1
|
Majumdar G, Yadav G, Singh NS. Photoperiodic physiology of summer breeding birds and a search for the role of eye. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2024; 23:197-212. [PMID: 38038950 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-023-00505-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Photoperiod regulation of gonadal cycles is well studied and documented in both birds and mammals. Change in photoperiod is considered as the most effective and important cue to time the initiation of the annual physiological cycles in birds. Approaching of long days (as observed in summer months), signal long-day breeding birds to initiation reproduction and other related functions. Birds and other non-mammalian vertebrates use the extraocular photoreceptors which may be present in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) or associated regions to measure the photoperiodic time and so are different from mammals where only the eyes are lone photoreceptive organs. The downstream signaling involves thyroid responsive genes playing a crucial role in mediating photoperiodic signals in both birds and mammals. Role of eyes in the avian seasonal cycle has been a questionable issue with evidences both favoring and negating any role. We propose that morphological as well as physiological data argue that retinal photoreceptors can participate in gonadal cycle, at least in the quail and duck. The present review details the studies of photoneuroendocrine control of gonadal axis in birds and review evidences to decipher the role eyes in photoperiodic mediated physiologies in birds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Majumdar
- Department of Zoology, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, 211002, India
| | - Garima Yadav
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, 211002, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sharma A, Sur S, Tripathi V, Kumar V. Genetic Control of Avian Migration: Insights from Studies in Latitudinal Passerine Migrants. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1191. [PMID: 37372370 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Twice-a-year, large-scale movement of billions of birds across latitudinal gradients is one of the most fascinating behavioral phenomena seen among animals. These seasonal voyages in autumn southwards and in spring northwards occur within a discrete time window and, as part of an overall annual itinerary, involve close interaction of the endogenous rhythm at several levels with prevailing photoperiod and temperature. The overall success of seasonal migrations thus depends on their close coupling with the other annual sub-cycles, namely those of the breeding, post-breeding recovery, molt and non-migratory periods. There are striking alterations in the daily behavior and physiology with the onset and end of the migratory period, as shown by the phase inversions in behavioral (a diurnal passerine bird becomes nocturnal and flies at night) and neural activities. Interestingly, there are also differences in the behavior, physiology and regulatory strategies between autumn and spring (vernal) migrations. Concurrent molecular changes occur in regulatory (brain) and metabolic (liver, flight muscle) tissues, as shown in the expression of genes particularly associated with 24 h timekeeping, fat accumulation and the overall metabolism. Here, we present insights into the genetic basis of migratory behavior based on studies using both candidate and global gene expression approaches in passerine migrants, with special reference to Palearctic-Indian migratory blackheaded and redheaded buntings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aakansha Sharma
- IndoUS Center in Chronobiology, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, India
| | - Sayantan Sur
- IndoUS Center in Chronobiology, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, India
| | - Vatsala Tripathi
- Department of Zoology, Dyal Singh College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110003, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- IndoUS Center in Chronobiology, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tiwari J, Sur S, Naseem A, Rani S, Malik S. Photoperiodic modulation of melatonin receptor and immune genes in migratory redheaded bunting. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2023; 279:111381. [PMID: 36724811 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.111381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The transcriptional regulation of innate immune function across annual life history states (LHS) remains obscure in avian migrants. We, therefore, investigated this in a migratory passerine songbird, redheaded bunting (Emberiza bruniceps), which exhibits long-distance vernal migration from India to Central Asia. We exposed the birds (N = 10) to differential photoperiodic conditions to induce a non-migratory (NM), pre-migratory (PM), migratory (MIG), and refractory (REF) state, and performed gene expression assays of melatonin receptors (MEL1A and MEL1B), and innate immunity-linked genes (IL1B, IL6, TLR4, and NFKB) in spleen and blood. We found a significant reduction in splenic mass and volume, and a parallel increase in fat accumulation, and testicular growth in birds under migratory state. The gene expression assay revealed an upregulation of MEL1A and MEL1B mRNA levels in both the tissues in MIG. Additionally, we found a nocturnal increase of splenic IL1B expression, and IL1B, IL6, and TLR4 expression in the blood. The mRNA expression of melatonin receptors and proinflammatory cytokine showed a positive correlation. These results suggest that melatonin relays the photoperiodic signal to peripheral immune organs, which shows LHS-dependent changes in mRNA expression of immune genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Tiwari
- Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226007, India. https://twitter.com/JyotiTiwari2711
| | - Sayantan Sur
- Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226007, India. https://twitter.com/sayantansur008
| | - Asma Naseem
- Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226007, India
| | - Sangeeta Rani
- Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226007, India
| | - Shalie Malik
- Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226007, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Karthikeyan R, Davies WI, Gunhaga L. Non-image-forming functional roles of OPN3, OPN4 and OPN5 photopigments. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpap.2023.100177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
|
5
|
Prabhat A, Buniyaadi A, Bhardwaj SK, Kumar V. Differential effects of continuous and intermittent daytime food deprivation periods on metabolism and reproductive performance in diurnal zebra finches. Horm Behav 2023; 152:105353. [PMID: 37003095 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
We investigated whether food availability effects on metabolism and reproduction are the result of the sum effect of daily feeding (food availability) and starvation (food deprivation) periods. Adult zebra finches were paired and subjected to a time-restricted feeding (TRF) regimen consisting of continuous and intermittent daytime food deprivation periods. Birds were given food during the 12-h day for a total of 4-h in the evening (1 *4-h, hour 8-12), or in 2 splits of 2 h each (2 * 2-h) or 4 splits 1 h each (4 * 1-h), with controls on food ad libitum, until they had the first egg clutch. TRF caused significant changes in hepatic expression of metabolism-associated sirt1, egr1, pparα and foxo1 genes despite no difference in the food intake, body mass and blood glucose levels. Importantly, TRF resulted in a significant reduction in plasma testosterone and estradiol levels, delayed nest-building and egg laying, and reduced clutch size. Concurrently, under TRF regimes, we found a significantly lower expression of th and mtr genes linked with motivation and affiliation (but not of dio2, dio3, gnrh1 and gnih genes linked with gonadal maturation) in the hypothalamus, and of star and hook 1 genes in the testes and star, cyp19 and erα genes in the ovary. These results demonstrate the importance of daily food deprivation times on the metabolism and reproduction, and suggest a possible provisioning of energy available from daily feeding for the maintenance of body condition at the expense of reproduction performance in diurnal animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhilash Prabhat
- IndoUS Center in Chronobiology, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| | - Amaan Buniyaadi
- IndoUS Center in Chronobiology, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| | | | - Vinod Kumar
- IndoUS Center in Chronobiology, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liddle TA, Stevenson TJ, Majumdar G. Photoperiodic regulation of avian physiology: From external coincidence to seasonal reproduction. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 337:890-901. [PMID: 35535960 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal cycles of environmental cues generate variation in the timing of life-history transition events across taxa. It is through the entrainment of internal, endogenous rhythms of organisms to these external, exogenous rhythms in environment, such as cycling temperature and daylight, by which organisms can regulate and time life history transitions. Here, we review the current understanding of how photoperiod both stimulates and terminates seasonal reproduction in birds. The review describes the role of external coincidence timing, the process by which photoperiod is proposed to stimulate reproductive development. Then, the molecular basis of light detection and the photoperiodic regulation of neuroendocrine timing of seasonal reproduction in birds is presented. Current data indicates that vertebrate ancient opsin is the predominant photoreceptor for light detection by the hypothalamus, compared to neuropsin and rhodopsin. The review then connects light detection to well-characterized hypothalamic and pituitary gland molecules involved in the photoperiodic regulation of reproduction. In birds, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone synthesis and release are controlled by photoperiodic cues via thyrotropin-stimulating hormone-β (TSHβ) independent and dependent pathways, respectively. The review then highlights the role of D-box and E-box binding motifs in the promoter regions of photoperiodic genes, in particular Eyes-absent 3, as the key link between circadian clock function and photoperiodic time measurement. Based on the available evidence, the review proposes that at least two molecular programs form the basis for external coincidence timing in birds: photoperiodic responsiveness by TSHβ pathways and endogenous internal timing by gonadotropin synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Adam Liddle
- Laboratory of Seasonal Biology, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Tyler John Stevenson
- Laboratory of Seasonal Biology, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gaurav Majumdar
- Laboratory of Seasonal Biology, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pan JQ, Liufu S, Sun JF, Chen WJ, Ouyang HJ, Shen X, Jiang DL, Xu DN, Tian YB, He JH, Huang YM. Long-day photoperiods affect expression of OPN5 and the TSH-DIO2/DIO3 pathway in Magang goose ganders. Poult Sci 2022; 101:102024. [PMID: 35986948 PMCID: PMC9405101 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Qiu Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510225, China
| | - Sui Liufu
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510225, China
| | - Jun-Feng Sun
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510225, China
| | - Wen-Jun Chen
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510225, China
| | - Hong-Jia Ouyang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510225, China
| | - Xu Shen
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510225, China
| | - Dan-Li Jiang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510225, China
| | - Dan-Ning Xu
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510225, China
| | - Yun-Bo Tian
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510225, China
| | - Jian-Hua He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Yun-Mao Huang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510225, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Stevenson TJ, Liddle TA, Stewart C, Marshall CJ, Majumdar G. Neural programming of seasonal physiology in birds and mammals: A modular perspective. Horm Behav 2022; 142:105153. [PMID: 35325691 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Most animals in the temperate zone exhibit robust seasonal rhythms in neuroendocrine, physiological and behavioral processes. The integration of predictive and supplementary environmental cues (e.g., nutrients) involves a series of discrete, and interconnected brain regions that span hypothalamic, thalamic, mesencephalic, and limbic regions. Species-specific adaptive changes in these neuroendocrine structures and cellular plasticity have likely evolved to support seasonal life-history transitions. Despite significant advances in our understanding of ecological responses to predictive and supplementary environmental cues, there remains a paucity of literature on how these diverse cues impact the underlying neural and cellular substrates. To date, most scientific approach has focused on neuroendocrine responses to annual changes in daylength, referred to as photoperiod, due to the robust physiological changes to light manipulations in laboratory settings. In this review, we highlight the relatively few animal models that have been effectively used to investigate how predictive day lengths, and supplementary cues are integrated across hypothalamic nuclei, and discuss key findings of how seasonal rhythms in physiology are governed by adaptive neuroendocrine changes. We discuss how specific brain regions integrate environmental cues to form a complex multiunit or 'modular' system that has evolved to optimize the timing of seasonal physiology. Overall, the review aims to highlight the existence of a modular network of neural regions that independently contribute to timing seasonal physiology. This paper proposes that a multi-modular neuroendocrine system has evolved in which independent neural 'units' operate to support species-specific seasonal rhythms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J Stevenson
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom.
| | - Timothy A Liddle
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Calum Stewart
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J Marshall
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Gaurav Majumdar
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Molecular and epigenetic regulation of seasonal reproduction in Terai tree frog (Polypedates teraiensis). Photochem Photobiol Sci 2022; 21:1067-1076. [PMID: 35262895 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-022-00195-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal breeders predominantly use photoperiod as the predictable environmental cue to time their reproduction. Terai tree frogs are long-day seasonal breeders, but the molecular mechanism is unknown. We tested the role of different photoperiodic conditions on expression levels of candidate genes involved in seasonal reproduction and epigenetic regulation. Four experiments were performed. In experiment 1, frogs were exposed to long (LD: 16L:8D) or short photoperiod (SD: 8L:16D). In experiment 2, animals were procured at four different phases of breeding, i.e., during April (emergence just after hibernation), June (breeding phase), August (post-breeding), and October (just before hibernation). In experiments 3 and 4, frogs were exposed to equinox photoperiod but different (10, 100, or 500 lx) light intensities (exp. 3) or wavelength (red: 640 nm, green: 540 nm, blue: 450 nm or white; exp. 4). After 2 weeks, animals were euthanized, and their brain was harvested. mRNA levels of transcripts involved in photoperiodic transduction (Eya3 and Opn5), reproduction (Tshß, GnRH, Dio2, and Dio3), and epigenetics regulation (Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Hdac1, Hdac3, and Tet2) were measured. Results show that LD promotes the upregulation of Eya3, Opn5, Tshß, GnRH, and Dio2. Differential expression of Opn5 during LD and SD suggests its involvement in light perception. Dio3 levels were upregulated in SD (exp.1) and during the post-breeding phase (exp. 2). These results employ the limited role of light intensity and spectrum in reproduction. This is the first study showing molecular machinery involved in the amphibian system's seasonal reproduction and epigenetic regulation.
Collapse
|
10
|
Winters TJ, Martin S, Anderson H, Procter ND, Lutterschmidt DI. Role of melatonin in temperature-induced activation of the neuroendocrine reproductive axis in garter snakes. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2022; 97:167-183. [PMID: 35220307 DOI: 10.1159/000523788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
An animal's ability to respond optimally to changing environmental conditions is paramount to successfully reproducing and thus maximizing fitness. Studies on photoperiod-induced changes in neural thyroid hormone metabolism have conclusively linked environmental cues to the neuroendocrine reproductive axis of birds and mammals. Whether this conserved mechanism also transduces changes in environmental temperature, however, has not been fully addressed. We investigated whether the hormone melatonin mediates the effects of low temperature winter dormancy on thyroid hormone metabolism within the hypothalamus of red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis). To address this question, we used immunohistochemistry to assess changes in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the infundibulum of the pituitary and deiodinase 3 (Dio3) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the hypothalamus. We also asked if changes in TSH, Dio3, and/or GnRH immunoreactivity are associated with changes in male courtship behavior. In contrast to our predictions, 6 weeks of low-temperature dormancy at 4°C significantly decreased TSH-labeled cell number in the infundibulum; it is possible that an initial decrease in TSH is related to the release of snakes from temperature refractoriness. Treatment of snakes with the melatonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan during dormancy at 4°C both reversed the temperature-induced change in TSH-immunoreactivity and disrupted the temporal pattern of male courtship behavior. These results suggest that TSH cells within the infundibulum are both modulated by temperature and sensitive to changes in melatonin. As predicted, male snakes hibernated at an elevated temperature of 12°C for 6 weeks and treated with vehicle showed no change in TSH-, Dio3-, or GnRH-immunoreactive cell number. Treatment of snakes with the melatonin receptor antagonist luzindole was not sufficient in rescuing the effects of dormancy at 12°C on TSH immunoreactivity or courtship behavior. However, luzindole-treated snakes showed a significant increase in GnRH- immunoreactive cell number, suggesting that melatonin exerts an inhibitory effect on GnRH in garter snakes. In summary, our results provide critical insights into the mechanisms that mediate the effects of temperature on reproductive physiology and behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Treven J Winters
- Department of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Stephanie Martin
- Department of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Holden Anderson
- Department of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Nichole D Procter
- Department of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pérez JH, Krause JS, Bishop VR, Reid AMA, Sia M, Wingfield JC, Meddle SL. Seasonal differences in hypothalamic thyroid-stimulating hormone β, gonadotropin-releasing hormone-I and deiodinase expression between migrant and resident subspecies of white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys). J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e13032. [PMID: 34463408 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Across taxa, the seasonal transition between non-breeding and breeding states is controlled by localised thyroid hormone signalling in the deep brain via reciprocal switching of deiodinase enzyme expression from type 3 (DIO3) to type 2 (DIO2). This reciprocal switch is considered to be mediated by increasing thyroid-stimulating hormone β (TSHβ) release from the pars tuberalis, which occurs in response to a change in photoperiod. Although well characterised in a handful of model organisms in controlled laboratory settings, this pathway remains largely unexplored in free-living animals under natural environmental conditions. In this comparative gene expression study, we investigated hypothalamic thyroid hormone signalling in two seasonally breeding subspecies of white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys), across the entirety of their annual cycles. The migratory Gambel's (Z. l. gambelii) and resident Nuttall's (Z. l. nuttalii) subspecies differ with respect to timing of reproduction, as well as life history stage and migratory strategies. Although DIO3 mRNA expression was elevated and DIO2 mRNA expression was reduced in the wintering period in both subspecies, DIO2 peaked in both subspecies prior to the onset of reproduction. However, there was differential timing between subspecies in peak DIO2 expression. Intriguingly, seasonal modulation of TSHβ mRNA was only observed in migrants, where expression was elevated at the start of breeding, consistent with observations from other highly photoperiodic species. There was no correlation between TSHβ, DIO2 and gonadotropin-releasing hormone-I mRNA or reproductive metrics in residents. Based on these observed differences, we discuss potential implications for our understanding of how changes in medial basal hypothalamic gene expression mediates initiation of seasonal reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan H Pérez
- Department of Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behaviour, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Jesse S Krause
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behaviour, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Valerie R Bishop
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Angus M A Reid
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Michael Sia
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - John C Wingfield
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behaviour, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Simone L Meddle
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Photoperiodically driven transcriptome-wide changes in the hypothalamus reveal transcriptional differences between physiologically contrasting seasonal life-history states in migratory songbirds. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12823. [PMID: 34140553 PMCID: PMC8211672 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91951-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated time course of photoperiodically driven transcriptional responses in physiologically contrasting seasonal life-history states in migratory blackheaded buntings. Birds exhibiting unstimulated winter phenotype (photosensitive state; responsive to photostimulation) under 6-h short days, and regressed summer phenotype (photorefractory state; unresponsiveness to photostimulation) under 16-h long days, were released into an extended light period up to 22 h of the day. Increased tshβ and dio2, and decreased dio3 mRNA levels in hypothalamus, and low prdx4 and high il1β mRNA levels in blood confirmed photoperiodic induction by hour 18 in photosensitive birds. Further, at hours 10, 14, 18 and 22 of light exposure, the comparison of hypothalamus RNA-Seq results revealed transcriptional differences within and between states. Particularly, we found reduced expression at hour 14 of transthyretin and proopiomelanocortin receptor, and increased expression at hour 18 of apolipoprotein A1 and carbon metabolism related genes in the photosensitive state. Similarly, valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation pathway genes and superoxide dismutase 1 were upregulated, and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript and gastrin-releasing peptide were downregulated in the photosensitive state. These results show life-history-dependent activation of hypothalamic molecular pathways involved in initiation and maintenance of key biological processes as early as on the first long day.
Collapse
|
13
|
Sur S, Sharma A, Malik I, Bhardwaj SK, Kumar V. Daytime light spectrum affects photoperiodic induction of vernal response in obligate spring migrants. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2021; 259:111017. [PMID: 34126231 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.111017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
It is not well understood how the spectral composition (wavelength) of daylight that varies considerably during the day and seasons affects photoperiodic responses in a seasonal species. Here, we investigated the molecular underpinnings of wavelength-dependent photoperiodic induction in migratory redheaded buntings transferred to 13 h long days in neutral (white), 460 nm (blue), 500 nm (green) or 620 nm (red) wavelength that were compared with one another, and to short day controls for indices of the migratory (body fattening and weight gain, and Zugunruhe) and reproductive (testicular maturation) responses. Buntings showed wavelength-dependent photoperiodic response, with delayed Zugunruhe and slower testis maturation under 620 nm red light. Post-mortem comparison of gene expressions further revealed wavelength-dependence of the photoperiodic molecular response. Whereas there were higher retinal expressions of opn2 (rhodopsin) and opn5 (neuropsin) genes in red daylight, and of rhodopsin-like opsin (rh2) gene in green daylight, the hypothalamic opn2 mRNA levels were higher in blue daylight. Similarly, we found in birds under blue daylight an increased hypothalamic expression of genes involved in the photoperiodic induction (thyroid stimulating hormone subunit beta, tshb; eye absent 3, eya3; deiodinase type 2, dio2) and associated neural responses such as the calcium signaling (ATPase sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ transporting 2, atp2a2), dopamine biosynthesis (tyrosine hydroxylase, th) and neurogenesis (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, bdnf). These results demonstrate transcriptional changes in parallel to responses associated with migration and reproduction in buntings, and suggest a role of daylight spectrum in photoperiodic induction of the vernal response in obligate spring avian migrants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sayantan Sur
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Aakansha Sharma
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Indu Malik
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | | | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sharma A, Singh D, Gupta P, Bhardwaj SK, Kaur I, Kumar V. Molecular changes associated with migratory departure from wintering areas in obligate songbird migrants. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:269085. [PMID: 34105726 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.242153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Day length regulates the development of spring migratory and subsequent reproductive phenotypes in avian migrants. This study used molecular approaches, and compared mRNA and proteome-wide expression in captive redheaded buntings that were photostimulated under long-day (LD) conditions for 4 days (early stimulated, LD-eS) or for ∼3 weeks until each bird had shown 4 successive nights of Zugunruhe (stimulated, LD-S); controls were maintained under short days. After ∼3 weeks of LD, photostimulated indices of the migratory preparedness (fattening, weight gain and Zugunruhe) were paralleled with upregulated expression of acc, dgat2 and apoa1 genes in the liver, and of cd36, fabp3 and cpt1 genes in the flight muscle, suggesting enhanced fatty acid (FA) synthesis and transport in the LD-S state. Concurrently, elevated expression of genes involved in the calcium ion signalling and transport (camk1 and atp2a2; camk2a in LD-eS), cellular stress (hspa8 and sod1, not nos2) and metabolic pathways (apoa1 and sirt1), but not of genes associated with migratory behaviour (adcyap1 and vps13a), were found in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH). Further, MBH-specific quantitative proteomics revealed that out of 503 annotated proteins, 28 were differentially expressed (LD-eS versus LD-S: 21 up-regulated and 7 down-regulated) and they enriched five physiological pathways that are associated with FA transport and metabolism. These first comprehensive results on gene and protein expression suggest that changes in molecular correlates of FA transport and metabolism may aid the decision for migratory departure from wintering areas in obligate songbird migrants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aakansha Sharma
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| | - Devraj Singh
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| | - Priya Gupta
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, Delhi 110 067, India
| | | | - Inderjeet Kaur
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, Delhi 110 067, India.,Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh, Haryana 123031, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Renthlei Z, Hmar L, Kumar Trivedi A. High temperature attenuates testicular responses in tree sparrow (Passer montanus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 301:113654. [PMID: 33129830 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The majority of birds use environmental cues to time their reproduction. Photoperiod is the most dominant cue, but other environmental factors may play a critical role in successful reproduction. Some previous studies show the effect of temperature on the timing of nest building and reproduction. Here we tested if the temperature can modulate the reproductive responses of tree sparrows. Three experiments were performed on adult male birds. In experiment 1, birds (n = 5/group) were exposed to either high (30 ± 2 °C) or low temperature (20 ± 2 °C). Change in body mass, bill color, and testes volume was recorded every 30 days. In experiment 2, a similar temperature protocol was followed, but birds were euthanized after 30 days. In experiment 3, birds were first exposed to SD (8L:16D) for 30 days but either with high (30 ± 2 °C) or low temperature (20 ± 2 °C). After 30 days, birds were exposed to LD (14L:10D), but half of the high-temperature birds were moved to low temperature, and half of the low-temperature birds were moved to high temperature. After 30 days, all birds were euthanized. In experiment 2 and 3 immediately after euthanization birds, blood samples were collected, serum was used for hormone assay. mRNA levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone-β (Tshβ), type 2 deiodinase (Dio2), type 3 deiodinase (Dio3), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH) were measured in hypothalamic tissue. Results from experiment 1 show that high temperature attenuates the testicular responses and accelerates the timing of regression. Experiment 2 shows that on day 30, testicular responses are similar, but reproductive genes express differentially in two groups. Experiment 3 shows that exposure to high temperatures during the photosensitive stage affects the testicular response at the poststimulatory state. Together, these findings suggest that high temperature modulates reproductive responses of tree sparrow.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lalruatthara Hmar
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, 976004, India
| | - Amit Kumar Trivedi
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, 976004, India.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sur S, Chaturvedi K, Sharma A, Malik S, Rani S, Kumar V. Ambient temperature affects multiple drivers of physiology and behaviour: adaptation for timely departure of obligate spring migrants. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb236109. [PMID: 33161378 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.236109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the role of ambient temperature in departure from wintering areas of migratory black-headed buntings in spring. Birds transferred at 22 and 35°C to long days were compared with one another and with controls held on short days for indices of readiness to migrate (Zugunruhe, fattening, mass gain), levels of testosterone and gonadal recrudescence. Temperature affected the development of migratory behaviour and physiology: buntings under long days at 35°C, compared with those at 22°C, showed altered migratory behaviour (daily activity and Zugunruhe onset), and enhanced muscle growth and plasma testosterone levels, but showed no effect on testis growth. Temperature was perceived at both peripheral and central levels, and affected multiple molecular drivers culminating into the migratory phenotype. This was evidenced by post-mortem comparison of the expression of 13 genes with known functions in the skin (temperature-sensitive TRP channels: trpv4 and trpm8), hypothalamus and/or midbrain (migration-linked genes: th, ddc, adcyap1 and vps13a) and flight muscles (muscle growth associated genes: ar, srd5a3, pvalb, mtor, myod, mstn and hif1a). In photostimulated birds, the expression of trpv4 in skin, th in the hypothalamus and midbrain, and srd5a3, ar, pvalb and mtor in flight muscle, in parallel with testosterone levels, was greater at 35°C than at 22°C. These results demonstrate the role of ambient temperature in development of the spring migration phenotype, and suggest that transcriptional responsiveness to temperature is a component of the overall adaptive strategy in latitudinal songbird migrants for timely departure from wintering areas in spring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sayantan Sur
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | | | - Aakansha Sharma
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Shalie Malik
- Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, 226007, India
| | - Sangeeta Rani
- Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, 226007, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhao W, Yuan T, Fu Y, Niu D, Chen W, Chen L, Lu L. Seasonal differences in the transcriptome profile of the Zhedong white goose (Anser cygnoides) pituitary gland. Poult Sci 2020; 100:1154-1166. [PMID: 33518074 PMCID: PMC7858147 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.10.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In animals, the adaptation to breed at the time of greatest survival of the young is known as seasonal reproduction. This is mainly controlled by the photoperiod, which stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and starts the breeding season. Herein, we have determined the seasonal changes in gene expression patterns of Zhedong white geese pituitary glands under a natural photoperiodism, conducted at autumn equinox (AE), winter solstice (WS), spring equinox (SE), and summer solstice (SS). Pairwise comparisons of WS vs. AE, SE vs. WS, SS vs. SE, and AE vs. SS resulted in 1,139, 33, 704, and 3,503 differently expressed genes, respectively. When compared with SS, AE showed downregulation of genes, such as vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor, prolactin receptor, and thyroid hormone receptor beta, whereas gonadotropin-releasing hormone II receptor was upregulated, indicating that these genes may be responsible for the transition from cessation to egg laying. In addition, the expression levels of 5 transcription factors (POU1F1, Pitx2, NR5A1, NR4A2, and SREBF2) and 6 circadian clock-associated genes (Clock, Per2, ARNTL2, Eya3, Dio2, and NPAS2) also changed seasonally. Gene Ontology term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis revealed that “response to oxidative stress” and steroid biosynthesis pathway also participate in regulating the reproduction seasonality of geese. Overall, these results contribute to the identification of genes involved in seasonal reproduction, enabling a better understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying seasonal reproduction of geese.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanqiu Zhao
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Taoyan Yuan
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Yan Fu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Dong Niu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhejiang A&F University, Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 311300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weihu Chen
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Xiangshan County Agricultural and Rural Bureau, Ningbo 315700, China
| | - Li Chen
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Lizhi Lu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Prabhat A, Batra T, Kumar V. Effects of timed food availability on reproduction and metabolism in zebra finches: Molecular insights into homeostatic adaptation to food-restriction in diurnal vertebrates. Horm Behav 2020; 125:104820. [PMID: 32710887 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Food availability affects metabolism and reproduction in higher vertebrates including birds. This study tested the idea of adaptive homeostasis to time-restricted feeding (TRF) in diurnal zebra finches by using multiple (behavioral, physiological and molecular) assays. Adult birds were subjected for 1 week or 3 weeks to food restriction for 4 h in the evening (hour 8-12) of the 12 h light-on period, with controls on ad lib feeding. Birds on TRF showed enhanced exploratory behavior and plasma triglycerides levels, but did not show differences from ad lib birds in the overall food intake, body mass, and plasma corticosterone and thyroxine levels. As compared to ad lib feeding, testis size and circulation testosterone were reduced after first but not after third week of TRF. The concomitant change in the mRNA expression of metabolic and reproductive genes was also found after week 1 of TRF. Particularly, TRF birds showed increased expression of genes coding for gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) in hypothalamus, and for receptors of androgen (AR) and estrogen (ER-alpha) in both hypothalamus and testes. However, genes coding for the deiodinases (Dio2, Dio3) and gonadotropin inhibiting hormone (GnIH) showed no difference between feeding conditions in both hypothalamus and testes. Further, increased Sirt1, Fgf10 and Ppar-alpha, and decreased Egr1 expression in the liver suggested TRF-effects on the overall metabolism. Importantly, TRF-effects on gene expressions by week 1 seemed alleviated to a considerable extent by week 3. These results on TRF-induced reproductive and metabolic effects suggest homeostatic adaptation to food-restriction in diurnal vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhilash Prabhat
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| | - Twinkle Batra
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sur S, Sharma A, Bhardwaj SK, Kumar V. Involvement of steroid and antioxidant pathways in spleen-mediated immunity in migratory birds. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2020; 250:110790. [PMID: 32800933 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.110790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The molecular underpinnings of the spleen-mediated immune functions during the period of heightened energetic needs in the year are not known in avian migrants. We investigated this, in Palearctic-Indian migratory male redheaded buntings, which exhibited vernal (spring) premigratory / early testicular maturation states under artificial long days. This was evidenced by increased dio2 and decreased dio3 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus, elevated levels of circulating corticosterone and testosterone, and enlarged testes in long-day-photostimulated birds, as compared to unstimulated controls under short days. The concomitant decrease in both mass and volume of the spleen, and increase in the heterophil/ lymphocyte ratio suggested the parallel innate immunity effects in photostimulated buntings. Importantly, we found increased mRNA expression of genes coding for the cytokines (il15 and il34), steroid receptors (nr3c2) and oxidative stress marker enzymes (gpx1 and sod1) in the spleen, suggesting the activation of both immune and antioxidant molecular pathways during the early photostimulated state. However, the splenic expressions of il1β, il6, tgfβ, ar and nos2 genes were not significantly different between long-day stimulated and short-day unstimulated birds. The negative correlation of plasma corticosterone levels with spleen mass further indicated a role of corticosterone in the modulation of the spleen function, probably via nr3c2 gene encoded mineralocorticoid receptors. These results suggest the activation of the spleen-mediated innate immunity in anticipation of the heightened energetic stress state of the photostimulated spring migratory/breeding period in migratory songbirds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sayantan Sur
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| | - Aakansha Sharma
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| | | | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Majumdar G, Yadav G, Hamaide J, Coussement L, De Meyer T, Verhoye M, Vanden Berghe W, Van Der Linden A, Balthazart J. Molecular correlates of hypothalamic development in songbird ontogeny in comparison with the telencephalon. FASEB J 2020; 34:4997-5015. [PMID: 32052887 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902477r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Development of the songbird brain provides an excellent experimental model for understanding the regulation of sex differences in ontogeny. Considering the regulatory role of the hypothalamus in endocrine, in particular reproductive, physiology, we measured the structural (volume) and molecular correlates of hypothalamic development during ontogeny of male and female zebra finches. We quantified by relative quantitative polymerase chain reaction (rqPCR) the expression of 14 genes related to thyroid and steroid hormones actions as well as 12 genes related to brain plasticity at four specific time points during ontogeny and compared these expression patterns with the expression of the same genes as detected by transcriptomics in the telencephalon. These two different methodological approaches detected specific changes with age and demonstrated that in a substantial number of cases changes observed in both brain regions are nearly identical. Other genes however had a tissue-specific developmental pattern. Sex differences or interactions of sex by age were detected in the expression of a subset of genes, more in hypothalamus than telencephalon. These results correlate with multiple known aspects of the developmental and reproductive physiology but also raise a number of new functional questions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Majumdar
- Bio-Imaging Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Garima Yadav
- Bio-Imaging Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Julie Hamaide
- Bio-Imaging Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Louis Coussement
- Biobix: Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics, Department of Data Analysis and Mathematical Modelling, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tim De Meyer
- Biobix: Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics, Department of Data Analysis and Mathematical Modelling, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marleen Verhoye
- Bio-Imaging Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim Vanden Berghe
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Annemie Van Der Linden
- Bio-Imaging Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jacques Balthazart
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, GIGA Neuroscience, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Mishra I, Sharma A, Prabhat A, Batra T, Malik I, Kumar V. Changes in DNA methylation and histone modification gene expression in response to daily food times in zebra finches: epigenetic implications. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb.217422. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.217422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
We hypothesized that daily food availability times served as an ‘epigenetic’ factor and affected the reproductive physiology in continuously reproducing species. This we tested by measurement of mRNA expression of genes coding for the enzymes involved in DNA methylation-demethylation (dnmts, tets) and histone modification (hat1, hdacs) in the hypothalamus, liver and gonads of male and female zebra finches that were paired held for a year under 12L:12D with access to the time-restricted food availability (TrF: 4-h in morning, TrF-M, or evening, TrF-E) with controls on food ad libitum (FAL). The overall hypothalamic and hepatic expression patterns of hat1 and hdac(s) were similar but those of dnmt(s) and tet(s) were different between males and females. Irrespective of TrF timings, both hat1 and hdac(s) mRNA levels were increased in the hypothalamus, but not in liver in which hat1 mRNA levels were increased in the TrF-M group. While hypothalamic tet(s) were higher in TrF-E males, the hepatic tet(s) were higher in TrF-M birds (tet1, only males). Gonadal expressions were further varied and showed sex differences. Histone modifying genes did not show TrF-effects, except the elevated testicular hdac3 levels. Similarly, testicular dnmt3b and tet2 mRNA levels were increased and decreased in TrF-M and TrF-E, respectively, whereas ovarian dnmt1 and tet2 levels were reduced in TrF-M and tet1 in the TrF-E. Present results suggest that an enforced daily feeding schedule in long term could serve as a conditioning environment that shapes at epigenetic levels, the overall hypothalamic regulation, liver and gonadal functions in diurnal vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ila Mishra
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi – 110 007, India
| | - Aakansha Sharma
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi – 110 007, India
| | - Abhilash Prabhat
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi – 110 007, India
| | - Twinkle Batra
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi – 110 007, India
| | - Indu Malik
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi – 110 007, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi – 110 007, India
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sharma A, Kumar V. Metabolic plasticity mediates differential responses to spring and autumn migrations: Evidence from gene expression patterns in migratory buntings. Exp Physiol 2019; 104:1841-1857. [PMID: 31584730 DOI: 10.1113/ep087974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? What are the molecular underpinnings of seasonal metabolic plasticity during spring and autumn migrations in songbirds? What is the main finding and its importance? We report differences in mRNA levels of genes involved in the regulation of glucose and fat metabolism between photoinduced non-migratory and migratory states and between the spring and autumn migratory states. Higher expression of genes associated with fat mobilization and energy generation in the spring than in the autumn migration suggests differential activation of the metabolic pathways or alteration in the efficiency of existing functional machinery during annual journeys between nearly fixed destinations. ABSTRACT The molecular underpinnings of metabolic plasticity underlying differential responses to spring and autumn migrations are not well understood. We investigated this by examining the differences in mRNA levels of metabolic genes in the liver, muscle and adipose tissues of night-migratory red-headed buntings between photostimulated non-migratory and migratory states and between spring and autumn migratory states. Buntings accumulated more subcutaneous fat and hepatic lipid, had higher body mass, larger adipose cells and higher circulating triglyceride and free fatty acid levels and exhibited more intense Zugunruhe in the spring migratory state than in the autumn migratory state. More importantly, we found differences in the hepatic expression of pdc and pdk genes, indicating a differential acetyl-CoA requirement, and of the mdh and ogdh genes, suggesting differential oxidative phosphorylation between the non-migratory and migratory states and between the spring and autumn migratory states. Differences in fasn, bmal1 and glut1 mRNA levels were consistent with this and suggested seasonal differences in lipogenesis and/or glucose uptake. Likewise, differences in mRNA levels of genes coding for lipases (atgl and lpl) suggested that adipose triglycerides and free fatty acids serve largely as the metabolic substrate. Furthermore, changes in mRNA levels of genes coding for the fatty acid binding protein (fabp3) and fatty acid translocases (cd36) were consistent with differential fat fuel supply (via circulating free fatty acids) to aerobically exercising flight muscles between the spring and autumn migrations. These results show seasonal adaptation of genetic pathway(s) underlying seasonal metabolic plasticity that seems to mediate differential responses to spring and autumn migrations in latitudinal migratory songbirds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Temperature affects liver and muscle metabolism in photostimulated migratory redheaded buntings (Emberiza bruniceps). J Comp Physiol B 2019; 189:623-635. [DOI: 10.1007/s00360-019-01229-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Revised: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
24
|
Trivedi AK, Sur S, Sharma A, Taufique ST, Gupta NJ, Kumar V. Temperature alters the hypothalamic transcription of photoperiod responsive genes in induction of seasonal response in migratory redheaded buntings. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 493:110454. [PMID: 31121264 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the temperature effects on hypothalamic transcription of genes involved in the induction of photoperiodic response in redheaded buntings. Birds were exposed at 22 and 38 °C to 13-h long photoperiods (LP), with controls at 22 °C on 8-h short photoperiods (SP). At 22 °C, compared to SP, we found higher tshb, eya3 and dio2 and low dio3 and gnih mRNA expressions after a week of LP; concomitant with testis recrudescence this confirmed buntings' responsiveness to LP-induced photostimulation. tshb, dio2 and gnrh mRNA levels were further increased by 2.5 weeks of LP at 38 °C. Temperature sensitive trpm8, but not trpv4, bdnf or adcyap1 also showed LP-induced expression at 22 °C. Concomitant changes in dnmt3b and tet2 mRNA expressions further suggested epigenetic modification of temperature influence on photoperiodic responses. These results demonstrate the role of temperature in hypothalamic molecular regulation of the photoperiodic gonadal response in seasonally breeding birds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sayantan Sur
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Aakansha Sharma
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | | | - Neelu Jain Gupta
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Prabhat A, Jha NA, Taufique SKT, Kumar V. Dissociation of circadian activity and singing behavior from gene expression rhythms in the hypothalamus, song control nuclei and cerebellum in diurnal zebra finches. Chronobiol Int 2019; 36:1268-1284. [DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2019.1637887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Pérez JH, Tolla E, Dunn IC, Meddle SL, Stevenson TJ. A Comparative Perspective on Extra-retinal Photoreception. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2019; 30:39-53. [PMID: 30522810 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitous in non-mammalian vertebrates, extra-retinal photoreceptors (ERPs) have been linked to an array of physiological, metabolic, behavioral, and morphological changes. However, the mechanisms and functional roles of ERPs remain one of the enduring questions of modern biology. In this review article, we use a comparative framework to identify conserved roles and distributions of ERPs, highlighting knowledge gaps. We conclude that ERP research can be divided into two largely unconnected categories: (i) identification and localization of photoreceptors and (ii) linkage of non-retinal light reception to behavioral and physiological processes, particularly endocrine systems. However, the emergence of novel gene editing and silencing techniques is enabling the unification of ERP research by allowing the bridging of this divide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan H Pérez
- Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, Scotland; The Roslin Institute, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, Scotland.
| | - Elisabetta Tolla
- Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, Scotland
| | - Ian C Dunn
- The Roslin Institute, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, Scotland
| | - Simone L Meddle
- The Roslin Institute, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, Scotland
| | - Tyler J Stevenson
- Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, Scotland
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Taufique SKT, Prabhat A, Kumar V. Illuminated night alters hippocampal gene expressions and induces depressive‐like responses in diurnal corvids. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 48:3005-3018. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 08/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Abhilash Prabhat
- Department of ZoologyIndoUS Center for Biological TimingUniversity of Delhi Delhi India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of ZoologyIndoUS Center for Biological TimingUniversity of Delhi Delhi India
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Mishra I, Agarwal N, Rani S, Kumar V. Scotostimulation of reproductive neural pathways and gonadal maturation are not correlated with hypothalamic expression of deiodinases in subtropical spotted munia. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30:e12627. [PMID: 29908087 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [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: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Circannual rhythm regulates the annual timing of reproduction in spotted munia, with sex differences in its relationship with the external photoperiod environment. Interestingly, munia show an atypical photosensitivity and exhibit gonadal maturation when acutely exposed to an unnatural short photoperiod (eg 3 hours of light per day; ie a long scotoperiod). The proximate mechanisms regulating scotoperiod-induced hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) activation are unclear. Because thyroid hormone signalling plays a central role in photoperiodic induction, we hypothesised the involvement of similar mechanism, comprising alterations in hypothalamic deiodinases, under long scotoperiod-induced HPG activation. To test this, several endpoints of cellular and molecular correlates were assayed in male and female munias after 1 and 4 weeks of exposure to an 3:21 hour light/dark cycle (3L:21D), with controls on a 21:3 hour light/dark cycle (21L:3D). We measured the hypothalamic expression of mRNA and protein of light-sensitive (neuropsin, OPN5) and reproductive (vasoactive intestinal peptide [VIP], neuropeptide Y [NPY], gonadotrophin-releasing hormone [GnRH], gonadotrophin-inhibiting hormone [GnIH]) neuropeptides by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry, respectively. In addition, we also measured mRNA expression of types 2 (DIO2) and 3 (DIO3) deiodinases that regulate triiodothyronine-mediated GnRH release and gonadal maturation in photoperiodic species. The quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry results were consistent. Higher OPN5 levels under 21L:3D than under 3L:21D suggested its role in sensing the length of the light period. Similarly, low VIP and high NPY expression under 3L:21D than under 21L:3D were consistent with their roles as cellular correlates of photic and nonphotic environment, respectively. High GnRH-I/low GnIH levels and gonadal recrudescence under 3L:21D, and an inverse pattern under 21L:3D, confirmed the scotostimulation of HPG axis in spotted munia. However, DIO2 and DIO3 mRNA levels did not differ between 2 scotoperiods, in contrast to their reciprocal expression pattern found during long-day photostimulation. We demonstrate for the first time sex-dependent scotostimulation of reproductive neural pathways and suggest the involvement of molecules other than hypothalamic deiodinases in the regulation of gonad development cycle in 'nonphotoperiodic' seasonally breeding vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ila Mishra
- IndoUS Center for Biological Timing, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Neha Agarwal
- IndoUS Center for Biological Timing, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, India
| | - Sangeeta Rani
- IndoUS Center for Biological Timing, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- IndoUS Center for Biological Timing, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sharma A, Singh D, Malik S, Gupta NJ, Rani S, Kumar V. Difference in control between spring and autumn migration in birds: insight from seasonal changes in hypothalamic gene expression in captive buntings. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:rspb.2018.1531. [PMID: 30158302 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.1531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We hypothesized differences in molecular strategies for similar journeys that migrants undertake to reproduce in spring and to overwinter in autumn. We tested this in redheaded buntings (Emberiza bruniceps) photoinduced into spring and autumn migratory states, with winter and summer non-migratory states as controls. Compared with controls, buntings fattened, gained weight and showed Zugunruhe (nocturnal migratory restlessness) in the migratory state. Spring migration was associated with greater fat and body mass, and higher intensity of Zugunruhe, compared with autumn migration. Circulating corticosterone levels were higher in spring, while T3 levels were higher in autumn. Hypothalamic expression of thyroid hormone-responsive (dio2, dio3), light-responsive (per2, cry1, adcyap1) and th (tyrosine hydroxylase, involved in dopamine biosynthesis) genes showed significant changes with transition from non-migratory to the migratory state. There were significantly higher mRNA expressions in autumn, except for higher th levels in the spring. Furthermore, the expression patterns of dnmt3a (not dnmt3b) and tet2 genes suggested an epigenetic difference between the non-migrant and migrant periods, and the spring and autumn migrant periods. These results demonstrate for the first time seasonal transition in hypothalamic gene expressions, and suggest differences in regulatory strategies at the transcriptional level for spring and autumn migrations in songbirds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aakansha Sharma
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| | - Devraj Singh
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| | - Shalie Malik
- Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226 007, India
| | | | - Sangeeta Rani
- Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226 007, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Young JW, Cope ZA, Romoli B, Schrurs E, Aniek Joosen, van Enkhuizen J, Sharp RF, Dulcis D. Mice with reduced DAT levels recreate seasonal-induced switching between states in bipolar disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43. [PMID: 29520059 PMCID: PMC6006292 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0031-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Developing novel therapeutics for bipolar disorder (BD) has been hampered by limited mechanistic knowledge how sufferers switch between mania and depression-how the same brain can switch between extreme states-described as the "holy grail" of BD research. Strong evidence implicates seasonally-induced switching between states, with mania associated with summer-onset, depression with winter-onset. Determining mechanisms of and sensitivity to such switching is required. C57BL/6J and dopamine transporter hypomorphic (DAT-HY 50% expression) mice performed a battery of psychiatry-relevant behavioral tasks following 2-week housing in chambers under seasonally relevant photoperiod extremes. Summer-like and winter-like photoperiod exposure induced mania-relevant and depression-relevant behaviors respectively in mice. This behavioral switch paralleled neurotransmitter switching from dopamine to somatostatin in hypothalamic neurons (receiving direct input from the photoperiod-processing center, the suprachiasmatic nucleus). Mice with reduced DAT expression exhibited hypersensitivity to these summer-like and winter-like photoperiods, including more extreme mania-relevant (including reward sensitivity during reinforcement learning), and depression-relevant (including punishment-sensitivity and loss-sensitivity during reinforcement learning) behaviors. DAT mRNA levels switched in wildtype littermate mice across photoperiods, an effect not replicated in DAT hypomorphic mice. This inability to adjust DAT levels to match photoperiod-induced neurotransmitter switching as a homeostatic control likely contributes to the susceptibility of DAT hypormophic mice to these switching photoperiods. These data reveal the potential contribution of photoperiod-induced neuroplasticity within an identified circuit of the hypothalamus, linked with reduced DAT function, underlying switching between states in BD. Further investigations of the circuit will likely identify novel therapeutic targets to block switching between states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jared W. Young
- 0000 0001 2107 4242grid.266100.3Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804 USA ,0000 0004 0419 2708grid.410371.0Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Zackary A. Cope
- 0000 0001 2107 4242grid.266100.3Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804 USA
| | - Benedetto Romoli
- 0000 0001 2107 4242grid.266100.3Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804 USA
| | - Esther Schrurs
- 0000 0001 2107 4242grid.266100.3Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804 USA ,0000000120346234grid.5477.1Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Aniek Joosen
- 0000 0001 2107 4242grid.266100.3Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804 USA ,0000000120346234grid.5477.1Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jordy van Enkhuizen
- 0000 0001 2107 4242grid.266100.3Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804 USA
| | - Richard F. Sharp
- 0000 0001 2107 4242grid.266100.3Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804 USA
| | - Davide Dulcis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Sharma A, Singh D, Das S, Kumar V. Hypothalamic and liver transcriptome from two crucial life-history stages in a migratory songbird. Exp Physiol 2018; 103:559-569. [PMID: 29380464 DOI: 10.1113/ep086831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? What are the molecular underpinnings of the seasonal adaptation in a latitudinal migratory songbird? What is the main finding and its importance? We found changes in mRNA levels after a photoperiod-induced alteration of seasonal state in a captive long-distance latitudinal avian migrant. The hypothalamus and liver transcriptomes revealed genes involved in the regulatory and functional pathways between non-migratory and migratory states. Our results provide insights into mechanisms underlying homeostasis during seasonal changes that are conserved across most species, including humans. ABSTRACT Very little is understood about genetic mechanisms underlying the onset of spring migration in latitudinal avian migrants. To gain insight into the genetic architecture of the hypothalamus and liver tissues of a long-distance migrant, we examined and compared the transcriptome profile of captive night-migratory black-headed buntings (Emberiza melanocephala) between photoperiod-induced winter non-migratory (WnM) and spring migratory (SM) life-history states under short and long days, respectively. High-throughput 454 pyrosequenced transcripts were mapped initially with reference to the genome of two phylogenetically close species, Taeniopygia guttata and Ficedula albicollis. The F. albicollis genome gave higher annotation results and was used for further analysis. A total of 216 (78 in hypothalamus; 138 in liver) genes were found to be expressed differentially between the WnM and SM life-history states. These genes were enriched for physiological pathways that might be involved in the regulation of seasonal migrations in birds. For example, genes for the ATP binding pathway in the hypothalamus were expressed at a significantly higher level in SM than in the WnM life-history state. Likewise, upregulated genes associated with the myelin sheath and focal adhesion were enriched in the hypothalamus, and those with cell-to-cell junction, intracellular protein transport, calcium ion transport and small GTPase-mediated signal transduction were enriched in the liver. Many of these genes are a part of physiological pathways potentially involved in the regulation of seasonal migration in birds. These results show molecular changes at the regulatory and metabolic levels associated with seasonal transitions in a long-distance migrant and provide the basis for future studies aimed at unravelling the genetic control of migration in birds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aakansha Sharma
- IndoUS Center for Biological Timing, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Devraj Singh
- IndoUS Center for Biological Timing, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Subhajit Das
- IndoUS Center for Biological Timing, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- IndoUS Center for Biological Timing, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Watts HE, Cornelius JM, Fudickar AM, Pérez J, Ramenofsky M. Understanding variation in migratory movements: A mechanistic approach. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 256:112-122. [PMID: 28756245 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Spatial and temporal fluctuations in resource availability have led to the evolution of varied migration patterns. In order to appropriately time movements in relation to resources, environmental cues are used to provide proximate information for timing and the endocrine system serves to integrate these external cues and behavioral and physiological responses. Yet, the regulatory mechanisms underlying migratory timing have rarely been compared across a broad range of migratory patterns. First, we offer an updated nomenclature of migration using a mechanistic perspective to clarify terminology describing migratory types in relation to ecology, behavior and endocrinology. We divide migratory patterns into three types: obligate, nomadic, and fugitive. Obligate migration is characterized by regular and directed annual movements between locations, most commonly for breeding and overwintering, where resources are predictable and sufficient. Nomadic migrations occur less predictably than do obligate migrations as animals make use of potentially rich but ephemeral resources that occur unpredictably in space or time. Fugitive migrations move animals away from an area in response to severe disruption of environmental conditions and occur as part of an emergency life history stage. We also consider partially migratory populations, which include a mix of sedentary and migratory individuals; the movement patterns of partial migrants are expected to fall into one of the three types above. For these various forms of migration, we review our understanding of the environmental cues and endocrine mechanisms that underlie the expression of a migratory state. Several common hormonal mechanisms exist across the varied migratory forms, but there are also important areas where further investigations are needed in order to gain broad insight into the origin of movements and the diversity of migratory patterns. We propose that taking a comparative approach across the migratory types that considers endocrine mechanisms will advance a new understanding of migration biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather E Watts
- Department of Biology, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA; School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA.
| | | | - Adam M Fudickar
- Environmental Resilience Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Jonathan Pérez
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Marilyn Ramenofsky
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Mishra I, Singh D, Kumar V. Temporal Expression of c-fos and Genes Coding for Neuropeptides and Enzymes of Amino Acid and Amine Neurotransmitter Biosynthesis in Retina, Pineal and Hypothalamus of a Migratory Songbird: Evidence for Circadian Rhythm-Dependent Seasonal Responses. Neuroscience 2017; 371:309-324. [PMID: 29273324 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Revised: 12/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated whether, in photoperiodic songbirds, the circadian pacemaker system (CPS) connects to the seasonal photoperiodic responses, by changes at transcriptional level in the level and 24-h rhythm of its constituent neurotransmitters. We used black-headed buntings (Emberiza melanocephala), which exhibit distinct seasonal states in captivity under appropriate photoperiods and hence served as a useful model system. Under short days, buntings remain in the photosensitive state (Pse) (winter phenotype: non-migratory, non-breeding). Under long days, however, buntings undergo through early-photostimulated (spring phenotype: pre-migratory, pre-breeding), late photostimulated (summer phenotype: migratory, breeding) and photorefractory (autumn phenotype: post-breeding) states. During all four seasonal states, we measured in the retina, pineal and hypothalamus, which together form avian CPS, 4-hourly mRNA expression of c-fos (a neuronal-activity marker) and of genes coding for neuropeptides (vasoactive intestinal peptide, vip; somatostatin, sst; neuropeptide Y, npy) and for intermediary enzymes of amino acid (glutamate: glutaminase, gls and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 2, got2; GABA: glutamic acid decarboxylase, gad65) and amine (dopamine: tyrosine hydroxylase, th) neurotransmitters biosynthetic pathway. There was a significant alteration in level and 24-h pattern of mRNA expression, albeit with seasonal differences in presence, waveform parameters and phase relationship of 24-h rhythm, of different genes. Particularly, mRNA expression of all candidate genes (except hypothalamic vip, pineal gls and retinal th) was arrhythmic in late photostimulated state. These results underscore that circadian rhythm of peptide, amino acid and amine neurotransmitter biosynthesis in CPS plays a critical role in the photoperiodic regulation of seasonal states in birds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ila Mishra
- IndoUS Center for Biological Timing, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| | - Devraj Singh
- IndoUS Center for Biological Timing, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- IndoUS Center for Biological Timing, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Agarwal N, Mishra I, Komal R, Rani S, Kumar V. Circannual testis and moult cycles persist under photoperiods that disrupt circadian activity and clock gene cycles in spotted munia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 220:4162-4168. [PMID: 28916681 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.167809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
We investigated whether circannual rhythms underlying annual testis maturation and moult cycles are independent of duration and frequency of the light period and circadian clock control in non-photoperiodic spotted munia. Birds were subjected to an aberrant light-dark (LD) cycle (3.5 h L:3.5 h D; T7, where T is the period length of the LD cycle) and continuous light (LL, 24 h L:0 h D), with controls on 12 h L:12 h D (T24, 24 h LD cycle). We measured the behavioural activity pattern of the birds and 24 h mRNA oscillations of circadian clock genes (bmal1, clock, per2, cry1, cry2) in the hypothalamus, the putative site of seasonal timing. Diurnal munia were rhythmic in behaviour with the period of the activity-rest cycle matched to T7 and T24, and became behaviourally arrhythmic with activity scattered throughout 24 h under LL. Similarly, exposure to 3.5 h L:3.5 h D and LL caused arrhythmicity in 24 h clock gene expression, suggesting disruption of internal circadian timing at the transcriptional level; a significant rhythm was found under 12 h L:12 h D. During an exposure of 80 weeks, munia showed two to three cycles of testis maturation and wing primaries moult under all photoperiods, although with a longer period under 12L:12D. Thus, the frequency of light period under 3.5 h L:3.5 h D or LL disrupted circadian clock gene cycles, but did not affect the generation of circannual testis and moult cycles. We conclude that the prevailing light environment and hypothalamic circadian gene cycles do not exert direct control on the timing of the annual reproductive cycle in spotted munia, suggesting independent generation of the circadian and circannual rhythms in seasonally breeding species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neha Agarwal
- IndoUS Center for Biological Timing, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India.,Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226 007, India
| | - Ila Mishra
- IndoUS Center for Biological Timing, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| | - Ruchi Komal
- Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226 007, India
| | - Sangeeta Rani
- Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226 007, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- IndoUS Center for Biological Timing, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Stevenson TJ, Kumar V. Neural control of daily and seasonal timing of songbird migration. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2017; 203:399-409. [DOI: 10.1007/s00359-017-1193-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
36
|
Mishra I, Singh D, Kumar V. Seasonal alterations in the daily rhythms in hypothalamic expression of genes involved in the photoperiodic transduction and neurosteroid-dependent processes in migratory blackheaded buntings. J Neuroendocrinol 2017; 29. [PMID: 28295708 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated seasonal alterations in the daily rhythms of hypothalamic expression of genes involved in the photoperiodic regulation of annual cycles in birds. We measured the 4-hourly mRNA expression of genes involved in the photoperiodic transduction (OPN5, EYA3, CGA, TSHβ, DIO2, DIO3) and neurosteroid-dependent processes (AR, CYP19, ERα, ERβ) in the hypothalamus of migratory blackheaded buntings photoinduced with photosensitive, photostimulated (early and late stimulated) and photorefractory seasonal states. There were significant differences in daily mRNA profiles between the photoperiodic states. Particularly, increased CGA, TSHβ and DIO2 and decreased DIO3 mRNA levels in the early photostimulated state, compared to the photosensitive state, suggest that thyroid hormones have a role in photostimulation in buntings. Similar differences in the expression of genes coding for the aromatase enzyme (CYP19) and receptors for oestrogen (ERα, ERβ) (but not androgen; AR) indicate that there is seasonal alteration in the neuro-oestrogen-mediated functions. Furthermore, peak expression times of CGA, TSHβ and DIO2 genes at hours 14-15 of the day in the early stimulated state indicated molecular regulation of the daily rhythm of photoinducibility in buntings. Most significantly, however, we found an attenuated daily rhythm in thyroid hormone modulatory genes and a switch of peak expression time from day to night in CYP19 mRNA rhythm in the subsequent late photostimulated state, although testicular maturation still persisted. These alterations in daily rhythms may have signalled the initiation of processes underlying other seasonal phenologies in parallel with the gonadal response, such as a manifestation of the night-time flight in buntings. These results show alterations in daily rhythms underlying the transcriptional regulation of the photoperiod-induced seasonal states in migratory blackheaded buntings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Mishra
- Department of Zoology, IndoUS Center for Biological Timing, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - D Singh
- Department of Zoology, IndoUS Center for Biological Timing, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - V Kumar
- Department of Zoology, IndoUS Center for Biological Timing, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Mishra I, Bhardwaj SK, Malik S, Kumar V. Concurrent hypothalamic gene expression under acute and chronic long days: Implications for initiation and maintenance of photoperiodic response in migratory songbirds. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 439:81-94. [PMID: 27789391 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Hypothalamic expression of the thyroid hormone (TH) responsive gonadostimulatory (eya3, cga, tshβ, dio2, dio3, gnrh, gnih) and neurosteroid pathway genes (androgen receptor [ar], aromatase [cyp19], estrogen receptor [er] α and β) was examined in photosensitive redheaded buntings exposed to 2 (acute, experiment 1) or 12 (chronic, experiment 2) long days (16L:8D). Experiment 2 also included a photorefractory group. Acute long days caused a significant increase in eya3, cga, tshβ, dio2 and gnrh and decrease in dio3 mRNA levels. eya3, cga and tshβ expressions were unchanged after the chronic long days. We also found increased cyp19, erα and erβ mRNA levels after acute, and increased cyp19 and decreased erβ levels after the chronic long-day exposure. Photorefractory buntings showed expression patterns similar to that in the photosensitive state, except for high gnrh and gnih and low dio3 mRNA levels. Consistent with gene expression patterns, there were changes in fat deposition, body mass, testis size, and plasma levels of testosterone, tri-iodothyronine and thyroxine. These results show concurrent photostimulation of the TH-signalling and neurosteroid pathways, and extend the idea, based on differences in gene expression, that transitions in seasonal photoperiodic states are accomplished at the transcriptional levels in absolute photorefractory species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ila Mishra
- IndoUS Center for Biological Timing, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| | | | - Shalie Malik
- Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226 007, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- IndoUS Center for Biological Timing, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Johnston RA, Paxton KL, Moore FR, Wayne RK, Smith TB. Seasonal gene expression in a migratory songbird. Mol Ecol 2016; 25:5680-5691. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. Johnston
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California, Los Angeles 610 Charles E Young Dr. South Rm. 4162 Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| | - Kristina L. Paxton
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg MS 39406 USA
- Department of Biology University of Hawaii Hilo Hilo HI 96720 USA
| | - Frank R. Moore
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg MS 39406 USA
| | - Robert K. Wayne
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California, Los Angeles 610 Charles E Young Dr. South Rm. 4162 Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| | - Thomas B. Smith
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California, Los Angeles 610 Charles E Young Dr. South Rm. 4162 Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
- Center for Tropical Research Institute of the Environment and Sustainability University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Majumdar G, Trivedi AK, Gupta NJ, Kumar V. Circadian synchronization determines critical day length for seasonal responses. Physiol Behav 2015; 147:282-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Revised: 05/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
40
|
Majumdar G, Yadav G, Rani S, Kumar V. Bird eyes distinguish summer from winter: Retinal response to acute photoperiod change in the night-migratory redheaded bunting. J Chem Neuroanat 2015. [PMID: 26219493 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2015.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Eyes are the part of the circadian timekeeping system but not involved in the photoperiod regulated seasonal physiology in songbirds. Here, two experiments tested whether eyes detect and respond to seasonal change in the photoperiod environment, by examining gene and protein expressions in the retinas of redheaded buntings exposed to a single long day (LD, 16L:8D), with controls on short days (SD, 8L:16D). In the first experiment, mRNA expression of genes implicated in the light perception (opsins, rhodopsin, neuropsin, melanopsin, peropsin) and photoperiod induction (eya3, tsh-β, dio2, dio3) was measured at hours 15 and 19 (hour 0 = light on) on the first long day. There was a significant increase in the eya3, tsh-β and dio2 mRNA expression, albeit with a temporal difference, and decrease in the neuropsin mRNA expression in buntings on the first long day. There was no change in the dio3, rhodopsin, melanopsin and peropsin mRNA expressions on exposure to long days. The second experiment immunohistochemically examined the eya3, tsh-β and rhodopsin peptide expressions. eya3 was expressed in both light conditions, but with a significant higher levels in the retinal photoreceptor layer (PRL) under LD, as compared to SD. Similarly, tsh-β was expressed in the PRL of LD retinas only. Rhodopsin levels were not significantly different between SD and LD conditions, however. These results for the first time show photoperiod-dependent molecular switches in the bunting retina, similar to the well documented thyroid hormone response genes based molecular cascades in the avian hypothalamus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Majumdar
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110 007, India
| | - Garima Yadav
- Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, 226 007, India
| | - Sangeeta Rani
- Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, 226 007, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110 007, India.
| |
Collapse
|