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Sliwowska JH, Woods NE, Alzahrani AR, Paspali E, Tate RJ, Ferro VA. Kisspeptin a potential therapeutic target in treatment of both metabolic and reproductive dysfunction. J Diabetes 2024; 16:e13541. [PMID: 38599822 PMCID: PMC11006622 DOI: 10.1111/1753-0407.13541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptins (KPs) are proteins that were first recognized to have antimetastatic action. Later, the critical role of this peptide in the regulation of reproduction was proved. In recent years, evidence has been accumulated supporting a role for KPs in regulating metabolic processes in a sexual dimorphic manner. It has been proposed that KPs regulate metabolism both indirectly via gonadal hormones and/or directly via the kisspeptin receptor in the brain, brown adipose tissue, and pancreas. The aim of the review is to provide both experimental and clinical evidence indicating that KPs are peptides linking metabolism and reproduction. We propose that KPs could be used as a potential target to treat both metabolic and reproductive abnormalities. Thus, we focus on the consequences of disruptions in KPs and their receptors in metabolic conditions such as diabetes, undernutrition, obesity, and reproductive disorders (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and polycystic ovary syndrome). Data from both animal models and human subjects indicate that alterations in KPs in the case of metabolic imbalance lead also to disruptions in reproductive functions. Changes both in the hypothalamic and peripheral KP systems in animal models of the aforementioned disorders are discussed. Finally, an overview of current clinical studies involving KP in fertility and metabolism show fewer studies on metabolism (15%) and only one to date on both. Presented data indicate a dynamic and emerging field of KP studies as possible therapeutic targets in treatments of both reproductive and metabolic dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Helena Sliwowska
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Nicola Elizabeth Woods
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Abdullah Rzgallah Alzahrani
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Elpiniki Paspali
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Rothwelle Joseph Tate
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Valerie Anne Ferro
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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2
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Hirtz R, Hars C, Naaresh R, Laabs BH, Antel J, Grasemann C, Hinney A, Hebebrand J, Peters T. Causal Effect of Age at Menarche on the Risk for Depression: Results From a Two-Sample Multivariable Mendelian Randomization Study. Front Genet 2022; 13:918584. [PMID: 35903354 PMCID: PMC9315288 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.918584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A fair number of epidemiological studies suggest that age at menarche (AAM) is associated with depression, but the reported effect sizes are small, and there is evidence of residual confounding. Moreover, previous Mendelian randomization (MR) studies to avoid inferential problems inherent to epidemiological studies have provided mixed findings. To clarify the causal relationship between age at menarche and broadly defined depression risk, we used 360 genome-wide significantly AAM-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variable and data from the latest GWAS for the broadly defined depression risk on 807,553 individuals (246,363 cases and 561,190 controls). Multiple methods to account for heterogeneity of the instrumental variable (penalized weighted median, MR Lasso, and contamination mixture method), systematic and idiosyncratic pleiotropy (MR RAPS), and horizontal pleiotropy (MR PRESSO and multivariable MR using three methods) were used. Body mass index, education attainment, and total white blood count were considered pleiotropic phenotypes in the multivariable MR analysis. In the univariable [inverse-variance weighted (IVW): OR = 0.96, 95% confidence interval = 0.94–0.98, p = 0.0003] and multivariable MR analysis (IVW: OR = 0.96, 95% confidence interval = 0.94–0.99, p = 0.007), there was a significant causal effect of AAM on depression risk. Thus, the present study supports conclusions from previous epidemiological studies implicating AAM in depression without the pitfalls of residual confounding and reverse causation. Considering the adverse consequences of an earlier AAM on mental health, this finding should foster efforts to address risk factors that promote an earlier AAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Hirtz
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Pediatrics II, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Raphael Hirtz, , orcid.org/0000-0003-1162-4305
| | - Christine Hars
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Pediatrics II, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Roaa Naaresh
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Björn-Hergen Laabs
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein—Campus Lübeck, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jochen Antel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Corinna Grasemann
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rare Diseases and CeSER, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Anke Hinney
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Johannes Hebebrand
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Triinu Peters
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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3
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Hart DA. Sex Differences in Biological Systems and the Conundrum of Menopause: Potential Commonalities in Post-Menopausal Disease Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4119. [PMID: 35456937 PMCID: PMC9026302 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex-specific differences in biology and physiology likely start at the time of conception and progress and mature during the pre-puberty time frame and then during the transitions accompanying puberty. These sex differences are impacted by both genetics and epigenetic alterations during the maturation process, likely for the purpose of preparing for successful reproduction. For females, later in life (~45-50) they undergo another transition leading to a loss of ovarian hormone production at menopause. The reasons for menopause are not clear, but for a subset of females, menopause is accompanied by an increased risk of a number of diseases or conditions that impact a variety of tissues. Most research has mainly focused on the target cells in each of the affected tissues rather than pursue the alternative option that there may be commonalities in the development of these post-menopausal conditions in addition to influences on specific target cells. This review will address some of the potential commonalities presented by an integration of the literature regarding tissue-specific aspects of these post-menopausal conditions and data presented by space flight/microgravity (a condition not anticipated by evolution) that could implicate a loss of a regulatory function of the microvasculature in the risk attached to the affected tissues. Thus, the loss of the integration of the paracrine relationships between endothelial cells of the microvasculature of the tissues affected in the post-menopausal environment could contribute to the risk for post-menopausal diseases/conditions. The validation of this concept could lead to new approaches for interventions to treat post-menopausal conditions, as well as provide new understanding regarding sex-specific biological regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Hart
- Department of Surgery and Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; ; Tel.: +1-403-220-4571
- Bone & Joint Health Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB T5J 3E4, Canada
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4
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Naulé L, Maione L, Kaiser UB. Puberty, A Sensitive Window of Hypothalamic Development and Plasticity. Endocrinology 2021; 162:bqaa209. [PMID: 33175140 PMCID: PMC7733306 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Puberty is a developmental period characterized by a broad range of physiologic changes necessary for the acquisition of adult sexual and reproductive maturity. These changes mirror complex modifications within the central nervous system, including within the hypothalamus. These modifications result in the maturation of a fully active hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, the neuroendocrine cascade ensuring gonadal activation, sex steroid secretion, and gametogenesis. A complex and finely regulated neural network overseeing the HPG axis, particularly the pubertal reactivation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, has been progressively unveiled in the last 3 decades. This network includes kisspeptin, neurokinin B, GABAergic, and glutamatergic neurons as well as glial cells. In addition to substantial modifications in the expression of key targets, several changes in neuronal morphology, neural connections, and synapse organization occur to establish mature and coordinated neurohormonal secretion, leading to puberty initiation. The aim of this review is to outline the current knowledge of the major changes that neurons secreting GnRH and their neuronal and glial partners undergo before and after puberty. Emerging mediators upstream of GnRH, uncovered in recent years, are also addressed herein. In addition, the effects of sex steroids, particularly estradiol, on changes in hypothalamic neurodevelopment and plasticity are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydie Naulé
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Luigi Maione
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Paris Saclay University, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Department Endocrinology and Reproductive Diseases, Bicêtre Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Ursula B Kaiser
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Chen T, Chen C, Wu H, Chen X, Xie R, Wang F, Sun H, Chen L. Overexpression of p53 accelerates puberty in high-fat diet-fed mice through Lin28/let-7 system. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:66-71. [PMID: 32996351 PMCID: PMC7797992 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220961320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT High-fat intake and subsequent obesity are associated with premature onset of puberty, but the exact neuroendocrine mechanisms are still unclear. The transcriptional factor p53 has been predicted to be a central hub of the gene networks controlling the pubertal onset. Besides, p53 also plays crucial roles in metabolism. Here, we explored p53 in the hypothalami of mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), which showed an up-regulated expression. Besides, we also revealed that overexpressed p53 may accelerate hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis activation partially through the c-Myc/Lin28/let-7 system. These results can deepen our understanding of the interaction between metabolic regulation and puberty onset control, and may shed light on the neuroendocrine mechanisms of obesity-related central precocious puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Cailong Chen
- Office of Human Resource, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Haiying Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Xiuli Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Rongrong Xie
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Fengyun Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Hui Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Linqi Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu 215000, China
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6
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Hypothalamic miR-30 regulates puberty onset via repression of the puberty-suppressing factor, Mkrn3. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000532. [PMID: 31697675 PMCID: PMC6863565 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mkrn3, the maternally imprinted gene encoding the makorin RING-finger protein-3, has recently emerged as putative pubertal repressor, as evidenced by central precocity caused by MKRN3 mutations in humans; yet, the molecular underpinnings of this key regulatory action remain largely unexplored. We report herein that the microRNA, miR-30, with three binding sites in a highly conserved region of its 3' UTR, operates as repressor of Mkrn3 to control pubertal onset. Hypothalamic miR-30b expression increased, while Mkrn3 mRNA and protein content decreased, during rat postnatal maturation. Neonatal estrogen exposure, causing pubertal alterations, enhanced hypothalamic Mkrn3 and suppressed miR-30b expression in female rats. Functional in vitro analyses demonstrated a strong repressive action of miR-30b on Mkrn3 3' UTR. Moreover, central infusion during the juvenile period of target site blockers, tailored to prevent miR-30 binding to Mkrn3 3' UTR, reversed the prepubertal down-regulation of hypothalamic Mkrn3 protein and delayed female puberty. Collectively, our data unveil a novel hypothalamic miRNA pathway, involving miR-30, with a prominent role in the control of puberty via Mkrn3 repression. These findings expand our current understanding of the molecular basis of puberty and its disease states.
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7
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Aylwin CF, Toro CA, Shirtcliff E, Lomniczi A. Emerging Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms Underlying Pubertal Maturation in Adolescence. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2019; 29:54-79. [PMID: 30869843 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The adolescent transition begins with the onset of puberty which, upstream in the brain, is initiated by the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse generator that activates the release of peripheral sex hormones. Substantial research in human and animal models has revealed a myriad of cellular networks and heritable genes that control the GnRH pulse generator allowing the individual to begin the process of reproductive competence and sexual maturation. Here, we review the latest knowledge in neuroendocrine pubertal research with emphasis on genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying the pubertal transition.
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8
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Zhou Y, Tong L, Wang M, Chang X, Wang S, Li K, Xiao J. miR-505-3p is a repressor of the puberty onset in female mice. J Endocrinol 2018; 240:JOE-18-0533.R2. [PMID: 30557853 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Puberty onset is a complex trait regulated by multiple genetic and environmental factors. In this study, we narrowed a puberty related QTL region down to a 1.7 Mb region on chromosome X in female mice and inferred miR-505-3p as the functional gene. We conducted ectopic expression of miR-505-3p in the hypothalamus of prepubertal female mice through lentivirus-mediated orthotopic injection. The impact of miR-505-3p on female puberty was evaluated by the measurement of pubertal/reproduction events and histological analysis. The results showed that female mice with overexpression of miR-505-3p in the hypothalamus manifested later puberty onset timing both in vaginal opening and ovary maturation, followed by weaker fertility lying in the longer interval time between mating and delivery, higher abortion rate and smaller litter size. We also constructed miR-505-3p knockout mice by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. MiR-505-3p knockout female mice showed earlier vaginal opening timing, higher serum gonadotrophin and higher expression of puberty-related gene in the hypothalamus than their wild type littermates. Srsf1 was proved to be the target gene of miR-505-3p that played the major role in this process. The results of RNA Immunoprecipitation-sequencing showed that SRSF1 (or SF2), the protein product of Srsf1 gene, mainly bound to ribosome protein (RP) mRNAs in GT1-7 cells. The collective evidence implied that miR-505-3p/SRSF1/RP could play a role in the sexual maturation regulation of mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxun Zhou
- Y Zhou, The College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Tong
- L Tong, The College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
| | - Maochun Wang
- M Wang, The College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueying Chang
- X Chang, The College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sijia Wang
- S Wang, The College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Li
- K Li, Department of Bioengineer, Donghua University, Songjiang, 201620, China
| | - Junhua Xiao
- J Xiao, The College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
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9
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Fortes MRS, Zacchi LF, Nguyen LT, Raidan F, Weller MMDCA, Choo JJY, Reverter A, Rego JPA, Boe-Hansen GB, Porto-Neto LR, Lehnert SA, Cánovas A, Schulz BL, Islas-Trejo A, Medrano JF, Thomas MG, Moore SS. Pre- and post-puberty expression of genes and proteins in the uterus of Bos indicus heifers: the luteal phase effect post-puberty. Anim Genet 2018; 49:539-549. [PMID: 30192028 DOI: 10.1111/age.12721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone signaling and uterine function are crucial in terms of pregnancy establishment. To investigate how the uterine tissue and its secretion changes in relation to puberty, we sampled tissue and uterine fluid from six pre- and six post-pubertal Brahman heifers. Post-pubertal heifers were sampled in the luteal phase. Gene expression of the uterine tissue was investigated with RNA-sequencing, whereas the uterine fluid was used for protein profiling with mass spectrometry. A total of 4034 genes were differentially expressed (DE) at a nominal P-value of 0.05, and 26 genes were significantly DE after Bonferroni correction (P < 3.1 × 10-6 ). We also identified 79 proteins (out of 230 proteins) that were DE (P < 1 × 10-5 ) in the uterine fluid. When we compared proteomics and transcriptome results, four DE proteins were identified as being encoded by DE genes: OVGP1, GRP, CAP1 and HBA. Except for CAP1, the other three had lower expression post-puberty. The function of these four genes hypothetically related to preparation of the uterus for a potential pregnancy is discussed in the context of puberty. All DE genes and proteins were also used in pathway and ontology enrichment analyses to investigate overall function. The DE genes were enriched for terms related to ribosomal activity. Transcription factors that were deemed key regulators of DE genes are also reported. Transcription factors ZNF567, ZNF775, RELA, PIAS2, LHX4, SOX2, MEF2C, ZNF354C, HMG20A, TCF7L2, ZNF420, HIC1, GTF3A and two novel genes had the highest regulatory impact factor scores. These data can help to understand how puberty influences uterine function.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R S Fortes
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - L F Zacchi
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - L T Nguyen
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.,Faculty of Biotechnology, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Gialam, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - F Raidan
- Animal Science Department, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Vicosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - M M D C A Weller
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - J J Y Choo
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - A Reverter
- Animal Science Department, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Vicosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - J P A Rego
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceará, 62930-000, Brazil
| | - G B Boe-Hansen
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - L R Porto-Neto
- Animal Science Department, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Vicosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - S A Lehnert
- Animal Science Department, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Vicosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - A Cánovas
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Centre of Genetic Improvement for Livestock, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - B L Schulz
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - A Islas-Trejo
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - J F Medrano
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - M G Thomas
- Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - S S Moore
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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10
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Sliwowska JH, Ziarniak K, Dudek M, Matuszewska J, Tena-Sempere M. Dangerous liaisons for pubertal maturation: the impact of alcohol consumption and obesity on the timing of puberty†. Biol Reprod 2018; 100:25-40. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna H Sliwowska
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Kamil Ziarniak
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Monika Dudek
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Julia Matuszewska
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, and Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain
- CIBEROBN - Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Cordoba, Spain
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11
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Cope ER, Voy BH, Whitlock BK, Staton M, Lane T, Davitt J, Mulliniks JT. Beta-hydroxybutyrate infusion identifies acutely differentially expressed genes related to metabolism and reproduction in the hypothalamus and pituitary of castrated male sheep. Physiol Genomics 2018; 50:468-477. [PMID: 29625019 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00104.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
To identify molecular pathways that couple metabolic imbalances and reproduction, we randomly assigned 10 castrated male sheep to be centrally injected into the lateral ventricle through intracerebroventricular cannulas with 1 ml of β-hydroxybutyric acid sodium salt solution (BHB; 12,800 µmol/l) or saline solution (CON; 0.9% NaCl). Approximately 2 h postinjection, sheep were humanely euthanized, and hypothalamus and pituitary tissues were harvested for transcriptome characterization by RNA sequencing. RNA was extracted from the hypothalamus and pituitary and sequenced at a high depth (hypothalamus: 468,912,732 reads; pituitary: 515,106,092 reads) with the Illumina Hi-Seq 2500 platform and aligned to Bos taurus and Ovis aries genomes. Of the total raw reads, 87% (hypothalamus) and 90.5% (pituitary) mapped to the reference O. aries genome. Within these read sets, ~56% in hypothalamus and 69% in pituitary mapped to either known or putative protein coding genes. Fragments per kilobase of transcripts per million normalized counts were averaged and ranked to identify the transcript expression level. Gene Ontology analysis (DAVID Bioinformatics Resources) was utilized to identify biological process functions related to genes shared between tissues, as well as functional categories with tissue-specific enrichment. Between CON- and BHB-treated sheep, 11 and 44 genes were differentially expressed (adj. P < 0.05) within the pituitary and hypothalamus, respectively. Functional enrichment analyses revealed BHB altered expression of genes in pathways related to stimulus perception, inflammation, and cell cycle control. The set of genes altered by BHB creates a foundation from which to identify the signaling pathways that impact reproduction during metabolic imbalances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Cope
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee , Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Brynn H Voy
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee , Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Brian K Whitlock
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee , Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Meg Staton
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee , Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Thomas Lane
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee , Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Jack Davitt
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee , Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - J Travis Mulliniks
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee , Knoxville, Tennessee
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12
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Rhon-Calderón EA, Toro CA, Lomniczi A, Galarza RA, Faletti AG. Changes in the expression of genes involved in the ovarian function of rats caused by daily exposure to 3-methylcholanthrene and their prevention by α-naphthoflavone. Arch Toxicol 2017; 92:907-919. [PMID: 29094188 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-017-2096-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Daily exposure to low doses of 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC) during the pubertal period in rats disrupts both follicular growth and ovulation. Thus, to provide new insights into the toxicity mechanism of 3MC in the ovary, here we investigated the effect of daily exposure to 3MC on selected ovarian genes, the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and the level of epigenetic remodeling of histone post-transcriptional modifications. Immature rats were daily injected with 3MC (0.1 or 1 mg/kg) and mRNA expression of genes involved in different ovarian processes were evaluated. Of the 29 genes studied, 18 were up-regulated, five were down-regulated and six were not altered. To assess whether AhR was involved in these changes, we used the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. 3MC increased AhR binding to promoter regions of genes involved in Notch signaling (Hes1, Jag1), activation of primordial follicles (Cdk2), cell adhesion (Icam1), stress and tumor progression (Dnajb6), apoptosis (Bax, Caspase-9) and expression of growth and transcription factors (Igf2, Sp1). Studying the trimethylation and acetylation of histone 3 (H3K4me3 and H3K9Ac, respectively) of these genes, we found that 3MC increased H3K4me3 in Cyp1a1, Jag1, Dnajb6, Igf2, Notch2, Adamts1, Bax and Caspase-9, and H3K9Ac in Cyp1a1, Jag1, Cdk2, Dnajb6, Igf2, Icam1, and Sp1. Co-treatment with α-naphthoflavone (αNF), a specific antagonist of AhR, prevented almost every 3MC-induced changes. Despite the low dose used in these experiments, daily exposure to 3MC induced changes in both gene expression and epigenomic remodeling, which may lead to premature ovarian failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Alejandro Rhon-Calderón
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Facultad de Medicina, Paraguay 2155, 16º P, (C1121ABG) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos Alejandro Toro
- Primate Genetics Section, Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, OHSU, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Alejandro Lomniczi
- Primate Genetics Section, Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, OHSU, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Rocío Alejandra Galarza
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Facultad de Medicina, Paraguay 2155, 16º P, (C1121ABG) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Dto. de Toxicología y Farmacología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alicia Graciela Faletti
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Facultad de Medicina, Paraguay 2155, 16º P, (C1121ABG) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Dto. de Toxicología y Farmacología, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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13
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Gao N, Hu R, Huang Y, Dao L, Zhang C, Liu Y, Wu L, Wang X, Yin W, Gore AC, Sun Z. Specific effects of prenatal DEHP exposure on neuroendocrine gene expression in the developing hypothalamus of male rats. Arch Toxicol 2017; 92:501-512. [PMID: 28871463 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-017-2049-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals may disrupt developing neuroendocrine systems, especially when the exposure occurs during a critical period. This study aimed to investigate whether prenatal exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a major component of plasticizers used worldwide, disrupted the development of a network of genes important for neuroendocrine function in male rats. Pregnant rats were treated with corn oil (vehicle control), 2, 10 or 50 mg/kg DEHP by gavage from gestational day 14 to 19. The neuroendocrine gene expressions were quantified using a 48-gene Taqman qPCR array in the whole hypothalamus of neonatal rats (postnatal day 1) and in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV), medial preoptic nucleus (MPN) and arcuate nucleus (ARC) of adult rats (postnatal day 70). Immunofluorescent signals of ERα and CYP19 were detected using the confocal microscopy in adult AVPV, MPN and ARC. The results showed that prenatal DEHP exposure perturbed somatic and reproductive development of offspring. Eleven genes were down-regulated in neonatal hypothalamus and showed non-monotonic dose-response relationships, that the 10 mg/kg DEHP dosage was associated with the greatest number of gene expression changes. Different from this, 14 genes were altered in adult AVPV, MPN and ARC and most of alterations were found in the 50 mg/kg DEHP group. Also, 50 mg/kg DEHP reduced ERα expression in the ARC, but no alterations were observed in CYP19 expression. These results indicated that prenatal DEHP exposure may perturb hypothalamic gene programming and the influences are permanent. The effects showed dependence on developmental stages and nuclei region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Gao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Rd., Heping Dist., Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruixia Hu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Rd., Heping Dist., Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujing Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Rd., Heping Dist., Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Long Dao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Rd., Heping Dist., Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Caifeng Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Rd., Heping Dist., Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongzhe Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Rd., Heping Dist., Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Lina Wu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Rd., Heping Dist., Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xutong Wang
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Weiling Yin
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Andrea C Gore
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Zengrong Sun
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Rd., Heping Dist., Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China.
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Leka-Emiri S, Chrousos GP, Kanaka-Gantenbein C. The mystery of puberty initiation: genetics and epigenetics of idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP). J Endocrinol Invest 2017; 40:789-802. [PMID: 28251550 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-017-0627-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Puberty is a major developmental stage. Damaging mutations, considered as "mistakes of nature", have contributed to the unraveling of the networks implicated in the normal initiation of puberty. Genes involved in the abnormal hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis development, in the normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (nIHH), in the X-linked or autosomal forms of Kallmann syndrome and in precocious puberty have been identified (GNRH1, GNRHR, KISS1, GPR54, FGFR1, FGF8, PROK2, PROKR2, TAC3, TACR3, KAL1, PROK2, PROKR2, CHD7, LEP, LEPR, PC1, DAX1, SF-1, HESX-1, LHX3, PROP-1). Most of them were found to play critical roles in HPG axis development and regulation, the embryonic GnRH neuronal migration and secretion, the regulation and action of the hypothalamic GnRH. However, the specific neural and molecular mechanisms triggering GnRH secretion remain one of the scientific enigmas. Although GnRH neurons are probably capable of autonomously generating oscillations, many gonadal steroid-dependent and -independent mechanisms have also been proposed. It is now well proven that the secretion of GnRH is regulated by kisspeptin as well as by permissive or opposing signals mediated by neurokinin B and dynorphin. These three supra-GnRH regulators compose the kisspeptin-neurokinin B-dynorphin neuronal (KNDy) system, a key player in pubertal onset and progression. Moreover, an ongoing increasing number of inhibitory, stimulatory and permissive networks acting upstream on GnRH neurons, such as GABA, NPY, LIN28B, MKRN3 and others integrate diverse hormonal and peripheral signals and have been proposed as the "gate-keepers" of puberty, while epigenetic modifications play also an important role in puberty initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Leka-Emiri
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, First Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, "Aghia Sofia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, First Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, "Aghia Sofia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, First Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, "Aghia Sofia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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15
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Ding J, Tan X, Song K, Ma W, Xiao J, Zhang M. Effect of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation on puberty and estrus in mice offspring. Reproduction 2017; 154:433-444. [PMID: 28687593 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) is widely used for the treatment of infertility, while the long-term effects of COH on the reproductive function in female offspring are currently unknown. Based on the fact that COH could cause high E2 levels in women throughout pregnancy and excess estrogenic exposure during fetal development is harmful to subsequent adult ovarian function, we assumed the hypothesis that COH disrupts reproductive function in female offspring. To test this hypothesis, COH was induced in mice to obtain female offspring by pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and HCG, and then we evaluated pubertal transition, serum levels of E2, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), FSH and LH, mRNA expressions of Esr1, Amhr2, Fshr and Lhcgr in ovaries, number of follicles and ovarian histology. We also investigated the apoptosis of follicles by TUNEL; the mRNA expressions of Fas, FasL, Bax, Bcl2, and caspase 3, 8 and 9 by quantitative real-time PCR; and the protein expressions of cleaved-caspase (CASP) 3, 8 and 9 by Western blot. Moreover, we further observed estrous cyclicity in young adult offspring, performed follicle counting and measured the level of AMH in both serum and ovary. COH could induce detrimental pregnancy outcomes, as well as delayed pubertal transition and irregular estrous cycle due to the aberrant growth and maturation of follicles in female offspring. Our novel findings add new evidence to better understand the potential risks of COH on the reproductive function in female offspring, raising the awareness that COH could exert adverse effects on female offspring, rather than just obtain more oocytes for fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Ding
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiujuan Tan
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Kunkun Song
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenwen Ma
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Xiao
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingmin Zhang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
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16
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Piekarski DJ, Johnson CM, Boivin JR, Thomas AW, Lin WC, Delevich K, M Galarce E, Wilbrecht L. Does puberty mark a transition in sensitive periods for plasticity in the associative neocortex? Brain Res 2017; 1654:123-144. [PMID: 27590721 PMCID: PMC5283387 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Postnatal brain development is studded with sensitive periods during which experience dependent plasticity is enhanced. This enables rapid learning from environmental inputs and reorganization of cortical circuits that matches behavior with environmental contingencies. Significant headway has been achieved in characterizing and understanding sensitive period biology in primary sensory cortices, but relatively little is known about sensitive period biology in associative neocortex. One possible mediator is the onset of puberty, which marks the transition to adolescence, when animals shift their behavior toward gaining independence and exploring their social world. Puberty onset correlates with reduced behavioral plasticity in some domains and enhanced plasticity in others, and therefore may drive the transition from juvenile to adolescent brain function. Pubertal onset is also occurring earlier in developed nations, particularly in unserved populations, and earlier puberty is associated with vulnerability for substance use, depression and anxiety. In the present article we review the evidence that supports a causal role for puberty in developmental changes in the function and neurobiology of the associative neocortex. We also propose a model for how pubertal hormones may regulate sensitive period plasticity in associative neocortex. We conclude that the evidence suggests puberty onset may play a causal role in some aspects of associative neocortical development, but that further research that manipulates puberty and measures gonadal hormones is required. We argue that further work of this kind is urgently needed to determine how earlier puberty may negatively impact human health and learning potential. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Adolescent plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Piekarski
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
| | - Carolyn M Johnson
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
| | - Josiah R Boivin
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco CA 94158, USA
| | - A Wren Thomas
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
| | - Wan Chen Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
| | - Kristen Delevich
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
| | - Ezequiel M Galarce
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
| | - Linda Wilbrecht
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA.
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17
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Abstract
The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal network generates pulse and surge modes of gonadotropin secretion critical for puberty and fertility. The arcuate nucleus kisspeptin neurons that innervate the projections of GnRH neurons in and around their neurosecretory zone are key components of the pulse generator in all mammals. By contrast, kisspeptin neurons located in the preoptic area project to GnRH neuron cell bodies and proximal dendrites and are involved in surge generation in female rodents (and possibly other species). The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis develops embryonically but, apart from short periods of activation immediately after birth, remains suppressed through a combination of gonadal and non-gonadal mechanisms. At puberty onset, the pulse generator reactivates, probably owing to progressive stimulatory influences on GnRH neurons from glial and neurotransmitter signalling, and the re-emergence of stimulatory arcuate kisspeptin input. In females, the development of pulsatile gonadotropin secretion enables final maturation of the surge generator that ultimately triggers the first ovulation. Representation of the GnRH neuronal network as a series of interlocking functional modules could help conceptualization of its functioning in different species. Insights into pulse and surge generation are expected to aid development of therapeutic strategies ameliorating pubertal disorders and infertility in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan E Herbison
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, University of Otago School of Medical Sciences, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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18
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Han W, Zhu Y, Su Y, Li G, Qu L, Zhang H, Wang K, Zou J, Liu H. High-Throughput Sequencing Reveals Circulating miRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Measuring Puberty Onset in Chicken (Gallus gallus). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154958. [PMID: 27149515 PMCID: PMC4858148 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There are still no highly sensitive and unique biomarkers for measurement of puberty onset. Circulating miRNAs have been shown to be promising biomarkers for diagnosis of various diseases. To identify circulating miRNAs that could be served as biomarkers for measuring chicken (Gallus gallus) puberty onset, the Solexa deep sequencing was performed to analyze the miRNA expression profiles in serum and plasma of hens from two different pubertal stages, before puberty onset (BO) and after puberty onset (AO). 197 conserved and 19 novel miRNAs (reads > 10) were identified as serum/plasma-expressed miRNAs in the chicken. The common miRNA amounts and their expression changes from BO to AO between serum and plasma were very similar, indicating the different treatments to generate serum and plasma had quite small influence on the miRNAs. 130 conserved serum-miRNAs were showed to be differentially expressed (reads > 10, P < 0.05) from BO to AO, with 68 up-regulated and 62 down-regulated. 4829 putative genes were predicted as the targets of the 40 most differentially expressed miRNAs (|log2(fold-change)|>1.0, P < 0.01). Functional analysis revealed several pathways that were associated with puberty onset. Further quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) test found that a seven-miRNA panel, including miR-29c, miR-375, miR-215, miR-217, miR-19b, miR-133a and let-7a, had great potentials to serve as novel biomarkers for measuring puberty onset in chicken. Due to highly conserved nature of miRNAs, the findings could provide cues for measurement of puberty onset in other animals as well as humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Han
- National Chickens Genetic Resources, Poultry institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Yunfen Zhu
- National Chickens Genetic Resources, Poultry institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Yijun Su
- National Chickens Genetic Resources, Poultry institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Guohui Li
- National Chickens Genetic Resources, Poultry institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Liang Qu
- National Chickens Genetic Resources, Poultry institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Huiyong Zhang
- National Chickens Genetic Resources, Poultry institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Kehua Wang
- National Chickens Genetic Resources, Poultry institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Jianmin Zou
- National Chickens Genetic Resources, Poultry institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Yangzhou, PR China
- * E-mail: (JMZ); (HLL)
| | - Honglin Liu
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, PR China
- * E-mail: (JMZ); (HLL)
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19
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Molnár CS, Sárvári M, Vastagh C, Maurnyi C, Fekete C, Liposits Z, Hrabovszky E. Altered Gene Expression Profiles of the Hypothalamic Arcuate Nucleus of Male Mice Suggest Profound Developmental Changes in Peptidergic Signaling. Neuroendocrinology 2016; 103:369-82. [PMID: 26338351 DOI: 10.1159/000439430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) regulate important homeostatic and endocrine functions and also play critical roles in pubertal development. The altered peptidergic and aminoacidergic neurotransmission accompanying pubertal maturation of the ARC is not fully understood. Here we studied the developmental shift in the gene expression profile of the ARC of male mice. RNA samples for quantitative RT-PCR studies were isolated from the ARC of 14-day-old infantile and 60-day-old adult male mice with laser capture microdissection. The expression of 18 neuropeptide, 15 neuropeptide receptor, 4 sex steroid receptor and 6 classic neurotransmitter marker mRNAs was compared between the two time points. The adult animals showed increased mRNA levels encoding cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcripts, galanin-like peptide, dynorphin, kisspeptin, proopiomelanocortin, proenkephalin and galanin and a reduced expression of mRNAs for pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide, neuropeptide Y, substance P, agouti-related protein, neurotensin and growth hormone-releasing hormone. From the neuropeptide receptors tested, melanocortin receptor-4 showed the most striking increase (5-fold). Melanocortin receptor-3 and the Y1 and Y5 neuropeptide Y receptors increased 1.5- to 1.8-fold, whereas δ-opioid receptor and neurotensin receptor-1 transcripts were reduced by 27 and 21%, respectively. Androgen receptor, progesterone receptor and α-estrogen receptor transcripts increased by 54-72%. The mRNAs of glutamic acid decarboxylases-65 and -67, vesicular GABA transporter and choline acetyltransferase remained unchanged. Tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA increased by 44%, whereas type-2 vesicular glutamate transporter mRNA decreased by 43% by adulthood. Many of the developmental changes we revealed in this study suggest a reduced inhibitory and/or enhanced excitatory neuropeptidergic drive on fertility in adult animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csilla S Molnár
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
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20
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Abstract
This review provides an outline of how our understanding of the neuroendocrine control of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis has evolved since the publication of Geoffrey Harris' renowned monograph in 1955. Particular attention is directed to the neurobiology underlying pulsatile GnRH release from the hypothalamus, the neuroendocrine control of ovarian cycles, puberty and seasonality of gonadal function, and to ideas that have emerged as a result of examining the relationship between growth and the reproductive axis. The review closes with i) a brief discussion of how knowledge gained as a result of pursuing the early hypotheses of Harris has led to major clinical and therapeutic applications, and ii) a personal glimpse into the future of research in this fascinating area of biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony M Plant
- Department of ObstetricsGynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 204 Craft Avenue, Room B311, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
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21
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Plant TM. Neuroendocrine control of the onset of puberty. Front Neuroendocrinol 2015; 38:73-88. [PMID: 25913220 PMCID: PMC4457677 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This chapter is based on the Geoffrey Harris Memorial Lecture presented at the 8th International Congress of Neuroendocrinology, which was held in Sydney, August 2014. It provides the development of our understanding of the neuroendocrine control of puberty since Harris proposed in his 1955 monograph (Harris, 1955) that "a major factor responsible for puberty is an increased rate of release of pituitary gonadotrophin" and posited "that a neural (hypothalamic) stimulus, via the hypophysial portal vessels, may be involved." Emphasis is placed on the neurobiological mechanisms governing puberty in highly evolved primates, although an attempt is made to reverse translate a model for the timing of puberty in man and monkey to non-primate species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony M Plant
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Magee-Womens Research Institute, USA.
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22
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Han W, Zou J, Wang K, Su Y, Zhu Y, Song C, Li G, Qu L, Zhang H, Liu H. High-Throughput Sequencing Reveals Hypothalamic MicroRNAs as Novel Partners Involved in Timing the Rapid Development of Chicken (Gallus gallus) Gonads. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129738. [PMID: 26061962 PMCID: PMC4465036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Onset of the rapid gonad growth is a milestone in sexual development that comprises many genes and regulatory factors. The observations in model organisms and mammals including humans have shown a potential link between miRNAs and development timing. To determine whether miRNAs play roles in this process in the chicken (Gallus gallus), the Solexa deep sequencing was performed to analyze the profiles of miRNA expression in the hypothalamus of hens from two different pubertal stages, before onset of the rapid gonad development (BO) and after onset of the rapid gonad development (AO). 374 conserved and 46 novel miRNAs were identified as hypothalamus-expressed miRNAs in the chicken. 144 conserved miRNAs were showed to be differentially expressed (reads > 10, P < 0.05) during the transition from BO to AO. Five differentially expressed miRNAs were validated by real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) method. 2013 putative genes were predicted as the targets of the 15 most differentially expressed miRNAs (fold-change > 4.0, P < 0.01). Of these genes, 7 putative circadian clock genes, Per2, Bmal1/2, Clock, Cry1/2, and Star were found to be targeted multiple times by the miRNAs. qRT-PCR revealed the basic transcription levels of these clock genes were much higher (P < 0.01) in AO than in BO. Further functional analysis suggested that these 15 miRNAs play important roles in transcriptional regulation and signal transduction pathways. The results provide new insights into miRNAs functions in timing the rapid development of chicken gonads. Considering the characteristics of miRNA functional conservation, the results will contribute to the research on puberty onset in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Han
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, PR China
- National Chickens Genetic Resources, Poultry institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Jianmin Zou
- National Chickens Genetic Resources, Poultry institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Kehua Wang
- National Chickens Genetic Resources, Poultry institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Yijun Su
- National Chickens Genetic Resources, Poultry institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Yunfen Zhu
- National Chickens Genetic Resources, Poultry institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Chi Song
- National Chickens Genetic Resources, Poultry institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Guohui Li
- National Chickens Genetic Resources, Poultry institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Liang Qu
- National Chickens Genetic Resources, Poultry institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Huiyong Zhang
- National Chickens Genetic Resources, Poultry institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Honglin Liu
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, PR China
- * E-mail:
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Lomniczi A, Wright H, Ojeda SR. Epigenetic regulation of female puberty. Front Neuroendocrinol 2015; 36:90-107. [PMID: 25171849 PMCID: PMC6824271 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Substantial progress has been made in recent years toward deciphering the molecular and genetic underpinnings of the pubertal process. The availability of powerful new methods to interrogate the human genome has led to the identification of genes that are essential for puberty to occur. Evidence has also emerged suggesting that the initiation of puberty requires the coordinated activity of gene sets organized into functional networks. At a cellular level, it is currently thought that loss of transsynaptic inhibition, accompanied by an increase in excitatory inputs, results in the pubertal activation of GnRH release. This concept notwithstanding, a mechanism of epigenetic repression targeting genes required for the pubertal activation of GnRH neurons was recently identified as a core component of the molecular machinery underlying the central restraint of puberty. In this chapter we will discuss the potential contribution of various mechanisms of epigenetic regulation to the hypothalamic control of female puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Lomniczi
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.
| | - Hollis Wright
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Sergio R Ojeda
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.
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Toufexis D, Rivarola MA, Lara H, Viau V. Stress and the reproductive axis. J Neuroendocrinol 2014; 26:573-86. [PMID: 25040027 PMCID: PMC4166402 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Revised: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
There exists a reciprocal relationship between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes, wherein the activation of one affects the function of the other and vice versa. For example, both testosterone and oestrogen modulate the response of the HPA axis, whereas activation of the stress axis, especially activation that is repeating or chronic, has an inhibitory effect upon oestrogen and testosterone secretion. Alterations in maternal care can produce significant effects on both HPG and HPA physiology, as well as behaviour in the offspring at adulthood. For example, changes in reproductive behaviour induced by altered maternal care may alter the expression of sex hormone receptors such as oestrogen receptor (ER)α that govern sexual behaviour, and may be particularly important in determining the sexual strategies utilised by females. Stress in adulthood continues to mediate HPG activity in females through activation of a sympathetic neural pathway originating in the hypothalamus and releasing norepinephrine into the ovary, which produces a noncyclic anovulatory ovary that develops cysts. In the opposite direction, sex differences and sex steroid hormones regulate the HPA axis. For example, although serotonin (5-HT) has a stimulatory effect on the HPA axis in humans and rodents that is mediated by the 5-HT1A receptor, only male rodents respond to 5-HT1A antagonism to show increased corticosterone responses to stress. Furthermore, oestrogen appears to decrease 5-HT1A receptor function at presynaptic sites, yet increases 5-HT1A receptor expression at postsynaptic sites. These mechanisms could explain the heightened stress HPA axis responses in females compared to males. Studies on female rhesus macaques show that chronic stress in socially subordinate female monkeys produces a distinct behavioural phenotype that is largely unaffected by oestrogen, a hyporesponsive HPA axis that is hypersensitive to the modulating effects of oestrogen, and changes in 5-HT1A receptor binding in the hippocampus and hypothalamus of social subordinate female monkeys that are restored or inverted by oestrogen replacement. This review summarises all of these studies, emphasising the profound effect that the interaction of the reproductive and stress axes may have on human reproductive health and emotional wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna Toufexis
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington VT USA
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta GA USA
| | | | - Hernan Lara
- Laboratory of Neurobiochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile. Santiago, Chile
| | - Victor Viau
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Multi-tissue omics analyses reveal molecular regulatory networks for puberty in composite beef cattle. PLoS One 2014; 9:e102551. [PMID: 25048735 PMCID: PMC4105537 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Puberty is a complex physiological event by which animals mature into an adult capable of sexual reproduction. In order to enhance our understanding of the genes and regulatory pathways and networks involved in puberty, we characterized the transcriptome of five reproductive tissues (i.e. hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovary, uterus, and endometrium) as well as tissues known to be relevant to growth and metabolism needed to achieve puberty (i.e., longissimus dorsi muscle, adipose, and liver). These tissues were collected from pre- and post-pubertal Brangus heifers (3/8 Brahman; Bos indicus x 5/8 Angus; Bos taurus) derived from a population of cattle used to identify quantitative trait loci associated with fertility traits (i.e., age of first observed corpus luteum (ACL), first service conception (FSC), and heifer pregnancy (HPG)). In order to exploit the power of complementary omics analyses, pre- and post-puberty co-expression gene networks were constructed by combining the results from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), RNA-Seq, and bovine transcription factors. Eight tissues among pre-pubertal and post-pubertal Brangus heifers revealed 1,515 differentially expressed and 943 tissue-specific genes within the 17,832 genes confirmed by RNA-Seq analysis. The hypothalamus experienced the most notable up-regulation of genes via puberty (i.e., 204 out of 275 genes). Combining the results of GWAS and RNA-Seq, we identified 25 loci containing a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associated with ACL, FSC, and (or) HPG. Seventeen of these SNP were within a gene and 13 of the genes were expressed in uterus or endometrium. Multi-tissue omics analyses revealed 2,450 co-expressed genes relative to puberty. The pre-pubertal network had 372,861 connections whereas the post-pubertal network had 328,357 connections. A sub-network from this process revealed key transcriptional regulators (i.e., PITX2, FOXA1, DACH2, PROP1, SIX6, etc.). Results from these multi-tissue omics analyses improve understanding of the number of genes and their complex interactions for puberty in cattle.
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Abstract
In 2013, considerable progress was made towards deciphering the molecular foundations of puberty. Loss of transcriptional repression was identified as a core mechanism underlying the onset of puberty, and this loss was found to be precipitated by epigenetic cues. It was also discovered that nutritional deprivation delays puberty by repressing reproductive neuroendocrine function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio R Ojeda
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Alejandro Lomniczi
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
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