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Murugesh V, Ritting M, Salem S, Aalam SMM, Garcia J, Chattha AJ, Zhao Y, Knapp DJHF, Kalthur G, Granberg CF, Kannan N. Puberty Blocker and Aging Impact on Testicular Cell States and Function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.23.586441. [PMID: 38585884 PMCID: PMC10996503 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.23.586441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) acquisition of meiotogenetic state during puberty to produce genetically diverse gametes is blocked by drugs collectively referred as 'puberty blocker' (PB). Investigating the impact of PB on juvenile SSC state and function is challenging due to limited tissue access and clinical data. Herein, we report largest clinically annotated juvenile testicular biorepository with all children with gender dysphoria on chronic PB treatment highlighting shift in pediatric patient demography in US. At the tissue level, we report mild-to-severe sex gland atrophy in PB treated children. We developed most extensive integrated single-cell RNA dataset to date (>100K single cells; 25 patients), merging both public and novel (52 month PB-treated) datasets, alongside innovative computational approach tailed for germ cells and evaluated the impact of PB and aging on SSC. We report novel constitutional ranges for each testicular cell type across the entire age spectrum, distinct effects of treatments on prepubertal vs adult SSC, presence of spermatogenic epithelial cells exhibiting post-meiotic-state, irrespective of age, puberty status, or PB treatment. Further, we defined distinct effects of PB and aging on testicular cell lineage composition, and SSC meiotogenetic state and function. Using single cell data from prepubertal and young adult, we were able to accurately predict sexual maturity based both on overall cell type proportions, as well as on gene expression patterns within each major cell type. Applying these models to a PB-treated patient that they appeared pre-pubertal across the entire tissue. This combined with the noted gland atrophy and abnormalities from the histology data raise a potential concern regarding the complete 'reversibility' and reproductive fitness of SSC. The biorepository, data, and research approach presented in this study provide unique opportunity to explore the impact of PB on testicular reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varshini Murugesh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Megan Ritting
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Salem Salem
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Joaquin Garcia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Asma J Chattha
- Department of Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Yulian Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - David JHF Knapp
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Institut de Recherche en Immunologie et Cancérologie, and Département de Pathologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Senior authors
| | - Guruprasad Kalthur
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
- Senior authors
| | | | - Nagarajan Kannan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Senior authors
- Lead contact
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2
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Westmark PR, Lyon G, Gutierrez A, Boeck B, Van Hammond O, Ripp N, Pagan-Torres NA, Brower J, Held PK, Scarlett C, Westmark CJ. Effects of Soy Protein Isolate on Fragile X Phenotypes in Mice. Nutrients 2024; 16:284. [PMID: 38257177 PMCID: PMC10819477 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a pediatric epidemic that is more prevalent in children with developmental disabilities. We hypothesize that soy protein-based diets increase weight gain and alter neurobehavioral outcomes. Our objective herein was to test matched casein- and soy protein-based purified ingredient diets in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome, Fmr1KO mice. The experimental methods included assessment of growth; 24-7 activity levels; motor coordination; learning and memory; blood-based amino acid, phytoestrogen and glucose levels; and organ weights. The primary outcome measure was body weight. We find increased body weight in male Fmr1KO from postnatal day 6 (P6) to P224, male wild type (WT) from P32-P39, female Fmr1KO from P6-P18 and P168-P224, and female Fmr1HET from P9-P18 as a function of soy. Activity at the beginning of the light and dark cycles increased in female Fmr1HET and Fmr1KO mice fed soy. We did not find significant differences in rotarod or passive avoidance behavior as a function of genotype or diet. Several blood-based amino acids and phytoestrogens were significantly altered in response to soy. Liver weight was increased in WT and adipose tissue in Fmr1KO mice fed soy. Activity levels at the beginning of the light cycle and testes weight were greater in Fmr1KO versus WT males irrespective of diet. DEXA analysis at 8-months-old indicated increased fat mass and total body area in Fmr1KO females and lean mass and bone mineral density in Fmr1KO males fed soy. Overall, dietary consumption of soy protein isolate by C57BL/6J mice caused increased growth, which could be attributed to increased lean mass in males and fat mass in females. There were sex-specific differences with more pronounced effects in Fmr1KO versus WT and in males versus females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela R. Westmark
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - Greg Lyon
- Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (G.L.); (O.V.H.)
| | - Alejandra Gutierrez
- Molecular Environmental Toxicology Master’s Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - Brynne Boeck
- Neurology Undergraduate Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (B.B.); (N.R.)
| | - Olivia Van Hammond
- Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (G.L.); (O.V.H.)
| | - Nathan Ripp
- Neurology Undergraduate Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (B.B.); (N.R.)
| | - Nicole Arianne Pagan-Torres
- Molecular Environmental Toxicology Summer Research Opportunities Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - James Brower
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (J.B.); (P.K.H.)
| | - Patrice K. Held
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (J.B.); (P.K.H.)
| | - Cameron Scarlett
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - Cara J. Westmark
- Department of Neurology and Molecular Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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3
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Zelco A, Wapeesittipan P, Joshi A. Insights into Sex and Gender Differences in Brain and Psychopathologies Using Big Data. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1676. [PMID: 37629533 PMCID: PMC10455614 DOI: 10.3390/life13081676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The societal implication of sex and gender (SG) differences in brain are profound, as they influence brain development, behavior, and importantly, the presentation, prevalence, and therapeutic response to diseases. Technological advances have enabled speed up identification and characterization of SG differences during development and in psychopathologies. The main aim of this review is to elaborate on new technological advancements, such as genomics, imaging, and emerging biobanks, coupled with bioinformatics analyses of data generated from these technologies have facilitated the identification and characterization of SG differences in the human brain through development and psychopathologies. First, a brief explanation of SG concepts is provided, along with a developmental and evolutionary context. We then describe physiological SG differences in brain activity and function, and in psychopathologies identified through imaging techniques. We further provide an overview of insights into SG differences using genomics, specifically taking advantage of large cohorts and biobanks. We finally emphasize how bioinformatics analyses of big data generated by emerging technologies provides new opportunities to reduce SG disparities in health outcomes, including major challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anagha Joshi
- Department of Clinical Science, Computational Biology Unit, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway; (A.Z.); (P.W.)
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Rocha RDFB, Garcia AO, Otto PI, da Silva MVB, Martins MF, Machado MA, Panetto JCDC, Guimarães SEF. Runs of homozygosity and signatures of selection for number of oocytes and embryos in the Gir Indicine cattle. Mamm Genome 2023:10.1007/s00335-023-09989-w. [PMID: 37000236 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-023-09989-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Runs of homozygosity (ROH) and signatures of selection are the results of selection processes in livestock species that have been shown to affect several traits in cattle. The aim of the current work was to verify the profile of ROH and inbreeding depression in the number of total (TO) and viable oocytes (VO) and the number of embryos (EMBR) in Gir Indicine cattle. In addition, we aim to identify signatures of selection, genes, and enriched regions between Gir subpopulations sorted by breeding value for these traits. The genotype file contained 2093 animals and 420,718 SNP markers. Breeding values used to sort Gir animals were previously obtained. ROH and signature of selection analyses were performed using PLINK software, followed by ROH-based (FROH) and pedigree-based inbreeding (Fped) and a search for genes and their functions. An average of 50 ± 8.59 ROHs were found per animal. ROHs were separated into classes according to size, ranging from 1 to 2 Mb (ROH1-2Mb: 58.17%), representing ancient inbreeding, ROH2-4Mb (22.74%), ROH4-8Mb (11.34%), ROH8-16Mb (5.51%), and ROH>16Mb (2.24%). Combining our results, we conclude that the increase in general FROH and Fped significantly decreases TO and VO; however, in different chromosomes traits can increase or decrease with FROH. In the analysis for signatures of selection, we identified 15 genes from 47 significant genomic regions, indicating differences in populations with high and low breeding value for the three traits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pamela Itajara Otto
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
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5
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Akram M, Handelsman DJ, Qayyum M, Kennerson M, Rauf S, Ahmed S, Ishtiaq O, Ismail M, Mansoor Q, Naseem AA, Rizvi SSR. Genetic analysis of failed male puberty using whole exome sequencing. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2022; 35:1410-1421. [PMID: 36103668 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2022-0254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although at least 598 genes are involved in the development of the hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis, mutations in only 75 genes have so far been shown to cause delayed puberty. METHODS Six male patients with failed puberty, manifested as absence of pubertal changes by 18 years of age, underwent whole exome sequencing of genomic DNA with subsequent bioinformatics analysis and confirmation of selected variants by Sanger sequencing. Genes having plausibly pathogenic non-synonymous variants were characterized as group A (previously reported to cause delayed puberty), group B (expressed in the HPT-axis but no mutations therein were reported to cause delayed puberty) or group C (not reported previously to be connected with HPT-axis). RESULTS We identified variants in genes involved in GnRH neuron differentiation (2 in group A, 1 in group C), GnRH neuron migration (2 each in groups A and C), development of GnRH neural connections with supra-hypothalamic and hypothalamic neurons (2 each in groups A and C), neuron homeostasis (1 in group C), molecules regulating GnRH neuron activity (2 each in groups B and C), receptors/proteins expressed on GnRH neurons (1 in group B), signaling molecules (3 in group C), GnRH synthesis (1 in group B), gonadotropins production and release (1 each in groups A, B, and C) and action of the steroid hormone (1 in group A). CONCLUSIONS Non-synonymous variants were identified in 16 genes of the HPT-axis, which comprised 4 in group A that contains genes previously reported to cause delayed puberty, 4 in group B that are expressed along HPT-axis but no mutations therein were reported previously to cause delayed puberty and 8 in group C that contains novel candidate genes, suggesting wider genetic causes of failed male puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maleeha Akram
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - David J Handelsman
- The ANZAC Research Institute (ARI), University of Sydney, Concord, NSW, Australia
| | - Mazhar Qayyum
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Marina Kennerson
- The ANZAC Research Institute (ARI), University of Sydney, Concord, NSW, Australia
| | - Sania Rauf
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.,Department of Biosciences, University of Wah, Quaid Avenue, Wah Cantt, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Ahmed
- Department of Endocrinology, Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Osama Ishtiaq
- The Endocrinology and Diabetes Department, Shifa International Hospitals Ltd, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ismail
- Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Qaisar Mansoor
- Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Afzaal Ahmed Naseem
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Syed Shakeel Raza Rizvi
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
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6
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Hou H, Chan C, Yuki KE, Sokolowski D, Roy A, Qu R, Uusküla-Reimand L, Faykoo-Martinez M, Hudson M, Corre C, Goldenberg A, Zhang Z, Palmert MR, Wilson MD. Postnatal developmental trajectory of sex-biased gene expression in the mouse pituitary gland. Biol Sex Differ 2022; 13:57. [PMID: 36221127 PMCID: PMC9552479 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00467-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pituitary gland regulates essential physiological processes such as growth, pubertal onset, stress response, metabolism, reproduction, and lactation. While sex biases in these functions and hormone production have been described, the underlying identity, temporal deployment, and cell-type specificity of sex-biased pituitary gene regulatory networks are not fully understood. METHODS To capture sex differences in pituitary gene regulation dynamics during postnatal development, we performed 3' untranslated region sequencing and small RNA sequencing to ascertain gene and microRNA expression, respectively, across five postnatal ages (postnatal days 12, 22, 27, 32, 37) that span the pubertal transition in female and male C57BL/6J mouse pituitaries (n = 5-6 biological replicates for each sex at each age). RESULTS We observed over 900 instances of sex-biased gene expression and 17 sex-biased microRNAs, with the majority of sex differences occurring with puberty. Using miRNA-gene target interaction databases, we identified 18 sex-biased genes that were putative targets of 5 sex-biased microRNAs. In addition, by combining our bulk RNA-seq with publicly available male and female mouse pituitary single-nuclei RNA-seq data, we obtained evidence that cell-type proportion sex differences exist prior to puberty and persist post-puberty for three major hormone-producing cell types: somatotropes, lactotropes, and gonadotropes. Finally, we identified sex-biased genes in these three pituitary cell types after accounting for cell-type proportion differences between sexes. CONCLUSION Our study reveals the identity and postnatal developmental trajectory of sex-biased gene expression in the mouse pituitary. This work also highlights the importance of considering sex biases in cell-type composition when understanding sex differences in the processes regulated by the pituitary gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huayun Hou
- Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cadia Chan
- Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kyoko E Yuki
- Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dustin Sokolowski
- Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anna Roy
- Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rihao Qu
- Interdepartmental Program of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Mariela Faykoo-Martinez
- Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Matt Hudson
- Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christina Corre
- Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Endocrinology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anna Goldenberg
- Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zhaolei Zhang
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mark R Palmert
- Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Division of Endocrinology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Michael D Wilson
- Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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7
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Hale MD, Robinson CD, Cox CL, Cox RM. Ontogenetic Change in Male Expression of Testosterone-Responsive Genes Contributes to the Emergence of Sex-Biased Gene Expression in Anolis sagrei. Front Physiol 2022; 13:886973. [PMID: 35721538 PMCID: PMC9203151 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.886973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in gene expression tend to increase with age across a variety of species, often coincident with the development of sexual dimorphism and maturational changes in hormone levels. However, because most transcriptome-wide characterizations of sexual divergence are framed as comparisons of sex-biased gene expression across ages, it can be difficult to determine the extent to which age-biased gene expression within each sex contributes to the emergence of sex-biased gene expression. Using RNAseq in the liver of the sexually dimorphic brown anole lizard (Anolis sagrei), we found that a pronounced increase in sex-biased gene expression with age was associated with a much greater degree of age-biased gene expression in males than in females. This pattern suggests that developmental changes in males, such as maturational increases in circulating testosterone, contribute disproportionately to the ontogenetic emergence of sex-biased gene expression. To test this hypothesis, we used four different experimental contrasts to independently characterize sets of genes whose expression differed as a function of castration and/or treatment with exogenous testosterone. We found that genes that were significantly male-biased in expression or upregulated as males matured tended to be upregulated by testosterone, whereas genes that were female-biased or downregulated as males matured tended to be downregulated by testosterone. Moreover, the first two principal components describing multivariate gene expression indicated that exogenous testosterone reversed many of the feminizing effects of castration on the liver transcriptome of maturing males. Collectively, our results suggest that developmental changes that occur in males contribute disproportionately to the emergence of sex-biased gene expression in the Anolis liver, and that many of these changes are orchestrated by androgens such as testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Hale
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Matthew D. Hale, ; Robert M. Cox,
| | | | - Christian L. Cox
- College of Arts, Sciences, and Education, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Robert M. Cox
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Matthew D. Hale, ; Robert M. Cox,
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8
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Vinnicombe KRT, Volkoff H. Possible role of transcription factors (BSX, NKX2.1, IRX3 and SIRT1) in the regulation of appetite in goldfish (Carassius auratus). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2022; 268:111189. [PMID: 35307341 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The homeobox genes play important roles in the embryonic development of animals. Recent evidence suggests they might also regulate feeding and act as transcription factors of appetite regulators. Examples of these genes are a brain-specific homeobox transcription factor (BSX), NK2 homeobox 1 (NKX2.1) and the Iroquois homeobox 3 (IRX3). Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) acts as a transcription factor for nutrient (e.g. lipid, glucose) homeostasis and responds to stress and nutrient availability, and has been shown to interact with appetite regulators. Very little is known about the role of these genes in the regulation of feeding and nutrient homeostasis in fish. In this study, we assessed the roles of BSX, NKX2.1, IRX3 and SIRT1 in the central regulation of feeding in goldfish by examining their mRNA brain distribution, assessing the effects of fasting on their brain expression and assessing the effects of peripheral injections of cholecystokinin (CCK, a brain-gut peptide), on their brain expression. All genes showed a widespread distribution in the brain, with high levels in the hypothalamus. In both hypothalamus and telencephalon, fasting induced increases in BSX, IRX3 and NKX2.1 expressions but had no effect on SIRT1 expression levels. CCK injections increased hypothalamic expression levels of IRX3 and SIRT1, and telencephalic expression levels of NKX2.1 and SIRT1, with no effect on either hypothalamic BSX or NKX2.1 expression levels or telencephalon BSX or IRX3 expression levels. Our results suggest that, in goldfish as in mammals, central BSX, NKX2.1, IRX3 and SIRT1 are present in regions of the brain regulating feeding, are sensitive to nutrient status and interact with appetite-regulating peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey R T Vinnicombe
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Helene Volkoff
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X9, Canada.
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9
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Crespo D, Skaftnesmo KO, Kjærner-Semb E, Yilmaz O, Norberg B, Olausson S, Vogelsang P, Bogerd J, Kleppe L, Edvardsen RB, Andersson E, Wargelius A, Hansen TJ, Fjelldal PG, Schulz RW. Pituitary Gonadotropin Gene Expression During Induced Onset of Postsmolt Maturation in Male Atlantic Salmon: In Vivo and Tissue Culture Studies. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:826920. [PMID: 35370944 PMCID: PMC8964956 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.826920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Precocious male maturation causes reduced welfare and increased production costs in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) aquaculture. The pituitary produces and releases follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh), the gonadotropin triggering puberty in male salmonids. However, little is known about how Fsh production is regulated in Atlantic salmon. We examined, in vivo and ex vivo, transcriptional changes of gonadotropin-related genes accompanying the initial steps of testis maturation, in pituitaries of males exposed to photoperiod and temperature conditions promoting maturation (constant light and 16°C). Pituitary fshb, lhb and gnrhr2bba transcripts increased in vivo in maturing males (gonado-somatic index > 0.1%). RNA sequencing (RNAseq) analysis using pituitaries from genetically similar males carrying the same genetic predisposition to mature, but differing by responding or not responding to stimulatory environmental conditions, revealed 144 differentially expressed genes, ~2/3rds being up-regulated in responders, including fshb and other pituitary hormones, steroid-related and other puberty-associated transcripts. Functional enrichment analyses confirmed gene involvement in hormone/steroid production and gonad development. In ex vivo studies, whole pituitaries were exposed to a selection of hormones and growth factors. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gnrh), 17β-estradiol (E2) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) up-regulated gnrhr2bba and lhb, while fshb was up-regulated by Gnrh but down-regulated by 11-KT in pituitaries from immature males. Also pituitaries from maturing males responded to Gnrh and sex steroids by increased gnrhr2bba and lhb transcript levels, but fshb expression remained unchanged. Growth factors (inhibin A, activin A and insulin-like growth factor 1) did not change gnrhr2bba, lhb or fshb transcript levels in pituitaries either from immature or maturing males. Additional pituitary ex vivo studies on candidates identified by RNAseq showed that these transcripts were preferentially regulated by Gnrh and sex steroids, but not by growth factors, and that Gnrh/sex steroids were less effective when incubating pituitaries from maturing males. Our results suggest that a yet to be characterized mechanism up-regulating fshb expression in the salmon pituitary is activated in response to stimulatory environmental conditions prior to morphological signs of testis maturation, and that the transcriptional program associated with this mechanism becomes unresponsive or less responsive to most stimulators ex vivo once males had entered pubertal developmental in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Crespo
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
- *Correspondence: Diego Crespo,
| | - Kai Ove Skaftnesmo
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Erik Kjærner-Semb
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ozlem Yilmaz
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Austevoll Research Station, Storebø, Norway
| | - Birgitta Norberg
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Austevoll Research Station, Storebø, Norway
| | - Sara Olausson
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Austevoll Research Station, Storebø, Norway
| | - Petra Vogelsang
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jan Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Lene Kleppe
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rolf B. Edvardsen
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eva Andersson
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anna Wargelius
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tom J. Hansen
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Matre Research Station, Matredal, Norway
| | - Per Gunnar Fjelldal
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Matre Research Station, Matredal, Norway
| | - Rüdiger W. Schulz
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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10
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Cara AL, Henson EL, Beekly BG, Elias CF. Distribution of androgen receptor mRNA in the prepubertal male and female mouse brain. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e13063. [PMID: 34866263 PMCID: PMC8711114 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Androgens are steroid hormones that play a critical role in brain development and sexual maturation by acting upon both androgen receptors (AR) and estrogen receptors (ERα/β) after aromatization. The contribution of estrogens from aromatized androgens in brain development and the central regulation of metabolism, reproduction, and behavior is well defined, but the role of androgens acting on AR has been unappreciated. Here, we map the sex specific expression of Ar in the adult and developing mouse brain. Postnatal days (PND) 12 and 21 were used to target a critical window of prepubertal development. Consistent with previous literature in adults, sex-specific differences in Ar expression were most profound in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST), medial amygdala (MEA) and medial preoptic area (MPO). Ar expression was also high in these areas at PND 12 and 21 in both sexes. In addition, we describe extra-hypothalamic and extra-limbic areas that show moderate, consistent and similar Ar expression in both sexes at both prepubertal time points. Briefly, Ar expression was observed in olfactory areas of the cerebral cortex, the hippocampus, several thalamic nuclei, and cranial nerve nuclei involved in autonomic sensory and motor function. To further characterize forebrain populations of Ar expressing neurons and determine whether they also coexpress estrogen receptors, we examined expression of Ar, Esr1 and Esr2 in prepubertal mice in selected nuclei. We found populations of neurons in the BST, MEA and MPO that coexpress Ar, but not Esr1 or Esr2, whereas others express a combination of the three receptors. Our findings indicate that various brain areas express Ar during prepubertal development and may play an important role in female neuronal development and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L. Cara
- Department of Molecular & Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Emily L. Henson
- Department of Molecular & Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | | | - Carol F. Elias
- Department of Molecular & Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
- Neuroscience Graduate ProgramUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
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11
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Validation of Reference Genes via qRT-PCR in Multiple Conditions in Brandt's Voles, Lasiopodomys brandtii. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030897. [PMID: 33801053 PMCID: PMC8004067 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study validated the stability of the expression profiles of nine common candidate reference genes (Gapdh, Hprt1, β-actin, PPIA, Rpl13a, Tbp, Sdha, Hmbs, and B2M) using qRT-PCR in different tissues, developmental stages, and photoperiods. None of these genes were suitable as optimal reference genes at 4 weeks postnatal in different tissues. Under different developmental stages in the hypothalamus, B2M for males and Rpl13a for females were suitable as reference genes. Under different photoperiods in the hypothalamus, none of the selected genes were suitable as reference genes at 6 weeks postnatal, β-actin and PPIA were the optimal reference genes at 12 weeks postnatal, while Hprt1, β-actin, PPIA, Hmbs, and B2M were excellent reference genes at 24 weeks postnatal. Abstract The choice of optimal reference gene is challenging owing to the varied expression of reference genes in different organs, development stages, and experimental treatments. Brandt’s vole (Lasiopodomys brandtii) is an ideal animal to explore the regulatory mechanism of seasonal breeding, and many studies on this vole involve gene expression analysis using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In this study, we used the method of the coefficient of variation and the NormFinder algorithm to evaluate the performance of nine commonly used reference genes Gapdh, Hprt1, β-actin, PPIA, Rpl13a, Tbp, Sdha, Hmbs, and B2M using qRT-PCR in eight different tissues, five developmental stages, and three different photoperiods. We found that all nine genes were not uniformly expressed among different tissues. B2M and Rpl13a were the optimal reference genes for different postnatal development stages in the hypothalamus for males and females, respectively. Under different photoperiods in the hypothalamus, none of the selected genes were suitable as reference genes at 6 weeks postnatal; β-actin and PPIA were the optimal reference genes at 12 weeks postnatal; Hprt1, β-actin, PPIA, Hmbs, and B2M were excellent reference genes at 24 weeks postnatal. The present study provides a useful basis for selecting the appropriate reference gene in Lasiopodomys brandtii.
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12
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Waters CD, Clemento A, Aykanat T, Garza JC, Naish KA, Narum S, Primmer CR. Heterogeneous genetic basis of age at maturity in salmonid fishes. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:1435-1456. [PMID: 33527498 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the genetic basis of repeated evolution of the same phenotype across taxa is a fundamental aim in evolutionary biology and has applications in conservation and management. However, the extent to which interspecific life-history trait polymorphisms share evolutionary pathways remains underexplored. Here, we address this gap by studying the genetic basis of a key life-history trait, age at maturity, in four species of Pacific salmonids (genus Oncorhynchus) that exhibit intra- and interspecific variation in this trait-Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, and Steelhead Trout. We tested for associations in all four species between age at maturity and two genome regions, six6 and vgll3, that are strongly associated with the same trait in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar). We also conducted a genome-wide association analysis in Steelhead to assess whether additional regions were associated with this trait. We found the genetic basis of age at maturity to be heterogeneous across salmonid species. Significant associations between six6 and age at maturity were observed in two of the four species, Sockeye and Steelhead, with the association in Steelhead being particularly strong in both sexes (p = 4.46 × 10-9 after adjusting for genomic inflation). However, no significant associations were detected between age at maturity and the vgll3 genome region in any of the species, despite its strong association with the same trait in Atlantic Salmon. We discuss possible explanations for the heterogeneous nature of the genetic architecture of this key life-history trait, as well as the implications of our findings for conservation and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles D Waters
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Anthony Clemento
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.,Santa Cruz Laboratory, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Tutku Aykanat
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - John Carlos Garza
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.,Santa Cruz Laboratory, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Kerry A Naish
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shawn Narum
- Hagerman Genetics Laboratory, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Hagerman, ID, USA
| | - Craig R Primmer
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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13
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Hypothalamic and Cell-Specific Transcriptomes Unravel a Dynamic Neuropil Remodeling in Leptin-Induced and Typical Pubertal Transition in Female Mice. iScience 2020; 23:101563. [PMID: 33083731 PMCID: PMC7522126 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have shown high correlation between childhood obesity and advance in puberty. Early age at menarche is associated with a series of morbidities, including breast cancer, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. The adipocyte hormone leptin signals the amount of fat stores to the neuroendocrine reproductive axis via direct actions in the brain. Using mouse genetics, we and others have identified the hypothalamic ventral premammillary nucleus (PMv) and the agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons in the arcuate nucleus (Arc) as primary targets of leptin action in pubertal maturation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying leptin's effects remain unknown. Here we assessed changes in the PMv and Arc transcriptional program during leptin-stimulated and typical pubertal development using overlapping analysis of bulk RNA sequecing, TRAP sequencing, and the published database. Our findings demonstrate that dynamic somatodendritic remodeling and extracellular space organization underlie leptin-induced and typical pubertal maturation in female mice. MBH DEGs between lean and Lepob mice are highly represented in development Short-term leptin to Lepob mice alters MBH DEGs associated with reproduction PMv/Arc LepRb DEGs between lean and Lepob mice are abundant in extracellular space DEGs in developing PMv/Arc are conspicuous in extracellular and neuropil remodeling
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14
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Hollis B, Day FR, Busch AS, Thompson DJ, Soares ALG, Timmers PRHJ, Kwong A, Easton DF, Joshi PK, Timpson NJ, Ong KK, Perry JRB. Genomic analysis of male puberty timing highlights shared genetic basis with hair colour and lifespan. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1536. [PMID: 32210231 PMCID: PMC7093467 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14451-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The timing of puberty is highly variable and is associated with long-term health outcomes. To date, understanding of the genetic control of puberty timing is based largely on studies in women. Here, we report a multi-trait genome-wide association study for male puberty timing with an effective sample size of 205,354 men. We find moderately strong genomic correlation in puberty timing between sexes (rg = 0.68) and identify 76 independent signals for male puberty timing. Implicated mechanisms include an unexpected link between puberty timing and natural hair colour, possibly reflecting common effects of pituitary hormones on puberty and pigmentation. Earlier male puberty timing is genetically correlated with several adverse health outcomes and Mendelian randomization analyses show a genetic association between male puberty timing and shorter lifespan. These findings highlight the relationships between puberty timing and health outcomes, and demonstrate the value of genetic studies of puberty timing in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Hollis
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Felix R Day
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Alexander S Busch
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen O, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Deborah J Thompson
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ana Luiza G Soares
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Paul R H J Timmers
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Usher Institute for Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Alex Kwong
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- IUMSP, Biopôle, Secteur Vennes-Bâtiment SV-A, Route de la Corniche 10, 1010, Lausanne, Switzerland
- School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Centre for Multilevel Modelling, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Doug F Easton
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peter K Joshi
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Usher Institute for Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Nicholas J Timpson
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ken K Ong
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus Box 181, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
| | - John R B Perry
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
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15
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Gene expression changes associated with trajectories of psychopathology in a longitudinal cohort of children and adolescents. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:99. [PMID: 32184383 PMCID: PMC7078305 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-0772-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to identify blood gene expression patterns associated to psychopathological trajectories retrieved from a large community, focusing on the emergence and remission of general psychiatric symptoms. Hundred and three individuals from the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort Study (BHRCS) for mental disorders were classified in four groups according to Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) total score at the baseline (w0) and after 3 years (w1): low-high (L-H) (N = 27), high-low (H-L) (N = 12), high-high (H-H) (N = 34) and low-low (L-L) groups (N = 30). Blood gene expression profile was measured using Illumina HT-12 Beadchips, and paired analyses comparing w0 and w1 were performed for each group. Results: 98 transcripts were differentially expressed comparing w0 and w1 in the L-H, 33 in the H-L, 177 in the H-H and 273 in the L-L. Of these, 66 transcripts were differentially expressed exclusively in the L-H; and 6 only in the H-L. Cross-Lagged Panel Models analyses revealed that RPRD2 gene expression at w1 might be influenced by the CBCL score at w0. Moreover, COX5B, SEC62, and NDUFA2 were validated with another technique and were also differentially regulated in postmortem brain of subjects with mental disorders, indicating that they might be important not only to specific disorders, but also to general psychopathology and symptoms trajectories. Whereas genes related to metabolic pathways seem to be associated with the emergence of psychiatric symptoms, mitochondrial inner membrane genes might be important over the course of normal development. These results suggest that changes in gene expression can be detected in blood in different psychopathological trajectories.
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16
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Lardone MC, Busch AS, Santos JL, Miranda P, Eyheramendy S, Pereira A, Juul A, Almstrup K, Mericq V. A Polygenic Risk Score Suggests Shared Genetic Architecture of Voice Break With Early Markers of Pubertal Onset in Boys. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:dgaa003. [PMID: 31915828 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Voice break, as a landmark of advanced male puberty in genome-wide association studies (GWAS), has revealed that pubertal timing is a highly polygenic trait. Although voice break is easily recorded in large cohorts, it holds quite low precision as a marker of puberty. In contrast, gonadarche and pubarche are early and clinically well-defined measures of puberty onset. OBJECTIVE To determine whether a polygenic risk score (PRS) of alleles that confer risk for voice break associates with age at gonadarche (AAG) and age at pubarche (AAP) in Chilean boys. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Longitudinal study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS 401 boys from the Growth and Obesity Chilean Cohort Study (n = 1194; 49.2% boys). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Biannual clinical pubertal staging including orchidometry. AAG and AAP were estimated by censoring methods. Genotyping was performed using the Multi-Ethnic Global Array (Illumina). Using GWAS summary statistics from the UK-Biobank, 29 significant and independent single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with age at voice break were extracted. Individual PRS were computed as the sum of risk alleles weighted by the effect size. RESULTS The PRS was associated with AAG (β=0.01, P = 0.04) and AAP (β=0.185, P = 0.0004). In addition, boys within the 20% highest PRS experienced gonadarche and pubarche 0.55 and 0.67 years later than those in the lowest 20%, respectively (P = 0.013 and P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Genetic variants identified in large GWAS on age at VB significantly associate with age at testicular growth and pubic hair development, suggesting that these events share a genetic architecture across ethnically distinct populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- María C Lardone
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research, School of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexander S Busch
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - José L Santos
- Department of Nutrition, Diabetes and Metabolism, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricio Miranda
- Department of Nutrition, Diabetes and Metabolism, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Susana Eyheramendy
- Faculty of Engineering and Sciences, Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ana Pereira
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Verónica Mericq
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research, School of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Fletcher PA, Smiljanic K, Maso Prévide R, Iben JR, Li T, Rokic MB, Sherman A, Coon SL, Stojilkovic SS. Cell Type- and Sex-Dependent Transcriptome Profiles of Rat Anterior Pituitary Cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:623. [PMID: 31620083 PMCID: PMC6760010 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the physiology and pathology of an organ composed of a variety of cell populations depends critically on genome-wide information on each cell type. Here, we report single-cell transcriptome profiling of over 6,800 freshly dispersed anterior pituitary cells from postpubertal male and female rats. Six pituitary-specific cell types were identified based on known marker genes and characterized: folliculostellate cells and hormone-producing corticotrophs, gonadotrophs, thyrotrophs, somatotrophs, and lactotrophs. Also identified were endothelial and blood cells from the pituitary capillary network. The expression of numerous developmental and neuroendocrine marker genes in both folliculostellate and hormone-producing cells supports that they have a common origin. For several genes, the validity of transcriptome analysis was confirmed by qRT-PCR and single cell immunocytochemistry. Folliculostellate cells exhibit impressive transcriptome diversity, indicating their major roles in production of endogenous ligands and detoxification enzymes, and organization of extracellular matrix. Transcriptome profiles of hormone-producing cells also indicate contributions toward those functions, while also clearly demonstrating their endocrine function. This survey highlights many novel genetic markers contributing to pituitary cell type identity, sexual dimorphism, and function, and points to relationships between hormone-producing and folliculostellate cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick A. Fletcher
- Laboratory of Biological Modeling, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Kosara Smiljanic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Rafael Maso Prévide
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - James R. Iben
- Molecular Genomics Core, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Tianwei Li
- Molecular Genomics Core, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Milos B. Rokic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Arthur Sherman
- Laboratory of Biological Modeling, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Steven L. Coon
- Molecular Genomics Core, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Stanko S. Stojilkovic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
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Park SM, Plachez C, Huang S. Sex-Dependent Motor Deficit and Increased Anxiety-Like States in Mice Lacking Autism-Associated Gene Slit3. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:261. [PMID: 30483073 PMCID: PMC6243047 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered neuronal connectivity has been implicated in the pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). SLIT/ROBO signaling plays an important role in developmental processes of neuronal connectivity, including axon guidance, neuronal migration, and axonal and dendritic branching. Genetic evidence supports that SLIT3, one of the genes encoding SLITs, is associated with ASD. Yet the causal link between SLIT3 mutation and autism symptoms has not been examined. Here we assessed ASD-associated behaviors in Slit3 knockout (KO) mice. Our data showed that Slit3-KO mice exhibited reduced marble burying behaviors but normal social behaviors. In addition, Slit3-KO mice displayed hypolocomotion in the open field test and impaired motor coordination in the rotarod test. Anxiety-like behaviors were mainly observed in female KO mice assessed by three types of behavioral tests, namely, the open field test, elevated plus maze test, and light/dark box test. No differences were observed between KO and wildtype mice in recognition memory in the novel object recognition test or depression-like behavior in the tail suspension test. Taken together, loss of Slit3 may result in disrupted neural circuits related to motor function and increased anxiety-like states, which are co-occurring symptoms in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Mi Park
- Laboratory of Neural Circuits & Behavior, Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Céline Plachez
- Autism & Brain Development Laboratory, Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shiyong Huang
- Laboratory of Neural Circuits & Behavior, Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD, United States
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20
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Precocious Puberty and the Lin28/Let7 Pathway: The Therapeutic Effect of the Nourishing "Yin" and Purging "Fire" Traditional Chinese Medicine Mixture in a Rat Model. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:4868045. [PMID: 30046338 PMCID: PMC6038664 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4868045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The present study aims to investigate the effects of the nourishing “Yin” and purging “Fire” Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herb mixture on precocious puberty and TCM may act through hypothalamic Lin28/let7 pathway expression in the precocious puberty model rats. Meanwhile, to confirm the relationship between Lin28/let7 pathway and puberty by overexpression Lin28a, in the first part of this study, female rats were randomly allocated into untreated controls, the precocious puberty (PP) model group, the PP control group, and the PP + TCM group. Rats on postnatal day 5 were injected danazol to establish the PP model. From days 15 to 35, the rats in the TCM group were given the TCM twice daily. Vaginal opening, sex-related hormones, and body and reproductive organ weights were measured, and the expressions of hypothalamic Lin28a and Lin28b mRNA and let7a and let7b miRNA were detected. In addition, in the second part, the effects of overexpression of Lin28a on the vaginal opening time were evaluated. In the two parts of the study, we found that, at the onset of puberty, a decrease in ovary weight, an increase in the serum levels of luteinizing hormone and progesterone, and increased expression levels of hypothalamic Lin28b mRNA were observed in the PP + TCM group compared to the PP model group. The vaginal opening time was significantly delayed upon overexpression of Lin28a. Above all, the mechanism by which the TCM treats precocious puberty is thus likely to be associated with inhibition of the hypothalamic Lin28/let7 signaling pathway and our findings provide in-depth insight into the relationship between the overexpression of Lin28a gene in the hypothalamus and the onset of puberty.
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Pritchard VL, Mäkinen H, Vähä JP, Erkinaro J, Orell P, Primmer CR. Genomic signatures of fine-scale local selection in Atlantic salmon suggest involvement of sexual maturation, energy homeostasis and immune defence-related genes. Mol Ecol 2018; 27:2560-2575. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.14705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hannu Mäkinen
- Department of Biology; University of Turku; Turku Finland
- Department of Biosciences; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
| | - Juha-Pekka Vähä
- Kevo Subarctic Research Institute; University of Turku; Turku Finland
| | | | - Panu Orell
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE); Oulu Finland
| | - Craig R. Primmer
- Department of Biology; University of Turku; Turku Finland
- Department of Biosciences; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
- Institute of Biotechnology; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
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