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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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Pimm RH, Dutton C, O'Handley S, Mastromonaco GF. Assessment of the reproductive status of female veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) using hormonal, behavioural and physical traits. Zoo Biol 2014; 34:20-32. [DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Revised: 09/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robyn H. Pimm
- Toronto Zoo; Scarborough; Ontario Canada
- University of Guelph; Guelph; Ontario Canada
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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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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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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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Chatterjee A, Shen ST, Yu JYL. Molecular cloning of cDNAs and structural model analysis of two gonadotropin beta-subunits of snakehead fish (Channa maculata). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2005; 143:278-86. [PMID: 15922345 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2005.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2004] [Revised: 04/01/2005] [Accepted: 04/03/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The cDNAs encoding beta-subunits of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) have been cloned from the pituitary of snakehead fish, Channa maculata, and the three-dimensional structural models of the encoded FSH and LH were investigated. The cloned cDNAs, including 5'-untranslated region (UTR), open-reading frame, and 3'-UTR followed by a poly(A) tail, were obtained by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and rapid amplification of cDNA end methods. The open-reading frames of FSH-beta cDNA encodes a 120-amino acid protein with a signal peptide of 18 amino acids and a mature protein of 102 amino acids; while LH-beta cDNA encodes a 140-amino acid protein with a signal peptide of 33 amino acids and a mature protein of 115 amino acids. The amino acid sequence identities of snakehead fish FSH-beta and LH-beta in comparison with other fish are 27.8-81.9% and 45.2-88.8%, respectively; while in comparison with tetrapods are 26.2-28.9% and 37.5-51.2%, respectively. Both FSH-beta and LH-beta of snakehead fish resemble most to those of Perciformes, implying their closer phylogenetic relationship. All 12 cysteine residues are conserved in snakehead fish LH-beta; while 11 cysteine residues are conserved in its FSH-beta. The third cysteine is absent in snakehead fish FSH-beta; instead, a positionally shifted cysteine residue is present at the N-terminus, as found in some phylogenetic related fish. The structure models of snakehead fish FSH and LH, constructed by using the crystal structures of human FSH and human chorionic gonadotropin as respective template, showed that the positionally shifted N-terminal cysteine residue of snakehead fish FSH-beta likely can substitute the third cysteine to form a disulfide bond with the 12th cysteine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit Chatterjee
- Endocrinology Laboratory, Institute of Zoology, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Section II, Taipei 115, Taiwan, ROC
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Kano Y, Nakano T, Kumakura M, Wasa T, Suzuki M, Yamauchi K, Tanaka S. Seasonal expression of LHbeta and FSHbeta in the male newt pituitary gonadotrophs. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2005; 141:248-58. [PMID: 15804512 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2005.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2004] [Revised: 12/19/2004] [Accepted: 01/11/2005] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal changes in LHbeta and FSHbeta mRNA levels were examined in the pituitary gland of the adult male newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster, using in situ hybridization histochemistry and a quantitative real-time RT-PCR method. The annual fluctuation of LHbeta mRNA and FSHbeta mRNA levels in the pituitary gland displayed a close relationship with seasonal changes in testicular function. The values obtained by both methods showed similar fluctuation. The levels of LHbeta mRNA were always exceeded those of FSHbeta. The present immunoelectron microscopic observations support the data on the gene expression levels of the beta-subunits of LH and FSH. Gonadectomy in the summer increased the LHbeta and FSHbeta mRNA levels. Testosterone replacement inhibited the expression of LHbeta mRNA, but not of FSHbeta mRNA, suggesting that the expression of FSHbeta is regulated by some non-steroid factor, probably inhibin. In the case of gonadectomy during any other season, the LHbeta mRNA level increased, but not to the same extent as in summer, and androgen concentrations decreased to the minimum of the year. This finding provides new information about the regulation of annual changes in LHbeta and FSHbeta expression in the pituitary gonadotrophs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Kano
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
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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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Bluhm APC, Toledo RA, Mesquita FM, Pimenta MT, Fernandes FMC, Ribela MTCP, Lazari MFM. Molecular cloning, sequence analysis and expression of the snake follicle-stimulating hormone receptor. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2004; 137:300-11. [PMID: 15201068 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2004.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2004] [Revised: 03/23/2004] [Accepted: 03/29/2004] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) control gonadal function in mammalian and many non-mammalian vertebrates through the interaction with their receptors, FSHR and LHR. Although the same is true for some reptilian species, in Squamata (lizards and snakes) there is no definitive evidence for the presence of either two distinct gonadotropins or two distinct gonadotropin receptors. Our aim was to characterize the gonadotropin receptor(s) of the Bothrops jararaca snake. Using a cDNA library from snake testis and amplification of the 5'-cDNA ending, we cloned a cDNA related to FSHR. Attempts to clone a cDNA more closely related to LHR were unsuccessful. Expression of FSHR mRNA was restricted to gonadal tissues. The snake FSHR is a G protein-coupled receptor with 673 amino acids, and the aminoterminal domain with 346 amino acids consists of a nine leucine-rich repeat-containing subdomain (LRR) flanked by two cysteine-rich subdomains. The beta-strands in the LRR are conserved with exception of the third, a region that may be important for FSH binding. In contrast with mammalian, avian and amphibian FSHRs, the snake FSHR presents amino acid deletions in the carboxyterminal region of the extracellular domain which are also seen in fish and lizard FSHRs. cAMP assays with the recombinant protein transiently expressed in HEK-293 cells showed that the snake FSHR is more sensitive to human FSH (hFSH) than to human chorionic gonadotropin. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the squamate FSHRs group separately from mammalian FSHRs. Our data are consistent with the apparently unique gonadotropin-receptor system in Squamata reptilian subgroup. Knowledge about the snake FSHR structure may help identify structural determinants for receptor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P C Bluhm
- Department of Pharmacology, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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