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Cisint S, Crespo CA, Iruzubieta Villagra L, Fernández SN, Ramos I. Effect of nervous stimulation on ovarian steroid secretion in amphibians. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2020; 333:681-691. [PMID: 33058568 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the effect of nerve stimulation on the secretory activity of the ovary of adult females was analyzed for the first time in amphibians. Results revealed that in Rhinella arenarum the stimulation of nerves that supply the gonad induced an increase in estradiol and progesterone secretion, this response showing differences during the reproductive cycle of the species. During the postreproductive period, an increase in estradiol secretion was observed while, in the reproductive period, progesterone secretion increased. Our results suggest that the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system would be responsible for this increase, taking into account that, under our experimental conditions, acetylcholine did not affect the endocrine activity of the gonad, while adrenaline (epinephrine) was effective in inducing steroid secretion an effect that could be due to interaction with β receptors. On the other hand, our data show that the association of adrenaline with follicle-stimulating hormone increased estradiol secretion during the postreproductive period, while the association of catecholamine with LH or hCG increased progesterone secretion during the reproductive period. Our results would suggest that nerve stimulation, mediated by the release of adrenaline, would act synergistically with gonadotrophins to stimulate steroid secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Cisint
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, National University of Tucumán, Chacabuco, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Claudia A Crespo
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, National University of Tucumán, Chacabuco, Tucumán, Argentina.,Higher Institute of Biological Research, National Council for Scientific and Technical Research, National University of Tucumán, Chacabuco, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Lucrecia Iruzubieta Villagra
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, National University of Tucumán, Chacabuco, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Silvia N Fernández
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, National University of Tucumán, Chacabuco, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Inés Ramos
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, National University of Tucumán, Chacabuco, Tucumán, Argentina.,Higher Institute of Biological Research, National Council for Scientific and Technical Research, National University of Tucumán, Chacabuco, Tucumán, Argentina
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Scaia MF, Volonteri MC, Czuchlej SC, Ceballos NR. Estradiol and reproduction in the South American toad Rhinella arenarum (Amphibian, Anura). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 273:20-31. [PMID: 29555118 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Rhinella arenarum is a South American toad with wide geographic distribution. Testes of this toad produce high amount of androgens during the non reproductive season and shift steroid synthesis from androgens to 5α-pregnanedione during the breeding. In addition, plasma estradiol (E2) in males of this species shows seasonal variations but, since testes of R. arenarum do not express aromatase, the source of plasma E2 remained unknown for several years. However, the Bidder's organ (BO), a structure located at one pole of each testis, is proposed to be the main source of E2 in male's toads since it expresses several steroidogenic enzymes and is able to produce E2 from endogenous substrates throughout the year. In addition, there were significant correlations between plasma E2 and total activity of BO aromatase, and between plasma E2 and the amount of hormone produced by the BO in vitro. In the toad, apoptosis induced by in vitro treatment with E2 was mostly detected in spermatocytes during the breeding and in spermatids during the post-reproductive season, suggesting that this steroid has an important role in controlling spermatogenesis. However, in vitro treatment with E2 had no effect on proliferation. This evidence suggests that the mechanism of action of E2 on amphibian spermatogenesis is complex and more studies are necessary to fully understand the role of estrogens regulating the balance between cellular proliferation and apoptosis. In addition, in R. arenarum in vitro studies suggested that E2 has no effect on CypP450c17 protein levels or enzymatic activity, while it reduces 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase (3β-HSD/I) activity during the post reproductive season. As well, E2 regulates FSHβ mRNA expression all over the year suggesting a down regulation process carried out by this steroid. The effect on LHβ mRNA is dual, since during the reproductive season estradiol increases the expression of LHβ mRNA while in the non-reproductive season it has no effect. In conclusion, the effect of E2 on gonadotropins and testicular function is complex, not clearly understood and probably varies depending on the species. The aim of the current article is to review evidence on reproductive endocrinology and on the role of estradiol regulating reproduction in amphibians, with emphasis on the South American species Rhinella arenarum.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Florencia Scaia
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA - CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María Clara Volonteri
- Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución Austral (IDEAus - CONICET), Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Silvia Cristina Czuchlej
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Nora Raquel Ceballos
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Zhang R, Zhang S, Zhu X, Zhou Y, Wu X. Molecular characterization of the Chinese alligator follicle-stimulating hormone β subunit (FSHβ) and its expression during the female reproductive cycle. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 183:49-57. [PMID: 25626184 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Chinese alligator Alligator sinensis is an endangered species endemic to China, it has a highly specialized reproductive pattern with low fecundity. Up to date, little is known about the regulation of its female reproductive cycle. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a glycoprotein hormone, plays a key role in stimulating and regulating ovarian follicular development and egg production. In this study, the complete FSHβ cDNA from the ovary of the Chinese alligator was obtained for the first time, it consists of 843-bp nucleotides, including 120-bp nucleotides of the 5'-untranslated region (UTR), 396-bp of the open reading frame, and 3'-UTR of 327-bp nucleotides. It encodes a 131-amino acid precursor molecule of FSHβ with a signal peptide of 18 amino acids followed by a mature protein of 113 amino acids. Its deduced amino acid sequence shares high identities with the American alligator (100%) and birds (89-92%). Phylogenetic tree analysis of the FSHβ amino acid sequence indicated that alligators cluster into the bird branch. Tissue distribution analyses indicated that FSHβ mRNA is expressed in ovary, intestine and liver with the highest level in the ovary, while not in stomach, pancreas, heart, thymus and thyroid. Expression of FSHβ in ovary increases in May (breeding prophase) and peaks in July (breeding period), it is maintained at high levels through September, then decreases significantly in November (post-reproductive period) and remains relatively low from January to March (hibernating period). These temporal changes of FSHβ expression implicated that it might play an important role in promoting ovarian development during the female reproductive cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Conservation and Use of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, China
| | - Shengzhou Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Conservation and Use of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, China.
| | - Xue Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Conservation and Use of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, China
| | - Yongkang Zhou
- Alligator Research Center of Anhui Province, Xuanzhou 242000, China
| | - Xiaobing Wu
- Key Laboratory for Conservation and Use of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, China.
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Volonteri MC, Regueira E, Scaia MF, Ceballos NR. Characterization and seasonal changes in LHβ and FSHβ mRNA of Rhinella arenarum (Amphibia, Anura). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 187:95-103. [PMID: 23619187 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Revised: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In anurans, two types of gonadotropins were described in several species of Ranidae and Pipidae families but only in one of the Bufonidae family. Rhinella arenarum is a bufonid that have the lowest concentration of plasma androgens during the breeding. The objective of this paper was to characterize the cDNA sequence of β subunit of LH and FSH from toad pituitary and study seasonal variation in gonadotropins mRNA using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The LHβ cDNA is a 636 bp sequence containing an open reading frame (ORF), 45 bp of 5'-untranslated region (UTR) and 174 bp of 3'-UTR. The ORF encodes for a signal peptide of 26 amino acids and a mature protein of 113 amino acids with one N-glycosylation site at the 34th position. The FSHβ cDNA sequence is a 535 bp fragment containing an ORF, 8 bp of 5'-UTR and 152 bp of 3'-UTR. The ORF encodes for a signal peptide of 20 amino acids and a mature protein of 104 amino acids with two N-glycosylation sites at 25th and 42nd positions. Multiple alignments of aminoacid deduced sequences of LHβ and FSHβ (teleosts, amphibians, birds, mammals) showed that all the tetrapods studied conserve 12 cysteins and one (LH) or two (FSH) N-Glycosylation sites. LHβ is closer to teleosts than to mammals and birds while FSHβ is closer to mammals. The analysis of seasonal changes in LHβ and FSHβ mRNA indicates that transcript levels have seasonal variations and that the profile of androgens is opposite to that of the gonadotropins mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Clara Volonteri
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología Comparada, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Clulow J, Clulow S, Guo J, French AJ, Mahony MJ, Archer M. Optimisation of an oviposition protocol employing human chorionic and pregnant mare serum gonadotropins in the barred frog Mixophyes fasciolatus (Myobatrachidae). Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2012; 10:60. [PMID: 22909256 PMCID: PMC3488330 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-10-60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Accepted: 08/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protocols for the hormonal induction of ovulation and oviposition are essential tools for managing threatened amphibians with assisted reproduction, but responses vary greatly between species and even broad taxon groups. Consequently, it is necessary to assess effectiveness of such protocols in representative species when new taxa become targets for induction. The threatened genus Mixophyes (family Myobatrachidae) has amongst the highest proportion of endangered species of all the Australian amphibians. This study developed and optimised the induction of oviposition in a non-threatened member of this taxon, the great barred frog (Mixophyes fasciolatus). METHODS Gravid female M. fasciolatus were induced to oviposit on one or more occasions by administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) with or without priming with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG). Treatments involved variations in hormone doses and combinations (administered via injection into the dorsal lymph sacs), and timing of administration. Pituitary homogenates from an unrelated bufonid species (Rhinella marina) were also examined with hCG. RESULTS When injected alone, hCG (900 to 1400 IU) induced oviposition. However, priming with two time dependent doses of PMSG (50 IU, 25 IU) increased responses, with lower doses of hCG (200 IU). Priming increased response rates in females from around 30% (hCG alone) to more than 50% (p = 0.035), and up to 67%. Increasing the interval between the first PMSG dose and first hCG dose from 3 to 6 days also produced significant improvement (p<0.001). Heterologous pituitary extracts administered with hCG were no more effective than hCG alone (p = 0.628). CONCLUSIONS This study found that M. fasciolatus is amongst the few amphibian species (including Xenopus (Silurana) and some bufonids) that respond well to the induction of ovulation utilising mammalian gonadotropins (hCG). The optimal protocol for M. fasciolatus involved two priming doses of PMSG (50 IU and 25 IU) administered at 6 and 4 days respectively, prior to two doses of hCG (100 IU), 24 hours apart. This study is also the first to demonstrate in an amphibian species that responds to mammalian gonadotropins that an increase in the ovulation rate occurs after priming with a gonadotropin (PMSG) with FSH activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Clulow
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Simon Clulow
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Jitong Guo
- Inner Mongolia Saikexing Reproductive Biotechnology Co., Ltd. 6 F, Mengniu Dairy R&D Center, Shengle Economic Zone of Helingeer County, Hohhot, 011517, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Andrew J French
- Centre for Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael J Mahony
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Michael Archer
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
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Dai L, Zhao Y, Zhang G, Zhao R, Jiang H, Ma T, Gao Y, Yuan B, Xu Y, Yu W, Zhao Z, Zhang J. Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of follicle-stimulating hormone beta polypeptide precursor cDNA from the bovine pituitary gland. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR RESEARCH 2011; 10:1504-13. [DOI: 10.4238/vol10-3gmr997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Watanabe N, Hatano J, Asahina K, Iwasaki T, Hayakawa S. Molecular cloning and histological localization of LH-like substances in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) placenta. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2007; 146:105-18. [PMID: 17158078 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2006.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2005] [Revised: 09/19/2006] [Accepted: 09/21/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
All mammals exhibit pituitary-specific expression of LH and FSH, whereas placental expression of gonadotropins has been reported only in primates and equids. Some cetaceans, such as dolphins, have a long gestational period and a sexual cycle of about 27 days almost comparable with that of humans. Histologically, dolphins have an epitheliochorial placentae that resembles placentas of Perissodactyla including horses. In the present study, we cloned cDNAs encoding gonadotropins and observed their immunohistochemical localization in the placenta of bottlenose dolphin. The cDNAs obtained encoded 120 amino acids for the alpha-subunit (including 96 amino acids of mature proteins), and 141 amino acids for the beta-subunit (including 121 amino acids of mature proteins). The sequence of the alpha-subunit was similar to that in the pig (Artiodactyla) pituitary glycoprotein hormone [96.7% homology at amino acids (aa) level], and the sequence of the beta-subunit was similar to that of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the pig [94.3% homology at aa level] and white rhinoceros (Perissodactyla) [93.3% homology at aa level]. Of interest, dolphin LHbeta lacks carboxyl-terminal-peptides (CTP). This fact suggests that CTP are not essential for placental expression of gonadotropin in dolphins. Immunohistochemical observations employing anti-ovine LHbeta antibody revealed positive staining in the villositycal tissue. Our observations suggest placental expression of gonadotropin homologues in cetaceans and possible evolutionary conservation of placentae-derived hormonal control of ovarian functions during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomi Watanabe
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, Nihon University Advanced Medical Research Center, 30-1 Ohyaguchi-Kamimachi Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan
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Zhang L, Kessler AE, Tsai PS. Characterization and steroidal regulation of gonadotropin beta subunits in the male leopard frog, Rana pipiens. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2007; 150:66-74. [PMID: 16920113 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2006.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2006] [Revised: 07/11/2006] [Accepted: 07/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In ranid frogs, the secretion of gonadotropins (GtHs), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), is potently regulated by gonadal steroids. To better understand the gonadal regulation of GtHs at the molecular level, we elucidated the full-length cDNA sequences of LH and FSH beta subunits from the leopard frog, Rana pipiens. The cDNAs for LHbeta and FSHbeta were 1084 and 667 bp in size excluding the poly (A) tail, and encoded proteins of 138 and 127 amino acids, respectively. Using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the messages for LHbeta and FSHbeta were found in the pituitary, but not in the brain, heart, kidney, or the liver. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR revealed a significant elevation of FSHbeta, but not LHbeta, in mature male R. pipiens 21 days after gonadectomy (GDX). 17beta-estradiol implant for 21 days in GDX male frogs significantly suppressed the levels of both LHbeta and FSHbeta transcripts, whereas 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone implant suppressed only the latter. Together, these results laid the groundwork for investigating gonadal regulation of GtHbeta subunits in a ranid frog. Importantly, these data also revealed differential feedback effects of an androgen and an estrogen upon GtHbeta expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan (Sun Yat-Sen) University, Guangzhou 510275, PR China
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9
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Shen ST, Cheng YS, Shen TY, Yu JYL. Molecular cloning of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-beta subunit cDNA from duck pituitary. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2006; 148:388-94. [PMID: 16674957 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2006.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2005] [Revised: 03/16/2006] [Accepted: 03/23/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We have cloned FSH-beta cDNA from duck pituitary gland by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA end (RACE) methods. The cloned duck FSH-beta cDNA contains 1909-bp nucleotides including 396-bp of open-reading frame and 1491-bp of 3'-untranslational region. The open-reading frame encodes a 131-amino acid protein with a putative 20-amino acid signal peptide and a putative 111-amino acid mature protein. The deduced amino acid sequence shows a remarkable similarity (94-98%) to those of other avian FSH-beta subunits; while it exhibits lower similarities with those of turtles (82-84%), mammals (63-71%), and amphibians (53-57%). The structural model analysis of duck FSH suggests that the cysteine-knot and beta-strands for maintaining the specific structural frame, and the "seat-belt" loop for specific binding to FSH receptor have been conserved in tetrapodian FSH-betas.
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Affiliation(s)
- San-Tai Shen
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Noguchi Y, Takano K, Koura M, Uchio-Yamada K, Matsuda J, Suzuki O. Sequence analysis of cDNA encoding rabbit follicle-stimulating hormone beta-subunit precursor protein. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2006; 147:231-5. [PMID: 16476428 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2006.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2005] [Revised: 12/26/2005] [Accepted: 01/02/2006] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
To understand the molecular basis of the rabbit's efficient superovulation, we determined the cDNA sequence of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) beta-subunit precursor protein using a combination of 5'- and 3'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) with pituitary cDNA libraries of the Japanese White rabbit and compared it with those of other mammals. RACE experiments detected at least three transcripts for the FSHbeta precursor protein in the libraries. The transcripts had lengths of 457, 1,621, and 1,767 bp, from the 5'-end to the poly(A) site. The shortest and mid-length transcripts had the putative polyadenylation signal sequence AATAAA at nucleotides 436 and 1,601, respectively, whereas the longest form had an ATTAAA sequence at nucleotide 1,745 of the cDNA sequence. These transcripts are likely to be polyadenylation variants of one large transcript because they share the same coding sequence for the precursor protein (130 amino acid residues in length). However, only a few shortest variants seem to be formed because the shortest variants were not detected by Northern blot analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence indicates that the rabbit is phylogenetically closer to humans than to the other mammals, suggesting that an FSH preparation from human sources would be superior as a follicle stimulant for the induction of superovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Noguchi
- Laboratory of Experimental Animal Models, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Saito-Asagi 7-6-8, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0085, Japan
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Chien JT, Chowdhury I, Lin YS, Liao CF, Shen ST, Yu JYL. Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of a cDNA encoding pituitary thyroid stimulating hormone beta-subunit of the Chinese soft-shell turtle Pelodiscus sinensis and regulation of its gene expression. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2006; 146:74-82. [PMID: 16290821 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2005.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2005] [Revised: 09/14/2005] [Accepted: 09/17/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A cDNA encoding thyroid stimulating hormone beta-subunit (TSHbeta) was cloned from pituitary of the Chinese soft-shell turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, and its regulation of mRNA expression was investigated for the first time in reptile. The Chinese soft-shell turtle TSHbeta cDNA was cloned from pituitary RNA by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and rapid amplification cDNA end (RACE) methods. The Chinese soft-shell turtle TSHbeta cDNA consists of 580-bp nucleotides, including 67-bp nucleotides of 5'-untranslated region (UTR), 402-bp of the open reading frame, and 97-bp of 3'-UTR followed by a 14 poly (A) trait. It encodes a precursor protein molecule of 133 amino acids with a putative signal peptide of 19 amino acids and a putative mature protein of 114 amino acids. The number and position of 12 cysteine residues, presumably forming six disulfide bonds, one putative asparagine-linked glycosylation site, and six proline residues that are found at positions for changing the backbone direction of the protein have been conserved in the turtle as in other vertebrate groups. The deduced amino acid sequence of the Chinese soft-shell turtle TSHbeta mature protein shares identities of 82-83% with birds, 71-72% with mammals, 49-57% with amphibians, and 44-61% with fish. The Chinese soft-shell turtle pituitaries were incubated in vitro with synthetic TRH (TSH-releasing hormone), thyroxine and triiodothyronine at doses of 10(-10) and 10(-8)M. TRH stimulated, while thyroid hormones suppressed, TSHbeta mRNA levels in dose-related manner. The sequences of cDNA and its deduced peptide of TSHbeta as well as the regulation of its mRNA level were reported for the first time in reptile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Tsun Chien
- Endocrinology Laboratory, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, ROC
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12
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Chien JT, Shen ST, Lin YS, Yu JYL. Molecular cloning of the cDNA encoding follicle-stimulating hormone beta subunit of the Chinese soft-shell turtle Pelodiscus sinensis, and its gene expression. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2005; 141:190-200. [PMID: 15748721 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2004.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2004] [Revised: 12/22/2004] [Accepted: 12/23/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a member of the pituitary glycoprotein hormone family. These hormones are composed of two dissimilar subunits, alpha and beta. Very little information is available regarding the nucleotide and amino acid sequence of FSHbeta in reptilian species. For better understanding of the phylogenetic diversity and evolution of FSH molecule, we have isolated and sequenced the complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding the Chinese soft-shell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis, Family of Trionychidae) FSHbeta precursor molecule by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA end (RACE) methods. The cloned Chinese soft-shell turtle FSHbeta cDNA consists of 602-bp nucleotides, including 34-bp nucleotides of the 5'-untranslated region (UTR), 396-bp of the open reading frame, and 3'-UTR of 206-bp nucleotides. It encodes a 131-amino acid precursor molecule of FSHbeta subunit with a signal peptide of 20 amino acids followed by a mature protein of 111 amino acids. Twelve cysteine residues, forming six disulfide bonds within beta-subunit and two putative asparagine-linked glycosylation sites, are also conserved in the Chinese soft-shell turtle FSHbeta subunit. The deduced amino acid sequence of the Chinese soft-shell turtle FSHbeta shares identities of 97% with Reeves's turtle (Family of Bataguridae), 83-89% with birds, 61-70% with mammals, 63-66% with amphibians and 40-58% with fish. By contrast, when comparing the FSHbeta with the beta-subunits of the Chinese soft-shell turtle luteinizing hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone, the homologies are as low as 38 and 39%, respectively. A phylogenetic tree including reptilian species of FSHbeta subunits, is presented for the first time. Out of various tissues examined, FSHbeta mRNA was only expressed in the pituitary gland and can be up-regulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone in pituitary tissue culture as estimated by fluorescence real-time PCR analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Tsun Chien
- Endocrinology Laboratory, Institute of Zoology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115 Taiwan, ROC
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Nakav S, Jablonka-Shariff A, Kaner S, Chadna-Mohanty P, Grotjan HE, Ben-Menahem D. The LHbeta gene of several mammals embeds a carboxyl-terminal peptide-like sequence revealing a critical role for mucin oligosaccharides in the evolution of lutropin to chorionic gonadotropin in the animal phyla. J Biol Chem 2005; 280:16676-84. [PMID: 15723833 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m500730200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of a previously untranslated carboxylterminal sequence is associated with the ancestral lutropin (LH) beta to the beta-subunit gene evolution of choriogonadotropins (CG). The peptide extension (denoted as CTP) is rich in mucin-type O-glycans and confers new hormonal properties on CG relative to the LH. Although the LHbeta gene is conserved among mammals and only a few frameshift mutations account for the extension, it is merely seen in primates and equids. Bioinformatics identified a CTP-like sequence that is encrypted in the LHbeta gene of several mammalian species but not in birds, amphibians, or fish. We then examined whether or not decoding of the cryptic CTP in the bovine LHbeta gene (boCTP) would be sufficient to generate the LHbeta species of a ruminant with properties typical to the CGbeta subunit. The mutated bovine LHbeta-boCTP subunit was expressed and N-glycosylated in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells. However, unlike human (h) CGbeta CTP, the cryptic boCTP was devoid of mucin O-glycans. This deficiency was further confirmed when the boCTP domain was substituted for the natural CTP in the human CGbeta subunit. Moreover, when expressed in polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, this hCGbeta-boCTP chimera was secreted basolaterally rather than from the apical compartment, which is the route of the wild type hCGbeta subunit, a sorting function attributed to the O-glycans attached to the CTP. This result shows that the cryptic peptide does not orientate CG to the apical face of the placenta, to the maternal circulation as seen in primates. The absence of this function, which distinguishes CG from LH, provides an explanation as to why the LHbeta to CGbeta evolution did not occur in ruminants. We propose that in primates and equids, further natural mutations in the progenitor LHbeta gene resulted in the efficient O-glycosylation of the CTP, thus favoring the retention of an elongated reading frame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigal Nakav
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
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Quérat B, Arai Y, Henry A, Akama Y, Longhurst TJ, Joss JMP. Pituitary Glycoprotein Hormone β Subunits in the Australian Lungfish and Estimation of the Relative Evolution Rate of These Subunits Within Vertebrates1. Biol Reprod 2004; 70:356-63. [PMID: 14561644 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.022004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The beta subunits of the two pituitary gonadotropins LH and FSH and of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were cloned from Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri) pituitary glands. These three glycoprotein hormone beta subunits possess the main characteristics common to their counterparts in other vertebrates. Taking advantage of the phylogenetic position of the lungfish, close to the root of tetrapods, a maximum parsimony tree was inferred from these new sequences and sequences from representatives of the diversity of vertebrates. The topology of the tree was imposed so that it reflected as closely as possible the real evolutionary history of the subunits. This tree was used to estimate the relative evolution rate of the three subunits in vertebrates. Cumulated amino acid substitutions from the basal subunit node (ancestral subunit sequence) to the species node were calculated and compared. It showed that a burst in evolutionary rate occurred for the LHbeta subunit in the tetrapod lineage sometime after the emergence of amphibians. The rate of evolution of the LHbeta subunit was particularly high throughout the radiation of mammals while FSH and TSHbeta subunits kept quite stable in this lineage. A burst in evolutionary rate was also observed for the FSHbeta subunit in the lineage leading to teleosts sometime after the emergence of chondrosteans and the dynamic of evolution was high throughout the radiation of teleosts. These results were consistent with data obtained from pairwise comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Quérat
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia.
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