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Han Y, Zhang J, Liang W, Lv Y, Luo X, Li C, Qu X, Zhang Y, Gu W, Chen X, Jin Y. Follicular fluid exosome-derived miR-339-5p enhances in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes via targeting SFPQ, a regulator of the ERK1/2 pathway. Theriogenology 2024; 225:107-118. [PMID: 38805993 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to investigate cytoplasmic maturation and miRNA expression of mature oocytes cultured in porcine follicular fluid exosomes. We also examined the effect of miR-339-5p on oocyte maturation. Twenty eight differentially expressed miRNAs were detected using miRNA-seq. We then transfected cumulus oocyte complexes with miR-339-5p mimics and inhibitor during culture. The results showed that exosomes increased endoplasmic reticulum levels and the amount of lipid droplets, and decreased ROS levels, lipid droplet size, and percentage of oocytes with abnormal cortical granule distribution. Overexpressing miR-339-5p significantly decreased cumulus expansion genes, oocyte maturation-related genes, target gene proline/glutamine-rich splicing factor (SFPQ), ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels, oocyte maturation rate, blastocyst rate, and lipid droplet number, but increased lipid droplet size and the ratio of oocytes with abnormal cortical granule distribution. Inhibiting miR-339-5p reversed the decrease observed during overexpression. Mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS levels did not differ significantly between groups. In summary, exosomes promote oocyte cytoplasmic maturation and miR-339-5p regulating ERK1/2 activity through SFPQ expression, thereby elevating oocyte maturation and blastocyst formation rate in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Han
- Yanbian University, Jilin, Yanji, 133000, China
| | | | | | - Yanqiu Lv
- Yanbian University, Jilin, Yanji, 133000, China
| | - Xiaotong Luo
- Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin, Gongzhuling, 136100, China
| | - Chunyu Li
- Yanbian University, Jilin, Yanji, 133000, China
| | - Xinglin Qu
- Yanbian University, Jilin, Yanji, 133000, China
| | | | - Weiyu Gu
- Yanbian University, Jilin, Yanji, 133000, China
| | - Xuan Chen
- Yanbian University, Jilin, Yanji, 133000, China.
| | - Yi Jin
- Yanbian University, Jilin, Yanji, 133000, China.
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Wang PX, Wu SL, Ju JQ, Jiao L, Zou YJ, Zhang KH, Sun SC, Hu LL, Zheng XB. Benzo[a]pyrene exposure disrupts the organelle distribution and function of mouse oocytes. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 281:116630. [PMID: 38917590 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compound that is generated during combustion processes, and is present in various substances such as foods, tobacco smoke, and burning emissions. BaP is extensively acknowledged as a highly carcinogenic substance to induce multiple forms of cancer, such as lung cancer, skin cancer, and stomach cancer. Recently it is shown to adversely affect the reproductive system. Nevertheless, the potential toxicity of BaP on oocyte quality remains unclear. In this study, we established a BaP exposure model via mouse oral gavage and found that BaP exposure resulted in a notable decrease in the ovarian weight, number of GV oocytes in ovarian, and oocyte maturation competence. BaP exposure caused ribosomal dysfunction, characterized by a decrease in the expression of RPS3 and HPG in oocytes. BaP exposure also caused abnormal distribution of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and induced ER stress, as indicated by increased expression of GRP78. Besides, the Golgi apparatus exhibited an abnormal localization pattern, which was confirmed by the GM130 localization. Disruption of vesicle transport processes was observed by the abnormal expression and localization of Rab10. Additionally, an enhanced lysosome and LC3 fluorescence intensity indicated the occurrence of protein degradation in oocytes. In summary, our results suggested that BaP exposure disrupted the distribution and functioning of organelles, consequently affecting the developmental competence of mouse oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Xia Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Si-Le Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jia-Qian Ju
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Le Jiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yuan-Jing Zou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Kun-Huan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Shao-Chen Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Lin-Lin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Research on Clinical Molecular Diagnosis for High Incidence Diseases in Western Guangxi, Reproductive Medicine of Guangxi Medical and Health Key Discipline Construction Project, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China.
| | - Xi-Bang Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
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Xie Y, Wu N, Tang S, Zhou Z, Chen J, Li J, Wu F, Xu M, Xu X, Liu Y, Ma X. Endoplasmic Reticulum Dysfunction: An Emerging Mechanism of Vitiligo Pathogenesis. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2024; 17:1133-1144. [PMID: 38774812 PMCID: PMC11107934 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s459070] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the main site of protein synthesis, transport, and modification. Its abnormal status has now emerged as an established cause of many pathological processes, such as tumors and autoimmune diseases. Recent studies also demonstrated that the defective functions of ER may lead to pigmentary diseases. Vitiligo is a depigmenting ailment skin disorder whose pathogenesis is now found to be associated with ER. However, the detailed mechanism is still unclear. In this review, we try to link the association between ER with its inter- and intra-organellar interactions in vitiligo pathogenesis and focus on the function, mechanism, and clinical potential of ER with vitiligo. Expand ER is found in melanocytes of vitiligo and ER stress (ERS) might be a bridge between oxidative stress and innate and adaptive immunity. Meanwhile, the tight association between ER and mitochondria or melanosomes in organelles levels, as well as genes and cytokines, is the new paradigm in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. This undoubtedly adds a new aspect to the understanding of vitiligo, facilitating the design of targeted therapies for vitiligo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyi Xie
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nanhui Wu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Suwei Tang
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiyu Zhou
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiashe Chen
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Li
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fei Wu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingyuan Xu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiang Xu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yeqiang Liu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Ma
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Dermatology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Hu LL, Liao MH, Liu YX, Xing CH, Nong LL, Yang FL, Sun SC. Loss of AMPK activity induces organelle dysfunction and oxidative stress during oocyte aging. Biol Direct 2024; 19:29. [PMID: 38654312 PMCID: PMC11036640 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-024-00471-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oocyte quality is critical for the mammalian reproduction due to its necessity on fertilization and early development. During aging, the declined oocytes showing with organelle dysfunction and oxidative stress lead to infertility. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a serine/threonine protein kinase which is important for energy homeostasis for metabolism. Little is known about the potential relationship between AMPK with oocyte aging. RESULTS In present study we reported that AMPK was related with low quality of oocytes under post ovulatory aging and the potential mechanism. We showed the altered AMPK level during aging and inhibition of AMPK activity induced mouse oocyte maturation defect. Further analysis indicated that similar with its upstream regulator PKD1, AMPK could reduce ROS level to avoid oxidative stress in oocytes, and this might be due to its regulation on mitochondria function, since loss of AMPK activity induced abnormal distribution, reduced ATP production and mtDNA copy number of mitochondria. Besides, we also found that the ER and Golgi apparatus distribution was aberrant after AMPK inhibition, and enhanced lysosome function was also observed. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these data indicated that AMPK is important for the organelle function to reduce oxidative stress during oocyte meiotic maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Lin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Research on Clinical Molecular Diagnosis for High Incidence Diseases in Western Guangxi, Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Medical and Health Key Discipline Construction Project, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Mei-Hua Liao
- Key Laboratory of Research on Clinical Molecular Diagnosis for High Incidence Diseases in Western Guangxi, Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Medical and Health Key Discipline Construction Project, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Ya-Xi Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun-Hua Xing
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, China
| | - Lan-Lan Nong
- Key Laboratory of Research on Clinical Molecular Diagnosis for High Incidence Diseases in Western Guangxi, Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Medical and Health Key Discipline Construction Project, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Feng-Lian Yang
- Industrial College of Biomedicine and Health Industry, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, 533000, Baise, Guangxi, China.
| | - Shao-Chen Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, China.
- Industrial College of Biomedicine and Health Industry, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, 533000, Baise, Guangxi, China.
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Shen Y, Chen QC, Li CY, Han FJ. Independent organelle and organelle-organelle interactions: essential mechanisms for malignant gynecological cancer cell survival. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1393852. [PMID: 38711526 PMCID: PMC11070488 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1393852] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Different eukaryotic cell organelles (e.g., mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosome) are involved in various cancer processes, by dominating specific cellular activities. Organelles cooperate, such as through contact points, in complex biological activities that help the cell regulate energy metabolism, signal transduction, and membrane dynamics, which influence survival process. Herein, we review the current studies of mechanisms by which mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and lysosome are related to the three major malignant gynecological cancers, and their possible therapeutic interventions and drug targets. We also discuss the similarities and differences of independent organelle and organelle-organelle interactions, and their applications to the respective gynecological cancers; mitochondrial dynamics and energy metabolism, endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction, lysosomal regulation and autophagy, organelle interactions, and organelle regulatory mechanisms of cell death play crucial roles in cancer tumorigenesis, progression, and response to therapy. Finally, we discuss the value of organelle research, its current problems, and its future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Qiao-Chu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Chen-Yu Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Feng-Juan Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
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Zhang J, Kong J, Cao J, Dai P, Chen B, Tan J, Meng X, Luo K, Fu Q, Wei P, Luan S, Sui J. Reproductive Ability Disparity in the Pacific Whiteleg Shrimp ( Penaeus vannamei): Insights from Ovarian Cellular and Molecular Levels. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:218. [PMID: 38666830 PMCID: PMC11048709 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The Pacific whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) is a highly significant species in shrimp aquaculture. In the production of shrimp larvae, noticeable variations in the reproductive capacity among female individuals have been observed. Some females experience slow gonadal development, resulting in the inability to spawn, while others undergo multiple maturations and contribute to the majority of larval supply. Despite numerous studies that have been conducted on the regulatory mechanisms of ovarian development in shrimp, the factors contributing to the differences in reproductive capacity among females remain unclear. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, this study examined the differences in the ovarian characteristics between high and low reproductive bulks at different maturity stages, focusing on the cellular and molecular levels. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that the abundance of the endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, mitochondria, and mitochondrial cristae in oocytes of high reproductive bulk was significantly higher than that of the low reproductive bulk in the early stages of ovarian maturation (stages I and II). As the ovaries progressed to late-stage maturation (stages III and IV), differences in the internal structures of oocytes between females with different reproductive capacities gradually diminished. Transcriptome analysis identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the mitochondria between two groups, suggesting that energy production processes might play a crucial role in the observed variations in ovary development. The expression levels of the ETS homology factor (EHF) and PRDI-BF1 and RIZ homology domain containing 9 (PRDM9), which were significantly different between the two groups, were compared using qRT-PCR in individuals at different stages of ovarian maturation. The results showed a significantly higher expression of the EHF gene in the ovaries of high reproductive bulk at the II and IV maturity stages compared to the low reproductive bulk, while almost no expression was detected in the eyestalk tissue of the high reproductive bulk. The PRDM9 gene was exclusively expressed in ovarian tissue, with significantly higher expression in the ovaries of the high reproductive bulk at the four maturity stages compared to the low reproductive bulk. Fluorescence in situ hybridization further compared the expression patterns of EHF and PRDM9 in the ovaries of individuals with different fertility levels, with both genes showing stronger positive signals in the high reproductive bulk at the four ovarian stages. These findings not only contribute to our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms involved in shrimp ovarian development, but also provide valuable insights for the cultivation of new varieties aimed at improving shrimp fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianchun Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Jie Kong
- National Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Jiawang Cao
- National Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Ping Dai
- National Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Baolong Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Jian Tan
- National Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Xianhong Meng
- National Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Kun Luo
- National Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- National Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Peiming Wei
- BLUP Aquabreed Co., Ltd., Weifang 261312, China
| | - Sheng Luan
- National Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Juan Sui
- National Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
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Stengl M, Schneider AC. Contribution of membrane-associated oscillators to biological timing at different timescales. Front Physiol 2024; 14:1243455. [PMID: 38264332 PMCID: PMC10803594 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1243455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental rhythms such as the daily light-dark cycle selected for endogenous clocks. These clocks predict regular environmental changes and provide the basis for well-timed adaptive homeostasis in physiology and behavior of organisms. Endogenous clocks are oscillators that are based on positive feedforward and negative feedback loops. They generate stable rhythms even under constant conditions. Since even weak interactions between oscillators allow for autonomous synchronization, coupling/synchronization of oscillators provides the basis of self-organized physiological timing. Amongst the most thoroughly researched clocks are the endogenous circadian clock neurons in mammals and insects. They comprise nuclear clockworks of transcriptional/translational feedback loops (TTFL) that generate ∼24 h rhythms in clock gene expression entrained to the environmental day-night cycle. It is generally assumed that this TTFL clockwork drives all circadian oscillations within and between clock cells, being the basis of any circadian rhythm in physiology and behavior of organisms. Instead of the current gene-based hierarchical clock model we provide here a systems view of timing. We suggest that a coupled system of autonomous TTFL and posttranslational feedback loop (PTFL) oscillators/clocks that run at multiple timescales governs adaptive, dynamic homeostasis of physiology and behavior. We focus on mammalian and insect neurons as endogenous oscillators at multiple timescales. We suggest that neuronal plasma membrane-associated signalosomes constitute specific autonomous PTFL clocks that generate localized but interlinked oscillations of membrane potential and intracellular messengers with specific endogenous frequencies. In each clock neuron multiscale interactions of TTFL and PTFL oscillators/clocks form a temporally structured oscillatory network with a common complex frequency-band comprising superimposed multiscale oscillations. Coupling between oscillator/clock neurons provides the next level of complexity of an oscillatory network. This systemic dynamic network of molecular and cellular oscillators/clocks is suggested to form the basis of any physiological homeostasis that cycles through dynamic homeostatic setpoints with a characteristic frequency-band as hallmark. We propose that mechanisms of homeostatic plasticity maintain the stability of these dynamic setpoints, whereas Hebbian plasticity enables switching between setpoints via coupling factors, like biogenic amines and/or neuropeptides. They reprogram the network to a new common frequency, a new dynamic setpoint. Our novel hypothesis is up for experimental challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Stengl
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology/Neuroethology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
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