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Simões LAR, Normann RS, Chung JS, Vinagre AS. A brief and updated introduction to the neuroendocrine system of crustaceans. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 590:112265. [PMID: 38697385 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
The neuroendocrine system of crustaceans is complex and regulates many processes, such as development, growth, reproduction, osmoregulation, behavior, and metabolism. Once stimulated, crustaceans' neuroendocrine tissues modulate the release of monoamines, ecdysteroids, and neuropeptides that can act as hormones or neurotransmitters. Over a few decades, research has unraveled some mechanisms governing these processes, substantially contributing to understanding crustacean physiology. More aspects of crustacean neuroendocrinology are being comprehended with molecular biology, transcriptome, and genomics analyses. Hence, these studies will also significantly enhance the ability to cultivate decapods, such as crabs and shrimps, used as human food sources. In this review, current knowledge on crustacean endocrinology is updated with new findings about crustacean hormones, focusing mainly on the main neuroendocrine organs and their hormones and the effects of these molecules regulating metabolism, growth, reproduction, and color adaptation. New evidence about vertebrate-type hormones found in crustaceans is included and discussed. Finally, this review may assist in understanding how the emerging chemicals of environmental concern can potentially impair and disrupt crustacean's endocrine functions and their physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Airton Ressel Simões
- Comparative Metabolism and Endocrinology Laboratory (LAMEC), Post Graduation Program in Biological Sciences, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Physiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafaella Sanfelice Normann
- Comparative Metabolism and Endocrinology Laboratory (LAMEC), Post Graduation Program in Biological Sciences, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Physiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - J Sook Chung
- Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET), University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences (UMCES), Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anapaula Sommer Vinagre
- Comparative Metabolism and Endocrinology Laboratory (LAMEC), Post Graduation Program in Biological Sciences, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Physiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Fodor I, Osugi T, Matsubara S, Shiraishi A, Kawada T, Pirger Z, Satake H. Characterization of corazonin signaling in a molluscan model species, Lymnaea stagnalis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 357:114594. [PMID: 39047798 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2024.114594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, new concepts have emerged regarding the nomenclature, functions, and relationships of different peptide families of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) superfamily. One of the main driving forces for this originated from the emerging evidence that neuropeptides previously called molluscan GnRH are multifunctional and should be classified as corazonin (CRZ). However, research articles still appear that use incorrect nomenclature and attribute the same function to molluscan CRZs as vertebrate GnRHs. The aim of the present study was to further support the recent interpretation of the origin and function of the GnRH superfamily. Towards this goal, we report the characterization of CRZ signaling system in the molluscan model species, the great pond snail (Lymnaea stagnalis). We detected a CRZ-receptor-like sequence (Lym-CRZR) by homology-searching in the Lymnaea transcriptomes and the deduced amino acid sequence showed high sequence similarity to GnRH receptors and CRZ receptors. Molecular phylogenetic tree analysis demonstrated that Lym-CRZR is included in the cluster of molluscan CRZRs. Lym-CRZR transiently transfected into HEK293 cells was found to be localized at the plasma membrane, confirming that it functions as a membrane receptor, like other G protein-coupled receptors. The signaling assays revealed that the previously identified Lym-CRZ neuropeptide stimulated intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in a dose-dependent manner, but not cyclic AMP production, in HEK293 cells transfected with Lym-CRZR. Finally, we demonstrated a wide tissue distribution of Lym-CRZR. These results suggest that Lym-CRZ is a multifunctional peptide and provide further insights into the evolution of the GnRH neuropeptide superfamily. The present study also supports the notion that previously termed molluscan "GnRH" should be classified as "CRZ".
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Affiliation(s)
- István Fodor
- Ecophysiological and Environmental Toxicological Research Group, HUN-REN Balaton Limnological Research Institute, Tihany 8237, Hungary.
| | - Tomohiro Osugi
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, 8-1-1 Seikadai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 619-0284, Japan
| | - Shin Matsubara
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, 8-1-1 Seikadai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 619-0284, Japan
| | - Akira Shiraishi
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, 8-1-1 Seikadai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 619-0284, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Kawada
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, 8-1-1 Seikadai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 619-0284, Japan
| | - Zsolt Pirger
- Ecophysiological and Environmental Toxicological Research Group, HUN-REN Balaton Limnological Research Institute, Tihany 8237, Hungary
| | - Honoo Satake
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, 8-1-1 Seikadai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 619-0284, Japan
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Kim MA, Kim TH, Kannan P, Kho KH, Park K, Sohn YC. Functional Characterization of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone and Corazonin Signaling Systems in Pacific Abalone: Toward Reclassification of Invertebrate Neuropeptides. Neuroendocrinology 2023; 114:64-89. [PMID: 37703838 DOI: 10.1159/000533662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The proposed evolutionary origins and corresponding nomenclature of bilaterian gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-related neuropeptides have changed tremendously with the aid of receptor deorphanization. However, the reclassification of the GnRH and corazonin (CRZ) signaling systems in Lophotrochozoa remains unclear. METHODS We characterized GnRH and CRZ receptors in the mollusk Pacific abalone, Haliotis discus hannai (Hdh), by phylogenetic and gene expression analyses, bioluminescence-based reporter, Western blotting, substitution of peptide amino acids, in vivo neuropeptide injection, and RNA interference assays. RESULTS Two Hdh CRZ-like receptors (Hdh-CRZR-A and Hdh-CRZR-B) and three Hdh GnRH-like receptors (Hdh-GnRHR1-A, Hdh-GnRHR1-B, and Hdh-GnRHR2) were identified. In phylogenetic analysis, Hdh-CRZR-A and -B grouped within the CRZ-type receptors, whereas Hdh-GnRHR1-A/-B and Hdh-GnRHR2 clustered within the GnRH/adipokinetic hormone (AKH)/CRZ-related peptide-type receptors. Hdh-CRZR-A/-B and Hdh-GnRHR1-A were activated by Hdh-CRZ (pQNYHFSNGWHA-NH2) and Hdh-GnRH (pQISFSPNWGT-NH2), respectively. Hdh-CRZR-A/-B dually coupled with the Gαq and Gαs signaling pathways, whereas Hdh-GnRHR1-A was linked only with Gαq signaling. Analysis of substituted peptides, [I2S3]Hdh-CRZ and [N2Y3H4]Hdh-GnRH, and in silico docking models revealed that the N-terminal amino acids of the peptides are critical for the selectivity of Hdh-CRZR and Hdh-GnRHR. Two precursor transcripts for Hdh-CRZ and Hdh-GnRH peptides and their receptors were mainly expressed in the neural ganglia, and their levels increased in starved abalones. Injection of Hdh-CRZ peptide into abalones decreased food consumption, whereas Hdh-CRZR knockdown increased food consumption. Moreover, Hdh-CRZ induced germinal vesicle breakdown in mature oocytes. CONCLUSION Characterization of Hdh-CRZRs and Hdh-GnRHRs and their cognate peptides provides new insight into the evolutionary route of GnRH-related signaling systems in bilaterians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Ae Kim
- Department of Marine Bioscience, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
- East Coast Life Sciences Institute, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Ha Kim
- Department of Marine Bioscience, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
| | - Priyadharshini Kannan
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, KIST Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang Hee Kho
- Department of Fisheries Science, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, Republic of Korea
| | - Keunwan Park
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, KIST Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chang Sohn
- Department of Marine Bioscience, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
- East Coast Life Sciences Institute, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
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Ramakrishnan S, Murphy AD. Peptidergic modulation of a multi-functional central pattern generator in the pulmonate snail. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:286115. [PMID: 36533565 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244953] [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: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Egg laying in pulmonate snails is a well-orchestrated process that involves a period of reduced locomotion, followed by substrate cleaning with rhythmic rasping of the surface to make tiny grooves, into which eggs are deposited. Although the neurohormonal control of initiating egg laying has been well established, the signals that modulate the buccal central pattern generator to substrate cleaning during egg laying are not known. Neuropeptides of the invertebrate gonadotropin-releasing hormone/corazonin family (invGnRH/CRZ) have been shown to be involved in reproduction and allied behaviors in many vertebrates and invertebrates. Here, we show that the buccal motor pattern underlying substrate cleaning during egg laying is altered by a vertebrate GnRH agonist. Signals from the intestinal nerve innervating reproductive structures, previously shown to be both necessary and sufficient for egg-laying behaviors, are blocked by a vertebrate GnRH antagonist. Further, the vertebrate GnRH-triggered response elicits rhythmic, phase 2 and non-phase 2 activity in the buccal motor pattern, with a shutdown of phase 3, indicative of repetitive rasping without accompanied swallowing behavior. Using immunohistochemistry, intracellular electrophysiology and extracellular nerve stimulation, we show that a member of the invGnRH/CRZ family of neuropeptides could be the signal that contextually switches the multifunctional buccal CPG to a biphasic rasping rhythm that underlies substrate cleaning behavior during egg laying in the pulmonate snail Planorbella (Helisoma) trivolvis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Ramakrishnan
- Department of Biology and Neuroscience Program, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA 98416, USA
| | - A Don Murphy
- Department of Biology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
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Fodor I, Pirger Z. From Dark to Light - An Overview of Over 70 Years of Endocrine Disruption Research on Marine Mollusks. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:903575. [PMID: 35872980 PMCID: PMC9301197 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.903575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Fodor I, Schwarz T, Kiss B, Tapodi A, Schmidt J, Cousins ARO, Katsiadaki I, Scott AP, Pirger Z. Studies on a widely-recognized snail model species ( Lymnaea stagnalis) provide further evidence that vertebrate steroids do not have a hormonal role in the reproduction of mollusks. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:981564. [PMID: 36157463 PMCID: PMC9493083 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.981564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Experiments were carried out to determine whether, as with other mollusks that have been studied, the snail, Lymnaea stagnalis, can absorb, esterify and store vertebrate steroids that are present in the water. We also carried out experiments to determine whether neural tissues of the snail could be immunohistochemically stained with an antibody to human aromatase (a key enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of testosterone [T] to 17β-estradiol [E2]); and, if so, to determine the significance of such staining. Previous studies on other mollusks have reported such staining and have proposed this as decisive evidence that mollusks have the same steroid synthesis pathway as vertebrates. We found that snails absorb, esterify and retain esterified T, E2, progesterone and ethinyl-estradiol (albeit with an absorption rate about four times slower, on a weight basis, than the mussel, Mytilus edulis). We also found that not only anti-human aromatase, but also anti-human nuclear progesterone receptor (nPR) and anti-human gonadotropin-releasing hormone antibodies immunohistochemically stained snail neural cells. However, further experiments, involving gel electrophoretic separation, followed by immunostaining, of proteins extracted from the neural tissue, found at least two positively-stained bands for each antibody, none of which had masses matching the human proteins to which the antibodies had been raised. The anti-aromatase antibody even stained the 140 kDA ladder protein used as a molecular weight marker on the gels. Mass spectrometric analysis of the bands did not find any peptide sequences that corresponded to the human proteins. Our findings confirm that the presence of vertebrate-like sex steroids in molluscan tissues is not necessarily evidence of endogenous origin. The results also show that immunohistochemical studies using antibodies against human proteins are grossly non-specific and likely to have little or no value in studying steroid synthesis or activity in mollusks. Our conclusions are consistent with the fact that genes for aromatase and nPR have not been found in the genome of the snail or of any other mollusk. Our overarching conclusion, from this and our previous studies, is that the endocrinology of mollusks is not the same as that of humans or any other vertebrates and that continuing to carry out physiological and ecotoxicological studies on mollusks on the basis of this false assumption, is an unconscionable waste of resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- István Fodor
- Ecophysiological and Environmental Toxicological Research Group, Balaton Limnological Research Institute, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Tihany, Hungary
- *Correspondence: István Fodor,
| | - Tamar Schwarz
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research, Weymouth Laboratory, Weymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Bence Kiss
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Antal Tapodi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - János Schmidt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Alex R. O. Cousins
- Lowestoft Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft, United Kingdom
| | - Ioanna Katsiadaki
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research, Weymouth Laboratory, Weymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander P. Scott
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research, Weymouth Laboratory, Weymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Zsolt Pirger
- Ecophysiological and Environmental Toxicological Research Group, Balaton Limnological Research Institute, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Tihany, Hungary
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Fodor I, Koene JM, Pirger Z. Neuronal Transcriptome Analysis of a Widely Recognised Molluscan Model Organism Highlights the Absence of Key Proteins Involved in the De Novo Synthesis and Receptor-Mediation of Sex Steroids in Vertebrates. MALACOLOGIA 2021. [DOI: 10.4002/040.064.0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- István Fodor
- NAP Adaptive Neuroethology, Balaton Limnological Research Institute, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Klebelsberg Kuno u. 3., H-8237 Tihany, Hungary
| | - Joris M. Koene
- Department of Ecological Science, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Zsolt Pirger
- NAP Adaptive Neuroethology, Balaton Limnological Research Institute, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Klebelsberg Kuno u. 3., H-8237 Tihany, Hungary
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Fodor I, Svigruha R, Bozsó Z, Tóth GK, Osugi T, Yamamoto T, Satake H, Pirger Z. Functional characterization and related evolutionary implications of invertebrate gonadotropin-releasing hormone/corazonin in a well-established model species. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10028. [PMID: 33976353 PMCID: PMC8113230 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89614-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) peptide is the central mediator of reproduction. Homologous peptides have previously also been identified in molluscan species. However, emerging evidence suggests that these molecules might serve diverse regulatory functions and proposes to consider them as corazonin (CRZ). We previously isolated the full-length cDNA of the invGnRH/CRZ peptide (termed ly-GnRH/CRZ) in the well-established invertebrate model species, the great pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis; however, its predicted functions remain to be verified. In this study, we first confirmed the presence of the deduced active peptide from the central nervous system of L. stagnalis. Further, we performed in vivo and in vitro studies to explore the functions of ly-GnRH/CRZ. Injection of sexually mature specimens with synthetic active peptide had an inhibitory effect on locomotion and an acceleratory effect on egg-laying, but had no effect on feeding. The previously predicted modulatory effect of ly-GnRH/CRZ was supported by its identified co-localization with serotonin on the surface of the heart atria. Lastly, we demonstrated not only the presence of ly-GnRH/CRZ in the penial complex but also that ly-GnRH/CRZ-containing neurons project to the efferent penis nerve, suggesting ly-GnRH/CRZ may directly modulate the motor output of this peripheral tissue. Overall, our findings strongly support that ly-GnRH/CRZ is a multifunctional neuropeptide. These results contribute to the understanding of the GnRH superfamily and, more broadly, disciplines such as comparative endocrinology and neurobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- István Fodor
- NAP Adaptive Neuroethology, Balaton Limnological Research Institute, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Klebelsberg Kuno u. 3., Tihany, 8237, Hungary
| | - Réka Svigruha
- NAP Adaptive Neuroethology, Balaton Limnological Research Institute, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Klebelsberg Kuno u. 3., Tihany, 8237, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Bozsó
- Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor K Tóth
- Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tomohiro Osugi
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, 8-1-1 Seikadai, Seika, Souraku, Kyoto, 619-0284, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Yamamoto
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, 8-1-1 Seikadai, Seika, Souraku, Kyoto, 619-0284, Japan
| | - Honoo Satake
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, 8-1-1 Seikadai, Seika, Souraku, Kyoto, 619-0284, Japan
| | - Zsolt Pirger
- NAP Adaptive Neuroethology, Balaton Limnological Research Institute, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Klebelsberg Kuno u. 3., Tihany, 8237, Hungary.
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Rosa-Casillas M, de Jesús PM, Vicente Rodríguez LC, Habib MR, Croll RP, Miller MW. Identification and localization of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone-related neuropeptide in Biomphalaria, an intermediate host for schistosomiasis. J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:2347-2361. [PMID: 33368267 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Freshwater snails of the genus Biomphalaria serve as obligatory hosts for the digenetic trematode Schistosoma mansoni, the causative agent for the most widespread form of intestinal schistosomiasis. Within Biomphalaria, S. mansoni larvae multiply and transform into the cercariae form that can infect humans. Trematode development and proliferation is thought to be facilitated by modifications of host behavior and physiological processes, including a reduction of reproduction known as "parasitic castration." As neuropeptides participate in the control of reproduction across phylogeny, a neural transcriptomics approach was undertaken to identify peptides that could regulate Biomphalaria reproductive physiology. The present study identified a transcript in Biomphalaria alexandrina that encodes a peptide belonging to the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) superfamily. The precursor and the predicted mature peptide, pQIHFTPDWGNN-NH2 (designated Biom-GnRH), share features with peptides identified in other molluscan species, including panpulmonates, opisthobranchs, and cephalopods. An antibody generated against Biom-GnRH labeled neurons in the cerebral, pedal, and visceral ganglia of Biomphalaria glabrata. GnRH-like immunoreactive fiber systems projected to all central ganglia. In the periphery, immunoreactive material was detected in the ovotestis, oviduct, albumen gland, and nidamental gland. As these structures serve crucial roles in the production, transport, nourishment, and encapsulation of eggs, disruption of the GnRH system of Biomphalaria could contribute to reduced reproductive activity in infected snails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariela Rosa-Casillas
- Institute of Neurobiology and Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Paola Méndez de Jesús
- Institute of Neurobiology and Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | | | - Mohamed R Habib
- Medical Malacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Roger P Croll
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Mark W Miller
- Institute of Neurobiology and Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
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Invertebrate Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Signaling and Its Relevant Biological Actions. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228544. [PMID: 33198405 PMCID: PMC7697785 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRHs) play pivotal roles in reproduction via the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis (HPG axis) in vertebrates. GnRHs and their receptors (GnRHRs) are also conserved in invertebrates lacking the HPG axis, indicating that invertebrate GnRHs do not serve as “gonadotropin-releasing factors” but, rather, function as neuropeptides that directly regulate target tissues. All vertebrate and urochordate GnRHs comprise 10 amino acids, whereas amphioxus, echinoderm, and protostome GnRH-like peptides are 11- or 12-residue peptides. Intracellular calcium mobilization is the major second messenger for GnRH signaling in cephalochordates, echinoderms, and protostomes, while urochordate GnRHRs also stimulate cAMP production pathways. Moreover, the ligand-specific modulation of signal transduction via heterodimerization between GnRHR paralogs indicates species-specific evolution in Ciona intestinalis. The characterization of authentic or putative invertebrate GnRHRs in various tissues and their in vitro and in vivo activities indicate that invertebrate GnRHs are responsible for the regulation of both reproductive and nonreproductive functions. In this review, we examine our current understanding of and perspectives on the primary sequences, tissue distribution of mRNA expression, signal transduction, and biological functions of invertebrate GnRHs and their receptors.
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