Cloning and functional expression of a thyrotropin receptor from the gonads of a vertebrate (bony fish): potential thyroid-independent role for thyrotropin in reproduction

Targeting Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Receptor: A Perspective on Small-Molecule Modulators and Their Therapeutic Potential

TSHR is a member of the glycoprotein hormone receptors, a subfamily of class A G-protein-coupled receptors and plays pivotal roles in various physiological and pathological processes, particularly in thyroid growth and hormone production. The aberrant TSHR function has been implicated in several human diseases including Graves' disease and orbitopathy, nonautoimmune hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, cancer, neurological disorders, and osteoporosis. Consequently, TSHR is recognized as an attractive therapeutic target, and targeting TSHR with small-molecule modulators including agonists, antagonists, and inverse agonists offers great potential for drug discovery. In this perspective, we summarize the structures and biological functions of TSHR as well as the recent advances in the development of small-molecule TSHR modulators, highlighting their chemotypes, mode of actions, structure-activity relationships, characterizations, in vitro/in vivo activities, and therapeutic potential. The challenges, new opportunities, and future directions in this area are also discussed.

Expression of Tshb and Tshr in the ricefield eel Monopterus albus: Potential paracrine/autocrine roles in gonads

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), a glycoprotein synthesized and secreted from thyrotrophs of the pituitary gland, is composed of a glycoprotein hormone common alpha subunit (CGA) and a specific beta subunit (TSHB). The major biological function of TSH is to stimulate thyroidal follicles to synthesize and secrete thyroid hormones through activating its cognate receptor, the thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR). In the present study, polyclonal antisera against ricefield eel Tshb and Tshr were generated respectively, and the expression of Tshb and Tshr was examined at mRNA and protein levels. RT-PCR analysis showed that tshb mRNA was expressed mainly in the pituitary as well as in some extrapituitary tissues including the ovary and testis. Tshr mRNA was also expressed in a tissue-specific manner, with transcripts detected in tissues including the kidney, ovary, and testis. The immunoreactive Tshb signals in the pituitary were shown to be localized to the inner areas of adenohypophysis which are close to the neurohypophysis of adult ricefield eels. Tshb-immunoreatvie cells in the pituitary of ricefield eel larvae were firstly observed at hatching. The expression of immunoreactive Tshb and Cga was also detected in ricefield eel ovary and testis together with Tshr. In the ovary, immunoreactive Tshb, Cga, and Tshr were observed in oocytes and granulosa cells. In the testis, immunoreactive Tshb was mainly observed in Sertoli cells while immunoreactive Cga and Tshr were detected in germ cells as well as somatic cells. Results of the present study suggest that Tsh may be synthesized both in the ovary and testis locally, which may play paracrine and/or autocrine roles in gonadal development in ricefield eels.

TSH Receptor Reduces Hemoglobin S Polymerization and Increases Deformability and Adhesion of Sickle Erythrocytes

SCD is a hereditary disorder caused by genetic mutation in the beta-globin gene, resulting in abnormal hemoglobin, HbS that forms sickle-shaped erythrocytes under hypoxia. Patients with SCD have endocrine disorders and it was described that 7% of these patients have clinical hypothyroidism. Recent studies have shown that mature erythrocytes possess TSH receptors. Thus, we aimed to assess the effects of TSH on SCD erythrocytes. The experiments were conducted using different concentrations of TSH (1, 2, 3, and 5 mIU/L). In HbS polymerization assay, erythrocytes were exposed to TSH in hypoxia to induce polymerization, and measurements were taken for 30 minutes. The deformability assay was made using Sephacryl-S 500 columns to separate deformable from nondeformable cells. Static adhesion test utilized thrombospondin to assess erythrocyte adhesion in the presence of TSH. TSH at all contractions were able to reduce polymerization of HbS and increase deformability. The static adhesion of erythrocytes at the lowest concentrations of 1 and 2 mIU/L were increased, but at higher contractions of 3 and 5 mIU/L, static adhesion was not modulated. The results suggest that TSH has potential involvement in the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease by inhibiting HbS polymerization, positively modulating deformability and impacting static adhesion to thrombospondin.

Day length regulates gonadotrope proliferation and reproduction via an intra-pituitary pathway in the model vertebrate Oryzias latipes

In seasonally breeding mammals and birds, the production of the hormones that regulate reproduction (gonadotropins) is controlled by a complex pituitary-brain-pituitary pathway. Indeed, the pituitary thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) regulates gonadotropin expression in pituitary gonadotropes, via dio2-expressing tanycytes, hypothalamic Kisspeptin, RFamide-related peptide, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons. However, in fish, how seasonal environmental signals influence gonadotropins remains unclear. In addition, the seasonal regulation of gonadotrope (gonadotropin-producing cell) proliferation in the pituitary is, to the best of our knowledge, not elucidated in any vertebrate group. Here, we show that in the vertebrate model Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes), a long day seasonally breeding fish, photoperiod (daylength) not only regulates hormone production by the gonadotropes but also their proliferation. We also reveal an intra-pituitary pathway that regulates gonadotrope cell number and hormone production. In this pathway, Tsh regulates gonadotropes via folliculostellate cells within the pituitary. This study suggests the existence of an alternative regulatory mechanism of seasonal gonadotropin production in fish.

Cellular and molecular distribution of thyroid-specific proteins, thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSH-R) and thyroglobulin (TG) in the central nervous system

The widespread extra-thyroidal localisation of thyroid-specific proteins, thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSH-R) and thyroglobulin (TG), has been well documented. However, more recent years has seen the focus of this research area shift to the distribution of these thyroid-specific proteins, in the central nervous system (CNS). This is largely attributed to the well-known associations between thyroid auto-immunity and neuro-psychiatric disorders. Although these associations have not yet been well defined, there are several studies that demonstrate the presence of TSH-R and TG proteins in CNS regions and its cellular structures. In addition, there is an emerging body of evidence to describe the potential functional roles of these thyroid proteins in various regions of the CNS. In this review, the neural distribution of TSH-R and TG as well as their possible physiological implications in various regions of human and non-human brain is discussed.

Thyrotropin, Hyperthyroidism, and Bone Mass

Thyrotropin (TSH), traditionally seen as a pituitary hormone that regulates thyroid glands, has additional roles in physiology including skeletal remodeling. Population-based observations in people with euthyroidism or subclinical hyperthyroidism indicated a negative association between bone mass and low-normal TSH. The findings of correlative studies were supported by small intervention trials using recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) injection, and genetic and case-based evidence. Genetically modified mouse models, which disrupt the reciprocal relationship between TSH and thyroid hormone, have allowed us to examine an independent role of TSH. Since the first description of osteoporotic phenotype in haploinsufficient Tshr +/- mice with normal thyroid hormone levels, the antiosteoclastic effect of TSH has been documented in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Further studies showed that increased osteoclastogenesis in Tshr-deficient mice was mediated by tumor necrosis factor α. Low TSH not only increased osteoclastogenesis, but also decreased osteoblastogenesis in bone marrow-derived primary osteoblast cultures. However, later in vivo studies using small and intermittent doses of rhTSH showed a proanabolic effect, which suggests that its action might be dose and frequency dependent. TSHR was shown to interact with insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor, and vascular endothelial growth factor and Wnt pathway might play a role in TSH's effect on osteoblasts. The expression and direct skeletal effect of a biologically active splice variant of the TSHβ subunit (TSHβv) in bone marrow-derived macrophage and other immune cells suggest a local skeletal effect of TSHR. Further studies of how locally secreted TSHβv and systemic TSHβ interact in skeletal remodeling through the endocrine, immune, and skeletal systems will help us better understand the hyperthyroidism-induced bone disease.

Identification and expression analysis of thyroid-stimulating hormone β subunit, and effects of T3 on gonadal differentiation-related gene expression in rice field eel, Monopterus albus

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is an important glycoprotein in hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, which plays a crucial role in the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones in vertebrates. Rice field eel, Monopterus albus, a protogynous hermaphroditic fish, which undergoes sex reversal from a functional female to a male, is an ideal model to investigate the regulation of sex differentiation. In this study, we obtained the cDNA sequence of thyroid-stimulating hormone β subunit (tshβ) from rice field eel, which contained a complete open reading frame and encoded a putative protein of 151 amino acids. Multiple alignment of protein sequences showed that tshβ was highly conserved in teleost. The tissue distribution indicated that tshβ showed high expression in the pituitary, moderate expression in the brain region, gonad, intestine and liver, and low expression in other peripheral tissues. During natural sex reversal, the expression of tshβ had no significant difference in the pituitary. Compared to that in the ovary, the expression of tshβ increased significantly in the gonad at late intersexual and male stages. After treatment by different doses of triiodothyronine (T3) (1 μg/g, 10 μg/g and 100 μg/g body weight), serum T3 and free triiodothyronine (FT3) increased sharply, while the expression of tshβ were inhibited significantly in the pituitary. Although T3 had no significant effect on the levels of serum E2, it stimulated the release of serum 11-KT at high-dose group. We also detected the effects of T3 on the expression of gonadal differentiation-related genes in rice field eel. T3 treatment inhibited the expression of foxl2, cyp19a1a and dax1, while stimulated the expression of sox9a1. These results indicate that TSH may be involved in sex differentiation, and THs may play roles in the regulation of male development and sex reversal in rice field eel.

The Role of Hormones and Trophic Factors as Components of Preservation Solutions in Protection of Renal Function before Transplantation: A Review of the Literature

Transplantation is currently a routine method for treating end-stage organ failure. In recent years, there has been some progress in the development of an optimal composition of organ preservation solutions, improving the vital functions of the organ and allowing to extend its storage period until implantation into the recipient. Optimizations are mostly based on commercial solutions, routinely used to store grafts intended for transplantation. The paper reviews hormones with a potential nephroprotective effect, which were used to modify the composition of renal perfusion and preservation solutions. Their effectiveness as ingredients of preservation solutions was analysed based on a literature review. Hormones and trophic factors are innovative preservation solution supplements. They have a pleiotropic effect and affect normal renal function. The expression of receptors for melatonin, prolactin, thyrotropin, corticotropin, prostaglandin E1 and trophic factors was confirmed in the kidneys, which suggests that they are a promising therapeutic target for renal IR (ischemia-reperfusion) injury. They can have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, limiting IR injury.

The Role of the Thyroid Axis in Fish

In all vertebrates, the thyroid axis is an endocrine feedback system that affects growth, differentiation, and reproduction, by sensing and translating central and peripheral signals to maintain homeostasis and a proper thyroidal set-point. Fish, the most diverse group of vertebrates, rely on this system for somatic growth, metamorphosis, reproductive events, and the ability to tolerate changing environments. The vast majority of the research on the thyroid axis pertains to mammals, in particular rodents, and although some progress has been made to understand the role of this endocrine axis in non-mammalian vertebrates, including amphibians and teleost fish, major gaps in our knowledge remain regarding other groups, such as elasmobranchs and cyclostomes. In this review, we discuss the roles of the thyroid axis in fish and its contributions to growth and development, metamorphosis, reproduction, osmoregulation, as well as feeding and nutrient metabolism. We also discuss how thyroid hormones have been/can be used in aquaculture, and potential threats to the thyroid system in this regard.

Binding of iodinated contrast media (ICM) and their transformation products with hormone receptors: Are ICM the new EDCs?

Iodinated contrast media (ICM) have been detected at high concentrations (as high as about 3 μg/L) in surface water systems, and recently in fish brains and gonad. The mismatch between the polarity of ICM and the high lipid content of brain raises questions on whether their bioaccumulation is receptor-mediated. Furthermore, the structural similarity of ICM to the natural thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine suggest potential binding of ICM to nuclear receptors in the endocrine system. Therefore, an in silico approach based on Surflex-Dock module of SYBYL was used to investigate the molecular docking of selected ICM (diatrizoic acid, iohexol, iopamidol, and iopromide). These ICM showed interaction with nuclear receptors that play key roles in endocrine regulation, including the androgen and estrogen receptors. Furthermore, the results indicate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARg) as one of the viable targets in the endocrine disrupting potential of ICM with higher Cscores for the ICM and iopromide transformation products than the reference ligand for the receptor. The data obtained from in silico calculations showed stronger binding of iohexol to the transthyretin-binding pocket compared to the natural hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine, suggesting the potential of ICM to act as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment.

Actions of pituitary hormones beyond traditional targets

Studies over the past decade have challenged the long-held belief that pituitary hormones have singular functions in regulating specific target tissues, including master hormone secretion. Our discovery of the action of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) on bone provided the first glimpse into the non-traditional functions of pituitary hormones. Here we discuss evolving experimental and clinical evidence that growth hormone (GH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), prolactin, oxytocin and arginine vasopressin (AVP) regulate bone and other target tissues, such as fat. Notably, genetic and pharmacologic FSH suppression increases bone mass and reduces body fat, laying the framework for targeting the FSH axis for treating obesity and osteoporosis simultaneously with a single agent. Certain 'pituitary' hormones, such as TSH and oxytocin, are also expressed in bone cells, providing local paracrine and autocrine networks for the regulation of bone mass. Overall, the continuing identification of new roles for pituitary hormones in biology provides an entirely new layer of physiologic circuitry, while unmasking new therapeutic targets.

Expression of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptors and thyroglobulin in limbic regions in the adult human brain

Expression of the human thyroid-specific proteins, thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSH-R) and thyroglobulin (TG) in non-thyroid tissue is well-documented. TSH-R has been identified in the heart, kidney, bone, pituitary, adipose tissue, skin and astrocyte cultures. TG has been identified in the skin, thymus and kidney. However, none of those previous studies had identified TSH-R or TG in specific human brain regions. Previously, a pilot study conducted by our group on normal adult human brain demonstrated TSH-R and TG in cortical neurons and cerebral vasculature, respectively, within various brain areas. In the present study, we extend this investigation of thyroid proteins specifically in limbic regions of normal human brain. Forensic human samples of amygdalae, cingulate gyrii, frontal cortices, hippocampii, hypothalamii, and thalamii were obtained from five individuals who had died of causes unrelated to head injury and had no evidence of brain disease or psychological abnormality. Tissues were probed with commercial polyclonal antibodies against human TSH-R and TG which resulted in the significant demonstration of neuronal TSH-R in all limbic regions examined. Other novel results demonstrated TG in vascular smooth muscle of all limbic regions and in some neurons. Finding thyroid proteins in limbic areas of the human brain is unique, and this study demonstrates that cerebro-limbic localisation of thyroid proteins may have potential roles in neuro-psycho-pharmacology.

Beyond Reproduction: Pituitary Hormone Actions on Bone

The long-held belief that pituitary hormones act solely on master targets was first questioned when we documented G protein-coupled receptors for thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, oxytocin, and vasopressin on bone cells. These evolutionarily conserved hormones and their receptors are known to have primitive roles, and exist in invertebrate species as far down as coelenterates. It is not surprising therefore that each such hormone has multiple hitherto unrecognized functions in mammalian integrative physiology, and hence, becomes a potential target for therapeutic intervention. Here we discuss the skeletal actions of pituitary hormones.

Multiple thyrotropin β-subunit and thyrotropin receptor-related genes arose during vertebrate evolution

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is composed of a specific β subunit and an α subunit that is shared with the two pituitary gonadotropins. The three β subunits derive from a common ancestral gene through two genome duplications (1R and 2R) that took place before the radiation of vertebrates. Analysis of genomic data from phylogenetically relevant species allowed us to identify an additional Tshβ subunit-related gene that was generated through 2R. This gene, named Tshβ2, present in cartilaginous fish, little skate and elephant shark, and in early lobe-finned fish, coelacanth and lungfish, was lost in ray-finned fish and tetrapods. The absence of a second type of TSH receptor (Tshr) gene in these species suggests that both TSHs act through the same receptor. A novel Tshβ sister gene, named Tshβ3, was generated through the third genomic duplication (3R) that occurred early in the teleost lineage. Tshβ3 is present in most teleost groups but was lostin tedraodontiforms. The 3R also generated a second Tshr, named Tshrb. Interestingly, the new Tshrb was translocated from its original chromosomic position after the emergence of eels and was then maintained in its new position. Tshrb was lost in tetraodontiforms and in ostariophysians including zebrafish although the latter species have two TSHs, suggesting that TSHRb may be dispensable. The tissue distribution of duplicated Tshβs and Tshrs was studied in the European eel. The endocrine thyrotropic function in the eel would be essentially mediated by the classical Tshβ and Tshra, which are mainly expressed in the pituitary and thyroid, respectively. Tshβ3 and Tshrb showed a similar distribution pattern in the brain, pituitary, ovary and adipose tissue, suggesting a possible paracrine/autocrine mode of action in these non-thyroidal tissues. Further studies will be needed to determine the binding specificity of the two receptors and how these two TSH systems are interrelated.

Follicle stimulating hormone receptor in mesenchymal stem cells integrates effects of glycoprotein reproductive hormones

Previously we reported that follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) affects bone degradation in human cells and in follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSH-R) null mice. Here we describe a FSH-R knockout bone-formation phenotype. We used mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), osteoblast precursors that express FSH-R, to determine whether FSH regulates bone formation. FSH stimulates MSC cell adhesion 1-3 h and proliferation at 24 h after addition. On the basis of phylogenetic and clinical precedents, we also examined effects of pregnant levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on MSCs. We found effects similar to those of FSH, and RNAi knockdown of FSH-R abrogated both FSH and hCG effects on MSCs. In contrast to effects on MSCs, neither FSH nor hCG had significant effects on osteoblast maturation. Also in MSCs, short-term treatment by FSH and hCG altered signaling pathways for proliferation, including Erk1/2 phosphorylation. Our results show augmentation of MSC proliferation by either FSH at menopausal levels or hCG at normal pregnant levels. We conclude that FSH-R participates in regulation of MSC precursor pools in response to either FSH or hCG, integrating the effects of these two glycoprotein hormones.

Mechanisms of crosstalk between endocrine systems: regulation of sex steroid hormone synthesis and action by thyroid hormones

Thyroid hormones (THs) are well-known regulators of development and metabolism in vertebrates. There is increasing evidence that THs are also involved in gonadal differentiation and reproductive function. Changes in TH status affect sex ratios in developing fish and frogs and reproduction (e.g., fertility), hormone levels, and gonad morphology in adults of species of different vertebrates. In this review, we have summarized and compared the evidence for cross-talk between the steroid hormone and thyroid axes and present a comparative model. We gave special attention to TH regulation of sex steroid synthesis and action in both the brain and gonad, since these are important for gonad development and brain sexual differentiation and have been studied in many species. We also reviewed research showing that there is a TH system, including receptors and enzymes, in the brains and gonads in developing and adult vertebrates. Our analysis shows that THs influences sex steroid hormone synthesis in vertebrates, ranging from fish to pigs. This concept of crosstalk and conserved hormone interaction has implications for our understanding of the role of THs in reproduction, and how these processes may be dysregulated by environmental endocrine disruptors.

Production and characterization of recombinant Manchurian trout thyrotropin

Thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone, TSH), a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone produced in the pituitary, stimulates the thyroid gland and release of thyroid hormones. In contrast to a well-known efficacy of recombinant mammalian TSHs, there is no report about the production of teleost recombinant TSH and its biological activity. In this study, we report the production of a single-chain recombinant TSH (mtTSH) of Manchurian trout (Brachymystax lenok), by baculovirus in silkworm (Bombyx mori) larvae. The mtTSH was produced in silkworm larvae and characterized as a form of N-linked glycosylation. The cAMP signaling system in transiently transfected COS-7 cells revealed that the mtTSH was recognized by their cognate receptors, salmon TSHα and TSHβ receptors, but not LH receptor. The thyrotropic potency of the mtTSH was examined by rainbow trout basibranchial tissues containing thyroid follicles. The height of follicle epithelial cells was significantly increased by treatments of mtTSH in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, the present study suggests that the mtTSH produced by baculovirus-silkworm larvae is a biologically active recombinant TSH.

Genetic confirmation for a central role for TNFα in the direct action of thyroid stimulating hormone on the skeleton

Clinical data showing correlations between low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and high bone turnover markers, low bone mineral density, and an increased risk of osteoporosis-related fractures are buttressed by mouse genetic and pharmacological studies identifying a direct action of TSH on the skeleton. Here we show that the skeletal actions of TSH deficiency are mediated, in part, through TNFα. Compound mouse mutants generated by genetically deleting the Tnfα gene on a Tshr(-/-) (homozygote) or Tshr(+/-) (heterozygote) background resulted in full rescue of the osteoporosis, low bone formation, and hyperresorption that accompany TSH deficiency. Studies using ex vivo bone marrow cell cultures showed that TSH inhibits and stimulates TNFα production from macrophages and osteoblasts, respectively. TNFα, in turn, stimulates osteoclastogenesis but also enhances the production in bone marrow of a variant TSHβ. This locally produced TSH suppresses osteoclast formation in a negative feedback loop. We speculate that TNFα elevations due to low TSH signaling in human hyperthyroidism contribute to the bone loss that has traditionally been attributed solely to high thyroid hormone levels.

Thyrotropic activity of recombinant human glycoprotein hormone analogs and pituitary mammalian gonadotropins in goldfish (Carassius auratus): insights into the evolution of thyrotropin receptor specificity

Thyrotropin (TSH) is a pituitary glycoprotein hormone heterodimer that binds to its G-protein coupled receptor (TSH-R) at the thyroid to promote the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormone. Very little is known about TSH-TSH-R interactions in teleost fish. Mammalian gonadotropins have been reported to have an intrinsic ability to activate teleost fish TSH-Rs, suggesting the TSH-R in teleost fish is more promiscuous than in other vertebrates. In this study we utilized the goldfish T(4)-release response and recombinant human TSH analogs as in vivo tools to evaluate the structural constraints on hormone-receptor interactions. We found that four positively charged lysines substituted for neutral or negatively charged amino acids within positions 11-20 of the glycoprotein hormone subunit α (GSUα) significantly increased biological activity of hTSH in fish, as it does in mammals. We further found that bovine follicle stimulating hormone but not luteinizing hormone, whose GSUα subunits also contain four lysine or arginine amino acid residues in the N-terminal portion of GSUα, was thyrotropic in goldfish, suggesting gonadotropin β subunit contributes to the heterothyrotropic activity. Though recombinant human FSH did not produce a dose-dependent increase in T(4), thyrotropic activity could be acquired with the addition of positively charged amino acids at the N-terminal portion of its GSUα, confirming the importance of the charge on those amino acids for activation of the goldfish TSH-R. These studies demonstrate that mammalian glycoprotein hormone analogs can be utilized to evaluate the conservation of receptor binding and activation mechanisms between fish and mammals.

Environmental factors affecting thyroid function of wild sea bass (Dicentrarchuslabrax) from European coasts

Thyroid functional status of wild fish in relation with the contamination of their environment deserves further investigation. We here applied a multi-level approach of thyroid function assessment in 87 wild sea bass collected near several estuaries: namely the Scheldt, the Seine, the Loire, the Charente and the Gironde. Thyroxine (T(4)) and triiodothyronine (T(3)) concentrations in muscle were analyzed by radioimmunoassay. The activity of hepatic enzymes involved in extrathyroidal pathways of thyroid hormone metabolism, viz. deiodination, glucuronidation and sulfatation were analyzed. Last, follicle diameter and epithelial cell heights were measured. We observed changes that are predicted to lead to an increased conversion of T(4)-T(3) and lowered thyroid hormone excretion. The changes in the metabolic pathways of thyroid hormones can be interpreted as a pathway to maintain thyroid hormone homeostasis. From all compounds tested, the higher chlorinated PCBs seemed to be the most implicated in this perturbation.

Skeletal receptors for steroid-family regulating glycoprotein hormones: A multilevel, integrated physiological control system

Pituitary glycoprotein hormone receptors, including ACTH-R, TSH-R, and FSH-R, occur in bone. Their skeletal expression reflects that central endocrine control is evolutionarily recent. ACTH receptors, in osteoblasts or the adrenal cortex, drive VEGF synthesis. VEGF is essential to maintain vasculature. In bone, ACTH suppression by glucocorticoids can cause osteonecrosis. TSH receptors occur on osteoblasts and osteoclasts, in both cases reducing activity. Thus, TSH directly reduces skeletal turnover, consistent with evolutionary adaptation to stress. FSH receptors accelerate bone resorption, whereas estrogen promotes bone formation, the forces usually balancing. With ovarian failure, low estrogen with high FSH causes rapid bone loss. The skeletal FSH effect in the menopause seems paradoxical, but it is a logical adaptation in lactation, where prolonged FSH elevation also occurs. In addition to receptors, there is some synthesis of pituitary glycoproteins at distributed sites; this is not well studied, but it may further modify the paradigm of central endocrine regulation.

TSH receptor function is required for normal thyroid differentiation in zebrafish

TSH is the primary physiological regulator of thyroid gland function. The effects of TSH on thyroid cells are mediated via activation of its membrane receptor [TSH receptor (TSHR)]. In this study, we examined functional thyroid differentiation in zebrafish and characterized the role of TSHR signaling during thyroid organogenesis. Cloning of a cDNA encoding zebrafish Tshr showed conservation of primary structure and functional properties between zebrafish and mammalian TSHR. In situ hybridization confirmed that the thyroid is the major site of tshr expression during zebrafish development. In addition, we identified tpo, iyd, duox, and duoxa as novel thyroid differentiation markers in zebrafish. Temporal analyses of differentiation marker expression demonstrated the induction of an early thyroid differentiation program along with thyroid budding, followed by a delayed onset of duox and duoxa expression coincident with thyroid hormone synthesis. Furthermore, comparative analyses in mouse and zebrafish revealed for the first time a thyroid-enriched expression of cell death regulators of the B-cell lymphoma 2 family during early thyroid morphogenesis. Knockdown of tshr function by morpholino microinjection into embryos did not affect early thyroid morphogenesis but caused defects in later functional differentiation. The thyroid phenotype observed in tshr morphants at later stages comprised a reduction in number and size of functional follicles, down-regulation of differentiation markers, as well as reduced thyroid transcription factor expression. A comparison of our results with phenotypes observed in mouse models of defective TSHR and cAMP signaling highlights the value of zebrafish as a model to enhance the understanding of functional differentiation in the vertebrate thyroid.

Are apparent negative effects of feeding GM MON810 maize to Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, caused by confounding factors?

The present study was conducted to follow up on apparent differences in growth, relative organ sizes, cellular stress and immune function in Atlantic salmon fed feed containing GM Bacillus thuringiensis maize compared with feed containing the non-modified parental maize line. Gene expression profiling on the distal intestinal segment and liver was performed by microarray, and selected genes were followed up by quantitative PCR (qPCR). In the liver, qPCR revealed some differentially regulated genes, including up-regulation of gelsolin precursor, down-regulation of ferritin heavy subunit and a tendency towards down-regulation of metallothionein (MT)-B. This, combined with the up-regulation of anti-apoptotic protein NR13 and similar tendencies for ferritin heavy chain and MT-A and -B in the distal intestine, suggests changes in cellular stress/antioxidant status. This corresponds well with and strengthens previous findings in these fish. To exclude possible confounding factors, the maize ingredients were analysed for mycotoxins and metabolites. The GM maize contained 90 μg/kg of deoxynivalenol (DON), while the non-GM maize was below the detection limit. Differences were also observed in the metabolite profiles of the two maize varieties, some of which seemed connected to the mycotoxin level. The effects on salmon observed in the present and previous studies correspond relatively well with the effects of DON as reported in the literature for other production animals, but knowledge regarding effects and harmful dose levels in fish is scarce. Thus, it is difficult to conclude whether the observed effects are caused by the DON level or by some other aspect of the GM maize ingredient.

Molecular characterization and gene expression of thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) and a truncated TSHR-like in Senegalese sole

Thyroid hormones (THs) play a key role in larval development, growth and metamorphosis in flatfish. Their synthesis is tightly regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. Thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) is a key protein in the control of thyroid function stimulating TH synthesis after binding its ligand, the thyrotropin. In teleost fish, numerous reports have associated the TSHR with gametogenesis. However, little information about its role during larval development is available. In this study, we report the cloning of two different cDNAs with high similarity to TSHR. Phylogenetic analysis clustered both cDNAs separately. One of them (referred to TSHR) grouped with TSHR orthologs in tetrapods and teleost fish and possessed the three typical conserved domains and regulatory motifs. The second receptor (referred to as TSHRtr-like) represented a novel truncated cDNA bearing the extracellular and part of the transmembrane domain. TSHRtr-like orthologs were only found in teleosts, which suggests that it could have appeared after fish-specific 3R genome duplication. Expression profiles of both genes are analyzed in juvenile tissues and during larval development using a real-time PCR approach. In juvenile fish, TSHR and TSHRtr-like are expressed ubiquitously although transcript levels varied between organs. In both cases, the highest mRNAs levels are detected in brain. During larval development, both genes are expressed to a high level during the first stages (2-3days after hatching) reducing progressively their abundance in the whole larvae during metamorphosis. This reduction in mRNA abundance is more accentuated for the TSHRtr-like gene. To evaluate the possible regulation of both receptors by T4 during sole metamorphosis, larvae are exposed to the goitrogen thiourea (TU). Only TSHRtr-like modifies its expression, increasing its transcripts at 11days after treatment. Moreover, adding exogenous T4 hormone to TU-treated larvae restores the TSHRtr-like steady-state levels similar to the untreated control. Overall, these results demonstrate the existence of two thyrotropin receptors differentially regulated by THs in teleosts.

Thyrostimulin, but not thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), acts as a paracrine regulator to activate the TSH receptor in mammalian ovary

The thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR), activated by either TSH or the newly discovered glycoprotein hormone thyrostimulin, plays a central role in the control of body metabolism. Interestingly, in addition to its thyroid expression, we discovered that the mRNA level of TSHR is periodically regulated in rat ovary by gonadotropins. Ovarian microdissection followed by real-time PCR analysis indicated that granulosa cells show the highest level of TSHR expression. Cultures of follicles and primary granulosa cells demonstrated that the level of TSHR is up-regulated and decreased by the gonadotropin-driven cAMP cascade and estradiol production, respectively. Furthermore, in contrast to the negligible expression of TSH in the ovary, we also found by real-time PCR and immunohistochemical analysis that thyrostimulin is expressed mainly in oocytes. Evolving before the appearance of gonadotropins, thyrostimulin is considered the most ancestral glycoprotein hormone. Therefore, the presence of thyrostimulin in the ovary suggests that it may have a primitive function in reproduction when it activates ovarian TSHR. Next, we generated recombinant thyrostimulin protein and characterized its non-covalent heterodimeric nature. Using purified recombinant thyrostimulin, we show that the human ovarian cell line NIH:OVCAR-3 also expresses endogenous and functional TSHR. Using cultured rat granulosa cells isolated from different ovarian stages, we found that treatments with thyrostimulin significantly increase cAMP production and the c-fos gene response in the presence of gonadotropins. Thus, this study demonstrates that oocyte-derived thyrostimulin and granulosa cell-expressed TSHR compose a novel paracrine system in the ovary, where the activity is tightly controlled by gonadotropins.

Thyroid hormone concentrations in systemic circulation and ovarian follicular fluid of cows

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the concentrations of total (T) and free (F) fractions of thyroid hormones (T3-triiodithyronine and T4-thyroxin) in peripheral circulation and follicular fluid of cows in relation to ovarian follicular status in vivo (Experiment 1), and in the follicles from the slaughterhouse ovaries (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, estrus was synchronized in 15 cows using two Estrumate® (cloprostenol sodium) injections (250 mg cloprostenol intramuscular), the time of ovulation (Day 0) was confirmed by ultrasonography, and ovarian antral follicles were ablated on Day 5. The ensuing superovulatory treatment consisted of eight Folltropin®-V injections (50 mg intramuscular) administered twice daily from Day 6 to Day 9, followed by two injections of Estrumate® (Day 10 am and pm) and a single dose of Lutropin Alfa® (Day 11; 750 IU intramuscular). On Day 5, both TT3 and FT3 concentrations were greater ( P < 0.05) in serum than follicular fluid from dominant (DFs) or subordinate antral follicles (SFs), and TT4 concentrations were greater ( P < 0.05) in DFs compared with SFs. Serum concentrations of FT4 were greater ( P < 0.05) on Day 12 than on Day 5, and TT4 concentrations in follicular fluid collected on Day 12 were higher than those in DFs and SFs on Day 5. In Experiment 2, there were no differences ( P > 0.05) in thyroid hormone concentrations between the largest and all remaining antral follicles visible on the surface of the ovary ( n = 20 ovaries). We concluded that: (i) physiological status of bovine antral follicles (i.e. dominant versus subordinate) may impinge on the accumulation of TT4 in follicular fluid; and (ii) hormonal ovarian superstimulation increases circulating levels of FT4 and follicular fluid content of TT4.

Seasonal variations in testicular connexin levels and their regulation in the brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis

Spermatogenesis requires coordinated intercellular communication mediated by gap junctions. Gap junctions are composed of connexons that are themselves composed of connexins (Cxs). The present objective was to determine the regulation of testicular Cxs in a seasonal breeder, the brook trout. To assess seasonal variations in testicular Cxs, trout were sampled monthly throughout spermatogenesis (June-November). Circulating levels of testosterone (T) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) as well as mRNA levels for testicular androgen receptors (ar-alpha, ar-beta), thyroid hormone receptors (tr-alpha, tr-beta) and gonadotropin I receptor (rgthI) were measured. Plasma T levels peaked in October, one month prior to spawning, while 11-KT levels peaked at spawning. ar-alpha and ar-beta mRNA levels increased during spermatogenesis and peaked in November while tr-alpha, tr-beta mRNA levels stayed constant throughout spermatogenesis and increased dramatically in November. rgthI mRNA levels decreased progressively during spermatogenesis. Cx43 and Cx30 levels were constant during spermatogenesis and decreased in November. Cx31 levels were also constant during spermatogenesis but decreased dramatically in October and November. Cx43.4 levels peaked in July then decreased in September and levels were undetectable thereafter. Using in vitro cultures of testicular fragments we demonstrated that cx43 mRNA levels were regulated in a dose-response manner by 3,5,3'-triiodo-l-thyronine (0-370 nM) and cAMP (0-100 ng/ml) but levels were not regulated by 11-KT. These results indicate that testicular Cxs vary as a function of spermatogenesis and that the expression of cx43 in the trout testis is regulated by both cAMP and TH.

Molecular cloning, characterization and expression of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor in channel catfish

Thyroid-stimulating hormone receptors (TSHRs) are primarily expressed in the thyroid of vertebrates, however recently, transcripts encoding TSHR have been found abundantly in the gonads in a variety of fish species. The purpose of this study is to characterize the channel catfish TSHR and to examine whether the transcript are translated into protein in the gonad or store the transcript as maternal RNA for later use. The cDNA encoding the TSHR was isolated from the channel catfish thyroid but the transcript was determined to be expressed in a number of tissues, including the gonads. In fact, the ovarian expression of TSHR changed significantly during the reproductive season and peaked after the vitellogenic growth phase. Furthermore, the TSHR transcript was also detected in unfertilized eggs but not in fertilized egg of catfish. LM-PAT analysis demonstrated that catfish TSHR transcripts were fully polyadenylated in thyroidal follicles, gonads and unfertilized eggs suggesting that they were translated into protein opposed to being "stored mRNA". Western blot analysis using polyclonal antibodies against the catfish TSHR verified this assumption by visualizing immunoreactive protein in the thyroid, testis, and the post-vitellogenic ovary in abundance. A functional assay clearly showed that the recombinant catfish TSHR was specifically activated by bovine TSH but not by recombinant catfish follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). As in other species, the heterologous gonadotropin, hCG, partially activated the receptor. These results suggested that TSHR plays important roles for gametogenesis rather than embryogenesis.

Thyrotropin in teleost fish

Thyrotropin (TSH), a pituitary glycoprotein hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland, has been cloned and sequenced from over a dozen teleost fish species. Although TSH is established as a primary driver of systemic thyroid status in mammals, its importance in the regulation of fish thyroid function is still uncertain. We review recent studies indicating that TSH structure is highly conserved across species representing six teleost families. These studies have found TSH messenger RNA consistently expressed in teleost pituitary tissue, although ectopic expression, particularly in gonads, has also been observed. They have also provided evidence for negative feedback inhibition of TSH expression by thyroid hormones, as well as stimulation by hypothalamic peptides. Descriptive studies have found increased TSHbeta expression associated with life history events thought to be promoted by thyroid hormones. These results, coupled with the discovery of a G-protein coupled TSH receptor in several teleost species, supports an active and conserved role for TSH in the regulation of teleost thyroid function. The relative importance of central pathways in regulating thyroid hormone provision to targets and the identity of a proposed thyrotropin-inhibiting factor in teleost fish are still unanswered questions whose resolution will be facilitated by development of methods to measure circulating TSH and its secretion from the pituitary gland.

Sexually dimorphic expression of pituitary glycoprotein hormones in a sex-changing fish (Pseudolabrus sieboldi)

It is widely accepted that the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is involved in gonadal sex change in socially controlled sex-changing fish. However, the specific secretion profiles of pituitary gonadotropins (GtHs) in this type of fish are not known. To address this fundamental question, we demonstrated that the diurnal secretion patterns of GtHs differ distinctly between males and females in a socially controlled sex-changing fish. We analyzed the pituitary mRNA levels of glycoprotein hormone subunits (i.e., the common alpha-subunit and specific beta-subunits follicle-stimulating hormone beta, luteinizing hormone beta, and thyroid-stimulating hormone beta) in the wrasse Pseudolabrus sieboldi, which is a model fish that exhibits accurate diurnal rhythms of gametogenesis in both males and females. Northern blots clearly showed that each subunit gene exhibits a diurnal rhythm of expression in the pituitary and that the expression patterns differ distinctly between the sexes. Our results suggest that oogenesis and spermatogenesis in this hermaphroditic fish are regulated differentially through the distinct secretion patterns of pituitary glycoprotein hormones. This study also provides direct evidence of the sexual plasticity of pituitary GtH secretion in a socially controlled sex-changing fish.

Pituitary glycoprotein hormone receptors in non-endocrine organs

Although glycoprotein hormones are usually regarded as pituitary-endocrine signals, their receptors can be found in non-endocrine tissues. High expression of selected receptors in the pituitary-endocrine axis is key to mammalian endocrine regulation. We hypothesize that peripheral receptor distribution during development and in secondary organs reflects older but still-applicable functions, with their concentration in the pituitary a more recent evolutionary advancement. We extrapolate additional functions of these receptors by analogy of homologous receptors in older phyla, with emphasis on the bony fishes (teleosts). Studies of the multiple roles of the glycoprotein hormone receptors are likely to uncover novel endocrine functions and axes, and highlight the potential of these receptors as novel therapeutic targets.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis in fish and its role in fish development and reproduction

Bony fishes represent the largest vertebrate class and are a very diverse animal group. This chapter provides a thorough review of the available scientific literature on the thyroid system in these important vertebrate animals. The molecular components of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis in this group correspond closely to those of mammals. The thyroid tissue in the fishes is organized as diffuse follicles, with a few exceptions, rather than as an encapsulated gland as is found in most other vertebrate species. The features of this diffuse tissue in fishes are reviewed with an emphasis on feedback relationships within the HPT axis, the molecular biology of the thyroid system in fishes, and comparisons versus the thyroid systems of other vertebrate taxa. A review of the role of thyroid hormone in fish development and reproduction is included. Available information about the HPT axis in fishes is quite detailed for some species and rather limited or absent in others. This review focuses on species that have been intensively studied for their value as laboratory models in assays to investigate disruption in normal function of the thyroid system. In addition, in vitro and in vivo assay methods for screening chemicals for their potential to interfere with the thyroid system are reviewed. It is concluded that there are currently no in vitro or in vivo assays in fish species that are sufficiently developed to warrant recommendation for use to efficiently screen chemicals for thyroid disruption. Methods are available that can be used to measure thyroid hormones, although our ability to interpret the causes and implications of potential alterations in T4 or T3 levels in fishes is nonetheless limited without further research.

Molecular characterization and seasonal changes in gonadal expression of a thyrotropin receptor in the European sea bass

The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a glycoprotein synthesized and secreted from thyrotrophs of the anterior pituitary gland. It acts by binding to and activating its specific receptor, the TSHR, to induce the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones. Recent studies conducted in diverse fish species suggest a direct role of TSH on gonadal physiology. In this work, we describe the cloning of a cDNA encoding a TSHR which was isolated from the gonads of the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). The mature protein displays typical features of the members of the glycoprotein hormone receptor family and shows the highest amino acid sequence identity with the TSHRs of other fish species. An insertion of approximately 50 amino acids, specific for the TSHR subfamily is also present in the carboxyl end of the extracellular domain of the sbsTSHR. By RT-PCR analysis, we demonstrate the extrathyroidal expression of sbsTSHR in numerous tissues of the sea bass. Also, two transcripts that differ in the length of their 3' untranslated regions were found. They reflect the use of alternative polyadenylation cleavage sites. Seasonal changes in sbsTSHR mRNA levels in female and male sea bass during the first ovarian and testicular recrudescence suggest that in females the TSHR could participate in active vitellogenesis and in the regulation of gamete maturation and ovulation, whereas in males, the TSHR would be involved in the regulation of processes that occur during the early stages of the gonadal development and also of gamete maturation and spermiation. The results of this work indicate that a sbsTSHR has been cloned from the testis of the European sea bass and they provide the basis for future studies concerning the function of TSHR in this species.

Molecular cloning, tissue distribution, and ontogenic thyroidal expression of the chicken thyrotropin receptor

TSH and the interaction with its receptor (TSHR) in the thyroid gland play a crucial role in the pituitary-thyroid axis of all vertebrates. Released upon stimulation by TSH, thyroid hormones influence numerous processes in the body and are extremely important during the last week of chicken embryonic development. In this study, we have cloned and functionally characterized the chicken TSHR (cTSHR), which was found to be a G protein-coupled receptor consisting of 10 exons. Besides the full-length cDNA, we detected two splice variants lacking either exon 3, or exons 2 and 3, both part of the extracellular domain of the receptor. Bovine TSH increased intracellular cAMP levels in HEK-239 cells transiently expressing the full-length cTSHR (EC50 = 1.43 nm). In situ hybridization showed the expression of cTSHR mRNA in the thyroidal follicular cells. cTSHR mRNA expression, as determined by real-time PCR, was also found in several other tissues such as brain, pituitary, pineal gland, and retina, suggesting that the TSH-TSHR interaction is not only important in regulating thyroid function. TSHR mRNA expression in the thyroid gland did not change significantly during the last week of embryonic development, which suggests that an increased thyroidal sensitivity is not part of the cause of the concomitant increasing T4 levels.

Thiourea-induced thyroid hormone depletion impairs testicular recrudescence in the air-breathing catfish, Clarias gariepinus

We used thiourea-induced thyroid hormone depletion as a strategy to understand the influence of thyroid hormones on testicular recrudescence of the air-breathing catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Treatment with 0.03% thiourea via immersion for 21 days induced hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone depletion) as evidenced by significantly reduced serum T(3) levels. Thiourea-treated males had narrowed seminiferous lobules with fewer spermatozoa in testis, very little or no secretory fluid, reduced protein and sialic acid levels in seminal vesicles when compared to controls. The histological changes were accompanied by reduction in serum and tissue levels of testosterone (T) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), a potent male specific androgen in fish. Qualitative changes in the localization of catfish gonadotropin-releasing hormone (cfGnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH, heterologous system) revealed a reduction in the distribution of immunoreactive neuronal cells and fibers in thyroid depleted fish. Interestingly, thiourea-withdrawal group showed physiological and histological signs of recovery after 21 days such as reappearance of spermatozoa and partial restoration of 11-KT and T levels. These data demonstrate that thyroid hormones play a significant role in testicular function of catfish. The mechanism of action includes modulating sex steroids either directly or through the hypothalamo (GnRH)-hypophyseal (LH) axis.

Fish and chips: various methodologies demonstrate utility of a 16,006-gene salmonid microarray

Background

We have developed and fabricated a salmonid microarray containing cDNAs representing 16,006 genes. The genes spotted on the array have been stringently selected from Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout expressed sequence tag (EST) databases. The EST databases presently contain over 300,000 sequences from over 175 salmonid cDNA libraries derived from a wide variety of tissues and different developmental stages. In order to evaluate the utility of the microarray, a number of hybridization techniques and screening methods have been developed and tested.

Results

We have analyzed and evaluated the utility of a microarray containing 16,006 (16K) salmonid cDNAs in a variety of potential experimental settings. We quantified the amount of transcriptome binding that occurred in cross-species, organ complexity and intraspecific variation hybridization studies. We also developed a methodology to rapidly identify and confirm the contents of a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library containing Atlantic salmon genomic DNA.

Conclusion

We validate and demonstrate the usefulness of the 16K microarray over a wide range of teleosts, even for transcriptome targets from species distantly related to salmonids. We show the potential of the use of the microarray in a variety of experimental settings through hybridization studies that examine the binding of targets derived from different organs and tissues. Intraspecific variation in transcriptome expression is evaluated and discussed. Finally, BAC hybridizations are demonstrated as a rapid and accurate means to identify gene content.

Fish FSH receptors bind LH: how to make the human FSH receptor to be more fishy?

In mammals, the interactions between glycoprotein hormones and their cognate receptors are highly specific; unintended cross-reactivity under normal physiological conditions has not been observed. The interactions between fish gonadotropins and their receptors, on the other hand, appeared to be less discriminatory. For example, the catfish follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor was highly responsive to both catfish luteinizing hormone (LH) and catfish FSH. Similarly, the FSH receptor of coho salmon bound both salmon FSH and LH. In contrast, LH receptors of both species were found to be rather specific for their cognate LH. This paper intends to summarize the current situation with special emphasis to our comparative structure-function studies that aim at elucidating the molecular basis of ligand selectivity (in mammals) and ligand promiscuity (in fish).

Differential expression of thyroid-stimulating hormone beta subunit in gonads during sex reversal of orange-spotted and red-spotted groupers

We have cloned and characterized the full-length cDNA encoding thyroid-stimulating hormone beta-subunit (TSHbeta) from orange-spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides. It contains 913 nucleotides with an open reading frame encoding 146 amino acids with a 20 amino acid signal peptide. The grouper mature TSHbeta has 75, 70, 61, 59, 41, 42 and 40% identities to that of rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon, zebrafish, European eel, chicken, mouse and human, respectively. RT-PCR analysis indicated that the TSHbeta mRNA was expressed abundantly not only in pituitary but also in gonads. A more interesting finding is to reveal the differential TSHbeta expressions between the ovaries and the transitional gonads or testes in natural individuals of orange-spotted grouper and red-spotted grouper Epinephelus akaara, and in artificial sex reversal individuals of red-spotted grouper induced by MT feeding. In situ hybridization localization provided direct evidence that the TSHbeta was transcribed in the germ cells. In the growing oocytes, the TSHbeta transcripts were concentrated on the ooplasm periphery. In testicular tissues, the intensively expressed TSHbeta cells were found to be spermatogonia and spermatocytes in the spermatogenic cysts. This is the first report of a TSHbeta expressed in the gonads of any vertebrates in addition to the expected expression in the pituitary, and it expresses more transcripts in the gonads during sex reversal or testis than in the ovaries both in E. coioides and E. akaara. Importantly, the TSHbeta identification in germ cells allows us to further investigate the functional roles and the molecular mechanisms in gametogenesis of groupers, especially in sex reversal and in spermatogenesis.

Evolutionary divergence of thyrotropin receptor structure

The availability of 18 thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) sequences, including two recent entries for primates and seven from fish, have allowed us to investigate diversification of residues or domains during evolution. We used a likelihood ratio test for evolutionary rate shifts [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 98 (2001) 14512] using LH/CGR sequences as an out-group. At each residue in the alignment, a statistical test was performed for a rate shift at the divergence between mammals and fish. Eighty-two rate shift sites were found, significantly more than was expected (p < 0.0001). The occurrence of rate shifts was highest in the intracellular tail, lowest in the transmembrane serpentine and intermediate in the ectodomain. In 52 mammalian sites, the rates were significantly faster than for the corresponding sites in fish. We have identified rate shift in sites important to TSHR function or in intimate proximity to such regions. The former category includes residues 53 and 55 (of LLR1 beta strand) and 253 and 255 (of LLR9 beta strand), crucial to TSH thyrotropic activity, residue 113, the site of N-linked glycosylation limited to humans, residue 310, an important switch in the hinge region for receptor binding and constitutive activity and residue 382 which centres a motif important for TSH-mediated receptor activation. The rate shifts positions close to functional region include a site proximal to a TSHR-specific motif on LLR3 beta strand, sites important in TM helix structure and homodimerization as well as, in the case of the third intracellular loop, to TSHR/G protein coupling. Rate shift analyses have identified residues whose manipulation in the human TSHR may lead to better understanding of receptor functions and help in the creation of designer analogues.

Molecular cloning, sequencing and functional expression of porcine thyrotropin (TSH) receptor cDNA1)

We directly sequenced PCR fragments amplified from a porcine thyroid cDNA library with various synthetic primers based on the nucleotide sequence of bovine thyrotropin receptor (bTSHR) cDNA. A nucleotide sequence of 2410 bp was determined and its deduced amino acid sequence contained an open reading frame coding 764 amino acids, which showed 91.8% and 89.5% similarity to bTSHR and human TSH receptor, respectively. A hydrophobicity plot of the porcine protein suggested that it had a putative signal peptide and seven transmembrane domains. Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with the cDNA could be specifically bound to bovine TSH (bTSH) and increased the intracellular cAMP level in response to bTSH and Graves' disease patients' sera stimulation.

Evolution of the thyrotropin receptor: a G protein coupled receptor with an intrinsic capacity to dimerize

The rapidly escalating number of genome sequences has emphasized the basic tenants of the schema of life. By the same token comparisons according to specialized function or niche within nature expose genomic strategies to optimize the use of resources and ensure biological success. Increasing complexity may result from diversification, shuffling, and re-arrangement of an otherwise limited functional genomic complement. To further test the concept of relative structural plasticity of the TSH receptor we sequenced the TSHR gene of two Old World monkey species Macaca mulatta and Cercopithecus aethiops, evolutionary removed from Homo sapiens by >20Myr. Both genes encoded a protein of 764 residues. This structure was 99% homologous between the two species of Old World monkeys while C. aethiops was 97% and M. mulatta was 96% homologous to H. sapiens. TSHR sequence comparisons were sought for an additional eight mammals as well as four (two Salmon, Tilapia, and Sea Bass) from teleosts. The amino-acid sequences of the 14 TSH receptors were similar. The most variable sequences were those of the intracellular tail and the distal cysteine-rich C-terminus flanking region of the ectodomain, whereas the trans-membrane domain was most preserved. Some sequences were decidedly H. sapiens specific, while others were primate specific or showed the changes expected of evolutionary descent. Others, however, exhibited "cross-species polymorphism," sometimes at quite remarkable evolutionary distances. As opposed to H. sapiens the sequence differences may have subtle influences on TSHR function or may affect long-range compensation for radical changes in adducts. The two Old World monkeys share with other lower mammals the absence of a glycosylation site at 113-115. Sea Bass and Tilapia have four glycosylation sites, whereas the two salmon receptors have only three. Changes in some critical residues raise questions about variation in function: thus S281 is conserved in all mammals and an important determinant of negative agonist function of TSHR is replaced by R in Sea Bass. Likewise the K183, found at an important transitional region at LRR 6 conserved in all mammals, is represented by M in fish and may contribute to TSHR lutenization in fish. There is no evidence that evolutionary changes in primate receptors are more rapid than that in other mammals and the separation times of different mammals based on silent nucleotide changes of TSHR are closely parallel to archaeological estimates. Results of correlated mutation analysis, referenced to the rhodopsin crystal structure, affirms dimerization of TSHR transmembrane helices. In addition, it suggests the involvement of critical lipid-facing residues in the helices in receptor dimerization and oligomerization. We highlight the value of evolutionary informatics and set the stage for dissecting out potential subtle differences in TSHR function associated with structural variations.

Thyrotropin, follitropin, and chorionic gonadotropin expressed as a single multifunctional unit reveal remarkable permissiveness in receptor-ligand interactions

The glycoprotein hormones [chorionic gonadotropin (CG), FSH, LH, and TSH] are composed of a common alpha-subunit and a hormone-specific beta-subunit. Subunit assembly is vital to the in vivo function of these hormones. However, recent in vitro studies using double domain (beta-alpha) and triple domain (beta-beta-alpha) single chains have shown that gonadotropin receptor recognition can accommodate conformationally modified ligands. To investigate the extent of flexibility of ligand-receptor interactions, we constructed a single chain tetramer containing three different beta-subunits (TSHbeta, FSHbeta, and CGbeta) and a single alpha-subunit. This analog was inefficiently secreted from transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells, but surprisingly, the protein exhibited all activities comparable to the corresponding heterodimers. Because the alpha-subunit presumably cannot form the entire array of heterodimeric contacts with all beta-subunits simultaneously in the tetra-domain analog, the data show that the complete quaternary subunit-subunit interactions are essential for the efficient intracellular trafficking of the glycoprotein hormones, but not for receptor recognition. From an evolutionary perspective, the organization of such a multifunctional analog is consistent with the hypothesis that glycoprotein hormone genes were originally linked in tandem and subsequently evolved as independent genes. Our results also indicate that both gonadal and thyroid stimulatory functions can be combined in a unique analog.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor structure-function relationships

This review focuses on recent advances in the structure-function relationships of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and its receptor. TSH is a member of the glycoprotein hormone family constituting a subset of the cystine-knot growth factor superfamily. TSH is produced by the pituitary thyrotrophs and released to the circulation in a pulsatile manner. It stimulates thyroid functions using specific membrane TSH receptor (TSHR) that belongs to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). New insights into the structure-function relationships of TSH permitted better understanding of the role of specific protein and carbohydrate domains in the synthesis, bioactivity, and clearance of this hormone. Recent progress in studies on TSHR as well as studies on the other GPCRs provided new clues regarding the molecular mechanisms of receptor activation. Such advances are a result of extensive site-directed mutagenesis, peptide and antibody approaches, detailed sequence analyses, and molecular modeling as well as studies on naturally occurring gain- and loss-of-function mutations. This review integrates expanding information on TSH and TSHR structure-function relationships and summarizes current concepts on ligand-dependent and -independent TSHR activation. Special emphasis has been placed on TSH domains involved in receptor recognition, constitutive activity of TSHR, new insights into the evolution of TSH bioactivity, and the development of high-affinity TSH analogs. Such structural, physiological, pathophysiological, evolutionary, and therapeutic implications of TSH-TSHR structure-function studies are frequently discussed in relation to concomitant progress made in studies on gonadotropins and their receptors.

Molecular biology of the channel catfish gonadotropin receptors: 2. Complementary DNA cloning, functional expression, and seasonal gene expression of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor

Molecular cloning of the channel catfish FSH receptor is reported together with temporal changes in the gene expression throughout a reproductive cycle. A cDNA encoding the receptor was isolated from the testis using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) procedures. The cDNA coded for a 662-amino acid protein that was most identical (51%-59%) to salmon gonadotropin receptor I and the FSH receptors of higher vertebrates, and less identical to LH receptors and thyrotropin receptors (45%-49% and 46%-47%, respectively). In addition, PCR analysis of the genomic DNA showed the absence of the LH receptor-specific intron. Expression of the channel catfish FSH receptor gene was highly restricted to the testis and ovary, except for a low-level expression in the spleen. Transfected COS cells expressed an active recombinant receptor as determined by the ligand-specific activation of a cAMP-responsive reporter gene (luciferase). The recombinant receptor was activated by human FSH and, to a small extent, hCG. Seasonal changes in the ovarian expression of the FSH receptor gene, examined by measuring the transcript abundance by quantitative real-time RT-PCR, showed a rise around the time of onset of ovarian recrudescence and a decrease prior to spawning. This pattern of seasonal expression of FSH receptor differs significantly from that of the LH receptor, which we reported recently. The differential expression of the two gonadotropin receptor genes, in addition to the differential secretion of the gonadotropic hormones, seem to be critical for the regulation of steroidogenesis and other gonadal physiological processes.