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Bienboire-Frosini C, Marcet-Rius M, Orihuela A, Domínguez-Oliva A, Mora-Medina P, Olmos-Hernández A, Casas-Alvarado A, Mota-Rojas D. Mother-Young Bonding: Neurobiological Aspects and Maternal Biochemical Signaling in Altricial Domesticated Mammals. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030532. [PMID: 36766424 PMCID: PMC9913798 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mother-young bonding is a type of early learning where the female and their newborn recognize each other through a series of neurobiological mechanisms and neurotransmitters that establish a behavioral preference for filial individuals. This process is essential to promote their welfare by providing maternal care, particularly in altricial species, animals that require extended parental care due to their limited neurodevelopment at birth. Olfactory, auditory, tactile, and visual stimuli trigger the neural integration of multimodal sensory and conditioned affective associations in mammals. This review aims to discuss the neurobiological aspects of bonding processes in altricial mammals, with a focus on the brain structures and neurotransmitters involved and how these influence the signaling during the first days of the life of newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Bienboire-Frosini
- Department of Molecular Biology and Chemical Communication, Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology (IRSEA), 84400 Apt, France
| | - Míriam Marcet-Rius
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Department, Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology (IRSEA), 84400 Apt, France
| | - Agustín Orihuela
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca 62209, Mexico
| | - Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco Campus, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Patricia Mora-Medina
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Cuautitlán Izcalli 54740, Mexico
| | - Adriana Olmos-Hernández
- Division of Biotechnology—Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Tlalpan, Mexico City 14389, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Casas-Alvarado
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco Campus, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco Campus, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
- Correspondence:
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Ren B, Zhu Y. A New Perspective on Thyroid Hormones: Crosstalk with Reproductive Hormones in Females. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052708. [PMID: 35269847 PMCID: PMC8911152 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has shown that thyroid hormones (THs) are vital for female reproductive system homeostasis. THs regulate the reproductive functions through thyroid hormone receptors (THRs)-mediated genomic- and integrin-receptor-associated nongenomic mechanisms, depending on TH ligand status and DNA level, as well as transcription and extra-nuclear signaling transduction activities. These processes involve the binding of THs to intracellular THRs and steroid hormone receptors or membrane receptors and the recruitment of hormone-response elements. In addition, THs and other reproductive hormones can activate common signaling pathways due to their structural similarity and shared DNA consensus sequences among thyroid, peptide, and protein hormones and their receptors, thus constituting a complex and reciprocal interaction network. Moreover, THs not only indirectly affect the synthesis, secretion, and action of reproductive hormones, but are also regulated by these hormones at the same time. This crosstalk may be one of the pivotal factors regulating female reproductive behavior and hormone-related diseases, including tumors. Elucidating the interaction mechanism among the aforementioned hormones will contribute to apprehending the etiology of female reproductive diseases, shedding new light on the treatment of gynecological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingtao Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China;
| | - Yan Zhu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Pharmacology, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-21-64438416
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3
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Abstract
Oxytocin and oxytocin receptors are synthesized in the periphery where paracrine/autocrine actions have been described alongside endocrine actions effected by central release of oxytocin from the posterior pituitary. In the female reproductive system, classical actions of uterine contraction and milk ejection from mammary glands are accompanied by actions in the ovaries where roles in steroidogenesis, follicle recruitment and ovulation have been described. Steroidogenesis, contractile activity, and gamete health are similarly affected by oxytocin in the male reproductive tract. In the cardiovascular system, a local oxytocinergic system appears to play an important cardio-protective role. This role is likely associated with emerging evidence that peripheral oxytocin is an important hormone in the endocrinology of glucose homeostasis due to its actions in adipose, the pancreas, and the largely ignored oxytocinergic systems of the adrenal glands and liver. Gene polymorphisms are shown to be associated with a number of reported traits, not least factors associated with metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Assinder
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
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4
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Lauby SC, McGowan PO. Early life variations in temperature exposure affect the epigenetic regulation of the paraventricular nucleus in female rat pups. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201991. [PMID: 33109014 PMCID: PMC7661289 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life maternal care received has a profound effect on later-life behaviour in adult offspring, and previous studies have suggested epigenetic mechanisms are involved. Changes in thyroid hormone receptor signalling may be related to differences in maternal care received and DNA methylation modifications. We investigated the effects of variations in temperature exposure (a proxy of maternal contact) and licking-like tactile stimulation on these processes in week-old female rat pups. We assessed thyroid hormone receptor signalling by measuring circulating triiodothyronine and transcript abundance of thyroid hormone receptors and the thyroid hormone-responsive genes DNA methyltransferase 3a and oxytocin in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. DNA methylation of the oxytocin promoter was assessed in relation to changes in thyroid hormone receptor binding. Repeated room temperature exposure was associated with a decrease in thyroid hormone receptor signalling measures relative to nest temperature exposure, while acute room temperature exposure was associated with an increase. Repeated room temperature exposure also increased thyroid hormone receptor binding and DNA methylation at the oxytocin promoter. These findings suggest that repeated room temperature exposure may affect DNA methylation levels as a consequence of alterations in thyroid hormone receptor signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha C. Lauby
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto, Scarborough Campus, SW548, 1265 Military Trail, Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1C 1A4
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick O. McGowan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto, Scarborough Campus, SW548, 1265 Military Trail, Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1C 1A4
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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5
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Lemche E. Research evidence from studies on filial imprinting, attachment, and early life stress: a new route for scientific integration. Acta Ethol 2020; 23:127-133. [PMID: 33122872 PMCID: PMC7584526 DOI: 10.1007/s10211-020-00346-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Attachment is a concept that was developed and researched in developmental psychology in uptake of findings on filial imprinting from ethology. In the present period, however, attachment concepts are increasingly applied to and investigated in animal research, thereby translating back criteria that were established for human infants. It herein appears that findings on filial imprinting are becoming more and more forgotten, whilst basic findings in human infants are not reflected in investigations on attachment in animals. To re-integrate both domains, the present article undertakes the effort in briefly reviewing and recapitulating basic findings in human attachment and recent research on filial imprinting. In specific, replicated were critical roles of the conversion of thyroid prohormone by 2 iodothyronine deiodinase (Dio2) into triiodothyronine (T3) in the regulation of the timing of imprinting learning. Because of the interactions of T3 with oxytocinergic and dopaminergic neurones of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, these findings provide new neuroendocrinological insight for possible relations with both attachment and metabolic sequelae of early life stress. Necessary is a mutual integration of all recent advances in the yet separated fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Lemche
- Section of Cognitive Neuropsychiatry and Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF UK
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Li J, Abe K, Milanesi A, Liu YY, Brent GA. Thyroid Hormone Protects Primary Cortical Neurons Exposed to Hypoxia by Reducing DNA Methylation and Apoptosis. Endocrinology 2019; 160:2243-2256. [PMID: 31095291 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with disruption of cerebral blood flow leading to localized brain hypoxia. Thyroid hormone (TH) treatment, administered shortly after injury, has been shown to promote neural protection in rodent TBI models. The mechanism of TH protection, however, is not established. We used mouse primary cortical neurons to investigate the effectiveness and possible pathways of T3-promoted cell survival after exposure to hypoxic injury. Cultured primary cortical neurons were exposed to hypoxia (0.2% oxygen) for 7 hours with or without T3 (5 nM). T3 treatment enhanced DNA 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels and attenuated the hypoxia-induced increase in DNA 5-methylcytosine (5-mc). In the presence of T3, mRNA expression of Tet family genes was increased and DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt) 3a and Dnmt3b were downregulated, compared with conditions in the absence of T3. These T3-induced changes decreased hypoxia-induced DNA de novo methylation, which reduced hypoxia-induced neuronal damage and apoptosis. We used RNA sequencing to characterize T3-regulated genes in cortical neurons under hypoxic conditions and identified 22 genes that were upregulated and 15 genes that were downregulated. Krüppel-like factor 9 (KLF9), a multifunctional transcription factor that plays a key role in central nervous system development, was highly upregulated by T3 treatment in hypoxic conditions. Knockdown of the KLF9 gene resulted in early apoptosis and abolished the beneficial role of T3 in neuronal survival. KLF9 mediates, in part, the neuronal protective role of T3. T3 treatment reduces hypoxic damage, although pathways that reduce DNA methylation and apoptosis remain to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianrong Li
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Endocrinology Division, Departments of Medicine and Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kiyomi Abe
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Endocrinology Division, Departments of Medicine and Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Anna Milanesi
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Endocrinology Division, Departments of Medicine and Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yan-Yun Liu
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Endocrinology Division, Departments of Medicine and Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Gregory A Brent
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Endocrinology Division, Departments of Medicine and Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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7
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Pauciullo A, Ogah DM, Iannaccone M, Erhardt G, Di Stasio L, Cosenza G. Genetic characterization of the oxytocin-neurophysin I gene (OXT) and its regulatory regions analysis in domestic Old and New World camelids. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195407. [PMID: 29608621 PMCID: PMC5880406 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a neurohypophysial peptide linked to a wide range of biological functions, including milk ejection, temperament and reproduction. Aims of the present study were a) the characterization of the OXT (Oxytocin-neurophysin I) gene and its regulatory regions in Old and New world camelids; b) the investigation of the genetic diversity and the discovery of markers potentially affecting the gene regulation. On average, the gene extends over 814 bp, ranging between 825 bp in dromedary, 811 bp in Bactrian and 810 bp in llama and alpaca. Such difference in size is due to a duplication event of 21 bp in dromedary. The main regulatory elements, including the composite hormone response elements (CHREs), were identified in the promoter, whereas the presence of mature microRNAs binding sequences in the 3'UTR improves the knowledge on the factors putatively involved in the OXT gene regulation, although their specific biological effect needs to be still elucidated. The sequencing of genomic DNA allowed the identification of 17 intraspecific polymorphisms and 69 nucleotide differences among the four species. One of these (MF464535:g.622C>G) is responsible, in alpaca, for the loss of a consensus sequence for the transcription factor SP1. Furthermore, the same SNP falls within a CpG island and it creates a new methylation site, thus opening future possibilities of investigation to verify the influence of the novel allelic variant in the OXT gene regulation. A PCR-RFLP method was setup for the genotyping and the frequency of the allele C was 0.93 in a population of 71 alpacas. The obtained data clarify the structure of OXT gene in domestic camelids and add knowledge to the genetic variability of a genomic region, which has received little investigation so far. These findings open the opportunity for new investigations, including association studies with productive and reproductive traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Pauciullo
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Science, University of Torino, Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | - Danlami Moses Ogah
- Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Shabu-Lafia, Nigeria
| | - Marco Iannaccone
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici (NA), Italy
| | - Georg Erhardt
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Liliana Di Stasio
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Science, University of Torino, Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | - Gianfranco Cosenza
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici (NA), Italy
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8
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Stohn JP, Martinez ME, Zafer M, López-Espíndola D, Keyes LM, Hernandez A. Increased aggression and lack of maternal behavior in Dio3-deficient mice are associated with abnormalities in oxytocin and vasopressin systems. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2017; 17:23-35. [PMID: 28715127 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones regulate many aspects of brain development and function, and alterations in the levels of thyroid hormone action lead to abnormal anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. A complement of factors in the brain function independently of circulating levels of hormone to strictly controlled local thyroid hormone signaling. A critical factor is the type 3 deiodinase (DIO3), which is located in neurons and protects the brain from excessive thyroid hormone. Here, we examined whether a local increase in brain thyroid hormone action secondary to DIO3 deficiency is of consequence for social behaviors. Although we did not observe alterations in sociability, Dio3-/- mice of both sexes exhibited a significant increase in aggression-related behaviors and mild deficits in olfactory function. In addition, 85% of Dio3-/- dams manifested no pup-retrieval behavior and increased aggression toward the newborns. The abnormal social behaviors of Dio3-/- mice were associated with sexually dimorphic alterations in the physiology of oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP), 2 neuropeptides with important roles in determining social interactions. These alterations included low adult serum levels of OXT and AVP, and an abnormal expression of Oxt, Avp and their receptors in the neonatal and adult hypothalamus. Our results demonstrate that DIO3 is essential for normal aggression and maternal behaviors, and indicate that abnormal local regulation of thyroid hormone action in the brain may contribute to the social deficits associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Stohn
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Center for Molecular Medicine, Scarborough, ME, USA
| | - M E Martinez
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Center for Molecular Medicine, Scarborough, ME, USA
| | - M Zafer
- Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - D López-Espíndola
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Center for Molecular Medicine, Scarborough, ME, USA
| | - L M Keyes
- Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - A Hernandez
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Center for Molecular Medicine, Scarborough, ME, USA
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9
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Fields RL, Gainer H. The -216- to -100-bp Sequence in the 5'-Flanking Region of the Oxytocin Gene Contains a Cell-Type Specific Regulatory Element for its Selective Expression in Oxytocin Magnocellular Neurones. J Neuroendocrinol 2015; 27:702-7. [PMID: 26177679 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The oxytocin (OXT) gene is abundantly and highly selectively expressed in magnocellular neurones (MCNs) of the hypothalamic-neurohypophysial system. Previous DNA sequence deletion studies in vivo have shown that the -216- to -100-bp sequence in the 5'-flanking region of the oxytocin gene was required for its cell-type specific expression in the rat supraoptic nucleus. In the present study, we test the coupled hypotheses that this -216- to -100-bp sequence is responsible for (i) the selective expression of the OXT gene in OXT-MNCs and (ii) its selective repression in vasopressin (AVP)-MCNs. We show that, consistent with hypothesis 1, removal of the -216- to -100-bp sequence from the OXT gene completely eliminates its expression in OXT-MCNs in vivo but, in contrast to the prediction of hypothesis 2, there was no appearance of OXT gene expression in AVP-MCNs. Taken together, these and other data demonstrate that the -216- to -100-bp sequence in the 5'-flanking region of the oxytocin gene contains only an activator of transcription operating in the OXT-MCNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Fields
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - H Gainer
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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10
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Abstract
Oxytocin is a neurohypophyseal hormone that is produced centrally by neurons in the paraventricular nucleus and supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus. It is released directly into higher brain centres and into the peripheral circulation where it produces a multitude of effects. Classically, oxytocin is known for inducing uterine contractions at parturition and milk ejection during suckling. Oxytocin also acts in a species and gender specific manner as an important neuromodulator. It can affect behaviours associated with stress and anxiety, as well social behaviours including sexual and relationship behaviours, and maternal care. Additionally, oxytocin has been shown to have a variety of physiological roles in peripheral tissues, many of which appear to be modulated largely by locally produced oxytocin, dispelling the notion that oxytocin is a purely neurohypophyseal hormone. Oxytocin levels are altered in several diseases and the use of oxytocin or its antagonists have been identified as a possible clinical intervention in the treatment of mood disorders and pain conditions, some cancers, benign prostatic disease and osteoporosis. Indeed, oxytocin has already been successful in clinical trials to treat autism and schizophrenia. This review will report briefly on the known functions of oxytocin, it will discuss in depth the data from recent clinical trials and highlight future targets for oxytocinergic modulation.
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11
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Ramadoss P, Abraham BJ, Tsai L, Zhou Y, Costa-e-Sousa RH, Ye F, Bilban M, Zhao K, Hollenberg AN. Novel mechanism of positive versus negative regulation by thyroid hormone receptor β1 (TRβ1) identified by genome-wide profiling of binding sites in mouse liver. J Biol Chem 2013; 289:1313-28. [PMID: 24288132 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.521450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Triiodothyronine (T3) regulates key metabolic processes in the liver through the thyroid hormone receptor, TRβ1. However, the number of known target genes directly regulated by TRβ1 is limited, and the mechanisms by which positive and especially negative transcriptional regulation occur are not well understood. To characterize the TRβ1 cistrome in vivo, we expressed a biotinylated TRβ1 in hypo- and hyperthyroid mouse livers, used ChIP-seq to identify genomic TRβ1 targets, and correlated these data with gene expression changes. As with other nuclear receptors, the majority of TRβ1 binding sites were not in proximal promoters but in the gene body of known genes. Remarkably, T3 can dictate changes in TRβ1 binding, with strong correlation to T3-induced gene expression changes, suggesting that differential TRβ1 binding regulates transcriptional outcome. Additionally, DR-4 and DR-0 motifs were significantly enriched at binding sites where T3 induced an increase or decrease in TRβ1 binding, respectively, leading to either positive or negative regulation by T3. Taken together, the results of this study provide new insights into the mechanisms of transcriptional regulation by TRβ1 in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Ramadoss
- From the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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12
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Mueller JK, Heger S. Endocrine disrupting chemicals affect the gonadotropin releasing hormone neuronal network. Reprod Toxicol 2013; 44:73-84. [PMID: 24211603 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2013.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Revised: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals have been shown to alter the pubertal process. The controlling levels of the Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) network involve GnRH itself, KiSS1, and the transcriptional regulators enhanced at puberty 1 (EAP1), Thyroid Transcription Factor 1 (TTF1), and Yin Yang 1 (YY1). While Genistein and Bisphenol A (BPA) have been shown to advance the advent of puberty, exposure to Dioxin delayed pubertal onset. Utilizing in vitro approaches, we observed that Genistein and BPA suppress inhibitory and activate stimulatory components of the GnRH network, while Dioxin exhibit an inhibitory effect at all regulatory hierarchical levels of the GnRH network. It repressed KiSS1, Gnrh, Ttf1 and Yy1 transcription via the xenobiotic response element (XRE), while EAP1 was not affected. Therefore, EDCs alter the neuroendocrine GnRH regulatory network at all hierarchical levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna K Mueller
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sabine Heger
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Children's Hospital "Auf der Bult", Hannover, Germany.
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13
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Abstract
The supraoptic nucleus (SON) is a particularly good model for the study of cell-type specific gene expression because it contains two distinct neuronal phenotypes, the oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) synthesising magnocellular neurones (MCNs). The MCNs are found in approximately equal numbers and selectively express either the OT or the AVP gene in approximately 97% of the MCN population in the SON. An unresolved issue has been to determine what mechanisms are responsible for the highly selective regulation of the cell-type specific expression of OT and AVP genes in the MCNs. Previous attempts to address this question have used various bioinformatic and molecular approaches, which included using heterologous cell lines to study the putative cis-elements in the OT and AVP genes, and the use of OT and/or AVP transgenes in transgenic rodents. The data from all of the above studies identified a region < 0.6 kbp upstream of OT exon I and approximately 3 kb upstream of AVP exon I as being sufficient to produce cell-specific expression of the OT and AVP genes, respectively, although they failed to identify the specific cis-domains responsible for the MCN-specific gene expression. An alternative experimental approach to perform promoter deletion analysis in vivo (i.e. to use stereotaxic viral vector gene transfer into the SON to further dissect the cis-elements in the OT and AVP genes) will be described here. This in vivo method uses adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors expressing OT-promoter deletion constructs and utilises the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) as the reporter. The AAV constructs are stereotaxically injected into the rat brain above the SON and, 2 weeks post injection, the rats are sacrificed and assayed for EGFP expression. Using this method, it has been possible to identify specific regions upstream of the transcription start site in the OT and AVP gene promoters that are responsible for conferring the cell-type specificity of the OT and AVP gene expression in the SON.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Gainer
- Section on Molecular Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neurochemistry, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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14
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Fields RL, Ponzio TA, Kawasaki M, Gainer H. Cell-type specific oxytocin gene expression from AAV delivered promoter deletion constructs into the rat supraoptic nucleus in vivo. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32085. [PMID: 22363799 PMCID: PMC3283729 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2011] [Accepted: 01/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The magnocellular neurons (MCNs) in the hypothalamus selectively express either oxytocin (OXT) or vasopressin (AVP) neuropeptide genes, a property that defines their phenotypes. Here we examine the molecular basis of this selectivity in the OXT MCNs by stereotaxic microinjections of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors that contain various OXT gene promoter deletion constructs using EGFP as the reporter into the rat supraoptic nucleus (SON). Two weeks following injection of the AAVs, immunohistochemical assays of EGFP expression from these constructs were done to determine whether the EGFP reporter co-localizes with either the OXT- or AVP-immunoreactivity in the MCNs. The results show that the key elements in the OT gene promoter that regulate the cell-type specific expression the SON are located -216 to -100 bp upstream of the transcription start site. We hypothesize that within this 116 bp domain a repressor exists that inhibits expression specifically in AVP MCNs, thereby leading to the cell-type specific expression of the OXT gene only in the OXT MCNs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Harold Gainer
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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15
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Endocrine factors in the hypothalamic regulation of food intake in females: a review of the physiological roles and interactions of ghrelin, leptin, thyroid hormones, oestrogen and insulin. Nutr Res Rev 2011; 24:132-54. [DOI: 10.1017/s0954422411000035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Controlling energy homeostasis involves modulating the desire to eat and regulating energy expenditure. The controlling machinery includes a complex interplay of hormones secreted at various peripheral endocrine endpoints, such as the gastrointestinal tract, the adipose tissue, thyroid gland and thyroid hormone-exporting organs, the ovary and the pancreas, and, last but not least, the brain itself. The peripheral hormones that are the focus of the present review (ghrelin, leptin, thyroid hormones, oestrogen and insulin) play integrated regulatory roles in and provide feedback information on the nutritional and energetic status of the body. As peripheral signals, these hormones modulate central pathways in the brain, including the hypothalamus, to influence food intake, energy expenditure and to maintain energy homeostasis. Since the growth of the literature on the role of various hormones in the regulation of energy homeostasis shows a remarkable and dynamic expansion, it is now becoming increasingly difficult to understand the individual and interactive roles of hormonal mechanisms in their true complexity. Therefore, our goal is to review, in the context of general physiology, the roles of the five best-known peripheral trophic hormones (ghrelin, leptin, thyroid hormones, oestrogen and insulin, respectively) and discuss their interactions in the hypothalamic regulation of food intake.
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16
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Hormones and breast cancer: can we use them in ways that could reduce the risk? Oncol Rev 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s12156-008-0070-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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17
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Rose-Hellekant TA, Schroeder MD, Brockman JL, Zhdankin O, Bolstad R, Chen KS, Gould MN, Schuler LA, Sandgren EP. Estrogen receptor-positive mammary tumorigenesis in TGFalpha transgenic mice progresses with progesterone receptor loss. Oncogene 2007; 26:5238-46. [PMID: 17334393 PMCID: PMC2587149 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1210340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
We characterized the novel NRL-transforming growth factor alpha (NRL-TGFalpha) transgenic mouse model in which growth factor - steroid receptor interactions were explored. The NRL promoter directs transgene expression to mammary ductal and alveolar cells and is nonresponsive to estrogen manipulations in vitro and in vivo. NRL-TGFalpha mice acquire proliferative hyperplasias as well as cystic and solid tumors. Quantitative transcript analysis revealed a progressive decrease in estrogen receptor alpha (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) mRNA levels with tumorigenesis. However, ER protein was evident in all lesion types and in surrounding stromal cells using immunohistochemistry. PR protein was identified in normal epithelial cells and in very few cells of small epithelial hyperplasias, but never in stromal or tumor cells. Prophylactic ovariectomy significantly delayed tumor development and decreased incidence. Finally, while heterozygous (+/-) p53 mice did not acquire mammary lesions, p53+/- mice carrying the NRL-TGFalpha transgene developed ER negative/PR negative undifferentiated carcinomas. These data demonstrate that unregulated TGFalpha expression in the mammary gland leads to oncogenesis that is dependent on ovarian steroids early in tumorigenesis. Resulting tumors resemble a clinical phenotype of ER+/PR-, and when combined with a heterozygous p53 genotype, ER-/PR-.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Rose-Hellekant
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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18
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Nicholson HD, Whittington K. Oxytocin and the human prostate in health and disease. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2007; 263:253-86. [PMID: 17725969 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(07)63006-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin is a peptide hormone produced by the neurohypophysis. The discovery that the peptide is produced locally within the male and female reproductive tracts has raised the possibility that oxytocin may have paracrine and autocrine actions outside of the nervous system. Oxytocin and its receptor have been identified in the human prostate. The prostate is an androgen-dependent organ whose function is to secrete components of the seminal fluid. Oxytocin has been shown to modulate contractility of prostate tissue and also to regulate local concentrations of the biologically active androgens. Oxytocin has also been shown to regulate cell growth. Prostate disease is common and results from abnormal growth of the gland. Oxytocin concentrations are altered in both benign and malignant prostate diseases and in vitro studies suggest that the peptide may be involved in the pathophysiology of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen D Nicholson
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, University of Otago, New Zealand
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19
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20
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Kawada T, Kanda A, Minakata H, Matsushima O, Satake H. Identification of a novel receptor for an invertebrate oxytocin/vasopressin superfamily peptide: molecular and functional evolution of the oxytocin/vasopressin superfamily. Biochem J 2005; 382:231-7. [PMID: 15175002 PMCID: PMC1133935 DOI: 10.1042/bj20040555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2004] [Revised: 06/01/2004] [Accepted: 06/03/2004] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Annetocin is structurally related to an OT (oxytocin)/VP (vasopressin) family peptide, which has been isolated from the earthworm Eisenia foetida and has been shown to induce OT-like egg-laying behaviour. We now report the identification of an endogenous AnR (annetocin receptor). The deduced AnR precursor displays high sequence similarity with OT/VP receptors. Genomic analysis of the AnR gene revealed that the intron-inserted position is conserved between the AnR gene and the mammalian OT/VP receptor genes. These results indicate that AnR and mammalian OT/VP receptors share a common ancestor gene. Administration of annetocin to the AnR expressed in Xenopus oocytes induced a calcium-dependent signal transduction. Reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis and in situ hybridization showed that the AnR gene is expressed specifically in the nephridia located in the clitellum region, although the nephridia are distributed throughout the worm body. This result suggests that annetocin induces egg-laying behaviour through its action on the nephridia. This is the first description concerning the functional correlation between an invertebrate OT/VP-related peptide and egg-laying behaviour.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Cloning, Molecular/methods
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- Exons/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation/physiology
- Gene Transfer Techniques
- Introns/genetics
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Oligochaeta/anatomy & histology
- Oligochaeta/chemistry
- Oligochaeta/cytology
- Oligochaeta/genetics
- Oocytes/chemistry
- Oocytes/metabolism
- Open Reading Frames/genetics
- Oxytocin/metabolism
- Pituitary Hormones, Posterior
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/chemistry
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/physiology
- Receptors, Invertebrate Peptide/chemistry
- Receptors, Invertebrate Peptide/genetics
- Receptors, Invertebrate Peptide/physiology
- Vasopressins/metabolism
- Xenopus laevis/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Kawada
- *Suntory Institute for Bioorganic Research, Wakayamadai 1-1-1, Shimamoto-cho, Mishima-gun, Osaka 618-8503, Japan
| | - Atsuhiro Kanda
- *Suntory Institute for Bioorganic Research, Wakayamadai 1-1-1, Shimamoto-cho, Mishima-gun, Osaka 618-8503, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Minakata
- *Suntory Institute for Bioorganic Research, Wakayamadai 1-1-1, Shimamoto-cho, Mishima-gun, Osaka 618-8503, Japan
| | - Osamu Matsushima
- †Hiroshima Institute of Technology, Miyake 2-1-1, Saeki-ku, Hiroshima 731-5193, Japan
| | - Honoo Satake
- *Suntory Institute for Bioorganic Research, Wakayamadai 1-1-1, Shimamoto-cho, Mishima-gun, Osaka 618-8503, Japan
- To whom correspondence should be addressed (email )
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21
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Gutzman JH, Nikolai SE, Rugowski DE, Watters JJ, Schuler LA. Prolactin and estrogen enhance the activity of activating protein 1 in breast cancer cells: role of extracellularly regulated kinase 1/2-mediated signals to c-fos. Mol Endocrinol 2005; 19:1765-78. [PMID: 15746191 PMCID: PMC1630766 DOI: 10.1210/me.2004-0339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the important roles of both prolactin (PRL) and 17beta-estradiol (E2) in normal mammary development as well as in breast cancer, and coexpression of the estrogen receptor (ER) and PRL receptor in many mammary tumors, the interactions between PRL and E2 in breast cancer have not been well studied. The activating protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor, a known regulator of processes essential for normal growth and development as well as carcinogenesis, is a potential site for cross-talk between these hormones in breast cancer cells. Here we demonstrate that PRL and E2 cooperatively enhance the activity of AP-1 in MCF-7-derived cells. In addition to the acute PRL-induced ERK1/2 activation, PRL and E2 also individually elicited delayed, sustained rises in levels of phosphorylated p38 and especially ERK1/2. Together, these hormones increased the dynamic phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and c-Fos, and induced c-fos promoter activity. Synergistic activation of the transcription factor, Elk-1, reflected the PRL-E2 interaction at ERK1/2 and is a likely mechanism for activation of the c-fos promoter via the serum response element. The enhanced AP-1 activity resulting from the interaction of these hormones may increase expression of many target genes that are critical for oncogenesis and may contribute to neoplastic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Linda A. Schuler
- Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: L.A. Schuler, Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706. E-mail:
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23
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Gutzman JH, Miller KK, Schuler LA. Endogenous human prolactin and not exogenous human prolactin induces estrogen receptor alpha and prolactin receptor expression and increases estrogen responsiveness in breast cancer cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2004; 88:69-77. [PMID: 15026085 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2003.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2003] [Accepted: 10/27/2003] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Prolactin (PRL) and estrogen act synergistically to increase mammary gland growth, development, and differentiation. Based on their roles in the normal gland, these hormones have been studied to determine their interactions in the development and progression of breast cancer. However, most studies have evaluated only endocrine PRL and did not take into account the recent discovery that PRL is synthesized by human mammary cells, permitting autocrine/paracrine activity. To examine the effects of this endogenous PRL, we engineered MCF7 cells to inducibly overexpress human prolactin (hPRL). Using this Tet-On MCF7hPRL cell line, we studied effects on cell growth, PRLR, ER alpha, and PgR levels, and estrogen target genes. Induced endogenous hPRL, but not exogenous hPRL, increased ER alpha levels as well as estrogen responsiveness in these cells, suggesting that effects on breast cancer development and progression by estrogen may be amplified by cross-regulation of ER alpha levels by endogenous hPRL. The long PRLR isoform was also upregulated by endogenous, but not exogenous PRL. This model will allow investigation of endogenous hPRL in mammary epithelial cells and will enable further dissection of PRL effects on other hormone signaling pathways to determine the role of PRL in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer H Gutzman
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, 2015 Linden Drive, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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24
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Vasudevan N, Ogawa S, Pfaff D. Estrogen and thyroid hormone receptor interactions: physiological flexibility by molecular specificity. Physiol Rev 2002; 82:923-44. [PMID: 12270948 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00014.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The influence of thyroid hormone on estrogen actions has been demonstrated both in vivo and in vitro. In transient transfection assays, the effects of liganded thyroid hormone receptors (TR) on transcriptional facilitation by estrogens bound to estrogen receptors (ER) display specificity according to the following: 1) ER isoform, 2) TR isoform, 3) the promoter through which transcriptional facilitation occurs, and 4) cell type. Some of these molecular phenomena may be related to thyroid hormone signaling of seasonal limitations upon reproduction. The various combinations of these molecular interactions provide multiple and flexible opportunities for relations between two major hormonal systems important for neuroendocrine feedbacks and reproductive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandini Vasudevan
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10021, USA
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25
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Abstract
In order to fulfill their roles in neuroendocrine regulation, specific hypothalamic neurons are devoted to produce and deliver biologically active peptides to the pituitary gland. The biosynthesis and release of peptides are strictly controlled by afferents to these hypothalamic neurons. Cell-specific expression and biosynthetic regulation largely relies on transcription from the gene promoter for which the 5(')-flanking regions of the peptidergic genes contain essential elements. Cell-specific transcription factors employ these regulatory elements to exert their control over the expression of the peptidergic gene. This article explores the properties of regulatory elements of the major hypothalamic peptides, somatostatin, growth hormone-releasing hormone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, corticotropin-releasing hormone, vasopressin and oxytocin, and the transcription factors acting on them. These transcription factors are often endpoints of signal transduction pathways that can be activated by neurotransmitters or steroid hormones. Others are essential to provide cell-specific expression of the peptidergic gene during development and mature regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Peter H Burbach
- Department of Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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26
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Stedronsky K, Telgmann R, Tillmann G, Walther N, Ivell R. The affinity and activity of the multiple hormone response element in the proximal promoter of the human oxytocin gene. J Neuroendocrinol 2002; 14:472-85. [PMID: 12047722 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2826.2002.00799.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In vivo there appears to be a marked association between oestrogen levels and the expression of the oxytocin (OT) gene in most tissues. Transfection and DNA-protein binding experiments using high levels of either oestrogen receptor (ER)alpha or ERbeta imply a direct interaction of these transcription factors with the multiple hormone response element (HRE) at approximately -160 from the transcription start site of the OT gene in most species. In an extensive set of experiments, we show, using both transfection and protein-DNA binding, that low to moderate amounts of either oestrogen receptor, while being able to interact directly with a classic oestrogen response element (ERE) fail to interact with the human OT -160 HRE. Instead, this element, similar to its bovine counterpart, has a high affinity for the orphan receptors steroidogenic factor 1 and chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor. Second, the human and bovine OT promoter can be made artificially responsive towards oestrogen in a cotransfection system over-expressing ERalpha or ERbeta, but not in cells expressing natural levels of these steroid receptors. Interestingly, nuclear extracts from both ERalpha-positive MCF7 cells and ERalpha-negative MDA-MB231 cells both contain a transcription factor which binds specifically to both the hOT-HRE element and to a classic ERE, and which has orphan receptor-like binding properties rather than those of an oestrogen receptor. Together, these and other results suggest that oestrogen action in vivo on the OT gene in all species is more likely to involve a DNA-independent mechanism than classic direct interactions with dimeric oestrogen receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Stedronsky
- Institute for Hormone and Fertility Research, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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27
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Burbach JP, Luckman SM, Murphy D, Gainer H. Gene regulation in the magnocellular hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system. Physiol Rev 2001; 81:1197-267. [PMID: 11427695 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.2001.81.3.1197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system (HNS) is the major peptidergic neurosecretory system through which the brain controls peripheral physiology. The hormones vasopressin and oxytocin released from the HNS at the neurohypophysis serve homeostatic functions of water balance and reproduction. From a physiological viewpoint, the core question on the HNS has always been, "How is the rate of hormone production controlled?" Despite a clear description of the physiology, anatomy, cell biology, and biochemistry of the HNS gained over the last 100 years, this question has remained largely unanswered. However, recently, significant progress has been made through studies of gene identity and gene expression in the magnocellular neurons (MCNs) that constitute the HNS. These are keys to mechanisms and events that exist in the HNS. This review is an inventory of what we know about genes expressed in the HNS, about the regulation of their expression in response to physiological stimuli, and about their function. Genes relevant to the central question include receptors and signal transduction components that receive and process the message that the organism is in demand of a neurohypophysial hormone. The key players in gene regulatory events, the transcription factors, deserve special attention. They do not only control rates of hormone production at the level of the gene, but also determine the molecular make-up of the cell essential for appropriate development and physiological functioning. Finally, the HNS neurons are equipped with a machinery to produce and secrete hormones in a regulated manner. With the availability of several gene transfer approaches applicable to the HNS, it is anticipated that new insights will be obtained on how the HNS is able to respond to the physiological demands for its hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Burbach
- Rudolf Magnus Institute for Neurosciences, Section of Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Medical Pharmacology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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28
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Abstract
The neurohypophysial peptide oxytocin (OT) and OT-like hormones facilitate reproduction in all vertebrates at several levels. The major site of OT gene expression is the magnocellular neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. In response to a variety of stimuli such as suckling, parturition, or certain kinds of stress, the processed OT peptide is released from the posterior pituitary into the systemic circulation. Such stimuli also lead to an intranuclear release of OT. Moreover, oxytocinergic neurons display widespread projections throughout the central nervous system. However, OT is also synthesized in peripheral tissues, e.g., uterus, placenta, amnion, corpus luteum, testis, and heart. The OT receptor is a typical class I G protein-coupled receptor that is primarily coupled via G(q) proteins to phospholipase C-beta. The high-affinity receptor state requires both Mg(2+) and cholesterol, which probably function as allosteric modulators. The agonist-binding region of the receptor has been characterized by mutagenesis and molecular modeling and is different from the antagonist binding site. The function and physiological regulation of the OT system is strongly steroid dependent. However, this is, unexpectedly, only partially reflected by the promoter sequences in the OT receptor gene. The classical actions of OT are stimulation of uterine smooth muscle contraction during labor and milk ejection during lactation. While the essential role of OT for the milk let-down reflex has been confirmed in OT-deficient mice, OT's role in parturition is obviously more complex. Before the onset of labor, uterine sensitivity to OT markedly increases concomitant with a strong upregulation of OT receptors in the myometrium and, to a lesser extent, in the decidua where OT stimulates the release of PGF(2 alpha). Experiments with transgenic mice suggest that OT acts as a luteotrophic hormone opposing the luteolytic action of PGF(2 alpha). Thus, to initiate labor, it might be essential to generate sufficient PGF(2 alpha) to overcome the luteotrophic action of OT in late gestation. OT also plays an important role in many other reproduction-related functions, such as control of the estrous cycle length, follicle luteinization in the ovary, and ovarian steroidogenesis. In the male, OT is a potent stimulator of spontaneous erections in rats and is involved in ejaculation. OT receptors have also been identified in other tissues, including the kidney, heart, thymus, pancreas, and adipocytes. For example, in the rat, OT is a cardiovascular hormone acting in concert with atrial natriuretic peptide to induce natriuresis and kaliuresis. The central actions of OT range from the modulation of the neuroendocrine reflexes to the establishment of complex social and bonding behaviors related to the reproduction and care of the offspring. OT exerts potent antistress effects that may facilitate pair bonds. Overall, the regulation by gonadal and adrenal steroids is one of the most remarkable features of the OT system and is, unfortunately, the least understood. One has to conclude that the physiological regulation of the OT system will remain puzzling as long as the molecular mechanisms of genomic and nongenomic actions of steroids have not been clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gimpl
- Institut für Biochemie, Johannes Gutenberg Universität, Mainz, Germany.
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29
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Satake H, Takuwa K, Minakata H, Matsushima O. Evidence for conservation of the vasopressin/oxytocin superfamily in Annelida. J Biol Chem 1999; 274:5605-11. [PMID: 10026177 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.274.9.5605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Annetocin is a structurally and functionally oxytocin-related peptide isolated from the earthworm Eisenia foetida. We present the characterization of the annetocin cDNA. Sequence analyses of the deduced precursor polypeptide revealed that the annetocin precursor is composed of three segments: a signal peptide, an annetocin sequence flanked by a Gly C-terminal amidation signal and a Lys-Arg dibasic processing site, and a neurophysin domain, similar to other oxytocin family precursors. The proannetocin showed 37.4-45.8% amino acid homology to other prohormones. In the neurophysin domain, 14 cysteines and amino acid residues essential for association of a neurophysin with a vasopressin/oxytocin superfamily peptide were conserved, suggesting that the Eisenia neurophysin can bind to annetocin. Furthermore, in situ hybridization experiments demonstrated that the annetocin gene is expressed exclusively in neurons of the central nervous system predicted to be involved in regulation of reproductive behavior. These findings confirm that annetocin is a member of the vasopressin/oxytocin superfamily. This is the first identification of the cDNA encoding the precursor of an invertebrate oxytocin-related peptide and also the first report of the identification of an annelid vasopressin/oxytocin-related precursor.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Satake
- Suntory Institute for Bioorganic Research, Wakayamadai 1-1-1, Shimamoto-cho, Mishima-gun, Osaka 618-8503, Japan
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30
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Burbach JP, van Schaick H, Lopes da Silva S, Asbreuk CH, Smidt MP. Hypothalamic transcription factors and the regulation of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 1999; 449:29-37. [PMID: 10026783 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4615-4871-3_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factors that confer high level expression and regulate the genes encoding neurohypophysial hormones are largely unknown. A number of different approaches have been taken to identify these factors and to elucidate molecular mechanisms of physiological gene regulation. In this chapter two transcription factor families are considered: homeodomain proteins and nuclear receptors. Their identification in the hypothalamus and actions on the OT gene are addressed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Burbach
- Rudolf Magnus Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Medical Pharmacology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
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31
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Abstract
The oxytocin (OT) gene promoter has a composite hormone response element, such that several members of the steroid/thyroid hormone superfamily of nuclear receptors can interact at this response element in vitro. To investigate this in brain tissue, parallel to foregoing behavioural experiments, we used in situ hybridization histochemistry to seek interactions between estrogen and thyroid hormones on OT mRNA in the hypothalamus. In ovariectomized (OVX) rats, high doses of triiodothyronine (T3) elevated OT mRNA levels in the paraventricular (PVN) nucleus, while treatment with estradiol benzoate (EB) alone had no significant effect. In contrast, animals that were thyroidectomized (TX) in addition to OVX had dramatically elevated levels of OT gene expression in the PVN following EB treatment. That is, endogenous thyroid hormones interfered with EB-induction of gene expression. Moreover, in both OVX and TX/OVX animals, OT gene expression was reduced to values equivalent to controls when T3 was given together with EB. Particular subdivisions of the PVN responded differentially to T3 and EB treatment, demonstrating marked heterogeneity of OT-containing neurons in this nucleus. Thus, parallel to and perhaps related to the manner in which thyroid hormones reduced estrogen-stimulated behaviour, endogenous or exogenous thyroid hormones interfered with estrogen stimulation of OT mRNA. These data demonstrate competition between nuclear proteins, transcription factors, in hypothalamic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- T L Dellovade
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behaviour, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10021, USA
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32
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Douglas AJ, Meeren HK, Johnstone LE, Pfaff DW, Russell JA, Brooks PJ. Stimulation of expression of the oxytocin gene in rat supraoptic neurons at parturition. Brain Res 1998; 782:167-74. [PMID: 9519260 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(97)01275-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We measured expression of the oxytocin gene in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) during pregnancy, parturition and lactation to examine its relationship to states of accumulation or depletion of oxytocin stores and to conditions of strong excitation of oxytocin neurons. The primary transcript (heterogeneous nuclear RNA, hnRNA) of the oxytocin gene was measured using a 3H-cDNA probe against intron 1 for in situ hybridisation. Autoradiographs of the SON showed the hnRNA as discrete clumps of silver grains within the nucleus of each neuron. The number of cells expressing oxytocin hnRNA did not change during pregnancy but increased during parturition; 10-day lactating animals showed similar increases. Oxytocin mRNA was also measured by in situ hybridisation using a 3H- or 35S-labelled oligonucleotide probe against exon C: hybridisation was seen over the cytoplasm of supraoptic neurons, but no differences were measured between virgin, mid-pregnant, preparturient, parturient or 2-day lactating rats. The data suggest that enhanced oxytocin gene transcription is not necessary to increase oxytocin stores in pregnancy. However, acute stimulation of magnocellular oxytocin neurons at parturition, which strongly increases neuron activity and secretion, results in a rapid increase in the number of cells expressing oxytocin hnRNA, and increased expression is sustained in lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Douglas
- Department of Physiology, University Medical School, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
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33
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Jansen HT, Lubbers LS, Macchia E, DeGroot LJ, Lehman MN. Thyroid hormone receptor (alpha) distribution in hamster and sheep brain: colocalization in gonadotropin-releasing hormone and other identified neurons. Endocrinology 1997; 138:5039-47. [PMID: 9348236 DOI: 10.1210/endo.138.11.5481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones appear to play an important role in the seasonal reproductive transitions of a number of mammalian and avian species. These seasonal transitions as well as the effects of thyroid hormones on the reproductive neuroendocrine axis are mediated by the GnRH system. How thyroid hormones affect the GnRH system is unclear. Double label immunocytochemistry was used to examine GnRH- and other neurotransmitter/neuropeptide-containing neurons for thyroid hormone receptor (alphaTHR) colocalization in two seasonal breeders, the golden hamster and the sheep. AlphaTHR was identified in hamster and sheep brain by Western blot analysis. Furthermore, alphaTHR immunoreactivity was widely distributed in brain and was colocalized in identified populations: GnRH neurons (hamster, 28%; sheep, 46%); dopaminergic neurons of the A14 (hypothalamic) and A16 (olfactory bulb) cell groups, but not in the hypothalamic A13 cell group; and neurophysin-immunoreactive neurons of the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei. The finding of alphaTHR in GnRH and A14 dopamine neurons provides an anatomical substrate for direct thyroid hormone action on the reproductive neuroendocrine system of these two seasonally breeding species. It remains to be determined whether the GnRH gene itself or the gene of another constituent within the same GnRH neuron is responsive to thyroid hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- H T Jansen
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio 45267, USA.
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34
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Effect of thyroid hormones on neurosecretory cells of supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of rat hypothalamusin vitro. Bull Exp Biol Med 1997. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02445318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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35
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Mosselman S, Polman J, Dijkema R. ER beta: identification and characterization of a novel human estrogen receptor. FEBS Lett 1996; 392:49-53. [PMID: 8769313 DOI: 10.1016/0014-5793(96)00782-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1509] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
A novel estrogen receptor (hereinafter referred to as ER beta) was cloned using degenerate PCR primers. A comparison of the amino acid sequence of ER beta with the "classical' ER (ER alpha) shows a high degree of conservation of the DNA-binding domain (96%), and of the ligand-binding domain (58%). In contrast, the A/B domain, the hinge region and the F-domain are not conserved. Northern blot analysis revealed that ER beta is expressed in human thymus, spleen, ovary and testis. Transient transfections of an ER beta expression construct together with an ERE-based reporter construct in CHO cells clearly demonstrated transactivation of ER beta by 17 beta-estradiol. In addition, the ER alpha antagonist ICI-164384 is a potent antagonist for ER beta as well. Interestingly, the level of transactivation by 17 beta-estradiol is higher for ER alpha than for ER beta, which may reflect suboptimal conditions for ER beta at the level of the ligand, responsive element or cellular context.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mosselman
- N.V. Organon, Department of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, The Netherlands
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36
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Lopes da Silva S, Burbach JP. The nuclear hormone-receptor family in the brain: classics and orphans. Trends Neurosci 1995; 18:542-8. [PMID: 8638295 DOI: 10.1016/0166-2236(95)98376-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear hormone receptors comprise a superfamily of over 40 transcription factors. About half of them are classical receptors for lipophilic ligands such as steroids and vitamins. Almost all of these true receptors are present in the brain, where they transduce chemical signals from endocrine organs or signals of nutritional origin into cellular responses. The other members resemble the classical receptors in structure, but have no known ligands, and are hence called 'orphan receptors'. The issue of whether ligands for nuclear orphan receptors exist is controversial. Evidence is emerging that orphan receptors might be activated by signal transduction pathways or might be constitutive enhancers or repressors that interact with the classical receptors. Thus, nuclear orphan receptors are placed in strategic positions in the regulation of gene expression in the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lopes da Silva
- Rudolf Magnus Institute for Neurosciences, Dept of Medical Pharmacology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
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37
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Ho MY, Carter DA, Ang HL, Murphy D. Bovine oxytocin transgenes in mice. Hypothalamic expression, physiological regulation, and interactions with the vasopressin gene. J Biol Chem 1995; 270:27199-205. [PMID: 7592977 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.270.45.27199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
To gain insights into the molecular mechanisms that restrict the expression of the oxytocin gene to anatomically defined groups of neurons in the hypothalamus, we generated transgenic mice bearing bovine oxytocin genomic fragments. Appropriate neuron-specific and physiological regulation was observed in mice bearing transgene bOT3.5, which consists of the oxytocin structural gene flanked by 0.6 kilobase pair (kbp) of upstream and 1.9 kbp of downstream sequences. bOT3.5 is expressed in oxytocin magnocellular neurons in the mouse supraoptic nucleus and paraventricular nucleus, but transgene RNAs are excluded from vasopressin neurons. Replacement of the drinking diet of the transgenic mice with 2% (w/v) NaCl for 7 days significantly increased the abundance of bovine oxytocin transcripts in the supraoptic nucleus, but not in the paraventricular nucleus, in parallel with the endogenous mouse oxytocin RNA. Surprisingly, mimicry of the endogenous oxytocin gene expression pattern was lost with larger transgenes. Addition of 0.7 kbp of contiguous downstream sequences (transgene bOT) or linkage to the bovine vasopressin gene (transgene VP-B/bOT3.5) repressed hypothalamic expression. No mice were derived bearing transgene bOT6.4, which consists of the oxytocin structural gene flanked by 3 kbp of upstream and 2.6 kbp of downstream sequences, suggesting that the presence of this DNA is detrimental to normal embryonic development. These data suggest that while bOT3.5 contains sufficient cis-acting sequences to mediate expression to particular subsets of hypothalamic neurons, the overall regulation of the oxytocin gene is governed by multiple interacting enhancers and repressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Y Ho
- Neuropeptide Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
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38
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Dellovade TL, Zhu YS, Pfaff DW. Potential interactions between estrogen receptor and thyroid receptors relevant for neuroendocrine systems. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 1995; 53:27-31. [PMID: 7626467 DOI: 10.1016/0960-0760(95)00037-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Environmental signals can profoundly affect reproductive behavior, physiology and responses to steroids. One consequence of nutritional or temperature stress is altered plasma concentrations of thyroid hormone. Recent in vivo and in vitro data indicate that manipulations of estrogen and thyroid hormone levels can alter each other's functions. One possible mechanism for interaction may be that thyroid and estrogen receptors bind to parts of the same hormone response elements of target genes and compete with each other, thus serving to integrate environmental signals with neuroendocrine responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- T L Dellovade
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10021, USA
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Thomas A, Kim NB, Amico JA. Thyroidectomy does not alter hypothalamic oxytocin and vasopressin expression in chronically hypernatremic rats. Life Sci 1995; 57:403-10. [PMID: 7603312 DOI: 10.1016/0024-3205(95)00300-u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Sustained hyperosmolality increases the levels of hypothalamic oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs). Gonadectomy is known to abolish this response (12,18). In this study we investigated whether thyroidectomy would alter OT and AVP mRNA levels in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hyperosmotically stimulated rat. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent thyroidectomy (hypothyroid) or sham thyroidectomy (euthyroid) at 7 weeks of age. Three weeks later hypothyroid and euthyroid animals were administered 2% NaCl (6-11 days) or tap water and sacrificed at the end of the experiment. Northern blot hybridization was used to assess size and levels of hypothalamic OT and AVP mRNAs. Hypothyroid rats had significantly lower levels of serum thyroxine (T4) than their euthyroid cohorts (P < 0.0001). Both the euthyroid and the hypothyroid animals receiving 2% NaCl developed hypernatremia and increased the levels and the size of OT and AVP mRNAs compared to their tap water cohorts. We conclude that in contrast to gonadectomy, thyroidectomy does not alter the level of OT and AVP mRNAs in the hypothalamus of chronically hypernatremic male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Thomas
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
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40
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Mohr E, Meyerhof W, Richter D. Vasopressin and oxytocin: molecular biology and evolution of the peptide hormones and their receptors. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 1995; 51:235-66. [PMID: 7483323 DOI: 10.1016/s0083-6729(08)61040-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- E Mohr
- Institut für Zellbiochemie und Klinische Neurobiologie, Universität Hamburg, Germany
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41
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Zingg HH, Rozen F, Chu K, Larcher A, Arslan A, Richard S, Lefèbvre D. Oxytocin and oxytocin receptor gene expression in the uterus. RECENT PROGRESS IN HORMONE RESEARCH 1995; 50:255-73. [PMID: 7740160 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-571150-0.50015-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- H H Zingg
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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42
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Wagner VA, Schild TA, Geldermann H. DNA variants within the 5'-flanking region of milk-protein-encoding genes II. The β-lactoglobulin-encoding gene. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 1994; 89:121-126. [PMID: 24177780 DOI: 10.1007/bf00226993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/1993] [Accepted: 02/02/1994] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
For the detection of polymorphisms within the 5'-flanking region of the β-lactoglobulin (-LG) -encoding gene a nucleotide sequence containing 795 bp of the promoter and 59 bp of exon I was cloned and sequenced. After comparing the sequence from the DNA of 11 diverse cows (different breeds and milk-protein yields), 14 singlebp substitutions were identified within the 5'-flanking region and two in the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) of exon I. Some of the variants are located in potential binding sites for trans-acting factors or in the 5'-UTR. A PCR-based RFLP analysis was performed, and the genotypes of an additional 60 cows were identified at five variable 5'-flanking sites. The results reveal three frequent combinations between the A and B alleles of the protein-coding region and the novel 5'-flanking DNA variants. This finding may explain the differences of the protein-variant-dependent β-LG synthesis (A>B) observed in vivo. A sequence comparison of the bovine and ovine promoters reveals an homology of 92.8% and shows a higher degree of conservation between positions -600 and -300.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Wagner
- Fachgebiet Tierzüchtung, Institut für Tierhaltung und Tierzüchtung (470), Universität Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 17, D-70599, Stuttgart, Germany
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43
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Burbach J, Lopes da Silva S, Cox J, Adan R, Cooney A, Tsai M, Tsai S. Repression of estrogen-dependent stimulation of the oxytocin gene by chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor I. J Biol Chem 1994. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(17)36572-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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44
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Wehrenberg U, von Goedecke S, Ivell R, Walther N. The orphan receptor SF-1 binds to the COUP-like element in the promoter of the actively transcribed oxytocin gene. J Neuroendocrinol 1994; 6:1-4. [PMID: 8025562 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.1994.tb00546.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The factors regulating oxytocin expression have not yet been characterized in detail. Although direct control by ligand-dependent binding of nuclear hormone receptors to the oxytocin promoter has been suggested, the presence of these receptors in the tissues expressing oxytocin has not been shown consistently. We have analyzed nuclear proteins from preovulatory bovine granulosa cells and corpus luteum, tissues actively expressing the oxytocin gene, and describe here the characterization of a tissue-specific factor binding to the conserved element in the oxytocin promoter that has been implicated in the control of this gene. This factor is the bovine homologue of SF-1, an orphan receptor expressed specifically in steroidogenic tissues. It is suggested that SF-1 binds to the oxytocin promoter in vivo and is involved in control of oxytocin gene expression possibly by interaction with other factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Wehrenberg
- Institute for Hormone and Fertility Research, University of Hamburg, Germany
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45
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Lutz B, Kuratani S, Cooney AJ, Wawersik S, Tsai SY, Eichele G, Tsai MJ. Developmental regulation of the orphan receptor COUP-TF II gene in spinal motor neurons. Development 1994; 120:25-36. [PMID: 8119130 DOI: 10.1242/dev.120.1.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Members of the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily are involved in the control of cell identity and of pattern formation during embryonic development. Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factors (COUP-TFs) can act as regulators of various steroid/thyroid hormone receptor pathways. To begin to study the role of COUP-TFs during embryogenesis, we cloned a chicken COUP-TF (cCOUP-TF II) which is highly homologous to human COUP-TF II. Northern analysis revealed high levels of cCOUP-TF II transcripts during organogenesis. Nuclear extracts from whole embryos and from embryonic spinal cords were used in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. These assays showed that COUP-TF protein is present in these tissues and is capable of binding to a COUP element (a direct repeat of AGGTCA with one base pair spacing). Analysis of cCOUP-TF expression by in situ hybridization revealed high levels of cCOUP-TF II mRNA in the developing spinal motor neurons. Since the ventral properties of the spinal cord, including the development of motor neurons, is in part established by inductive signals from the notochord, we transplanted an additional notochord next to the dorsal region of the neural tube in order to induce ectopic motor neurons. We observed that an ectopic notochord induced cCOUP-TF II gene expression in the dorsal spinal cord in a region coextensive with ectopic domains of SC1 and Islet-1, two previously identified motor neuron markers. Collectively, our studies raise the possibility that cCOUP-TF II is involved in motor neuron development.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lutz
- Department of Biochemistry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
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46
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Tillman JB, Crone DE, Kim HS, Sprung CN, Spindler SR. Promoter independent down-regulation of the firefly luciferase gene by T3 and T3 receptor in CV1 cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 1993; 95:101-9. [PMID: 8243799 DOI: 10.1016/0303-7207(93)90034-h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
We report that the activity of the firefly luciferase (LUC) reporter gene is down-regulated by T3 and T3 receptor (TR) in the CV1 mammalian cell line, which is widely used for studies of TR action. Repression was highly reproducible, T3 and TR dependent, promoter independent, and observed regardless of whether an internal control for transfection efficiency was used. Cotransfections with normal and mutant TRs indicate that the negative T3 response is mediated by sequences within the LUC gene coding region, and is not due to the interaction of TR with a limiting transcription factor. Negative regulation of the LUC reporter was overcome by a strong, cis-linked T3 response element (TRE), but continued in the presence of a TRE of moderate strength. The results described here demonstrate that conclusions drawn from studies of TRE structure and activity performed using the LUC reporter in CV1 cells should be interpreted with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- J B Tillman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside 92521
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47
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Burbach JP, Adan RA. The rat oxytocin gene. Physiological changes in expression in the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system and responsiveness of promoter activity. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1993; 689:34-49. [PMID: 8396870 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1993.tb55535.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J P Burbach
- Rudolf Magnus Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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48
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Lopes da Silva S, Adan RA, Burbach JP. Transcriptional regulation of the rat oxytocin promoter. Activation and suppression by members of the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor family. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1993; 684:227-9. [PMID: 8391239 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1993.tb32293.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S Lopes da Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
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49
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Burbach JP, Adan RA, Cox JJ, da Silva SL. Transactivation of the rat oxytocin and vasopressin promoters by nuclear hormone receptors. REGULATORY PEPTIDES 1993; 45:31-5. [PMID: 8511362 DOI: 10.1016/0167-0115(93)90178-b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J P Burbach
- Rudolf Magnus Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
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50
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Segars JH, Wentz AC. A new hormone, new concepts, and a new level of complexity. Fertil Steril 1993. [DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)55788-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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