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Meng F, Li J, Han X, Li L, Li T, Du X, Cao X, Liang Q, Huang A, Kong F, Zeng X, Bu G. TAC3 regulates GnRH/gonadotropin synthesis in female chickens. Theriogenology 2024; 215:302-311. [PMID: 38128223 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Neurokinin B (NKB), a peptide encoded by the tachykinin 3 (TAC3), is critical for reproduction in all studied species. However, its potential roles in birds are less clear. Using the female chicken (c-) as a model, we showed that cTAC3 is composed of five exons with a full-length cDNA of 787 bp, which was predicted to generate the mature NKB peptide containing 10 amino acids. Using cell-based luciferase reporter assays, we demonstrated that cNKB could effectively and specifically activate tachykinin receptor 3 (TACR3) in HEK293 cells, suggesting its physiological function is likely achieved via activating cTACR3 signaling. Notably, cTAC3 and cTACR3 were predominantly and abundantly expressed in the hypothalamus of hens and meanwhile the mRNA expression of cTAC3 was continuously increased during development, suggesting that NKB-TACR3 may emerge as important components of the neuroendocrine reproductive axis. In support, intraperitoneal injection of cNKB could significantly promote hypothalamic cGnRH-Ι, and pituitary cFSHβ and cLHβ expression in female chickens. Surprisingly, cTAC3 and cTACR3 were also expressed in the pituitary gland, and cNKB treatment significantly increased cLHβ and cFSHβ expression in cultured primary pituitary cells, suggesting cNKB can also act directly at the pituitary level to stimulate gonadotropin synthesis. Collectively, our results reveal that cNKB functionally regulate GnRH/gonadotropin synthesis in female chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyan Meng
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China.
| | - Jinxuan Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China
| | - Xingfa Han
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China
| | - Lingyang Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China
| | - Tianyang Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China
| | - Xiaogang Du
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China
| | - Xiaohan Cao
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China
| | - Qiuxia Liang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China
| | - Anqi Huang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China
| | - Fanli Kong
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China
| | - Xianyin Zeng
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China
| | - Guixian Bu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an, 625014, PR China.
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Singh A, Lal B, Kumar P, Parhar IS, Millar RP. Role of Neurokinin B in gametogenesis and steroidogenesis of freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus. Cell Tissue Res 2023; 393:377-391. [PMID: 37278825 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-023-03788-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Neurokinin B (NKB), a recently discovered neuropeptide, plays a crucial role in regulating the kiss-GnRH neurons in vertebrate's brain. NKB is also characterized in gonadal tissues; however, its role in gonads is poorly understood. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of NKB on gonadal steroidogenesis and gametogenesis through in vivo and in vitro approaches using NKB antagonist MRK-08 were evaluated. The results suggest that the NKB antagonist decreases the development of advanced ovarian follicles and germ cells in the testis. In addition, MRK-08 further reduces the production of 17β-estradiol in the ovary and testosterone in the testis under both in vivo and in vitro conditions in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the in vitro MRK-08 treatment of gonadal explants attenuated the expression of steroidogenic marker proteins, i.e., StAR, 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD dose-dependently. Moreover, the MAP kinase proteins, pERK1/2 & ERK1/2 and pAkt & Akt were also downregulated by MRK-08. Thus, the study suggests that NKB downregulates steroidogenesis by modulating the expressions of steroidogenic marker proteins involving ERK1/2 & pERK1/2 and Akt/pAkt signalling pathways. NKB also appears to regulate gametogenesis by regulating gonadal steroidogenesis in the catfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Singh
- Fish Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, 221005, Varanasi, India
| | - Bechan Lal
- Fish Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, 221005, Varanasi, India.
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Department of Zoology, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India
| | - Ishwar S Parhar
- Brain Research Institute, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University, Sunway Campus, Malaysia
| | - Robert P Millar
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Immunology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria and Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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Mun SH, Oh HJ, Kwon JY. Response of Pituitary Cells and Tissues to Neurokinin B and F in the Nile tilapia. Dev Reprod 2022; 26:13-21. [PMID: 35528319 PMCID: PMC9042391 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2022.26.1.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Neurokinin B (NKB) is a neuropeptide involved in the regulation of reproductive
endocrine system of vertebrate animals, including fish. However, the pathway of
NKB action in fish has not been clearly elucidated. In order to clarify the
effect of NKB and NKF (neurokinin F) on gonadotropic hormone (GTH) gene
expression in the pituitary, we studied the changes of LHβ and
FSHβ gene expressions by using two different pituitary culture methods
(whole pituitary culture or dispersed pituitary cell culture). Pituitaries were
removed from mature female and male Nile tilapia. Changes of LHβ and
FSHβ gene expressions were measured and compared after the treatment with
NKB or NKF peptides at concentrations 0 to 1,000 nM. Expression of GTH genes in
the whole pituitary cultures treated with NKB or NKF peptides did not show
significant difference except in female at one concentration when treated with
NKF. On the contrary, there were significant changes of GTH gene expressions in
the dispersed pituitary cell cultures when treated with NKB and NKF peptides.
These results suggest that dispersed pituitary cell culture is more relevant
than whole pituitary culture in studying the function of pituitary, and that NKB
and NKF could act directly on the pituitary to regulate the expression of GTH
genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Hee Mun
- Dept. of Aquatic Life Medical Science, Sunmoon University, Asan 31460, Korea
| | - Hyeon Ji Oh
- Dept. of Aquatic Life Medical Science, Sunmoon University, Asan 31460, Korea
| | - Joon Yeong Kwon
- Dept. of Aquatic Life Medical Science, Sunmoon University, Asan 31460, Korea
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Lyu L, Wen H, Li Y, Li J, Wang X, Yao Y, Qi X. Brain Transcriptomic Dataset During Parturition in Ovoviviparous Sebastes schlegelii. Front Genet 2022; 13:840067. [PMID: 35186048 PMCID: PMC8854175 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.840067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
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Ren X, Huang Y, Li X, Li Z, Yang H, He R, Zhong H, Li G, Chen H. Identification and functional characterization of gonadotropin -releasing hormone in pompano (Trachinotus ovatus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 316:113958. [PMID: 34861278 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is an important neuropeptide in the reproductive system. Although GnRH analogues have been used to artificially spawn pompano (Trachinotus sp.), the native forms of GnRH have not been described in this species. In this study three GnRH subtypes [sea bream GnRH (sbGnRH), chicken GnRH-Ⅱ (cGnRH-Ⅱ) and salmon GnRH (sGnRH)] were identified in pompano (Trachinotus ovatus). cgnrh-Ⅱ and sgnrh were mainly expressed in the brain of male and female fish, showing a tissue-specific expression pattern, while sbgnrh was expressed at different transcriptional levels in all tested tissues. In vivo injection experiment showed that sbGnRH significantly increased fsh and lh genes expression in a dose-dependent manner, but a high concentration of sbGnRH could desensitize the expression of lh. High concentrations of cGnRH-Ⅱ and sGnRH could induce the expression of fsh and lh. In addition, the results of in vitro incubation experiments showed that the high concentration of sbGnRH peptide could induce the expression of fsh and lh, while cGnRH-Ⅱ and sGnRH peptides could only induce the expression of fsh. 17β-estradiol (E2) and 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) significantly inhibited sbgnrh mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner, but did not affect the expression of cgnrh-Ⅱ and sgnrh mRNA. sbGnRH is the main GnRH subtype in pompano. E2 and MT can play a negative role in the regulation of sbgnrh. This study provides a theoretical basis for the reproductive endocrinology of pompano.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xilin Ren
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Zhanjiang 524025, China
| | - Yanlin Huang
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Xiaomeng Li
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Zhiyuan Li
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Hao Yang
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Ruiqi He
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Honggan Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation for Tropical Marine Bioresources (Hainan Tropical Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Sanya 572022, China
| | - Guangli Li
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Huapu Chen
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Zhanjiang 524025, China; Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation for Tropical Marine Bioresources (Hainan Tropical Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Sanya 572022, China.
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Campo A, Dufour S, Rousseau K. Tachykinins, new players in the control of reproduction and food intake: A comparative review in mammals and teleosts. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1056939. [PMID: 36589829 PMCID: PMC9800884 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1056939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, the tachykinin system includes tachykinin genes, which encode one or two peptides each, and tachykinin receptors. The complexity of this system is reinforced by the massive conservation of gene duplicates after the whole-genome duplication events that occurred in vertebrates and furthermore in teleosts. Added to this, the expression of the tachykinin system is more widespread than first thought, being found beyond the brain and gut. The discovery of the co-expression of neurokinin B, encoded by the tachykinin 3 gene, and kisspeptin/dynorphin in neurons involved in the generation of GnRH pulse, in mammals, put a spotlight on the tachykinin system in vertebrate reproductive physiology. As food intake and reproduction are linked processes, and considering that hypothalamic hormones classically involved in the control of reproduction are reported to regulate also appetite and energy homeostasis, it is of interest to look at the potential involvement of tachykinins in these two major physiological functions. The purpose of this review is thus to provide first a general overview of the tachykinin system in mammals and teleosts, before giving a state of the art on the different levels of action of tachykinins in the control of reproduction and food intake. This work has been conducted with a comparative point of view, highlighting the major similarities and differences of tachykinin systems and actions between mammals and teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Campo
- Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Research Unit Unité Mixte de Recherche Biologie des Organsimes et Ecosystèmes Aquatiques (UMR BOREA), Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems, Centre National pour la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Recherche pour le Développemen (IRD), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Volcani Institute, Agricultural Research Organization, Rishon LeTsion, Israel
| | - Sylvie Dufour
- Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Research Unit Unité Mixte de Recherche Biologie des Organsimes et Ecosystèmes Aquatiques (UMR BOREA), Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems, Centre National pour la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Recherche pour le Développemen (IRD), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Karine Rousseau
- Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Research Unit Unité Mixte de Recherche Biologie des Organsimes et Ecosystèmes Aquatiques (UMR BOREA), Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems, Centre National pour la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Recherche pour le Développemen (IRD), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Research Unit PhyMA Physiologie Moléculaire et Adaptation CNRS, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Karine Rousseau,
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Zuo C, Lyu L, Zou W, Wen H, Li Y, Qi X. TAC3/TACR3 System Function in the Catadromous Migration Teleost, Anguilla japonica. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:848808. [PMID: 35937808 PMCID: PMC9355281 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.848808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurokinin B (NKB), a member of the tachykinin (TAC) family, plays important roles in mammalian neuropeptide secretion in related to reproduction. However, its potential role in spawning migration teleost is less clear. In the present study, Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) was employed to study the performance of NKB in regulating reproduction. Results showed that two tac3 and one tacr3 genes were identified in Japanese eel. Sequence analysis showed that two tac3 transcripts, tac3a and tac3b, encode four NKBs: NKBa-13, NKBa-10, NKBb-13, and NKBb-10. However, compared with other species, a mutation caused early termination of TACR3 protein was confirmed, leading to the loss of the 35 amino acid (aa) C-terminal of the receptor. Expression analysis in different tissues showed that both tac3a and tac3b mRNAs were highly expressed in the brain. In situ hybridization localized both tac3a and tac3b mRNAs to several brain regions, mainly in the telencephalon and hypothalamus. Because of the mutation in TACR3 of Japanese eel, we further analyzed whether it could activate the downstream signaling pathway. Luciferase assay results showed the negative regulation of cAMP Response Element (CRE) and Sterol Response Element (SRE) signal pathways by Japanese eel NKBs. Intraperitoneal injection of four different NKB mature peptides at 100 ng/g had negative effect on either gnrh or gth gene expression. However, the high concentration of NKBa-10 and NKBb-13 (1,000 ng/g) upregulated mgnrh and fshb or lhb expression level significantly, which may be mediated by other receptors. In general, the NKBs/NK3Rs system has important functions in regulating eel puberty onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenpeng Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Likang Lyu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenhui Zou
- College of Ocean, Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Haishen Wen
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yun Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xin Qi
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Qi,
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Atre I, Mizrahi N, Levavi-Sivan B. Characteristics of Neurokinin-3 Receptor and Its Binding Sites by Mutational Analysis. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10100968. [PMID: 34681067 PMCID: PMC8533089 DOI: 10.3390/biology10100968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
NKB (Neurokinin B) is already known to play a crucial role in fish reproduction, but little is known about the structure and function of NKB receptors. Based on an in silico model of the tilapia NKB receptor Tachykinin 3 receptor a (tiTac3Ra) found in the current study, we determined the key residues involved in binding to tilapia NKB and its functional homologue NKF (Neurokinin F). Despite studies in humans suggesting the crucial role of F2516.44 and M2897.43 in NKB binding, no direct peptide interaction was observed in tilapia homologs. In-silico, Ala mutations on residues F2516.44 and M2897.43 did not influence binding affinity, but significantly affected the stability of tiTac3Ra. Moreover, in vitro studies indicated them to be critical to tiNKB/tiNKF-induced receptor activity. The binding of NKB antagonists to tiTac3Ra both in-vitro and in vivo inhibits FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) release and sperm production in mature tilapia males. Non-peptide NKB antagonist SB-222200 had a strong inhibitory effect on the Tac3Ra activation. SB-222200 also decreased LH plasma levels; two hours post intraperitoneal injection, changed sperm volume and the ratios of the different stages along the spermatogenesis in tilapia testes.
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Li Y, Zhao T, Liu Y, Lin H, Li S, Zhang Y. Knockout of tac3 genes in zebrafish shows no impairment of reproduction. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 311:113839. [PMID: 34181932 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Neurokinin B (NKB) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of reproduction in vertebrates. However, whether this neuropeptide is dispensable for reproduction in teleosts remains unknown. In order to reveal its authentic functions in fish, in this study, two tachykinin 3 (tac3) genes encoding Nkbs were functional mutated in zebrafish using the Transcription Activator-like Effector Nucleases (TALEN) technology. We established tac3a-/-, tac3b-/- and tac3a-/-;tac3b-/- mutant lines, and investigated their reproductive performance and ontogeny. According to our study, spermatogenesis and folliculogenesis were not impaired in tac3a-/-, tac3b-/- and tac3a-/-;tac3b-/- mutant lines, but changes in the expression of genes related to reproductive axis were observed after loss of Tac3, suggesting that possible compensatory response was activated to maintained the reproductive function in zebrafish. In summary, our results indicate that mutation of tac3 genes do not disrupt the reproduction in zebrafish unlike in mammals, revealing the plasticity of reproductive neuroendocrine system in the brain of zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - TingTing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Haoran Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266373, China; Southern Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering (Guangdong, Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Shuisheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| | - Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266373, China; Southern Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering (Guangdong, Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China.
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Chen HP, Cui XF, Wang YR, Li ZY, Tian CX, Jiang DN, Zhu CH, Zhang Y, Li SS, Li GL. Identification, functional characterization, and estrogen regulation on gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the spotted scat, Scatophagus argus. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2020; 46:1743-1757. [PMID: 32514853 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-020-00825-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a key neuropeptide of the reproductive system. However, little is known about the role of GnRH in the spotted scat (Scatophagus argus). Here, three GnRH subtypes (cGnRH-II, sGnRH, and sbGnRH) were identified in the spotted scat. cGnRH-II and sGnRH were only expressed in the brains and gonads of both male and female fish, exhibiting a tissue-specific expression pattern, while sbGnRH was expressed at different transcription levels in all examined tissues. During ovarian maturation, hypothalamus-associated sbGnRH was upregulated, while the expression of sGnRH was variable and cGnRH-II first increased and then decreased. In vivo experiments showed that sbGnRH significantly promoted the expression of fsh and lh genes in a dose-dependent manner and exhibited a desensitization effect on lh expression at high concentrations. For sGnRH and cGnRH-II, only high concentrations could induce fsh and lh expression. Furthermore, treatment with highly concentrated sbGnRH peptide also induced fsh and lh expression, whereas the sGnRH and cGnRH-II peptides only induced fsh expression in vitro. 17β-Estradiol (E2) significantly inhibited the expression of sbGnRH mRNA in a dose-dependent manner and did not impact sGnRH and cGnRH-II mRNA levels in vivo or in vitro. The inhibitory effect of E2 on sbGnRH expression was attenuated by the estrogen receptor (ER) broad-spectrum antagonist (fulvestrant) and the ERα-specific antagonist (methyl-piperidinopyrazole), respectively, implying that the feedback regulation on sbGnRH is mediated via ERα. This study provides a theoretical basis for the reproductive endocrinology of the spotted scat by studying GnRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Pu Chen
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xue-Fan Cui
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yao-Rong Wang
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Li
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Chang-Xu Tian
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Dong-Neng Jiang
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Chun-Hua Zhu
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, and the Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shui-Sheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, and the Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Guang-Li Li
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China.
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11
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Nässel DR, Zandawala M, Kawada T, Satake H. Tachykinins: Neuropeptides That Are Ancient, Diverse, Widespread and Functionally Pleiotropic. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1262. [PMID: 31824255 PMCID: PMC6880623 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tachykinins (TKs) are ancient neuropeptides present throughout the bilaterians and are, with some exceptions, characterized by a conserved FX1GX2Ramide carboxy terminus among protostomes and FXGLMamide in deuterostomes. The best-known TK is the vertebrate substance P, which in mammals, together with other TKs, has been implicated in health and disease with important roles in pain, inflammation, cancer, depressive disorder, immune system, gut function, hematopoiesis, sensory processing, and hormone regulation. The invertebrate TKs are also known to have multiple functions in the central nervous system and intestine and these have been investigated in more detail in the fly Drosophila and some other arthropods. Here, we review the protostome and deuterostome organization and evolution of TK precursors, peptides and their receptors, as well as their functions, which appear to be partly conserved across Bilateria. We also outline the distribution of TKs in the brains of representative organisms. In Drosophila, recent studies have revealed roles of TKs in early olfactory processing, neuromodulation in circuits controlling locomotion and food search, nociception, aggression, metabolic stress, and hormone release. TK signaling also regulates lipid metabolism in the Drosophila intestine. In crustaceans, TK is an important neuromodulator in rhythm-generating motor circuits in the stomatogastric nervous system and a presynaptic modulator of photoreceptor cells. Several additional functional roles of invertebrate TKs can be inferred from their distribution in various brain circuits. In addition, there are a few interesting cases where invertebrate TKs are injected into prey animals as vasodilators from salivary glands or paralyzing agents from venom glands. In these cases, the peptides are produced in the glands of the predator with sequences mimicking the prey TKs. Lastly, the TK-signaling system appears to have duplicated in Panarthropoda (comprising arthropods, onychophores, and tardigrades) to give rise to a novel type of peptides, natalisins, with a distinct receptor. The distribution and functions of natalisins are distinct from the TKs. In general, it appears that TKs are widely distributed and act in circuits at short range as neuromodulators or cotransmitters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dick R. Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Meet Zandawala
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Tsuyoshi Kawada
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Honoo Satake
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
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12
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Zhang Z, Wen H, Li Y, Li Q, Li W, Zhou Y, Wang L, Liu Y, Lyu L, Qi X. TAC3 Gene Products Regulate Brain and Digestive System Gene Expression in the Spotted Sea Bass ( Lateolabrax maculatus). Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:556. [PMID: 31474940 PMCID: PMC6702303 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurokinin B (NKB) is a member of the tachykinin (tac) family that plays important roles in mammalian growth by modulating prolactin (PRL) synthesis and secretion and causing contraction of the stomach and intestine. However, its potential role in regulating growth of teleosts is less clear. We aimed to explore the role that NKB plays in regulating fish growth using the spotted sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus) as a model. In the present study, two tac3 and two tacr3 genes were identified in the spotted sea bass. Sequence analysis showed that two tac3 transcripts, tac3a and tac3b, encode four NKBs: NKBa-13, NKBa-10, NKBb-13, and NKBb-10. Expression analysis in different tissues showed that both genes are highly expressed in the brain, stomach and intestine of the spotted sea bass. In situ hybridization indicated that the tac3a and tac3b mRNAs are both localized in several brain regions, such as the telencephalon and hypothalamus, and that tacr3a and tacr3b are localized in the intestinal villus and gastric gland. To investigate the potential role of NKBs in regulating growth, in vitro experiments were performed to detect the effect of NKBs on growth-related gene expression in the brain and brain-gut peptide (BGP)-related genes in the stomach and intestine. NKBb-13 was the most critical ligand in regulating the expression of growth-related genes in the brain and brain-gut peptide (BGP)-related genes in the stomach. The expression of cholecystokinin (cck) was enhanced by NKBa-13, NKBa-10, and NKBb-10 but not NKBb-13 in the intestine. In general, our results showed that NKBs participate in regulating the growth of spotted sea bass.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xin Qi
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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13
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Butler JM, Maruska KP. Expression of tachykinin3 and related reproductive markers in the brain of the African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni. J Comp Neurol 2019; 527:1210-1227. [PMID: 30644550 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Neurokinin B, encoded by the tachykinin3 gene, plays a crucial role in regulating reproduction in mammals via KNDy neurons and interaction with GnRH. Previous work in teleost fishes has focused on hypothalamic tac3 expression for its role in reproduction, but detailed studies on extra-hypothalamic tac3 expression are limited. Here, we identified two tac3 genes in the social African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni, only one of which produces a functional protein containing the signature tachykinin motif. In situ hybridization for tac3a mRNA identified cell populations throughout the brain. Numerous tac3a cells lie in several thalamic and hypothalamic nuclei, including periventricular nucleus of posterior tuberculum, lateral tuberal nucleus (NLT), and nucleus of the lateral recess (NRL). Scattered tac3-expressing cells are also present in telencephalic parts, such as ventral (Vv) and supracomissural (Vs) part of ventral telencephalon. In contrast to other teleosts, tac3 expression was absent from the pituitary. Using double-fluorescent staining, we localized tac3a-expressing cells in relation to GnRH and kisspeptin cells. Although no GnRH-tac3a colabeled cells were observed, dense GnRH fibers surround and potentially synapse with tac3a cells in the preoptic area. Only minimal (<5%) colabeling of tac3a was observed in kiss2 cells. Despite tac3a expression in many nodes of the mesolimbic reward system, it was absent from tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-expressing cells, but tac3a cells were located in areas with dense TH fibers. The presence of tac3a-expressing cells throughout the brain, including in socially relevant brain regions, suggest more diverse functions beyond regulation of reproductive physiology that may be conserved across vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Butler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - Karen P Maruska
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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14
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Mizrahi N, Gilon C, Atre I, Ogawa S, Parhar IS, Levavi-Sivan B. Deciphering Direct and Indirect Effects of Neurokinin B and GnRH in the Brain-Pituitary Axis of Tilapia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:469. [PMID: 31354632 PMCID: PMC6639853 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurokinin B (NKB) and its cognate receptor (NK3R) are emerging as important components of the neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction. Unlike mammalian tac3, which encodes only one mature peptide (namely NKB), two mature peptides are predicted for each tac3 gene in fish and frogs. Therefore, it was designated as Neurokinin F (NKF). Hormone analogs with high and long-lasting biological activity are important tools for physiological and biological research; however, the availability of piscine-specific analogs is very limited. Therefore, we have developed specific NKB and NKF analogs based on the structure of the mammalian NKB analog-senktide. These analogs, specifically designed for longer half-lives by methylation of proteolysis sites, exhibited activity equal to those of the native NKB and NKF in short-term signal-transduction assays of tilapia NKB receptors. However, the analogs were found to be able to significantly increase the release of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and growth hormone (GH) in tilapia, as fast as 1 h after intraperitoneal (IP) injection. The impact of the analogs on LH and FSH secretion lasted longer compared to the effect of native peptides and salmon GnRH analog (sGnRHa). In addition, we harvested pituitaries 24 h post injection and measured LH, FSH and GH mRNA synthesis. Both analogs elevated mRNA levels of LH and GH, but only NKB analog increased FSH mRNA levels in the pituitary and all GnRH forms in the brain. NKB receptors were co-localized with all three types the GnRH neurons in tilapia brain in situ. We previously showed a direct effect of NKB at the pituitary level, and these new results suggest that the stronger impact of the NKB analog on GTH release is also due to an indirect effect through the activation of GnRH neurons. These results suggest that novel synthetic NKB analogs may serve as a tool for both research and agricultural purposes. Finally, the biological activity and regulatory role of NKB in tilapia brain and pituitary suggest that the NKB/NKBR system in fish is an important reproductive regulator in a similar way to the kisspeptin system in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naama Mizrahi
- Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Chaim Gilon
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ishwar Atre
- Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Satoshi Ogawa
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Brain Research Institute, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Ishwar S. Parhar
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Brain Research Institute, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Berta Levavi-Sivan
- Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
- *Correspondence: Berta Levavi-Sivan
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15
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Campo A, Lafont AG, Lefranc B, Leprince J, Tostivint H, Kamech N, Dufour S, Rousseau K. Tachykinin-3 Genes and Peptides Characterized in a Basal Teleost, the European Eel: Evolutionary Perspective and Pituitary Role. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:304. [PMID: 29942283 PMCID: PMC6004781 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, neurokinin B (NKB) is a short peptide encoded by the gene tac3. It is involved in the brain control of reproduction by stimulating gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, mainly via kisspeptin. We investigated tac3 genes and peptides in a basal teleost, the European eel, which shows an atypical blockade of the sexual maturation at a prepubertal stage. Two tac3 paralogous genes (tac3a and tac3b) were identified in the eel genome, each encoding two peptides (NKBa or b and NKB-related peptide NKB-RPa or b). Amino acid sequence of eel NKBa is identical to human NKB, and the three others are novel peptide sequences. The four eel peptides present the characteristic C-terminal tachykinin sequence, as well as a similar alpha helix 3D structure. Tac3 genes were identified in silico in 52 species of vertebrates, and a phylogeny analysis was performed on the predicted TAC3 pre-pro-peptide sequences. A synteny analysis was also done to further assess the evolutionary history of tac3 genes. Duplicated tac3 genes in teleosts likely result from the teleost-specific whole genome duplication (3R). Among teleosts, TAC3b precursor sequences are more divergent than TAC3a, and a loss of tac3b gene would have even occurred in some teleost lineages. NKB-RP peptide, encoded beside NKB by tac3 gene in actinopterygians and basal sarcopterygians, would have been lost in ancestral amniotes. Tissue distribution of eel tac3a and tac3b mRNAs showed major expression of both transcripts in the brain especially in the diencephalon, as analyzed by specific qPCRs. Human NKB has been tested in vitro on primary culture of eel pituitary cells. Human NKB dose-dependently inhibited the expression of lhβ, while having no effect on other glycoprotein hormone subunits (fshβ, tshβ, and gpα) nor on gh. Human NKB also dose-dependently inhibited the expression of GnRH receptor (gnrh-r2). The four eel peptides have been synthesized and also tested in vitro. They all inhibited the expression of both lhβ and of gnrh-r2. This reveals a potential dual inhibitory role of the four peptides encoded by the two tac3 genes in eel reproduction, exerted at the pituitary level on both luteinizing hormone and GnRH receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Campo
- Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Research Unit BOREA (Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems), CNRS 7208, IRD 207, Sorbonne Université, Université de Caen Normandie, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Gaëlle Lafont
- Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Research Unit BOREA (Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems), CNRS 7208, IRD 207, Sorbonne Université, Université de Caen Normandie, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Lefranc
- Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, INSERM U1239, Normandy University, Rouen, France
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, INSERM U1239, Normandy University, Rouen, France
| | - Hervé Tostivint
- Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, UMR7221 CNRS/MNHN Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, Paris, France
| | - Nédia Kamech
- Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Research Unit BOREA (Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems), CNRS 7208, IRD 207, Sorbonne Université, Université de Caen Normandie, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Dufour
- Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Research Unit BOREA (Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems), CNRS 7208, IRD 207, Sorbonne Université, Université de Caen Normandie, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Karine Rousseau
- Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Research Unit BOREA (Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems), CNRS 7208, IRD 207, Sorbonne Université, Université de Caen Normandie, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Karine Rousseau,
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