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Wang S, Xu J, Zhao X, Feng Y, Xu W, Xue H, Wu M, Xu L. Small RNA-seq and hormones in the testes of dwarf hamsters ( Cricetulus barabensis) reveal the potential pathways in photoperiod regulated reproduction. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15687. [PMID: 37144180 PMCID: PMC10151367 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Photoperiod regulates the functions and development of gonadal organs of seasonally breeding animals, resulting in breeding peaks in specific seasons. miRNA plays an important role in the regulation of testicular physiological functions. However, the relationship between photoperiods and miRNA levels in testes has yet to be conclusively determined. We investigated testicular miRNA of striped dwarf hamster (Cricetulus barabensis) responses to different photoperiods (long daylength [LD], moderate daylength [MD], and short daylength [SD]) and the potential pathways involved in photoperiod regulated reproduction. Testicular weights and reproductive hormone levels were measured in each of photoperiod treatments after 30 days. The concentrations of testosterone (T) and dihydrogen testosterone (DHT) in testes and Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) in serum were higher in MD than in the other two groups. Testicular weights were heaviest in MD. Small RNA-seq was performed for the testes of hamsters in three groups. A total of 769 miRNAs were identified, of which 83 were differentially expressed between LD, MD, and SD. GO and KEGG analysis of target genes revealed that some miRNAs influence testicular activities by regulating the pathways related to cell apoptosis and metabolism. Gene expression pattern analysis showed that the MAPK signaling pathway may be the core pathway for photoperiodic regulation of reproduction. These results suggest that moderate daylength is more suitable for hamster reproduction while long daylength and short daylength may regulate reproduction through different molecular pathways.
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2
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Jameson AN, Siemann JK, Melchior J, Calipari ES, McMahon DG, Grueter BA. Photoperiod Impacts Nucleus Accumbens Dopamine Dynamics. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0361-22.2023. [PMID: 36781229 PMCID: PMC9937087 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0361-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Circadian photoperiod, or day length, changes with the seasons and influences behavior to allow animals to adapt to their environment. Photoperiod is also associated with seasonal rhythms of affective state, as evidenced by seasonality of several neuropsychiatric disorders. Interestingly, seasonality tends to be more prevalent in women for affective disorders such as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder (BD). However, the underlying neurobiological processes contributing to sex-linked seasonality of affective behaviors are largely unknown. Mesolimbic dopamine input to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) contributes to the regulation of affective state and behaviors. Additionally, sex differences in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway are well established. Therefore, we hypothesize that photoperiod may drive differential modulation of NAc dopamine in males and females. Here, we used fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) to explore whether photoperiod can modulate subsecond dopamine signaling dynamics in the NAc core of male and female mice raised in seasonally relevant photoperiods. We found that photoperiod modulates dopamine signaling in the NAc core, and that this effect is sex-specific to females. Both release and uptake of dopamine were enhanced in the NAc core of female mice raised in long, summer-like photoperiods, whereas we did not find photoperiodic effects on NAc core dopamine in males. These findings uncover a potential neural circuit basis for sex-linked seasonality in affective behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis N Jameson
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - Justin K Siemann
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - James Melchior
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - Erin S Calipari
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - Douglas G McMahon
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232
- Department of Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - Brad A Grueter
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
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3
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Georgelin M, Ferreira VHB, Cornilleau F, Meurisse M, Poissenot K, Beltramo M, Keller M, Lansade L, Dardente H, Calandreau L. Short photoperiod modulates behavior, cognition and hippocampal neurogenesis in male Japanese quail. Sci Rep 2023; 13:951. [PMID: 36653419 PMCID: PMC9849226 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28248-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the photoperiodic control of reproduction in mammals and birds have been recently clarified. In contrast, the potential impact of photoperiod on more complex, integrative processes, such as cognitive behaviors, remains poorly characterized. Here, we investigated the impact of contrasted long and short photoperiods (LP, 16 h light/day and SP, 8 h light/day, respectively) on learning, spatial orientation abilities, and emotional reactivity in male Japanese quail. In addition, we quantified cell proliferation and young cell maturation/migration within the hippocampus, a brain region involved in spatial orientation. Our study reveals that, in male quail, SP increases emotional responses and spatial orientation abilities, compared to LP. Behaviorally, SP birds were found to be more fearful than LP birds, exhibiting more freezing in the open field and taking longer to exit the dark compartment in the emergence test. Furthermore, SP birds were significantly less aggressive than LP birds in a mirror test. Cognitively, SP birds were slower to habituate and learn a spatial orientation task compared to LP birds. However, during a recall test, SP birds performed better than LP birds. From a neuroanatomical standpoint, SP birds had a significantly lower density of young neurons, and also tended to have a lower density of mature neurons within the hippocampus, compared to LP birds. In conclusion, our data reveal that, beyond breeding control, photoperiod also exerts a profound influence on behavior, cognition, and brain plasticity, which comprise the seasonal program of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Georgelin
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Vitor Hugo Bessa Ferreira
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Fabien Cornilleau
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Maryse Meurisse
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Kévin Poissenot
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Massimiliano Beltramo
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Matthieu Keller
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Léa Lansade
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Hugues Dardente
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Ludovic Calandreau
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France.
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Wilsterman K, Cunningham K. Evolution in reproductive tempo and investment across the Peromyscus radiation. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 339:13-27. [PMID: 36289026 PMCID: PMC10092142 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Mammals display diverse reproductive strategies, however, the ultimate and proximate mechanisms that underlie this diversity and its composite traits remain poorly understood from both evolutionary and physiological perspectives. The Peromyscus genus of rodents, which is found throughout the north and central Americas, has diversified along life history gradients, varying both within and among species in reproductive strategies. This variation provides a useful model for studying reproductive diversity. Here, we combine a literature review with new analyses of captive colony breeding records from six Peromyscus species to assess our current understanding of how plasticity and local adaptation contribute to diversity in two classes of reproductive traits: phenology and litter investment. There is substantial evidence that many traits underlying phenology and litter investment have diverged among populations in ways that are likely to be locally adaptive, though plasticity in these traits remains common. However, these conclusions are largely based on data collected from the two most widespread Peromyscus species: P. maniculatus and P. leucopus. The majority of Peromyscus species diversity remains understudied regarding reproductive phenology and litter traits. We conclude by discussing key challenges and considerations relevant to using Peromyscus as a mammalian model for reproductive trait diversity and evolution moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Wilsterman
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.,Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Kirksey Cunningham
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
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5
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The Photoperiod Regulates Granulosa Cell Apoptosis through the FSH-Nodal/ALK7 Signaling Pathway in Phodopus sungorus. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12243570. [PMID: 36552491 PMCID: PMC9774567 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The photoperiod regulates the seasonal reproduction of mammals by affecting the follicle development, for which the granulosa cells provide nutrition. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) were raised under different photoperiods to study the ovarian status and explore the potential mechanism of the follicle development mediated by the FSH-Nodal/ALK7 signaling pathway. Compared with the moderate daylight (MD) group, the short daylight (SD) group exhibited a significant decrease in the ovarian weight and increase in the atretic follicle number and granulosa cell apoptosis, whereas the long daylight (LD) group showed an increase in the ovarian weight, the growing follicle number, and the antral follicle number, but a decrease in the granulosa cell apoptosis. Based on these findings, the key genes of the Nodal/ALK7 signaling pathway controlling the granulosa cell apoptosis were studied using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. In the SD group, the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration significantly decreased and the Nodal/ALK7/Smad signaling pathways were activated, while the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PIK3)/Akt signaling pathway was inhibited. The BAX expression was significantly increased, while the Bcl-xL expression was significantly decreased, leading to an increase in the caspase-3 activity, the granulosa cell apoptosis, and ovarian degeneration. However, in the LD group, the FSH concentration significantly increased, the Nodal/ALK7/Smad signaling pathway was inhibited, and the PIK3/Akt signaling pathway was activated. Taken together, our results indicate that the photoperiod can regulate the apoptosis of the granulosa cells by regulating the concentration of FSH, activating or inhibiting the Nodal/ALK7 signaling pathway, thereby affecting the ovarian function. Our research provides an important theoretical basis for understanding the photoperiod-regulated mechanisms of the mammalian seasonal reproduction.
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Seebacher F. Interactive effects of anthropogenic environmental drivers on endocrine responses in wildlife. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 556:111737. [PMID: 35931299 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activity has created unique environmental drivers, which may interact to produce unexpected effects. My aim was to conduct a systematic review of the interactive effects of anthropogenic drivers on endocrine responses in non-human animals. The interaction between temperature and light can disrupt reproduction and growth by impacting gonadotropins, thyroid hormones, melatonin, and growth hormone. Temperature and endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) interact to modify reproduction with differential effects across generations. The combined effects of light and EDCs can be anxiogenic, so that light-at-night could increase anxiety in wildlife. Light and noise increase glucocorticoid release by themselves, and together can modify interactions between individuals and their environment. The literature detailing interactions between drivers is relatively sparse and there is a need to extend research to a broader range of taxa and interactions. I suggest that incorporating endocrine responses into Adverse Outcome Pathways would be beneficial to improve predictions of environmental effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Seebacher
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences A08, University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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7
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Maloney CM, Careau V. Individual variation in heat substitution: is activity in the cold energetically cheaper for some individuals than others? J Exp Biol 2022; 225:276466. [PMID: 36036801 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In many endotherms, a potentially important yet often overlooked mechanism to save energy is the use of the heat generated by active skeletal muscles to replace heat that would have been generated by thermogenesis (i.e., "activity-thermoregulatory heat substitution"). While substitution has been documented numerous times, the extent of individual variation in substitution has never been quantified. Here, we used a home-cage respirometry system to repeatedly measure substitution through the concomitant monitoring of metabolic rate (MR) and locomotor activity in 46 female white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus). A total of 117 measures of substitution were taken by quantifying the difference in the slope of the relationship between MR and locomotor activity speed at two different ambient temperatures. Consistency repeatability (±se) of substitution was 0.313±0.131 - hence, about a third of the variation in substitution occurs at the among-individual level. Body length and heart mass were positively correlated with substitution whereas surface area was negatively correlated with substitution. These two sub-organismal traits accounted for the majority of the among-individual variation (i.e., individual differences in substitution were not significant after accounting for these traits). Overall, our results imply that the energetic cost of activity below the thermoneutral zone is consistently cheaper from some individuals than others, and that the energy saved from substitution might be available to invest in fitness-enhancing activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Maloney
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Vincent Careau
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
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8
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Wang CL, Wang Z, Mou JJ, Wang S, Zhao XY, Feng YZ, Xue HL, Wu M, Chen L, Xu JH, Xu LX. Short Photoperiod Reduces Oxidative Stress by Up-Regulating the Nrf2–Keap1 Signaling Pathway in Hamster Kidneys. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093022020107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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9
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Lucius MD, Ji H, Altomare D, Doran R, Torkian B, Havighorst A, Kaza V, Zhang Y, Gasparian AV, Magagnoli J, Shankar V, Shtutman M, Kiaris H. Genomic variation in captive deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) populations. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:662. [PMID: 34521341 PMCID: PMC8438655 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07956-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deer mice (genus Peromyscus) are the most common rodents in North America. Despite the availability of reference genomes for some species, a comprehensive database of polymorphisms, especially in those maintained as living stocks and distributed to academic investigators, is missing. In the present study we surveyed two populations of P. maniculatus that are maintained at the Peromyscus Genetic Stock Center (PGSC) for polymorphisms across their 2.5 × 109 bp genome. RESULTS High density of variation was identified, corresponding to one SNP every 55 bp for the high altitude stock (SM2) or 207 bp for the low altitude stock (BW) using snpEff (v4.3). Indels were detected every 1157 bp for BW or 311 bp for SM2. The average Watterson estimator for the BW and SM2 populations is 248813.70388 and 869071.7671 respectively. Some differences in the distribution of missense, nonsense and silent mutations were identified between the stocks, as well as polymorphisms in genes associated with inflammation (NFATC2), hypoxia (HIF1a) and cholesterol metabolism (INSIG1) and may possess value in modeling pathology. CONCLUSIONS This genomic resource, in combination with the availability of P. maniculatus from the PGSC, is expected to promote genetic and genomic studies with this animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Lucius
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Hao Ji
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Diego Altomare
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Robert Doran
- Research Computing, Division of Information Technology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Ben Torkian
- Research Computing, Division of Information Technology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Amanda Havighorst
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Vimala Kaza
- Peromyscus Genetic Stock Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Youwen Zhang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Alexander V Gasparian
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Joseph Magagnoli
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Vijay Shankar
- Center for Human Genetics, College of Science, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Michael Shtutman
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
| | - Hippokratis Kiaris
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
- Peromyscus Genetic Stock Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
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10
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Xu JH, Wang Z, Mou JJ, Zhao XY, Geng XC, Wu M, Xue HL, Chen L, Xu LX. The effect of autophagy and mitochondrial fission on Harderian gland is greater than apoptosis in male hamsters during different photoperiods. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241561. [PMID: 33253255 PMCID: PMC7704011 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoperiod is an important factor of mammalian seasonal rhythm. Here, we studied morphological differences in the Harderian gland (HG), a vital photosensitive organ, in male striped dwarf hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) under different photoperiods (short photoperiod, SP; moderate photoperiod, MP; long photoperiod, LP), and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms related to these morphological differences. Results showed that carcass weight and HG weight were lower under SP and LP conditions. There was an inverse correlation between blood melatonin levels and photoperiod in the order SP > MP > LP. Protein expression of hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT), a MT synthesis-related enzyme, was highest in the SP group. Protein expression of bax/bcl2 showed no significant differences, indicating that the level of apoptosis remained stable. Protein expression of LC3II/LC3I was higher in the SP group than that in the MP group. Furthermore, comparison of changes in the HG ultrastructure demonstrated autolysosome formation in the LP, suggesting the lowest autophagy level in under MP. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of ATP synthase and mitochondrial fission factor were highest in the MP group, whereas citrate synthase, dynamin-related protein1, and fission1 remained unchanged in the three groups. The change trends of ATP synthase and citrate synthase activity were similar to that of protein expression among the three groups. In summary, the up-regulation of autophagy under SP and LP may be a primary factor leading to loss of HG weight and reduced mitochondrial energy supply capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hui Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Jun-Jie Mou
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao-Cui Geng
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
- Yiheyuan School, Yiyuan, Shandong, China
| | - Ming Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Hui-Liang Xue
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Lei Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Lai-Xiang Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
- * E-mail:
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11
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Sockman KW, Hurlbert AH. How the effects of latitude on daylight availability may have influenced the evolution of migration and photoperiodism. Funct Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Keith W. Sockman
- Department of Biology University of North Carolina Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Allen H. Hurlbert
- Department of Biology University of North Carolina Chapel Hill NC USA
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12
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Wang Z, Xu JH, Mou JJ, Kong XT, Wu M, Xue HL, Xu LX. Photoperiod Affects Harderian Gland Morphology and Secretion in Female Cricetulus barabensis: Autophagy, Apoptosis, and Mitochondria. Front Physiol 2020; 11:408. [PMID: 32435203 PMCID: PMC7218128 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoperiod is an important factor of mammalian seasonal rhythm. The Harderian gland (HG) appears to act as a “standby” structure of the retinal-pineal axis, mediating light signals in vitro and neuroendocrine regulation in vivo; however, the effect of photoperiod on the HG is not clear. Here, we studied morphological differences in the HG of female striped dwarf hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis), a small mammal that experiences an annual rhythm, under different photoperiods (i.e., SP, short photoperiod; MP, moderate photoperiod; LP, long photoperiod), and further investigated the molecular mechanisms related to these morphological differences. Results showed that body weight, carcass weight, and HG weight were higher in the SP and LP groups than that in the MP group. Protein expression of hydroxyindole-o-methyltransferase, a key enzyme in melatonin synthesis, was higher in the SP group than in the other two groups. Somatostatin showed highest expression in the LP group. Furthermore, comparison of changes in the HG ultrastructure demonstrated autolysosome formation in the SP group. Protein aggregation and mRNA expression of LC3 and protein expression of LC3II/LC3I were higher in the SP group than in the MP group, indicating elevated autophagy under SP. Chromatin agglutination and mitochondrial damage were observed and bax/bcl2 and cytochrome C expression increased at the protein and mRNA levels in the SP and LP groups, suggesting increased apoptosis. Protein expression of dynamin-related protein 1 and mitochondrial fission factor (Mff) were highest in the SP group, suggesting elevated mitochondrial fission. Protein expression levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase and citrate synthase were lower in the LP group than in the SP and MP groups. These results indicated that autophagy and apoptosis imbalance under SP and LP conditions may have led to HG weight loss and up-regulation of mitochondrial apoptosis may have weakened mitochondrial function under LP conditions. Finally, melatonin synthesis appeared to be positively correlated with the time hamsters entered darkness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Jin-Hui Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Jun-Jie Mou
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Xiao-Tong Kong
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Ming Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Hui-Liang Xue
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Lai-Xiang Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
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13
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Raitiere MN. Does photoperiodism involve a seasonal and non-pathological Warburg effect? Med Hypotheses 2020; 135:109447. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.109447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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14
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Munley KM, Deyoe JE, Ren CC, Demas GE. Melatonin mediates seasonal transitions in aggressive behavior and circulating androgen profiles in male Siberian hamsters. Horm Behav 2020; 117:104608. [PMID: 31669179 PMCID: PMC6980702 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Some seasonally-breeding animals are more aggressive during the short, "winter-like" days (SD) of the non-breeding season, despite gonadal regression and reduced circulating androgen levels. While the mechanisms underlying SD increases in aggression are not well understood, previous work from our lab suggests that pineal melatonin (MEL) and the adrenal androgen dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are important in facilitating non-breeding aggression in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus). To characterize the role of MEL in modulating seasonal transitions in aggressive behavior, we housed male hamsters in long days (LD) or SD, treated them with timed MEL (M) or saline injections, and measured aggression after 3, 6, and 9 weeks. Furthermore, to assess whether MEL mediates seasonal shifts in gonadal and adrenal androgen synthesis, serum testosterone (T) and DHEA concentrations were quantified 36 h before and immediately following an aggressive encounter. LD-M and SD males exhibited similar physiological and behavioral responses to treatment. Specifically, both LD-M and SD males displayed higher levels of aggression than LD males and reduced circulating DHEA and T in response to an aggressive encounter, whereas LD males elevated circulating androgens. Interestingly, LD and SD males exhibited distinct relationships between circulating androgens and aggressive behavior, in which changes in serum T following an aggressive interaction (∆T) were negatively correlated with aggression in LD males, while ∆DHEA was positively correlated with aggression in SD males. Collectively, these findings suggest that SD males transition from synthesis to metabolism of circulating androgens following an aggressive encounter, a mechanism that is modulated by MEL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M Munley
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
| | - Jessica E Deyoe
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
| | - Clarissa C Ren
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
| | - Gregory E Demas
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
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15
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Bleicher SS, Marko H, Morin DJ, Teemu K, Hannu Y. Balancing food, activity and the dangers of sunlit nights. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-019-2703-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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16
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Abstract
Cancer is a systemic disease. In order to fully understand it, we must take a holistic view on how cancer interacts with its host. The brain monitors and responds to natural and aberrant signals arriving from the periphery, particularly those of metabolic or immune origin. As has been well described, a hallmark of cancer is marked disruption of metabolic and inflammatory processes. Depending on the salience and timing of these inputs, the brain responds via neural and humoral routes to alter whole-body physiology. These responses have consequences for tumor growth and metastasis, directly influencing patient quality of life and subsequent mortality. Additionally, environmental inputs such as light, diet, and stress, can promote inappropriate neural activity that benefits cancer. Here, I discuss evidence for brain-tumor interactions, with special emphasis on subcortical neuromodulator neural populations, and potential ways of harnessing this cross-talk as a novel approach for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy C Borniger
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, P154 MSLS Building, 1201 Welch Rd., Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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17
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Munley KM, Rendon NM, Demas GE. Neural Androgen Synthesis and Aggression: Insights From a Seasonally Breeding Rodent. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:136. [PMID: 29670576 PMCID: PMC5893947 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggression is an essential social behavior that promotes survival and reproductive fitness across animal systems. While research on the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying this complex behavior has traditionally focused on the classic neuroendocrine model, in which circulating gonadal steroids are transported to the brain and directly mediate neural circuits relevant to aggression, recent studies have suggested that this paradigm is oversimplified. Work on seasonal mammals that exhibit territorial aggression outside of the breeding season, such as Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus), has been particularly useful in elucidating alternate mechanisms. These animals display elevated levels of aggression during the non-breeding season, in spite of gonadal regression and reduced levels of circulating androgens. Our laboratory has provided considerable evidence that the adrenal hormone precursor dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is important in maintaining aggression in both male and female Siberian hamsters during the non-breeding season, a mechanism that appears to be evolutionarily-conserved in some seasonal rodent and avian species. This review will discuss research on the neuroendocrine mechanisms of aggression in Siberian hamsters, a species that displays robust neural, physiological, and behavioral changes on a seasonal basis. Furthermore, we will address how these findings support a novel neuroendocrine pathway for territorial aggression in seasonal animals, in which adrenal DHEA likely serves as an essential precursor for neural androgen synthesis during the non-breeding season.
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18
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Zhang SR, Wang H, Wang Z, Ren Y, Niu L, Liu J, Liu B. Photoperiodism dynamics during the domestication and improvement of soybean. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2017; 60:1416-1427. [PMID: 28942538 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-016-9154-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Soybean (Glycine max) is a facultative short-day plant with a sensitive photoperiod perception and reaction system, which allows it to adjust its physiological state and gene regulatory networks to seasonal and diurnal changes in environmental conditions. In the past few decades, soybean cultivation has spread from East Asia to areas throughout the world. Biologists and breeders must now confront the challenge of understanding the molecular mechanism of soybean photoperiodism and improving agronomic traits to enable this important crop to adapt to geographical and environmental changes. In this review, we summarize the genetic regulatory network underlying photoperiodic responses in soybean. Genomic and genetic studies have revealed that the circadian clock, in conjunction with the light perception pathways, regulates photoperiodic flowering. Here, we provide an annotated list of 844 candidate flowering genes in soybean, with their putative biological functions. Many photoperiod-related genes have been intensively selected during domestication and crop improvement. Finally, we describe recent progress in engineering photoperiod-responsive genes for improving agronomic traits to enhance geographic adaptation in soybean, as well as future prospects for research on soybean photoperiodic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Rui Zhang
- National Key Facility for Crop Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Zhongyu Wang
- National Key Facility for Crop Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yao Ren
- National Key Facility for Crop Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
- College of Plant Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Lifang Niu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Jun Liu
- National Key Facility for Crop Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Bin Liu
- National Key Facility for Crop Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.
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19
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Stewart F, McAdam A. Wild Peromyscus adjust maternal nest-building behaviour in response to ambient temperature. CAN J ZOOL 2017. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2016-0236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The heat dissipation limit (HDL) hypothesis suggests that energy output during lactation in mammals might be constrained by their ability to dissipate heat. This hypothesis predicts that wild mammals ought to adjust nest insulation in response to heat load, but these predictions have rarely been tested in wild mammals. Here we developed a simple score of nest-building for wild deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus (Wagner, 1845)) on an ordinal scale from 0 to 4, based on three qualitative and easy to observe aspects of nest-building behaviour: bedding quality, nest shape, and mouse visibility. We used this measure to track 472 nest-building observations across 14 wild P. maniculatus that were brought into captivity and housed under pseudoambient temperatures across one reproductive event. Our observations of nest-building behaviour of the genus Peromyscus Gloger, 1841 provide varying support for the HDL hypothesis; there is a negative effect of ambient temperature on nest-building behaviour and lactating females became more sensitive to temperature as days post partum increased. However, females generally build more elaborate nests in lactation than other reproductive states and there are no effects of litter size, total pup mass, or days post partum on nest scores during lactation. Our observations have broad implications for quantifying behaviours in nest-building species and metabolic relationships in wild mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- F.E.C. Stewart
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - A.G. McAdam
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
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20
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Kiaris H. Editorial. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 61:80-81. [PMID: 28081800 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hippokratis Kiaris
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences and Peromyscus Genetic Stock Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
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