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Closs LE, Royan MR, Sayyari A, Mayer I, Weltzien FA, Baker DM, Fontaine R. Artificial light at night disrupts male dominance relationships and reproductive success in a model fish species. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 900:166406. [PMID: 37597540 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166406] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Environmental light is perceived and anticipated by organisms to synchronize their biological cycles. Therefore, artificial light at night (ALAN) disrupts both diurnal and seasonal biological rhythms. Reproduction is a complex physiological process involving integration of environmental signals by the brain, and release of endocrine signals by the pituitary that regulate gametogenesis and spawning. In addition, males from many species form a dominance hierarchy that, through a combination of aggressive and protective behavior, influences their reproductive success. In this study, we investigated the effect of ALAN and continuous daylight on the behavior and fitness of male fish within a dominance hierarchy using a model fish, the Japanese medaka. In normal light/dark cycles, male medaka establish a hierarchy with the dominant males being more aggressive and remaining closer to the female thus limiting the access of subordinate males to females during spawning. However, determination of the paternity of the progeny revealed that even though subordinate males spend less time with the females, they are, in normal light conditions, equally successful at producing progeny due to an efficient sneaking behavior. Continuous daylight completely inhibited the establishment of male hierarchy, whereas ALAN did not affect it. Nonetheless, when exposed to ALAN, subordinate males fertilize far fewer eggs. Furthermore, we found that when exposed to ALAN, subordinate males produced lower quality sperm than dominant males. Surprisingly, we found no differences in circulating sex steroid levels, pituitary gonadotropin levels, or gonadosomatic index between dominant and subordinate males, neither in control nor ALAN condition. This study is the first to report an effect of ALAN on sperm quality leading to a modification of male fertilization success in any vertebrate. While this work was performed in a model fish species, our results suggest that in urban areas ALAN may impact the genetic diversity of species displaying dominance behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Closs
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway.
| | - Muhammad Rahmad Royan
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway.
| | - Amin Sayyari
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway.
| | - Ian Mayer
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Finn-Arne Weltzien
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway.
| | - Dianne M Baker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA, United States.
| | - Romain Fontaine
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway.
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2
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Cincotta AH. Brain Dopamine-Clock Interactions Regulate Cardiometabolic Physiology: Mechanisms of the Observed Cardioprotective Effects of Circadian-Timed Bromocriptine-QR Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes Subjects. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13255. [PMID: 37686060 PMCID: PMC10487918 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite enormous global efforts within clinical research and medical practice to reduce cardiovascular disease(s) (CVD), it still remains the leading cause of death worldwide. While genetic factors clearly contribute to CVD etiology, the preponderance of epidemiological data indicate that a major common denominator among diverse ethnic populations from around the world contributing to CVD is the composite of Western lifestyle cofactors, particularly Western diets (high saturated fat/simple sugar [particularly high fructose and sucrose and to a lesser extent glucose] diets), psychosocial stress, depression, and altered sleep/wake architecture. Such Western lifestyle cofactors are potent drivers for the increased risk of metabolic syndrome and its attendant downstream CVD. The central nervous system (CNS) evolved to respond to and anticipate changes in the external (and internal) environment to adapt survival mechanisms to perceived stresses (challenges to normal biological function), including the aforementioned Western lifestyle cofactors. Within the CNS of vertebrates in the wild, the biological clock circuitry surveils the environment and has evolved mechanisms for the induction of the obese, insulin-resistant state as a survival mechanism against an anticipated ensuing season of low/no food availability. The peripheral tissues utilize fat as an energy source under muscle insulin resistance, while increased hepatic insulin resistance more readily supplies glucose to the brain. This neural clock function also orchestrates the reversal of the obese, insulin-resistant condition when the low food availability season ends. The circadian neural network that produces these seasonal shifts in metabolism is also responsive to Western lifestyle stressors that drive the CNS clock into survival mode. A major component of this natural or Western lifestyle stressor-induced CNS clock neurophysiological shift potentiating the obese, insulin-resistant state is a diminution of the circadian peak of dopaminergic input activity to the pacemaker clock center, suprachiasmatic nucleus. Pharmacologically preventing this loss of circadian peak dopaminergic activity both prevents and reverses existing metabolic syndrome in a wide variety of animal models of the disorder, including high fat-fed animals. Clinically, across a variety of different study designs, circadian-timed bromocriptine-QR (quick release) (a unique formulation of micronized bromocriptine-a dopamine D2 receptor agonist) therapy of type 2 diabetes subjects improved hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, immune sterile inflammation, and/or adverse cardiovascular event rate. The present review details the seminal circadian science investigations delineating important roles for CNS circadian peak dopaminergic activity in the regulation of peripheral fuel metabolism and cardiovascular biology and also summarizes the clinical study findings of bromocriptine-QR therapy on cardiometabolic outcomes in type 2 diabetes subjects.
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San-Jose LM, Bestion E, Pellerin F, Richard M, Di Gesu L, Salmona J, Winandy L, Legrand D, Bonneaud C, Guillaume O, Calvez O, Elmer KR, Yurchenko AA, Recknagel H, Clobert J, Cote J. Investigating the genetic basis of vertebrate dispersal combining RNA-seq, RAD-seq and quantitative genetics. Mol Ecol 2023. [PMID: 36872057 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Although animal dispersal is known to play key roles in ecological and evolutionary processes such as colonization, population extinction and local adaptation, little is known about its genetic basis, particularly in vertebrates. Untapping the genetic basis of dispersal should deepen our understanding of how dispersal behaviour evolves, the molecular mechanisms that regulate it and link it to other phenotypic aspects in order to form the so-called dispersal syndromes. Here, we comprehensively combined quantitative genetics, genome-wide sequencing and transcriptome sequencing to investigate the genetic basis of natal dispersal in a known ecological and evolutionary model of vertebrate dispersal: the common lizard, Zootoca vivipara. Our study supports the heritability of dispersal in semi-natural populations, with less variation attributable to maternal and natal environment effects. In addition, we found an association between natal dispersal and both variation in the carbonic anhydrase (CA10) gene, and in the expression of several genes (TGFB2, SLC6A4, NOS1) involved in central nervous system functioning. These findings suggest that neurotransmitters (serotonin and nitric oxide) are involved in the regulation of dispersal and shaping dispersal syndromes. Several genes from the circadian clock (CRY2, KCTD21) were also differentially expressed between disperser and resident lizards, supporting that the circadian rhythm, known to be involved in long-distance migration in other taxa, might affect dispersal as well. Since neuronal and circadian pathways are relatively well conserved across vertebrates, our results are likely to be generalisable, and we therefore encourage future studies to further investigate the role of these pathways in shaping dispersal in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M San-Jose
- Laboratoire Évolution and Diversité Biologique, UMR 5174, CNRS, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, IRD, Toulouse, France
| | - Elvire Bestion
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, UAR 2029, CNRS, Moulis, France
| | - Félix Pellerin
- Laboratoire Évolution and Diversité Biologique, UMR 5174, CNRS, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, IRD, Toulouse, France
| | - Murielle Richard
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, UAR 2029, CNRS, Moulis, France
| | - Lucie Di Gesu
- Laboratoire Évolution and Diversité Biologique, UMR 5174, CNRS, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, IRD, Toulouse, France
| | - Jordi Salmona
- Laboratoire Évolution and Diversité Biologique, UMR 5174, CNRS, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, IRD, Toulouse, France
| | - Laurane Winandy
- Laboratoire Évolution and Diversité Biologique, UMR 5174, CNRS, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, IRD, Toulouse, France
| | - Delphine Legrand
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, UAR 2029, CNRS, Moulis, France
| | - Camille Bonneaud
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK
| | - Olivier Guillaume
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, UAR 2029, CNRS, Moulis, France
| | - Olivier Calvez
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, UAR 2029, CNRS, Moulis, France
| | - Kathryn R Elmer
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Andrey A Yurchenko
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Hans Recknagel
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jean Clobert
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, UAR 2029, CNRS, Moulis, France
| | - Julien Cote
- Laboratoire Évolution and Diversité Biologique, UMR 5174, CNRS, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, IRD, Toulouse, France
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Hidalgo S, Anguiano M, Tabuloc CA, Chiu JC. Seasonal cues act through the circadian clock and pigment-dispersing factor to control EYES ABSENT and downstream physiological changes. Curr Biol 2023; 33:675-687.e5. [PMID: 36708710 PMCID: PMC9992282 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Organisms adapt to seasonal changes in photoperiod and temperature to survive; however, the mechanisms by which these signals are integrated in the brain to alter seasonal biology are poorly understood. We previously reported that EYES ABSENT (EYA) shows higher levels in cold temperature or short photoperiod and promotes winter physiology in Drosophila. Nevertheless, how EYA senses seasonal cues is unclear. Pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) is a neuropeptide important for regulating circadian output rhythms. Interestingly, PDF has also been shown to regulate seasonality, suggesting that it may mediate the function of the circadian clock in modulating seasonal physiology. In this study, we investigated the role of EYA in mediating the function of PDF on seasonal biology. We observed that PDF abundance is lower on cold and short days as compared with warm and long days, contrary to what was previously observed for EYA. We observed that manipulating PDF signaling in eya+ fly brain neurons, where EYA and PDF receptor are co-expressed, modulates seasonal adaptations in daily activity rhythm and ovary development via EYA-dependent and EYA-independent mechanisms. At the molecular level, altering PDF signaling impacted EYA protein abundance. Specifically, we showed that protein kinase A (PKA), an effector of PDF signaling, phosphorylates EYA promoting its degradation, thus explaining the opposite responses of PDF and EYA abundance to changes in seasonal cues. In summary, our results support a model in which PDF signaling negatively modulates EYA levels to regulate seasonal physiology, linking the circadian clock to the modulation of seasonal adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Hidalgo
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Maribel Anguiano
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Christine A Tabuloc
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Joanna C Chiu
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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5
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Kim R, Nijhout HF, Reed MC. Mathematical insights into the role of dopamine signaling in circadian entrainment. Math Biosci 2023; 356:108956. [PMID: 36581152 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2022.108956] [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: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The circadian clock in the mammalian brain comprises interlocked molecular feedback loops that have downstream effects on important physiological functions such as the sleep-wake cycle and hormone regulation. Experiments have shown that the circadian clock also modulates the synthesis and breakdown of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Imbalances in dopamine are linked to a host of neurological conditions including Parkinson's disease, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and mood disorders, and these conditions are often accompanied by circadian disruptions. We have previously created a mathematical model using nonlinear ordinary differential equations to describe the influences of the circadian clock on dopamine at the molecular level. Recent experiments suggest that dopamine reciprocally influences the circadian clock. Dopamine receptor D1 (DRD1) signaling has been shown to aid in the entrainment of the clock to the 24-hour light-dark cycle, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this paper, we use our mathematical model to support the experimental hypothesis that DRD1 signaling promotes circadian entrainment by modulating the clock's response to light. We model the effects of a phase advance or delay, as well as the therapeutic potential of a REV-ERB agonist. In addition to phase shifts, we study the influences of photoperiod, or day length, in the mathematical model, connect our findings with the experimental and clinical literature, and determine the parameter that affects the critical photoperiod that signals seasonal changes to physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby Kim
- Department of Mathematics, University of Michigan, 530 Church Street, Ann Arbor, 48109, MI, USA.
| | - H Frederik Nijhout
- Department of Biology, Duke University, 130 Science Drive, Durham, 27708, NC, USA
| | - Michael C Reed
- Department of Mathematics, Duke University, 120 Science Drive, Durham, 27708, NC, USA
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6
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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.
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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
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7
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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.
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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
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8
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Population-specific association of Clock gene polymorphism with annual cycle timing in stonechats. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7947. [PMID: 35562382 PMCID: PMC9106710 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11158-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Timing is essential for survival and reproduction of organisms across the tree of life. The core circadian clock gene Clk is involved in the regulation of annual timing events and shows highly conserved sequence homology across vertebrates except for one variable region of poly-glutamine repeats. Clk genotype varies in some species with latitude, seasonal timing and migration. However, findings are inconsistent, difficult to disentangle from environmental responses, and biased towards high latitudes. Here we combine field data with a common-garden experiment to study associations of Clk polymorphism with latitude, migration and annual-cycle timing within the stonechat species complex across its trans-equatorial distribution range. Our dataset includes 950 records from 717 individuals from nine populations with diverse migratory strategies. Gene diversity was lowest in resident African and Canary Island populations and increased with latitude, independently of migration distance. Repeat length and annual-cycle timing was linked in a population-specific way. Specifically, equatorial African stonechats showed delayed timing with longer repeat length for all annual-cycle stages. Our data suggest that at low latitudes with nearly constant photoperiod, Clk genotype might orchestrate a range of consistent, individual chronotypes. In contrast, the influence of Clk on annual-cycle timing at higher latitudes might be mediated by its interactions with genes involved in (circadian) photoperiodic pathways.
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Batool F, Bilal RM, Hassan FU, Nasir TA, Rafeeque M, Elnesr SS, Farag MR, Mahgoub HAM, Naiel MAE, Alagawany M. An updated review on behavior of domestic quail with reference to the negative effect of heat stress. Anim Biotechnol 2021; 34:424-437. [PMID: 34355648 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2021.1951281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Japanese quail originated from the wildlife environment and was first domesticated in Japan in 1595. Japanese quail has widely distributed in various parts of the world. This bird is characterized by its rapid growth rate, high rate of egg production, much lower space requirements, small size, good reproductive potential, short life cycle, resistance to diseases, early sexual maturity (from 39 to 50 days), better laying ability and shorter time of hatching compared with the different species of poultry. All these characteristics rendered it an excellent laboratory animal and a good economical animal protein source (for both egg and meat). Thermal stress was found to be the major limiting variable in poultry production, directly influencing bird welfare conditions. Previous research showed that heat stress in the production environment, induced by high ambient temperatures, may have a direct detrimental effect on welfare, meat quality, carcass characteristics, productivity, egg mass and egg quality. Furthermore, heat stress directly decreases quails' reproductive performance. As tiny, ground-dwelling birds, quail may appear unable to handle extreme temperatures, yet they have methods of fighting the heat. This review will help in developing and strengthening the core of the quail-based poultry sector. In addition, it provides aggregate information on the characteristics of the quail bird as a production unit in poultry farms as well as being an animal model for laboratory experiments. Also, this review provided deep insight into the domestication process and the impact of heat stress on production characteristics, which altered the domestic or Japanese quail substantially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiza Batool
- Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Forestry, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Rana M Bilal
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Department of Animal Nutrition, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Faiz Ul Hassan
- Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Institute of Animal & Dairy Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Taquir A Nasir
- Department of Animal Science, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Majid Rafeeque
- Department of Animal Science, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Shaaban S Elnesr
- Faculty of Agriculture, Poultry Production Department, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Mayada R Farag
- Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Hany A M Mahgoub
- Faculty of Science, Department of Botany and Microbiology, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Egypt
| | - Mohammed A E Naiel
- Faculty of Agriculture, Animal Production Department, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Alagawany
- Faculty of Agriculture, Poultry Department, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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10
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Pokrovsky I, Kölzsch A, Sherub S, Fiedler W, Glazov P, Kulikova O, Wikelski M, Flack A. Longer days enable higher diurnal activity for migratory birds. J Anim Ecol 2021; 90:2161-2171. [PMID: 33759198 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13484] [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: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal geophysical cycles strongly influence the activity of life on Earth because they affect environmental conditions like temperature, precipitation and day length. An increase in daylight availability during summer is especially enhanced when animals migrate along a latitudinal gradient. Yet, the question of how day length (i.e. daylight availability) influences the activity patterns of long-distance, latitudinal migrants is still unclear. Here, we ask whether migration provides benefits to long-distance migrants by enabling them to increase their diurnal movement activities due to an increase in daylight availability. To answer this question, we tested whether four vastly different species of long-distance migratory birds-two arctic migrants and two mid-latitude migrants-can capitalise on day length changes by adjusting their daily activity. We quantified the relationship between daily activity (measured using accelerometer data) and day length, and estimated each species' daily activity patterns. In addition, we evaluated the role of day length as an ultimate driver of bird migration. All four species exhibited longer activity periods during days with more daylight hours, showing a strong positive relationship between total daily activity and day length. The slope of this relationship varied between the different species, with activity increasing 1.5-fold on average when migrating from wintering to breeding grounds. Underlying mechanisms of these relationships reveal two distinct patterns of daily activity. Flying foragers showed increasing activity patterns, that is, their daytime activities rose uniformly up to solar noon and decreased until dusk, thereby exhibiting a season-specific activity slope. In contrast, ground foragers showed a constant activity pattern, whereby they immediately increased their activity to a certain level and maintained this level throughout the day. Our study reveals that long days allow birds to prolong their activity and increase their total daily activity. These findings highlight that daylight availability could be an additional ultimate cause of bird migration and act as a selective agent for the evolution of migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Pokrovsky
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Radolfzell, Germany.,Institute of Plant & Animal Ecology, UB RAS, Ekaterinburg, Russia.,Institute of Biological Problems of the North, FEB RAS, Magadan, Russia
| | - Andrea Kölzsch
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Radolfzell, Germany.,Konstanz University, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Sherub Sherub
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Radolfzell, Germany.,Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment Research, Bhutan
| | - Wolfgang Fiedler
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Radolfzell, Germany.,Konstanz University, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Peter Glazov
- Institute of Geography, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Kulikova
- Institute of Biological Problems of the North, FEB RAS, Magadan, Russia.,Konstanz University, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Martin Wikelski
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Radolfzell, Germany.,Konstanz University, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Andrea Flack
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Radolfzell, Germany.,Konstanz University, Konstanz, Germany
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11
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Dardente H, Migaud M. Thyroid hormone and hypothalamic stem cells in seasonal functions. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2021; 116:91-131. [PMID: 33752829 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal rhythms are a pervasive feature of most living organisms, which underlie yearly timeliness in breeding, migration, hibernation or weight gain and loss. To achieve this, organisms have developed inner timing devices (circannual clocks) that endow them with the ability to predict then anticipate changes to come, usually using daylength as the proximate cue. In Vertebrates, daylength interpretation involves photoperiodic control of TSH production by the pars tuberalis (PT) of the pituitary, which governs a seasonal switch in thyroid hormone (TH) availability in the neighboring hypothalamus. Tanycytes, specialized glial cells lining the third ventricle (3V), are responsible for this TH output through the opposite, PT-TSH-driven, seasonal control of deiodinases 2/3 (Dio 2/3). Tanycytes comprise a photoperiod-sensitive stem cell niche and TH is known to play major roles in cell proliferation and differentiation, which suggests that seasonal control of tanycyte proliferation may be involved in the photoperiodic synchronization of seasonal rhythms. Here we review our current knowledge of the molecular and neuroendocrine pathway linking photoperiodic information to seasonal changes in physiological functions and discuss the potential implication of tanycytes, TH and cell proliferation in seasonal timing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugues Dardente
- PRC, INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France.
| | - Martine Migaud
- PRC, INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
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12
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Çökmüş FP, Aşçibaşi K, Dikici DS, Çöldür EÖ, Avci E, Aydemir Ö. Seasonality in Bipolar Disorder: Impact on Mood Symptoms, Psychosocial Functioning, Neurocognition, and Biological Rhythm. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 58:41-47. [PMID: 33795951 DOI: 10.29399/npa.25056] [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: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Even though an increase in the number of hospital admissions for manic and depressive periods at certain times of the year is reported in bipolar disorder (BD), mood symptoms do not show a seasonal variation. We aimed to find out the possible causes of increased hospital admissions of BD patients in certain periods of the year. Methods The study was carried out in four centers in Turkey. The patient group consisted of 41 persons with a diagnosis of BD in remission. The healthy control (HC) group consists of 37 persons. The selected evaluation times are fall equinox (September 23), spring equinox (March 21), summer solstice (June 21) and winter solstice (December 21). For mood symptoms, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Young Mania Rating Scale; for functioning Functioning Assessment Short Test; for neurocognition Stroop Test (ST) and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), for biological rhythm Biological Rhythms Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry, and Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire were used. Results In terms of mood symptoms no seasonal variation was found. Across all four periods of assessment of BD group, statistically significant variation was only observed in the instant recall, learning and recognition domains of RAVLT and word test and color test domains of ST; however, it was not sufficient to distinguish the BD group separating from the control group. Conclusions In terms of mood symptoms, psychosocial functionality, biological rhythm, neurocognition, no seasonal variation was demonstrated that could distinguish the BD group from the HC group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kadir Aşçibaşi
- Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, İzmir, Turkey
| | | | | | - Emin Avci
- Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Ömer Aydemir
- Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Manisa, Turkey
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13
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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.
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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.
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14
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Durbin HJ, Lu D, Yampara-Iquise H, Miller SP, Decker JE. Development of a genetic evaluation for hair shedding in American Angus cattle to improve thermotolerance. Genet Sel Evol 2020; 52:63. [PMID: 33087048 PMCID: PMC7579828 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-020-00584-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heat stress and fescue toxicosis caused by ingesting tall fescue infected with the endophytic fungus Epichloë coenophiala represent two of the most prevalent stressors to beef cattle in the United States and cost the beef industry millions of dollars each year. The rate at which a beef cow sheds her winter coat early in the summer is an indicator of adaptation to heat and an economically relevant trait in temperate or subtropical parts of the world. Furthermore, research suggests that early-summer hair shedding may reflect tolerance to fescue toxicosis, since vasoconstriction induced by fescue toxicosis limits the ability of an animal to shed its winter coat. Both heat stress and fescue toxicosis reduce profitability partly via indirect maternal effects on calf weaning weight. Here, we developed parameters for routine genetic evaluation of hair shedding score in American Angus cattle, and identified genomic loci associated with variation in hair shedding score via genome-wide association analysis (GWAA). RESULTS Hair shedding score was moderately heritable (h2 = 0.34 to 0.40), with different repeatability estimates between cattle grazing versus not grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue. Our results suggest modestly negative genetic and phenotypic correlations between a dam's hair shedding score (lower score is earlier shedding) and the weaning weight of her calf, which is one metric of performance. Together, these results indicate that economic gains can be made by using hair shedding score breeding values to select for heat-tolerant cattle. GWAA identified 176 variants significant at FDR < 0.05. Functional enrichment analyses using genes that were located within 50 kb of these variants identified pathways involved in keratin formation, prolactin signalling, host-virus interaction, and other biological processes. CONCLUSIONS This work contributes to a continuing trend in the development of genetic evaluations for environmental adaptation. Our results will aid beef cattle producers in selecting more sustainable and climate-adapted cattle, as well as enable the development of similar routine genetic evaluations in other breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Duc Lu
- Angus Genetics Inc., St. Joseph, MO 64506 USA
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15
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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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16
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Tokuda IT, Schmal C, Ananthasubramaniam B, Herzel H. Conceptual Models of Entrainment, Jet Lag, and Seasonality. Front Physiol 2020; 11:334. [PMID: 32411006 PMCID: PMC7199094 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding entrainment of circadian rhythms is a central goal of chronobiology. Many factors, such as period, amplitude, Zeitgeber strength, and daylength, govern entrainment ranges and phases of entrainment. We have tested whether simple amplitude-phase models can provide insight into the control of entrainment phases. Using global optimization, we derived conceptual models with just three free parameters (period, amplitude, and relaxation rate) that reproduce known phenotypic features of vertebrate clocks: phase response curves (PRCs) with relatively small phase shifts, fast re-entrainment after jet lag, and seasonal variability to track light onset or offset. Since optimization found multiple sets of model parameters, we could study this model ensemble to gain insight into the underlying design principles. We found complex associations between model parameters and entrainment features. Arnold onions of representative models visualize strong dependencies of entrainment on periods, relative Zeitgeber strength, and photoperiods. Our results support the use of oscillator theory as a framework for understanding the entrainment of circadian clocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isao T Tokuda
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Christoph Schmal
- Institute for Theoretical Biology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Hanspeter Herzel
- Institute for Theoretical Biology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Institute for Theoretical Biology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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17
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Maldonado L, Tempesti TC, Somoza GM, Peluc SI, Valdez DJ. Reproduction in the Eared Dove: An exception to the classic model of seasonal reproduction in birds? ZOOLOGY 2020; 140:125769. [PMID: 32251889 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2020.125769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In avian species living at high altitudes and latitudes, reproductive events are largely controlled by photoperiod, with changes being perceived mainly through encephalic photoreceptors located in the hypothalamus. It is known that during long day periods (reproductive periods), the information transmitted by brain photoreceptors triggers the production of thyroid hormones that regulate GnRH secretion, inducing secretion of pituitary gonadotropins. As a result, gonads develop and grow and the production of gonadal sex hormones, testosterone and estradiol increases (classic gonadal cycle). During short day periods (non-reproductive periods) on the other hand, the gonads regress, and plasma gonadal steroid levels are low. By means of this mechanism, birds synchronize their physiology and reproductive behaviors with seasonal changes in the environment. However, it appears that not all avian species comply with this general reproductive pattern. For example, the Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata), a South American opportunistic breeding columbiform, has been reported to successfully reproduce throughout the year, making it an interesting avian system for studying the endocrine basis of avian reproduction. In view of a clear lack of seasonal variability in testicular weight and size (the classic gonadal regression/recrudescence cycle) in the male Eared Dove, we examined whether their reproductive aseasonality could be the result of being in a continuous state of reproductive preparedness. Our results show that despite the absence of a marked gonadal cycle in terms of gonadal volume, plasma testosterone levels in males were minimal during autumn-winter, reaching maximum values during spring-summer. This indicates that male gonad function is not seasonal in terms of spermatogenesis but that circulating testosterone levels are correlated with photoperiod, demonstrating an exception to the classic model of reproduction in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Maldonado
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Centro de Zoología Aplicada, Córdoba, Rondeau 798, CP X5000AVP, Argentina
| | - Tomas C Tempesti
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Córdoba, Av. Haya de la Torre s/n Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Argentina
| | - Gustavo M Somoza
- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Av. Intendente Marino Km 8,200 CC 164 (7130) Chascomús, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Susana I Peluc
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Centro de Zoología Aplicada, Córdoba, Rondeau 798, CP X5000AVP, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Córdoba, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 299, X5000JJC, Argentina
| | - Diego J Valdez
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Centro de Zoología Aplicada, Córdoba, Rondeau 798, CP X5000AVP, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Córdoba, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 299, X5000JJC, Argentina.
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18
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Rittenhouse JL, Robart AR, Watts HE. Variation in chronotype is associated with migratory timing in a songbird. Biol Lett 2019; 15:20190453. [PMID: 31455169 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2019.0453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Like many organisms, birds exhibit daily (circadian) and seasonal biological rhythms, and within populations both daily and seasonal timing often vary among individuals. Because photoperiod interacts with the circadian rhythms of many organisms to induce seasonal changes in behaviour and physiology, it is hypothesized that differences in daily timing, called chronotypes, underpin differences among individuals in the timing of seasonal events. For seasonal events stimulated by increasing daylength, this hypothesis predicts a positive relationship between the timing of daily and seasonal activities of individuals, with advanced chronotypes expressing events earlier in the year. The few previous tests of this hypothesis have focused on seasonal reproductive timing in birds. However, the hypothesis predicts that this relationship should extend to other photoinduced seasonal events. Therefore, we tested whether variation in chronotype was associated with variation in spring migratory timing in a captive songbird model, the pine siskin (Spinus pinus). We found that pine siskins expressing migratory restlessness exhibited repeatable chronotypes in their timing of nocturnal activity. Further, chronotype was significantly associated with the onset date of migratory behaviour, consistent with the hypothesized relationship between chronotype and seasonal timing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashley R Robart
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Heather E Watts
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.,Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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19
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Androulakis IP. The quest for digital health: From diseases to patients. Comput Chem Eng 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compchemeng.2019.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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20
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Karatsoreos IN. Circadian Regulation of the Brain and Behavior: A Neuroendocrine Perspective. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2019; 43:323-351. [PMID: 31586337 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2019_115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine systems are key regulators of brain and body functions, providing an important nexus between internal states and the external world, which then modulates appropriate behavioral outputs. Circadian (daily) rhythms are endogenously generated rhythms of approximately 24 h that help to synchronize internal physiological processes and behavioral states to the external environmental light-dark cycle. Given the importance of timing (hours, days, annual) in many different neuroendocrine axes, understanding how the circadian timing system regulates neuroendocrine function is particularly critical. Similarly, neuroendocrine signals can significantly affect circadian timing, and understanding these mechanisms can provide insights into general concepts of neuroendocrine regulation of brain circuits and behavior. This chapter will review the circadian timing system and its control of two key neuroendocrine systems: the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. It will also discuss how outputs from these axes feedback to affect the circadian clock. Given that disruption of circadian timing is a central component of many mental and physical health conditions and that neuroendocrine function is similarly implicated in many of the same conditions, understanding these links will help illuminate potentially shared causality and perhaps lead to a better understanding of how to manipulate these systems when they begin to malfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilia N Karatsoreos
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
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21
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Maruani J, Anderson G, Etain B, Lejoyeux M, Bellivier F, Geoffroy PA. The neurobiology of adaptation to seasons: Relevance and correlations in bipolar disorders. Chronobiol Int 2018; 35:1335-1353. [DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2018.1487975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Maruani
- Inserm, U1144, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, UMR-S 1144, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR-S 1144, Paris, France
- AP-HP, GH Saint-Louis – Lariboisière – F. Widal, Pôle de Psychiatrie et de Médecine Addictologique, Paris, France
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
| | | | - Bruno Etain
- Inserm, U1144, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, UMR-S 1144, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR-S 1144, Paris, France
- AP-HP, GH Saint-Louis – Lariboisière – F. Widal, Pôle de Psychiatrie et de Médecine Addictologique, Paris, France
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
| | - Michel Lejoyeux
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR-S 1144, Paris, France
- Department of Epidemiology, Paris Hospital Group – Psychiatry & Neurosciences, Paris, France
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictive Medicine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), University Hospital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France
- Paris Diderot University – Paris VII, Paris, France
| | - Frank Bellivier
- Inserm, U1144, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, UMR-S 1144, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR-S 1144, Paris, France
- AP-HP, GH Saint-Louis – Lariboisière – F. Widal, Pôle de Psychiatrie et de Médecine Addictologique, Paris, France
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
| | - Pierre A. Geoffroy
- Inserm, U1144, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, UMR-S 1144, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR-S 1144, Paris, France
- AP-HP, GH Saint-Louis – Lariboisière – F. Widal, Pôle de Psychiatrie et de Médecine Addictologique, Paris, France
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
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22
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Pierre K, Rao RT, Hartmanshenn C, Androulakis IP. Modeling the Influence of Seasonal Differences in the HPA Axis on Synchronization of the Circadian Clock and Cell Cycle. Endocrinology 2018; 159:1808-1826. [PMID: 29444258 PMCID: PMC6044315 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-03226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Synchronization of biological functions to environmental signals enables organisms to anticipate and appropriately respond to daily external fluctuations and is critical to the maintenance of homeostasis. Misalignment of circadian rhythms with environmental cues is associated with adverse health outcomes. Cortisol, the downstream effector of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) activity, facilitates synchronization of peripheral biological processes to the environment. Cortisol levels exhibit substantial seasonal rhythmicity, with peak levels occurring during the short-photoperiod winter months and reduced levels occurring in the long-photoperiod summer season. Seasonal changes in cortisol secretion could therefore alter its entraining capabilities, resulting in a season-dependent modification in the alignment of biological activities with the environment. We develop a mathematical model to investigate the influence of photoperiod-induced seasonal differences in the circadian rhythmicity of the HPA axis on the synchronization of the peripheral circadian clock and cell cycle in a heterogeneous cell population. Model simulations predict that the high-amplitude cortisol rhythms in winter result in the greatest entrainment of peripheral oscillators. Furthermore, simulations predict a circadian gating of the cell cycle with respect to the expression of peripheral clock genes. Seasonal differences in cortisol rhythmicity are also predicted to influence mitotic synchrony, with a high-amplitude winter rhythm resulting in the greatest synchrony and a shift in timing of the cell cycle phases, relative to summer. Our results highlight the primary interactions among the HPA axis, the peripheral circadian clock, and the cell cycle and thereby provide an improved understanding of the implications of circadian misalignment on the synchronization of peripheral regulatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamau Pierre
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Rohit T Rao
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Clara Hartmanshenn
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Ioannis P Androulakis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
- Correspondence: Ioannis P. Androulakis, PhD, Biomedical Engineering Department, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Road, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854. E-mail:
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23
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Rao RT, Pierre KK, Schlesinger N, Androulakis IP. The Potential of Circadian Realignment in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Crit Rev Biomed Eng 2017; 44:177-191. [PMID: 28605351 DOI: 10.1615/critrevbiomedeng.2016018812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In this short review, we discuss evidence supporting the modulation of peripheral circadian systems as a therapeutic strategy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We first review the role of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, two of the primary mediators of chronic inflammation in RA, and their regulation by circadian clock machinery. We further highlight the role of environmental and metabolic signals in regulating the central and peripheral circadian clocks, with an emphasis on seasonal variations in photoperiod and rhythmic metabolic input, respectively. Finally, we hypothesize that the entrainment and realignment of peripheral clock rhythms have the ability to modulate these mediators, improving clinical outcomes in RA patients. Our discussion emphasizes the use of light therapy and time-restricted feeding for entraining peripheral clocks either via the entrainment of the central circadian clock in suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) or directly by uncoupling the peripheral circadian clocks from SCN. In doing so, we highlight the use of nonpharmacologic interventions as a potential strategy for improving clinical outcomes in chronic inflammatory conditions such as RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit T Rao
- Chemical & Biochemical Engineering Department, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Kamau K Pierre
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Naomi Schlesinger
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Ioannis P Androulakis
- Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Department, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey; Biomedical Engineering Department, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey; Department of Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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24
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Rao RT, Scherholz ML, Hartmanshenn C, Bae SA, Androulakis IP. On the analysis of complex biological supply chains: From Process Systems Engineering to Quantitative Systems Pharmacology. Comput Chem Eng 2017; 107:100-110. [PMID: 29353945 DOI: 10.1016/j.compchemeng.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The use of models in biology has become particularly relevant as it enables investigators to develop a mechanistic framework for understanding the operating principles of living systems as well as in quantitatively predicting their response to both pathological perturbations and pharmacological interventions. This application has resulted in a synergistic convergence of systems biology and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling techniques that has led to the emergence of quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP). In this review, we discuss how the foundational principles of chemical process systems engineering inform the progressive development of more physiologically-based systems biology models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit T Rao
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 98 Brett Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854
| | - Megerle L Scherholz
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 98 Brett Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854
| | - Clara Hartmanshenn
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 98 Brett Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854
| | - Seul-A Bae
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 98 Brett Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854
| | - Ioannis P Androulakis
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 98 Brett Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, 599 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854
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Pierre K, Schlesinger N, Androulakis IP. The Hepato-Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal-Renal Axis: Mathematical Modeling of Cortisol’s Production, Metabolism, and Seasonal Variation. J Biol Rhythms 2017; 32:469-484. [DOI: 10.1177/0748730417729929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cortisol dynamics are governed by the integration of influences from the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and metabolic enzymes, such as the 11β–hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) family, which are highly expressed in hepatic and renal tissue. The coordinated regulation of cortisol dynamics is essential for the maintenance of a healthy state, and aberrant cortisol circadian rhythms are associated with various pathophysiological conditions. The duration of the light-dark cycle, or photoperiod, which regulates SCN activity, varies seasonally, and the shorter photoperiod winter season is associated with elevated cortisol levels, peak inflammatory disease incidence, and symptom exacerbation. Elevated expression and activity of 11β-HSD1 protein, assumed to also occur during the winter, have been allied with numerous inflammatory conditions. A comprehensive understanding of the communication between the underlying regulatory mechanisms of cortisol as well as how changes in their activity could lead to the development of disease is yet to be elucidated. In this work, we propose the use of a semimechanistic mathematical model to explore the impact of the hepato-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-renal axis in modulating neuroendocrine-immune system dynamics. Our model predicts the predominance of a winter proinflammatory state and that genetic variations could alter 11β-HSD enzyme functionality, rendering certain subpopulations more susceptible to disease as a consequence of HPA axis dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamau Pierre
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Naomi Schlesinger
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Ioannis P. Androulakis
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
- Chemical & Biochemical Engineering Department, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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Graham JL, Cook NJ, Needham KB, Hau M, Greives TJ. Early to rise, early to breed: a role for daily rhythms in seasonal reproduction. Behav Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arx088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
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Majrashi KA, Barakat IA, Al-Himaidi AR, Adham KG. Effect of exogenous melatonin treatment on the reproductive characteristics and progeny of male rats exposed to different periods from light and darkness. Physiol Res 2017; 66:507-518. [PMID: 28248544 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Light is an important environmental factor that controls the regulation of physiological functions of organisms. Melatonin is considered as one of the major hormones that play an important role in protecting body from many harmful effects and acts as a powerful anti-oxidant source to controlling the levels of antioxidant enzymes within the body. The main objectives of this work were to study the effect of 1) photoperiod changes and 2) exogenous melatonin hormone treatment on the sperm properties, body and testis weight, embryo characteristics, and concentration level of melatonin and testosterone in treated rat serum. This study has been conducted using thirty-six male rats and one hundred and twenty female rats. Animals were divided into six groups, each group containing six males and twenty female rats. Our results showed a significant influence of photoperiod changes on the melatonin and testosterone hormones concentration in rats serum, body weight only, while the other characteristics not affected. As for the effect of melatonin it has been found that the movement of sperm in GIII and IV, as well as embryos absorbed and newborns weight traits has been significantly affected, while the rest of the properties were not significantly affected by melatonin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Aa Majrashi
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ,
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Adamska I, Lewczuk B, Markowska M, Majewski PM. Daily profiles of melatonin synthesis-related indoles in the pineal glands of young chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus L.). JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2016; 164:335-343. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Pierre K, Schlesinger N, Androulakis IP. The role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in modulating seasonal changes in immunity. Physiol Genomics 2016; 48:719-738. [PMID: 27341833 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00006.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Seasonal changes in environmental conditions are accompanied by significant adjustment of multiple biological processes. In temperate regions, the day fraction, or photoperiod, is a robust environmental cue that synchronizes seasonal variations in neuroendocrine and metabolic function. In this work, we propose a semimechanistic mathematical model that considers the influence of seasonal photoperiod changes as well as cellular and molecular adaptations to investigate the seasonality of immune function. Our model predicts that the circadian rhythms of cortisol, our proinflammatory mediator, and its receptor exhibit seasonal differences in amplitude and phase, oscillating at higher amplitudes in the winter season with peak times occurring later in the day. Furthermore, the reduced photoperiod of winter coupled with seasonal alterations in physiological activity induces a more exacerbated immune response to acute stress, simulated in our studies as the administration of an acute dose of endotoxin. Our findings are therefore in accordance with experimental data that reflect the predominance of a proinflammatory state during the winter months. These changes in circadian rhythm dynamics may play a significant role in the seasonality of disease incidence and regulate the diurnal and seasonal variation of disease symptom severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamau Pierre
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Naomi Schlesinger
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Ioannis P Androulakis
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey; Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Department, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey; and Department of Surgery, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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Borniger JC, Nelson RJ. Photoperiodic regulation of behavior: Peromyscus as a model system. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 61:82-91. [PMID: 27346738 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Winter and summer present vastly different challenges to animals living outside of the tropics. To survive and reproduce, individuals must anticipate seasonal environmental changes and adjust physiology and behavior accordingly. Photoperiod (day length) offers a relatively 'noise free' environmental signal that non-tropical animals use to tell the time of year, and whether winter is approaching or receding. In some cases, photoperiodic signals may be fine-tuned by other proximate cues such as food availability or temperature. The pineal hormone, melatonin, is a primary physiological transducer of the photoperiodic signal. It tracks night length and provokes changes in physiology and behavior at appropriate times of the year. Because of their wide latitudinal distribution, Peromyscus has been well studied in the context of photoperiodic regulation of physiology and behavior. Here, we discuss how photoperiodic signals are transduced by pineal melatonin, how melatonin acts on target tissues, and subsequent consequences for behavior. Using a life-history paradigm involving trade-offs between the immune and reproductive systems, specific emphasis is placed on aggression, metabolism, and cognition. We discuss future directions including examining the effects of light pollution on photoperiodism, genetic manipulations to test the role of specific genes in the photoperiodic response, and using Peromyscus to test evolutionary theories of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy C Borniger
- Department of Neuroscience, Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Group, and Neuroscience Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Randy J Nelson
- Department of Neuroscience, Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Group, and Neuroscience Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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Thaben PF, Westermark PO. Differential rhythmicity: detecting altered rhythmicity in biological data. Bioinformatics 2016; 32:2800-8. [DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btw309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Kim HS, Paik MJ, Lee YH, Lee YS, Choi HD, Pack JK, Kim N, Ahn YH. Eight hours of nocturnal 915 MHz radiofrequency identification (RFID) exposure reduces urinary levels of melatonin and its metabolite via pineal arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase activity in male rats. Int J Radiat Biol 2016; 91:898-907. [PMID: 26189731 DOI: 10.3109/09553002.2015.1075075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the effects of whole-body exposure to the 915 MHz radiofrequency identification (RFID) on melatonin biosynthesis and the activity of rat pineal arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT). MATERIALS AND METHODS Rats were exposed to RFID (whole-body specific absorption rate, 4 W/kg) for 8 h/day, 5 days/week, for weeks during the nighttime. Total volume of urine excreted during a 24-h period was collected after RFID exposure. Urinary melatonin and 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate (6-OHMS) was measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. AANAT enzyme activity was measured using liquid biphasic dif-13 fusion assay. Protein levels and mRNA expression of AANAT was 14 measured by Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase 15 chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, respectively. RESULTS Eight hours of nocturnal RFID exposure caused a significant reduction in both urinary melatonin (p = 0. 003) and 6-OHMS (p = 0. 026). Activity, protein levels, and mRNA expression of AANAT were suppressed by exposure to RFID (p < 0. 05). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that nocturnal RFID exposure can cause reductions in the levels of both urinary melatonin and 6-OHMS, possibly due to decreased melatonin biosynthesis via suppression of Aanat gene transcription in the rat pineal gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Sun Kim
- a Department of Neurosurgery , Ajou University School of Medicine , Suwon
| | - Man-Jeong Paik
- b College of Pharmacy , Sunchon National University , Sunchon
| | - Yu Hee Lee
- a Department of Neurosurgery , Ajou University School of Medicine , Suwon ;,c Neuroscience Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences , Graduate School of Ajou University , Suwon
| | - Yun-Sil Lee
- d Division of Life Science and Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmacy , Ewha Woman's University , Seoul
| | - Hyung Do Choi
- e Radio Technology Research Department , Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute , Daejeon
| | - Jeong-Ki Pack
- f Department of Radio Sciences and Engineering, College of Engineering , Chungnam National University , Daejeon
| | - Nam Kim
- g School of Electrical and Computer Engineering , Chungbuk National University , Cheongju , Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hwan Ahn
- a Department of Neurosurgery , Ajou University School of Medicine , Suwon ;,c Neuroscience Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences , Graduate School of Ajou University , Suwon
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Howard CM, Lutterschmidt DI. The Effects of Melatonin on Brain Arginine Vasotocin: Relationship with Sex and Seasonal Differences in Melatonin Receptor Type 1 in Green Treefrogs (Hyla cinerea). J Neuroendocrinol 2015; 27:670-9. [PMID: 25967351 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2014] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The neuroendocrine mechanisms by which animals synchronise their physiological state with environmental cues are vital to timing life-history events appropriately. One important endocrine transducer of environmental cues in vertebrates is the pineal hormone melatonin, the secretion of which is directly sensitive to photoperiod and temperature. Melatonin modulates arginine vasotocin (AVT)-immunoreactive (-IR) cell number in the brain of green treefrogs (Hyla cinerea) during the summer breeding season, and this modulation is sexually dimorphic. In the present study, we investigated whether the influence of melatonin on vasotocin varies seasonally. We show that treatment of nonreproductive male green treefrogs with melatonin-filled silastic implants for 4 weeks during the winter does not alter vasotocin-IR cell number in any brain region (i.e. nucleus accumbens, amygdala, preoptic area, suprachiasmatic nucleus or ventral hypothalamus). Taken together, these results suggest that the influence of melatonin on AVT is associated with sex and seasonal variation in melatonin receptor expression. We tested this hypothesis by using immunohistochemistry to characterise the distribution of melatonin receptor type 1 (MT1, also known as Mel1a) in the brain of reproductive and nonreproductive male and female frogs. We quantified MT1-IR cell number in regions known to contain AVT cell populations. Reproductive males had significantly more MT1-IR cells than nonreproductive males in all brain regions, including the combined nucleus accumbens, diagonal band of Broca and septum, striatum, amygdala, combined preoptic area and suprachiasmatic nucleus, as well as the ventral hypothalamus. In the accumbens region, where the effect of melatonin on AVT is known to be sexually dimorphic, males had significantly more MT1-IR cells than females during the summer breeding season. Based on these findings, we suggest that MT1 plays a role in mediating the interactions between melatonin and vasotocin that regulate seasonal and sexually dimorphic changes in sociosexual behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Howard
- Department of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
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Weil ZM, Borniger JC, Cisse YM, Abi Salloum BA, Nelson RJ. Neuroendocrine control of photoperiodic changes in immune function. Front Neuroendocrinol 2015; 37:108-18. [PMID: 25456047 PMCID: PMC4402123 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal variation in immune function putatively maximizes survival and reproductive success. Day length (photoperiod) is the most potent signal for time of year. Animals typically organize breeding, growth, and behavior to adapt to spatial and temporal niches. Outside the tropics individuals monitor photoperiod to support adaptations favoring survival and reproductive success. Changes in day length allow anticipation of seasonal changes in temperature and food availability that are critical for reproductive success. Immune function is typically bolstered during winter, whereas reproduction and growth are favored during summer. We provide an overview of how photoperiod influences neuronal function and melatonin secretion, how melatonin acts directly and indirectly to govern seasonal changes in immune function, and the manner by which other neuroendocrine effectors such as glucocorticoids, prolactin, thyroid, and sex steroid hormones modulate seasonal variations in immune function. Potential future research avenues include commensal gut microbiota and light pollution influences on photoperiodic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary M Weil
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Jeremy C Borniger
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Yasmine M Cisse
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Bachir A Abi Salloum
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Randy J Nelson
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Sahai A, Sahai RK. Pineal gland: A structural and functional enigma. J ANAT SOC INDIA 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jasi.2014.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Ware JV, Nelson OL, Robbins CT, Carter PA, Sarver BAJ, Jansen HT. Endocrine rhythms in the brown bear (Ursus arctos): Evidence supporting selection for decreased pineal gland size. Physiol Rep 2013; 1:e00048. [PMID: 24303132 PMCID: PMC3835004 DOI: 10.1002/phy2.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Revised: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Many temperate zone animals adapt to seasonal changes by altering their physiology. This is mediated in large part by endocrine signals that encode day length and regulate energy balance and metabolism. The objectives of this study were to determine if the daily patterns of two important hormones, melatonin and cortisol, varied with day length in captive brown bears (Ursus arctos) under anesthetized and nonanesthetized conditions during the active (March-October) and hibernation periods. Melatonin concentrations varied with time of day and season in nonanesthetized female bears despite exceedingly low nocturnal concentrations (1-4 pg/mL) in the active season. In contrast, melatonin concentrations during hibernation were 7.5-fold greater than those during the summer in anesthetized male bears. Functional assessment of the pineal gland revealed a slight but significant reduction in melatonin following nocturnal light application during hibernation, but no response to beta-adrenergic stimulation was detected in either season. Examination of pineal size in two bear species bears combined with a phylogenetically corrected analysis of pineal glands in 47 other species revealed a strong relationship to brain size. However, pineal gland size of both bear species deviated significantly from the expected pattern. Robust daily plasma cortisol rhythms were observed during the active season but not during hibernation. Cortisol was potently suppressed following injection with a synthetic glucocorticoid. The results suggest that melatonin and cortisol both retain their ability to reflect seasonal changes in day length in brown bears. The exceptionally small pineal gland in bears may be the result of direct or indirect selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine V Ware
- Departments of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University Pullman, Washington, 99164
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Matika O, Bishop SC, Pong-Wong R, Riggio V, Headon DJ. Genetic factors controlling wool shedding in a composite Easycare sheep flock. Anim Genet 2013; 44:742-9. [PMID: 23837698 DOI: 10.1111/age.12070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Historically, sheep have been selectively bred for desirable traits including wool characteristics. However, recent moves towards extensive farming and reduced farm labour have seen a renewed interest in Easycare breeds. The aim of this study was to quantify the underlying genetic architecture of wool shedding in an Easycare flock. Wool shedding scores were collected from 565 pedigreed commercial Easycare sheep from 2002 to 2010. The wool scoring system was based on a 10-point (0-9) scale, with score 0 for animals retaining full fleece and 9 for those completely shedding. DNA was sampled from 200 animals of which 48 with extreme phenotypes were genotyped using a 50-k SNP chip. Three genetic analyses were performed: heritability analysis, complex segregation analysis to test for a major gene hypothesis and a genome-wide association study to map regions in the genome affecting the trait. Phenotypes were treated as a continuous or binary variable and categories. High estimates of heritability (0.80 when treated as a continuous, 0.65-0.75 as binary and 0.75 as categories) for shedding were obtained from linear mixed model analyses. Complex segregation analysis gave similar estimates (0.80 ± 0.06) to those above with additional evidence for a major gene with dominance effects. Mixed model association analyses identified four significant (P < 0.05) SNPs. Further analyses of these four SNPs in all 200 animals revealed that one of the SNPs displayed dominance effects similar to those obtained from the complex segregation analyses. In summary, we found strong genetic control for wool shedding, demonstrated the possibility of a single putative dominant gene controlling this trait and identified four SNPs that may be in partial linkage disequilibrium with gene(s) controlling shedding.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Matika
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
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Wunderer F, Kühne S, Jilg A, Ackermann K, Sebesteny T, Maronde E, Stehle JH. Clock gene expression in the human pituitary gland. Endocrinology 2013; 154:2046-57. [PMID: 23584858 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-2274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary function relies on strictly timed, yet plastic mechanisms, particularly with respect to the daytime-dependent coordination of hormone synthesis and release. In other systems, clock genes and their protein products are well-described candidates to anticipate the daily demands in neuroendocrine coupling and to manage cellular adaptation on changing internal or external circumstances. To elucidate possible mechanisms of time management, a total of 52 human autoptic pituitary glands were allocated to the 4 time-of-day groups, night, dawn, day, and dusk, according to reported time of death. The observed daytime-dependent dynamics in ACTH content supports a postmortem conservation of the premortem condition, and thus, principally validates the investigation of autoptic pituitary glands. Pituitary extracts were investigated for expression of clock genes Per1, Cry1, Clock, and Bmal1 and corresponding protein products. Only the clock gene Per1 showed daytime-dependent differences in quantitative real-time PCR analyses, with decreased levels observed during dusk. Although the overall amount in clock gene protein products PER1, CRY1, and CLOCK did not fluctuate with time of day in human pituitary, an indication for a temporally parallel intracellular translocation of PER1 and CRY1 was detected by immunofluorescence. Presented data suggest that the observed clock gene expression in human pituitary cells does not provide evidence for a functional intrinsic clockwork. It is suggested that clock genes and their protein products may be directly involved in the daytime-dependent regulation and adaptation of hormone synthesis and release and within homeostatic adaptive plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Wunderer
- Institute of Anatomy III, Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
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Shulman DI, Frane J, Lippe B. Is there "seasonal" variation in height velocity in children treated with growth hormone? Data from the National Cooperative Growth Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY 2013; 2013:2. [PMID: 23374591 PMCID: PMC3568055 DOI: 10.1186/1687-9856-2013-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Growth rate In children is reported to have seasonal variability. There are fewer published data regarding seasonal variability while on growth hormone (GH) therapy, and none analyzing growth rate with respect to number of daylight hours. Methods We analyzed 11,587 3-month intervals in 2277 prepubertal children (boys ages 3–14 years, girls ages 3–12 years) with idiopathic GH deficiency from the National Cooperative Growth Study (NCGS) database. All were naive to recombinant human GH (rhGH) therapy. Data were submitted from 31 US study centers. Seasonal variation in height velocity (HV) was assumed to be associated with the average number of daylight hours during the interval of time over which HV was computed. Number of daylight hours was determined from the date of the measurement and the latitude of the study center. Other independent variables evaluated included: height standard deviation score (SDS) at the beginning of the interval, chronologic age at the beginning of the interval, time from the start of rhGH treatment to the middle of the interval, month of the year, body mass index SDS at the beginning of the interval, rhGH dose/kg, mother’s height SDS, father’s height SDS, and log base 10 of the maximum stimulated GH concentration. Results All variables examined, except month of the year, correlated significantly with interval HV. There was significant “seasonal” variability at all latitudes, with summer annualized HV being greater than winter HV. This difference was greatest in the first year of therapy (0.146 cm/yr/daylight hour; P < 0.0001) but persisted in subsequent years (0.121 cm/yr/daylight hr; P < 0.0001). The difference increased with distance from the equator. Growth rate over the year was not different among the latitudes reflected in this North American study. Conclusions There is “seasonal” variation in growth of children on rhGH therapy that correlates with number of daylight hours. The effect is modest and is greatest in the first year of therapy. Annual growth rate appears to be equal in children among latitudes covered by the US consistent with exposure to an equal number of daylight hours over the year. The physiologic mechanism behind this seasonal variation is not yet understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy I Shulman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, MDC 62, , 12901 Bruce B, Downs Blvd,,Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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Piesiewicz A, Kedzierska U, Podobas E, Adamska I, Zuzewicz K, Majewski P. Season-dependent Postembryonic Maturation of the Diurnal Rhythm of Melatonin Biosynthesis in the Chicken Pineal Gland. Chronobiol Int 2012; 29:1227-38. [DOI: 10.3109/07420528.2012.719964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Pfeuty B, Thommen Q, Corellou F, Djouani-Tahri EB, Bouget FY, Lefranc M. Circadian clocks in changing weather and seasons: Lessons from the picoalgaOstreococcus tauri. Bioessays 2012; 34:781-90. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201200012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Perfito N, Jeong SY, Silverin B, Calisi RM, Bentley GE, Hau M. Anticipating spring: wild populations of great tits (Parus major) differ in expression of key genes for photoperiodic time measurement. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34997. [PMID: 22539953 PMCID: PMC3334499 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2011] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Measuring day length is critical for timing annual changes in physiology and behavior in many species. Recently, rapid changes in several photoperiodically-controlled genes following exposure to a single long day have been described. Components of this 'first day release' model have so far only been tested in highly domesticated species: quail, sheep, goats and rodents. Because artificial selection accompanying domestication acts on genes related to photoperiodicity, we must also study this phenomenon in wild organisms for it to be accepted as universal. In a songbird, the great tit (Parus major), we tested whether a) these genes are involved in photoperiodic time measurement (PTM) in a wild species, and b) whether predictable species and population differences in expression patterns exist. Using quantitative RT-PCR, we compared gene expression after a single long day in male great tits from Sweden (57°42'N) with that from a German (47°43'N) population. Hypothalamic gene expression key for PTM changed only in the northern population, and occurred earlier after dawn during the single long day than demonstrated in quail; however, gonadotropins (secretion and synthesis) were stimulated in both populations, albeit with different timing. Our data are the first to show acute changes in gene expression in response to photostimulation in any wild species not selected for study of photoperiodism. The pronounced differences in gene expression in response to a single long day between two populations raise exciting new questions about potential environmental selection on photoperiodic cue sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Perfito
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America.
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Tolson KP, Chappell PE. The Changes They are A-Timed: Metabolism, Endogenous Clocks, and the Timing of Puberty. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2012; 3:45. [PMID: 22645521 PMCID: PMC3355854 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2012.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2011] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood obesity has increased dramatically over the last several decades, particularly in industrialized countries, often accompanied by acceleration of pubertal progression and associated reproductive abnormalities (Biro et al., 2006; Rosenfield et al., 2009). The timing of pubertal initiation and progression in mammals is likely influenced by nutritional and metabolic state, leading to the hypothesis that deviations from normal metabolic rate, such as those seen in obesity, may contribute to observed alterations in the rate of pubertal progression. While several recent reviews have addressed the effects of metabolic disorders on reproductive function in general, this review will explore previous and current models of pubertal timing, outlining a potential role of endogenous timing mechanisms such as cellular circadian clocks in the initiation of puberty, and how these clocks might be altered by metabolic factors. Additionally, we will examine recently elucidated neuroendocrine regulators of pubertal progression such as kisspeptin, explore models detailing how the mammalian reproductive axis is silenced during the juvenile period and reactivated at appropriate developmental times, and emphasize how metabolic dysfunction such as childhood obesity may alter timing cues that advance or delay pubertal progression, resulting in diminished reproductive capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen P. Tolson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State UniversityCorvallis, OR, USA
| | - Patrick E. Chappell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State UniversityCorvallis, OR, USA
- *Correspondence: Patrick E. Chappell, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA. e-mail:
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The evolutionary physiology of photoperiodism in vertebrates. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2012; 199:413-422. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-59427-3.00023-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Wang D, Zhang J, Zhang Z. Effect of testosterone and melatonin on social dominance and agonistic behavior in male Tscheskia triton. Behav Processes 2011; 89:271-7. [PMID: 22206994 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2011.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2011] [Revised: 10/24/2011] [Accepted: 12/11/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Social dominance and agonistic behavior play important roles in animal societies. Melatonin and testosterone are closely related to social dominance and agonistic behavior in rodents, but interactions between both of them remain unknown. In this study we investigated the effects of testosterone and melatonin by manipulating photoperiod and castration on social dominance and agonistic behavior in male Tscheskia triton. Castration significantly decreases social dominance of both short- and long-day males, suggesting that testosterone benefits social dominance of males in both breeding and non-breeding seasons. In intact conditions, long-day males tended to dominate short-day males, suggesting that the effect of testosterone on social dominance was a little stronger than melatonin. However, castrated short-day males became dominant over their castrated long-day opponents meaning that high melatonin levels obviously benefit social dominance in males. Hormone implantation indicated that testosterone had no effect on non-breeding condition, but that melatonin was important during the breeding season. Our results indicate that both testosterone and melatonin are important in determining social dominance in male hamsters, and the effect of testosterone appears to be stronger than melatonin. Testosterone is responsible for aggression and social dominance in male hamsters during the breeding season, while melatonin regulates behavior during non-breeding, probably due to the different seasonal secretory patterns of the hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Expression of novel opsins and intrinsic light responses in the mammalian retinal ganglion cell line RGC-5. Presence of OPN5 in the rat retina. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26417. [PMID: 22022612 PMCID: PMC3195719 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Accepted: 09/26/2011] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate retina is known to contain three classes of photoreceptor cells: cones and rods responsible for vision, and intrinsically photoresponsive retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) involved in diverse non-visual functions such as photic entrainment of daily rhythms and pupillary light responses. In this paper we investigated the potential intrinsic photoresponsiveness of the rat RGC line, RGC-5, by testing for the presence of visual and non-visual opsins and assessing expression of the immediate-early gene protein c-Fos and changes in intracellular Ca2+mobilization in response to brief light pulses. Cultured RGC-5 cells express a number of photopigment mRNAs such as retinal G protein coupled receptor (RGR), encephalopsin/panopsin (Opn3), neuropsin (Opn5) and cone opsin (Opn1mw) but not melanopsin (Opn4) or rhodopsin. Opn5 immunoreactivity was observed in RGC-5 cells and in the inner retina of rat, mainly localized in the ganglion cell layer (GCL). Furthermore, white light pulses of different intensities and durations elicited changes both in intracellular Ca2+ levels and in the induction of c-Fos protein in RGC-5 cell cultures. The results demonstrate that RGC-5 cells expressing diverse putative functional photopigments display intrinsic photosensitivity which accounts for the photic induction of c-Fos protein and changes in intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. The presence of Opn5 in the GCL of the rat retina suggests the existence of a novel type of photoreceptor cell.
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Walton JC, Weil ZM, Nelson RJ. Influence of photoperiod on hormones, behavior, and immune function. Front Neuroendocrinol 2011; 32:303-19. [PMID: 21156187 PMCID: PMC3139743 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2010.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2010] [Revised: 11/30/2010] [Accepted: 12/03/2010] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Photoperiodism is the ability of plants and animals to measure environmental day length to ascertain time of year. Central to the evolution of photoperiodism in animals is the adaptive distribution of energetically challenging activities across the year to optimize reproductive fitness while balancing the energetic tradeoffs necessary for seasonally-appropriate survival strategies. The ability to accurately predict future events requires endogenous mechanisms to permit physiological anticipation of annual conditions. Day length provides a virtually noise free environmental signal to monitor and accurately predict time of the year. In mammals, melatonin provides the hormonal signal transducing day length. Duration of pineal melatonin is inversely related to day length and its secretion drives enduring changes in many physiological systems, including the HPA, HPG, and brain-gut axes, the autonomic nervous system, and the immune system. Thus, melatonin is the fulcrum mediating redistribution of energetic investment among physiological processes to maximize fitness and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Walton
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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Stehle JH, Saade A, Rawashdeh O, Ackermann K, Jilg A, Sebestény T, Maronde E. A survey of molecular details in the human pineal gland in the light of phylogeny, structure, function and chronobiological diseases. J Pineal Res 2011; 51:17-43. [PMID: 21517957 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079x.2011.00856.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 306] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The human pineal gland is a neuroendocrine transducer that forms an integral part of the brain. Through the nocturnally elevated synthesis and release of the neurohormone melatonin, the pineal gland encodes and disseminates information on circadian time, thus coupling the outside world to the biochemical and physiological internal demands of the body. Approaches to better understand molecular details behind the rhythmic signalling in the human pineal gland are limited but implicitly warranted, as human chronobiological dysfunctions are often associated with alterations in melatonin synthesis. Current knowledge on melatonin synthesis in the human pineal gland is based on minimally invasive analyses, and by the comparison of signalling events between different vertebrate species, with emphasis put on data acquired in sheep and other primates. Together with investigations using autoptic pineal tissue, a remnant silhouette of premortem dynamics within the hormone's biosynthesis pathway can be constructed. The detected biochemical scenario behind the generation of dynamics in melatonin synthesis positions the human pineal gland surprisingly isolated. In this neuroendocrine brain structure, protein-protein interactions and nucleo-cytoplasmic protein shuttling indicate furthermore a novel twist in the molecular dynamics in the cells of this neuroendocrine brain structure. These findings have to be seen in the light that an impaired melatonin synthesis is observed in elderly and/or demented patients, in individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease, Smith-Magenis syndrome, autism spectrum disorder and sleep phase disorders. Already, recent advances in understanding signalling dynamics in the human pineal gland have significantly helped to counteract chronobiological dysfunctions through a proper restoration of the nocturnal melatonin surge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg H Stehle
- Institute of Anatomy III (Cellular and Molecular Anatomy), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
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Donato J, Elias CF. The ventral premammillary nucleus links metabolic cues and reproduction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2011; 2:57. [PMID: 22649378 PMCID: PMC3355867 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2011.00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The amount of body fat and the energy balance are important factors that influence the timing of puberty and the normal reproductive function. Leptin is a key hormone that conveys to the central nervous system information about the individual energy reserve and modulates the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis. Recent findings suggest that the ventral premammillary nucleus (PMV) mediates the effects of leptin as a permissive factor for the onset of puberty and the coordinated secretion of luteinizing hormone during conditions of negative energy balance. In this review, we will summarize the existing literature about the potential role played by PMV neurons in the regulation of the HPG axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Donato
- Division of Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallas, TX, USA
- *Correspondence: Jose Donato Jr., Division of Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Y6.206, Dallas, TX 75390, USA. e-mail:
| | - Carol Fuzeti Elias
- Division of Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallas, TX, USA
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Dupré SM. Encoding and decoding photoperiod in the mammalian pars tuberalis. Neuroendocrinology 2011; 94:101-12. [PMID: 21778697 DOI: 10.1159/000328971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2011] [Accepted: 04/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, the nocturnal melatonin signal is well established as a key hormonal indicator of seasonal changes in day-length, providing the brain with an internal representation of the external photoperiod. The pars tuberalis (PT) of the pituitary gland is the major site of expression of the G-coupled receptor MT1 in the brain and is considered as the main site of integration of the photoperiodic melatonin signal. Recent studies have revealed how the photoperiodic melatonin signal is encoded and conveyed by the PT to the brain and the pituitary, but much remains to be resolved. The development of new animal models and techniques such as cDNA arrays or high throughput sequencing has recently shed the light onto the regulatory networks that might be involved. This review considers the current understanding of the mechanisms driving photoperiodism in the mammalian PT with a particular focus on the seasonal prolactin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine M Dupré
- University of Manchester, Faculty of Life Sciences, Manchester, UK.
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