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Louden ED, Dougherty MP, Chorich LP, Eroglu A, Layman LC. Investigation of subfertility in the female Nsmf knockout mouse. F&S SCIENCE 2023; 4:286-293. [PMID: 37516276 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study if a pituitary or ovarian defect contributes to subfertility of the female Nsmf knockout (KO) mouse, an animal model of the hypogonadotropic hypogonadism gene NSMF. DESIGN Analysis of hypothalamic, pituitary and ovarian gene expression at baseline, serum gonadotropin levels before and after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation, ovarian response and implantation after superovulation, gonadotropin effects after ovariectomy, and ovarian NSMF protein expression. SETTING University research laboratory. PATIENTS None; mice were used. INTERVENTIONS Gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation, superovulation, and ovariectomy in separate experiments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Gene expression in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovary; ovarian response and implantation after superovulation; serum gonadotropins after GnRH stimulation and ovariectomy; Western blot to measure ovarian NSMF expression. RESULTS We found increased hypothalamic Kiss1, Gnrh1, and Jak2 mRNA expression in female Nsmf KO vs. wild type (WT) mice. However, pituitary gonadotropin, and GnRH receptor gene expression was not affected, and serum gonadotropin levels were normal. Gonadotropins increased after ovariectomy for both groups. Baseline Kiss1, Fshr, Prkaca, Prkar1a, and Gdf9 ovarian mRNA expression was increased and Cyp19a1 expression was decreased in Nsmf KO mice, while superovulated Nsmf KO mice had reduced ovarian Kiss1r, Prkar1a, and Fshr mRNA expression, 50% less oocytes, and normal implantation. Western blot demonstrated NSMF protein expression in the ovary of WT mice. CONCLUSIONS Altered hypothalamic and ovarian gene expression was demonstrated in female Nsmf KO mice. It is possible that increased hypothalamic Gnrh1 and Kiss1 mRNA expression could compensate for reduced NSMF enabling a normal pituitary gonadotropin response. Impaired superovulation response, altered ovarian gene expression, and decreased number of oocytes indicate ovarian dysfunction, but a uterine factor cannot be excluded. These findings provide an anatomic basis for future mechanistic studies of subfertility in female Nsmf KO mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica D Louden
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, & Genetics, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
| | - Michael P Dougherty
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, & Genetics, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
| | - Lynn P Chorich
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, & Genetics, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
| | - Ali Eroglu
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, & Genetics, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology; Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine
| | - Lawrence C Layman
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, & Genetics, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology; Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine; Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.
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2
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Oleari R, Massa V, Cariboni A, Lettieri A. The Differential Roles for Neurodevelopmental and Neuroendocrine Genes in Shaping GnRH Neuron Physiology and Deficiency. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9425. [PMID: 34502334 PMCID: PMC8431607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons are hypothalamic neuroendocrine cells that control sexual reproduction. During embryonic development, GnRH neurons migrate from the nose to the hypothalamus, where they receive inputs from several afferent neurons, following the axonal scaffold patterned by nasal nerves. Each step of GnRH neuron development depends on the orchestrated action of several molecules exerting specific biological functions. Mutations in genes encoding for these essential molecules may cause Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (CHH), a rare disorder characterized by GnRH deficiency, delayed puberty and infertility. Depending on their action in the GnRH neuronal system, CHH causative genes can be divided into neurodevelopmental and neuroendocrine genes. The CHH genetic complexity, combined with multiple inheritance patterns, results in an extreme phenotypic variability of CHH patients. In this review, we aim at providing a comprehensive and updated description of the genes thus far associated with CHH, by dissecting their biological relevance in the GnRH system and their functional relevance underlying CHH pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Oleari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Valentina Massa
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milano, Italy;
- CRC Aldo Ravelli for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milano, Italy
| | - Anna Cariboni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Antonella Lettieri
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milano, Italy;
- CRC Aldo Ravelli for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milano, Italy
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3
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Louden ED, Poch A, Kim HG, Ben-Mahmoud A, Kim SH, Layman LC. Genetics of hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism-Human and mouse genes, inheritance, oligogenicity, and genetic counseling. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 534:111334. [PMID: 34062169 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, which may be normosmic (nHH) or anosmic/hyposmic, known as Kallmann syndrome (KS), is due to gonadotropin-releasing hormone deficiency, which results in absent puberty and infertility. Investigation of the genetic basis of nHH/KS over the past 35 years has yielded a substantial increase in our understanding, as variants in 44 genes in OMIM account for ~50% of cases. The first genes for KS (ANOS1) and nHH (GNRHR) were followed by the discovery that FGFR1 variants may cause either nHH or KS. Associated anomalies include midline facial defects, neurologic deficits, cardiac anomalies, and renal agenesis, among others. Mouse models for all but one gene (ANOS1) generally support findings in humans. About half of the known genes implicated in nHH/KS are inherited as autosomal dominant and half are autosomal recessive, whereas only 7% are X-linked recessive. Digenic and oligogenic inheritance has been reported in 2-20% of patients, most commonly with variants in genes that may result in either nHH or KS inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. In vitro analyses have only been conducted for both gene variants in eight cases and for one gene variant in 20 cases. Rigorous confirmation that two gene variants in the same individual cause the nHH/KS phenotype is lacking for most. Clinical diagnosis is probably best accomplished by targeted next generation sequencing of the known candidate genes with confirmation by Sanger sequencing. Elucidation of the genetic basis of nHH/KS has resulted in an enhanced understanding of this disorder, as well as normal puberty, which makes genetic diagnosis clinically relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica D Louden
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, & Genetics, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Alexandra Poch
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, & Genetics, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Hyung-Goo Kim
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Afif Ben-Mahmoud
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Soo-Hyun Kim
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St. George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Lawrence C Layman
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, & Genetics, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
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4
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Dwyer AA, Chavan NR, Lewkowitz-Shpuntoff H, Plummer L, Hayes FJ, Seminara SB, Crowley WF, Pitteloud N, Balasubramanian R. Functional Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in Men: Underlying Neuroendocrine Mechanisms and Natural History. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:3403-3414. [PMID: 31220265 PMCID: PMC6594303 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-02697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT After completion of puberty a subset of men experience functional hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (FHH) secondary to excessive exercise or weight loss. This phenomenon is akin to hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) in women, yet little is known about FHH in men. OBJECTIVE To investigate the neuroendocrine mechanisms, genetics, and natural history underlying FHH. DESIGN Retrospective study in an academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS Healthy postpubertal men presenting with symptoms of hypogonadism in the setting of excessive exercise (>10 hours/week) or weight loss (>10% of body weight). Healthy age-matched men served as controls. INTERVENTIONS Clinical assessment, biochemical and neuroendocrine profiling, body composition, semen analysis, and genetic evaluation of genes known to cause isolated GnRH deficiency. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Reproductive hormone levels, endogenous GnRH-induced LH pulse patterns, and rare genetic variants. RESULTS Ten men with FHH were compared with 18 age-matched controls. Patients had significantly lower body mass index, testosterone, LH, and mean LH pulse amplitudes yet normal LH pulse frequency, serum FSH, and sperm counts. Some patients exhibited nocturnal, sleep-entrained LH pulses characteristic of early puberty, and one FHH subject showed a completely apulsatile LH secretion. After decreased exercise and weight gain, five men with men had normalized serum testosterone levels, and symptoms resolved. Rare missense variants in NSMF (n = 1) and CHD7 (n = 1) were identified in two men with FHH. CONCLUSIONS FHH is a rare, reversible form of male GnRH deficiency. LH pulse patterns in male FHH are similar to those observed in women with HA. This study expands the spectrum of GnRH deficiency disorders in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Dwyer
- Boston College William F. Connell School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
- Harvard Reproductive Endocrine Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Niraj R Chavan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Hilana Lewkowitz-Shpuntoff
- Harvard Reproductive Endocrine Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Lacey Plummer
- Harvard Reproductive Endocrine Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Frances J Hayes
- Harvard Reproductive Endocrine Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stephanie B Seminara
- Harvard Reproductive Endocrine Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - William F Crowley
- Harvard Reproductive Endocrine Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nelly Pitteloud
- Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Service, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ravikumar Balasubramanian
- Harvard Reproductive Endocrine Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Ravikumar Balasubramanian, MD, PhD, Harvard Reproductive Endocrine Sciences Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Bartlett Hall Extension, 5th Floor, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114. E-mail:
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5
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Cho HJ, Shan Y, Whittington NC, Wray S. Nasal Placode Development, GnRH Neuronal Migration and Kallmann Syndrome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:121. [PMID: 31355196 PMCID: PMC6637222 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of Gonadotropin releasing hormone-1 (GnRH) neurons is important for a functional reproduction system in vertebrates. Disruption of GnRH results in hypogonadism and if accompanied by anosmia is termed Kallmann Syndrome (KS). From their origin in the nasal placode, GnRH neurons migrate along the olfactory-derived vomeronasal axons to the nasal forebrain junction and then turn caudally into the developing forebrain. Although research on the origin of GnRH neurons, their migration and genes associated with KS has identified multiple factors that influence development of this system, several aspects still remain unclear. This review discusses development of the olfactory system, factors that regulate GnRH neuron formation and development of the olfactory system, migration of the GnRH neurons from the nose into the brain, and mutations in humans with KS that result from disruption of normal GnRH/olfactory systems development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ju Cho
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Yufei Shan
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Niteace C Whittington
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Susan Wray
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Freire C, Ocón-Hernández O, Dávila-Arias C, Pérez-Lobato R, Calvente I, Ramos R, Olea N, Fernández MF. Anogenital distance and reproductive outcomes in 9- to 11-year-old boys: the INMA-Granada cohort study. Andrology 2018; 6:874-881. [PMID: 30113141 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies examining the association of anogenital distance (AGD), a biomarker of prenatal androgen exposure, with sexual development in children are lacking. OBJECTIVE To assess the association between AGD measures and reproductive outcomes, including puberty onset, testicular volume, reproductive hormone levels, and urogenital malformations in boys aged 9-11 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among children belonging to the Spanish Environment and Childhood (INMA) Project, a population-based birth cohort study. The present sample included 279 boys for whom data were available on AGD, pubertal stage, testicular volume, and relevant covariates. Out of the boys with AGD data, 187 provided a blood sample for hormone analysis. AGD was measured from the center of the anus to the base of the scrotum. Pubertal development was assessed according to Tanner stage of genital development (G1-G5), and testicular volume was measured with an orchidometer. RESULTS After adjusting for potential confounders, logistic regression analysis showed that AGD was positively associated with testicular volume but not with Tanner stage (>G1 vs. G1), serum hormone levels, or undescended testis. Regardless of their age, body mass index, and Tanner stage (G1 or >G1), boys with longer AGD showed increased odds of a testicular volume >3 mL (OR = 1.06, 95%CI = 1.00-1.19 per 10% increment in AGD; and OR = 3.14, 95%CI = 0.99-9.94 for AGD >42 mm vs. <33 mm). DISCUSSION Longer AGD was associated with testicular growth, an indicator of gonadarche, but not with other reproductive outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Although AGD was positively associated with testicular volume, it remains unclear whether AGD predicts testis size at puberty or is related to puberty onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Freire
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Granada, Spain
| | - O Ocón-Hernández
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain
| | - C Dávila-Arias
- Radiology Unit, Health Science Technological Park University Hospital, Granada, Spain
| | - R Pérez-Lobato
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Psychology Clinic ISEP, Granada, Spain
| | - I Calvente
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain
| | - R Ramos
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain
| | - N Olea
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Granada, Spain.,Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - M F Fernández
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Granada, Spain.,Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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7
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Ko EK, Chorich LP, Sullivan ME, Cameron RS, Layman LC. JAK/STAT signaling pathway gene expression is reduced following Nelf knockdown in GnRH neurons. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 470:151-159. [PMID: 29050862 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) is crucial for the proper function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, subsequent puberty, and reproduction. When GnRH neuron migration or GnRH regulation is impaired, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism results. Mutations in the gene for nasal embryonic luteinizing hormone-releasing factor (NELF) have been identified in GnRH-deficient humans. NELF is a predominantly nuclear protein that may participate in gene transcription, but the genes NELF regulates are unknown. To address this question, RNA was extracted from NLT GnRH neuronal cells following either stable Nelf knockdown or scrambled control and subjected to cDNA arrays. Transcription factors and cell migration gene expression was altered most commonly. Members of the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway, including Stat1, Stat2, Stat5a, Jak2, Irf7 and Irf9, were significantly down regulated as assessed by RT-qPCR. Protein levels of STAT1, phospho-STAT1, and JAK2 were reduced, but the protein level of phospho-JAK2 was not. These findings suggest a role for NELF in the regulation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, which have important functions in GnRH neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Kyung Ko
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, & Genetics, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States; Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Lynn P Chorich
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, & Genetics, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Megan E Sullivan
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, & Genetics, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Richard S Cameron
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Lawrence C Layman
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, & Genetics, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States; Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States.
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8
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Xu C, Messina A, Somm E, Miraoui H, Kinnunen T, Acierno J, Niederländer NJ, Bouilly J, Dwyer AA, Sidis Y, Cassatella D, Sykiotis GP, Quinton R, De Geyter C, Dirlewanger M, Schwitzgebel V, Cole TR, Toogood AA, Kirk JM, Plummer L, Albrecht U, Crowley WF, Mohammadi M, Tena-Sempere M, Prevot V, Pitteloud N. KLB, encoding β-Klotho, is mutated in patients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. EMBO Mol Med 2018; 9:1379-1397. [PMID: 28754744 PMCID: PMC5623842 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201607376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is a rare genetic form of isolated gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency caused by mutations in > 30 genes. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) is the most frequently mutated gene in CHH and is implicated in GnRH neuron development and maintenance. We note that a CHH FGFR1 mutation (p.L342S) decreases signaling of the metabolic regulator FGF21 by impairing the association of FGFR1 with β‐Klotho (KLB), the obligate co‐receptor for FGF21. We thus hypothesized that the metabolic FGF21/KLB/FGFR1 pathway is involved in CHH. Genetic screening of 334 CHH patients identified seven heterozygous loss‐of‐function KLB mutations in 13 patients (4%). Most patients with KLB mutations (9/13) exhibited metabolic defects. In mice, lack of Klb led to delayed puberty, altered estrous cyclicity, and subfertility due to a hypothalamic defect associated with inability of GnRH neurons to release GnRH in response to FGF21. Peripheral FGF21 administration could indeed reach GnRH neurons through circumventricular organs in the hypothalamus. We conclude that FGF21/KLB/FGFR1 signaling plays an essential role in GnRH biology, potentially linking metabolism with reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Xu
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Messina
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Emmanuel Somm
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hichem Miraoui
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tarja Kinnunen
- Department of Biology, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - James Acierno
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas J Niederländer
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Justine Bouilly
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andrew A Dwyer
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.,University of Lausanne Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yisrael Sidis
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Daniele Cassatella
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gerasimos P Sykiotis
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Richard Quinton
- Institute for Genetic Medicine, University of Newcastle-on-Tyne, Newcastle-on Tyne, UK
| | - Christian De Geyter
- Clinic of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mirjam Dirlewanger
- Pediatric Endocrine and Diabetes Unit, Children's Hospital, University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Valérie Schwitzgebel
- Pediatric Endocrine and Diabetes Unit, Children's Hospital, University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Trevor R Cole
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrew A Toogood
- Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jeremy Mw Kirk
- Department of Endocrinology, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Lacey Plummer
- National Center for Translational Research in Reproduction and Infertility, Harvard Reproductive Endocrine Sciences Center of the Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Urs Albrecht
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - William F Crowley
- National Center for Translational Research in Reproduction and Infertility, Harvard Reproductive Endocrine Sciences Center of the Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Moosa Mohammadi
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.,Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC/HURS), Cordoba, Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Vincent Prevot
- Inserm, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, JPARC, Lille, France.,FHU 1000 Days for Health, School of Medicine, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Nelly Pitteloud
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
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9
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Reproductive role of miRNA in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Mol Cell Neurosci 2018; 88:130-137. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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10
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Maione L, Dwyer AA, Francou B, Guiochon-Mantel A, Binart N, Bouligand J, Young J. GENETICS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Genetic counseling for congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and Kallmann syndrome: new challenges in the era of oligogenism and next-generation sequencing. Eur J Endocrinol 2018; 178:R55-R80. [PMID: 29330225 DOI: 10.1530/eje-17-0749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) and Kallmann syndrome (KS) are rare, related diseases that prevent normal pubertal development and cause infertility in affected men and women. However, the infertility carries a good prognosis as increasing numbers of patients with CHH/KS are now able to have children through medically assisted procreation. These are genetic diseases that can be transmitted to patients' offspring. Importantly, patients and their families should be informed of this risk and given genetic counseling. CHH and KS are phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous diseases in which the risk of transmission largely depends on the gene(s) responsible(s). Inheritance may be classically Mendelian yet more complex; oligogenic modes of transmission have also been described. The prevalence of oligogenicity has risen dramatically since the advent of massively parallel next-generation sequencing (NGS) in which tens, hundreds or thousands of genes are sequenced at the same time. NGS is medically and economically more efficient and more rapid than traditional Sanger sequencing and is increasingly being used in medical practice. Thus, it seems plausible that oligogenic forms of CHH/KS will be increasingly identified making genetic counseling even more complex. In this context, the main challenge will be to differentiate true oligogenism from situations when several rare variants that do not have a clear phenotypic effect are identified by chance. This review aims to summarize the genetics of CHH/KS and to discuss the challenges of oligogenic transmission and also its role in incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity in a perspective of genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Maione
- University of Paris-Sud, Paris-Sud Medical School, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bicêtre, France
- INSERM U1185, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Andrew A Dwyer
- Boston College, William F. Connell School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruno Francou
- University of Paris-Sud, Paris-Sud Medical School, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM U1185, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Pharmacogenomics, and Hormonology, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Anne Guiochon-Mantel
- University of Paris-Sud, Paris-Sud Medical School, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM U1185, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Pharmacogenomics, and Hormonology, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Nadine Binart
- University of Paris-Sud, Paris-Sud Medical School, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM U1185, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Jérôme Bouligand
- University of Paris-Sud, Paris-Sud Medical School, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM U1185, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Pharmacogenomics, and Hormonology, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Jacques Young
- University of Paris-Sud, Paris-Sud Medical School, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bicêtre, France
- INSERM U1185, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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Spilker C, Grochowska KM, Kreutz MR. What do we learn from the murine Jacob/Nsmf gene knockout for human disease? Rare Dis 2016; 4:e1241361. [PMID: 27803842 PMCID: PMC5070631 DOI: 10.1080/21675511.2016.1241361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the NSMF gene have been related to Kallmann syndrome. Conflicting results have been reported on the subcellular localization of Jacob/NELF, the protein encoded by the NSMF gene. Some reports indicate an extracellular localization and a function as a guidance molecule for migration of GnRH-positive neurons from the olfactory placode to the hypothalamus. Other studies have shown protein transport of Jacob from synapse-to-nucleus and indicate a role of the protein in neuronal activity-dependent gene expression. A recent publication casts doubts on a major role of Jacob/NELF in Kallmann syndrome and neuronal migration of GnRH-positive neurons during early development. Instead a murine NSMF gene knockout results in hippocampal dysplasia, impaired BDNF-signaling during dendritogenesis, and phenotypes related to the lack of BDNF-induced nuclear import of Jacob in early postnatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Spilker
- RG Neuroplasticity, Leibniz-Institute for Neurobiology , Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | - Michael R Kreutz
- RG Neuroplasticity, Leibniz-Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany; Leibniz Group "Dendritic Organelles and Synaptic Function", Hamburg, Germany
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Spilker C, Nullmeier S, Grochowska KM, Schumacher A, Butnaru I, Macharadze T, Gomes GM, Yuanxiang P, Bayraktar G, Rodenstein C, Geiseler C, Kolodziej A, Lopez-Rojas J, Montag D, Angenstein F, Bär J, D’Hanis W, Roskoden T, Mikhaylova M, Budinger E, Ohl FW, Stork O, Zenclussen AC, Karpova A, Schwegler H, Kreutz MR. A Jacob/Nsmf Gene Knockout Results in Hippocampal Dysplasia and Impaired BDNF Signaling in Dendritogenesis. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1005907. [PMID: 26977770 PMCID: PMC4792503 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Jacob, the protein encoded by the Nsmf gene, is involved in synapto-nuclear signaling and docks an N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-derived signalosome to nuclear target sites like the transcription factor cAMP-response-element-binding protein (CREB). Several reports indicate that mutations in NSMF are related to Kallmann syndrome (KS), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) associated with anosmia or hyposmia. It has also been reported that a protein knockdown results in migration deficits of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) positive neurons from the olfactory bulb to the hypothalamus during early neuronal development. Here we show that mice that are constitutively deficient for the Nsmf gene do not present phenotypic characteristics related to KS. Instead, these mice exhibit hippocampal dysplasia with a reduced number of synapses and simplification of dendrites, reduced hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) at CA1 synapses and deficits in hippocampus-dependent learning. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) activation of CREB-activated gene expression plays a documented role in hippocampal CA1 synapse and dendrite formation. We found that BDNF induces the nuclear translocation of Jacob in an NMDAR-dependent manner in early development, which results in increased phosphorylation of CREB and enhanced CREB-dependent Bdnf gene transcription. Nsmf knockout (ko) mice show reduced hippocampal Bdnf mRNA and protein levels as well as reduced pCREB levels during dendritogenesis. Moreover, BDNF application can rescue the morphological deficits in hippocampal pyramidal neurons devoid of Jacob. Taken together, the data suggest that the absence of Jacob in early development interrupts a positive feedback loop between BDNF signaling, subsequent nuclear import of Jacob, activation of CREB and enhanced Bdnf gene transcription, ultimately leading to hippocampal dysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Spilker
- Research Group Neuroplasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sven Nullmeier
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | - Anne Schumacher
- Department of Experimental Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ioana Butnaru
- Research Group Neuroplasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Tamar Macharadze
- Research Group Neuroplasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Guilherme M. Gomes
- Research Group Neuroplasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - PingAn Yuanxiang
- Research Group Neuroplasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Gonca Bayraktar
- Research Group Neuroplasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Rodenstein
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Geiseler
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Angela Kolodziej
- Department of Systems Physiology of Learning, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jeffrey Lopez-Rojas
- Research Group Neuroplasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Montag
- Special Laboratory Neurogenetics, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Frank Angenstein
- Functional Neuroimaging Group, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), and Special Laboratory for Noninvasive Brain Imaging, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Julia Bär
- Research Group Neuroplasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, ZMNH, Emmy-Noether Group 'Neuronal Protein Transport', Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang D’Hanis
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Roskoden
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marina Mikhaylova
- Research Group Neuroplasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, ZMNH, Emmy-Noether Group 'Neuronal Protein Transport', Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eike Budinger
- Department of Systems Physiology of Learning, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Frank W. Ohl
- Department of Systems Physiology of Learning, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Stork
- Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ana C. Zenclussen
- Department of Experimental Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anna Karpova
- Research Group Neuroplasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Herbert Schwegler
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Michael R. Kreutz
- Research Group Neuroplasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, ZMNH, Leibniz Group 'Dendritic Organelles and Synaptic Function', Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Kaugars KE, Rivers CI, Saha MS, Heideman PD. Genetic variation in total number and locations of GnRH neurons identified using in situ hybridization in a wild-source population. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 325:106-15. [PMID: 26699837 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2015] [Revised: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The evolution of brain function in the regulation of physiology may depend in part upon the numbers and locations of neurons. Wild populations of rodents contain natural genetic variation in the inhibition of reproduction by winter-like short photoperiod, and it has been hypothesized that this functional variation might be due in part to heritable variation in the numbers or location of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. A naturally variable wild-source population of white-footed mice was used to develop lines artificially selected for or against mature gonads in short, winter-like photoperiods. We compared a selection line that is reproductively inhibited in short photoperiod (Responsive) to a line that is weakly inhibited by short photoperiod (Nonresponsive) for differences in counts of neurons identified using in situ hybridization for GnRH mRNA. There was no effect of photoperiod, but there were 60% more GnRH neurons in total in the Nonresponsive selection line than the Responsive selection line. The lines differed specifically in numbers of GnRH neurons in more anterior regions, whereas numbers of GnRH neurons in posterior areas were not statistically different between lines. We compare these results to those of an earlier study that used immunohistochemical labeling for GnRH neurons. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the selection lines and natural source population contain significant genetic variation in the number and location of GnRH neurons. The variation in GnRH neurons may contribute to functional variation in fertility that occurs in short photoperiods in the laboratory and in the wild source population in winter.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charlotte I Rivers
- Department of Biology, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia
| | - Margaret S Saha
- Department of Biology, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia
| | - Paul D Heideman
- Department of Biology, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia
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