1
|
Zheng J, Song W, Zhou Y, Li X, Wang M, Zhang C. Cross-species single-cell landscape of vertebrate pineal gland. J Pineal Res 2024; 76:e12927. [PMID: 38018267 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The pineal gland has evolved from a photoreceptive organ in fish to a neuroendocrine organ in mammals. This study integrated multiple daytime single-cell RNA-seq datasets from the pineal glands of zebrafish, rats, and monkeys, providing a detailed examination of the evolutionary transition at single-cell resolution. We identified key factors responsible for the anatomical and functional transformation of the pineal gland. We retrieved and integrated daytime single-cell transcriptomic datasets from the pineal glands of zebrafish, rats, and monkeys, resulting in a total of 22 431 cells after rigorous quality filtering. Comparative analysis was then conducted to elucidate the evolution of pineal cells, their photosensitivity, their role in melatonin production, and the signaling processes within the glands of these species. Our analysis identified distinct cellular compositions of the pineal gland in zebrafish, rats, and monkeys. Zebrafish photoreceptors exhibited comprehensive phototransduction gene expression, while specific genes, including transducin (Gngt1, Gnb3, and Gngt2) and phosducin (Pdc), were consistently present in mammalian pinealocytes. We found transcriptional similarities between the pineal gland and retina, underscoring shared evolutionary and functional pathways. Zebrafish displayed unique light-responsive circadian gene activity compared to rats and monkeys. Key ligand-receptor interactions were identified, especially involving MDK and PTN, influencing melatonin synthesis across species. Furthermore, we observed species-specific GPCR (G protein-coupled receptors) expressions related to melatonin synthesis and their alignment with retinal expressions. Our findings also highlighted specific transcription factors (TFs) and regulatory networks associated with pineal gland evolution and function. Our study provides a detailed analysis of the pineal gland's evolution from fish to mammals. We identified key transcriptional changes and controls that highlight the gland's functional diversity. Notably, we found significant ligand-receptor interactions influencing melatonin synthesis and demonstrated parallels between pineal and retinal expressions. These insights enhance our understanding of the pineal gland's role in phototransduction, melatonin production, and circadian rhythms in vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihong Zheng
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenqi Song
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihang Zhou
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Li
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Songjiang Research Institute, Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Guo HX, Zheng Y, Zhao GK, Wang HQ, Yu S, Gao F, Zhang JB, Zhang YH, Yuan B. Circ-ERC2 Is Involved in Melatonin Synthesis by Regulating the miR-125a-5p/MAT2A Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415477. [PMID: 36555116 PMCID: PMC9778726 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion in the pineal gland is highly conserved in vertebrates. Melatonin levels are always elevated at night. Acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase (ASMT) is the last enzyme in the regulation of melatonin biosynthesis (N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine-melatonin). S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is an important methyl donor in mammals and can be used as a substrate for the synthesis of melatonin. Methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) catalyzes the synthesis of SAM from methionine and ATP and has a circadian rhythm. CircRNA is an emerging type of endogenous noncoding RNA with a closed loop. Whether circRNAs in the pineal gland can participate in the regulation of melatonin synthesis by binding miRNAs to target mat2a as part of the circadian rhythm is still unclear. In this study, we predicted the targeting relationship of differentially expressed circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs based on the results of rat pineal RNA sequencing. Mat2a siRNA transfection confirmed that mat2a is involved in the synthesis of melatonin. Circ-ERC2 and miR-125a-5p were screened out by software prediction, dual-luciferase reporter experiments, cell transfection, etc. Finally, we constructed a rat superior cervical ganglionectomy model (SCGx), and the results showed that circ-ERC2 could participate in the synthesis of melatonin through the miR-125a-5p/MAT2A axis. The results of the study revealed that circ-ERC2 can act as a molecular sponge of miR-125a-5p to regulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland by targeting mat2a. This experiment provides a basis for research on the circadian rhythm of noncoding RNA on pineal melatonin secretion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bao Yuan
- Correspondence: (Y.-H.Z.); (B.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zheng Y, Wang HQ, Guo HX, Xie HL, Zhang WD, Han DX, Jiang H, Yuan B, Zhang JB. CircRNA-WNK2 Acts as a ceRNA for miR-328a-3p to Promote AANAT Expression in the Male Rat Pineal Gland. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6464229. [PMID: 34918065 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), which are expressed with a daily rhythm in the rat pineal gland, are associated with the regulation of melatonin secretion and other biological functions. However, the mechanisms of these molecules in the rat pineal gland are not yet fully understood. In this study, we found that circR-WNK2 was highly expressed at night, which may be involved in the regulation of melatonin secretion through the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism. By dual luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays, we found that miR-328a-3p can target circR-WNK2 and the Aa-nat mRNA 3'UTR. Transfection experiments indicated that circR-WNK2 could competitively bind to miR-328a-3p, reduce miR-328a-3p expression, and promote Aa-nat gene expression and melatonin secretion. And by constructing a superior cervical ganglionectomy (SCGx) rat model, we found that ncRNAs expression in the pineal gland was regulated by signals from the suprachiasmatic nucleus. This finding supports the hypothesis that these noncoding RNAs may interact to shape the circadian rhythm through transcriptional processing in melatonin synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zheng
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Hao-Qi Wang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Xiang Guo
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Heng-Li Xie
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Di Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Dong-Xu Han
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Bao Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Bao Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hertz H, Carstensen MB, Bering T, Rohde K, Møller M, Granau AM, Coon SL, Klein DC, Rath MF. The Lhx4 homeobox transcript in the rat pineal gland: Adrenergic regulation and impact on transcripts encoding melatonin-synthesizing enzymes. J Pineal Res 2020; 68:e12616. [PMID: 31609018 PMCID: PMC8408918 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Homeobox genes generally encode transcription factors involved in regulating developmental processes. In the pineal gland, a brain structure devoted to nocturnal melatonin synthesis, a number of homeobox genes are also expressed postnatally; among these is the LIM homeobox 4 gene (Lhx4). We here report that Lhx4 is specifically expressed in the postnatal pineal gland of rats and humans. Circadian analyses revealed a fourfold rhythm in Lhx4 expression in the rat pineal gland, with rhythmic expression detectable from postnatal day 10. Pineal Lhx4 expression was confirmed to be positively driven by adrenergic signaling, as evidenced by in vivo modulation of Lhx4 expression by pharmacological (isoprenaline injection) and surgical (superior cervical ganglionectomy) interventions. In cultured pinealocytes, Lhx4 expression was upregulated by cyclic AMP, a second messenger of norepinephrine. By use of RNAscope technology, Lhx4 transcripts were found to be exclusively localized in melatonin-synthesizing pinealocytes. This prompted us to investigate the possible role of Lhx4 in regulation of melatonin-producing enzymes. By use of siRNA technology, we knocked down Lhx4 by 95% in cultured pinealocytes; this caused a reduction in transcripts encoding the melatonin-producing enzyme arylalkylamine N-acetyl transferase (Aanat). Screening the transcriptome of siRNA-treated pinealocytes by RNAseq revealed a significant impact of Lhx4 on the phototransduction pathway and on transcripts involved in development of the nervous system and photoreceptors. These data suggest that rhythmic expression of Lhx4 in the pineal gland is controlled via an adrenergic-cyclic AMP mechanism and that Lhx4 acts to promote nocturnal melatonin synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Hertz
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel B Carstensen
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tenna Bering
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Rohde
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Møller
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Agnete M Granau
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steven L Coon
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David C Klein
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Martin F Rath
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rohde K, Hertz H, Rath MF. Homeobox genes in melatonin-producing pinealocytes: Otx2 and Crx act to promote hormone synthesis in the mature rat pineal gland. J Pineal Res 2019; 66:e12567. [PMID: 30803008 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Homeobox genes encode transcription factors that regulate developmental processes; however, in the pineal gland, a neuroendocrine organ responsible for nocturnal melatonin synthesis, expression of the homeobox genes Otx2 (orthodenticle homeobox 2) and Crx (cone-rod homeobox) persists postnatally. We here show that OTX2 and CRX are exclusively present in melatonin-producing pinealocytes of the rat pineal gland. To understand the roles of Otx2 and Crx in the mature pineal gland, we used siRNA technology in cultured rat pinealocytes with the nocturnal situation mimicked by adding norepinephrine to the culture media. siRNA-induced knockdown of Otx2 was found to reduce expression levels of the enzymes involved in melatonin synthesis at both transcript and protein levels. Similar results were obtained when knocking down Crx. Knocking down Otx2 and Crx simultaneously produced an even larger reduction in both transcript and protein levels of the melatonin-producing enzymes and also reduced the levels of melatonin released to the culture media. These results suggest that Otx2 and Crx, both alone and in combination, act to control pineal melatonin synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Rohde
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Hertz
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin F Rath
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cheng YC, Tsai RY, Sung YT, Chen IJ, Tu TY, Mao YY, Wong CS. Melatonin regulation of transcription in the reversal of morphine tolerance: Microarray analysis of differential gene expression. Int J Mol Med 2018; 43:791-806. [PMID: 30569162 PMCID: PMC6317689 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.4030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tolerance and associated hyperalgesia induced by long‑term morphine administration substantially restrict the clinical use of morphine in pain treatment. Melatonin, a neurohormone released by the pineal gland, has been demonstrated to attenuate anti‑nociceptive morphine tolerance. The present study investigates differentially expressed genes in the process of morphine tolerance and altered gene expression subsequent to melatonin treatment in chronic morphine‑infused ratspinal cords. Morphine tolerance was induced in male Wistar rats by intrathecal morphine infusion (the MO group). Melatonin (the MOMa group) was administered to overcome the effects derived by morphine. The mRNA collected from L5‑S3 of the spinal cord was extracted and analysed by rat expression microarray. Principal component analysis and clustering analysis revealed that the overall gene profiles were different in morphine and melatonin treatments. Subsequent to Gene Ontology analysis, the biological processes of differentially expressed genes of MO and MOMa compared with the control group were constructed. Furthermore, a panel of genes exclusively expressed following melatonin treatment and another panel of genes with inverse expression between the MO and MOMa group were also established. Subsequent to PANTHER pathway analysis, a group of genes with inverse expression following melatonin administrated compared with morphine alone were identified. The expression levels of genes of interest were also confirmed using a reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The gene panel that was constructed suggests a potential signaling pathway in morphine tolerance development and is valuable for investigating the mechanism of morphine tolerance and the regulatory gene profiles of melatonin treatment. These results may contribute to the discovery of potential drug targets in morphine tolerance treatments in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Che Cheng
- Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 10630, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ru-Yin Tsai
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Da‑Yeh University, Changhua 51591, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yen-Tseng Sung
- Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 10630, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ing-Jung Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 10630, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tzu-Yi Tu
- Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 10630, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ya-Yuan Mao
- Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 10630, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chih-Shung Wong
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan, R.O.C
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Signaling within the pineal gland: A parallelism with the central nervous system. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 95:151-159. [PMID: 30502386 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The pineal gland (PG) derives from the neural tube, like the rest of the central nervous system (CNS). The PG is specialized in synthesizing and secreting melatonin in a circadian fashion. The nocturnal elevation of melatonin is a highly conserved feature among species which proves its importance in nature. Here, we review a limited set of intrinsic and extrinsic regulatory elements that have been shown or proposed to influence the PG's melatonin production, as well as pineal ontogeny and homeostasis. Intrinsic regulators include the transcription factors CREB, Pax6 and NeuroD1. In addition, microglia within the PG participate as extrinsic regulators of these functions. We further discuss how these same elements work in other parts of the CNS, and note similarities and differences to their roles in the PG. Since the PG is a relatively well-defined and highly specialized organ within the CNS, we suggest that applying this comparative approach to additional PG regulators may be a useful tool for understanding complex areas of the brain, as well as the influence of the PG in both health and disease, including circadian functions and disorders.
Collapse
|
8
|
Ibañez Rodriguez MP, Galiana MD, Rásmussen JA, Freites CL, Noctor SC, Muñoz EM. Differential response of pineal microglia to surgical versus pharmacological stimuli. J Comp Neurol 2018; 526:2462-2481. [PMID: 30246867 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Microglial cells are one of the interstitial elements of the pineal gland (PG). We recently reported the pattern of microglia colonization and activation, and microglia-Pax6+ cell interactions during normal pineal ontogeny. Here, we describe the dynamics of microglia-Pax6+ cell associations and interactions after surgical or pharmacological manipulation. In adult rats, the superior cervical ganglia (SCG) were exposed, and either bilaterally excised (SCGx) or decentralized (SCGd). In the SCGx PGs, the density of Iba1+ microglia increased after surgery and returned to sham baseline levels 13 days later. Pineal microglia also responded to SCGd, a more subtle denervation. The number of clustered Iba1+ /PCNA+ /ED1+ microglia was higher 4 days after both surgeries compared to the sham-operated group. However, the number of Pax6+ /PCNA- cells and the percentage of Pax6+ cells contacted by and/or phagocytosed by microglia increased significantly only after SCGx. Separate groups of rats were treated with either bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or doxycycline (DOX) to activate or inhibit pineal microglia, respectively. Peripheral LPS administration caused an increase in the number of clustered Iba1+ /PCNA+ /ED1+ microglial cells, and in the percentage of Pax6+ cells associated with and/or engulfed by microglia. In the LPS-treated PGs, we also noted an increase in the number of PCNA+ cells that were Iba1- within the microglial cell clusters. The density of Pax6+ cells did not change after LPS treatment. DOX administration did not influence the parameters analyzed. These data suggest that pineal microglia are highly receptive cells capable of rapidly responding in a differential manner to surgical and pharmacological stimuli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María P Ibañez Rodriguez
- Institute of Histology and Embryology of Mendoza (IHEM), National University of Cuyo, National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María D Galiana
- Institute of Histology and Embryology of Mendoza (IHEM), National University of Cuyo, National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Jorge A Rásmussen
- Institute of Histology and Embryology of Mendoza (IHEM), National University of Cuyo, National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Carlos L Freites
- Institute of Histology and Embryology of Mendoza (IHEM), National University of Cuyo, National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Stephen C Noctor
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine Sacramento, California
| | - Estela M Muñoz
- Institute of Histology and Embryology of Mendoza (IHEM), National University of Cuyo, National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu B, Zhou K, Wu X, Zhao C. Foxg1 deletion impairs the development of the epithalamus. Mol Brain 2018; 11:5. [PMID: 29394901 PMCID: PMC5797387 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-018-0350-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithalamus, which is dorsal to the thalamus, consists of the habenula, pineal gland and third ventricle choroid plexus and plays important roles in the stress response and sleep-wake cycle in vertebrates. During development, the epithalamus arises from the most dorsal part of prosomere 2. However, the mechanism underlying epithalamic development remains largely unknown. Foxg1 is critical for the development of the telencephalon, but its role in diencephalic development has been under-investigated. Patients suffering from FOXG1-related disorders exhibit severe anxiety, sleep disturbance and choroid plexus cysts, indicating that Foxg1 likely plays a role in epithalamic development. In this study, we identified the specific expression of Foxg1 in the developing epithalamus. Using a "self-deletion" approach, we found that the habenula significantly expanded and included an increased number of habenular subtype neurons. The innervations, particularly the habenular commissure, were severely impaired. Meanwhile, the Foxg1 mutants exhibited a reduced pineal gland and more branched choroid plexus. After ablation of Foxg1 no obvious changes in Shh and Fgf signalling were observed, suggesting that Foxg1 regulates the development of the epithalamus without the involvement of Shh and Fgfs. Our findings provide new insights into the regulation of the development of the epithalamus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, MOE, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaixing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, MOE, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojing Wu
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, MOE, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunjie Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, MOE, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China. .,Depression Center, Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rohde K, Bering T, Furukawa T, Rath MF. A modulatory role of the Rax
homeobox gene in mature pineal gland function: Investigating the photoneuroendocrine circadian system of a Rax
conditional knockout mouse. J Neurochem 2017; 143:100-111. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Rohde
- Department of Neuroscience; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Tenna Bering
- Department of Neuroscience; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry; Psychiatric Center Copenhagen; Mental Health Services of the Capital Region of Denmark; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Takahisa Furukawa
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology; Institute for Protein Research; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Martin Fredensborg Rath
- Department of Neuroscience; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Subala SPRR, Shivakumar MS. Changes in light and dark periods affect the arylalkylamine N-acetyl transferase, melatonin activities and redox status in the head and hemolymph of nocturnal insectSpodoptera litura. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2017.1325564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
12
|
da Silveira Cruz-Machado S, Tamura EK, Carvalho-Sousa CE, Rocha VA, Pinato L, Fernandes PAC, Markus RP. Daily corticosterone rhythm modulates pineal function through NFκB-related gene transcriptional program. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2091. [PMID: 28522814 PMCID: PMC5437068 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02286-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin and glucocorticoids are key hormones in determining daily rhythmicity and modulating defense responses. In nocturnal animals, corticosterone peaks at light/dark transition,while melatonin peaks at the middle of the night in both nocturnal and diurnal animals. The crosstalk between adrenal and pineal glands under inflammatory conditions indicates that corticosterone potentiates nocturnal melatonin synthesis by reducing the activity of NFκB. This transcription factor, which modulates the expression of a key enzyme in melatonin synthesis, is sharply reduced at the entrance of darkness in the rat pineal gland. In this study, we established the basis for understanding the crosstalk between adrenal and pineal glands in physiological conditions. Here we show that the expression of 70 out of 84 genes implied in defense responses exhibit a sharp reduction exactly at the entrance of darkness. Mifepristone impair the changes of 13 out of 84 genes, suggesting that the rhythm of corticosterone modulates pineal phenotype, as mifepristone also reduces the expression of Aanat and the nocturnal synthesis of melatonin. Therefore, darkness-induced synthesis of the pineal hormone, besides being controlled by the central clock located in the hypothalamus, is also influencedby glucocorticoids through the regulation of NFκB transcriptional program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanseray da Silveira Cruz-Machado
- Laboratory of Chronopharmacology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo (USP), 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo K Tamura
- Laboratory of Chronopharmacology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo (USP), 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Santa Cruz (UESC), 45662-900, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Claudia E Carvalho-Sousa
- Laboratory of Chronopharmacology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo (USP), 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Vanderlei Amadeu Rocha
- Laboratory of Chronopharmacology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo (USP), 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana Pinato
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), 17525-900, Marilia, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro A C Fernandes
- Laboratory of Chronopharmacology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo (USP), 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Regina P Markus
- Laboratory of Chronopharmacology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo (USP), 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vriend J, Liu W, Reiter RJ. The pineal gland: A model for adrenergic modulation of ubiquitin ligases. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172441. [PMID: 28212404 PMCID: PMC5315301 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A recent study of the pineal gland of the rat found that the expression of more than 3000 genes showed significant day/night variations (The Hartley dataset). The investigators of this report made available a supplemental table in which they tabulated the expression of many genes that they did not discuss, including those coding for components of the ubiquitin proteasome system. Herein we identify the genes of the ubiquitin proteasome system whose expression were significantly influenced by environmental lighting in the Hartley dataset, those that were stimulated by DBcAMP in pineal glands in culture, and those that were stimulated by norepinephrine. PURPOSE Using the Ubiquitin and Ubiquitin-like Conjugation Database (UUCA) we identified ubiquitin ligases and conjugases, and deubiquitinases in the Hartley dataset for the purpose of determining whether expression of genes of the ubiquitin proteasome pathway were significantly influenced by day/night variations and if these variations were regulated by autonomic innervation of the pineal gland from the superior cervical ganglia. METHODS In the Hartley experiments pineal glands groups of rats sacrificed during the day and groups sacrificed during the night were examined for gene expression. Additional groups of rats had their superior cervical ganglia removed surgically or surgically decentralized and the pineal glands likewise examined for gene expression. RESULTS The genes with at least a 2-fold day/night significant difference in expression included genes for 5 ubiquitin conjugating enzymes, genes for 58 ubiquitin E3 ligases and genes for 6 deubiquitinases. A 35-fold day/night difference was noted in the expression of the gene Sik1, which codes for a protein containing both an ubiquitin binding domain (UBD) and an ubiquitin-associated (UBA) domain. Most of the significant differences in these genes were prevented by surgical removal, or disconnection, of the superior cervical ganglia, and most were responsive, in vitro, to treatment with a cyclic AMP analog, and norepinephrine. All previously described 24-hour rhythms in the pineal require an intact sympathetic input from the superior cervical ganglia. CONCLUSIONS The Hartley dataset thus provides evidence that the pineal gland is a highly useful model for studying adrenergically dependent mechanisms regulating variations in ubiquitin ligases, ubiquitin conjugases, and deubiquitinases, mechanisms that may be physiologically relevant not only in the pineal gland, but in all adrenergically innervated tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jerry Vriend
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Wenjun Liu
- Department of Pathology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Markowska M, Majewski PM, Skwarło-Sońta K. Avian biological clock - Immune system relationship. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 66:130-138. [PMID: 27235884 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Biological rhythms in birds are driven by the master clock, which includes the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the pineal gland and the retina. Light/dark cycles are the cues that synchronize the rhythmic changes in physiological processes, including immunity. This review summarizes our investigations on the bidirectional relationships between the chicken pineal gland and the immune system. We demonstrated that, in the chicken, the main pineal hormone, melatonin, regulates innate immunity, maintains the rhythmicity of immune reactions and is involved in the seasonal changes in immunity. Using thioglycollate-induced peritonitis as a model, we showed that the activated immune system regulates the pineal gland by inhibition of melatonin production at the level of the key enzyme in its biosynthetic pathway, arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase (AANAT). Interleukin 6 and interleukin 18 seem to be the immune mediators influencing the pineal gland, directly inhibiting Aanat gene transcription and modulating expression of the clock genes Bmal1 and Per3, which in turn regulate Aanat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Markowska
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Department of Animal Physiology, Miecznikowa 1 Str., 02-096, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Paweł M Majewski
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Department of Animal Physiology, Miecznikowa 1 Str., 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krystyna Skwarło-Sońta
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Department of Animal Physiology, Miecznikowa 1 Str., 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hartley SW, Mullikin JC, Klein DC, Park M, Coon SL. Alternative Isoform Analysis of Ttc8 Expression in the Rat Pineal Gland Using a Multi-Platform Sequencing Approach Reveals Neural Regulation. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163590. [PMID: 27684375 PMCID: PMC5042479 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative isoform regulation (AIR) vastly increases transcriptome diversity and plays an important role in numerous biological processes and pathologies. However, the detection and analysis of isoform-level differential regulation is difficult, particularly in the face of complex and incompletely-annotated transcriptomes. Here we have used Illumina short-read/high-throughput RNA-Seq to identify 55 genes that exhibit neurally-regulated AIR in the pineal gland, and then used two other complementary experimental platforms to further study and characterize the Ttc8 gene, which is involved in Bardet-Biedl syndrome and non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa. Use of the JunctionSeq analysis tool led to the detection of several novel exons and splice junctions in this gene, including two novel alternative transcription start sites which were found to display disproportionately strong neurally-regulated differential expression in several independent experiments. These high-throughput sequencing results were validated and augmented via targeted qPCR and long-read Pacific Biosciences SMRT sequencing. We confirmed the existence of numerous novel splice junctions and the selective upregulation of the two novel start sites. In addition, we identified more than 20 novel isoforms of the Ttc8 gene that are co-expressed in this tissue. By using information from multiple independent platforms we not only greatly reduce the risk of errors, biases, and artifacts influencing our results, we also are able to characterize the regulation and splicing of the Ttc8 gene more deeply and more precisely than would be possible via any single platform. The hybrid method outlined here represents a powerful strategy in the study of the transcriptome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen W. Hartley
- Comparative Genomics Analysis Unit, Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - James C. Mullikin
- Comparative Genomics Analysis Unit, Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States of America
| | - David C. Klein
- Section on Neuroendocrinology, Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States of America
| | - Morgan Park
- National Institutes of Health Intramural Sequencing Center, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, 20852, United States of America
| | - NISC Comparative Sequencing Program
- National Institutes of Health Intramural Sequencing Center, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, 20852, United States of America
| | - Steven L. Coon
- Section on Neuroendocrinology, Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Rath MF, Coon SL, Amaral FG, Weller JL, Møller M, Klein DC. Melatonin Synthesis: Acetylserotonin O-Methyltransferase (ASMT) Is Strongly Expressed in a Subpopulation of Pinealocytes in the Male Rat Pineal Gland. Endocrinology 2016; 157:2028-40. [PMID: 26950199 PMCID: PMC4870883 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The rat pineal gland has been extensively used in studies of melatonin synthesis. However, the cellular localization of melatonin synthesis in this species has not been investigated. Here we focus on the localization of melatonin synthesis using immunohistochemical methods to detect the last enzyme in melatonin synthesis, acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase (ASMT), and in situ hybridization techniques to study transcripts encoding ASMT and two other enzymes in melatonin synthesis, tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH)-1 and aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase. In sections of the rat pineal gland, marked cell-to-cell differences were found in ASMT immunostaining intensity and in the abundance of Tph1, Aanat, and Asmt transcripts. ASMT immunoreactivity was localized to the cytoplasm in pinealocytes in the parenchyma of the superficial pineal gland, and immunopositive pinealocytes were also detected in the pineal stalk and in the deep pineal gland. ASMT was found to inconsistently colocalize with S-antigen, a widely used pinealocyte marker; this colocalization was seen in cells throughout the pineal complex and also in displaced pinealocyte-like cells of the medial habenular nucleus. Inconsistent colocalization between ASMT and TPH protein was also detected in the pineal gland. ASMT protein was not detected in extraepithalamic parts of the central nervous system or in peripheral tissues. The findings in this report are of special interest because they provide reason to suspect that melatonin synthesis varies significantly among individual pinealocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin F Rath
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology (M.F.R., M.M.), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; and Section on Neuroendocrinology (M.F.R., S.L.C., F.G.A., J.L.W., D.C.K.), Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Steven L Coon
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology (M.F.R., M.M.), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; and Section on Neuroendocrinology (M.F.R., S.L.C., F.G.A., J.L.W., D.C.K.), Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Fernanda G Amaral
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology (M.F.R., M.M.), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; and Section on Neuroendocrinology (M.F.R., S.L.C., F.G.A., J.L.W., D.C.K.), Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Joan L Weller
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology (M.F.R., M.M.), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; and Section on Neuroendocrinology (M.F.R., S.L.C., F.G.A., J.L.W., D.C.K.), Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Morten Møller
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology (M.F.R., M.M.), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; and Section on Neuroendocrinology (M.F.R., S.L.C., F.G.A., J.L.W., D.C.K.), Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - David C Klein
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology (M.F.R., M.M.), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; and Section on Neuroendocrinology (M.F.R., S.L.C., F.G.A., J.L.W., D.C.K.), Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kim HS, Paik MJ, Lee YH, Lee YS, Choi HD, Pack JK, Kim N, Ahn YH. Eight hours of nocturnal 915 MHz radiofrequency identification (RFID) exposure reduces urinary levels of melatonin and its metabolite via pineal arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase activity in male rats. Int J Radiat Biol 2016; 91:898-907. [PMID: 26189731 DOI: 10.3109/09553002.2015.1075075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the effects of whole-body exposure to the 915 MHz radiofrequency identification (RFID) on melatonin biosynthesis and the activity of rat pineal arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT). MATERIALS AND METHODS Rats were exposed to RFID (whole-body specific absorption rate, 4 W/kg) for 8 h/day, 5 days/week, for weeks during the nighttime. Total volume of urine excreted during a 24-h period was collected after RFID exposure. Urinary melatonin and 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate (6-OHMS) was measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. AANAT enzyme activity was measured using liquid biphasic dif-13 fusion assay. Protein levels and mRNA expression of AANAT was 14 measured by Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase 15 chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, respectively. RESULTS Eight hours of nocturnal RFID exposure caused a significant reduction in both urinary melatonin (p = 0. 003) and 6-OHMS (p = 0. 026). Activity, protein levels, and mRNA expression of AANAT were suppressed by exposure to RFID (p < 0. 05). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that nocturnal RFID exposure can cause reductions in the levels of both urinary melatonin and 6-OHMS, possibly due to decreased melatonin biosynthesis via suppression of Aanat gene transcription in the rat pineal gland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hye Sun Kim
- a Department of Neurosurgery , Ajou University School of Medicine , Suwon
| | - Man-Jeong Paik
- b College of Pharmacy , Sunchon National University , Sunchon
| | - Yu Hee Lee
- a Department of Neurosurgery , Ajou University School of Medicine , Suwon ;,c Neuroscience Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences , Graduate School of Ajou University , Suwon
| | - Yun-Sil Lee
- d Division of Life Science and Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmacy , Ewha Woman's University , Seoul
| | - Hyung Do Choi
- e Radio Technology Research Department , Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute , Daejeon
| | - Jeong-Ki Pack
- f Department of Radio Sciences and Engineering, College of Engineering , Chungnam National University , Daejeon
| | - Nam Kim
- g School of Electrical and Computer Engineering , Chungbuk National University , Cheongju , Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hwan Ahn
- a Department of Neurosurgery , Ajou University School of Medicine , Suwon ;,c Neuroscience Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences , Graduate School of Ajou University , Suwon
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bose S, Ganguly S, Kumar S, Boockfor FR. A Pit-1 Binding Site Adjacent to E-box133 in the Rat PRL Promoter is Necessary for Pulsatile Gene Expression Activity. Neurochem Res 2016; 41:1390-400. [PMID: 26875730 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-1843-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence reveals that prolactin gene expression (PRL-GE) in mammotropes occurs in pulses, but the molecular process(es) underlying this phenomenon remains unclear. Earlier, we have identified an E-box (E-box133) in the rat PRL promoter that binds several circadian elements and is critical for this dynamic process. Preliminary analysis revealed a Pit-1 binding site (P2) located immediately adjacent to this E-box133 raising the possibility that some type of functional relationship may exist between these two promoter regions. In this study, using serum shocked GH3 cell culture system to synchronize PRL-GE activity, we determined that Pit-1 gene expression occurred in pulses with time phases similar to that for PRL. Interestingly, EMSA analysis not only confirmed Pit-1 binding to the P2 site, but also revealed an interaction with factor(s) binding to the adjacent E-box133 promoter element. Additionally, down-regulation of Pit-1 by siRNA reduced PRL levels during pulse periods. Thus, using multiple evidences, our results demonstrate clearly that the Pit-1 P2 site is necessary for PRL-GE elaboration. Furthermore, the proximity of this critical Pit-1 binding site (P2) and the E-box133 element coupled with the evidences of a site-to-site protein interactions suggest that the process of PRL-GE pulse activity might involve more dynamic and intricate cross-talks between promoter elements that may span some, or all, of the proximal region of the PRL promoter in driving its pulsatile expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sudeep Bose
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Sector-125, Noida, UP, 201313, India. .,Laboratory of Molecular Dynamics, Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
| | - Surajit Ganguly
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, 254 Okhla Industrial Estate, Phase III, New Delhi, 110020, India
| | - Sachin Kumar
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Sector-125, Noida, UP, 201313, India
| | - Fredric R Boockfor
- Laboratory of Molecular Dynamics, Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Neurotranscriptomics: The Effects of Neonatal Stimulus Deprivation on the Rat Pineal Transcriptome. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137548. [PMID: 26367423 PMCID: PMC4569390 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The term neurotranscriptomics is used here to describe genome-wide analysis of neural control of transcriptomes. In this report, next-generation RNA sequencing was using to analyze the effects of neonatal (5-days-of-age) surgical stimulus deprivation on the adult rat pineal transcriptome. In intact animals, more than 3000 coding genes were found to exhibit differential expression (adjusted-p < 0.001) on a night/day basis in the pineal gland (70% of these increased at night, 376 genes changed more than 4-fold in either direction). Of these, more than two thousand genes were not previously known to be differentially expressed on a night/day basis. The night/day changes in expression were almost completely eliminated by neonatal removal (SCGX) or decentralization (DCN) of the superior cervical ganglia (SCG), which innervate the pineal gland. Other than the loss of rhythmic variation, surgical stimulus deprivation had little impact on the abundance of most genes; of particular interest, expression levels of the melatonin-synthesis-related genes Tph1, Gch1, and Asmt displayed little change (less than 35%) following DCN or SCGX. However, strong and consistent changes were observed in the expression of a small number of genes including the gene encoding Serpina1, a secreted protease inhibitor that might influence extracellular architecture. Many of the genes that exhibited night/day differential expression in intact animals also exhibited similar changes following in vitro treatment with norepinephrine, a superior cervical ganglia transmitter, or with an analog of cyclic AMP, a norepinephrine second messenger in this tissue. These findings are of significance in that they establish that the pineal-defining transcriptome is established prior to the neonatal period. Further, this work expands our knowledge of the biological process under neural control in this tissue and underlines the value of RNA sequencing in revealing how neurotransmission influences cell biology.
Collapse
|
20
|
Cai T, Hirai H, Xu H, Notkins AL. The minimal promoter region of the dense-core vesicle protein IA-2: transcriptional regulation by CREB. Acta Diabetol 2015; 52:573-80. [PMID: 25528004 PMCID: PMC5273861 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-014-0689-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS IA-2 is a transmembrane protein found in the dense-core vesicles (DCV) of neuroendocrine cells and one of the major autoantigens in type 1 diabetes. DCV are involved in the secretion of hormones (e.g., insulin) and neurotransmitters. Stimulation of pancreatic β cells with glucose upregulates the expression of IA-2 and an increase in IA-2 results in an increase in the number of DCV. Little is known, however, about the promoter region of IA-2 or the transcriptional factors that regulate the expression of this gene. METHODS In the present study, we constructed eight deletion fragments from the upstream region of the IA-2 transcription start site and linked them to a luciferase reporter. RESULTS By this approach, we have identified a short bp region (-216 to +115) that has strong promoter activity. We also identified a transcription factor, cAMP responsive element-binding protein (CREB), which binds to two CREB-related binding sites located in this region. The binding of CREB to these sites enhanced IA-2 transcription by more than fivefold. We confirmed these findings by site-directed mutagenesis, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and RNAi inhibition. CONCLUSION Based on these findings, we conclude that the PKA pathway is a critical, but not the exclusive signaling pathway involved in IA-2 gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Cai
- Experimental Medicine Section, Laboratory of Sensory Biology, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), National Institutes of Health (NIH), B30/Rm106, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA,
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sun B, Feng X, Ding X, Bao L, Li Y, He J, Jin M. Expression of Clock genes in the pineal glands of newborn rats with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Neural Regen Res 2014; 7:2221-6. [PMID: 25538743 PMCID: PMC4268722 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.028.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Clock genes are involved in circadian rhythm regulation, and surviving newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy may present with sleep-wake cycle reversal. This study aimed to determine the expression of the clock genes Clock and Bmal1, in the pineal gland of rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. Results showed that levels of Clock mRNA were not significantly changed within 48 hours after cerebral hypoxia and ischemia. Expression levels of CLOCK and BMAL1 protein were significantly higher after 48 hours. The levels of Bmal1 mRNA reached a peak at 36 hours, but were significantly reduced at 48 hours. Experimental findings indicate that Clock and Bmal1 genes were indeed expressed in the pineal glands of neonatal rats. At the initial stage (within 36 hours) of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage, only slight changes in the expression levels of these two genes were detected, followed by significant changes at 36–48 hours. These changes may be associated with circadian rhythm disorder induced by hypoxic-ischemic brain damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Sun
- Division of Neonatology, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215003, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xing Feng
- Division of Neonatology, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215003, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xin Ding
- Division of Neonatology, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215003, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li Bao
- Department of General Pediatrics, Yixing People's Hospital, Yixing 214200, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yongfu Li
- Division of Neonatology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital (Main Campus), Suzhou 215002, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jun He
- Jiangsu Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Meifang Jin
- Division of Neonatology, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215003, Jiangsu Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Rohde K, Rovsing L, Ho AK, Møller M, Rath MF. Circadian dynamics of the cone-rod homeobox (CRX) transcription factor in the rat pineal gland and its role in regulation of arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT). Endocrinology 2014; 155:2966-75. [PMID: 24877634 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The cone-rod homeobox (Crx) gene encodes a transcription factor in the retina and pineal gland. Crx deficiency influences the pineal transcriptome, including a reduced expression of arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (Aanat), a key enzyme in nocturnal pineal melatonin production. However, previous functional studies on pineal Crx have been performed in melatonin-deficient mice. In this study, we have investigated the role of Crx in the melatonin-proficient rat pineal gland. The current study shows that pineal Crx transcript levels exhibit a circadian rhythm with a peak in the middle of the night, which is transferred into daily changes in CRX protein. The study further shows that the sympathetic innervation of the pineal gland controls the Crx rhythm. By use of adenovirus-mediated short hairpin RNA gene knockdown targeting Crx mRNA in primary rat pinealocyte cell culture, we here show that intact levels of Crx mRNA are required to obtain high levels of Aanat expression, whereas overexpression of Crx induces Aanat transcription in vitro. This regulatory function of Crx is further supported by circadian analysis of Aanat in the pineal gland of the Crx-knockout mouse. Our data indicate that the rhythmic nature of pineal CRX protein may directly modulate the daily profile of Aanat expression by inducing nighttime expression of this enzyme, thus facilitating nocturnal melatonin synthesis in addition to its role in ensuring a correct tissue distribution of Aanat expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Rohde
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology (K.R., L.R., M.M., M.F.R.), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; and Department of Physiology (K.R., A.K.H.), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2H7
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Anatomical, molecular and pathological consideration of the circumventricular organs. Neurochirurgie 2014; 61:90-100. [PMID: 24974365 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2013.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Revised: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Circumventricular organs (CVOs) are a diverse group of specialised structures characterized by peculiar vascular and position around the third and fourth ventricles of the brain. In humans, these organs are present during the fetal period and some become vestigial after birth. Some, such as the pineal gland (PG), subcommissural organ (SCO) and organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT), which are located around the third ventricle, might be the site of origin of periventricular tumours. In contrast to humans, CVOs are present in the adult rat and can be dissected by laser capture microdissection (LCM). METHODS In this study, we used LCM and microarrays to analyse the transcriptomes of three CVOs, the SCO, the subfornical organ (SFO) and the PG and the third ventricle ependyma of the adult rat, in order to better characterise these organs at the molecular level. Furthermore, an immunohistochemical study of Claudin-3 (CLDN3), a membrane protein involved in forming cellular tight junctions, was performed at the level of the SCO. RESULTS This study highlighted some potentially new or already described specific markers of these structures as Erbb2 and Col11a1 in ependyma, Epcam and CLDN3 in the SCO, Ren1 and Slc22a3 in the SFO and Tph, Anat and Asmt in the PG. Moreover, we found that CLDN3 expression was restricted to the apical pole of ependymocytes in the SCO.
Collapse
|
24
|
Scarpa M, Pinto E, Saadeh LM, Parotto M, Da Roit A, Pizzolato E, Alfieri R, Cagol M, Saraceni E, Baratto F, Castoro C. Sleep disturbances and quality of life in postoperative management after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. World J Surg Oncol 2014; 12:156. [PMID: 24886219 PMCID: PMC4032352 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7819-12-156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aims of this prospective study were to analyze the predictors of postoperative sleep disturbance after esophagectomy for cancer and to identify patients at risk for postoperative hypnotic administration. Methods Sixty two consecutive patients who underwent cancer-related esophagectomy were enrolled in this study from May 2011 to February 2012. Data about perioperative management, postoperative complications, ICU stay, and vasopressor, hypnotic, and painkiller administration were retrieved. The EORTC QLQ-C30 was used and global quality of life (QL2 item) and sleep disturbance (SL item) were the primary endpoints. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results Postoperative request of hypnotics independently predicted bad quality of life outcome. Sleep disturbance after esophagectomy was independently predicted by the duration of dopamine infusion in the ICU and the daily request of benzodiazepines. Even in this case, only sleep disturbance at diagnosis revealed to be an independent predictor of hypnotic administration need. ROC curve analysis showed that sleep disturbance at diagnosis was a good predictor of benzodiazepine request (AUC = 73%, P = 0.02). Conclusions The use of vasopressors in the ICU affects sleep in the following postoperative period and the use of hypnotics is neither completely successful nor lacking in possible consequences. Sleep disturbance at diagnosis can successfully predict patients who can develop sleep disturbance during the postoperative period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Scarpa
- Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV-IRCCS), via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Homeobox genes and melatonin synthesis: regulatory roles of the cone-rod homeobox transcription factor in the rodent pineal gland. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:946075. [PMID: 24877149 PMCID: PMC4022116 DOI: 10.1155/2014/946075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Nocturnal synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland is controlled by a circadian rhythm in arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) enzyme activity. In the rodent, Aanat gene expression displays a marked circadian rhythm; release of norepinephrine in the gland at night causes a cAMP-based induction of Aanat transcription. However, additional transcriptional control mechanisms exist. Homeobox genes, which are generally known to encode transcription factors controlling developmental processes, are also expressed in the mature rodent pineal gland. Among these, the cone-rod homeobox (CRX) transcription factor is believed to control pineal-specific Aanat expression. Based on recent advances in our understanding of Crx in the rodent pineal gland, we here suggest that homeobox genes play a role in adult pineal physiology both by ensuring pineal-specific Aanat expression and by facilitating cAMP response element-based circadian melatonin production.
Collapse
|
26
|
Villela D, de Sá Lima L, Peres R, Peliciari-Garcia RA, do Amaral FG, Cipolla-Neto J, Scavone C, Afeche SC. Norepinephrine activates NF-κB transcription factor in cultured rat pineal gland. Life Sci 2014; 94:122-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2013.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Revised: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
|
27
|
Rath MF, Rohde K, Klein DC, Møller M. Homeobox genes in the rodent pineal gland: roles in development and phenotype maintenance. Neurochem Res 2013; 38:1100-12. [PMID: 23076630 PMCID: PMC3570627 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-012-0906-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Revised: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The pineal gland is a neuroendocrine gland responsible for nocturnal synthesis of melatonin. During early development of the rodent pineal gland from the roof of the diencephalon, homeobox genes of the orthodenticle homeobox (Otx)- and paired box (Pax)-families are expressed and are essential for normal pineal development consistent with the well-established role that homeobox genes play in developmental processes. However, the pineal gland appears to be unusual because strong homeobox gene expression persists in the pineal gland of the adult brain. Accordingly, in addition to developmental functions, homeobox genes appear to be key regulators in postnatal phenotype maintenance in this tissue. In this paper, we review ontogenetic and phylogenetic aspects of pineal development and recent progress in understanding the involvement of homebox genes in rodent pineal development and adult function. A working model is proposed for understanding the sequential action of homeobox genes in controlling development and mature circadian function of the mammalian pinealocyte based on knowledge from detailed developmental and daily gene expression analyses in rats, the pineal phenotypes of homebox gene-deficient mice and studies on development of the retinal photoreceptor; the pinealocyte and retinal photoreceptor share features not seen in other tissues and are likely to have evolved from the same ancestral photodetector cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin F Rath
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Panum Institute 24.2, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hansen M, Walmod PS. IGSF9 family proteins. Neurochem Res 2013; 38:1236-51. [PMID: 23417431 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-013-0999-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Revised: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The Drosophila protein Turtle and the vertebrate proteins immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF), member 9 (IGSF9/Dasm1) and IGSF9B are members of an evolutionarily ancient protein family. A bioinformatics analysis of the protein family revealed that invertebrates contain only a single IGSF9 family gene, whereas vertebrates contain two to four genes. In cnidarians, the gene appears to encode a secreted protein, but transmembrane isoforms of the protein have also evolved, and in many species, alternative splicing facilitates the expression of both transmembrane and secreted isoforms. In most species, the longest isoforms of the proteins have the same general organization as the neural cell adhesion molecule family of cell adhesion molecule proteins, and like this family of proteins, IGSF9 family members are expressed in the nervous system. A review of the literature revealed that Drosophila Turtle facilitates homophilic cell adhesion. Moreover, IGSF9 family proteins have been implicated in the outgrowth and branching of neurites, axon guidance, synapse maturation, self-avoidance, and tiling. However, despite the few published studies on IGSF9 family proteins, reports on the functions of both Turtle and mammalian IGSF9 proteins are contradictory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Hansen
- Protein Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Building 24.2, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Karlsen AS, Rath MF, Rohde K, Toft T, Møller M. Developmental and diurnal expression of the synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (Snap25) in the rat pineal gland. Neurochem Res 2012; 38:1219-28. [PMID: 23135794 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-012-0918-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2012] [Revised: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Snap25 (synaptosomal-associated protein) is a 25 kDa protein, belonging to the SNARE-family (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors) of proteins, essential for synaptic and secretory vesicle exocytosis. Snap25 has by immunohistochemistry been demonstrated in the rat pineal gland but the biological importance of this is unknown. In this study, we demonstrate a high expression of mRNA encoding Snap25 in all parts of the rat pineal complex, the superficial-, and deep-pineal gland, as well as in the pineal stalk. Snap25 showed a low pineal expression during embryonic stages with a strong increase in expression levels just after birth. The expression showed no day/night variations. Neither removal of the sympathetic input to the pineal gland by superior cervical ganglionectomy nor bilateral decentralization of the superior cervical ganglia significantly affected the expression of Snap25 in the gland. The pineal expression levels of Snap25 were not changed following intraperitoneal injection of isoproterenol. The strong expression of Snap25 in the pineal gland suggests the presence of secretory granules and microvesicles in the rat pinealocyte supporting the concept of a vesicular release. At the transcriptional level, this Snap25-based release mechanism does not exhibit any diurnal rhythmicity and is regulated independently of the sympathetic nervous input to the gland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Karlsen
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Piesiewicz A, Kedzierska U, Podobas E, Adamska I, Zuzewicz K, Majewski P. Season-dependent Postembryonic Maturation of the Diurnal Rhythm of Melatonin Biosynthesis in the Chicken Pineal Gland. Chronobiol Int 2012; 29:1227-38. [DOI: 10.3109/07420528.2012.719964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
31
|
Muranishi Y, Terada K, Furukawa T. An essential role for Rax in retina and neuroendocrine system development. Dev Growth Differ 2012; 54:341-8. [PMID: 22524605 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-169x.2012.01337.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In vertebrates, the central nervous system (CNS) develops as a highly hierarchical, patterned organ with a vast diversity of neuronal and glial cell types. The vertebrate retina is developmentally a part of the CNS. Establishment of the vertebrate retina requires a series of developmental steps including specification of the anterior neural plate, evagination of the optic vesicles from the ventral forebrain, and differentiation of cells. The transcription factor RAX is a paired-type homeoprotein that plays a critical role in the eye and forebrain development of vertebrate species. Rax is initially expressed in the anterior neural region of developing mouse embryos, and later in the retina, pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and pineal gland. The targeted deletion of Rax in the mouse results in no eye formation and abnormal forebrain formation. In humans, mutations in the RAX gene lead to anophthalmia and microphthalmia. These observations indicate that RAX plays a pivotal role in the establishment of the retina. In addition, recent studies have reported that retina and pituitary gland tissues can be induced in a culture system from embryonic stem cells, using RAX expression as an indicator of neuronal progenitor cells in the induced tissue, and suggesting that the Rax gene is a key factor in neuronal regeneration. This review highlights the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of RAX in retina, pituitary, hypothalamus, and pineal gland development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Muranishi
- Department of Developmental Biology, Osaka Bioscience Institute, 6-2-4 Furuedai, Suita, Osaka, 565-0874, Japan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
González S, Moreno-Delgado D, Moreno E, Pérez-Capote K, Franco R, Mallol J, Cortés A, Casadó V, Lluís C, Ortiz J, Ferré S, Canela E, McCormick PJ. Circadian-related heteromerization of adrenergic and dopamine D₄ receptors modulates melatonin synthesis and release in the pineal gland. PLoS Biol 2012; 10:e1001347. [PMID: 22723743 PMCID: PMC3378626 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1001347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2011] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine and adrenergic receptor complexes form under a circadian-regulated cycle and directly modulate melatonin synthesis and release from the pineal gland. The role of the pineal gland is to translate the rhythmic cycles of night and day encoded by the retina into hormonal signals that are transmitted to the rest of the neuronal system in the form of serotonin and melatonin synthesis and release. Here we describe that the production of both melatonin and serotonin by the pineal gland is regulated by a circadian-related heteromerization of adrenergic and dopamine D4 receptors. Through α1B-D4 and β1-D4 receptor heteromers dopamine inhibits adrenergic receptor signaling and blocks the synthesis of melatonin induced by adrenergic receptor ligands. This inhibition was not observed at hours of the day when D4 was not expressed. These data provide a new perspective on dopamine function and constitute the first example of a circadian-controlled receptor heteromer. The unanticipated heteromerization between adrenergic and dopamine D4 receptors provides a feedback mechanism for the neuronal hormone system in the form of dopamine to control circadian inputs. Animals respond to cycles of light and dark with patterns in sleeping, feeding, body temperature alterations, and other biological functions. The pineal gland translates these light signals received from the retina into a language understandable to the rest of the body through the rhythmic synthesis and release of melatonin in response to the light and dark cycle. This process is controlled by adrenergic receptors. One impressive and mysterious aspect of the system is the rapid ability of rhythmic melatonin production and/or degradation to respond to changes in the cycle. In this study, we demonstrate that part of this response is due to the formation of receptor-receptor complexes (heteromers) between the adrenergic receptors α1B or β1 and the D4 dopamine receptor. Using both biochemical and biophysical methods in transfected cells and in ex vivo tissue we show that dopamine, a neurotransmitter, inhibits adrenergic receptor signaling through these heteromers. This inhibition causes a dramatic decrease in melatonin production of the pineal gland. We postulate that these heteromers provide a rapid feedback mechanism for the neuronal hormone system to modulate circadian-controlled outputs.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- CHO Cells
- Circadian Rhythm/physiology
- Cricetinae
- Dopamine/metabolism
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Male
- Melatonin/biosynthesis
- Pineal Gland/metabolism
- Rats
- Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1/genetics
- Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1/metabolism
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-1/genetics
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-1/metabolism
- Receptors, Dopamine D4/genetics
- Receptors, Dopamine D4/metabolism
- Serotonin/biosynthesis
- Transfection
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio González
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Moreno-Delgado
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Estefanía Moreno
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kamil Pérez-Capote
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Franco
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josefa Mallol
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Cortés
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicent Casadó
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carme Lluís
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Ortiz
- Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Sergi Ferré
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Enric Canela
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Peter J. McCormick
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Szathmari A, Champier J, Ghersi-Egea JF, Jouvet A, Watrin C, Wierinckx A, Fèvre Montange M. Molecular characterization of circumventricular organs and third ventricle ependyma in the rat: potential markers for periventricular tumors. Neuropathology 2012; 33:17-29. [PMID: 22537279 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1789.2012.01321.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Circumventricular organs (CVOs) are specialized ventricular structures around the third and fourth ventricles of the brain. In humans, these structures are present during the fetal period and some become vestigial after birth. Some of these organs, such as the pineal gland (PG), subcommissural organ (SCO), and organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, might be the sites of origin of periventricular tumors, notably pineal parenchymal tumors, papillary tumor of the pineal region and chordoid glioma. In contrast to the situation in humans, CVOs are present in the adult rat and can be dissected by laser capture microdissection (LCM). In this study, we used LCM and microarrays to analyze the transcriptomes of three CVOs, the SCO, the subfornical organ (SFO), and the PG and the third ventricle ependyma in the adult rat, in order to better characterize these organs at the molecular level. Several genes were expressed only, or mainly, in one of these structures, for example, Erbb2 and Col11a1 in the ependyma, Epcam and Claudin-3 (CLDN3) in the SCO, Ren1 and Slc22a3 in the SFO and Tph, Aanat and Asmt in the PG. The expression of these genes in periventricular tumors should be examined as evidence for a possible origin from the CVOs. Furthermore, we performed an immunohistochemical study of CLDN3, a membrane protein involved in forming cellular tight junctions and found that CLDN3 expression was restricted to the apical pole of ependymocytes in the SCO. This microarray study provides new evidence regarding the possible origin of some rare periventricular tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Szathmari
- Fac Med RTH Laennec, Inserm U1028, CNRS UMR5292, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences, Equipe Neurooncologie et Neuroinflammation, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Rath MF, Rohde K, Fahrenkrug J, Møller M. Circadian clock components in the rat neocortex: daily dynamics, localization and regulation. Brain Struct Funct 2012; 218:551-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s00429-012-0415-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
35
|
Rohde K, Klein DC, Møller M, Rath MF. Rax : developmental and daily expression patterns in the rat pineal gland and retina. J Neurochem 2011; 118:999-1007. [PMID: 21749377 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2011.07385.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Retina and anterior neural fold homeobox (Rax) gene encodes a transcription factor essential for vertebrate eye development. Recent microarray studies indicate that Rax is expressed in the adult rat pineal gland and retina. The present study reveals that Rax expression levels in the rat change significantly during retinal development with a peak occurring at embryonic day 18, whereas Rax expression in the pineal is relatively delayed and not detectable until embryonic day 20. In both tissues, Rax is expressed throughout postnatal development into adulthood. In the mature rat pineal gland, the abundance of Rax transcripts increases 2-fold during the light period with a peak occurring at dusk. These findings are consistent with the evidence that Rax is of functional importance in eye development and suggest a role of Rax in the developing pineal gland. In addition, it would appear possible that Rax contributes to phenotype maintenance in the mature retina and pineal gland and may facilitate 24-h changes in the pineal transcriptome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Rohde
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ban HJ, Kim SC, Seo J, Kang HB, Choi JK. Genetic and metabolic characterization of insomnia. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18455. [PMID: 21494683 PMCID: PMC3071826 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2010] [Accepted: 03/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Insomnia is reported to chronically affect 10∼15% of the adult population. However, very little is known about the genetics and metabolism of insomnia. Here we surveyed 10,038 Korean subjects whose genotypes have been previously profiled on a genome-wide scale. About 16.5% reported insomnia and displayed distinct metabolic changes reflecting an increase in insulin secretion, a higher risk of diabetes, and disrupted calcium signaling. Insomnia-associated genotypic differences were highly concentrated within genes involved in neural function. The most significant SNPs resided in ROR1 and PLCB1, genes known to be involved in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, respectively. Putative enhancers, as indicated by the histone mark H3K4me1, were discovered within both genes near the significant SNPs. In neuronal cells, the enhancers were bound by PAX6, a neural transcription factor that is essential for central nervous system development. Open chromatin signatures were found on the enhancers in human pancreas, a tissue where PAX6 is known to play a role in insulin secretion. In PLCB1, CTCF was found to bind downstream of the enhancer and interact with PAX6, suggesting that it can probably inhibit gene activation by PAX6. PLCB4, a circadian gene that is closely located downstream of PLCB1, was identified as a candidate target gene. Hence, dysregulation of ROR1, PLCB1, or PLCB4 by PAX6 and CTCF may be one mechanism that links neural and pancreatic dysfunction not only in insomnia but also in the relevant psychiatric disorders that are accompanied with circadian rhythm disruption and metabolic syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyo-Jeong Ban
- Division of Bio-Medical Informatics, Center for Genome Science, National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), Choongchung-Buk-do, Korea
| | - Sang Cheol Kim
- Department of Applied Statistics, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jungmin Seo
- Research Institute of Bioinformatics, Omicsis, Inc., BVC, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Ho-Bum Kang
- Medical Genomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jung Kyoon Choi
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Korea
- Computational and Systems Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Bustos DM, Bailey MJ, Sugden D, Carter DA, Rath MF, Møller M, Coon SL, Weller JL, Klein DC. Global daily dynamics of the pineal transcriptome. Cell Tissue Res 2011; 344:1-11. [PMID: 21302120 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-010-1094-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2010] [Accepted: 11/16/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptome profiling of the pineal gland has revealed night/day differences in the expression of a major fraction of the genes active in this tissue, with two-thirds of these being nocturnal increases. A set of over 600 transcripts exhibit two-fold to >100-fold daily differences in abundance. These changes appear to be primarily attributable to adrenergic-cyclic-AMP-dependent mechanisms, which are controlled via a neural pathway that includes the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the master circadian oscillator. In addition to melatonin synthesis, night/day differences in gene expression impact genes associated with several specialized functions, including the immune/inflammation response, photo-transduction, and thyroid hormone/retinoic acid biology. The following nonspecialized cellular features are also affected: adhesion, cell cycle/cell death, cytoskeleton, DNA modification, endothelium, growth, RNA modification, small molecule biology, transcription factors, vesicle biology, signaling involving Ca(2+), cyclic nucleotides, phospholipids, mitogen-activated protein kinases, the Wnt signaling pathway, and protein phosphorylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego M Bustos
- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas-Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús), Camino Circunvalación Laguna km 6 cc164, B7130IWA, Chascomús, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Spiwoks-Becker I, Wolloscheck T, Rickes O, Kelleher DK, Rohleder N, Weyer V, Spessert R. Phosphodiesterase 10A in the rat pineal gland: localization, daily and seasonal regulation of expression and influence on signal transduction. Neuroendocrinology 2011; 94:113-23. [PMID: 21474921 DOI: 10.1159/000327138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2010] [Accepted: 03/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) is highly expressed in striatal spiny projection neurons and represents a therapeutic target for the treatment of psychotic symptoms. As reported previously [J Biol Chem 2009; 284:7606-7622], in this study PDE10A was seen to be additionally expressed in the pineal gland where the levels of PDE10A transcript display daily changes. As with the transcript, the amount of PDE10A protein was found to be under daily and seasonal regulation. The observed cyclicity in the amount of PDE10A mRNA persists under constant darkness, is blocked by constant light and is modulated by the lighting regime. It therefore appears to be driven by the master clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Since adrenergic agonists and dibutyryl-cAMP induce PDE10A mRNA, the in vitro clock-dependent control of Pde10a appears to be mediated via a norepinephrine → β-adrenoceptor → cAMP/protein kinase A signaling pathway. With regard to the physiological role of PDE10A in the pineal gland, the specific PDE10A inhibitor papaverine was seen to enhance the adrenergic stimulation of the second messenger cAMP and cGMP. This indicates that PDE10A downregulates adrenergic cAMP and cGMP signaling by decreasing the half-life of both nucleotides. Consistent with its effect on cAMP, PDE10A inhibition also amplifies adrenergic induction of the cAMP-inducible gene arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (Aanat) which codes the rate-limiting enzyme in pineal melatonin formation. The findings of this study suggest that Pde10a expression is under circadian and seasonal regulation and plays a modulatory role in pineal signal transduction and gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Spiwoks-Becker
- Institute of Microanatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Srinivasan V, Kaur C, Pandi-Perumal S, Brown GM, Cardinali DP. Melatonin and its agonist ramelteon in Alzheimer's disease: possible therapeutic value. Int J Alzheimers Dis 2010; 2011:741974. [PMID: 21197086 PMCID: PMC3004402 DOI: 10.4061/2011/741974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2010] [Revised: 10/08/2010] [Accepted: 10/27/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-associated neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of cognitive function, loss of memory and insomnia, and abnormal behavioral signs and symptoms. Among the various theories that have been put forth to explain the pathophysiology of AD, the oxidative stress induced by amyloid β-protein (Aβ) deposition has received great attention. Studies undertaken on postmortem brain samples of AD patients have consistently shown extensive lipid, protein, and DNA oxidation. Presence of abnormal tau protein, mitochondrial dysfunction, and protein hyperphosphorylation all have been demonstrated in neural tissues of AD patients. Moreover, AD patients exhibit severe sleep/wake disturbances and insomnia and these are associated with more rapid cognitive decline and memory impairment. On this basis, the successful management of AD patients requires an ideal drug that besides antagonizing Aβ-induced neurotoxicity could also correct the disturbed sleep-wake rhythm and improve sleep quality. Melatonin is an effective chronobiotic agent and has significant neuroprotective properties preventing Aβ-induced neurotoxic effects in a number of animal experimental models. Since melatonin levels in AD patients are greatly reduced, melatonin replacement has the potential value to be used as a therapeutic agent for treating AD, particularly at the early phases of the disease and especially in those in whom the relevant melatonin receptors are intact. As sleep deprivation has been shown to produce oxidative damage, impaired mitochondrial function, neurodegenerative inflammation, and altered proteosomal processing with abnormal activation of enzymes, treatment of sleep disturbances may be a priority for arresting the progression of AD. In this context the newly introduced melatonin agonist ramelteon can be of much therapeutic value because of its highly selective action on melatonin MT1/MT2 receptors in promoting sleep.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Venkatramanujam Srinivasan
- Sri Sathya Sai Medical Educational and Research Foundation, Prasanthi Nilayam, 40- Kovai Thirunagar, Coimbatore 641014, India
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|