID: 38384840 PMCID: PMC10879699 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is composed of heterogenous populations of neurons that express signaling peptides such as vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) and regulate circadian rhythms in behavior and physiology. SCN neurons acquire functional and morphological specializations from waves of transcription factors (TFs) that are expressed during neurogenesis. However, the in vitro generation of SCN neurons has never been achieved. Here we supplemented a highly efficient neuronal conversion protocol with TFs that are expressed during SCN neurogenesis, namely Six3, Six6, Dlx2, and Lhx1. Neurons induced from mouse and human fibroblasts predominantly exhibited neuronal properties such as bipolar or multipolar morphologies, GABAergic neurons with expression of VIP. Our study reveals a critical contribution of these TFs to the development of vasoactive intestinal peptide (Vip) expressing neurons in the SCN, suggesting the regenerative potential of neuronal subtypes contained in the SCN for future SCN regeneration and in vitro disease remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Hirayama
- Regulatory Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ludovic S. Mure
- Regulatory Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hiep D. Le
- Regulatory Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Satchidananda Panda
- Regulatory Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
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2
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Van Loh BM, Yaw AM, Breuer JA, Jackson B, Nguyen D, Jang K, Ramos F, Ho EV, Cui LJ, Gillette DLM, Sempere LF, Gorman MR, Tonsfeldt KJ, Mellon PL, Hoffmann HM. The transcription factor VAX1 in VIP neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus impacts circadian rhythm generation, depressive-like behavior, and the reproductive axis in a sex-specific manner in mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1269672. [PMID: 38205198 PMCID: PMC10777845 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1269672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) within the hypothalamus is a key brain structure required to relay light information to the body and synchronize cell and tissue level rhythms and hormone release. Specific subpopulations of SCN neurons, defined by their peptide expression, regulate defined SCN output. Here we focus on the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) expressing neurons of the SCN. SCN VIP neurons are known to regulate circadian rhythms and reproductive function. Methods To specifically study SCN VIP neurons, we generated a novel knock out mouse line by conditionally deleting the SCN enriched transcription factor, Ventral Anterior Homeobox 1 (Vax1), in VIP neurons (Vax1Vip; Vax1fl/fl:VipCre). Results We found that Vax1Vip females presented with lengthened estrous cycles, reduced circulating estrogen, and increased depressive-like behavior. Further, Vax1Vip males and females presented with a shortened circadian period in locomotor activity and ex vivo SCN circadian period. On a molecular level, the shortening of the SCN period was driven, at least partially, by a direct regulatory role of VAX1 on the circadian clock genes Bmal1 and Per2. Interestingly, Vax1Vip females presented with increased expression of arginine vasopressin (Avp) in the paraventricular nucleus, which resulted in increased circulating corticosterone. SCN VIP and AVP neurons regulate the reproductive gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and kisspeptin neurons. To determine how the reproductive neuroendocrine network was impacted in Vax1Vip mice, we assessed GnRH sensitivity to a kisspeptin challenge in vivo. We found that GnRH neurons in Vax1Vip females, but not males, had an increased sensitivity to kisspeptin, leading to increased luteinizing hormone release. Interestingly, Vax1Vip males showed a small, but significant increase in total sperm and a modest delay in pubertal onset. Both male and female Vax1Vip mice were fertile and generated litters comparable in size and frequency to controls. Conclusion Together, these data identify VAX1 in SCN VIP neurons as a neurological overlap between circadian timekeeping, female reproduction, and depressive-like symptoms in mice, and provide novel insight into the role of SCN VIP neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke M. Van Loh
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Alexandra M. Yaw
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Joseph A. Breuer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Brooke Jackson
- Department of Radiology and Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Duong Nguyen
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Krystal Jang
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Fabiola Ramos
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Emily V. Ho
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Laura J. Cui
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Dominique L. M. Gillette
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Lorenzo F. Sempere
- Department of Radiology and Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Michael R. Gorman
- Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Karen J. Tonsfeldt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Pamela L. Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Hanne M. Hoffmann
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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3
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Zhou G, Fichorova RN, Holzman C, Chen B, Chang C, Kasten EP, Hoffmann HM. Placental circadian lincRNAs and spontaneous preterm birth. Front Genet 2023; 13:1051396. [PMID: 36712876 PMCID: PMC9874002 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1051396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have a much higher cell- and/or tissue-specificity compared to mRNAs in most cases, making them excellent candidates for therapeutic applications to reduce off-target effects. Placental long non-coding RNAs have been investigated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (often causing preterm birth (PTB)), but less is known about their role in preterm birth. Preterm birth occurs in 11% of pregnancies and is the most common cause of death among infants in the world. We recently identified that genes that drive circadian rhythms in cells, termed molecular clock genes, are deregulated in maternal blood of women with spontaneous PTB (sPTB) and in the placenta of women with preeclampsia. Next, we focused on circadian genes-correlated long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs, making up most of the long non-coding RNAs), designated as circadian lincRNAs, associated with sPTB. We compared the co-altered circadian transcripts-correlated lincRNAs expressed in placentas of sPTB and term births using two published independent RNAseq datasets (GSE73712 and GSE174415). Nine core clock genes were up- or downregulated in sPTB versus term birth, where the RORA transcript was the only gene downregulated in sPTB across both independent datasets. We found that five circadian lincRNAs (LINC00893, LINC00265, LINC01089, LINC00482, and LINC00649) were decreased in sPTB vs term births across both datasets (p ≤ .0222, FDR≤.1973) and were negatively correlated with the dataset-specific clock genes-based risk scores (correlation coefficient r = -.65 ∼ -.43, p ≤ .0365, FDR≤.0601). Gene set variation analysis revealed that 65 pathways were significantly enriched by these same five differentially expressed lincRNAs, of which over 85% of the pathways could be linked to immune/inflammation/oxidative stress and cell cycle/apoptosis/autophagy/cellular senescence. These findings may improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of spontaneous preterm birth and provide novel insights into the development of potentially more effective and specific therapeutic targets against sPTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoli Zhou
- Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States,*Correspondence: Guoli Zhou, ; Hanne M. Hoffmann,
| | - Raina N. Fichorova
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Claudia Holzman
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Chi Chang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Eric P. Kasten
- Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States,Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Hanne M. Hoffmann
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States,*Correspondence: Guoli Zhou, ; Hanne M. Hoffmann,
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4
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Zhou G, Winn E, Nguyen D, Kasten EP, Petroff MG, Hoffmann HM. Co-alterations of circadian clock gene transcripts in human placenta in preeclampsia. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17856. [PMID: 36284122 PMCID: PMC9596722 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22507-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive condition that occurs during pregnancy and complicates up to 4% of pregnancies. PE exhibits several circadian-related characteristics, and the placenta possesses a functioning molecular clock. We examined the associations of 17 core circadian gene transcripts in placenta with PE vs. non-PE (a mixture of pregnant women with term, preterm, small-for-gestational-age, or chorioamnionitis) using two independent gene expression datasets: GSE75010-157 (80 PE vs. 77 non-PE) and GSE75010-173 (77 PE and 96 non-PE). We found a robust difference in circadian gene expression between PE and non-PE across the two datasets, where CRY1 mRNA increases and NR1D2 and PER3 transcripts decrease in PE placenta. Gene set variation analysis revealed an interplay between co-alterations of circadian clock genes and PE with altered hypoxia, cell migration/invasion, autophagy, and membrane trafficking pathways. Using human placental trophoblast HTR-8 cells, we show that CRY1/2 and NR1D1/2 regulate trophoblast migration. A subgroup study including only term samples demonstrated that CLOCK, NR1D2, and PER3 transcripts were simultaneously decreased in PE placenta, a finding supported by CLOCK protein downregulation in an independent cohort of human term PE placenta samples. These findings provide novel insights into the roles of the molecular clock in the pathogenesis of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoli Zhou
- Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute, Michigan State University, 909 Wilson Rd. Suite B500, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| | - Emily Winn
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Duong Nguyen
- Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Science Program and Neuroscience Program, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building #3010, 766 Service Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Eric P Kasten
- Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute, Michigan State University, 909 Wilson Rd. Suite B500, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Margaret G Petroff
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Hanne M Hoffmann
- Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Science Program and Neuroscience Program, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building #3010, 766 Service Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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5
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Moeller JS, Bever SR, Finn SL, Phumsatitpong C, Browne MF, Kriegsfeld LJ. Circadian Regulation of Hormonal Timing and the Pathophysiology of Circadian Dysregulation. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:4185-4214. [PMID: 36073751 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c220018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are endogenously generated, daily patterns of behavior and physiology that are essential for optimal health and disease prevention. Disruptions to circadian timing are associated with a host of maladies, including metabolic disease and obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and mental health disturbances. The circadian timing system is hierarchically organized, with a master circadian clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the anterior hypothalamus and subordinate clocks throughout the CNS and periphery. The SCN receives light information via a direct retinal pathway, synchronizing the master clock to environmental time. At the cellular level, circadian rhythms are ubiquitous, with rhythms generated by interlocking, autoregulatory transcription-translation feedback loops. At the level of the SCN, tight cellular coupling maintains rhythms even in the absence of environmental input. The SCN, in turn, communicates timing information via the autonomic nervous system and hormonal signaling. This signaling couples individual cellular oscillators at the tissue level in extra-SCN brain loci and the periphery and synchronizes subordinate clocks to external time. In the modern world, circadian disruption is widespread due to limited exposure to sunlight during the day, exposure to artificial light at night, and widespread use of light-emitting electronic devices, likely contributing to an increase in the prevalence, and the progression, of a host of disease states. The present overview focuses on the circadian control of endocrine secretions, the significance of rhythms within key endocrine axes for typical, homeostatic functioning, and implications for health and disease when dysregulated. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12: 1-30, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob S Moeller
- Graduate Group in Endocrinology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Savannah R Bever
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Samantha L Finn
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | | | - Madison F Browne
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Lance J Kriegsfeld
- Graduate Group in Endocrinology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA.,Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA.,The Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
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6
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Lavalle SN, Chou T, Hernandez J, Naing NCP, He MY, Tonsfeldt KJ, Mellon PL. Deletion of the homeodomain gene Six3 from kisspeptin neurons causes subfertility in female mice. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 546:111577. [PMID: 35121076 PMCID: PMC8934285 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The homeodomain transcription factor SIX3 is a known regulator of eye, nose, and forebrain development, and has recently been implicated in female reproduction. Germline heterozygosity of SIX3 is sufficient to cause subfertility, but the cell populations that mediate this role are unknown. The neuropeptide kisspeptin is a critical component of the reproductive axis and plays roles in sexual maturation, ovulation, and the maintenance of gonadotropin secretion. We used Cre-Lox technology to remove Six3 specifically from kisspeptin neurons in mice to test the hypothesis that SIX3 in kisspeptin neurons is required for reproduction. We found that loss of Six3 in kisspeptin neurons causes subfertility and estrous cycle irregularities in females, but no effect in males. Overall, we find that SIX3 expression in kisspeptin neurons is an important contributor to female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanna N Lavalle
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, And Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Teresa Chou
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, And Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Jacqueline Hernandez
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, And Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Nay Chi P Naing
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, And Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Michelle Y He
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, And Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Karen J Tonsfeldt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, And Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Pamela L Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, And Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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7
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Tonsfeldt KJ, Mellon PL, Hoffmann HM. Circadian Rhythms in the Neuronal Network Timing the Luteinizing Hormone Surge. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6490154. [PMID: 34967900 PMCID: PMC8782605 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
For billions of years before electric light was invented, life on Earth evolved under the pattern of light during the day and darkness during the night. Through evolution, nearly all organisms internalized the temporal rhythm of Earth's 24-hour rotation and evolved self-sustaining biological clocks with a ~24-hour rhythm. These internal rhythms are called circadian rhythms, and the molecular constituents that generate them are called molecular circadian clocks. Alignment of molecular clocks with the environmental light-dark rhythms optimizes physiology and behavior. This phenomenon is particularly true for reproductive function, in which seasonal breeders use day length information to time yearly changes in fertility. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that light-induced disruption of circadian rhythms can negatively impact fertility in nonseasonal breeders as well. In particular, the luteinizing hormone surge promoting ovulation is sensitive to circadian disruption. In this review, we will summarize our current understanding of the neuronal networks that underlie circadian rhythms and the luteinizing hormone surge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Tonsfeldt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Pamela L Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Correspondence: Pamela L. Mellon, Ph.D., University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, USA 92093-0674.
| | - Hanne M Hoffmann
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, 766 Service Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
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Meadows JD, Breuer JA, Lavalle SN, Hirschenberger MR, Patel MM, Nguyen D, Kim A, Cassin J, Gorman MR, Welsh DK, Mellon PL, Hoffmann HM. Deletion of Six3 in post-proliferative neurons produces weakened SCN circadian output, improved metabolic function, and dwarfism in male mice. Mol Metab 2021; 57:101431. [PMID: 34974160 PMCID: PMC8810556 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The increasing prevalence of obesity makes it important to increase the understanding of the maturation and function of the neuronal integrators and regulators of metabolic function. METHODS Behavioral, molecular, and physiological analyses of transgenic mice with Sine oculis 3 (Six3) deleted in mature neurons using the Synapsincreallele. RESULTS Conditional deletion of the homeodomain transcription factor Six3 in mature neurons causes dwarfism and weakens circadian wheel-running activity rhythms but increases general activity at night, and improves metabolic function, without impacting pubertal onset or fertility in males. The reduced growth in 6-week-old Six3fl/fl:Synapsincre (Six3syn) males correlates with increased somatostatin (SS) expression in the hypothalamus and reduced growth hormone (GH) in the pituitary. In contrast, 12-week-old Six3syn males have increased GH release, despite an increased number of the inhibitory SS neurons in the periventricular nucleus. GH is important in glucose metabolism, muscle function, and bone health. Interestingly, Six3syn males have improved glucose tolerance at 7, 12, and 18 weeks of age, which, in adulthood, is associated with increased % lean mass and increased metabolic rates. Further, 12-week-old Six3syn males have reduced bone mineralization and a lower bone mineral density, indicating that reduced GH levels during early life cause a long-term reduction in bone mineralization. CONCLUSION Our study points to the novel role of Six3 in post-proliferative neurons to regulate metabolic function through SS neuron control of GH release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason D. Meadows
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA,Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Joseph A. Breuer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA,Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Shanna N. Lavalle
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA,Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Michael R. Hirschenberger
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, 766 Service Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Meera M. Patel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Duong Nguyen
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, 766 Service Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Alyssa Kim
- Department of Plant Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, and CANR Statistical Consulting Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Jessica Cassin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Michael R. Gorman
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA,Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - David K. Welsh
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA,Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
| | - Pamela L. Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA,Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Hanne M. Hoffmann
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA,Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA,Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, 766 Service Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA,Corresponding author. Michigan State University Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building #3010 766 Service Road, East Lansing, MI 48224, USA.
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Lavalle SN, Chou T, Hernandez J, Naing NCP, Tonsfeldt KJ, Hoffmann HM, Mellon PL. Kiss1 is differentially regulated in male and female mice by the homeodomain transcription factor VAX1. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 534:111358. [PMID: 34098016 PMCID: PMC8319105 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of Kiss1 transcription is crucial to the development and function of the reproductive axis. The homeodomain transcription factor, ventral anterior homeobox 1 (VAX1), has been implicated as a potential regulator of Kiss1 transcription. However, it is unknown whether VAX1 directly mediates transcription within kisspeptin neurons or works indirectly by acting upstream of kisspeptin neuron populations. This study tested the hypothesis that VAX1 within kisspeptin neurons regulates Kiss1 gene expression. We found that VAX1 acts as a repressor of Kiss1 in vitro and within the male arcuate nucleus in vivo. In female mice, we found that the loss of VAX1 caused a reduction in Kiss1 expression and Kiss1-containing neurons in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus at the time of the preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge, but was compensated by an increase in Kiss1-cFos colocalization. Despite changes in Kiss1 transcription, gonadotropin levels were unaffected and there were no impairments to fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanna N Lavalle
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Teresa Chou
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jacqueline Hernandez
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Nay Chi P Naing
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Karen J Tonsfeldt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Hanne M Hoffmann
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, 766 Service Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Pamela L Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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10
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Zhou G, Duong TV, Kasten EP, Hoffmann HM. Low CLOCK and CRY2 in 2nd trimester human maternal blood and risk of preterm birth: A nested case-control study. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:827-836. [PMID: 34142702 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have observed an association between maternal circadian rhythm disruption and preterm birth (PTB). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms and the potential of circadian clock genes to serve as predictors of PTB remain unexplored. We examined the association of 10 core circadian transcripts in maternal blood with spontaneous PTB (sPTB) vs term births using a nested case-control study design. We used a public gene expression dataset (GSE59491), which was nested within the All Our Babies (AOB) study cohort in Canada. Maternal blood was sampled in trimesters 2-3 from women with sPTB (n = 51) and term births (n = 106), matched for 5 demographic variables. In 2nd trimester maternal blood, only CLOCK and CRY2 transcripts were significantly lower in sPTB vs term (p = 0.02 ~ 0.03, FDR < 0.20). A change of PER3 mRNA from trimesters 2 to 3 was significantly associated with sPTB (decline in sPTB, p = 0.02, FDR < 0.20). When CLOCK and CRY2 were modeled together in 2nd trimester blood, the odds ratio of being in the low level of both circadian gene transcripts was greater in sPTB vs term (OR = 4.86, 95%CI = (1.75,13.51), p < 0.01). Using GSVA and Pearson correlation, we identified 98 common pathways that were negatively or positively correlated with CLOCK and CRY2 expression (all p < 0.05, FDR < 0.10). The top three identified pathways were amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, degradation of extracellular matrix, and inwardly rectifying potassium channels. These three processes have previously been shown to be involved in neuron death, parturition, and uterine excitability during pregnancy, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoli Zhou
- Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute, Michigan State University, USA
| | - Thu V Duong
- Department of Animal Science, The Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, USA
| | - Eric P Kasten
- Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute, Michigan State University, USA.,Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, USA
| | - Hanne M Hoffmann
- Department of Animal Science, The Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, USA
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