Transcriptional feedback loops in the ovine circadian clock

Persistence of clock gene expression in peripheral blood in dogs maintained under different photoperiod schedules

Dogs are the common pets adopted by humans, and their circadian behavior and physiology are influenced by human habits. In many families, there is a change of lifestyle with respect to the natural daylight (NDL) cycle. Exposure to constant light disrupts some central and peripheral circadian rhythms. The aim of the present study was to improve the knowledge about the circadian changes of clock components in the peripheral blood in dogs housed under NDL and constant light (LL) conditions. Blood samples were collected on five female Beagle dogs (2 years old, 14 ± 0.5 kg) every 4 hours for a 24-hour period during an NDL (Sunrise 05:05 h - Sunset 20:55  h) and 24-hour period of constant light (LL). Blood samples were stored in a PAX gene Blood RNA Tube, real-time RT-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine Clock, Per1-3, and Cry1-2 gene expression. During the NDL, all genes investigated showed robust diurnal daily rhythmicity. During the constant light, only Clock maintained its daily rhythmicity. Clock acrophase was observed close to sunrise (ZT 0) and was statistically different from the other clock genes except for Per3. Per3 daily oscillations were not statistically significant. No differences were observed among the clock genes tested in the amplitude and robustness values. Our results can be considered preliminary data to provide new insights into the adaptation mechanism of the canine peripheral circadian clock. The persistence of Clock gene expression during the LL indicated the presence of an endogenously generated signal in blood. Because peripheral blood is an easily accessible sample in dogs, the analysis of clock gene expression in this tissue could be useful to investigate the adaptive capacity of this species housed in different environmental conditions linked to the owner's lifestyle.

Developmental Programming: Impact of Prenatal Exposure to Bisphenol A on Senescence and Circadian Mediators in the Liver of Sheep

Prenatal exposure to endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA) plays a critical role in the developmental programming of liver dysfunction that is characteristic of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Circadian and aging processes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. We hypothesized that the prenatal BPA-induced fatty-liver phenotype of female sheep is associated with premature hepatic senescence and disruption in circadian clock genes. The expression of circadian rhythm and aging-associated genes, along with other markers of senescence such as telomere length, mitochondrial DNA copy number, and lipofuscin accumulation, were evaluated in the liver tissue of control and prenatal BPA groups. Prenatal BPA exposure significantly elevated the expression of aging-associated genes GLB1 and CISD2 and induced large magnitude differences in the expression of other aging genes-APOE, HGF, KLOTHO, and the clock genes PER2 and CLOCK-in the liver; the other senescence markers remained unaffected. Prenatal BPA-programmed aging-related transcriptional changes in the liver may contribute to pathological changes in liver function, elucidating the involvement of aging genes in the pathogenesis of liver steatosis.

Transcriptional Feedback Loops in the Caprine Circadian Clock System

The circadian clock system is based on interlocked positive and negative transcriptional and translational feedback loops of core clock genes and their encoded proteins. The mammalian circadian clock system has been extensively investigated using mouse models, but has been poorly investigated in diurnal ruminants. In this study, goat embryonic fibroblasts (GEFs) were isolated and used as a cell model to elucidate the caprine circadian clock system. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that several clock genes and clock-controlled genes were rhythmically expressed in GEFs over a 24 h period after dexamethasone stimulation. Immunofluorescence revealed that gBMAL1 and gNR1D1 proteins were expressed in GEFs, and western blotting analysis further verified that the proteins were expressed with circadian rhythmic changes. Diurnal changes in clock and clock-controlled gene expression at the mRNA and protein levels were also observed in goat liver and kidney tissues at two representative time points in vivo. Amino acid sequences and tertiary structures of goat BMAL1 and CLOCK proteins were found to be highly homologous to those in mice and humans. In addition, a set of goat representative clock gene orthologs and the promoter regions of two clock genes of goats and mice were cloned. Dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that gRORα could activate the promoter activity of the goat BMAL1, while gNR1D1 repressed it. The elevated pGL4.10-gNR1D1-Promoter-driven luciferase activity induced by mBMAL1/mCLOCK was much higher than that induced by gBMAL1/gCLOCK, and the addition of gCRY2 or mPER2 repressed it. Real-time bioluminescence assays revealed that the transcriptional activity of BMAL1 and NR1D1 in goats and mice exhibited rhythmic changes over a period of approximately 24 h in NIH3T3 cells or GEFs. Notably, the amplitudes of gBMAL1 and gNR1D1 promoter-driven luciferase oscillations in NIH3T3 cells were higher than those in GEFs, while mBMAL1 and mNR1D1 promoter-driven luciferase oscillations in NIH3T3 cells had the highest amplitude. In sum, transcriptional and translational loops of the mammalian circadian clock system were found to be broadly conserved in goats and not as robust as those found in mice, at least in the current experimental models. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the specific molecular mechanisms involved.

Clock genes determination in whole blood in goats housed under a long light cycle

An innate 24 h circadian clock drives various behavioral processes via expression of clock genes that regulate circadian rhythmicity and temporal signals. Elucidating the gene expression in goats may contribute to improving the knowledge of the regulation of circadian rhythms in this species. Five nonpregnant and nonlactating Maltese goats with no evidence of disease were kept in an indoor pen under the natural long photoperiod (05:05-20:56 h) and natural environmental temperature (23°C and 60% RH). They were fed an Alfalfa hay and concentrate mixture provided twice a day; water was available ad libitum. Blood samples were collected every 4 h over a 48 h period into PAX gene Blood RNA Tubes and stored at -80°C until processing. Clock genes (Clock; Cry1; Cry2; Per2; Per3) were determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. During the experimental period, locomotor activity was monitored by an actigraphy-based data logger that records a digitally integrated measure of motor activity as a means to assess indices of discomfort during study and stability of the circadian rhythm. All of the tested genes showed daily rhythmicity in their expression in whole blood. Differences in their circadian parameters were observed. Mesor and amplitude were statistically different among the tested gene (Mesor: F_(4.30) = 205.30; p < .0001; amplitude: F_(4.30) = 104.80; p < .0001), with each gene showing its acrophase at a different time of day (F_(4.30) = 81.17; p < .0001), and differences were observed between the two days of monitoring (F_(1.30) = 10.25; p = .003). The application of two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) on robustness of rhythm values did not show statistical differences among the tested genes (F_(4.30) = 1.83; p = .14) and between the two days of monitoring (F_(1.30) = 1.16; p = .28). Locomotor activity data recording were in accordance with the data reported in literature, indicating the absence of discomfort or alteration of circadian rhythms during the experimental period. Our results support the presence of a cyclic transcription of clock genes in whole blood of healthy goats housed under a long light natural photoperiod and natural environmental conditions.

Circadian clock mechanism driving mammalian photoperiodism

The annual photoperiod cycle provides the critical environmental cue synchronizing rhythms of life in seasonal habitats. In 1936, Bünning proposed a circadian-based coincidence timer for photoperiodic synchronization in plants. Formal studies support the universality of this so-called coincidence timer, but we lack understanding of the mechanisms involved. Here we show in mammals that long photoperiods induce the circadian transcription factor BMAL2, in the pars tuberalis of the pituitary, and triggers summer biology through the eyes absent/thyrotrophin (EYA3/TSH) pathway. Conversely, long-duration melatonin signals on short photoperiods induce circadian repressors including DEC1, suppressing BMAL2 and the EYA3/TSH pathway, triggering winter biology. These actions are associated with progressive genome-wide changes in chromatin state, elaborating the effect of the circadian coincidence timer. Hence, circadian clock-pituitary epigenetic pathway interactions form the basis of the mammalian coincidence timer mechanism. Our results constitute a blueprint for circadian-based seasonal timekeeping in vertebrates.

Activity patterns in mammals: Circadian dominance challenged

The evidence that diel patterns of physiology and behaviour in mammals are governed by circadian ‘clocks’ is based almost entirely on studies of nocturnal rodents. The emergent circadian paradigm, however, neglects the roles of energy metabolism and alimentary function (feeding and digestion) as determinants of activity pattern. The temporal control of activity varies widely across taxa, and ungulates, microtine rodents, and insectivores provide examples in which circadian timekeeping is vestigial. The nocturnal rodent/human paradigm of circadian organisation is unhelpful when considering the broader manifestation of activity patterns in mammals.

The evidence that daily patterns of physiology and behaviour in mammals are governed by circadian ‘clocks’ is based almost entirely on studies of nocturnal rodents. This Essay proposes that the nocturnal rodent/human paradigm of circadian rhythms is unhelpful when considering the broader manifestation of temporal organisation of activity in mammals.

Research progress on circadian clock genes in common abdominal malignant tumors

The circadian clock refers to the inherent biological rhythm of an organism, which, is accurately regulated by numerous clock genes. Studies in recent years have reported that the abnormal expression of clock genes is ubiquitous in common abdominal malignant tumors, including liver, colorectal, gastric and pancreatic cancer. In addition, the abnormal expression of certain clock genes is closely associated with clinical tumor parameters or patient prognosis. Studies in clock genes may expand the knowledge about the mechanism of occurrence and development of tumors, and may provide a new approach for tumor therapy. The present study summarizes the research progress in this field.

Sexually active males prevent the display of seasonal anestrus in female goats

A well-defined season of sexual rest controlled by photoperiod is observed in female sheep and goats during spring and summer, delineating their "anestrous season"; bucks also decrease sexual activity at about the same time. Nutrition and/or socio-sexual stimuli play only secondary roles. However, the presence of sexually active males can reduce the length of seasonal anestrus. Whether it can also completely suppress anestrus has not been investigated. Here we tested this in goats in 3 experiments, using bucks rendered sexually active out of season by exposure to long days. The continuous presence of these males prevented goats to display seasonal anestrus: 12/14 females cycled the year round, vs. 0/13 and 0/11 for females with un-treated bucks or without bucks (experiment 1). When active bucks were removed, females immediately entered anestrus (7/7 stopped ovulating vs. 1/7 if maintained with active bucks; experiment 2). Finally, 7/7 anestrous does with bucks in sexual rest since 1.5months commenced cycling rapidly during mid-anestrous, when these bucks became sexually active following a treatment with artificial long days, vs. 0/7 with un-treated bucks or no bucks (experiment 3). The presence/withdrawal of active bucks had a highly significant effect in the three experiments (P≤0.002). Therefore, the presence of a mating opportunity can completely override the photoperiodic inhibition of reproduction of females throughout the anestrous season. Results suggest that we must re-evaluate the relative contributions of photoperiod vs. other external cues in controlling seasonal reproduction, thus offering new non-pharmaceutical ways for controlling out-of-season reproduction in small ruminants.

REV-ERBα inhibits the PTGS2 expression in bovine uterus endometrium stromal and epithelial cells exposed to ovarian steroids

The nuclear receptor REV-ERBα (encoded by NR1D1) has a critical role in metabolism and physiology as well as circadian rhythm. Here, we investigated the possible contribution of clock genes including NR1D1 to the secretion of prostaglandin F₂α (PGF₂α) from bovine uterine stromal (USCs) and epithelial cells (UECs) by modulating the expression of PTGS2. The circadian oscillation of clock genes in the cells was weak compared with that reported in rodents, but the expression of BMAL1, PER1, and NR1D1 was changed temporally by treatment with ovarian steroids. Significant expression of clock genes including NR1D1 was detected in USCs exposed to progesterone. NR1D1 was also significantly expressed in UECs exposed to estradiol. The expression of PTGS2 was suppressed in USCs exposed to progesterone, while the expression was initially suppressed in UECs exposed to estradiol and then increased after long-term exposure to estradiol. BMAL1 knockdown with specific siRNA caused a significant decrease in the transcript levels of NR1D1 and PTGS2 in USCs, but not in UECs. The production of PGF₂α also decreased in USCs after BMAL1 knockdown, while its level did not significantly change in UECs. The transcript level of PTGS2 was increased by treatment with the antagonist of REV-ERBα in both cell types, but the agonist was ineffective. In these two cell types treated with the agonist or antagonist, the PGF₂α production coincided well with the PTGS2 expression. Collectively, these results indicate that REV-ERBα plays an inhibitory role in the expression of PTGS2 in both bovine USCs and UECs treated with ovarian steroids.

The nuclear receptor REV-ERBα is required for the daily balance of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism

Mutations of clock genes can lead to diabetes and obesity. REV-ERBα, a nuclear receptor involved in the circadian clockwork, has been shown to control lipid metabolism. To gain insight into the role of REV-ERBα in energy homeostasis in vivo, we explored daily metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids in chow-fed, unfed, or high-fat-fed Rev-erbα(-/-) mice and their wild-type littermates. Chow-fed Rev-erbα(-/-) mice displayed increased adiposity (2.5-fold) and mild hyperglycemia (∼10%) without insulin resistance. Indirect calorimetry indicates that chow-fed Rev-erbα(-/-) mice utilize more fatty acids during daytime. A 24-h nonfeeding period in Rev-erbα(-/-) animals favors further fatty acid mobilization at the expense of glycogen utilization and gluconeogenesis, without triggering hypoglycemia and hypothermia. High-fat feeding in Rev-erbα(-/-) mice amplified metabolic disturbances, including expression of lipogenic factors. Lipoprotein lipase (Lpl) gene, critical in lipid utilization/storage, is triggered in liver at night and constitutively up-regulated (∼2-fold) in muscle and adipose tissue of Rev-erbα(-/-) mice. We show that CLOCK, up-regulated (2-fold) at night in Rev-erbα(-/-) mice, can transactivate Lpl. Thus, overexpression of Lpl facilitates muscle fatty acid utilization and contributes to fat overload. This study demonstrates the importance of clock-driven Lpl expression in energy balance and highlights circadian disruption as a potential cause for the metabolic syndrome.

Genetic interaction of Per1 and Dec1/2 in the regulation of circadian locomotor activity

In mammals, 24-h rhythms are controlled by a hierarchical system of endogenous clocks, with a circadian pacemaker located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus that synchronizes peripheral oscillators throughout the body. The molecular clock machinery is regulated by interlocked transcriptional translational feedback loops (TTLs). The core TTL includes the transcriptional modulators PER (1-3) and CRY (1/2) that feed back on their own expression by interaction with CLOCK/BMAL1. An accessory loop involving the transcription factors DEC1 and DEC2 has been described that also impinges on CLOCK/BMAL1-mediated transactivation. In Drosophila, the DEC ortholog CWO shows synergistic activity to PER. This prompted the authors to analyze PER1-DEC interaction in the mammalian SCN. They generated Per1/Dec double and triple mutant mice to monitor activity rhythms under entrained and free-running conditions. Furthermore, they analyzed expression of the clock genes Per2, Rev-Erbα, and Bmal1 in wild-type and Per1/Dec mutant SCN by in situ hybridization. The experiments reveal a critical role for Per1-Dec interaction in regulating activity phase under entrained conditions. In constant darkness, a synergistic function for Per1 and Dec1/2 in period regulation was found, correlating with disrupted clock gene mRNA levels in the SCN. Luciferase reporter gene assays indicate an activatory function of DECs on Bmal1 expression. Together, the results suggest a partially redundant and bidirectional regulatory function for the 2 Dec genes in the TTL and a conservation of Per-Dec (Cwo) synergism between vertebrate and invertebrate clocks.

Neurogenetics of food anticipation

Circadian clocks enable the organisms to anticipate predictable cycling events in the environment. The mechanisms of the main circadian clock, localized in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus, involve intracellular autoregulatory transcriptional loops of specific genes, called clock genes. In the suprachiasmatic clock, circadian oscillations of clock genes are primarily reset by light, thus allowing the organisms to be in phase with the light-dark cycle. Another circadian timing system is dedicated to preparing the organisms for the ongoing meal or food availability: the so-called food-entrainable system, characterized by food-anticipatory processes depending on a circadian clock whose location in the brain is not yet identified with certainty. Here we review the current knowledge on food anticipation in mice lacking clock genes or feeding-related genes. The food-entrainable clockwork in the brain is currently thought to be made of transcriptional loops partly divergent from those described in the light-entrainable suprachiasmatic nuclei. Possible confounding effects associated with behavioral screening of meal anticipation in mutant mice are also discussed.