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Singh P, Tripathi V, Srivastava RK, Krishna A. Cellular localization and seasonal variation of GnRH and Bradykinin in the ovary of Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch.) during its reproductive cycle. Theriogenology 2024; 223:89-97. [PMID: 38692038 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The present study investigates the distribution and dynamics of gonadotropin-releasing hormone I (GnRH I) and bradykinin in the air-breathing catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis, in relation to the reproductive cycle. Changes in bradykinin, bradykinin B2-receptor, and ovarian GnRH I regulation were demonstrated during the reproductive cycle. The localization of GnRH I, bradykinin, and their respective receptors in the ovaries was investigated by immunohistochemistry, while their levels were quantified by slot/western blot followed by densitometry. GnRH I and its receptor were mainly localized in the cytoplasm of oocytes during the early previtellogenic phase. However, as the follicles grew larger, immunoreactivity was observed in the granulosa and theca cells of the late previtellogenic follicles. The ovaries showed significantly higher expression of GnRH I protein and its receptor during the early to mid-previtellogenic phase, suggesting their involvement in follicular development. Bradykinin and bradykinin B2-receptor showed a distribution pattern similar to that of GnRH I and its receptor. This study further suggested the possibility that bradykinin regulates GnRH I synthesis in the ovary. Thus, we show that the catfish ovary has a GnRH-bradykinin system and plays a role in follicular development and oocyte maturation in H. fossilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padmasana Singh
- Department of Zoology, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, 211001, India.
| | - Vrajesh Tripathi
- Department of Animal Science, MJP Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, 243006, India
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2
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Wu X, Zhang Z, Li Y, Zhao Y, Ren Y, Tian Y, Hou M, Guo Y, Li Q, Tian W, Jiang R, Zhang Y, Gong Y, Li H, Li G, Liu X, Kang X, Li D, Tian Y. Estrogen promotes gonadotropin-releasing hormone expression by regulating tachykinin 3 and prodynorphin systems in chicken. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103820. [PMID: 38759565 PMCID: PMC11127269 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The "KNDy neurons" located in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) of mammals are known to co-express kisspeptin, neurokinin B (NKB), and dynorphin (DYN), and have been identified as key mediators of the feedback regulation of steroid hormones on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). However, in birds, the genes encoding kisspeptin and its receptor GPR54 are genomic lost, leaving unclear mechanisms for feedback regulation of GnRH by steroid hormones. Here, the genes tachykinin 3 (TAC3) and prodynorphin (PDYN) encoding chicken NKB and DYN neuropeptides were successfully cloned. Temporal expression profiling indicated that TAC3, PDYN and their receptor genes (TACR3, OPRK1) were mainly expressed in the hypothalamus, with significantly higher expression at 30W than at 15W. Furthermore, overexpression or interference of TAC3 and PDYN can regulate the GnRH mRNA expression. In addition, in vivo and in vitro assays showed that estrogen (E2) could promote the mRNA expression of TAC3, PDYN, and GnRH, as well as the secretion of GnRH/LH. Mechanistically, E2 could dimerize the nuclear estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) to regulate the expression of TAC3 and PDYN, which promoted the mRNA and protein expression of GnRH gene as well as the secretion of GnRH. In conclusion, these results revealed that E2 could regulate the GnRH expression through TAC3 and PDYN systems, providing novel insights for reproductive regulation in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Zihao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yijie Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yudian Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yangguang Ren
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yixiang Tian
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Meng Hou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yulong Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Qi Li
- Henan zhumadian agricultural school, zhumadian, 463000, China
| | - Weihua Tian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Innovation and Utilization of Chicken Germplasm Resources, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Ruirui Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Innovation and Utilization of Chicken Germplasm Resources, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yanhua Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Innovation and Utilization of Chicken Germplasm Resources, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yujie Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Innovation and Utilization of Chicken Germplasm Resources, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Hong Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Innovation and Utilization of Chicken Germplasm Resources, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Guoxi Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Innovation and Utilization of Chicken Germplasm Resources, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Innovation and Utilization of Chicken Germplasm Resources, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xiangtao Kang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Innovation and Utilization of Chicken Germplasm Resources, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Donghua Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Innovation and Utilization of Chicken Germplasm Resources, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yadong Tian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Innovation and Utilization of Chicken Germplasm Resources, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
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Shen S, Wang D, Liu H, He X, Cao Y, Chen J, Li S, Cheng X, Xu HE, Duan J. Structural basis for hormone recognition and distinctive Gq protein coupling by the kisspeptin receptor. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114389. [PMID: 38935498 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin signaling through its G protein-coupled receptor, KISS1R, plays an indispensable role in regulating reproduction via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Dysregulation of this pathway underlies severe disorders like infertility and precocious puberty. Here, we present cryo-EM structures of KISS1R bound to the endogenous agonist kisspeptin-10 and a synthetic analog TAK-448. These structures reveal pivotal interactions between peptide ligands and KISS1R extracellular loops for receptor activation. Both peptides exhibit a conserved binding mode, unveiling their common activation mechanism. Intriguingly, KISS1R displays a distinct 40° angular deviation in its intracellular TM6 region compared to other Gq-coupled receptors, enabling distinct interactions with Gq. This study reveals the molecular intricacies governing ligand binding and activation of KISS1R, while highlighting its exceptional ability to couple with Gq. Our findings pave the way for structure-guided design of therapeutics targeting this physiologically indispensable receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Dongxue Wang
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Heng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xinheng He
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yinglong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Juanhua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shujie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xi Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - H Eric Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Jia Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Zanardini M, Zhang W, Habibi HR. Arginine Vasotocin Directly Regulates Spermatogenesis in Adult Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) Testes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6564. [PMID: 38928267 PMCID: PMC11204076 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide vasopressin is known for its regulation of osmotic balance in mammals. Arginine vasotocin (AVT) is a non-mammalian homolog of this neuropeptide that is present in fish. Limited information suggested that vasopressin and its homologs may also influence reproductive function. In the present study, we investigated the direct effect of AVT on spermatogenesis, using zebrafish as a model organism. Results demonstrate that AVT and its receptors (avpr1aa, avpr2aa, avpr1ab, avpr2ab, and avpr2l) are expressed in the zebrafish brain and testes. The direct action of AVT on spermatogenesis was investigated using an ex vivo culture of mature zebrafish testes for 7 days. Using histological, morphometric, and biochemical approaches, we observed direct actions of AVT on zebrafish testicular function. AVT treatment directly increased the number of spermatozoa in an androgen-dependent manner, while reducing mitotic cells and the proliferation activity of type B spermatogonia. The observed stimulatory action of AVT on spermiogenesis was blocked by flutamide, an androgen receptor antagonist. The present results support the novel hypothesis that AVT stimulates short-term androgen-dependent spermiogenesis. However, its prolonged presence may lead to diminished spermatogenesis by reducing the proliferation of spermatogonia B, resulting in a diminished turnover of spermatogonia, spermatids, and spermatozoa. The overall findings offer an insight into the physiological significance of vasopressin and its homologs in vertebrates as a contributing factor in the multifactorial regulation of male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Zanardini
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB 2500, Canada;
| | - Weimin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China;
| | - Hamid R. Habibi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB 2500, Canada;
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González-Flores O, Domínguez-Ordóñez R, Delgado-Macuil RJ, Tlachi-López JL, Luna-Hernández A, Montes-Narváez O, Pfaus JG, García-Juárez M. Participation of kisspeptin, progesterone, and GnRH receptors on lordosis behavior induced by kisspeptin. Physiol Behav 2024; 283:114609. [PMID: 38851441 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The neuropeptide kisspeptin (Kiss) is crucial in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. It is produced by two main groups of neurons in the hypothalamus: the rostral periventricular region around the third ventricle and the arcuate nucleus. Kiss is the peptide product of the KiSS-1 gene and serves as the endogenous agonist for the GPR54 receptor. The Kiss/GPR54 system functions as a critical regulator of the reproductive system. Thus, we examined the effect of intracerebroventricular administration of 3 μg of Kiss to the right lateral ventricle of ovariectomized rats primed with a dose of 5 μg subcutaneous (sc) of estradiol benzoate (EB). Kiss treatment increased the lordosis quotient at all times tested. However, the lordosis reflex score was comparatively lower yet still significant compared to the control group. To investigate receptor specificity and downstream mechanisms on lordosis, we infused 10 μg of GPR54 receptor antagonist, Kiss-234, 5 μg of the progestin receptor antagonist, RU486, or 3 μg of antide, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone-1 (GnRH-1) receptor antagonist, to the right lateral ventricle 30 min before an infusion of 3 μg of Kiss. Results demonstrated a significant reduction in the facilitation of lordosis behavior by Kiss at 60 and 120 min when Kiss-234, RU486, or antide were administered. These findings suggest that Kiss stimulates lordosis expression by activating GPR54 receptors on GnRH neurons and that Kiss/GPR54 system is an essential intermediary by which progesterone activates GnRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar González-Flores
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Raymundo Domínguez-Ordóñez
- Licenciatura en Ingeniería Agronómica y Zootecnia, CRC, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de, Puebla, México
| | - Raul Jacobo Delgado-Macuil
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología Aplicada, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Santa Inés, Tecuexcomac, Tlaxcala, México
| | | | - Ailyn Luna-Hernández
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Omar Montes-Narváez
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
| | - James G Pfaus
- Center for Sexual Health and Intervention, Czech National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic; Department of Psychology and Life Sciences, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marcos García-Juárez
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, México.
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Hassanein EM, Szelényi Z, Szenci O. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) and Its Agonists in Bovine Reproduction I: Structure, Biosynthesis, Physiological Effects, and Its Role in Estrous Synchronization. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1473. [PMID: 38791690 PMCID: PMC11117390 DOI: 10.3390/ani14101473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
GnRH is essential for the regulation of mammalian reproductive processes. It regulates the production and release of pituitary gonadotropins, thereby influencing steroidogenesis and gametogenesis. While primarily produced in the hypothalamus, GnRH is also produced in peripheral organs, such as the gonads and placenta. GnRH analogs, including agonists and antagonists, have been synthesized for the reproductive management of animals and humans. This review focuses on the functions of hypothalamic GnRH in the reproductive processes of cattle. In addition to inducing the surge release of LH, the pulsatile secretion of GnRH stimulates the pituitary gland to release FSH and LH, thereby regulating gonadal function. Various GnRH-based products have been synthesized to increase their potency and efficacy in regulating reproductive functions. This review article describes the chemical structures of GnRH and its agonists. This discussion extends to the gene expression of GnRH in the hypothalamus, highlighting its pivotal role in regulating the reproductive process. Furthermore, GnRH is involved in regulating ovarian follicular development and luteal phase support, and estrus synchronization is involved. A comprehensive understanding of the role of GnRH and its analogs in the modulation of reproductive processes is essential for optimizing animal reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman M. Hassanein
- Department of Obstetrics and Food Animal Medicine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, H-2225 Üllő, Hungary; (E.M.H.); (Z.S.)
- Animal and Fish Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21545, Egypt
| | - Zoltán Szelényi
- Department of Obstetrics and Food Animal Medicine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, H-2225 Üllő, Hungary; (E.M.H.); (Z.S.)
| | - Ottó Szenci
- Department of Obstetrics and Food Animal Medicine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, H-2225 Üllő, Hungary; (E.M.H.); (Z.S.)
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Meng F, Li J, Han X, Li L, Li T, Du X, Cao X, Liang Q, Huang A, Kong F, Zeng X, Bu G. TAC3 regulates GnRH/gonadotropin synthesis in female chickens. Theriogenology 2024; 215:302-311. [PMID: 38128223 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.12.021] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Neurokinin B (NKB), a peptide encoded by the tachykinin 3 (TAC3), is critical for reproduction in all studied species. However, its potential roles in birds are less clear. Using the female chicken (c-) as a model, we showed that cTAC3 is composed of five exons with a full-length cDNA of 787 bp, which was predicted to generate the mature NKB peptide containing 10 amino acids. Using cell-based luciferase reporter assays, we demonstrated that cNKB could effectively and specifically activate tachykinin receptor 3 (TACR3) in HEK293 cells, suggesting its physiological function is likely achieved via activating cTACR3 signaling. Notably, cTAC3 and cTACR3 were predominantly and abundantly expressed in the hypothalamus of hens and meanwhile the mRNA expression of cTAC3 was continuously increased during development, suggesting that NKB-TACR3 may emerge as important components of the neuroendocrine reproductive axis. In support, intraperitoneal injection of cNKB could significantly promote hypothalamic cGnRH-Ι, and pituitary cFSHβ and cLHβ expression in female chickens. Surprisingly, cTAC3 and cTACR3 were also expressed in the pituitary gland, and cNKB treatment significantly increased cLHβ and cFSHβ expression in cultured primary pituitary cells, suggesting cNKB can also act directly at the pituitary level to stimulate gonadotropin synthesis. Collectively, our results reveal that cNKB functionally regulate GnRH/gonadotropin synthesis in female chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyan Meng
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China.
| | - Jinxuan Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China
| | - Xingfa Han
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China
| | - Lingyang Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China
| | - Tianyang Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China
| | - Xiaogang Du
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China
| | - Xiaohan Cao
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China
| | - Qiuxia Liang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China
| | - Anqi Huang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China
| | - Fanli Kong
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China
| | - Xianyin Zeng
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China
| | - Guixian Bu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China.
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Porceddu R, Porcu C, Mulas G, Spiga S, Follesa MC. Ontogenetic changes in the tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive preoptic area in the small-spotted catshark Scyliorhinus canicula (L., 1758) females: catecholaminergic involvement in sexual maturation. Front Neuroanat 2024; 17:1301651. [PMID: 38239387 PMCID: PMC10794776 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2023.1301651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The catecholaminergic component of the brain-pituitary-gonadal axis, which mediates the influence of external and internal stimuli on the central nervous system and gonad development in vertebrates, is largely unexplored in Chondrichthyes. We considered Scyliorhinus canicula (L., 1758) females as a model for this vertebrate's class, to assess the involvement of the catecholaminergic system of the brain in its reproduction. Along the S. canicula reproductive cycle, we characterized and evaluated differences in somata morphometry and the number of putative catecholaminergic neurons in two brain nuclei: the periventricular preoptic nucleus, hypothesized to be a positive control for ovarian development, and the suprachiasmatic nucleus, examined as a negative control. Materials and methods 16 S. canicula wild females were sampled and grouped in maturity stages (immature, maturing, mature, and mature egg-laying). The ovary was histologically processed for the qualitative description of maturity stages. Anti-tyrosine hydroxylase immunofluorescence was performed on the diencephalic brain sections. The immunoreactive somata were investigated for morphometry and counted using the optical fractionator method, throughout the confocal microscopy. Results and discussions Qualitative and quantitative research confirmed two separate populations of immunoreactive neurons. The modifications detected in the preoptic nucleus revealed that somata were more numerous, significantly smaller in size, and more excitable during the maturing phase but decreased, becoming slightly bigger and less excitable in the egg-laying stage. This may indicate that the catecholaminergic preoptic nucleus is involved in the control of reproduction, regulating both the onset of puberty and the imminent spawning. In contrast, somata in the suprachiasmatic nucleus grew in size and underwent turnover in morphometry, increasing the total number from the immature-virgin to maturing stage, with similar values in the more advanced maturity stages. These changes were not linked to a reproductive role. These findings provide new valuable information on Chondrichthyes, suggesting the existence of an additional brain system implicated in the integration of internal and environmental cues for reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Porceddu
- Sezione di Biologia Animale ed Ecologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- CoNISMa Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze Mare, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Porcu
- Sezione di Biologia Animale ed Ecologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- CoNISMa Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze Mare, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Mulas
- Sezione di Biologia Animale ed Ecologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Saturnino Spiga
- Sezione di Biologia Animale ed Ecologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Follesa
- Sezione di Biologia Animale ed Ecologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- CoNISMa Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze Mare, Rome, Italy
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9
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Wang YT, Wu QH, Chen L, Giesy JP, Xu LL, Xu WL, He J, Shi T, Liu YQ, Xiao SM, Wang YK, Chen F, Chen Y, Xu NH, Ge YL, Chu L, Yan YZ, Chen J, Xie P. Effects of sub-chronic exposure to microcystin-LR on the endocrine system of male rats. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:166839. [PMID: 37690761 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Microcystins (MCs) can cause reproductive and developmental toxicity and disrupt endocrine homeostasis in mammals. In the present study, male, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were administrated 3 or 30 μg MC-LR/kg, body mass (bm) per day via intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections for 6 weeks. Effects of MC-LR on histology, hormone concentrations, gene transcriptional profiles and protein expressions along the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA), -gonad (HPG) and -thyroid (HPT) axes were assessed. Sub-chronic administration with MC-LR caused histological damage to hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal, testes and thyroid and affected relative masses of pituitary, adrenal and testes. The HPA axis was activated and serum concentrations of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) were significantly augmented. Along the HPG axis, serum concentrations of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were diminished, while concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) were augmented. For the HPT axis, only concentrations of free tetra-iodothyronine (fT4) were significantly diminished, while concentrations of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or free tri-iodothyronine (fT3) were not significantly changed. Also, several genes and proteins related to synthesis of steroid hormones were significantly altered. Findings of the present study illustrate that MC-LR can cause endocrine-disrupting effects through the disruption of synthesis and secretion of hormones along the HPA, HPG and HPT axes and negative feedback regulation. Also, there could be crosstalk among HPA, HPG and HPT axes. These findings elucidate mechanisms of endocrine-disrupting effects of MCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China; Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Qian-Hui Wu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China; Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Ecological Research and Pollution Control of Plateau Lakes, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - John P Giesy
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences and Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada; Department of Integrative Biology and Center for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, 1129 Farm Lane Road, East Lansing, MI, USA; Department of Environmental Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - Lin-Lin Xu
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wen-Li Xu
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jun He
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ting Shi
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yi-Qing Liu
- Institute for Ecological Research and Pollution Control of Plateau Lakes, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Shi-Man Xiao
- Institute for Ecological Research and Pollution Control of Plateau Lakes, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Ye-Ke Wang
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ning-Hui Xu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China; Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Ya-Li Ge
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Ling Chu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Yun-Zhi Yan
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China.
| | - Jun Chen
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Ping Xie
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Ecological Research and Pollution Control of Plateau Lakes, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
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10
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Louden ED, Dougherty MP, Chorich LP, Eroglu A, Layman LC. Investigation of subfertility in the female Nsmf knockout mouse. F&S SCIENCE 2023; 4:286-293. [PMID: 37516276 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2023.07.003] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study if a pituitary or ovarian defect contributes to subfertility of the female Nsmf knockout (KO) mouse, an animal model of the hypogonadotropic hypogonadism gene NSMF. DESIGN Analysis of hypothalamic, pituitary and ovarian gene expression at baseline, serum gonadotropin levels before and after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation, ovarian response and implantation after superovulation, gonadotropin effects after ovariectomy, and ovarian NSMF protein expression. SETTING University research laboratory. PATIENTS None; mice were used. INTERVENTIONS Gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation, superovulation, and ovariectomy in separate experiments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Gene expression in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovary; ovarian response and implantation after superovulation; serum gonadotropins after GnRH stimulation and ovariectomy; Western blot to measure ovarian NSMF expression. RESULTS We found increased hypothalamic Kiss1, Gnrh1, and Jak2 mRNA expression in female Nsmf KO vs. wild type (WT) mice. However, pituitary gonadotropin, and GnRH receptor gene expression was not affected, and serum gonadotropin levels were normal. Gonadotropins increased after ovariectomy for both groups. Baseline Kiss1, Fshr, Prkaca, Prkar1a, and Gdf9 ovarian mRNA expression was increased and Cyp19a1 expression was decreased in Nsmf KO mice, while superovulated Nsmf KO mice had reduced ovarian Kiss1r, Prkar1a, and Fshr mRNA expression, 50% less oocytes, and normal implantation. Western blot demonstrated NSMF protein expression in the ovary of WT mice. CONCLUSIONS Altered hypothalamic and ovarian gene expression was demonstrated in female Nsmf KO mice. It is possible that increased hypothalamic Gnrh1 and Kiss1 mRNA expression could compensate for reduced NSMF enabling a normal pituitary gonadotropin response. Impaired superovulation response, altered ovarian gene expression, and decreased number of oocytes indicate ovarian dysfunction, but a uterine factor cannot be excluded. These findings provide an anatomic basis for future mechanistic studies of subfertility in female Nsmf KO mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica D Louden
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, & Genetics, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
| | - Michael P Dougherty
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, & Genetics, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
| | - Lynn P Chorich
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, & Genetics, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
| | - Ali Eroglu
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, & Genetics, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology; Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine
| | - Lawrence C Layman
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, & Genetics, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology; Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine; Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.
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11
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Zhao W, Adjei M, Zhang Z, Yuan Z, Cisang Z, Song T. The role of GnRH in Tibetan male sheep and goat reproduction. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:1179-1187. [PMID: 37492901 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis connects the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads. The regulation of reproductive processes includes integrating various factors from structural functions and environmental conditions in the HPG axis, with the outcome indication of these processes being the pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. These factors include feed consumption and nutritional condition, sex steroids, season/photoperiod, pheromones, age, and stress. GnRH pulsatile secretion affects the pattern of gonadotropin secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which then regulates both endocrine function and gamete maturation in the gonads. This regulates gonadotropins and testosterone (T) production. There is evidence that in males, GnRH participates in a variety of host behavioural and physiological processes such as the release of reproductive hormones, progression of spermatogenesis and sperm function, aggressive behaviour, and physiological metabolism. GnRH activates receptors expressed on Leydig cells and Sertoli cells, respectively to stimulate T secretion and spermatogenesis in the testis. Photoperiod affects the reproductive system of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis via rhythmic diurnal melatonin secretion. Increased release of melatonin promotes sexual activity, GnRH production, LH stimulation, and T production. This induces testicular functions, spermatogenesis, and puberty. GnRH reduces the release of LH by the pituitary through the cascade effect and decreases plasma concentration of T. Gut microbiota maintain sex steroid homeostasis and may induce reduction in reproduction productivity. Recently, findings of kisspeptin-neurokinin-dynorphin neuronal network in the brain have resulted in fast advances in how GnRH secretion is controlled. Emerging studies have also indicated that other neuropeptide analogues could be used in control reproduction procedures in various goat and sheep breeds. The Tibetan male sheep and goats reproduce on a seasonal basis and have high reproductive performance. This is a review for the role of GnRH in Tibetan male sheep and goats reproduction. This is intended to enhance reproductive knowledge for understanding the key roles of GnRH relating to male reproductive efficiency of Tibetan sheep or goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangsheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Michael Adjei
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Zhenjie Yuan
- Institute of Animal Science, Tibet Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Science, Lhasa, China
| | - Zhuoma Cisang
- Institute of Animal Science, Tibet Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Science, Lhasa, China
| | - Tianzeng Song
- Institute of Animal Science, Tibet Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Science, Lhasa, China
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12
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White BR, Cederberg RA, Elsken DH, Ross CE, Lents CA, Desaulniers AT. Role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-II and its receptor in swine reproduction. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:469-479. [PMID: 36542769 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23662] [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: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The pig represents the only livestock mammal capable of producing a functional protein for the second mammalian form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH-II) and its receptor (GnRHR-II). To examine the role of GnRH-II and its receptor in pig reproduction, we produced a unique swine line with ubiquitous knockdown of endogenous GnRHR-II levels (GnRHR-II knockdown [KD]), which is largely the focus of this review. In mature GnRHR-II KD males, circulating testosterone concentrations were 82% lower than littermate control boars, despite similar luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. In addition, nine other gonadal steroids were reduced in the serum of GnRHR-II KD boars, whereas adrenal steroids (except 11-deoxycortisol) did not differ between lines. Interestingly, testes from GnRHR-II KD males had fewer, hypertrophic Leydig cells and fewer, enlarged seminiferous tubules than control testes. As expected, downstream reproductive traits such as androgen-dependent organ weights and semen characteristics were also significantly reduced in GnRHR-II KD versus control boars. Next, we explored the importance of this novel ligand/receptor complex in female reproduction. Transgenic gilts had fewer, but heavier, corpora lutea with smaller luteal cells than littermate control females. Although the number of antral follicles were similar between lines, the diameter of antral follicles tended to be larger in GnRHR-II KD females. In regard to steroidogenesis, circulating concentrations of progesterone and 17β-estradiol were lower in transgenic compared to control gilts, even though serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and LH were similar. Thus, GnRH-II and GnRHR-II represent a potential avenue to enhance fertility and promote the profitability of pork producers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett R White
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Rebecca A Cederberg
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Dorothy H Elsken
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Caitlin E Ross
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Clay A Lents
- Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, U. S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - Amy T Desaulniers
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
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13
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Martínez-Moreno CG, Calderón-Vallejo D, Díaz-Galindo C, Hernández-Jasso I, Olivares-Hernández JD, Ávila-Mendoza J, Epardo D, Balderas-Márquez JE, Urban-Sosa VA, Baltazar-Lara R, Carranza M, Luna M, Arámburo C, Quintanar JL. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone and growth hormone act as anti-inflammatory factors improving sensory recovery in female rats with thoracic spinal cord injury. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1164044. [PMID: 37360158 PMCID: PMC10288327 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1164044] [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: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential for novel applications of classical hormones, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and growth hormone (GH), to counteract neural harm is based on their demonstrated neurotrophic effects in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models and a growing number of clinical trials. This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic administration of GnRH and/or GH on the expression of several proinflammatory and glial activity markers in damaged neural tissues, as well as on sensory recovery, in animals submitted to thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI). Additionally, the effect of a combined GnRH + GH treatment was examined in comparison with single hormone administration. Spinal cord damage was induced by compression using catheter insufflation at thoracic vertebrae 10 (T10), resulting in significant motor and sensory deficits in the hindlimbs. Following SCI, treatments (GnRH, 60 μg/kg/12 h, IM; GH, 150 μg/kg/24 h, SC; the combination of both; or vehicle) were administered during either 3 or 5 weeks, beginning 24 h after injury onset and ending 24 h before sample collection. Our results indicate that a chronic treatment with GH and/or GnRH significantly reduced the expression of proinflammatory (IL6, IL1B, and iNOS) and glial activity (Iba1, CD86, CD206, vimentin, and GFAP) markers in the spinal cord tissue and improved sensory recovery in the lesioned animals. Furthermore, we found that the caudal section of the spinal cord was particularly responsive to GnRH or GH treatment, as well as to their combination. These findings provide evidence of an anti-inflammatory and glial-modulatory effect of GnRH and GH in an experimental model of SCI and suggest that these hormones can modulate the response of microglia, astrocytes, and infiltrated immune cells in the spinal cord tissue following injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Guillermo Martínez-Moreno
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | - Denisse Calderón-Vallejo
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, México
| | - Carmen Díaz-Galindo
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, México
| | - Irma Hernández-Jasso
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, México
| | - Juan David Olivares-Hernández
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | - José Ávila-Mendoza
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | - David Epardo
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | - Jerusa Elienai Balderas-Márquez
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | - Valeria Alejandra Urban-Sosa
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | - Rosario Baltazar-Lara
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | - Martha Carranza
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | - Maricela Luna
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | - Carlos Arámburo
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | - José Luis Quintanar
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, México
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14
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Casati L, Ciceri S, Maggi R, Bottai D. Physiological and Pharmacological overview of the Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115553. [PMID: 37075816 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) is a decapeptide responsible for the control of the reproductive functions. It shows C- and N-terminal aminoacid modifications and two other distinct isoforms have been so far identified. The biological effects of GnRH are mediated by binding to high-affinity G-protein couple receptors (GnRHR), showing characteristic very short C tail. In mammals, including humans, GnRH-producing neurons originate in the embryonic nasal compartment and during early embryogenesis they undergo rapid migration towards the hypothalamus; the increasing knowledge of such mechanisms improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to infertility. The pharmacological use of GnRH, or its synthetic peptide and non-peptide agonists or antagonists, provides a valid tool for reproductive disorders and assisted reproduction technology (ART). The presence of GnRHR in several organs and tissues indicates additional functions of the peptide. The identification of a GnRH/GnRHR system in the human endometrium, ovary, and prostate has extended the functions of the peptide to the physiology and tumor transformation of such tissues. Likely, the activity of a GnRH/GnRHR system at the level of the hippocampus, as well as its decreased expression in mice brain aging, raised interest in its possible involvement in neurogenesis and neuronal functions. In conclusion, GnRH/GnRHR appears to be a fascinating biological system that exerts several possibly integrated pleiotropic actions in the complex control of reproductive functions, tumor growth, neurogenesis, and neuroprotection. This review aims to provide an overview of the physiology of GnRH and the pharmacological applications of its synthetic analogs in the management of reproductive and non-reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Casati
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Samuele Ciceri
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences (DISFARM), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano Italy
| | - Roberto Maggi
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences (DISFARM), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano Italy.
| | - Daniele Bottai
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences (DISFARM), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano Italy
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15
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Resta C, Moustogiannis A, Chatzinikita E, Malligiannis Ntalianis D, Malligiannis Ntalianis K, Philippou A, Koutsilieris M, Vlahos N. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)/GnRH Receptors and Their Role in the Treatment of Endometriosis. Cureus 2023; 15:e38136. [PMID: 37122983 PMCID: PMC10145781 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis, defined as the development of endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity, is a common gynecological disorder. The prevalence of pelvic endometriosis approaches 6%-10% in the general female population, and in women with pain, infertility, or both, the frequency is 35%-50%. The gold standard recommended process for diagnosing endometriosis is laparoscopy, an invasive surgical procedure, with or without histologic verification. The currently available nonsurgical treatments include oral contraceptives (estrogen-progestogen preparations), progestogen preparations (containing progesterone derivatives), androgenic hormones (danazol), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists. Two GnRH types have been discovered in mammals, GnRH I and GnRH II. In particular, GnRH I is released by the hypothalamus; however, it can be present in various tissues and organs of the body, including neural tissue, where it exerts neuroendocrine, autocrine, and paracrine actions in the peripheral and central nervous system (CNS). Interestingly, another GnRH isoform, GnRH III, has been identified, which has 60% similarity with GnRH I from which it varies by four amino acids. This peptide has been shown to have a significant role in reproduction, specifically in gametogenesis and steroidogenesis. Further research is needed to identify innovative treatment options for endometriosis, such as the therapeutic exogenous administration of GnRH II or antagonists of the GnRH I receptor. In this review, we examined the role of GnRH in endometriosis, outlining the specific actions of GnRH and GnRH receptors (GnRHRs). The innovative use of GnRH analogs and antagonists in the treatment of endometriosis is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Resta
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aretaieion Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | - Athanasios Moustogiannis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | - Eirini Chatzinikita
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | | | | | - Anastasios Philippou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | - Michael Koutsilieris
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | - Nikolaos Vlahos
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aretaieion Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, GRC
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16
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Gautam P, Ajit K, Das M, Taliyan R, Roy R, Banerjee A. Age-related changes in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) splice variants in mouse brain. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 339:193-209. [PMID: 36336790 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2671] [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: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is the primary regulator of the mammalian reproductive axis. We investigated the spatiotemporal expression of GnRH splice variants (V1, V2, and V3) and splicing factors (Srsf7, Srsf9, and Tra-2) in the male mice brain. Further, using in silico tools, we predicted protein structure and the reason for the low translational efficiency of V2 and V3. Messenger RNA levels of GnRH variants and splicing factors were quantified using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction at different age groups. Our data show that expression of almost all the variants alters with aging in all the brain regions studied; even in comparison to the hypothalamus, several brain areas were found to have higher expression of these variants. Hypothalamic expression of splicing factors such as Srsf7, Srsf9, and Tra-2 also change with aging. Computational studies have translation repressors site on the V3, which probably reduces its translation efficiency. Also, V2 is an intrinsically disordered protein that might have a regulatory or signaling function. In conclusion, this study provides novel crucial information and multiple starting points for future analysis of GnRH splice variants in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Gautam
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, KK Birla, Goa Campus, Goa, India
| | - Kamal Ajit
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, KK Birla, Goa Campus, Goa, India
| | - Moitreyi Das
- Department of Zoology, Goa University, Goa, India
| | - Rajeev Taliyan
- Department of Pharmacy, BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan, India
| | | | - Arnab Banerjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, KK Birla, Goa Campus, Goa, India
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17
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Cheng FP, Hu XF, Pan LX, Gong ZX, Qin KX, Li Z, Wang ZL. Transcriptome changes of Apis mellifera female embryos with fem gene knockout by CRISPR/Cas9. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 229:260-267. [PMID: 36587640 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The sex of honey bees is decided by a regulatory cascade comprising of csd, fem and Amdsx. In order to further identify other genes involved in sex determination and differentiation of honey bees in the early stages of embryo development, the CRISPR/Cas9 method was used to knock out fem gene in the embryonic stage of diploid western honey bees, and RNA-seq was used to analyze gene expression changes in the embryo after fem knockout. Finally, we found that the bees had undergone gender changes due to fem knockout. A total of 155 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained, with 48 up-regulated and 107 down-regulated DEGs in the mutant group compared to the control group. Of them, many genes are related to sex development or differentiation. In addition, 1502 differentially expressed alternative splicing events (DEASEs) related to 1011 genes, including the main honey bee sex-determining genes csd, tra2, fem, and Amdsx, were identified between the mutant group and control group, indicating that fem regulates alternative splicing of a large number of downstream genes. Our results provide valuable clues for further investigating the molecular mechanism of sex determination and differentiation in honey bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Ping Cheng
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang 330045, PR China
| | - Xiao-Fen Hu
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang 330045, PR China
| | - Lu-Xia Pan
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang 330045, PR China
| | - Zhi-Xian Gong
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang 330045, PR China
| | - Kai-Xin Qin
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang 330045, PR China
| | - Zhen Li
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang 330045, PR China
| | - Zi-Long Wang
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang 330045, PR China.
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18
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Magnuson JT, Fuller N, McGruer V, Huff Hartz KE, Acuña S, Whitledge GW, Lydy MJ, Schlenk D. Effect of temperature and dietary pesticide exposure on neuroendocrine and olfactory responses in juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 318:120938. [PMID: 36572271 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Projected water temperature increases based on predicted climate change scenarios and concomitant pesticide exposure raises concern about the responses of aquatic organisms. To better understand the effect of pesticide mixtures and influence of water temperature to fish, juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) were dietarily exposed to a mixture of legacy and current use pesticides (p,p'-DDE, bifenthrin, chlorpyrifos, esfenvalerate, and fipronil) at concentrations detected from field-collected prey items in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California (Delta) and exposed under current and predicted future water temperature scenarios, 11, 14, or 17 °C, for 14 days. The expression of a subset of genes (deiodinase 2-dio2, gonadotropin releasing hormone 2-gnrh2, and catechol-o-methyltransferase-comt) involved in neuroendocrine, dopaminergic, and olfactory function previously shown to be altered by individual pesticide exposures germane to this study were determined and olfactory function assessed using a Y-maze behavioral assay. When total body burdens of pesticides were measured, a significant decrease in dio2 expression was observed in Chinook salmon exposed at 14 °C compared to fish kept at 11 °C. Increases in gnrh2 expression were also observed in fish exposed to 14 °C. Similarly, increases in comt expression was noted at 14 and 17 °C. Additionally, altered expression of all transcripts was observed, showing interactions between temperature and individual pesticide concentrations. Chinook salmon spent significantly more time actively avoiding the odorant arm at baseline conditions of 11 °C in the Y-maze. At higher temperatures, Chinook spent significantly more time not making a choice between the odorant or clean arm following exposure to the low pesticide mixture, relative to 11 °C. These results suggest that dietary exposure to pesticide mixtures can potentially induce neuroendocrine effects and behavior. Impaired olfactory responses exhibited by Chinook salmon could have implications for predator avoidance in the wild under increased temperature scenarios and impact populations in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason T Magnuson
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, United States.
| | - Neil Fuller
- Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, 62901, United States
| | - Victoria McGruer
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, United States
| | - Kara E Huff Hartz
- Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, 62901, United States
| | - Shawn Acuña
- Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Sacramento, CA, 95814, United States
| | - Gregory W Whitledge
- Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, 62901, United States
| | - Michael J Lydy
- Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, 62901, United States
| | - Daniel Schlenk
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, United States; Institute of Environmental Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
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19
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Campal-Espinosa AC, Junco-Barranco JA, Fuentes-Aguilar F, Calzada-Aguilera L, Rivacoba-Betancourt A, Rodríguez-Bueno RH, Bover-Campal AC, Bover-Fuentes EE, González L, de Quesada L, Alvarez A, Garay-Pérez HE. Influence of Humoral Response Against GnRH, Generated by Immunization with a Therapeutic Vaccine Candidate on the Evolution of Patients with Castration-Sensitive Prostate Adenocarcinoma. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2023; 22:15330338231207318. [PMID: 37828833 PMCID: PMC10576932 DOI: 10.1177/15330338231207318] [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] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS A gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-based therapeutic vaccine candidate against hormone-sensitive prostate cancer has demonstrated its safety and signs of efficacy in phase I/II trials. In this study, we characterized the isotype/subclass profiles of the anti-GnRH humoral response generated by the vaccination and analyzed its association with patients' clinical outcomes. METHODS The immunoglobulin isotypes and IgG subclasses of the antibody responses of 34 patients included in a randomized, open, prospective phase I/II clinical trial were characterized. Every patient included in the study had a diagnosis of locally advanced prostate adenocarcinoma at stages 3 and 4 and received immunization with the vaccine candidate. Additionally, serum testosterone and prostate specific antigen (PSA) concentrations, serving as indicators of tumor response, were determined. The type of anti-GnRH antibody response was correlated to the time elapsed until the first biochemical recurrence in patients and the outcome of the disease. RESULTS All patients developed strong and prolonged anti-GnRH antibody responses, resulting in a short- to mid-term decrease in serum testosterone and PSA levels. Following immunizations, anti-GnRH antibodies of the IgM/IgG and IgG1/IgG3 subclasses were observed. Following radiotherapy, the humoral response switched to IgG (IgG1/IgG4). Patients who experienced a short-term biochemical relapse were characterized by significantly higher levels of anti-GnRH IgG titers, particularly IgG1 and IgG4 subclasses. These characteristics, along with a high response of specific IgM antibodies at the end of immunizations and the development of anti-GnRH IgA antibody responses following radiotherapy, were observed in patients whose disease progressed, compared to those with controlled disease. CONCLUSION The nature of the humoral response against anti-GnRH, induced by vaccination may play a key role in activating additional immunological mechanisms. Collectively, these mechanisms could contribute significantly to the regulation of tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jesús Arturo Junco-Barranco
- Vaccine Research Group, Research Department, Center of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Camagüey, Cuba
| | - Franklin Fuentes-Aguilar
- Vaccine Research Group, Research Department, Center of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Camagüey, Cuba
| | - Lesvia Calzada-Aguilera
- Vaccine Research Group, Research Department, Center of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Camagüey, Cuba
| | | | | | | | - Eddy Emilio Bover-Fuentes
- Vaccine Research Group, Research Department, Center of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Camagüey, Cuba
| | - Lourdes González
- Department of Urology, Oncological Hospital Camagüey, Camagüey, Cuba
| | | | - Allelin Alvarez
- Department of Urology, Oncological Hospital Camagüey, Camagüey, Cuba
| | - Hilda Elisa Garay-Pérez
- Department of Immunology, Eduardo Agramonte Piña Pediatric Hospital Camagüey, Camagüey, Cuba
- Synthetic Peptides Group, Division of Biomedical Research, Center of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
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20
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Cho-Clark MJ, Watkins A, Wu TJ. The role of GnRH metabolite, GnRH-(1-5), in endometrial cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1183278. [PMID: 37124730 PMCID: PMC10140499 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1183278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
From the time of its discovery and isolation in the mammalian hypothalamus, the decapeptide, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), has also been found to be expressed in non-hypothalamic tissues and can elicit a diverse array of functions both in the brain and periphery. In cancer, past studies have targeted the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors (GnRHR) as a way to treat reproductive cancers due to its anti-tumorigenic effects. On the contrary, its metabolite, GnRH-(1-5), behaves divergently from its parental peptide through putative orphan G-protein coupled receptor (oGPCR), GPR101. In this review, we will focus on the potential roles of GnRH-(1-5) in the periphery with an emphasis on its effects on endometrial cancer progression.
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21
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Plain Z, Voliotis M, McArdle CA, Tsaneva-Atanasova K. Modelling KNDy neurons and gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulse generation. CURRENT OPINION IN ENDOCRINE AND METABOLIC RESEARCH 2022; 27:100407. [PMID: 36632147 PMCID: PMC9823092 DOI: 10.1016/j.coemr.2022.100407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and its frequency are crucial for healthy reproductive function. To understand what drives GnRH pulses, a combination of experimental and mathematical modelling approaches has been used. Early work focussed on the possibility that GnRH pulse generation is an intrinsic feature of GnRH neurons, with autocrine feedback generating pulsatility. However, there is now ample evidence suggesting that a network of upstream neurons secreting kisspeptin, neurokinin-B and dynorphin are the source of this GnRH pulse generator. The interplay of slow positive and negative feedback via neurokinin-B and dynorphin, respectively, allows the network to act as a relaxation oscillator, driving pulsatile secretion of kisspeptin, and consequently, of GnRH and LH. Here, we review the mathematical modelling approaches exploring both scenarios and suggest that with pulsatile GnRH secretion driven by the KNDy pulse generator, autocrine feedback still has the potential to modulate GnRH output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Plain
- Department of Mathematics and Living Systems Institute, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Margaritis Voliotis
- Department of Mathematics and Living Systems Institute, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK,Corresponding author: Voliotis, Margaritis
| | | | - Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova
- Department of Mathematics and Living Systems Institute, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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22
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Functional Characterization of Three GnRH Isoforms in Small Yellow Croaker Larimichthys polyactis Maintained in Captivity: Special Emphasis on Reproductive Dysfunction. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11081200. [PMID: 36009826 PMCID: PMC9404844 DOI: 10.3390/biology11081200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Fish reproduction is regulated by the brain–pituitary–gonad (BPG) axis where the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) plays a central role. Seed production of small yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) is performed using captive-reared broodstock known to undergo reproductive dysfunction, which is connected to endocrinological dysfunction. To determine the endocrinological mechanism of GnRHs in the BPG axis of small yellow croaker, full-length sequences of three GnRH isoforms encoding sbGnRH (GnRH1), cGnRH-II (GnRH2), and sGnRH (GnRH3) were cloned and characterized from brain tissue. qRT-PCR, in vivo, and in vitro experiments were performed for functional characterization. The mRNA expression of GnRH1 in the brain and gonadotropin subunits (GPα, FSHβ, and LHβ) in the pituitary were significantly higher at the ripen stage during gonadal development and GnRH1 at spawning stage during spawning events. Expression of both GnRH1 and GtH subunits was significantly lower in females than males. GtH subunits were induced at higher concentrations of GnRH1 in vivo and in vitro. Sex-steroids significantly inhibited the GnRH1 expression in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, results indicated that GnRH1 plays a key role in gonadal maturation and sex-steroids induced negative feedback in the regulation of GnRH. A lower level of GnRH1 and GtHs might be responsible for reproductive dysfunction in a female small yellow croaker.
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23
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de Villiers C, Maree L, Katz AA, van der Horst G. The in-vitro effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormones, GnRH-I and GnRH-II, on the motility, vitality and acrosome integrity of Vervet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops) spermatozoa. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:1394-1405. [PMID: 35877200 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Two isoforms of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), GnRH-I and GnRH-II, are expressed in mammals, and the presence of one or more GnRH-like peptides has been demonstrated in the male reproductive tract. GnRH and its receptors (GnRHR) are present in human and non-human primate testis, prostate, epididymis, seminal vesicle, spermatozoa and seminal human plasma. GnRH-II is site-specific and acts directly in an inhibitory or stimulatory fashion. Previous studies speculated that GnRH-II could disrupt specific sperm processes, such as sperm motility or capacitation and could be utilized as an effective contraceptive agent. Our study aimed to investigate the in-vitro effects of GnRH-I and GnRH-II on Vervet monkey sperm function. Electro-ejaculated semen samples from 10 Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) were used to select motile sperm populations. Sperm aliquots were incubated with GnRH-I and GnRH-II at different concentrations for 1 h, where after sperm motility and kinematic parameters were assessed using the automated Sperm Class Analyser. Additional sperm aliquots were incubated with two 10-amino acid control peptides, a non-related peptide and an inactive peptide to exclude the possible influence on sperm motility from other peptides with a structure similar to GnRH. Additionally, a GnRHR-I antagonist (GnRHR-A), Cetrorelix, was tested to establish its antagonistic capability on GnRH. The effect of selected concentrations of GnRH-I and GnRH-II on sperm vitality and acrosome intactness was also evaluated after 10- and 60 min exposure. Analysis of the percentage total sperm motility revealed that different concentrations for GnRH-I and GnRH-II inhibited sperm motility significantly. While sperm progressiveness was also notably affected and a trend of decreased sperm kinematics were evident, no effect was found on sperm vitality or acrosome intactness. The non-related and inactive peptides had no impact on sperm motility. The GnRHR-A demonstrated no effect on sperm motility and effectively blocked the inhibitory outcome on the motility of both GnRH isoforms. While GnRH-I or GnRH-II at low-dose concentrations resulted in in-vitro inhibition of sperm motility, it appears to have no adverse effects on other sperm functional parameters evaluated. These collective observations possibly indicate an essential role for GnRH in the in-vivo process of sperm selection in the female reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charon de Villiers
- PUDAC-Delft Animal Facility, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Liana Maree
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Arieh A Katz
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gerhard van der Horst
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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24
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Tanaka S, Zmora N, Levavi-Sivan B, Zohar Y. Chemogenetic Depletion of Hypophysiotropic GnRH Neurons Does Not Affect Fertility in Mature Female Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105596. [PMID: 35628411 PMCID: PMC9143870 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypophysiotropic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and its neurons are crucial for vertebrate reproduction, primarily in regulating luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and ovulation. However, in zebrafish, which lack GnRH1, and instead possess GnRH3 as the hypophysiotropic form, GnRH3 gene knockout did not affect reproduction. However, early-stage ablation of all GnRH3 neurons causes infertility in females, implicating GnRH3 neurons, rather than GnRH3 peptides in female reproduction. To determine the role of GnRH3 neurons in the reproduction of adult females, a Tg(gnrh3:Gal4ff; UAS:nfsb-mCherry) line was generated to facilitate a chemogenetic conditional ablation of GnRH3 neurons. Following ablation, there was a reduction of preoptic area GnRH3 neurons by an average of 85.3%, which was associated with reduced pituitary projections and gnrh3 mRNA levels. However, plasma LH levels were unaffected, and the ablated females displayed normal reproductive capacity. There was no correlation between the number of remaining GnRH3 neurons and reproductive performance. Though it is possible that the few remaining GnRH3 neurons can still induce an LH surge, our findings are consistent with the idea that GnRH and its neurons are likely dispensable for LH surge in zebrafish. Altogether, our results resurrected questions regarding the functional homology of the hypophysiotropic GnRH1 and GnRH3 in controlling ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakura Tanaka
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA; (S.T.); (N.Z.)
| | - Nilli Zmora
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA; (S.T.); (N.Z.)
| | - Berta Levavi-Sivan
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel;
| | - Yonathan Zohar
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA; (S.T.); (N.Z.)
- Correspondence:
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25
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Neuroendocrine Determinants of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19053089. [PMID: 35270780 PMCID: PMC8910170 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19053089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women and a major cause of anovulatory infertility. A diagnosis of PCOS is established based the presence of two out of three clinical symptoms, which are criteria accepted by the ESHRE/ASRM (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology/American Society for Reproductive Medicine). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is responsible for the release of luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone from the pituitary and contributes a leading role in controlling reproductive function in humans. The goal of this review is to present the current knowledge on neuroendocrine determinations of PCOS. The role of such neurohormones as GnRH, and neuropeptides kisspeptin, neurokinin B, phoenixin-14, and galanin is discussed in this aspect. Additionally, different neurotransmitters (gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine) can also be involved in neuroendocrine etiopathogenesis of PCOS. Studies have shown a persistent rapid GnRH pulse frequency in women with PCOS present during the whole ovulatory cycle. Other studies have proved that patients with PCOS are characterized by higher serum kisspeptin levels. The observations of elevated serum kisspeptin levels in PCOS correspond with the hypothesis that overactivity in the kisspeptin system is responsible for hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis overactivity. In turn, this causes menstrual disorders, hyperandrogenemia and hyperandrogenism. Moreover, abnormal regulation of Neurokinin B (NKB) is also suspected of contributing to PCOS development, while NKB antagonists are used in the treatment of PCOS leading to reduction in Luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration and total testosterone concentration. GnRH secretion is regulated not only by kisspeptin and neurokinin B, but also by other neurohormones, such as phoenixin-14, galanin, and Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), that have favorable effects in counteracting the progress of PCOS. A similar process is associated with the neurotransmitters such as GABA, glutamate, serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine, as well as the opioid system, which may interfere with secretion of GnRH, and therefore, influence the development and severity of symptoms in PCOS patients. Additional studies are required to explain entire, real mechanisms responsible for PCOS neuroendocrine background.
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26
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KAWAMINAMI M, TERASHIMA R, MURATA T, CHIBA S, KURUSU S. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation of annexin A5 expression in the thymus of male rats. J Vet Med Sci 2022; 84:638-643. [PMID: 35354698 PMCID: PMC9177390 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.22-0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
As gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is expressed in the thymus, its direct action on thymic cells, including thymic involution, has been suggested. Annexin A5 (ANXA5), a biomarker of GnRH, was used to determine whether GnRH affects the thymus of male rats. Immunohistochemistry showed positive reactions for ANXA5 in large medullary epithelial cells at 30 days of age, and the expression continued until 180 days of age. Organ culture of thymus pieces was performed to examine the direct action of a GnRH agonist (GnRHa) on the expression of Anxa5 and Gnrh mRNA. Thymus tissues obtained from male rats (40–60 days old) were cut into small pieces (2–3 mm3) and incubated for 3 hr with the GnRHa. The expression levels of Anxa5 and Gnrh mRNA were augmented by the GnRHa. Immunohistochemistry of these tissue fragments showed that ANXA5 expression was enhanced, especially in medullary epithelial cells. These results revealed that GnRH synthesis in the thymus could affect thymic epithelial cells after puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsumori KAWAMINAMI
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University
| | - Ryota TERASHIMA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University
| | - Takuya MURATA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science
| | - Shuichi CHIBA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science
| | - Shiro KURUSU
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University
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27
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Vu O, Bender BJ, Pankewitz L, Huster D, Beck-Sickinger AG, Meiler J. The Structural Basis of Peptide Binding at Class A G Protein-Coupled Receptors. Molecules 2021; 27:molecules27010210. [PMID: 35011444 PMCID: PMC8746363 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the largest membrane protein family and a significant target class for therapeutics. Receptors from GPCRs’ largest class, class A, influence virtually every aspect of human physiology. About 45% of the members of this family endogenously bind flexible peptides or peptides segments within larger protein ligands. While many of these peptides have been structurally characterized in their solution state, the few studies of peptides in their receptor-bound state suggest that these peptides interact with a shared set of residues and undergo significant conformational changes. For the purpose of understanding binding dynamics and the development of peptidomimetic drug compounds, further studies should investigate the peptide ligands that are complexed to their cognate receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oanh Vu
- Deparment of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA;
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (B.J.B.); (L.P.)
| | - Brian Joseph Bender
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (B.J.B.); (L.P.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Lisa Pankewitz
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (B.J.B.); (L.P.)
| | - Daniel Huster
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical Department, Leipzig University, Härtelstr. 16–18, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Annette G. Beck-Sickinger
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 34, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Jens Meiler
- Deparment of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA;
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (B.J.B.); (L.P.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Leipzig University Medical Center, Institute for Drug Discovery, Departments of Chemistry and Computer Science, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 34, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Correspondence:
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28
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Zhao S, Guo Z, Xiang W, Wang P. The neuroendocrine pathways and mechanisms for the control of the reproduction in female pigs. Anim Reprod 2021; 18:e20210063. [PMID: 34925558 PMCID: PMC8677349 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2021-0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Within the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis, the major hierarchical component is gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, which directly or indirectly receive regulatory inputs from a wide array of regulatory signals and pathways, involving numerous circulating hormones, neuropeptides, and neurotransmitters, and which operate as a final output for the brain control of reproduction. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in neuropeptides that have the potential to stimulate or inhibit GnRH in the hypothalamus of pigs. Among them, Kisspeptin is a key component in the precise regulation of GnRH neuron secretion activity. Besides, other neuropeptides, including neurokinin B (NKB), neuromedin B (NMB), neuromedin S (NMS), α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), Phoenixin (PNX), show potential for having a stimulating effect on GnRH neurons. On the contrary, RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3), endogenous opioid peptides (EOP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and Galanin (GAL) may play an inhibitory role in the regulation of porcine reproductive nerves and may directly or indirectly regulate GnRH neurons. By combining data from suitable model species and pigs, we aim to provide a comprehensive summary of our current understanding of the neuropeptides acting on GnRH neurons, with a particular focus on their central regulatory pathways and underlying molecular basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Zhao
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Zongyi Guo
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Wei Xiang
- School of Advanced Agriculture and Bioengineering, Yangtze Normal University, Fuling of Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Pingqing Wang
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, P. R. China
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29
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Chamness LM, Zelt NB, Harrington HR, Kuntz CP, Bender BJ, Penn WD, Ziarek JJ, Meiler J, Schlebach JP. Molecular basis for the evolved instability of a human G-protein coupled receptor. Cell Rep 2021; 37:110046. [PMID: 34818554 PMCID: PMC8865034 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane proteins are prone to misfolding and degradation. This is particularly true for mammalian forms of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR). Although they function at the plasma membrane, mammalian GnRHRs accumulate within the secretory pathway. Their apparent instability is believed to have evolved through selection for attenuated GnRHR activity. Nevertheless, the molecular basis of this adaptation remains unclear. We show that adaptation coincides with a C-terminal truncation that compromises the translocon-mediated membrane integration of its seventh transmembrane domain (TM7). We also identify a series of polar residues in mammalian GnRHRs that compromise the membrane integration of TM2 and TM6. Reverting a lipid-exposed polar residue in TM6 to an ancestral hydrophobic residue restores expression with no impact on function. Evolutionary trends suggest variations in the polarity of this residue track with reproductive phenotypes. Our findings suggest that the marginal energetics of cotranslational folding can be exploited to tune membrane protein fitness. Integral membrane proteins are prone to misfolding, especially mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors (GnRHRs). Chamness et al. show that the evolved instability of mammalian GnRHRs stems from adaptive modifications that disrupt translocon-mediated membrane integration, suggesting that membrane protein misfolding can be exploited to tune fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Chamness
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Nathan B Zelt
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | | | - Charles P Kuntz
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Brian J Bender
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 49795, USA
| | - Wesley D Penn
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Joshua J Ziarek
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Jens Meiler
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 49795, USA; Institut for Drug Development, Leipzig University, Leipzig, SAC, Germany
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Ulloa-Aguirre A, Zariñán T, Jardón-Valadez E. Misfolded G Protein-Coupled Receptors and Endocrine Disease. Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Prospects. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212329. [PMID: 34830210 PMCID: PMC8622668 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Misfolding of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) caused by mutations frequently leads to disease due to intracellular trapping of the conformationally abnormal receptor. Several endocrine diseases due to inactivating mutations in GPCRs have been described, including X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, thyroid disorders, familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, obesity, familial glucocorticoid deficiency [melanocortin-2 receptor, MC2R (also known as adrenocorticotropin receptor, ACTHR), and reproductive disorders. In these mutant receptors, misfolding leads to endoplasmic reticulum retention, increased intracellular degradation, and deficient trafficking of the abnormal receptor to the cell surface plasma membrane, causing inability of the receptor to interact with agonists and trigger intracellular signaling. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms whereby mutations in GPCRs involved in endocrine function in humans lead to misfolding, decreased plasma membrane expression of the receptor protein, and loss-of-function diseases, and also describe several experimental approaches employed to rescue trafficking and function of the misfolded receptors. Special attention is given to misfolded GPCRs that regulate reproductive function, given the key role played by these particular membrane receptors in sexual development and fertility, and recent reports on promising therapeutic interventions targeting trafficking of these defective proteins to rescue completely or partially their normal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Ulloa-Aguirre
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición SZ, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
- Correspondence:
| | - Teresa Zariñán
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición SZ, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
| | - Eduardo Jardón-Valadez
- Departamento de Recursos de la Tierra, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Lerma, Lerma de Villada 52005, Estado de México, Mexico;
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Masson S, Medam T, Raibon E, Fontaine C, Levy X. Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Cyproterone Acetate to Prevent Flare-Up Effect on Dogs Implanted With Deslorelin. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:714154. [PMID: 34660758 PMCID: PMC8511793 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.714154] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Deslorelin slow-released implants are registered in Europe for the reversible suppression of fertility in male dogs. After administration, a time-limited increase in sex hormones concentration and related behavioral problems may be observed. The aim of this work was to assess whether cyproterone acetate, a synthetic progestogen, can prevent this flare-up effect. Eighteen privately-owned entire male dogs were enrolled in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. All subjects received a 4.7 mg deslorelin implant by SC route and 1-3 capsules containing either cyproterone acetate 2 mg/kg (N = 9) or a placebo (N = 9), by oral route BID for 14 days, depending on the dog's weight. The dogs were followed for 28 days. An increase in the blood testosterone concentration was observed in respectively 9/9 and 7/9 dogs of the control and cyproterone groups (p = 0.47). However, a worsening of the sex hormone related problems (i.e., urinary marking, mounting, aggressiveness toward other dogs and/or escape) was only observed in the placebo group, in 56 or 66% of the dogs as measured by respectively the veterinarian and the owners. Our study suggests that cyproterone acetate is effective and safe to supress the deslorelin induced behavioral flare-up effect, but not the rise in testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xavier Levy
- Centre de Reproduction des Carnivores du Sud-Ouest (CRECS), L'isle Jourdain, France
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32
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Junco JA, Fuentes F, Millar RP. A dual kisspeptin-GnRH immunogen for reproductive immunosterilization. Vaccine 2021; 39:6437-6448. [PMID: 34489132 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.07.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
GnRH immunogens have been extensively employed in immunocontraception of animals. While they are effective, they are not 100% efficacious and of limited duration. GnRH secretion is dependent on upstream stimulation by kisspeptin. We therefore hypothesised that a dual immunogen combining GnRH and kisspeptin may be more efficacious through targeting two levels of the axis. We have previously shown GnRH immunogen elicits permanent sterilisation when sheep are vaccinated neonatally suggesting that the efficacy of GnRH immunisation may be dependent on the stage of reproductive development. We have now studied over 300 days the efficacy of immunisation with a dual immunogen comprising GnRH linked to kisspeptin via a hepatitis B T helper peptide sequence (GKT) administered to male and female rats prepubertally, pubertally and as adults. At all stages of development all immunised animals produced antibodies to GnRH, kisspeptin and GKT but differentially in titre with respect to sex and stage of development. In immunised adult, prepubertal and pubertal males testosterone and testes length was markedly reduced by 60 days and remained at low levels until day 150. Thereafter, testosterone recovered to pre immunisation levels and testes length increased to a maximum of about 40% of controls. 80% of males were infertile in three matings over 250 days. In prepubertal and pubertal female rats a single immunisation at day 0 reduced estradiol to low levels by day 60 which remained low until termination of the experiment on day 300. In matings of these females with fertile males on days 90, 120 and 250, 74% of prepubertal females were infertile and impressively, 100% (10/10) of pubertal females were infertile after a single immunisation on day 0. These findings set the scene for exploration of immunosterilisation of wild and domestic animals after a single immunisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus A Junco
- Prostate Cancer Department, Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Camaguey. Ave Finlay y Circunvalación Norte, CP 70100 Camaguey, Cuba
| | - Franklin Fuentes
- Prostate Cancer Department, Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Camaguey. Ave Finlay y Circunvalación Norte, CP 70100 Camaguey, Cuba
| | - Robert P Millar
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Gezina 0084, Pretoria, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa.
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33
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de Villiers C, van der Horst G, Chauke C, Magwebu Z. The expression of type I and II gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors transcripts in Vervet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops) spermatozoa. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 310:113819. [PMID: 34015343 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH), acting via the GnRH receptor (GnRHR), and a member of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR), plays an essential role in the control of reproduction while operating primarily at the hypothalamic level of the gonadotropic axis. GnRH and its receptor are co-expressed in certain specific cells, suggesting an autocrine regulation of such cells. In the male reproductive system, two forms of GnRH (I and II) and its receptors (GnRHR) are present in the human and non-human primate (NHP) testis, prostate, epididymis, seminal vesicle, and human spermatozoa. In humans, the GnRHR-II receptor gene is disrupted by a frameshift in exon 1 and a stop codon in exon 2, rendering the receptor non-functional, whereas a fully functional GnRHR-II receptor is present in New-World and Old-World monkeys. There is no evidence of the existence of a GnRH receptor in NHP sperm. Since the NHP has a phylogenetic relationship to man and is often used as models in reproductive physiology, this present study aimed to determine GnRHR-I and GnRHR-II in Vervet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops) spermatozoa. A total of 24 semen samples were obtained from four adult Vervet monkeys through electro-ejaculation and utilized for genotyping and gene expression analysis of GnRHR-I and II. Here we report that both receptors were successfully identified in the Vervet monkey sperm with the abundance of GnRHR-I gene expression compared to GnRHR-II. In comparison to the human, there is no evidence of such a stop codon at position 179 in exon 2 of the Vervet GnRHR-II. These findings suggest that both receptors are transcriptionally functional in Vervet spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charon de Villiers
- Primate Unit & Delft Animal Centre, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Gerhard van der Horst
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Chesa Chauke
- Primate Unit & Delft Animal Centre, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Zandisiwe Magwebu
- Primate Unit & Delft Animal Centre, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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Rodríguez Gabilondo A, Hernández Pérez L, Martínez Rodríguez R. Hormonal and neuroendocrine control of reproductive function in teleost fish. BIONATURA 2021. [DOI: 10.21931/rb/2021.06.02.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is one of the important physiological events for the maintenance of the species. Hormonal and neuroendocrine regulation of teleost requires multiple and complex interactions along the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis. Within this axis, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) regulates the synthesis and release of gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Steroidogenesis drives reproduction function in which the development and differentiation of gonads. In recent years, new neuropeptides have become the focus of reproductive physiology research as they are involved in the different regulatory mechanisms of these species' growth, metabolism, and reproduction. However, especially in fish, the role of these neuropeptides in the control of reproductive function is not well studied. The study of hormonal and neuroendocrine events that regulate reproduction is crucial for the development and success of aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Rodríguez Gabilondo
- Metabolic Modifiers for Aquaculture, Agricultural Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Liz Hernández Pérez
- Metabolic Modifiers for Aquaculture, Agricultural Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Rebeca Martínez Rodríguez
- Metabolic Modifiers for Aquaculture, Agricultural Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
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35
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Chang AM, Chen CC, Hou DL, Ke GM, Lee JW. Effects of a Recombinant Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Vaccine on Reproductive Function in Adult Male ICR Mice. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:808. [PMID: 34451933 PMCID: PMC8402355 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9080808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) regulates the reproductive endocrine system in mammals. The GnRH immunocontraception vaccine can aid animal population control and management. We evaluated a recombinant GnRH fusion protein with the adjuvant MONTANIDE ISA 206 VG as a GnRH vaccine in adult male ICR mice by evaluating anti-GnRH antibodies; concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone; testis size and histomorphology; and semen quality. Response was assessed after intramuscular administration of the vaccine to mice in weeks 0, 4, and 8. The vaccine induced specific antibody response by week 5, with peak of antibody levels observed by week 13 and a declining level thereafter until the end of the study at week 24. Furthermore, it reduced serum FSH, LH, and testosterone concentrations. The vaccinated mice exhibited testicular atrophy and reduced sperm quality, concentration, morphology, and viability compared to control males. The outcomes of pairings of treated males with untreated females revealed reduced mating, pregnancy rates and number of litters compared to control pairings. Assessment of this GnRH vaccine in different species could assist its development for future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Mei Chang
- International Program in Animal Vaccine Technology, International College, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan; (A.-M.C.); (G.-M.K.)
- Research Center for Animal Biologics, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Chih Chen
- Research Center for Animal Biologics, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan;
| | - Ding-Liang Hou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan;
| | - Guan-Ming Ke
- International Program in Animal Vaccine Technology, International College, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan; (A.-M.C.); (G.-M.K.)
- Research Center for Animal Biologics, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan;
- Institute of Animal Vaccine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
| | - Jai-Wei Lee
- International Program in Animal Vaccine Technology, International College, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan; (A.-M.C.); (G.-M.K.)
- Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation, International College, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
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36
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Polyacrylate-GnRH Peptide Conjugate as an Oral Contraceptive Vaccine Candidate. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13071081. [PMID: 34371772 PMCID: PMC8308917 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13071081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Contraceptive vaccines are designed to elicit immune responses against major components of animal reproductive systems. These vaccines, which are most commonly administered via injection, typically target gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). However, the need to restrain animals for treatment limits the field applications of injectable vaccines. Oral administration would broaden vaccine applicability. We explored contraceptive vaccine candidates composed of GnRH peptide hormone, universal T helper PADRE (P), and a poly(methylacrylate) (PMA)-based delivery system. When self-assembled into nanoparticles, PMA-P-GnRH induced the production of high IgG titers after subcutaneous and oral administration in mice. PADRE was then replaced with pig T helper derived from the swine flu virus, and the vaccine was tested in pigs. High levels of systemic antibodies were produced in pigs after both injection and oral administration of the vaccine. In conclusion, we developed a simple peptide–polymer conjugate that shows promise as an effective, adjuvant-free, oral GnRH-based contraceptive vaccine.
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Zhang J, Lv C, Mo C, Liu M, Wan Y, Li J, Wang Y. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Analysis of Chicken Anterior Pituitary: A Bird's-Eye View on Vertebrate Pituitary. Front Physiol 2021; 12:562817. [PMID: 34267669 PMCID: PMC8276247 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.562817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well-established that anterior pituitary contains multiple endocrine cell populations, and each of them can secrete one/two hormone(s) to regulate vital physiological processes of vertebrates. However, the gene expression profiles of each pituitary cell population remains poorly characterized in most vertebrate groups. Here we analyzed the transcriptome of each cell population in adult chicken anterior pituitaries using single-cell RNA sequencing technology. The results showed that: (1) four out of five known endocrine cell clusters have been identified and designated as the lactotrophs, thyrotrophs, corticotrophs, and gonadotrophs, respectively. Somatotrophs were not analyzed in the current study. Each cell cluster can express at least one known endocrine hormone, and novel marker genes (e.g., CD24 and HSPB1 in lactotrophs, NPBWR2 and NDRG1 in corticotrophs; DIO2 and SOUL in thyrotrophs, C5H11ORF96 and HPGDS in gonadotrophs) are identified. Interestingly, gonadotrophs were shown to abundantly express five peptide hormones: FSH, LH, GRP, CART and RLN3; (2) four non-endocrine/secretory cell types, including endothelial cells (expressing IGFBP7 and CFD) and folliculo-stellate cells (FS-cells, expressing S100A6 and S100A10), were identified in chicken anterior pituitaries. Among them, FS-cells can express many growth factors, peptides (e.g., WNT5A, HBEGF, Activins, VEGFC, NPY, and BMP4), and progenitor/stem cell-associated genes (e.g., Notch signaling components, CDH1), implying that the FS-cell cluster may act as a paracrine/autocrine signaling center and enrich pituitary progenitor/stem cells; (3) sexually dimorphic expression of many genes were identified in most cell clusters, including gonadotrophs and lactotrophs. Taken together, our data provides a bird's-eye view on the diverse aspects of anterior pituitaries, including cell composition, heterogeneity, cell-to-cell communication, and gene expression profiles, which facilitates our comprehensive understanding of vertebrate pituitary biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiannan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Can Lv
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunheng Mo
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Meng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiping Wan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yajun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Ben-Menahem D. GnRH-Related Neurohormones in the Fruit Fly Drosophila melanogaster. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22095035. [PMID: 34068603 PMCID: PMC8126107 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22095035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic and phylogenetic analyses of various invertebrate phyla revealed the existence of genes that are evolutionarily related to the vertebrate’s decapeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and the GnRH receptor genes. Upon the characterization of these gene products, encoding peptides and putative receptors, GnRH-related peptides and their G-protein coupled receptors have been identified. These include the adipokinetic hormone (AKH) and corazonin (CRZ) in insects and their cognate receptors that pair to form bioactive signaling systems, which network with additional neurotransmitters/hormones (e.g., octopamine and ecdysone). Multiple studies in the past 30 years have identified many aspects of the biology of these peptides that are similar in size to GnRH and function as neurohormones. This review briefly describes the main activities of these two neurohormones and their receptors in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. The similarities and differences between Drosophila AKH/CRZ and mammalian GnRH signaling systems are discussed. Of note, while GnRH has a key role in reproduction, AKH and CRZ show pleiotropic activities in the adult fly, primarily in metabolism and stress responses. From a protein evolution standpoint, the GnRH/AKH/CRZ family nicely demonstrates the developmental process of neuropeptide signaling systems emerging from a putative common ancestor and leading to divergent activities in distal phyla.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Ben-Menahem
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
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39
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Fontana F, Limonta P. Dissecting the Hormonal Signaling Landscape in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:1133. [PMID: 34067217 PMCID: PMC8151003 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying prostate cancer (PCa) progression towards its most aggressive, castration-resistant (CRPC) stage is urgently needed to improve the therapeutic options for this almost incurable pathology. Interestingly, CRPC is known to be characterized by a peculiar hormonal landscape. It is now well established that the androgen/androgen receptor (AR) axis is still active in CRPC cells. The persistent activity of this axis in PCa progression has been shown to be related to different mechanisms, such as intratumoral androgen synthesis, AR amplification and mutations, AR mRNA alternative splicing, increased expression/activity of AR-related transcription factors and coregulators. The hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), by binding to its specific receptors (GnRH-Rs) at the pituitary level, plays a pivotal role in the regulation of the reproductive functions. GnRH and GnRH-R are also expressed in different types of tumors, including PCa. Specifically, it has been demonstrated that, in CRPC cells, the activation of GnRH-Rs is associated with a significant antiproliferative/proapoptotic, antimetastatic and antiangiogenic activity. This antitumor activity is mainly mediated by the GnRH-R-associated Gαi/cAMP signaling pathway. In this review, we dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of the androgen/AR and GnRH/GnRH-R axes in CRPC progression and the possible therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrizia Limonta
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy;
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40
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Wu Y, Xiao H, Pi J, Zhang H, Pan A, Pu Y, Liang Z, Shen J, Du J, Huang T. LncRNA lnc_13814 promotes the cells apoptosis in granulosa cells of duck by acting as apla-miR-145-4 sponge. Cell Cycle 2021; 20:927-942. [PMID: 33843432 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2021.1911102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicle development is a vital factor which determines the reproductive performance of poultry. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to maintain animal reproductive function and play key roles in ovarian development and hormone secretion. But the regulatory mechanism of lncRNAs in duck follicle development has seldom been reported. In this study, to better explore the molecular mechanism of follicle development in ducks, the follicular lncRNA was sequenced and analyzed. A total of 9,551 lncRNAs were predicted in the duck follicles. Four hundred and forty-five lncRNAs were differentially expressed between the white follicles and yellow follicles. The results of our studies showed that lnc_13814 promoted cell apoptosis in duck GCs. Furthermore, the bioinformatics analysis results demonstrated that lnc_13814 was involved in a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA coexpression network and it was observed to sponge two follicle-related miRNAs by a luciferase activity assay. Moreover, we found that overexpression of lnc_13814 significantly increased DNA damage inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3) expression and downregulated GCs apoptosis. Finally, we found that lnc_13814 directly binds to and inhibits apla-mir-145-4; then, lnc_13814 increases the expression of DDIT3 and up-regulates GCs apoptosis. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that lncRNAs have potential effects on duck ovarian follicles and lncRNAs may represent a new approach to understand follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Molecular Breeding, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongwei Xiao
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinsong Pi
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan, China
| | - Ailuan Pan
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuejin Pu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhenhua Liang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinping Du
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan, China
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Berland M, Paiva L, Santander LA, Ratto MH. Distribution of GnRH and Kisspeptin Immunoreactivity in the Female Llama Hypothalamus. Front Vet Sci 2021; 7:597921. [PMID: 33604362 PMCID: PMC7884347 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.597921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Llamas are induced non-reflex ovulators, which ovulate in response to the hormonal stimulus of the male protein beta-nerve growth factor (β-NGF) that is present in the seminal plasma; this response is dependent on the preovulatory gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release from the hypothalamus. GnRH neurones are vital for reproduction, as these provide the input that controls the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland. However, in spontaneous ovulators, the activity of GnRH cells is regulated by kisspeptin neurones that relay the oestrogen signal arising from the periphery. Here, we investigated the organisation of GnRH and kisspeptin systems in the hypothalamus of receptive adult female llamas. We found that GnRH cells exhibiting different shapes were distributed throughout the ventral forebrain and some of these were located in proximity to blood vessels; sections of the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) displayed the highest number of cells. GnRH fibres were observed in both the organum vasculosum laminae terminalis (OVLT) and median eminence (ME). We also detected abundant kisspeptin fibres in the MBH and ME; kisspeptin cells were found in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), but not in rostral areas of the hypothalamus. Quantitative analysis of GnRH and kisspeptin fibres in the ME revealed a higher innervation density of kisspeptin than of GnRH fibres. The physiological significance of the anatomical findings reported here for the ovulatory mechanism in llamas is still to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Berland
- Departamento de Ciencias Veterinarias y Salud Pública, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco, Chile
| | - Luis Paiva
- Instituto de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Lig Alondra Santander
- Departamento de Ciencias Veterinarias y Salud Pública, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco, Chile
| | - Marcelo Héctor Ratto
- Instituto de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
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Zakharova L, Sharova V, Izvolskaia M. Mechanisms of Reciprocal Regulation of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)-Producing and Immune Systems: The Role of GnRH, Cytokines and Their Receptors in Early Ontogenesis in Normal and Pathological Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010114. [PMID: 33374337 PMCID: PMC7795970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Different aspects of the reciprocal regulatory influence on the development of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-producing- and immune systems in the perinatal ontogenesis and their functioning in adults in normal and pathological conditions are discussed. The influence of GnRH on the development of the immune system, on the one hand, and the influence of proinflammatory cytokines on the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal system, on the other hand, and their functioning in adult offspring are analyzed. We have focused on the effects of GnRH on the formation and functional activity of the thymus, as the central organ of the immune system, in the perinatal period. The main mechanisms of reciprocal regulation of these systems are discussed. The reproductive health of an individual is programmed by the establishment and development of physiological systems during critical periods. Regulatory epigenetic mechanisms of development are not strictly genetically controlled. These processes are characterized by a high sensitivity to various regulatory factors, which provides possible corrections for disorders.
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Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptors in Prostate Cancer: Molecular Aspects and Biological Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249511. [PMID: 33327545 PMCID: PMC7765031 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pituitary Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone receptors (GnRH-R) mediate the activity of the hypothalamic decapeptide GnRH, thus playing a key role in the regulation of the reproductive axis. Early-stage prostate cancer (PCa) is dependent on serum androgen levels, and androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT), based on GnRH agonists and antagonists, represents the standard therapeutic approach for PCa patients. Unfortunately, the tumor often progresses towards the more aggressive castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) stage. GnRH receptors are also expressed in CRPC tissues, where their binding to both GnRH agonists and antagonists is associated with significant antiproliferative/proapoptotic, antimetastatic and antiangiogenic effects, mediated by the Gαi/cAMP signaling cascade. GnRH agonists and antagonists are now considered as an effective therapeutic strategy for CRPC patients with many clinical trials demonstrating that the combined use of these drugs with standard therapies (i.e., docetaxel, enzalutamide, abiraterone) significantly improves disease-free survival. In this context, GnRH-based bioconjugates (cytotoxic drugs covalently linked to a GnRH-based decapeptide) have been recently developed. The rationale of this treatment is that the GnRH peptide selectively binds to its receptors, delivering the cytotoxic drug to CRPC cells while sparing nontumor cells. Some of these compounds have already entered clinical trials.
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Invertebrate Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Signaling and Its Relevant Biological Actions. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228544. [PMID: 33198405 PMCID: PMC7697785 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRHs) play pivotal roles in reproduction via the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis (HPG axis) in vertebrates. GnRHs and their receptors (GnRHRs) are also conserved in invertebrates lacking the HPG axis, indicating that invertebrate GnRHs do not serve as “gonadotropin-releasing factors” but, rather, function as neuropeptides that directly regulate target tissues. All vertebrate and urochordate GnRHs comprise 10 amino acids, whereas amphioxus, echinoderm, and protostome GnRH-like peptides are 11- or 12-residue peptides. Intracellular calcium mobilization is the major second messenger for GnRH signaling in cephalochordates, echinoderms, and protostomes, while urochordate GnRHRs also stimulate cAMP production pathways. Moreover, the ligand-specific modulation of signal transduction via heterodimerization between GnRHR paralogs indicates species-specific evolution in Ciona intestinalis. The characterization of authentic or putative invertebrate GnRHRs in various tissues and their in vitro and in vivo activities indicate that invertebrate GnRHs are responsible for the regulation of both reproductive and nonreproductive functions. In this review, we examine our current understanding of and perspectives on the primary sequences, tissue distribution of mRNA expression, signal transduction, and biological functions of invertebrate GnRHs and their receptors.
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Peacey L, Peacey C, Gutzinger A, Jones CE. Copper(II) Binding by the Earliest Vertebrate Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone, the Type II Isoform, Suggests an Ancient Role for the Metal. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21217900. [PMID: 33114333 PMCID: PMC7663483 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In vertebrate reproductive biology copper can influence peptide and protein function both in the pituitary and in the gonads. In the pituitary, copper binds to the key reproductive peptides gonadotropin-releasing hormone I (GnRH-I) and neurokinin B, to modify their structure and function, and in the male gonads, copper plays a role in testosterone production, sperm morphology and, thus, fertility. In addition to GnRH-I, most vertebrates express a second isoform, GnRH-II. GnRH-II can promote testosterone release in some species and has other non-reproductive roles. The primary sequence of GnRH-II has remained largely invariant over millennia, and it is considered the ancestral GnRH peptide in vertebrates. In this work, we use a range of spectroscopic techniques to show that, like GnRH-I, GnRH-II can bind copper. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the proposed copper-binding ligands are retained in GnRH-II peptides from all vertebrates, suggesting that copper-binding is an ancient feature of GnRH peptides.
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Kim MS, Ma S, Chelariu-Raicu A, Leuschner C, Alila HW, Lee S, Coleman RL, Sood AK. Enhanced Immunotherapy with LHRH-R Targeted Lytic Peptide in Ovarian Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2020; 19:2396-2406. [PMID: 32943548 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Here, we examined the role of EP-100 [luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) ligand joined to a lytic peptide], improving the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade. LHRH-R-positive murine ovarian cancer cells (ID8, IG10, IF5, and 2C12) were sensitive to EP-100 and were specifically killed at low micromolar levels through LHRH-R. EP-100 increased PD-L1 levels on murine ovarian cancer cells. In vivo syngeneic mouse models (ID8 and IG10) demonstrated that single-agent EP-100 reduced tumor volume, tumor weight, and ascites volume. The greatest reductions in tumor and ascites volume were observed with the combination of EP-100 with an anti-PD-L1 antibody. Immune profiling analysis showed that the population of CD8+ T cells, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages were significantly increased in tumor and ascitic fluid samples treated with anti-PD-L1, EP-100, and the combination. However, monocytic myeloid suppressor cells, B cells, and regulatory T cells were decreased in tumors treated with anti-PD-L1, EP-100, or the combination. In vitro cytokine arrays revealed that EP-100 induced IL1α, IL33, CCL20, VEGF, and Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) secretion. Of these, we validated increasing IL33 levels following EP-100 treatment in vitro and in vivo; we determined the specific biological role of CD8+ T-cell activation with IL33 gene silencing using siRNA and Cas9-CRISPR approaches. In addition, we found that CD8+ T cells expressed very low level of LHRH-R and were not affected by EP-100. Taken together, EP-100 treatment had a substantial antitumor efficacy, particularly in combination with an anti-PD-L1 antibody. These results warrant further clinical development of this combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Seungwook Kim
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | - Shaolin Ma
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anca Chelariu-Raicu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Sanghoon Lee
- Department of System Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Robert L Coleman
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Anil K Sood
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. .,Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Fernández Ajó AA, Hunt KE, Giese AC, Sironi M, Uhart M, Rowntree VJ, Marón CF, Dillon D, DiMartino M, Buck CL. Retrospective analysis of the lifetime endocrine response of southern right whale calves to gull wounding and harassment: A baleen hormone approach. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 296:113536. [PMID: 32540491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Physiological measurements are informative in assessing the relative importance of stressors that potentially impact the health of wildlife. Kelp Gulls, Larus dominicanus (KG), resident to the region of Península Valdés, Argentina, have developed a unique behavior of landing on the backs of southern right whale adults and calves, Eubalaena australis (SRW), where they feed on their skin and blubber. This parasitic behavior results in large open wounds on the dorsal surface of the whale. Coincidently, the SRW population off the coast of Península Valdés has experienced elevated calf mortality. We quantified levels of glucocorticoids and thyroid hormone extracted from baleen of dead calves to evaluate, retrospectively, the endocrine response of whale calves to gull wounding and harassment. Baleen accumulates hormones as it grows, allowing evaluation of long-term trends in physiological condition. While glucocorticoids (GCs) are known to increase in response to stressors such as disturbance, the metabolic hormone triiodothyronine (T3) has been shown to decrease under sustained food deprivation but is largely unaffected by disturbance stress. We quantified lifetime patterns of GCs and T3 in baleen recovered at necropsy from 36 southern right whale calves with varying severity of wounding from KGs. GC levels in baleen correlated positively with the degree of wounding, while T3 levels remained stable irrespective of the severity of the wounding. Our results suggest no evidence of malnutrition in low vs. severely wounded whales. However, the positive correlation of GCs with wound severity indicates that heavily wounded calves are suffering high levels of physiological stress before they die. This suggests that KG wounding may have contributed to the high southern right whale calf mortality observed in the Península Valdés region of Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro A Fernández Ajó
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, 617 S. Beaver St., PO Box 5640, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA; Instituto de Conservación de Ballenas, Capital Federal, O'Higgins 4380, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1429, Argentina.
| | - Kathleen E Hunt
- George Mason University, Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation 1500 Remount Rd, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - A Carolina Giese
- Instituto Patagónico Para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales. IPEEC-CONICET, Bvd. Brown 2915 (9120), Puerto Madryn, Argentina
| | - Mariano Sironi
- Instituto de Conservación de Ballenas, Capital Federal, O'Higgins 4380, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1429, Argentina; Southern Right Whale Health Monitoring Program, Los Alerces 3376, Puerto Madryn, Chubut 9120, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales (FCEFyN), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Av. Vélez Sársfield 299, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
| | - Marcela Uhart
- Southern Right Whale Health Monitoring Program, Los Alerces 3376, Puerto Madryn, Chubut 9120, Argentina; Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, VM3B Ground Floor, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Victoria J Rowntree
- Instituto de Conservación de Ballenas, Capital Federal, O'Higgins 4380, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1429, Argentina; Southern Right Whale Health Monitoring Program, Los Alerces 3376, Puerto Madryn, Chubut 9120, Argentina; Department of Biology, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Ocean Alliance/Whale Conservation Institute, 32 Horton St, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA
| | - Carina F Marón
- Instituto de Conservación de Ballenas, Capital Federal, O'Higgins 4380, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1429, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales (FCEFyN), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Av. Vélez Sársfield 299, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
| | - Danielle Dillon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, 617 S. Beaver St., PO Box 5640, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Matias DiMartino
- Southern Right Whale Health Monitoring Program, Los Alerces 3376, Puerto Madryn, Chubut 9120, Argentina
| | - C Loren Buck
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, 617 S. Beaver St., PO Box 5640, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
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Petrucci L, Maranesi M, Verini Supplizi A, Dall’Aglio C, Mandara MT, Quassinti L, Bramucci M, Miano A, Gobbetti A, Catone G, Boiti C, Zerani M. Kisspeptin/GnRH1 system in Leydig cells of horse (Equus caballus): Presence and function. Theriogenology 2020; 152:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Muñoz-Cueto JA, Zmora N, Paullada-Salmerón JA, Marvel M, Mañanos E, Zohar Y. The gonadotropin-releasing hormones: Lessons from fish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 291:113422. [PMID: 32032603 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Fish have been of paramount importance to our understanding of vertebrate comparative neuroendocrinology and the mechanisms underlying the physiology and evolution of gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH) and their genes. This review integrates past and recent knowledge on the Gnrh system in the fish model. Multiple Gnrh isoforms (two or three forms) are present in all teleosts, as well as multiple Gnrh receptors (up to five types), which differ in neuroanatomical localization, pattern of projections, ontogeny and functions. The role of the different Gnrh forms in reproduction seems to also differ in teleost models possessing two versus three Gnrh forms, Gnrh3 being the main hypophysiotropic hormone in the former and Gnrh1 in the latter. Functions of the non-hypothalamic Gnrh isoforms are still unclear, although under suboptimal physiological conditions (e.g. fasting), Gnrh2 may increase in the pituitary to ensure the integrity of reproduction under these conditions. Recent developments in transgenesis and mutagenesis in fish models have permitted the generation of fish lines expressing fluorophores in Gnrh neurons and to elucidate the dynamics of the elaborate innervations of the different neuronal populations, thus enabling a more accurate delineation of their reproductive roles and regulations. Moreover, in combination with neuronal electrophysiology, these lines have clarified the Gnrh mode of actions in modulating Lh and Fsh activities. While loss of function and genome editing studies had the premise to elucidate the exact roles of the multiple Gnrhs in reproduction and other processes, they have instead evoked an ongoing debate about these roles and opened new avenues of research that will no doubt lead to new discoveries regarding the not-yet-fully-understood Gnrh system.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Muñoz-Cueto
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences and INMAR, University of Cádiz, CEIMAR, The European University of the Seas (SEA-EU), Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain.
| | - Nilli Zmora
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - José A Paullada-Salmerón
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences and INMAR, University of Cádiz, CEIMAR, The European University of the Seas (SEA-EU), Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain
| | - Miranda Marvel
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Evaristo Mañanos
- Institute of Aquaculture of Torre de la Sal, CSIC, Castellón, Spain
| | - Yonathan Zohar
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Worm DJ, Els‐Heindl S, Beck‐Sickinger AG. Targeting of peptide‐binding receptors on cancer cells with peptide‐drug conjugates. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis J. Worm
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of BiochemistryLeipzig University Leipzig Germany
| | - Sylvia Els‐Heindl
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of BiochemistryLeipzig University Leipzig Germany
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