1
|
Murata T, Chiba S, Kawaminami M. Activin A specifically suppresses the expression of annexin A5 mRNA and augments gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation of A1 expression in LβT2 gonadotrope cells. Endocr J 2022; 69:1193-1200. [PMID: 35584931 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej22-0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we reported that gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates annexin A1 (Anxa1) and A5 (Anxa5) mRNA expression through the GnRH-receptor-mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade in LβT2 cells. As LβT2 cells respond to activin, we examined the effect of activin A on Anxa1 and a5 expression in LβT2 cells. Activin A (0.4 and 4 ng/mL) treatment decreased Anxa5 mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner, but did not affect Anxa1 mRNA levels at concentrations up to 40 ng/mL. After activin A treatment (4 ng/mL), Anxa5 mRNA levels significantly decreased at 6 h, gradually declined until 24 h, and remained low until 48 h, whereas Anxa1 mRNA levels did not significantly change following treatment. Pretreatment with activin A for 24 h increased GnRH agonist (GnRHa)-induced Anxa1 increase by approximately 7-fold compared with GnRHa stimulation alone, but Anxa5 was not affected. As previously reported, these activin A treatments increased gonadotropin β subunit and GnRH receptor mRNA levels and slightly decreased common α-glycoprotein subunit mRNA levels. Furthermore, we examined the effect of activin A on Nr4a3, which is repressed by ANXA5 and which reduces Fshb expression, and found that activin A augmented Nr4a3 expression and slightly decreased the GnRHa-induced increase in Nr4a3. These results suggest that in gonadotrope cells, the mechanism regulating Anxa1 and a5 expression is differentially coupled with activin A signal transduction. Activin A suppresses Anxa5 expression under increased Nr4a3 expression, whereas activin A and GnRH synergistically stimulate Anxa1 expression. These GnRH-inducible annexins may have different specific functions in gonadotropes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Murata
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Ehime 794-8555, Japan
| | - Shuichi Chiba
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Ehime 794-8555, Japan
| | - Mitsumori Kawaminami
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Ehime 794-8555, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Stamatiades GA, Toufaily C, Kim HK, Zhou X, Thompson IR, Carroll RS, Chen M, Weinstein LS, Offermanns S, Boehm U, Bernard DJ, Kaiser UB. Deletion of Gαq/11 or Gαs Proteins in Gonadotropes Differentially Affects Gonadotropin Production and Secretion in Mice. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6453384. [PMID: 34864945 PMCID: PMC8711759 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) regulates gonadal function via its stimulatory effects on gonadotropin production by pituitary gonadotrope cells. GnRH is released from the hypothalamus in pulses and GnRH pulse frequency differentially regulates follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) synthesis and secretion. The GnRH receptor (GnRHR) is a G protein-coupled receptor that canonically activates Gα q/11-dependent signaling on ligand binding. However, the receptor can also couple to Gα s and in vitro data suggest that toggling between different G proteins may contribute to GnRH pulse frequency decoding. For example, as we show here, knockdown of Gα s impairs GnRH-stimulated FSH synthesis at low- but not high-pulse frequency in a model gonadotrope-derived cell line. We next used a Cre-lox conditional knockout approach to interrogate the relative roles of Gα q/11 and Gα s proteins in gonadotrope function in mice. Gonadotrope-specific Gα q/11 knockouts exhibit hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and infertility, akin to the phenotypes seen in GnRH- or GnRHR-deficient mice. In contrast, under standard conditions, gonadotrope-specific Gα s knockouts produce gonadotropins at normal levels and are fertile. However, the LH surge amplitude is blunted in Gα s knockout females and postgonadectomy increases in FSH and LH are reduced both in males and females. These data suggest that GnRH may signal principally via Gα q/11 to stimulate gonadotropin production, but that Gα s plays important roles in gonadotrope function in vivo when GnRH secretion is enhanced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George A Stamatiades
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- University of Crete, School of Medicine, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Chirine Toufaily
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, H3G 1Y6 Québec, Canada
| | - Han Kyeol Kim
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, H3G 1Y6 Québec, Canada
| | - Iain R Thompson
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Rona S Carroll
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Min Chen
- Metabolic Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - Lee S Weinstein
- Metabolic Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - Stefan Offermanns
- Department of Pharmacology, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Ulrich Boehm
- Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University School of Medicine, 66424 Homburg, Germany
| | - Daniel J Bernard
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, H3G 1Y6 Québec, Canada
| | - Ursula B Kaiser
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Correspondence: Ursula B. Kaiser, MD, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 221 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Recchia K, Jorge AS, Pessôa LVDF, Botigelli RC, Zugaib VC, de Souza AF, Martins DDS, Ambrósio CE, Bressan FF, Pieri NCG. Actions and Roles of FSH in Germinative Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10110. [PMID: 34576272 PMCID: PMC8470522 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland in a coordinated hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis event, plays important roles in reproduction and germ cell development during different phases of reproductive development (fetal, neonatal, puberty, and adult life), and is consequently essential for fertility. FSH is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone of two dissociable subunits, α and β. The FSH β-subunit (FSHβ) function starts upon coupling to its specific receptor: follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR). FSHRs are localized mainly on the surface of target cells on the testis and ovary (granulosa and Sertoli cells) and have recently been found in testicular stem cells and extra-gonadal tissue. Several reproduction disorders are associated with absent or low FSH secretion, with mutation of the FSH β-subunit or the FSH receptor, and/or its signaling pathways. However, the influence of FSH on germ cells is still poorly understood; some studies have suggested that this hormone also plays a determinant role in the self-renewal of germinative cells and acts to increase undifferentiated spermatogonia proliferation. In addition, in vitro, together with other factors, it assists the process of differentiation of primordial germ cells (PGCLCs) into gametes (oocyte-like and SSCLCs). In this review, we describe relevant research on the influence of FSH on spermatogenesis and folliculogenesis, mainly in the germ cell of humans and other species. The possible roles of FSH in germ cell generation in vitro are also presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaiana Recchia
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01001-010, Brazil; (K.R.); (F.F.B.)
| | - Amanda Soares Jorge
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil; (A.S.J.); (L.V.d.F.P.); (R.C.B.); (V.C.Z.); (D.d.S.M.); (C.E.A.)
| | - Laís Vicari de Figueiredo Pessôa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil; (A.S.J.); (L.V.d.F.P.); (R.C.B.); (V.C.Z.); (D.d.S.M.); (C.E.A.)
| | - Ramon Cesar Botigelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil; (A.S.J.); (L.V.d.F.P.); (R.C.B.); (V.C.Z.); (D.d.S.M.); (C.E.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Cristiane Zugaib
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil; (A.S.J.); (L.V.d.F.P.); (R.C.B.); (V.C.Z.); (D.d.S.M.); (C.E.A.)
| | - Aline Fernanda de Souza
- Department Biomedical Science, Ontary Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
| | - Daniele dos Santos Martins
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil; (A.S.J.); (L.V.d.F.P.); (R.C.B.); (V.C.Z.); (D.d.S.M.); (C.E.A.)
| | - Carlos Eduardo Ambrósio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil; (A.S.J.); (L.V.d.F.P.); (R.C.B.); (V.C.Z.); (D.d.S.M.); (C.E.A.)
| | - Fabiana Fernandes Bressan
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01001-010, Brazil; (K.R.); (F.F.B.)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil; (A.S.J.); (L.V.d.F.P.); (R.C.B.); (V.C.Z.); (D.d.S.M.); (C.E.A.)
| | - Naira Caroline Godoy Pieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil; (A.S.J.); (L.V.d.F.P.); (R.C.B.); (V.C.Z.); (D.d.S.M.); (C.E.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Advances in the Regulation of Mammalian Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Secretion. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11041134. [PMID: 33921032 PMCID: PMC8071398 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The reproduction of mammals is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Follicle stimulating hormone, as one of the gonadotropins secreted by the pituitary gland, plays an immeasurable role. This article mainly reviews the molecular basis and classical signaling pathways that regulate the synthesis and secretion of follicle stimulating hormone, and summarizes its internal molecular mechanism, which provides a certain theoretical basis for the research of mammalian reproduction regulation and the application of follicle stimulating hormone in production practice. Abstract Mammalian reproduction is mainly driven and regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which is synthesized and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, is a key regulator that ultimately affects animal fertility. As a dimeric glycoprotein hormone, the biological specificity of FSH is mainly determined by the β subunit. As research techniques are being continuously innovated, studies are exploring the underlying molecular mechanism regulating the secretion of mammalian FSH. This article will review the current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways systematically regulating FSH synthesis and will present the latest hypothesis about the nuclear cross-talk among the various endocrine-induced pathways for transcriptional regulation of the FSH β subunit. This article will provide novel ideas and potential targets for the improved use of FSH in livestock breeding and therapeutic development.
Collapse
|
5
|
Zmijewska A, Czelejewska W, Waszkiewicz EM, Gajewska A, Okrasa S, Franczak A. Transcriptomic analysis of the porcine anterior pituitary gland during the peri-implantation period. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:1434-1445. [PMID: 32745313 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The peri-implantation period is controlled by signals originating from hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, uterus and developing embryos. The transcriptomic activity of the anterior pituitary gland may be important for the control of the peri-implantation period. The aim of this study was to determine the alternations in the transcriptomic profile of porcine anterior pituitary gland during the peri-implantation period (days 15-16 of pregnancy) in comparison with established for the respective days of the oestrous cycle. Analysis using a microarray approach indicated that the 651 genes (fold-change ˂1.2; p ≤ .05) were differentially expressed (DEGs) in the anterior pituitary of pigs during the peri-implantation period when compared to cyclic females. Of these DEGs, 404 were upregulated and 247 downregulated. Analysis of occurred relationships among DEGs revealed that some of them are involved in steroid-response and oestrogen synthesis, FSH secretion, immune response, PPAR signalling pathway and the potential for DNA methylation. In conclusion, the altered transcriptomic profile of the porcine pituitary gland in pigs during the peri-implantation period indicates the role of embryos presence in the creation of transcriptomic activity of the pituitary gland in pigs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agata Zmijewska
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Wioleta Czelejewska
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ewa M Waszkiewicz
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Alina Gajewska
- Department of Animal Physiology, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Science, Jablonna, Poland
| | - Stanislaw Okrasa
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Anita Franczak
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kim T, Li D, Terasaka T, Nicholas DA, Knight VS, Yang JJ, Lawson MA. SRXN1 Is Necessary for Resolution of GnRH-Induced Oxidative Stress and Induction of Gonadotropin Gene Expression. Endocrinology 2019; 160:2543-2555. [PMID: 31504396 PMCID: PMC6779075 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A defining characteristic of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad reproductive endocrine axis is the episodic secretion of the pituitary gonadotropin hormones LH and FSH by the anterior pituitary gonadotropes. Hormone secretion is dictated by pulsatile stimulation, with GnRH released by hypothalamic neurons that bind and activate the G protein-coupled GnRH receptor expressed by gonadotropes. Hormone secretion and synthesis of gonadotropins are influenced by the amplitude and frequency of GnRH stimulation; variation in either affects the proportion of LH and FSH secreted and the differential regulation of hormone subunit gene expression. Therefore, proper decoding of GnRH signals is essential for appropriate gonadotropin synthesis and secretion. The GnRH receptor robustly activates downstream signaling cascades to facilitate exocytosis and stimulate gene expression and protein synthesis. It is necessary to rapidly quench signaling to preserve sensitivity and adaptability to changing pulse patterns. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by receptor-activated oxidases fulfill the role of rapid signaling intermediates that facilitate robust and transient signaling. However, excess ROS can be detrimental and, unchecked, can confuse signal interpretation. We demonstrate that sulfiredoxin (SRXN1), an ATP-dependent reductase, is essential for normal responses to GnRH receptor signaling and plays a central role in resolution of ROS induced by GnRH stimulation. SRXN1 expression is mitogen-activated protein kinase dependent, and knockdown reduces Lhb and Fshb glycoprotein hormone subunit mRNA and promoter activity. Loss of SRXN1 leads to increased basal and GnRH-stimulated ROS levels. We conclude that SRXN1 is essential for normal responses to GnRH stimulation and plays an important role in ROS management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taeshin Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Danmei Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Tomohiro Terasaka
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Dequina A Nicholas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Vashti S Knight
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Joyce J Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Mark A Lawson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Correspondence: Mark A. Lawson, PhD, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego Mail Code 0674, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ruf-Zamojski F, Ge Y, Nair V, Zamojski M, Pincas H, Toufaily C, Tome-Garcia J, Stoeckius M, Stephenson W, Smith GR, Bernard DJ, Tsankova NM, Hartmann BM, Fribourg M, Smibert P, Swerdlow H, Turgeon JL, Sealfon SC. Single-cell stabilization method identifies gonadotrope transcriptional dynamics and pituitary cell type heterogeneity. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:11370-11380. [PMID: 30357357 PMCID: PMC6265460 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immediate-early response genes (IEGs) are rapidly and transiently induced following an extracellular signal. Elucidating the IEG response patterns in single cells (SCs) requires assaying large numbers of timed samples at high accuracy while minimizing handling effects. To achieve this, we developed and validated RNA stabilization Buffer for Examination of Single-cell Transcriptomes (RNA-Best), a versatile single-step cell and tissue preservation protocol that stabilizes RNA in intact SCs without perturbing transcription patterns. We characterize for the first time SC heterogeneity in IEG responses to pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimuli in pituitary gonadotrope cells. Our study identifies a gene-specific hierarchical pattern of all-or-none transcript induction elicited by increasing concentrations of GnRH. This quantal pattern of gene activation raises the possibility that IEG activation, when accurately resolved at the SC level, may be mediated by gene bits that behave as pure binary switches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederique Ruf-Zamojski
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yongchao Ge
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Venugopalan Nair
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Michel Zamojski
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Hanna Pincas
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Chirine Toufaily
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Jessica Tome-Garcia
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | | | | | - Gregory R Smith
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Daniel J Bernard
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Nadejda M Tsankova
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Boris M Hartmann
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Miguel Fribourg
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | | | | | - Judith L Turgeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Stuart C Sealfon
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ruf-Zamojski F, Ge Y, Pincas H, Shan J, Song Y, Hines N, Kelley K, Montagna C, Nair P, Toufaily C, Bernard DJ, Mellon PL, Nair V, Turgeon JL, Sealfon SC. Cytogenetic, Genomic, and Functional Characterization of Pituitary Gonadotrope Cell Lines. J Endocr Soc 2019; 3:902-920. [PMID: 31020055 PMCID: PMC6469952 DOI: 10.1210/js.2019-00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
LβT2 and αT3-1 are important, widely studied cell line models for the pituitary gonadotropes that were generated by targeted tumorigenesis in transgenic mice. LβT2 cells are more mature gonadotrope precursors than αT3-1 cells. Microsatellite authentication patterns, chromosomal characteristics, and their intercellular variation have not been reported. We performed microsatellite and cytogenetic analysis of both cell types at early passage numbers. Short tandem repeat (STR) profiling was consistent with a mixed C57BL/6J × BALB/cJ genetic background, with distinct patterns for each cell type. Spectral karyotyping in αT3-1 cells revealed cell-to-cell variation in chromosome composition and pseudodiploidy. In LβT2 cells, chromosome counting and karyotyping demonstrated pseudotriploidy and high chromosomal variation among cells. Chromosome copy number variation was confirmed by single-cell DNA sequencing. Chromosomal compositions were consistent with a male sex for αT3-1 and a female sex for LβT2 cells. Among LβT2 stocks used in multiple laboratories, we detected two genetically similar but distinguishable lines via STR authentication, LβT2a and LβT2b. The two lines differed in morphological appearance, with LβT2a having significantly smaller cell and nucleus areas. Analysis of immediate early gene and gonadotropin subunit gene expression revealed variations in basal expression and responses to continuous and pulsatile GnRH stimulation. LβT2a showed higher basal levels of Egr1, Fos, and Lhb but lower Fos induction. Fshb induction reached significance only in LβT2b cells. Our study highlights the heterogeneity in gonadotrope cell line genomes and provides reference STR authentication patterns that can be monitored to improve experimental reproducibility and facilitate comparisons of results within and across laboratories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederique Ruf-Zamojski
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Yongchao Ge
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Hanna Pincas
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Jidong Shan
- Molecular Cytogenetic Core, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Yinghui Song
- Molecular Cytogenetic Core, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Nika Hines
- Mouse Genetics and Gene Targeting CoRE, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Kevin Kelley
- Mouse Genetics and Gene Targeting CoRE, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Cristina Montagna
- Molecular Cytogenetic Core, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Pranav Nair
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Chirine Toufaily
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Daniel J Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pamela L Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Venugopalan Nair
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Judith L Turgeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California
| | - Stuart C Sealfon
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
The hypothalamic decapeptide, GnRH, is the gatekeeper of mammalian reproductive development and function. Activation of specific, high-affinity cell surface receptors (GnRH receptors) on gonadotropes by GnRH triggers signal transduction cascades to stimulate the coordinated synthesis and secretion of the pituitary gonadotropins FSH and LH. These hormones direct gonadal steroidogenesis and gametogenesis, making their tightly regulated production and secretion essential for normal sexual maturation and reproductive health. FSH and LH are glycoprotein heterodimers comprised of a common α-subunit and a unique β-subunit (FSHβ and LHβ, respectively), which determines the biological specificity of the gonadotropins. The unique β-subunit is the rate-limiting step for the production of the mature gonadotropins. Therefore, FSH synthesis is regulated at the transcriptional level by Fshb gene expression. The overarching goal of this review is to expand our understanding of the mechanisms and pathways underlying the carefully orchestrated control of FSH synthesis and secretion by GnRH, focusing on the transcriptional regulation of the Fshb gene. Identification of these regulatory mechanisms is not only fundamental to our understanding of normal reproductive function but will also provide a context for the elucidation of the pathophysiology of reproductive disorders and infertility to lead to potential new therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George A Stamatiades
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Yale New Haven Health, Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, Connecticut
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Rona S Carroll
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ursula B Kaiser
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Correspondence: Ursula B. Kaiser, MD, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 221 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hu KL, Chang HM, Li R, Yu Y, Qiao J. Regulation of LH secretion by RFRP-3 - From the hypothalamus to the pituitary. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 52:12-21. [PMID: 29608929 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RFamide-related peptides (RFRPs) have long been identified as inhibitors of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis in mammals. However, less progress has been made in the detailed roles of RFRPs in the control of LH secretion. Recent studies have suggested that RFRP-3 neurons in the hypothalamus can regulate the secretion of LH at different levels, including kisspeptin neurons, GnRH neurons, and the pituitary. Additionally, conflicting results regarding the effects of RFRP-3 on these levels exist. In this review, we collect the latest evidence related to the effects of RFRP-3 neurons in regulating LH secretion by acting on kisspeptin neurons, GnRH neurons, and the pituitary and discuss the potential role of the timely reduction of RFRP-3 signaling in the modulation of the preovulatory LH surge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Lun Hu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Rong Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Jie Qiao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Coss D. Regulation of reproduction via tight control of gonadotropin hormone levels. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 463:116-130. [PMID: 28342855 PMCID: PMC6457911 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian reproduction is controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. GnRH from the hypothalamus regulates synthesis and secretion of gonadotropins, LH and FSH, which then control steroidogenesis and gametogenesis. In females, serum LH and FSH levels exhibit rhythmic changes throughout the menstrual or estrous cycle that are correlated with pulse frequency of GnRH. Lack of gonadotropins leads to infertility or amenorrhea. Dysfunctions in the tightly controlled ratio due to levels slightly outside the normal range occur in a larger number of women and are correlated with polycystic ovaries and premature ovarian failure. Since the etiology of these disorders is largely unknown, studies in cell and mouse models may provide novel candidates for investigations in human population. Hence, understanding the mechanisms whereby GnRH regulates gonadotropin hormone levels will provide insight into the physiology and pathophysiology of the reproductive system. This review discusses recent advances in our understanding of GnRH regulation of gonadotropin synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Djurdjica Coss
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hernández-Ramírez LC, Trivellin G, Stratakis CA. Cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling in the anterior pituitary gland in health and disease. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 463:72-86. [PMID: 28822849 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) was the first among the so-called "second messengers" to be described. It is conserved in most organisms and functions as a signal transducer by mediating the intracellular effects of multiple hormones and neurotransmitters. In this review, we first delineate how different members of the cAMP pathway ensure its correct compartmentalization and activity, mediate the terminal intracellular effects, and allow the crosstalk with other signaling pathways. We then focus on the pituitary gland, where cAMP exerts a crucial function by controlling the responsiveness of the cells to hypothalamic hormones, neurotransmitters and peripheral factors. We discuss the most relevant physiological functions mediated by cAMP in the different pituitary cell types, and summarize the defects affecting this pathway that have been reported in the literature. We finally discuss how a deregulated cAMP pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of pituitary disorders and how it affects the response to therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Hernández-Ramírez
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), 10 Center Drive, CRC, Room 1E-3216, Bethesda, MD 20892-1862, USA
| | - Giampaolo Trivellin
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), 10 Center Drive, CRC, Room 1E-3216, Bethesda, MD 20892-1862, USA
| | - Constantine A Stratakis
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), 10 Center Drive, CRC, Room 1E-3216, Bethesda, MD 20892-1862, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Stamatiades GA, Kaiser UB. Gonadotropin regulation by pulsatile GnRH: Signaling and gene expression. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 463:131-141. [PMID: 29102564 PMCID: PMC5812824 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The precise orchestration of hormonal regulation at all levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is essential for normal reproductive function and fertility. The pulsatile secretion of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates the synthesis and release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) by pituitary gonadotropes. GnRH acts by binding to its high affinity seven-transmembrane receptor (GnRHR) on the cell surface of anterior pituitary gonadotropes. Different signaling cascades and transcriptional mechanisms are activated, depending on the variation in GnRH pulse frequency, to stimulate the synthesis and release of FSH and LH. While changes in GnRH pulse frequency may explain some of the differential regulation of FSH and LH, other factors, such as activin, inhibin and sex steroids, also contribute to gonadotropin production. In this review, we focus on the transcriptional regulation of the gonadotropin subunit genes and the signaling pathways activated by pulsatile GnRH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George A Stamatiades
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Ursula B Kaiser
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Vázquez-Borrego MC, Gahete MD, Martínez-Fuentes AJ, Fuentes-Fayos AC, Castaño JP, Kineman RD, Luque RM. Multiple signaling pathways convey central and peripheral signals to regulate pituitary function: Lessons from human and non-human primate models. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 463:4-22. [PMID: 29253530 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The anterior pituitary gland is a key organ involved in the control of multiple physiological functions including growth, reproduction, metabolism and stress. These functions are controlled by five distinct hormone-producing pituitary cell types that produce growth hormone (somatotropes), prolactin (lactotropes), adrenocorticotropin (corticotropes), thyrotropin (thyrotropes) and follicle stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone (gonadotropes). Classically, the synthesis and release of pituitary hormones was thought to be primarily regulated by central (neuroendocrine) signals. However, it is now becoming apparent that factors produced by pituitary hormone targets (endocrine and non-endocrine organs) can feedback directly to the pituitary to adjust pituitary hormone synthesis and release. Therefore, pituitary cells serve as sensors to integrate central and peripheral signals in order to fine-tune whole-body homeostasis, although it is clear that pituitary cell regulation is species-, age- and sex-dependent. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive, general overview of our current knowledge of both central and peripheral regulators of pituitary cell function and associated intracellular mechanisms, focusing on human and non-human primates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M C Vázquez-Borrego
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Reina Sofia University Hospital (HURS), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - M D Gahete
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Reina Sofia University Hospital (HURS), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - A J Martínez-Fuentes
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Reina Sofia University Hospital (HURS), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - A C Fuentes-Fayos
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Reina Sofia University Hospital (HURS), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - J P Castaño
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Reina Sofia University Hospital (HURS), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - R D Kineman
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research and Development Division, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - R M Luque
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Reina Sofia University Hospital (HURS), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), 14004 Cordoba, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ruf-Zamojski F, Fribourg M, Ge Y, Nair V, Pincas H, Zaslavsky E, Nudelman G, Tuminello SJ, Watanabe H, Turgeon JL, Sealfon SC. Regulatory Architecture of the LβT2 Gonadotrope Cell Underlying the Response to Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:34. [PMID: 29487567 PMCID: PMC5816955 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The LβT2 mouse pituitary cell line has many characteristics of a mature gonadotrope and is a widely used model system for studying the developmental processes and the response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). The global epigenetic landscape, which contributes to cell-specific gene regulatory mechanisms, and the single-cell transcriptome response variation of LβT2 cells have not been previously investigated. Here, we integrate the transcriptome and genome-wide chromatin accessibility state of LβT2 cells during GnRH stimulation. In addition, we examine cell-to-cell variability in the transcriptional response to GnRH using Gel bead-in-Emulsion Drop-seq technology. Analysis of a bulk RNA-seq data set obtained 45 min after exposure to either GnRH or vehicle identified 112 transcripts that were regulated >4-fold by GnRH (FDR < 0.05). The top regulated transcripts constitute, as determined by Bayesian massive public data integration analysis, a human pituitary-relevant coordinated gene program. Chromatin accessibility [assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq)] data sets generated from GnRH-treated LβT2 cells identified more than 58,000 open chromatin regions, some containing notches consistent with bound transcription factor footprints. The study of the most prominent open regions showed that 75% were in transcriptionally active promoters or introns, supporting their involvement in active transcription. Lhb, Cga, and Egr1 showed significantly open chromatin over their promoters. While Fshb was closed over its promoter, several discrete significantly open regions were found at -40 to -90 kb, which may represent novel upstream enhancers. Chromatin accessibility determined by ATAC-seq was associated with high levels of gene expression determined by RNA-seq. We obtained high-quality single-cell Gel bead-in-Emulsion Drop-seq transcriptome data, with an average of >4,000 expressed genes/cell, from 1,992 vehicle- and 1,889 GnRH-treated cells. While the individual cell expression patterns showed high cell-to-cell variation, representing both biological and measurement variation, the average expression patterns correlated well with bulk RNA-seq data. Computational assignment of each cell to its precise cell cycle phase showed that the response to GnRH was unaffected by cell cycle. To our knowledge, this study represents the first genome-wide epigenetic and single-cell transcriptomic characterization of this important gonadotrope model. The data have been deposited publicly and should provide a resource for hypothesis generation and further study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederique Ruf-Zamojski
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - Miguel Fribourg
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - Yongchao Ge
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - Venugopalan Nair
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - Hanna Pincas
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - Elena Zaslavsky
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - German Nudelman
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - Stephanie J. Tuminello
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - Hideo Watanabe
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | | | - Stuart C. Sealfon
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
- Departments of Neuroscience and Pharmacological Sciences, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
- *Correspondence: Stuart C. Sealfon,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Pratap A, Garner KL, Voliotis M, Tsaneva-Atanasova K, McArdle CA. Mathematical modeling of gonadotropin-releasing hormone signaling. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 449:42-55. [PMID: 27544781 PMCID: PMC5446263 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) acts via G-protein coupled receptors on pituitary gonadotropes to control reproduction. These are Gq-coupled receptors that mediate acute effects of GnRH on the exocytotic secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), as well as the chronic regulation of their synthesis. GnRH is secreted in short pulses and GnRH effects on its target cells are dependent upon the dynamics of these pulses. Here we overview GnRH receptors and their signaling network, placing emphasis on pulsatile signaling, and how mechanistic mathematical models and an information theoretic approach have helped further this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amitesh Pratap
- Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK
| | - Kathryn L Garner
- Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK
| | - Margaritis Voliotis
- EPSRC Centre for Predictive Modeling in Healthcare, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QF, UK
| | - Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova
- Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QF, UK; EPSRC Centre for Predictive Modeling in Healthcare, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QF, UK
| | - Craig A McArdle
- Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Stern E, Ruf-Zamojski F, Zalepa-King L, Pincas H, Choi SG, Peskin CS, Hayot F, Turgeon JL, Sealfon SC. Modeling and high-throughput experimental data uncover the mechanisms underlying Fshb gene sensitivity to gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulse frequency. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:9815-9829. [PMID: 28385888 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.783886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine control of reproduction by brain-secreted pulses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) represents a longstanding puzzle about extracellular signal decoding mechanisms. GnRH regulates the pituitary gonadotropin's follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), both of which are heterodimers specified by unique β subunits (FSHβ/LHβ). Contrary to Lhb, Fshb gene induction has a preference for low-frequency GnRH pulses. To clarify the underlying regulatory mechanisms, we developed three biologically anchored mathematical models: 1) parallel activation of Fshb inhibitory factors (e.g. inhibin α and VGF nerve growth factor-inducible), 2) activation of a signaling component with a refractory period (e.g. G protein), and 3) inactivation of a factor needed for Fshb induction (e.g. growth differentiation factor 9). Simulations with all three models recapitulated the Fshb expression levels obtained in pituitary gonadotrope cells perifused with varying GnRH pulse frequencies. Notably, simulations altering average concentration, pulse duration, and pulse frequency revealed that the apparent frequency-dependent pattern of Fshb expression in model 1 actually resulted from variations in average GnRH concentration. In contrast, models 2 and 3 showed "true" pulse frequency sensing. To resolve which components of this GnRH signal induce Fshb, we developed a high-throughput parallel experimental system. We analyzed over 4,000 samples in experiments with varying near-physiological GnRH concentrations and pulse patterns. Whereas Egr1 and Fos genes responded only to variations in average GnRH concentration, Fshb levels were sensitive to both average concentration and true pulse frequency. These results provide a foundation for understanding the role of multiple regulatory factors in modulating Fshb gene activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Charles S Peskin
- the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10012, and
| | | | - Judith L Turgeon
- the Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 95616
| | - Stuart C Sealfon
- From the Department of Neurology and .,the Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Flanagan CA, Manilall A. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Receptor Structure and GnRH Binding. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:274. [PMID: 29123501 PMCID: PMC5662886 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) regulates reproduction. The human GnRH receptor lacks a cytoplasmic carboxy-terminal tail but has amino acid sequence motifs characteristic of rhodopsin-like, class A, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). This review will consider how recent descriptions of X-ray crystallographic structures of GPCRs in inactive and active conformations may contribute to understanding GnRH receptor structure, mechanism of activation and ligand binding. The structures confirmed that ligands bind to variable extracellular surfaces, whereas the seven membrane-spanning α-helices convey the activation signal to the cytoplasmic receptor surface, which binds and activates heterotrimeric G proteins. Forty non-covalent interactions that bridge topologically equivalent residues in different transmembrane (TM) helices are conserved in class A GPCR structures, regardless of activation state. Conformation-independent interhelical contacts account for a conserved receptor protein structure and their importance in the GnRH receptor structure is supported by decreased expression of receptors with mutations of residues in the network. Many of the GnRH receptor mutations associated with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, including the Glu2.53(90) Lys mutation, involve amino acids that constitute the conserved network. Half of the ~250 intramolecular interactions in GPCRs differ between inactive and active structures. Conformation-specific interhelical contacts depend on amino acids changing partners during activation. Conserved inactive conformation-specific contacts prevent receptor activation by stabilizing proximity of TM helices 3 and 6 and a closed G protein-binding site. Mutations of GnRH receptor residues involved in these interactions, such as Arg3.50(139) of the DRY/S motif or Tyr7.53(323) of the N/DPxxY motif, increase or decrease receptor expression and efficiency of receptor coupling to G protein signaling, consistent with the native residues stabilizing the inactive GnRH receptor structure. Active conformation-specific interhelical contacts stabilize an open G protein-binding site. Progress in defining the GnRH-binding site has recently slowed, with evidence that Tyr6.58(290) contacts Tyr5 of GnRH, whereas other residues affect recognition of Trp3 and Gly10NH2. The surprisingly consistent observations that GnRH receptor mutations that disrupt GnRH binding have less effect on "conformationally constrained" GnRH peptides may now be explained by crystal structures of agonist-bound peptide receptors. Analysis of GPCR structures provides insight into GnRH receptor function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colleen A. Flanagan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Colleen A. Flanagan,
| | - Ashmeetha Manilall
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Choi SG, Wang Q, Jia J, Chikina M, Pincas H, Dolios G, Sasaki K, Wang R, Minamino N, Salton SRJ, Sealfon SC. Characterization of Gonadotrope Secretoproteome Identifies Neurosecretory Protein VGF-derived Peptide Suppression of Follicle-stimulating Hormone Gene Expression. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:21322-21334. [PMID: 27466366 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.740365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive function is controlled by the pulsatile release of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which regulates the expression of the gonadotropins luteinizing hormone and FSH in pituitary gonadotropes. Paradoxically, Fshb gene expression is maximally induced at lower frequency GnRH pulses, which provide a very low average concentration of GnRH stimulation. We studied the role of secreted factors in modulating gonadotropin gene expression. Inhibition of secretion specifically disrupted gonadotropin subunit gene regulation but left early gene induction intact. We characterized the gonadotrope secretoproteome and global mRNA expression at baseline and after Gαs knockdown, which has been found to increase Fshb gene expression (1). We identified 1077 secreted proteins or peptides, 19 of which showed mRNA regulation by GnRH or/and Gαs knockdown. Among several novel secreted factors implicated in Fshb gene regulation, we focused on the neurosecretory protein VGF. Vgf mRNA, whose gene has been implicated in fertility (2), exhibited high induction by GnRH and depended on Gαs In contrast with Fshb induction, Vgf induction occurred preferentially at high GnRH pulse frequency. We hypothesized that a VGF-derived peptide might regulate Fshb gene induction. siRNA knockdown or extracellular immunoneutralization of VGF augmented Fshb mRNA induction by GnRH. GnRH stimulated the secretion of the VGF-derived peptide NERP1. NERP1 caused a concentration-dependent decrease in Fshb gene induction. These findings implicate a VGF-derived peptide in selective regulation of the Fshb gene. Our results support the concept that signaling specificity from the cell membrane GnRH receptor to the nuclear Fshb gene involves integration of intracellular signaling and exosignaling regulatory motifs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Qian Wang
- From the Departments of Neurology and
| | | | | | | | | | - Kazuki Sasaki
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
| | | | - Naoto Minamino
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
| | - Stephen R J Salton
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029 and
| | - Stuart C Sealfon
- From the Departments of Neurology and Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, and
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Fortin J, Ongaro L, Li Y, Tran S, Lamba P, Wang Y, Zhou X, Bernard DJ. Minireview: Activin Signaling in Gonadotropes: What Does the FOX say… to the SMAD? Mol Endocrinol 2015; 29:963-77. [PMID: 25942106 DOI: 10.1210/me.2015-1004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The activins were discovered and named based on their abilities to stimulate FSH secretion and FSHβ (Fshb) subunit expression by pituitary gonadotrope cells. According to subsequent in vitro observations, activins also stimulate the transcription of the GnRH receptor (Gnrhr) and the activin antagonist, follistatin (Fst). Thus, not only do activins stimulate FSH directly, they have the potential to regulate both FSH and LH indirectly by modulating gonadotrope sensitivity to hypothalamic GnRH. Moreover, activins may negatively regulate their own actions by stimulating the production of one of their principal antagonists. Here, we describe our current understanding of the mechanisms through which activins regulate Fshb, Gnrhr, and Fst transcription in vitro. The activin signaling molecules SMAD3 and SMAD4 appear to partner with the winged-helix/forkhead transcription factor, forkhead box L2 (FOXL2), to regulate expression of all 3 genes. However, in vivo data paint a different picture. Although conditional deletion of Foxl2 and/or Smad4 in murine gonadotropes produces impairments in FSH synthesis and secretion as well as in pituitary Fst expression, Gnrhr mRNA levels are either unperturbed or increased in these animals. Surprisingly, gonadotrope-specific deletion of Smad3 alone or with Smad2 does not impair FSH production or fertility; however, mice harboring these mutations may express a DNA binding-deficient, but otherwise functional, SMAD3 protein. Collectively, the available data firmly establish roles for FOXL2 and SMAD4 in Fshb and Fst expression in gonadotrope cells, whereas SMAD3's role requires further investigation. Gnrhr expression, in contrast, appears to be FOXL2, SMAD4, and, perhaps, activin independent in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Fortin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (J.F., L.O., Y.L., S.T., P.L., Y.W., X.Z., D.J.B.), McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6; The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute (J.F.), Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2C1; Diabetes Center (S.T.), Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143; and Psychiatry (P.L.), St Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia, Michigan 48154
| | - Luisina Ongaro
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (J.F., L.O., Y.L., S.T., P.L., Y.W., X.Z., D.J.B.), McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6; The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute (J.F.), Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2C1; Diabetes Center (S.T.), Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143; and Psychiatry (P.L.), St Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia, Michigan 48154
| | - Yining Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (J.F., L.O., Y.L., S.T., P.L., Y.W., X.Z., D.J.B.), McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6; The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute (J.F.), Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2C1; Diabetes Center (S.T.), Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143; and Psychiatry (P.L.), St Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia, Michigan 48154
| | - Stella Tran
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (J.F., L.O., Y.L., S.T., P.L., Y.W., X.Z., D.J.B.), McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6; The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute (J.F.), Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2C1; Diabetes Center (S.T.), Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143; and Psychiatry (P.L.), St Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia, Michigan 48154
| | - Pankaj Lamba
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (J.F., L.O., Y.L., S.T., P.L., Y.W., X.Z., D.J.B.), McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6; The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute (J.F.), Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2C1; Diabetes Center (S.T.), Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143; and Psychiatry (P.L.), St Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia, Michigan 48154
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (J.F., L.O., Y.L., S.T., P.L., Y.W., X.Z., D.J.B.), McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6; The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute (J.F.), Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2C1; Diabetes Center (S.T.), Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143; and Psychiatry (P.L.), St Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia, Michigan 48154
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (J.F., L.O., Y.L., S.T., P.L., Y.W., X.Z., D.J.B.), McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6; The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute (J.F.), Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2C1; Diabetes Center (S.T.), Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143; and Psychiatry (P.L.), St Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia, Michigan 48154
| | - Daniel J Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (J.F., L.O., Y.L., S.T., P.L., Y.W., X.Z., D.J.B.), McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6; The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute (J.F.), Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2C1; Diabetes Center (S.T.), Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143; and Psychiatry (P.L.), St Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia, Michigan 48154
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Jin JM, Yang WX. Molecular regulation of hypothalamus-pituitary-gonads axis in males. Gene 2014; 551:15-25. [PMID: 25168889 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) plays vital roles in reproduction and steroid hormone production in both sexes. The focus of this review is upon gene structures, receptor structures and the signaling pathways of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The hormones' functions in reproduction as well as consequences resulting from mutations are also summarized. Specific characteristics of hormones such as the pulsatile secretions of GnRH are also covered. The different regulators of the HPG axis are introduced including kisspeptin, activin, inhibin, follistatin, androgens and estrogen. This review includes not only their basic information, but also their unique function in the HPG axis. Here we view the HPG axis as a whole, so relations between ligands and receptors are well described crossing different levels of the HPG axis. Hormone interactions and transformations are also considered. The major information of this article is depicted in three figures summarizing the current discoveries on the HPG axis. This article systematically introduces the basic knowledge of the HPG axis and provides information of the current advances relating to reproductive hormones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Min Jin
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Choi SG, Wang Q, Jia J, Pincas H, Turgeon JL, Sealfon SC. Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) forms an incoherent feed-forward loop modulating follicle-stimulating hormone β-subunit (FSHβ) gene expression. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:16164-75. [PMID: 24778184 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.537696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is secreted in brief pulses from the hypothalamus and regulates follicle-stimulating hormone β-subunit (FSHβ) gene expression in pituitary gonadotropes in a frequency-sensitive manner. The mechanisms underlying its preferential and paradoxical induction of FSHβ by low frequency GnRH pulses are incompletely understood. Here, we identify growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) as a GnRH-suppressed autocrine inducer of FSHβ gene expression. GDF9 gene transcription and expression were preferentially decreased by high frequency GnRH pulses. GnRH regulation of GDF9 was concentration-dependent and involved ERK and PKA. GDF9 knockdown or immunoneutralization reduced FSHβ mRNA expression. Conversely, exogenous GDF9 induced FSHβ expression in immortalized gonadotropes and in mouse primary pituitary cells. GDF9 exposure increased FSH secretion in rat primary pituitary cells. GDF9 induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation, which was impeded by ALK5 knockdown and by activin receptor-like kinase (ALK) receptor inhibitor SB-505124, which also suppressed FSHβ expression. Smad2/3 knockdown indicated that FSHβ induction by GDF9 involved Smad2 and Smad3. FSHβ mRNA induction by GDF9 and GnRH was synergistic. We hypothesized that GDF9 contributes to a regulatory loop that tunes the GnRH frequency-response characteristics of the FSHβ gene. To test this, we determined the effects of GDF9 knockdown on FSHβ induction at different GnRH pulse frequencies using a parallel perifusion system. Reduction of GDF9 shifted the characteristic pattern of GnRH pulse frequency sensitivity. These results identify GDF9 as contributing to an incoherent feed-forward loop, comprising both intracellular and secreted components, that regulates FSHβ expression in response to activation of cell surface GnRH receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soon Gang Choi
- From the Center for Translational Systems Biology and Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029 and
| | - Qian Wang
- From the Center for Translational Systems Biology and Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029 and
| | - Jingjing Jia
- From the Center for Translational Systems Biology and Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029 and
| | - Hanna Pincas
- From the Center for Translational Systems Biology and Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029 and
| | - Judith L Turgeon
- the Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 95616
| | - Stuart C Sealfon
- From the Center for Translational Systems Biology and Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029 and
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Pincas H, Choi SG, Wang Q, Jia J, Turgeon JL, Sealfon SC. Outside the box signaling: secreted factors modulate GnRH receptor-mediated gonadotropin regulation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 385:56-61. [PMID: 23994024 PMCID: PMC3964483 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Revised: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Control of gene expression following activation of membrane receptors results from the regulation of intracellular signaling pathways and transcription factors. Accordingly, research to elucidate the regulatory control circuits and cellular data processing mechanisms focuses on intracellular mechanisms. While autocrine and paracrine signaling are acknowledged in endocrinology, secreted factors are not typically recognized as fundamental components of the pathways connecting cell surface receptors to gene control in the nucleus. Studies of the gonadotrope suggest that extracellular regulatory loops may play a central role in the regulation of gonadotropin gene expression by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor activation. We review emerging evidence for this phenomenon, which we refer to as exosignaling, in gonadotropin gene control and in other receptor-mediated signaling systems. We propose that basic signaling circuit modules controlling gene expression can be seamlessly distributed across intracellular and exosignaling components that together orchestrate the precise physiological control of gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Pincas
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Systems Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States.
| | - Soon Gang Choi
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Systems Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States.
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Systems Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States.
| | - Jingjing Jia
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Systems Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States.
| | - Judith L Turgeon
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
| | - Stuart C Sealfon
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Systems Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Homer1 alternative splicing is regulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone and modulates gonadotropin gene expression. Mol Cell Biol 2014; 34:1747-56. [PMID: 24591653 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01401-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) plays a critical role in reproductive physiology by regulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) gene expression in the pituitary. Analysis of gonadotrope deep-sequencing data identified a global regulation of pre-mRNA splicing by GnRH. Homer1, a gene encoding a postsynaptic density scaffolding protein, was selected for further study. Homer1 expresses a short splice form, Homer1a, and more-abundant long transcripts Homer1b/c. GnRH induced a modest increase in Homer1b/c expression and a dramatic increase in the Homer1a splice form. G protein knockdown studies suggested that the Homer1 induction, but not the regulated splicing, was Gαq/11 dependent. Phosphorylation of the splicing regulator SRp20 was found to be induced by GnRH. SRp20 depletion attenuated the GnRH-induced increase in the Homer1a-to-Homer1b/c ratio and modulated the effects of GnRH on FSHβ and LHβ expression. Homer1 gene knockdown resulted in increased GnRH-induced FSHβ and LHβ transcript levels. Furthermore, splice-form-specific reduction of Homer1b/c increased both FSHβ and LHβ mRNA induction, whereas reduction of Homer1a had the opposite effect on FSHβ induction. These results indicate that the regulation of Homer1 splicing by GnRH contributes to gonadotropin gene control.
Collapse
|
25
|
Perrett RM, McArdle CA. Molecular mechanisms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone signaling: integrating cyclic nucleotides into the network. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2013; 4:180. [PMID: 24312080 PMCID: PMC3834291 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2013.00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is the primary regulator of mammalian reproductive function in both males and females. It acts via G-protein coupled receptors on gonadotropes to stimulate synthesis and secretion of the gonadotropin hormones luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. These receptors couple primarily via G-proteins of the Gq/ll family, driving activation of phospholipases C and mediating GnRH effects on gonadotropin synthesis and secretion. There is also good evidence that GnRH causes activation of other heterotrimeric G-proteins (Gs and Gi) with consequent effects on cyclic AMP production, as well as for effects on the soluble and particulate guanylyl cyclases that generate cGMP. Here we provide an overview of these pathways. We emphasize mechanisms underpinning pulsatile hormone signaling and the possible interplay of GnRH and autocrine or paracrine regulatory mechanisms in control of cyclic nucleotide signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M. Perrett
- Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Craig A. McArdle
- Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- *Correspondence: Craig A. McArdle, Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, 1 Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK e-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest class of integral membrane protein receptors in the human genome. We examined here the reports whether the GnRH receptor (GnRHR) interacts with a single or multiple types of G proteins. It seems that the GnRHR, as other GPCRs, alternates between various conformations and is stabilized by its ligands, other modulators and intracellular partners in selective conformations culminating in coupling with a single type or multiple G proteins in a cell- and context-specific manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zvi Naor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wang Q, Chikina M, Zaslavsky E, Pincas H, Sealfon SC. β-catenin regulates GnRH-induced FSHβ gene expression. Mol Endocrinol 2012; 27:224-37. [PMID: 23211523 DOI: 10.1210/me.2012-1310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation of gonadotropin synthesis by GnRH plays an essential role in the neuroendocrine control of reproduction. The known signaling mechanisms involved in gonadotropin synthesis have been expanding. For example, involvement of β-catenin in LHβ induction by GnRH has been discovered. We examined the role of β-catenin in FSHβ gene expression in LβT2 gonadotrope cells. GnRH caused a sustained increase in nuclear β-catenin levels, which was significantly reduced by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibition. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of β-catenin mRNA demonstrated that induction of FSHβ mRNA by GnRH depended on β-catenin and that regulation of FSHβ by β-catenin occurred independently of the JNK-c-jun pathway. β-Catenin depletion had no impact on FSHβ mRNA stability. In LβT2 cells transfected with FSHβ promoter luciferase fusion constructs, GnRH responsiveness was conferred by the proximal promoter (-944/-1) and was markedly decreased by β-catenin knockdown. However, none of the T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor binding sites in that region were required for promoter activation by GnRH. Chromatin immunoprecipitation further corroborated the absence of direct interaction between β-catenin and the 1.8-kb FSHβ promoter. To elucidate the mechanism for the β-catenin effect, we analyzed approximately 1 billion reads of next-generation RNA sequencing β-catenin knockdown assays and selected the nuclear cofactor breast cancer metastasis-suppressor 1-like (Brms1L) as one candidate for further study. Subsequent experiments confirmed that Brms1L mRNA expression was decreased by β-catenin knockdown as well as by JNK inhibition. Furthermore, knockdown of Brms1L significantly attenuated GnRH-induced FSHβ expression. Thus, our findings indicate that the expression of Brms1L depends on β-catenin activity and contributes to FSHβ induction by GnRH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Systems Biology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|