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Qiu J, Voliotis M, Bosch MA, Li XF, Zweifel LS, Tsaneva-Atanasova K, O'Byrne KT, Rønnekleiv OK, Kelly MJ. Estradiol elicits distinct firing patterns in arcuate nucleus kisspeptin neurons of females through altering ion channel conductances. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.20.581121. [PMID: 38915596 PMCID: PMC11195100 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.20.581121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Hypothalamic kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons are vital for pubertal development and reproduction. Arcuate nucleus Kiss1 (Kiss1 ARH ) neurons are responsible for the pulsatile release of Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH). In females, the behavior of Kiss1 ARH neurons, expressing Kiss1, Neurokinin B (NKB), and Dynorphin (Dyn), varies throughout the ovarian cycle. Studies indicate that 17β-estradiol (E2) reduces peptide expression but increases Vglut2 mRNA and glutamate neurotransmission in these neurons, suggesting a shift from peptidergic to glutamatergic signaling. To investigate this shift, we combined transcriptomics, electrophysiology, and mathematical modeling. Our results demonstrate that E2 treatment upregulates the mRNA expression of voltage-activated calcium channels, elevating the whole-cell calcium current and that contribute to high-frequency burst firing. Additionally, E2 treatment decreased the mRNA levels of Canonical Transient Receptor Potential (TPRC) 5 and G protein-coupled K + (GIRK) channels. When TRPC5 channels in Kiss1 ARH neurons were deleted using CRISPR, the slow excitatory postsynaptic potential (sEPSP) was eliminated. Our data enabled us to formulate a biophysically realistic mathematical model of the Kiss1 ARH neuron, suggesting that E2 modifies ionic conductances in Kiss1 ARH neurons, enabling the transition from high frequency synchronous firing through NKB-driven activation of TRPC5 channels to a short bursting mode facilitating glutamate release. In a low E2 milieu, synchronous firing of Kiss1 ARH neurons drives pulsatile release of GnRH, while the transition to burst firing with high, preovulatory levels of E2 would facilitate the GnRH surge through its glutamatergic synaptic connection to preoptic Kiss1 neurons.
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Vanden Brink H, Vandeputte D, Brito IL, Ronnekleiv OK, Roberson MS, Lomniczi A. Changes in the Bile Acid Pool and Timing of Female Puberty: Potential Novel Role of Hypothalamic TGR5. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae098. [PMID: 39082696 PMCID: PMC11334072 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae098] [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: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT The regulation of pubertal timing and reproductive axis maturation is influenced by a myriad of physiologic and environmental inputs yet remains incompletely understood. OBJECTIVE To contrast differences in bile acid isoform profiles across defined stages of reproductive maturity in humans and a rat model of puberty and to characterize the role of bile acid signaling via hypothalamic expression of bile acid receptor populations in the rodent model. METHODS Secondary analysis and pilot studies of clinical cohorts, rodent models, ex vivo analyses of rodent hypothalamic tissues. Bile acid concentrations is the main outcome measure. RESULTS Lower circulatory conjugated:deconjugated bile acid concentrations and higher total secondary bile acids were observed in postmenarcheal vs pre-/early pubertal adolescents, with similar shifts observed in infantile (postnatal day [PN]14) vs early juvenile (PN21) rats alongside increased tgr5 receptor mRNA expression within the mediobasal hypothalamus of female rats. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the rodent gut microbiome across postnatal life revealed changes in the gut microbial composition predicted to have bile salt hydrolase activity, which was observed in parallel with the increased deconjugated and increased concentrations of secondary bile acids. We show that TGR5-stimulated GnRH release from hypothalamic explants is mediated through kisspeptin receptors and that early overexpression of human-TGR5 within the arcuate nucleus accelerates pubertal onset in female rats. CONCLUSION Bile acid isoform shifts along stages of reproductive maturation are conserved across rodents and humans, with preclinical models providing mechanistic insight for the neuroendocrine-hepatic-gut microbiome axis as a potential moderator of pubertal timing in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Vanden Brink
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, USA
| | - Doris Vandeputte
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Ilana L Brito
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Oline K Ronnekleiv
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Mark S Roberson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Alejandro Lomniczi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie School of Medicine, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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Talbi R, Stincic TL, Ferrari K, Hae CJ, Walec K, Medve E, Gerutshang A, León S, McCarthy EA, Rønnekleiv OK, Kelly MJ, Navarro VM. POMC neurons control fertility through differential signaling of MC4R in Kisspeptin neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.18.580873. [PMID: 38915534 PMCID: PMC11195098 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.18.580873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Inactivating mutations in the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) gene cause monogenic obesity. Interestingly, female patients also display various degrees of reproductive disorders, in line with the subfertile phenotype of MC4RKO female mice. However, the cellular mechanisms by which MC4R regulates reproduction are unknown. Kiss1 neurons directly stimulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release through two distinct populations; the Kiss1ARH neurons, controlling GnRH pulses, and the sexually dimorphic Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons controlling the preovulatory LH surge. Here, we show that Mc4r expressed in Kiss1 neurons is required for fertility in females. In vivo, deletion of Mc4r from Kiss1 neurons in female mice replicates the reproductive impairments of MC4RKO mice without inducing obesity. Conversely, reinsertion of Mc4r in Kiss1 neurons of MC4R null mice restores estrous cyclicity and LH pulsatility without reducing their obese phenotype. In vitro, we dissect the specific action of MC4R on Kiss1ARH vs Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons and show that MC4R activation excites Kiss1ARH neurons through direct synaptic actions. In contrast, Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons are normally inhibited by MC4R activation except under elevated estradiol levels, thus facilitating the activation of Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons to induce the LH surge driving ovulation in females. Our findings demonstrate that POMCARH neurons acting through MC4R, directly regulate reproductive function in females by stimulating the "pulse generator" activity of Kiss1ARH neurons and restricting the activation of Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons to the time of the estradiol-dependent LH surge, and thus unveil a novel pathway of the metabolic regulation of fertility by the melanocortin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajae Talbi
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Todd L. Stincic
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Kaitlin Ferrari
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Choi Ji Hae
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karol Walec
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Medve
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Achi Gerutshang
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Silvia León
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. McCarthy
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Oline K. Rønnekleiv
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Martin J. Kelly
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Víctor M. Navarro
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Program in Neuroscience, Boston, MA, USA
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Zheng Y, Cong X, Liu H, Storey KB, Chen M. Neuronal cell populations in circumoral nerve ring of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus: Ultrastructure and transcriptional profile. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2024; 52:101263. [PMID: 38850626 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2024.101263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The echinoderm nervous system has been studied as a model for understanding the evolution of the chordate nervous system. Neuronal cells are essential groups that release a 'cocktail' of messenger molecules providing a spectrum of biological actions in the nervous system. Among echinoderms, most evidence on neuronal cell types has been obtained from starfish and sea urchin. In sea cucumbers, most research has focused on the location of neuronal cells, whereas their transcriptional features have rarely been investigated. Here, we observed the ultrastructure of neuronal cells in the sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus. The transcriptional profile of neuronal cells from the circumoral nerve ring (CNR) was investigated using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and a total of six neuronal cell types were identified. 26 neuropeptide precursor genes (NPPs) and 28 G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) were expressed in the six neuronal cell types, comprising five NPP/NP-GPCR pairs. Unsupervised pseudotime analysis of neuronal cells showed their different differentiation status. We also located the neuronal cells in the CNR by immunofluorescence (IF) and identified the potential hub genes of key cell populations. This broad resource serves as a valuable support in the development of cell-specific markers for accurate cell-type identification in sea cucumbers. It also contributes to facilitating comparison across species, providing a deeper understanding of the evolutionary processes of neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqiu Zheng
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China. https://twitter.com/Yingqiu_Zheng
| | - Xiao Cong
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Huachen Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Kenneth B Storey
- Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Muyan Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China.
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Kelly MJ, Wagner EJ. Canonical transient receptor potential channels and hypothalamic control of homeostatic functions. J Neuroendocrinol 2024:e13392. [PMID: 38631680 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Recent molecular biological and electrophysiological studies have identified multiple transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in hypothalamic neurons as critical modulators of homeostatic functions. In particular, the canonical transient receptor potential channels (TRPCs) are expressed in hypothalamic neurons that are vital for the control of fertility and energy homeostasis. Classical neurotransmitters such as serotonin and glutamate and peptide neurotransmitters such as kisspeptin, neurokinin B and pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide signal through their cognate G protein-coupled receptors to activate TPRC 4, 5 channels, which are essentially ligand-gated calcium channels. In addition to neurotransmitters, circulating hormones like insulin and leptin signal through insulin receptor (InsR) and leptin receptor (LRb), respectively, to activate TRPC 5 channels in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and kisspeptin (arcuate Kiss1 [Kiss1ARH]) neurons to have profound physiological (excitatory) effects. Besides its overt depolarizing effects, TRPC channels conduct calcium ions into the cytoplasm, which has a plethora of downstream effects. Moreover, not only the expression of Trpc5 mRNA but also the coupling of receptors to TRPC 5 channel opening are regulated in different physiological states. In particular, the mRNA expression of Trpc5 is highly regulated in kisspeptin neurons by circulating estrogens, which ultimately dictates the firing pattern of kisspeptin neurons. In obesity states, InsRs are "uncoupled" from opening TRPC 5 channels in POMC neurons, rendering them less excitable. Therefore, in this review, we will focus on the critical role of TRPC 5 channels in regulating the excitability of Kiss1ARH and POMC neurons in different physiological and pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin J Kelly
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Edward J Wagner
- Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Pomona, California, USA
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Constantin S, Quignon C, Pizano K, Shostak DM, Wray S. Vasoactive intestinal peptide excites GnRH neurons via KCa3.1, a potential player in the slow afterhyperpolarization current. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1354095. [PMID: 38633445 PMCID: PMC11021707 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1354095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is an important component of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) which relays circadian information to neuronal populations, including GnRH neurons. Human and animal studies have shown an impact of disrupted daily rhythms (chronic shift work, temporal food restriction, clock gene disruption) on both male and female reproduction and fertility. To date, how VIP modulates GnRH neurons remains unknown. Calcium imaging and electrophysiology on primary GnRH neurons in explants and adult mouse brain slice, respectively, were used to address this question. We found VIP excites GnRH neurons via the VIP receptor, VPAC2. The downstream signaling pathway uses both Gs protein/adenylyl cyclase/protein kinase A (PKA) and phospholipase C/phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) depletion. Furthermore, we identified a UCL2077-sensitive target, likely contributing to the slow afterhyperpolarization current (IAHP), as the PKA and PIP2 depletion target, and the KCa3.1 channel as a specific target. Thus, VIP/VPAC2 provides an example of Gs protein-coupled receptor-triggered excitation in GnRH neurons, modulating GnRH neurons likely via the slow IAHP. The possible identification of KCa3.1 in the GnRH neuron slow IAHP may provide a new therapeutical target for fertility treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Susan Wray
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Qiu J, Bosch MA, Stincic TL, Hunker AC, Zweifel LS, Rønnekleiv OK, Kelly MJ. CRISPR/SaCas9 mutagenesis of stromal interaction molecule 1 in proopiomelanocortin neurons increases glutamatergic excitability and protects against diet-induced obesity. Mol Metab 2022; 66:101645. [PMID: 36442744 PMCID: PMC9727646 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons are the key anorexigenic hypothalamic neuron for integrating metabolic cues to generate the appropriate output for maintaining energy homeostasis and express the requisite channels as a perfect synaptic integrator in this role. Similar to the metabolic hormones leptin and insulin, glutamate also excites POMC neurons via group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR1 and 5, mGluR1/5) that activate Transient Receptor Potential Canonical (TRPC 5) Channels to cause depolarization. A key modulator of TRPC 5 channel activity is stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), which is involved in recruitment of TRPC 5 channels from receptor-operated to store-operated calcium entry following depletion of calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum. METHODS We used a single adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector containing a recombinase-dependent Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 (SaCas) and a single guide RNA (sgRNA) to mutate Stim1 in POMCCre neurons in male mice, verified by qPCR of Stim1 mRNA expression in single POMC neurons. Whole-cell patch clamp experiments were conducted to validate the effects of Stim1 mutagenesis. Body weight and food intake were measured in male mice to assess disruptions in energy balance. RESULTS Reduced Stim1 expression augmented the efficacy of the mGluR1/5 agonist 3, 5-Dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) to depolarize POMC neurons via a Gαq-coupled signaling pathway, which is an essential part of excitatory glutamatergic input in regulating energy homeostasis. The TRPC 5 channel blockers HC070 and Pico145 antagonized the excitatory effects of DHPG. As proof of principle, mutagenesis of Stim1 in POMC neurons reduced food intake, attenuated weight gain, reduced body fat and fat pad mass in mice fed a high fat diet. CONCLUSIONS Using CRISPR technology we have uncovered a critical role of STIM1 in modulating glutamatergic activation of TRPC 5 channels in POMC neurons, which ultimately is important for maintaining energy balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Qiu
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA,Corresponding author.Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Martha A. Bosch
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Todd L. Stincic
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Avery C. Hunker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Larry S. Zweifel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA,Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Oline K. Rønnekleiv
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA,Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Martin J. Kelly
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA,Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA,Corresponding author.Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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Conde K, Kulyk D, Vanschaik A, Daisey S, Rojas C, Wiersielis K, Yasrebi A, Degroat TJ, Sun Y, Roepke TA. Deletion of Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor in Kisspeptin Neurons in Female Mice Blocks Diet-Induced Obesity. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1370. [PMID: 36291579 PMCID: PMC9599822 DOI: 10.3390/biom12101370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut peptide, ghrelin, mediates energy homeostasis and reproduction by acting through its receptor, growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), expressed in hypothalamic neurons in the arcuate (ARC). We have shown 17β-estradiol (E2) increases Ghsr expression in Kisspeptin/Neurokinin B/Dynorphin (KNDy) neurons, enhancing sensitivity to ghrelin. We hypothesized that E2-induced Ghsr expression augments KNDy sensitivity in a fasting state by elevating ghrelin to disrupt energy expenditure in females. We produced a Kiss1-GHSR knockout to determine the role of GHSR in ARC KNDy neurons. We found that changes in ARC gene expression with estradiol benzoate (EB) treatment were abrogated by the deletion of GHSR and ghrelin abolished these differences. We also observed changes in metabolism and fasting glucose levels. Additionally, knockouts were resistant to body weight gain on a high fat diet (HFD). Behaviorally, we found that knockouts on HFD exhibited reduced anxiety-like behavior. Furthermore, knockouts did not refeed to the same extent as controls after a 24 h fast. Finally, in response to cold stress, knockout females had elevated metabolic parameters compared to controls. These data indicate GHSR in Kiss1 neurons modulate ARC gene expression, metabolism, glucose homeostasis, behavior, and thermoregulation, illustrating a novel mechanism for E2 and ghrelin to control Kiss1 neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie Conde
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Danielle Kulyk
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Allison Vanschaik
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Sierra Daisey
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Catherine Rojas
- Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Kimberly Wiersielis
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ali Yasrebi
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Thomas J. Degroat
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Yuxiang Sun
- Department of Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Troy A. Roepke
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Rutgers Center for Lipid Research, the Center for Nutrition, Microbiome, and Health, and the New Jersey Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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Tonsfeldt KJ, Cui LJ, Lee J, Walbeek TJ, Brusman LE, Jin Y, Mieda M, Gorman MR, Mellon PL. Female fertility does not require Bmal1 in suprachiasmatic nucleus neurons expressing arginine vasopressin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, or neuromedin-S. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:956169. [PMID: 35992114 PMCID: PMC9389073 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.956169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruptions to the circadian system alter reproductive capacity, particularly in females. Mice lacking the core circadian clock gene, Bmal1, are infertile and have evidence of neuroendocrine disruption including the absence of the preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge and enhanced responsiveness to exogenous kisspeptin. Here, we explore the role of Bmal1 in suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) neuron populations known to project to the neuroendocrine axis. We generated four mouse lines using Cre/Lox technology to create conditional deletion of Bmal1 in arginine vasopressin (Bmal1fl/fl:Avpcre ), vasoactive intestinal peptide (Bmal1fl/fl:Vipcre ), both (Bmal1fl/fl:Avpcre+Vipcre ), and neuromedin-s (Bmal1fl/fl:Nmscre ) neurons. We demonstrate that the loss of Bmal1 in these populations has substantial effects on home-cage circadian activity and temperature rhythms. Despite this, we found that female mice from these lines demonstrated normal estrus cycles, fecundity, kisspeptin responsiveness, and inducible LH surge. We found no evidence of reproductive disruption in constant darkness. Overall, our results indicate that while conditional Bmal1 knockout in AVP, VIP, or NMS neurons is sufficient to disrupted locomotor activity, this disruption is insufficient to recapitulate the neuroendocrine reproductive effects of the whole-body Bmal1 knockout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J. Tonsfeldt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Laura J. Cui
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Jinkwon Lee
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Thijs J. Walbeek
- Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Liza E. Brusman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Ye Jin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Michihiro Mieda
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Michael R. Gorman
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Pamela L. Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Stincic TL, Kelly MJ. Estrogenic regulation of reproduction and energy homeostasis by a triumvirate of hypothalamic arcuate neurons. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13145. [PMID: 35581942 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy is energetically demanding and therefore, by necessity, reproduction and energy balance are inextricably linked. With insufficient or excessive energy stores a female is liable to suffer complications during pregnancy or produce unhealthy offspring. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons are responsible for initiating both the pulsatile and subsequent surge release of luteinizing hormone to control ovulation. Meticulous work has identified two hypothalamic populations of kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons that are critical for this pattern of release. The involvement of the hypothalamus is unsurprising because its quintessential function is to couple the endocrine and nervous systems, coordinating energy balance and reproduction. Estrogens, more specifically 17β-estradiol (E2 ), orchestrate the activity of a triumvirate of hypothalamic neurons within the arcuate nucleus (ARH) that govern the physiological underpinnings of these behavioral dynamics. Arising from a common progenitor pool, these cells differentiate into ARH kisspeptin, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), and agouti related peptide/neuropeptide Y (AgRP) neurons. Although the excitability of all these subpopulations is subject to genomic and rapid estrogenic regulation, Kiss1 neurons are the most sensitive, reflecting their integral function in female fertility. Based on the premise that E2 coordinates autonomic functions around reproduction, we review recent findings on how Kiss1 neurons interact with gonadotropin-releasing hormone, AgRP and POMC neurons, as well as how the rapid membrane-initiated and intracellular signaling cascades activated by E2 in these neurons are critical for control of homeostatic functions supporting reproduction. In particular, we highlight how Kiss1 and POMC neurons conspire to inhibit AgRP neurons and diminish food motivation in service of reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd L Stincic
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Martin J Kelly
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
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11
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Harlow K, Griesgraber MJ, Seman AD, Shuping SL, Sommer JR, Griffith EH, Hileman SM, Nestor CC. The impact of undernutrition on KNDy (kisspeptin/neurokinin B/dynorphin) neurons in female lambs. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13135. [PMID: 35579068 PMCID: PMC9286635 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Undernutrition limits reproduction through inhibition of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)/luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. Because KNDy neurons coexpress neuropeptides that play stimulatory (kisspeptin and neurokinin B [NKB]) and inhibitory (dynorphin) roles in pulsatile GnRH/LH release, we hypothesized that undernutrition would inhibit kisspeptin and NKB expression at the same time as increasing dynorphin expression. Fifteen ovariectomized lambs were either fed to maintain pre-study body weight (controls) or feed-restricted to lose 20% of pre-study body weight (FR) over 13 weeks. Blood samples were collected and plasma from weeks 0 and 13 were assessed for LH by radioimmunoassay. At week 13, animals were killed, and brain tissue was processed for assessment of KNDy peptide mRNA or protein expression. Mean LH and LH pulse amplitude were lower in FR lambs compared to controls. We observed lower mRNA abundance for kisspeptin within KNDy neurons of FR lambs compared to controls with no significant change in mRNA for NKB or dynorphin. We also observed that FR lambs had fewer numbers of arcuate nucleus kisspeptin and NKB perikarya compared to controls. These findings support the idea that KNDy neurons are important for regulating reproduction during undernutrition in female sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- KaLynn Harlow
- Department of Animal ScienceNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
| | - Max J. Griesgraber
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyWest Virginia UniversityMorgantownWVUSA
| | - Andrew D. Seman
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyWest Virginia UniversityMorgantownWVUSA
| | - Sydney L. Shuping
- Department of Animal ScienceNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
| | - Jeffrey R. Sommer
- Department of Animal ScienceNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
| | | | - Stanley M. Hileman
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyWest Virginia UniversityMorgantownWVUSA
- Department of NeuroscienceWest Virginia UniversityMorgantownWVUSA
| | - Casey C Nestor
- Department of Animal ScienceNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
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12
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Zahangir MM, Rahman ML, Ando H. Anomalous Temperature Interdicts the Reproductive Activity in Fish: Neuroendocrine Mechanisms of Reproductive Function in Response to Water Temperature. Front Physiol 2022; 13:902257. [PMID: 35685278 PMCID: PMC9171195 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.902257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Fish are poikilotherm and small changes in water temperature can greatly affect physiological processes including reproduction, which is regulated by complex neuroendocrine mechanisms that respond to climatic events. This review provides evidence that anomalous high and low temperature may directly affect reproduction in fish by suppressing the expression of genes in the reproductive neuroendocrine system. The grass puffer, Takifugu alboplumbeus, is an excellent animal model for studying the thermal regulation of reproduction, for they exhibit periodic spawning activities, which are synchronized with seasonal, lunar and daily cycles. In the grass puffer, the expression of the genes encoding gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) 1, kisspeptin, gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) and their receptors were markedly suppressed in the diencephalon of fish exposed to high temperature (28°C) when compared to normal temperature (21°C), followed by the decrease in the pituitary mRNA levels for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and growth hormone (GH). On the other hand, the exposure to low temperature (14°C) also inhibited the expression of gnrh1, kiss2, gnih and their receptor genes in the brain and fshb, lhb, gh and prl in the pituitary. Taken together, it is plausible that anomalous high and low temperature may be a proximate driver of termination of reproduction by suppressing the activity of the reproductive GnRH/kisspeptin/GnIH system, possibly through direct action of temperature signals at transcription level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Mahiuddin Zahangir
- Marine Biological Station, Sado Island Center for Ecological Sustainability, Niigata University, Sado, Japan
- Department of Fish Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Fisheries, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Lutfar Rahman
- Marine Biological Station, Sado Island Center for Ecological Sustainability, Niigata University, Sado, Japan
- Department of Genetics and Fish Breeding, Faculty of Fisheries, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh
| | - Hironori Ando
- Marine Biological Station, Sado Island Center for Ecological Sustainability, Niigata University, Sado, Japan
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Rønnekleiv OK, Qiu J, Kelly MJ. Hypothalamic Kisspeptin Neurons and the Control of Homeostasis. Endocrinology 2022; 163:bqab253. [PMID: 34953135 PMCID: PMC8758343 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons provide indispensable excitatory transmission to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons for the coordinated release of gonadotropins, estrous cyclicity, and ovulation. But maintaining reproductive functions is metabolically demanding so there must be a coordination with multiple homeostatic functions, and it is apparent that Kiss1 neurons play that role. There are 2 distinct populations of hypothalamic Kiss1 neurons, namely arcuate nucleus (Kiss1ARH) neurons and anteroventral periventricular and periventricular nucleus (Kiss1AVPV/PeN) neurons in rodents, both of which excite GnRH neurons via kisspeptin release but are differentially regulated by ovarian steroids. Estradiol (E2) increases the expression of kisspeptin in Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons but decreases its expression in Kiss1ARH neurons. Also, Kiss1ARH neurons coexpress glutamate and Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons coexpress gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), both of which are upregulated by E2 in females. Also, Kiss1ARH neurons express critical metabolic hormone receptors, and these neurons are excited by insulin and leptin during the fed state. Moreover, Kiss1ARH neurons project to and excite the anorexigenic proopiomelanocortin neurons but inhibit the orexigenic neuropeptide Y/Agouti-related peptide neurons, highlighting their role in regulating feeding behavior. Kiss1ARH and Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons also project to the preautonomic paraventricular nucleus (satiety) neurons and the dorsomedial nucleus (energy expenditure) neurons to differentially regulate their function via glutamate and GABA release, respectively. Therefore, this review will address not only how Kiss1 neurons govern GnRH release, but how they control other homeostatic functions through their peptidergic, glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic connections, providing further evidence that Kiss1 neurons are the key neurons coordinating energy states with reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oline K Rønnekleiv
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Jian Qiu
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Martin J Kelly
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
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Ogawa S, Parhar IS. Heterogeneity in GnRH and kisspeptin neurons and their significance in vertebrate reproductive biology. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 64:100963. [PMID: 34798082 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrate reproduction is essentially controlled by the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which is a central dogma of reproductive biology. Two major hypothalamic neuroendocrine cell groups containing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and kisspeptin are crucial for control of the HPG axis in vertebrates. GnRH and kisspeptin neurons exhibit high levels of heterogeneity including their cellular morphology, biochemistry, neurophysiology and functions. However, the molecular foundation underlying heterogeneities in GnRH and kisspeptin neurons remains unknown. More importantly, the biological and physiological significance of their heterogeneity in reproductive biology is poorly understood. In this review, we first describe the recent advances in the neuroendocrine functions of kisspeptin-GnRH pathways. We then view the recent emerging progress in the heterogeneity of GnRH and kisspeptin neurons using morphological and single-cell transcriptomic analyses. Finally, we discuss our views on the significance of functional heterogeneity of reproductive endocrine cells and their potential relevance to reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Ogawa
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ishwar S Parhar
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Deletion of Stim1 in Hypothalamic Arcuate Nucleus Kiss1 Neurons Potentiates Synchronous GCaMP Activity and Protects against Diet-Induced Obesity. J Neurosci 2021; 41:9688-9701. [PMID: 34654752 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0622-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons are essential for reproduction, but their role in the control of energy balance and other homeostatic functions remains unclear. High-frequency firing of hypothalamic arcuate Kiss1 (Kiss1ARH) neurons releases kisspeptin into the median eminence, and neurokinin B (NKB) and dynorphin onto neighboring Kiss1ARH neurons to generate a slow EPSP mediated by TRPC5 channels that entrains intermittent, synchronous firing of Kiss1ARH neurons. High-frequency optogenetic stimulation of Kiss1ARH neurons also releases glutamate to excite the anorexigenic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons and inhibit the orexigenic neuropeptide Y/agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons via metabotropic glutamate receptors. At the molecular level, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium-sensing protein stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) is critically involved in the regulation of neuronal Ca2+ signaling and neuronal excitability through its interaction with plasma membrane (PM) calcium (e.g., TRPC) channels. Therefore, we hypothesized that deletion of Stim1 in Kiss1ARH neurons would increase neuronal excitability and their synchronous firing, which ultimately would affect energy homeostasis. Using optogenetics in combination with whole-cell recording and GCaMP6 imaging in slices, we discovered that deletion of Stim1 in Kiss1 neurons significantly increased the amplitude and duration of the slow EPSP and augmented synchronous [Ca2+]i oscillations in Kiss1ARH neurons. Deletion of Stim1 in Kiss1ARH neurons amplified the actions of NKB and protected ovariectomized female mice from developing obesity and glucose intolerance with high-fat dieting (HFD). Therefore, STIM1 appears to play a critical role in regulating synchronous firing of Kiss1ARH neurons, which ultimately affects the coordination between energy homeostasis and reproduction.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Hypothalamic arcuate kisspeptin (Kiss1ARH) neurons are essential for stimulating the pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and maintaining fertility. However, Kiss1ARH neurons appear to be a key player in coordinating energy balance with reproduction. The regulation of calcium channels and hence calcium signaling is critically dependent on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium-sensing protein stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), which interacts with the plasma membrane (PM) calcium channels. We have conditionally deleted Stim1 in Kiss1ARH neurons and found that it significantly increased the excitability of Kiss1ARH neurons and protected ovariectomized female mice from developing obesity and glucose intolerance with high-fat dieting (HFD).
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Wiersielis K, Yasrebi A, Ramirez P, Verpeut J, Regan D, Roepke TA. The influence of estrogen receptor α signaling independent of the estrogen response element on avoidance behavior, social interactions, and palatable ingestive behavior in female mice. Horm Behav 2021; 136:105084. [PMID: 34749278 PMCID: PMC9420320 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Women are vulnerable to developing mental disorders that are associated with circulating estrogens. Estrogens, especially 17β-estradiol (E2), have a wide array of effects on the brain, affecting many behavioral endpoints associated with mental illness. By using a total estrogen receptor (ER) α knockout (KO), an ERα knock in/knock out (KIKO) that lacks a functional DNA-binding domain, and wild type (WT) controls treated with either oil or E2, we evaluated ERα signaling, dependent and independent of the estrogen response element (ERE), on avoidance behavior, social interactions and memory, and palatable ingestive behavior using the open field test, the elevated plus maze, the light dark box, the 3-chamber test, and palatable feeding. We found that ERα does not mediate control of anxiety-like behaviors but rather yielded differences in locomotor activity. In evaluating social preference and social recognition memory, we observed that E2 may modulate these measures in KIKO females but not KO females, suggesting that ERE-independent signaling is likely involved in sociability. Lastly, observations of palatable (high-fat) food intake suggested an increase in palatable eating behavior in oil-treated KIKO females. Oil-treated KO females had a longer latency to food intake, indicative of an anhedonic phenotype compared to oil-treated WT and KIKO females. We have observed that social-related behaviors are potentially influenced by ERE-independent ERα signaling and hedonic food intake requires signaling of ERα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Wiersielis
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
| | - Ali Yasrebi
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences Graduate Program, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Patricia Ramirez
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Jessica Verpeut
- Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences Graduate Program, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Daniel Regan
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Troy A Roepke
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences Graduate Program, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ. USA; Rutgers Center for Lipid Research, the Center for Nutrition, Microbiome, and Health, and the New Jersey Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ. USA
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17
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Uchida Y, Izumizaki M. Effect of menstrual cycle and female hormones on TRP and TREK channels in modifying thermosensitivity and physiological functions in women. J Therm Biol 2021; 100:103029. [PMID: 34503776 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.103029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Thermoregulation is crucial for human survival at various ambient temperatures. Transient receptor potential (TRP) and TWIK-related K+ (TREK) channels expressed in sensory neurons play a role in peripheral thermosensitivity for temperature detection. In addition, these channels have various physiological roles in the skeletal, nervous, immune, vascular, digestive, and urinary systems. In women, the female hormones estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4), which fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, affect various physiological functions, such as thermoregulation in hot and cold environments. The present review describes the effect of female hormones on TRP and TREK channels and related physiological functions. The P4 decreased thermosensitivity via TRPV1. E2 facilitates temporomandibular joint disease (TRPV1), breast cancer (TRPM8), and calcium absorption in the digestive system (TRPV5 and TRPV6), inhibits the facilitation of vasoconstriction (TRPM3), nerve inflammation (TRPM4), sweetness sensitivity (TRPM5), and menstrual disorders (TRPC1), and prevents insulin resistance (TRPC5) via each channel. P4 inhibits vasoconstriction (TRPM3), sweetness sensitivity (TRPM5), ciliary motility in the lungs (TRPV4), menstrual disorder (TRPC1), and immunity (TRPC3), and facilitates breast cancer (TRPV6) via each channel as indicated. The effects of female hormones on TREK channels and physiological functions are still under investigation. In summary, female hormones influence physiological functions via some TRP channels; however, the literature is not comprehensive and future studies are needed, especially those related to thermoregulation in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Uchida
- Department of Physiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Masahiko Izumizaki
- Department of Physiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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18
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Wilheim T, Nagy K, Mohanraj M, Ziarniak K, Watanabe M, Sliwowska J, Kalló I. Expression of type one cannabinoid receptor in different subpopulation of kisspeptin neurons and kisspeptin afferents to GnRH neurons in female mice. Brain Struct Funct 2021; 226:2387-2399. [PMID: 34263407 PMCID: PMC8354884 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-021-02339-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoids have been shown to target the afferents of hypothalamic neurons via cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1) and thereby to influence their excitability at various physiological and/or pathological processes. Kisspeptin (KP) neurons form afferents of multiple neuroendocrine cells and influence their activity via signaling through a variation of co-expressed classical neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. The differential potency of endocannabinoids to influence the release of classical transmitters or neuropeptides, and the ovarian cycle-dependent functioning of the endocannabinoid signaling in the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons initiated us to study whether (a) the different subpopulations of KP neurons express CB1 mRNAs, (b) the expression is influenced by estrogen, and (c) CB1-immunoreactivity is present in the KP afferents to GnRH neurons. The aim of the study was to investigate the site- and cell-specific expression of CB1 in female mice using multiple labeling in situ hybridization and immunofluorescent histochemical techniques. The results support that CB1 mRNAs are expressed by both the GABAergic and glutamatergic subpopulations of KP neurons, the receptor protein is detectable in two-thirds of the KP afferents to GnRH neurons, and the expression of CB1 mRNA shows an estrogen-dependency. The applied estrogen-treatment, known to induce proestrus, reduced the level of CB1 transcripts in the rostral periventricular area of the third ventricle and arcuate nucleus, and differently influenced its co-localization with vesicular GABA transporter or vesicular glutamate transporter-2 in KP neurons. This indicates a gonadal cycle-dependent role of endocannabinoid signaling in the neuronal circuits involving KP neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Wilheim
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, P.O. Box 67, Budapest, 1450, Hungary
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Information Technology, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Nagy
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, P.O. Box 67, Budapest, 1450, Hungary
| | - Mahendravarman Mohanraj
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, P.O. Box 67, Budapest, 1450, Hungary
| | - Kamil Ziarniak
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Zoology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Joanna Sliwowska
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Zoology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Imre Kalló
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, P.O. Box 67, Budapest, 1450, Hungary.
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Information Technology, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary.
- Doctoral School of Neurosciences "János Szentágothai", Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
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Stincic TL, Bosch MA, Hunker AC, Juarez B, Connors AM, Zweifel LS, Rønnekleiv OK, Kelly MJ. CRISPR knockdown of Kcnq3 attenuates the M-current and increases excitability of NPY/AgRP neurons to alter energy balance. Mol Metab 2021; 49:101218. [PMID: 33766732 PMCID: PMC8093934 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Arcuate nucleus neuropeptide Y/agouti-related peptide (NPY/AgRP) neurons drive ingestive behavior. The M-current, a subthreshold non-inactivating potassium current, plays a critical role in regulating NPY/AgRP neuronal excitability. Fasting decreases while 17β-estradiol increases the M-current by regulating the mRNA expression of Kcnq2, 3, and 5 (Kv7.2, 3, and 5) channel subunits. Incorporating KCNQ3 into heteromeric channels has been considered essential to generate a robust M-current. Therefore, we investigated the behavioral and physiological effects of selective Kcnq3 deletion from NPY/AgRP neurons. METHODS We used a single adeno-associated viral vector containing a recombinase-dependent Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 with a single-guide RNA to selectively delete Kcnq3 in NPY/AgRP neurons. Single-cell quantitative measurements of mRNA expression and whole-cell patch clamp experiments were conducted to validate the selective knockdown. Body weight, food intake, and locomotor activity were measured in male mice to assess disruptions in energy balance. RESULTS The virus reduced the expression of Kcnq3 mRNA without affecting Kcnq2 or Kcnq5. The M-current was attenuated, causing NPY/AgRP neurons to be more depolarized, exhibit a higher input resistance, and require less depolarizing current to fire action potentials, indicative of increased excitability. Although the resulting decrease in the M-current did not overtly alter ingestive behavior, it significantly reduced the locomotor activity as measured by open-field testing. Control mice on a high-fat diet exhibited an enhanced M-current and increased Kcnq2 and Kcnq3 expression, but the M-current remained significantly attenuated in KCNQ3 knockdown animals. CONCLUSIONS The M-current plays a critical role in modulating the intrinsic excitability of NPY/AgRP neurons that is essential for maintaining energy homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd L Stincic
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Martha A Bosch
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Avery C Hunker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Barbara Juarez
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Ashley M Connors
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Larry S Zweifel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Oline K Rønnekleiv
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Martin J Kelly
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA.
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20
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Stincic TL, Rønnekleiv OK, Kelly MJ. Membrane and nuclear initiated estrogenic regulation of homeostasis. Steroids 2021; 168:108428. [PMID: 31229508 PMCID: PMC6923613 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2019.108428] [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: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction and energy balance are inextricably linked in order to optimize the evolutionary fitness of an organism. With insufficient or excessive energy stores a female is liable to suffer complications during pregnancy and produce unhealthy or obesity-prone offspring. The quintessential function of the hypothalamus is to act as a bridge between the endocrine and nervous systems, coordinating fertility and autonomic functions. Across the female reproductive cycle various motivations wax and wane, following levels of ovarian hormones. Estrogens, more specifically 17β-estradiol (E2), coordinate a triumvirate of hypothalamic neurons within the arcuate nucleus (ARH) that govern the physiological underpinnings of these behavioral dynamics. Arising from a common progenitor pool of cells, this triumvirate is composed of the kisspeptin (Kiss1ARH), proopiomelanocortin (POMC), and neuropeptide Y/agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons. Although the excitability of these neuronal subpopulations is subject to genomic and rapid estrogenic regulation, kisspeptin neurons are the most sensitive, reflecting their integral function in female fertility. Based on the premise that E2 coordinates autonomic functions around reproduction, we will review the recent findings on the synaptic interactions between Kiss1, AgRP and POMC neurons and how the rapid membrane-initiated and intracellular signaling cascades activated by E2 in these neurons are critical for control of homeostatic functions supporting reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd L Stincic
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States
| | - Oline K Rønnekleiv
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States; Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, United States
| | - Martin J Kelly
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States; Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, United States.
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21
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Merkley CM, Shuping SL, Sommer JR, Nestor CC. Evidence That Agouti-Related Peptide May Directly Regulate Kisspeptin Neurons in Male Sheep. Metabolites 2021; 11:138. [PMID: 33652696 PMCID: PMC7996775 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11030138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons, which relay information from peripheral metabolic signals, may constitute a key central regulator of reproduction. Given that AgRP inhibits luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and that nutritional suppression of LH elicits an increase in AgRP while suppressing kisspeptin expression in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus, we sought to examine the degree to which AgRP could directly regulate ARC kisspeptin neurons. Hypothalamic tissue was collected from four castrated male sheep (10 months of age) and processed for the detection of protein (AgRP input to kisspeptin neurons) using immunohistochemistry and mRNA for melanocortin 3 and 4 receptors (MC3R; MC4R) in kisspeptin neurons using RNAscope. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the majority of ARC kisspeptin neurons are contacted by presumptive AgRP terminals. RNAscope analysis revealed that nearly two thirds of the ARC kisspeptin neurons express mRNA for MC3R, while a small percentage (<10%) colocalize MC4R. Taken together, this data provides neuroanatomical evidence for a direct link between orexigenic AgRP neurons and reproductively critical kisspeptin neurons in the sheep, and builds upon our current understanding of the central link between energy balance and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Casey C Nestor
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (C.M.M.); (S.L.S.); (J.R.S.)
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22
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Vastagh C, Csillag V, Solymosi N, Farkas I, Liposits Z. Gonadal Cycle-Dependent Expression of Genes Encoding Peptide-, Growth Factor-, and Orphan G-Protein-Coupled Receptors in Gonadotropin- Releasing Hormone Neurons of Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 13:594119. [PMID: 33551743 PMCID: PMC7863983 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.594119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rising serum estradiol triggers the surge release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) at late proestrus leading to ovulation. We hypothesized that proestrus evokes alterations in peptidergic signaling onto GnRH neurons inducing a differential expression of neuropeptide-, growth factor-, and orphan G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) genes. Thus, we analyzed the transcriptome of GnRH neurons collected from intact, proestrous and metestrous GnRH-green fluorescent protein (GnRH-GFP) transgenic mice using Affymetrix microarray technique. Proestrus resulted in a differential expression of genes coding for peptide/neuropeptide receptors including Adipor1, Prokr1, Ednrb, Rtn4r, Nmbr, Acvr2b, Sctr, Npr3, Nmur1, Mc3r, Cckbr, and Amhr2. In this gene cluster, Adipor1 mRNA expression was upregulated and the others were downregulated. Expression of growth factor receptors and their related proteins was also altered showing upregulation of Fgfr1, Igf1r, Grb2, Grb10, and Ngfrap1 and downregulation of Egfr and Tgfbr2 genes. Gpr107, an orphan GPCR, was upregulated during proestrus, while others were significantly downregulated (Gpr1, Gpr87, Gpr18, Gpr62, Gpr125, Gpr183, Gpr4, and Gpr88). Further affected receptors included vomeronasal receptors (Vmn1r172, Vmn2r-ps54, and Vmn1r148) and platelet-activating factor receptor (Ptafr), all with marked downregulation. Patch-clamp recordings from mouse GnRH-GFP neurons carried out at metestrus confirmed that the differentially expressed IGF-1, secretin, and GPR107 receptors were operational, as their activation by specific ligands evoked an increase in the frequency of miniature postsynaptic currents (mPSCs). These findings show the contribution of certain novel peptides, growth factors, and ligands of orphan GPCRs to regulation of GnRH neurons and their preparation for the surge release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csaba Vastagh
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Veronika Csillag
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.,Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Roska Tamás Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Norbert Solymosi
- Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Imre Farkas
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Liposits
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
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23
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Bedenbaugh MN, Bowdridge EC, Hileman SM. Role of neurokinin B in ovine puberty. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2020; 73:106442. [PMID: 32209283 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Puberty is the process whereby an individual acquires the ability to reproduce, and the attainment of puberty in a timely manner is critical for both humans and livestock. For livestock, the initiation of puberty at the appropriate time aids in increasing lifetime productivity, thus maximizing profitability for producers. For humans, particularly females, early or late puberty is associated with several adverse health outcomes, including polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, and psychosocial distress. Therefore, characterizing the mechanisms responsible for puberty onset would have a significant impact on human and animal health. It has been postulated that a group of neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus may play a role in puberty onset. These neurons contain kisspeptin, neurokinin B (NKB), and dynorphin and are often called KNDy neurons. Although the role of kisspeptin in puberty onset has been heavily researched, the involvement of NKB and dynorphin is not well defined. This mini-review focuses on the role of NKB in the initiation of puberty in female sheep. Stimulation of the receptor for NKB, NK3R, elicits LH secretion in a GnRH-dependent manner in prepubertal ewes, and both functional and neuroanatomical changes to the NKB system, particularly within the preoptic area, appear to occur as female sheep transition from a prepubertal to an adult state. Thus, NKB is likely an important component of puberty onset in sheep, although its integration with other systems that impact the pubertal process, such as photoperiod and nutrition, remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- M N Bedenbaugh
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - E C Bowdridge
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - S M Hileman
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
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24
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Abreu AP, Toro CA, Song YB, Navarro VM, Bosch MA, Eren A, Liang JN, Carroll RS, Latronico AC, Rønnekleiv OK, Aylwin CF, Lomniczi A, Ojeda S, Kaiser UB. MKRN3 inhibits the reproductive axis through actions in kisspeptin-expressing neurons. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:4486-4500. [PMID: 32407292 PMCID: PMC7410046 DOI: 10.1172/jci136564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of loss-of-function mutations in MKRN3 in patients with central precocious puberty in association with the decrease in MKRN3 expression in the medial basal hypothalamus of mice before the initiation of reproductive maturation suggests that MKRN3 is acting as a brake on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion during childhood. In the current study, we investigated the mechanism by which MKRN3 prevents premature manifestation of the pubertal process. We showed that, as in mice, MKRN3 expression is high in the hypothalamus of rats and nonhuman primates early in life, decreases as puberty approaches, and is independent of sex steroid hormones. We demonstrated that Mkrn3 is expressed in Kiss1 neurons of the mouse hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and that MKRN3 repressed promoter activity of human KISS1 and TAC3, 2 key stimulators of GnRH secretion. We further showed that MKRN3 has ubiquitinase activity, that this activity is reduced by MKRN3 mutations affecting the RING finger domain, and that these mutations compromised the ability of MKRN3 to repress KISS1 and TAC3 promoter activity. These results indicate that MKRN3 acts to prevent puberty initiation, at least in part, by repressing KISS1 and TAC3 transcription and that this action may involve an MKRN3-directed ubiquitination-mediated mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Abreu
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carlos A. Toro
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center–OHSU, Hillsboro, Oregon, USA
| | - Yong Bhum Song
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Victor M. Navarro
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Martha A. Bosch
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Aysegul Eren
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joy N. Liang
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rona S. Carroll
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ana Claudia Latronico
- Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular, Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Disciplina de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Oline K. Rønnekleiv
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Carlos F. Aylwin
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center–OHSU, Hillsboro, Oregon, USA
| | - Alejandro Lomniczi
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center–OHSU, Hillsboro, Oregon, USA
| | - Sergio Ojeda
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center–OHSU, Hillsboro, Oregon, USA
| | - Ursula B. Kaiser
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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25
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Nicholas DA, Knight VS, Tonsfeldt KJ, Terasaka T, Molinar-Inglis O, Stephens SBZ, Trejo J, Kauffman AS, Mellon PL, Lawson MA. GLUT1-mediated glycolysis supports GnRH-induced secretion of luteinizing hormone from female gonadotropes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13063. [PMID: 32747664 PMCID: PMC7400764 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69913-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms mediating suppression of reproduction in response to decreased nutrient availability remain undefined, with studies suggesting regulation occurs within the hypothalamus, pituitary, or gonads. By manipulating glucose utilization and GLUT1 expression in a pituitary gonadotrope cell model and in primary gonadotropes, we show GLUT1-dependent stimulation of glycolysis, but not mitochondrial respiration, by the reproductive neuropeptide GnRH. GnRH stimulation increases gonadotrope GLUT1 expression and translocation to the extracellular membrane. Maximal secretion of the gonadotropin Luteinizing Hormone is supported by GLUT1 expression and activity, and GnRH-induced glycolysis is recapitulated in primary gonadotropes. GLUT1 expression increases in vivo during the GnRH-induced ovulatory LH surge and correlates with GnRHR. We conclude that the gonadotropes of the anterior pituitary sense glucose availability and integrate this status with input from the hypothalamus via GnRH receptor signaling to regulate reproductive hormone synthesis and secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dequina A Nicholas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Vashti S Knight
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Karen J Tonsfeldt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tomohiro Terasaka
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Shannon B Z Stephens
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - JoAnn Trejo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alexander S Kauffman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Pamela L Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mark A Lawson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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26
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Merkley CM, Renwick AN, Shuping SL, Harlow K, Sommer JR, Nestor CC. Undernutrition reduces kisspeptin and neurokinin B expression in castrated male sheep. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2020; 1:1-13. [PMID: 35128420 PMCID: PMC8812452 DOI: 10.1530/raf-20-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Undernutrition impairs reproductive success through suppression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and subsequently luteinizing hormone (LH), secretion. Given that kisspeptin and neurokinin B (NKB) neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus are thought to play key stimulatory roles in the generation of GnRH/LH pulses, we hypothesized that feed restriction would reduce the ARC mRNA abundance and protein expression of kisspeptin and NKB in young, male sheep. Fourteen wethers (castrated male sheep five months of age) were either fed to maintain (FM; n = 6) pre-study body weight or feed-restricted (FR; n = 8) to lose 20% of pre-study body weight over 13 weeks. Throughout the study, weekly blood samples were collected and assessed for LH concentration using RIA. At Week 13 of the experiment, animals were killed, heads were perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde, and brain tissue containing the hypothalamus was collected, sectioned, and processed for detection of mRNA (RNAscope) and protein (immunohistochemistry) for kisspeptin and NKB. Mean LH was significantly lower and LH inter-pulse interval was significantly higher in FR wethers compared to FM wethers at the end of the experiment (Week 13). RNAscope analysis revealed significantly fewer cells expressing mRNA for kisspeptin and NKB in FR wethers compared to FM controls, and immunohistochemical analysis revealed significantly fewer immunopositive kisspeptin and NKB cells in FR wethers compared to FM wethers. Taken together, this data supports the idea that long-term feed restriction regulates GnRH/LH secretion through central suppression of kisspeptin and NKB in male sheep. LAY SUMMARY While undernutrition is known to impair reproduction at the level of the brain, the components responsible for this in the brain remain to be fully understood. Using male sheep we examined the effect of undernutrition on two stimulatory molecules in the brain critical for reproduction: kisspeptin and neurokinin B. Feed restriction for several weeks resulted in decreased luteinizing hormone in the blood indicating reproductive function was suppressed. In addition, undernutrition also reduced both kisspeptin and neurokinin B levels within a region of the brain involved in reproduction, the hypothalamus. Given that they have stimulatory roles in reproduction, we believe that undernutrition acts in the brain to reduce kisspeptin and neurokinin B levels leading to the reduction in luteinizing hormone secretion. In summary, long-term undernutrition inhibits reproductive function in sheep through suppression of kisspeptin and neurokinin B within the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Merkley
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Allison N Renwick
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sydney L Shuping
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - KaLynn Harlow
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Sommer
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Casey C Nestor
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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27
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Sinchak K, Mohr MA, Micevych PE. Hypothalamic Astrocyte Development and Physiology for Neuroprogesterone Induction of the Luteinizing Hormone Surge. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:420. [PMID: 32670203 PMCID: PMC7333179 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural circuits in female rats sequentially exposed to estradiol and progesterone underlie so-called estrogen positive feedback that induce the surge release of pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) leading to ovulation and luteinization of the corpus hemorrhagicum. It is now well-established that gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons express neither the reproductively critical estrogen receptor-α (ERα) nor classical progesterone receptor (PGR). Estradiol from developing ovarian follicles acts on ERα-expressing kisspeptin neurons in the rostral periventricular region of the third ventricle (RP3V) to induce PGR expression, and kisspeptin release. Circulating estradiol levels that induce positive feedback also induce neuroprogesterone (neuroP) synthesis in hypothalamic astrocytes. This local neuroP acts on kisspeptin neurons that express PGR to augment kisspeptin expression and release needed to stimulate GnRH release, triggering the LH surge. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that neuroP signaling in kisspeptin neurons occurs through membrane PGR activation of Src family kinase (Src). This signaling cascade has been also implicated in PGR signaling in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, suggesting that Src may be a common mode of membrane PGR signaling. Sexual maturation requires that signaling between neuroP synthesizing astrocytes, kisspeptin and GnRH neurons be established. Prior to puberty, estradiol does not facilitate the synthesis of neuroP in hypothalamic astrocytes. During pubertal development, levels of membrane ERα increase in astrocytes coincident with an increase of PKA phosphorylation needed for neuroP synthesis. Currently, it is not clear whether these developmental changes occur in existing astrocytes or are due to a new population of astrocytes born during puberty. However, strong evidence suggests that it is the former. Blocking new cell addition during puberty attenuates the LH surge. Together these results demonstrate the importance of pubertal maturation involving hypothalamic astrocytes, estradiol-induced neuroP synthesis and membrane-initiated progesterone signaling for the CNS control of ovulation and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Sinchak
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, United States
| | - Margaret A Mohr
- The Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Paul E Micevych
- The Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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28
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Conde K, Roepke TA. 17β-Estradiol Increases Arcuate KNDy Neuronal Sensitivity to Ghrelin Inhibition of the M-Current in Female Mice. Neuroendocrinology 2020; 110:582-594. [PMID: 31484184 PMCID: PMC7056582 DOI: 10.1159/000503146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and anorexia result in dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, negatively impacting reproduction. Ghrelin, secreted from the stomach, potentially mediates negative energy states and neuroendocrine control of reproduction by acting through the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). GHSR is expressed in hypothalamic arcuate (ARC) Kisspeptin/Neurokinin B (Tac2)/Dynorphin (KNDy) neurons. Ghrelin is known to inhibit the M-current produced by KCNQ channels in other ARC neurons. In addition, we have shown 17β-estradiol (E2) increases Ghsr expression in KNDy neurons 6-fold and increases the M-current in NPY neurons. We hypothesize that E2 increases GHSR expression in KNDy neurons to increase ghrelin sensitivity during negative energy states. Furthermore, we suspect ghrelin targets the M-current in KNDy neurons to control reproduction and energy homeostasis. We utilized ovariectomized Tac2-EGFP adult female mice, pretreated with estradiol benzoate (EB) or oil vehicle and performed whole-cell-patch-clamp recordings to elicit the M-current in KNDy neurons using standard activation protocols in voltage-clamp. Using the selective KCNQ channel blocker XE-991 (40 µM) to target the M-current, oil- and EB-treated mice showed a decrease in the maximum peak current by 75.7 ± 13.8 pA (n = 10) and 68.0 ± 14.7 pA (n = 11), respectively. To determine the actions of ghrelin on the M-current, ghrelin was perfused (100 nM) in oil- and EB-treated mice resulting in the suppression of the maximum peak current by 58.5 ± 15.8 pA (n = 9) and 59.2 ± 11.9 pA (n = 9), respectively. KNDy neurons appeared more sensitive to ghrelin when pretreated with EB, revealing that ARC KNDy neurons are more sensitive to ghrelin during states of high E2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie Conde
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Troy A Roepke
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA,
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA,
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29
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El Khoury N, Ross JL, Long V, Thibault S, Ethier N, Fiset C. Pregnancy and oestrogen regulate sinoatrial node calcium homeostasis and accelerate pacemaking. Cardiovasc Res 2019; 114:1605-1616. [PMID: 29800268 PMCID: PMC6148331 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvy129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims During pregnancy, there is a significant increase in heart rate (HR) potentially associated with an increased risk of arrhythmias or exacerbation of pre-existing cardiac conditions endangering both mother and foetus. Calcium homeostasis plays an important role in regulating automaticity of the sinoatrial node (SAN); however, its contribution to the accelerated HR during pregnancy remains unknown. Methods and results Using murine SAN cells, we showed that pregnancy increased L-type Ca2+ current (ICaL) and CaV1.3 mRNA expression, whereas T-type Ca2+ current (ICaT) and its underlying channel were unchanged. Analysis of SAN intra-cellular Ca2+ oscillations showed that the rate of spontaneous Ca2+ transients was significantly higher in pregnant mice along with a higher mRNA expression of ryanodine receptor. Assessment of supra-ventricular arrhythmias using programmed electrical stimulation protocols on anaesthetized mice revealed higher susceptibility in pregnancy. Of note, the modifications associated with pregnancy were reversible following delivery. Furthermore, chronic administration of 17β-estradiol (E2) to nodal-like human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (N-hiPSC-CM), control mice, oestrogen-receptor-β knockout (ERKOβ) but not ERKOα mice, accelerated cardiac automaticity, recapitulating the pregnancy phenotype in both mouse and human SAN cell models. Conclusion Together, these results indicate that pregnancy considerably alters intra-cellular Ca2+ homeostasis sustaining faster HR during pregnancy. Importantly, these changes were dependent on an oestrogen receptor α (ERα) mechanism that resulted in increased ICaL and spontaneous Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, highlighting a novel role for oestrogen in regulating HR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil El Khoury
- Montreal Heart Institute, Research Center, 5000 Bélanger, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jenna L Ross
- Montreal Heart Institute, Research Center, 5000 Bélanger, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Valérie Long
- Montreal Heart Institute, Research Center, 5000 Bélanger, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Simon Thibault
- Montreal Heart Institute, Research Center, 5000 Bélanger, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Nathalie Ethier
- Montreal Heart Institute, Research Center, 5000 Bélanger, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Céline Fiset
- Montreal Heart Institute, Research Center, 5000 Bélanger, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Qiu J, Bosch MA, Zhang C, Rønnekleiv OK, Kelly MJ. Estradiol Protects Neuropeptide Y/Agouti-Related Peptide Neurons against Insulin Resistance in Females. Neuroendocrinology 2019; 110:105-118. [PMID: 31212279 PMCID: PMC6920578 DOI: 10.1159/000501560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
When it comes to obesity, men exhibit a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome than women in early adult life, but this sex advantage wanes in postmenopausal women. A key diagnostic of the metabolic syndrome is insulin resistance in both peripheral tissues and brain, especially in the hypothalamus. Since the anorexigenic hormone 17β-estradiol (E2) regulates food intake in part by inhibiting the excitability of the hypothalamic neuropeptide Y/agouti-related peptide (NPY/AgRP) neurons, we hypothesized that E2 would protect against insulin resistance in NPY/AgRP neurons with diet-induced obesity (DIO). Therefore, we did whole-cell recordings and single cell quantitative polymerase chain reaction in arcuate NPYGFP neurons from both female and male mice to test the efficacy of insulin with DIO. The resting membrane potential and input resistance of NPY/AgRP neurons were significantly increased in DIO versus control-diet fed males. Most notably, the efficacy of insulin to activate KATP channels in NPY/AgRP neurons was significantly attenuated, although the KATP channel opener diazoxide was fully effective in NPY/AgRP neurons from DIO males, indicating that the KATP channels were expressed and functional. In contrast, insulin was fully efficacious to activate KATP channels in DIO females, and the response was reversed by the KATP channel blocker tolbutamide. However, the ability of insulin to activate KATP channels was abrogated with ovariectomy but fully restored with E2 replacement. Insulin resistance in obese males was likely mediated by an increase in suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS-3), protein tyrosine phosphatase B (PTP1B) and T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TCPTP) activity, since the expression of all 3 mRNAs were upregulated in the obese males but not in females. As proof of principle, pre-incubation of hypothalamic slices from DIO males with the PTP1B/TCPTP inhibitor CX08005 completely rescued the effects of insulin. Therefore, E2 protects NPY/AgRP neurons in females against insulin resistance through, at least in part, attenuating phosphatase activity. The neuroprotective effects of E2 may explain sex differences in the expression of metabolic syndrome that disappears with the loss of E2 in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Qiu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health
& Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Martha A. Bosch
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health
& Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Chunguang Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health
& Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Oline K. Rønnekleiv
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health
& Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, National Primate Research Center,
Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Martin J. Kelly
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health
& Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, National Primate Research Center,
Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
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Vastagh C, Solymosi N, Farkas I, Liposits Z. Proestrus Differentially Regulates Expression of Ion Channel and Calcium Homeostasis Genes in GnRH Neurons of Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:137. [PMID: 31213979 PMCID: PMC6554425 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In proestrus, the changing gonadal hormone milieu alters the physiological properties of GnRH neurons and contributes to the development of the GnRH surge. We hypothesized that proestrus also influences the expression of different ion channel genes in mouse GnRH neurons. Therefore, we performed gene expression profiling of GnRH neurons collected from intact, proestrous and metestrous GnRH-GFP transgenic mice, respectively. Proestrus changed the expression of 37 ion channel and 8 calcium homeostasis-regulating genes. Voltage-gated sodium channels responded with upregulation of three alpha subunits (Scn2a1, Scn3a, and Scn9a). Within the voltage-gated potassium channel class, Kcna1, Kcnd3, Kcnh3, and Kcnq2 were upregulated, while others (Kcna4, Kcnc3, Kcnd2, and Kcng1) underwent downregulation. Proestrus also had impact on inwardly rectifying potassium channel subunits manifested in enhanced expression of Kcnj9 and Kcnj10 genes, whereas Kcnj1, Kcnj11, and Kcnj12 subunit genes were downregulated. The two-pore domain potassium channels also showed differential expression with upregulation of Kcnk1 and reduced expression of three subunit genes (Kcnk7, Kcnk12, and Kcnk16). Changes in expression of chloride channels involved both the voltage-gated (Clcn3 and Clcn6) and the intracellular (Clic1) subtypes. Regarding the pore-forming alpha-1 subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels, two (Cacna1b and Cacna1h) were upregulated, while Cacna1g showed downregulation. The ancillary subunits were also differentially regulated (Cacna2d1, Cacna2d2, Cacnb1, Cacnb3, Cacnb4, Cacng5, Cacng6, and Cacng8). In addition, ryanodine receptor 1 (Ryr1) gene was downregulated, while a transient receptor potential cation channel (Trpm3) gene showed enhanced expression. Genes encoding proteins regulating the intracellular calcium homeostasis were also influenced (Calb1, Hpca, Hpcal1, Hpcal4, Cabp7, Cab 39l, and Cib2). The differential expression of genes coding for ion channel proteins in GnRH neurons at late proestrus indicates that the altering hormone milieu contributes to remodeling of different kinds of ion channels of GnRH neurons, which might be a prerequisite of enhanced cellular activity of GnRH neurons and the subsequent surge release of the neurohormone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csaba Vastagh
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Norbert Solymosi
- Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Imre Farkas
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Liposits
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
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Tonsfeldt KJ, Schoeller EL, Brusman LE, Cui LJ, Lee J, Mellon PL. The Contribution of the Circadian Gene Bmal1 to Female Fertility and the Generation of the Preovulatory Luteinizing Hormone Surge. J Endocr Soc 2019; 3:716-733. [PMID: 30906911 PMCID: PMC6425515 DOI: 10.1210/js.2018-00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In rodents, the preovulatory LH surge is temporally gated, but the timing cue is unknown. Estrogen primes neurons in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) to secrete kisspeptin, which potently activates GnRH neurons to release GnRH, eliciting a surge of LH to induce ovulation. Deletion of the circadian clock gene Bmal1 results in infertility. Previous studies have found that Bmal1 knockout (KO) females do not display an LH surge at any time of day. We sought to determine whether neuroendocrine disruption contributes to the absence of the LH surge. Because Kiss1 expression in the AVPV is critical for regulating ovulation, we hypothesized that this population is disrupted in Bmal1 KO females. However, we found an appropriate rise in AVPV Kiss1 and Fos mRNA at the time of lights out in ovariectomized estrogen-treated animals, despite the absence of a measureable increase in LH. Furthermore, Bmal1 KO females have significantly increased LH response to kiss-10 administration, although the LH response to GnRH was unchanged. We then created Kiss1- and GnRH-specific Bmal1 KO mice to examine whether Bmal1 expression is necessary within either kisspeptin or GnRH neurons. We detected no significant differences in any measured reproductive parameter. Our results indicate that disruption of the hypothalamic regulation of fertility in the Bmal1 KO females is not dependent on endogenous clocks within either the GnRH or kisspeptin neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Tonsfeldt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Erica L Schoeller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Liza E Brusman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Laura J Cui
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Jinkwon Lee
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Pamela L Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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Wang M, Chen HP, Zhai Y, Jiang DN, Liu JY, Tian CX, Wu TL, Zhu CH, Deng SP, Li GL. Phoenixin: Expression at different ovarian development stages and effects on genes ralated to reproduction in spotted scat, Scatophagus argus. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 228:17-25. [PMID: 30423433 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Phoenixin (Pnx), a recently discovered neuropeptide, has been implicated in reproduction. Pnx mainly exists in two active isoforms, phoenixin-14 (Pnx-14) and phoenixin-20 (Pnx-20). However, little is known about the functions of Pnx in teleosts. To determine the roles of Pnx in the regulation of reproduction in Scatophagus argus, the physiological characterization of the Pnx was analyzed. During ovary development, the expression of pnx in phase IV was higher than in phase II and III in the hypothalamus. In the pituitary, pnx expression was highest in phase IV, moderate in phase III, and lowest in phase II. When hypothalamus and pituitary fragments were cultured in vitro with Pnx-14 and Pnx-20 (10 nM and 100 nM) for 6 h, the expression of GnRHR (gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor), lh (luteinizing hormone) and fsh (follicular stimulating hormone) in the pituitary increased significantly, except GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone) in the hypothalamus. Similarly, the expression of GnRHR, lh and fsh in the pituitary increased significantly after injecting S. argus with Pnx-14 and Pnx-20 (10 ng/g and 100 ng/g body weight (bw)), except GnRHR and fsh treated with 10 ng/gbw Pnx-20 in the pituitary and GnRHs in the hypothalamus. These results indicate that Pnx may not only stimulate the reproduction of the S. argus through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, but also directly through the pituitary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Wang
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Hua-Pu Chen
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yi Zhai
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Dong-Neng Jiang
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Jian-Ye Liu
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Chang-Xu Tian
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Tian-Li Wu
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Chun-Hua Zhu
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Si-Ping Deng
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| | - Guang-Li Li
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
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Constantin S, Wray S. Nociceptin/Orphanin-FQ Inhibits Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons via G-Protein-Gated Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channels. eNeuro 2018; 5:ENEURO.0161-18.2018. [PMID: 30627649 PMCID: PMC6325553 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0161-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a key feature of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Kisspeptin neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) trigger GnRH neuronal activity, but how GnRH neurons return to baseline electrical activity is unknown. Nociceptin/orphanin-FQ (OFQ) is an inhibitory neuromodulator. ARC proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, known to receive inputs from ARC kisspeptin neurons, contact GnRH neurons and coexpress OFQ in the rat. In the present study, the effect of OFQ(1-13) on GnRH neurons was determined in the mouse. We identified transcripts for the OFQ receptor [opioid receptor like 1 (ORL1)] in GnRH neurons, and, using two-model systems (explants and slices), we found that OFQ exerted a potent inhibition on GnRH neurons, with or without excitatory inputs. We confirmed that the inhibition was mediated by ORL1 via Gi/o-protein coupling. The inhibition, occurring independently of levels of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate, was sensitive to inwardly rectifying potassium channels. The only specific blocker of Gi/o-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels, tertiapin-Q (TPNQ), was ineffective in the inhibition of OFQ. Two GIRK activators, one sharing the binding site of TPNQ and one active only on GIRK1-containing GIRK channels, failed to trigger an inhibition. In contrast, protein kinase C phosphorylation activation, known to inhibit GIRK2-mediated currents, prevented the OFQ inhibition. These results indicate a specific combination of GIRK subunits, GIRK2/3 in GnRH neurons. In vivo, double-labeled OFQ/POMC fibers were found in the vicinity of GnRH neurons, and OFQ fibers apposed GnRH neurons. Together, this study brings to light a potent neuromodulator of GnRH neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Constantin
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-3703
| | - Susan Wray
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-3703
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SIRT1 mediates obesity- and nutrient-dependent perturbation of pubertal timing by epigenetically controlling Kiss1 expression. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4194. [PMID: 30305620 PMCID: PMC6179991 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06459-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Puberty is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms and is highly sensitive to metabolic and nutritional cues. However, the epigenetic pathways mediating the effects of nutrition and obesity on pubertal timing are unknown. Here, we identify Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a fuel-sensing deacetylase, as a molecule that restrains female puberty via epigenetic repression of the puberty-activating gene, Kiss1. SIRT1 is expressed in hypothalamic Kiss1 neurons and suppresses Kiss1 expression. SIRT1 interacts with the Polycomb silencing complex to decrease Kiss1 promoter activity. As puberty approaches, SIRT1 is evicted from the Kiss1 promoter facilitating a repressive-to-permissive switch in chromatin landscape. Early-onset overnutrition accelerates these changes, enhances Kiss1 expression and advances puberty. In contrast, undernutrition raises SIRT1 levels, protracts Kiss1 repression and delays puberty. This delay is mimicked by central pharmacological activation of SIRT1 or SIRT1 overexpression, achieved via transgenesis or virogenetic targeting to the ARC. Our results identify SIRT1-mediated inhibition of Kiss1 as key epigenetic mechanism by which nutritional cues and obesity influence mammalian puberty. The onset of mammalian puberty is sensitive to metabolic changes and nutritional status, but the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are poorly understood. Here the authors show that the epigenetic regulator of transcription, SIRT1, mediates the effects of under and overnutrition on pubertal timing by controlling the expression of Kiss1 in hypothalamic neurons.
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Estradiol Drives the Anorexigenic Activity of Proopiomelanocortin Neurons in Female Mice. eNeuro 2018; 5:eN-NWR-0103-18. [PMID: 30310864 PMCID: PMC6179576 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0103-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Energy balance is regulated by anorexigenic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and orexigenic neuropeptide Y/agouti-related peptide (NPY/AgRP) neurons of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. POMC neurons make extensive projections and are thought to release both amino acid and peptide neurotransmitters. However, whether they communicate directly with NPY/AgRP neurons is debated. Initially, using single-cell RT-PCR, we determined that mouse POMCeGFP neurons express Slc17a6 (Vglut2) and Slc18a2 (Vmat2), but not Slc31a1 (Vgat) mRNA, suggesting glutamate and non-canonical GABA release. Quantitative (q)RT-PCR of POMCeGFP cells revealed that Vglut2 and Vmat2 expression was significantly increased in E2- versus oil-treated, ovariectomized (OVX) female mice. Since 17β-estradiol (E2) is anorexigenic, we hypothesized that an underlying mechanism is enhancement of POMC signaling. Therefore, we optogenetically stimulated POMC neurons in hypothalamic slices to examine evoked release of neurotransmitters onto NPY/AgRP neurons. Using brief light pulses, we primarily observed glutamatergic currents and, based on the paired pulse ratio (PPR), determined that release probability was higher in E2- versus oil-treated, OVX female, congruent with increased Vlgut2 expression. Moreover, bath perfusion of the Gq-coupled membrane estrogen receptor (ER) agonist STX recapitulated the effects of E2 treatment. In addition, high-frequency (20 Hz) stimulation generated a slow outward current that reversed near Ek+ and was antagonized by naloxone, indicative of β-endorphin release. Furthermore, individual NPY/AgRP neurons were found to express Oprm1, the transcript for μ-opioid receptor, and DAMGO, a selective agonist, elicited an outward current. Therefore, POMC excitability and neurotransmission are enhanced by E2, which would facilitate decreased food consumption through marked inhibition of NPY/AgRP neurons.
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Kelly MJ, Qiu J, Rønnekleiv OK. TRPCing around the hypothalamus. Front Neuroendocrinol 2018; 51:116-124. [PMID: 29859883 PMCID: PMC6175656 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
All of the canonical transient receptor potential channels (TRPC) with the exception of TRPC 2 are expressed in hypothalamic neurons and are involved in multiple homeostatic functions. Although the metabotropic glutamate receptors have been shown to be coupled to TRPC channel activation in cortical and sub-cortical brain regions, in the hypothalamus multiple amine and peptidergic G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and growth factor/cytokine receptors are linked to activation of TRPC channels that are vital for reproduction, temperature regulation, arousal and energy homeostasis. In addition to the neurotransmitters, circulating hormones like insulin and leptin through their cognate receptors activate TRPC channels in POMC neurons. Many of the post-synaptic effects of the neurotransmitters and hormones are regulated in different physiological states by expression of TRPC channels in the post-synaptic neurons. Therefore, TRPC channels are key targets not only for neurotransmitters but circulating hormones in their vital role to control multiple hypothalamic functions, which is the focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin J Kelly
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA.
| | - Jian Qiu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Oline K Rønnekleiv
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA
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Qiu J, Rivera HM, Bosch MA, Padilla SL, Stincic TL, Palmiter RD, Kelly MJ, Rønnekleiv OK. Estrogenic-dependent glutamatergic neurotransmission from kisspeptin neurons governs feeding circuits in females. eLife 2018; 7:e35656. [PMID: 30079889 PMCID: PMC6103748 DOI: 10.7554/elife.35656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptides tachykinin2 (Tac2) and kisspeptin (Kiss1) in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus Kiss1 (Kiss1ARH) neurons are essential for pulsatile release of GnRH and reproduction. Since 17β-estradiol (E2) decreases Kiss1 and Tac2 mRNA expression in Kiss1ARH neurons, the role of Kiss1ARH neurons during E2-driven anorexigenic states and their coordination of POMC and NPY/AgRP feeding circuits have been largely ignored. Presently, we show that E2 augmented the excitability of Kiss1ARH neurons by amplifying Cacna1g, Hcn1 and Hcn2 mRNA expression and T-type calcium and h-currents. E2 increased Slc17a6 mRNA expression and glutamatergic synaptic input to arcuate neurons, which excited POMC and inhibited NPY/AgRP neurons via metabotropic receptors. Deleting Slc17a6 in Kiss1 neurons eliminated glutamate release and led to conditioned place preference for sucrose in E2-treated KO female mice. Therefore, the E2-driven increase in Kiss1 neuronal excitability and glutamate neurotransmission may play a key role in governing the motivational drive for palatable food in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Qiu
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyOregon Health and Science UniversityPortlandUnited States
| | - Heidi M Rivera
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyOregon Health and Science UniversityPortlandUnited States
| | - Martha A Bosch
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyOregon Health and Science UniversityPortlandUnited States
| | - Stephanie L Padilla
- Department of BiochemistryHoward Hughes Medical Institute, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Todd L Stincic
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyOregon Health and Science UniversityPortlandUnited States
| | - Richard D Palmiter
- Department of BiochemistryHoward Hughes Medical Institute, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Martin J Kelly
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyOregon Health and Science UniversityPortlandUnited States
- Division of NeuroscienceOregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science UniversityBeavertonUnited States
| | - Oline K Rønnekleiv
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyOregon Health and Science UniversityPortlandUnited States
- Division of NeuroscienceOregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science UniversityBeavertonUnited States
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Burger LL, Vanacker C, Phumsatitpong C, Wagenmaker ER, Wang L, Olson DP, Moenter SM. Identification of Genes Enriched in GnRH Neurons by Translating Ribosome Affinity Purification and RNAseq in Mice. Endocrinology 2018; 159. [PMID: 29522155 PMCID: PMC6287592 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons are a nexus of fertility regulation. We used translating ribosome affinity purification coupled with RNA sequencing to examine messenger RNAs of GnRH neurons in adult intact and gonadectomized (GDX) male and female mice. GnRH neuron ribosomes were tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and GFP-labeled polysomes isolated by immunoprecipitation, producing one RNA fraction enhanced for GnRH neuron transcripts and one RNA fraction depleted. Complementary DNA libraries were created from each fraction and 50-base, paired-end sequencing done and differential expression (enhanced fraction/depleted fraction) determined with a threshold of >1.5- or <0.66-fold (false discovery rate P ≤ 0.05). A core of ∼840 genes was differentially expressed in GnRH neurons in all treatments, including enrichment for Gnrh1 (∼40-fold), and genes critical for GnRH neuron and/or gonadotrope development. In contrast, non-neuronal transcripts were not enriched or were de-enriched. Several epithelial markers were also enriched, consistent with the olfactory epithelial origins of GnRH neurons. Interestingly, many synaptic transmission pathways were de-enriched, in accordance with relatively low innervation of GnRH neurons. The most striking difference between intact and GDX mice of both sexes was a marked downregulation of genes associated with oxidative phosphorylation and upregulation of glucose transporters in GnRH neurons from GDX mice. This may suggest that GnRH neurons switch to an alternate fuel to increase adenosine triphosphate production in the absence of negative feedback when GnRH release is elevated. Knowledge of the GnRH neuron translatome and its regulation can guide functional studies and can be extended to disease states, such as polycystic ovary syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura L Burger
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann
Arbor, Michigan
| | - Charlotte Vanacker
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann
Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Elizabeth R Wagenmaker
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann
Arbor, Michigan
| | - Luhong Wang
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann
Arbor, Michigan
| | - David P Olson
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann
Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Suzanne M Moenter
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann
Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,
Michigan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,
Michigan
- Correspondence: Laura L. Burger, PhD, University of Michigan, 7725 Med Sci II, 1137 E. Catherine
Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-5622. E-mail:
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Krumm EA, Patel VJ, Tillery TS, Yasrebi A, Shen J, Guo GL, Marco SM, Buckley BT, Roepke TA. Organophosphate Flame-Retardants Alter Adult Mouse Homeostasis and Gene Expression in a Sex-Dependent Manner Potentially Through Interactions With ERα. Toxicol Sci 2018; 162:212-224. [PMID: 29112739 PMCID: PMC6735580 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Flame retardants (FRs) such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers and organophosphate FR (OPFR) persist in the environment and interact with multiple nuclear receptors involved in homeostasis, including estrogen receptors (ERs). However, little is known about the effects of FR, especially OPFR, on mammalian neuroendocrine functions. Therefore, we investigated if exposure to FR alters hypothalamic gene expression and whole-animal physiology in adult wild-type (WT) and ERα KO mice. Intact WT and KO males and ovariectomized WT and KO females were orally dosed daily with vehicle (oil), 17α-ethynylestradiol (2.5 μg/kg), 2,2', 4,4-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47, 1 or 10 mg/kg), or an OPFR mixture {1 or 10 mg/kg of tris(1, 3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate, triphenyl phosphate, and tricresyl phosphate each} for 28 days. Body weight, food intake, body composition, glucose and insulin tolerance, plasma hormone levels, and hypothalamic and liver gene expression were measured. Expression of neuropeptides, receptors, and cation channels was differentially altered between WT males and females. OPFR suppressed body weight and energy intake in males. FR increased fasting glucose levels in males, and BDE-47 augmented glucose clearance in females. Liver gene expression indicated FXR activation by BDE-47 and PXR and CAR activation by OPFR. In males, OPFR increased ghrelin but decreased leptin and insulin independent of body weight. The loss of ERα reduced the effects of both FR on hypothalamic and liver gene expression and plasma hormone levels. The physiological implications are that males are more sensitive than ovariectomized females to OPFR exposure and that these effects are mediated, in part, by ERα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Krumm
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental & Biological Sciences
- Graduate Program in Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Vipa J Patel
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental & Biological Sciences
| | - Taylor S Tillery
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental & Biological Sciences
| | - Ali Yasrebi
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental & Biological Sciences
- Graduate Program in Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Jianliang Shen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
| | - Grace L Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
| | | | - Brian T Buckley
- Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Troy A Roepke
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental & Biological Sciences
- Graduate Program in Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
- Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology
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Qiu J, Bosch MA, Meza C, Navarro UV, Nestor CC, Wagner EJ, Rønnekleiv OK, Kelly MJ. Estradiol Protects Proopiomelanocortin Neurons Against Insulin Resistance. Endocrinology 2018; 159:647-664. [PMID: 29165691 PMCID: PMC5774249 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Insulin resistance is at the core of the metabolic syndrome, and men exhibit a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome than women in early adult life, but this sex advantage diminishes sharply when women reach the postmenopausal state. Because 17β-estradiol (E2) augments the excitability of the anorexigenic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of E2 against insulin resistance in POMC neurons from diet-induced obese (DIO) female and male mice. The efficacy of insulin to activate canonical transient receptor potential 5 (TRPC5) channels and depolarize POMC neurons was significantly reduced in DIO male mice but not in DIO female mice. However, the insulin response in POMC neurons was abrogated in ovariectomized DIO females but restored with E2 replacement. E2 increased T-type calcium channel Cav3.1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and whole-cell currents but downregulated stromal-interaction molecule 1 mRNA, which rendered POMC neurons more excitable and responsive to insulin-mediated TRPC5 channel activation. Moreover, E2 prevented the increase in suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 mRNA expression with DIO as seen in DIO males. As proof of principle, insulin [intracerebroventricular injection into the third ventricle (ICV)] decreased food intake and increased metabolism in female but not male guinea pigs fed a high-fat diet. The uncoupling of the insulin receptor from its downstream effector system was corroborated by the reduced expression of phosphorylated protein kinase B in the arcuate nucleus of male but not female guinea pigs following insulin. Therefore, E2 protects female POMC neurons from insulin resistance by enhancing POMC neuronal excitability and the coupling of insulin receptor to TRPC5 channel activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Qiu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Martha A. Bosch
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Cecilia Meza
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766
| | - Uyen-Vy Navarro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Casey C Nestor
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Edward J. Wagner
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766
| | - Oline K. Rønnekleiv
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon 97006
| | - Martin J. Kelly
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon 97006
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Götz V, Qiao S, Beck A, Boehm U. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channel function in the reproductive axis. Cell Calcium 2017; 67:138-147. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Yang JA, Stires H, Belden WJ, Roepke TA. The Arcuate Estrogen-Regulated Transcriptome: Estrogen Response Element-Dependent and -Independent Signaling of ERα in Female Mice. Endocrinology 2017; 158:612-626. [PMID: 28359086 PMCID: PMC5460777 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
To influence energy homeostasis and reproduction, 17β-estradiol (E2) controls the arcuate nucleus (ARC) through multiple receptor-mediated mechanisms, but primarily via estrogen receptor (ER) α, which signals through both estrogen response element (ERE)-dependent and -independent mechanisms. To determine ERα-mediated, ERE-dependent, and ERE-independent E2 signaling in the ARC, we examined the differential regulation of the mouse arcuate transcriptome by E2 using three mice genotypes: (1) wild-type, (2) ERα knock-in/knockout (ERE-independent mechanisms), and (3) total ERα knockout (ERα-independent mechanisms). Females were ovariectomized and injected with oil or E2, and RNA sequencing on the ARC was used to identify E2-regulated genes in each genotype. Our results show that E2 regulates numerous genes involved in cell signaling, cytoskeleton structure, inflammation, neurotransmission, neuropeptide production, and transcription. Furthermore, ERE-independent signaling regulates ARC genes expressed in kisspeptin neurons and transcription factors that control the hypothalamic/pituitary/gonadal axis. Interestingly, a few genes involved in mitochondrial oxidative respiration were regulated by E2 through ERα-independent signaling. A comparison within oil- and E2-treated females across the three genotypes suggests that genes involved in cell growth and proliferation, extracellular matrices, neuropeptides, receptors, and transcription are differentially expressed across the genotypes. Comparing with previously published chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analysis, we found that ERE-independent regulation in the ARC is mainly mediated by tethering of ERα, which is consistent with previous findings. We conclude that the mouse arcuate estrogen-regulated transcriptome is regulated by multiple receptor-mediated mechanisms to modulate the central control of energy homeostasis and reproduction, including novel E2-responsive pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Yang
- Department of Animal Sciences and Program in Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Hillary Stires
- Department of Animal Sciences and Program in Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - William J Belden
- Department of Animal Sciences and Program in Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Troy A Roepke
- Department of Animal Sciences and Program in Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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Abstract
Mammalian reproductive function depends upon a neuroendocrine circuit that evokes the pulsatile release of gonadotropin hormones (luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone) from the pituitary. This reproductive circuit is sensitive to metabolic perturbations. When challenged with starvation, insufficient energy reserves attenuate gonadotropin release, leading to infertility. The reproductive neuroendocrine circuit is well established, composed of two populations of kisspeptin-expressing neurons (located in the anteroventral periventricular hypothalamus, Kiss1AVPV, and arcuate hypothalamus, Kiss1ARH), which drive the pulsatile activity of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. The reproductive axis is primarily regulated by gonadal steroid and circadian cues, but the starvation-sensitive input that inhibits this circuit during negative energy balance remains controversial. Agouti-related peptide (AgRP)-expressing neurons are activated during starvation and have been implicated in leptin-associated infertility. To test whether these neurons relay information to the reproductive circuit, we used AgRP-neuron ablation and optogenetics to explore connectivity in acute slice preparations. Stimulation of AgRP fibers revealed direct, inhibitory synaptic connections with Kiss1ARH and Kiss1AVPV neurons. In agreement with this finding, Kiss1ARH neurons received less presynaptic inhibition in the absence of AgRP neurons (neonatal toxin-induced ablation). To determine whether enhancing the activity of AgRP neurons is sufficient to attenuate fertility in vivo, we artificially activated them over a sustained period and monitored fertility. Chemogenetic activation with clozapine N-oxide resulted in delayed estrous cycles and decreased fertility. These findings are consistent with the idea that, during metabolic deficiency, AgRP signaling contributes to infertility by inhibiting Kiss1 neurons.
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45
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GLP-1R Signaling Directly Activates Arcuate Nucleus Kisspeptin Action in Brain Slices but Does not Rescue Luteinizing Hormone Inhibition in Ovariectomized Mice During Negative Energy Balance. eNeuro 2017; 4:eN-NWR-0198-16. [PMID: 28144621 PMCID: PMC5247618 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0198-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) are key components of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, as they regulate the basal pulsatile release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). ARC Kiss1 action is dependent on energy status, and unmasking metabolic factors responsible for modulating ARC Kiss1 neurons is of great importance. One possible factor is glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), an anorexigenic neuropeptide produced by brainstem preproglucagon neurons. Because GLP fiber projections and the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) are abundant in the ARC, we hypothesized that GLP-1R signaling could modulate ARC Kiss1 action. Using ovariectomized mice, we found that GLP-producing fibers come in close apposition with ARC Kiss1 neurons; these neurons also contain Glp1r mRNA. Electrophysiological recordings revealed that liraglutide (a long-acting GLP-1R agonist) increased action potential firing and caused a direct membrane depolarization of ARC Kiss1 cells in brain slices. We determined that brainstem preproglucagon mRNA is decreased after a 48-h fast in mice, a negative energy state in which ARC Kiss1 expression and downstream GnRH/luteinizing hormone (LH) release are potently suppressed. However, activation of GLP-1R signaling in fasted mice with liraglutide was not sufficient to prevent LH inhibition. Furthermore, chronic central infusions of the GLP-1R antagonist, exendin(9–39), in ad libitum–fed mice did not alter ARC Kiss1 mRNA or plasma LH. As a whole, these data identify a novel interaction of the GLP-1 system with ARC Kiss1 neurons but indicate that CNS GLP-1R signaling alone is not critical for the maintenance of LH during fasting or normal feeding.
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46
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Yang JA, Yasrebi A, Snyder M, Roepke TA. The interaction of fasting, caloric restriction, and diet-induced obesity with 17β-estradiol on the expression of KNDy neuropeptides and their receptors in the female mouse. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 437:35-50. [PMID: 27507595 PMCID: PMC5048571 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Arcuate neurons that coexpress kisspeptin (Kiss1), neurokinin B (Tac2), and dynorphin (Pdyn) mediate negative feedback of 17β-estradiol (E2) on the HPG axis. Previous studies report that fasting and caloric restriction reduce arcuate Kiss1 expression. The objective of this study was to determine the interactions of E2 with fasting, caloric restriction, and diet-induced obesity on KNDy gene and receptor expression. Ovariectomized female mice were separated into control and estradiol benzoate (E2B)-treated groups. E2B decreased Kiss1 and the tachykinin 2 receptor, Tac3r, in ARC tissue and Tac2 in Tac2 neurons. Diet-induced obesity decreased Kiss1 in oil-treated animals and the kisspeptin receptor, Kiss1r and Tac3r in the ARC of E2B-treated animals. Chronic caloric (30%) restriction reduced all three neuropeptides in oil-treated females and Kiss1r by E2B in CR animals. Taken together, our experiments suggest that steroidal environment and energy state negatively regulate KNDy gene expression in both ARC and Tac2 neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Yang
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States; Graduate Program in Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
| | - Ali Yasrebi
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
| | - Marisa Snyder
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
| | - Troy A Roepke
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States; Graduate Program in Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States; Graduate Program in Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States; New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States.
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47
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Vastagh C, Rodolosse A, Solymosi N, Liposits Z. Altered Expression of Genes Encoding Neurotransmitter Receptors in GnRH Neurons of Proestrous Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:230. [PMID: 27774052 PMCID: PMC5054603 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons play a key role in the central regulation of reproduction. In proestrous female mice, estradiol triggers the pre-ovulatory GnRH surge, however, its impact on the expression of neurotransmitter receptor genes in GnRH neurons has not been explored yet. We hypothesized that proestrus is accompanied by substantial changes in the expression profile of genes coding for neurotransmitter receptors in GnRH neurons. We compared the transcriptome of GnRH neurons obtained from intact, proestrous, and metestrous female GnRH-GFP transgenic mice, respectively. About 1500 individual GnRH neurons were sampled from both groups and their transcriptome was analyzed using microarray hybridization and real-time PCR. In this study, changes in mRNA expression of genes involved in neurotransmitter signaling were investigated. Differential gene expression was most apparent in GABA-ergic (Gabbr1, Gabra3, Gabrb3, Gabrb2, Gabrg2), glutamatergic (Gria1, Gria2, Grin1, Grin3a, Grm1, Slc17a6), cholinergic (Chrnb2, Chrm4) and dopaminergic (Drd3, Drd4), adrenergic (Adra1b, Adra2a, Adra2c), adenosinergic (Adora2a, Adora2b), glycinergic (Glra), purinergic (P2rx7), and serotonergic (Htr1b) receptors. In concert with these events, expression of genes in the signaling pathways downstream to the receptors, i.e., G-proteins (Gnai1, Gnai2, Gnas), adenylate-cyclases (Adcy3, Adcy5), protein kinase A (Prkaca, Prkacb) protein kinase C (Prkca) and certain transporters (Slc1a4, Slc17a6, Slc6a17) were also changed. The marked differences found in the expression of genes involved in neurotransmitter signaling of GnRH neurons at pro- and metestrous stages of the ovarian cycle indicate the differential contribution of these neurotransmitter systems to the induction of the pre-ovulatory GnRH surge, the known prerequisite of the subsequent hormonal cascade inducing ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csaba Vastagh
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of SciencesBudapest, Hungary
| | - Annie Rodolosse
- Functional Genomics Core, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)Barcelona, Spain
| | - Norbert Solymosi
- Department of Animal Hygiene, Herd-Health and Veterinary Ethology, University of Veterinary MedicineBudapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Liposits
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of SciencesBudapest, Hungary
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic UniversityBudapest, Hungary
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48
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Qiu J, Nestor CC, Zhang C, Padilla SL, Palmiter RD, Kelly MJ, Rønnekleiv OK. High-frequency stimulation-induced peptide release synchronizes arcuate kisspeptin neurons and excites GnRH neurons. eLife 2016; 5:e16246. [PMID: 27549338 PMCID: PMC4995096 DOI: 10.7554/elife.16246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin (Kiss1) and neurokinin B (NKB) neurocircuits are essential for pubertal development and fertility. Kisspeptin neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (Kiss1(ARH)) co-express Kiss1, NKB, dynorphin and glutamate and are postulated to provide an episodic, excitatory drive to gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 (GnRH) neurons, the synaptic mechanisms of which are unknown. We characterized the cellular basis for synchronized Kiss1(ARH) neuronal activity using optogenetics, whole-cell electrophysiology, molecular pharmacology and single cell RT-PCR in mice. High-frequency photostimulation of Kiss1(ARH) neurons evoked local release of excitatory (NKB) and inhibitory (dynorphin) neuropeptides, which were found to synchronize the Kiss1(ARH) neuronal firing. The light-evoked synchronous activity caused robust excitation of GnRH neurons by a synaptic mechanism that also involved glutamatergic input to preoptic Kiss1 neurons from Kiss1(ARH) neurons. We propose that Kiss1(ARH) neurons play a dual role of driving episodic secretion of GnRH through the differential release of peptide and amino acid neurotransmitters to coordinate reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Qiu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Casey C Nestor
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Chunguang Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Stephanie L Padilla
- Department of Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Richard D Palmiter
- Department of Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Martin J Kelly
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, United States
| | - Oline K Rønnekleiv
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, United States
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Padilla SL, Qiu J, Soden ME, Sanz E, Nestor CC, Barker FD, Quintana A, Zweifel LS, Rønnekleiv OK, Kelly MJ, Palmiter RD. Agouti-related peptide neural circuits mediate adaptive behaviors in the starved state. Nat Neurosci 2016; 19:734-741. [PMID: 27019015 PMCID: PMC4846501 DOI: 10.1038/nn.4274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In the face of starvation, animals will engage in high-risk behaviors that would normally be considered maladaptive. Starving rodents, for example, will forage in areas that are more susceptible to predators and will also modulate aggressive behavior within a territory of limited or depleted nutrients. The neural basis of these adaptive behaviors likely involves circuits that link innate feeding, aggression and fear. Hypothalamic agouti-related peptide (AgRP)-expressing neurons are critically important for driving feeding and project axons to brain regions implicated in aggression and fear. Using circuit-mapping techniques in mice, we define a disynaptic network originating from a subset of AgRP neurons that project to the medial nucleus of the amygdala and then to the principal bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, which suppresses territorial aggression and reduces contextual fear. We propose that AgRP neurons serve as a master switch capable of coordinating behavioral decisions relative to internal state and environmental cues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jian Qiu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Marta E. Soden
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Elisenda Sanz
- Institut de Neurociències and Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Casey C Nestor
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Forrest D. Barker
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Albert Quintana
- Institut de Neurociències and Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Larry S. Zweifel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Oline K. Rønnekleiv
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon
| | - Martin J. Kelly
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon
| | - Richard D. Palmiter
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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50
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Nestor CC, Qiu J, Padilla SL, Zhang C, Bosch MA, Fan W, Aicher SA, Palmiter RD, Rønnekleiv OK, Kelly MJ. Optogenetic Stimulation of Arcuate Nucleus Kiss1 Neurons Reveals a Steroid-Dependent Glutamatergic Input to POMC and AgRP Neurons in Male Mice. Mol Endocrinol 2016; 30:630-44. [PMID: 27093227 DOI: 10.1210/me.2016-1026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons are essential for reproduction, but their role in the control of energy balance and other homeostatic functions remains unclear. Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons, located in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus, integrate numerous excitatory and inhibitory inputs to ultimately regulate energy homeostasis. Given that POMC and AgRP neurons are contacted by Kiss1 neurons in the ARC (Kiss1(ARC)) and they express androgen receptors, Kiss1(ARC) neurons may mediate the orexigenic action of testosterone via POMC and/or AgRP neurons. Quantitative PCR analysis of pooled Kiss1(ARC) neurons revealed that mRNA levels for Kiss1 and vesicular glutamate transporter 2 were higher in castrated male mice compared with gonad-intact males. Single-cell RT-PCR analysis of yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) ARC neurons harvested from males injected with AAV1-EF1α-DIO-ChR2:YFP revealed that 100% and 88% expressed mRNAs for Kiss1 and vesicular glutamate transporter 2, respectively. Whole-cell, voltage-clamp recordings from nonfluorescent postsynaptic ARC neurons showed that low frequency photo-stimulation (0.5 Hz) of Kiss1-ChR2:YFP neurons elicited a fast glutamatergic inward current in POMC and AgRP neurons. Paired-pulse, photo-stimulation revealed paired-pulse depression, which is indicative of greater glutamate release, in the castrated male mice compared with gonad-intact male mice. Group I and group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists depolarized and hyperpolarized POMC and AgRP neurons, respectively, which was mimicked by high frequency photo-stimulation (20 Hz) of Kiss1(ARC) neurons. Therefore, POMC and AgRP neurons receive direct steroid- and frequency-dependent glutamatergic synaptic input from Kiss1(ARC) neurons in male mice, which may be a critical pathway for Kiss1 neurons to help coordinate energy homeostasis and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey C Nestor
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (C.CN., J.Q., C.Z., M.A.B., S.A.A., O.K.R., M.J.K.) and Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Knight Cardiovascular Institute (W.F.), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239; Division of Neuroscience (O.K.R., M.J.K.), Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon 97006; and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (S.L.P., R.D.P.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
| | - Jian Qiu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (C.CN., J.Q., C.Z., M.A.B., S.A.A., O.K.R., M.J.K.) and Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Knight Cardiovascular Institute (W.F.), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239; Division of Neuroscience (O.K.R., M.J.K.), Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon 97006; and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (S.L.P., R.D.P.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
| | - Stephanie L Padilla
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (C.CN., J.Q., C.Z., M.A.B., S.A.A., O.K.R., M.J.K.) and Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Knight Cardiovascular Institute (W.F.), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239; Division of Neuroscience (O.K.R., M.J.K.), Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon 97006; and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (S.L.P., R.D.P.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
| | - Chunguang Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (C.CN., J.Q., C.Z., M.A.B., S.A.A., O.K.R., M.J.K.) and Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Knight Cardiovascular Institute (W.F.), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239; Division of Neuroscience (O.K.R., M.J.K.), Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon 97006; and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (S.L.P., R.D.P.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
| | - Martha A Bosch
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (C.CN., J.Q., C.Z., M.A.B., S.A.A., O.K.R., M.J.K.) and Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Knight Cardiovascular Institute (W.F.), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239; Division of Neuroscience (O.K.R., M.J.K.), Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon 97006; and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (S.L.P., R.D.P.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
| | - Wei Fan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (C.CN., J.Q., C.Z., M.A.B., S.A.A., O.K.R., M.J.K.) and Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Knight Cardiovascular Institute (W.F.), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239; Division of Neuroscience (O.K.R., M.J.K.), Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon 97006; and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (S.L.P., R.D.P.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
| | - Sue A Aicher
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (C.CN., J.Q., C.Z., M.A.B., S.A.A., O.K.R., M.J.K.) and Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Knight Cardiovascular Institute (W.F.), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239; Division of Neuroscience (O.K.R., M.J.K.), Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon 97006; and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (S.L.P., R.D.P.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
| | - Richard D Palmiter
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (C.CN., J.Q., C.Z., M.A.B., S.A.A., O.K.R., M.J.K.) and Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Knight Cardiovascular Institute (W.F.), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239; Division of Neuroscience (O.K.R., M.J.K.), Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon 97006; and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (S.L.P., R.D.P.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
| | - Oline K Rønnekleiv
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (C.CN., J.Q., C.Z., M.A.B., S.A.A., O.K.R., M.J.K.) and Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Knight Cardiovascular Institute (W.F.), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239; Division of Neuroscience (O.K.R., M.J.K.), Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon 97006; and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (S.L.P., R.D.P.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
| | - Martin J Kelly
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (C.CN., J.Q., C.Z., M.A.B., S.A.A., O.K.R., M.J.K.) and Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Knight Cardiovascular Institute (W.F.), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239; Division of Neuroscience (O.K.R., M.J.K.), Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon 97006; and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (S.L.P., R.D.P.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
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