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Chen M, Zhu B, Xie W, Liu Y, Zhang H, Weng Q. Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of vomeronasal receptors in the female muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus). Gene 2024; 933:148998. [PMID: 39395729 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 10/02/2024] [Accepted: 10/09/2024] [Indexed: 10/14/2024]
Abstract
Vomeronasal receptors (VRs) play a crucial role in recognizing pheromones, which are essential for social chemical communication. The male muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) secretes musk, which contains pheromones as a reproductive signal, and the female can recognize it through the VNO to mediate social communication behavior. This study aimed to identify the genomic information of VRs (OzVRs) in the female muskrat and elucidate their physicochemical properties and evolutionary relationship. Six predominantly expressed OzVR genes were identified using the RACE technique, and a comprehensive analysis was conducted on their gene structure, subcellular distribution, functional predictions, and mRNA levels, revealed that all OzVRs were transmembrane proteins. Phylogenetic analysis clustered OzVR genes into two clades (V1Rs: OzV1R21, OzV1R81, OzV1R105; V2Rs: OzV2R33, OzV2R44, OzV2R60). Physiochemically, OzV1Rs were basic proteins, while OzV2Rs exhibited weakly acidic character. Among them, OzV1R81 and OzV2R44 were identified as hydrophobicitystable proteins, with the remainder categorized as hydrophobicity-unstable proteins. Promoters analysis revealed the involvement of transcription factors and complexes, including Ahr::Arnt, Runx1, Arnt, and TFAP2A, in regulating the expression of the OzVR genes. Conserved domain and motif analyses demonstrated a high conservation of the VRs superfamily in rodents, with many conserved domains linked to pheromone binding. Functional predictions confirmed that OzVRs were associated with pheromones detection. Finally, the expression patterns of OzVR genes in different tissues and seasons indicated that OzVRs have the highest level of expression in the vomeronasal organ, and OzV1Rs notably higher in the breeding season than that in the non-breeding season, however the expression levels of OzV2Rs were higher in the non-breeding season. This study provided insights into the phylogenetic relationships, gene structure, physicochemical properties, promoter binding sites, functions and gene expression patterns of OzVRs, offering a theoretical reference for further examination of VR gene functions and a foundation for understanding chemical signaling mechanisms in the muskrat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqi Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Bowen Zhu
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Wenqian Xie
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Yuning Liu
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Haolin Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Qiang Weng
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
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Yamagishi G, Miyagawa S. Neuroendocrinology of Reproduction and Social Behaviors in Reptiles: Advances Made in the Last Decade. Zoolog Sci 2024; 41:87-96. [PMID: 38587521 DOI: 10.2108/zs230060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Among amniotes, reptiles are ectothermic and are clearly distinguished from mammals and birds. Reptiles show great diversity not only in species numbers, but also in ecological and physiological features. Although their physiological diversity is an interesting research topic, less effort has been made compared to that for mammals and birds, in part due to lack of established experimental models and techniques. However, progress, especially in the field of neuroendocrinology, has been steadily made. With this process, basic data on selected reptilian species have been collected. This review article presents the progress made in the last decade, which includes 1) behavioral regulation by sex steroid hormones, 2) regulation of seasonal reproduction by melatonin and GnRH, and 3) regulation of social interaction by arginine vasotocin. Through these research topics, we provide insights into the physiology of reptiles and the latest findings in the field of amniote neuroendocrinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genki Yamagishi
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan,
| | - Shinichi Miyagawa
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan,
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Rigney N, de Vries GJ, Petrulis A, Young LJ. Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and Social Behavior: From Neural Circuits to Clinical Opportunities. Endocrinology 2022; 163:bqac111. [PMID: 35863332 PMCID: PMC9337272 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin and vasopressin are peptide hormones secreted from the pituitary that are well known for their peripheral endocrine effects on childbirth/nursing and blood pressure/urine concentration, respectively. However, both peptides are also released in the brain, where they modulate several aspects of social behaviors. Oxytocin promotes maternal nurturing and bonding, enhances social reward, and increases the salience of social stimuli. Vasopressin modulates social communication, social investigation, territorial behavior, and aggression, predominantly in males. Both peptides facilitate social memory and pair bonding behaviors in monogamous species. Here we review the latest research delineating the neural circuitry of the brain oxytocin and vasopressin systems and summarize recent investigations into the circuit-based mechanisms modulating social behaviors. We highlight research using modern molecular genetic technologies to map, monitor activity of, or manipulate neuropeptide circuits. Species diversity in oxytocin and vasopressin effects on social behaviors are also discussed. We conclude with a discussion of the translational implications of oxytocin and vasopressin for improving social functioning in disorders with social impairments, such as autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Rigney
- Neuroscience Institute and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA
| | - Geert J de Vries
- Neuroscience Institute and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA
| | - Aras Petrulis
- Neuroscience Institute and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA
| | - Larry J Young
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
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Campos SM, Erley A, Ashraf Z, Wilczynski W. Signaler's Vasotocin Alters the Relationship between the Responder's Forebrain Catecholamines and Communication Behavior in Lizards (Anolis carolinensis). BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2022; 97:184-196. [PMID: 35320812 DOI: 10.1159/000524217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic fluctuations in the distribution of catecholamines across the brain modulate the responsiveness of vertebrates to social stimuli. Previous work demonstrates that green anoles (Anolis carolinensis) increase chemosensory behavior in response to males treated with exogenous arginine vasotocin (AVT), but the neurochemical mechanisms underlying this behavioral shift remains unclear. Since central catecholamine systems, including dopamine, rapidly activate in response to social stimuli, we tested whether exogenous AVT in signalers (stimulus animals) impacts catecholamine concentrations in the forebrain (where olfactory and visual information are integrated and processed) of untreated lizard responders. We also tested whether AVT influences the relationship between forebrain catecholamine concentrations and communication behavior in untreated receivers. We measured global catecholamine (dopamine = DA, epinephrine = Epi, and norepinephrine = NE) concentrations in the forebrain of untreated responders using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry following either a 30-min social interaction with a stimulus male or a period of social isolation. Stimulus males were injected with exogenous AVT or vehicle saline (SAL). We found that global DA, but not Epi or NE, concentrations were elevated in lizards responding to SAL-males relative to isolated lizards. Lizards interacting with AVT-males had DA, Epi and NE concentrations that were not significantly different from SAL or isolated groups. For behavior, we found a significant effect of social treatment (AVT vs. SAL) on the relationships between (1) DA concentrations and the motivation to perform a chemical display (latency to tongue flick) and (2) Epi concentrations and time spent displaying mostly green body coloration. We also found a significant negative correlation between DA concentrations and the latency to perform a visual display but found no effect of social treatment on this relationship. These data suggest that catecholamine concentrations in the forebrain of untreated responders are associated with chemical and visual communication in lizards and that signaler AVT alters this relationship for some, but not all, aspects of social communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Campos
- Biology, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, USA
- Neuroscience Institute and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Zoha Ashraf
- Biology, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Walter Wilczynski
- Neuroscience Institute and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Maruska KP, Butler JM. Endocrine Modulation of Sending and Receiving Signals in Context-Dependent Social Communication. Integr Comp Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icab074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Animal communication requires senders to transmit signals through the environment to conspecific receivers, which then leads to context-dependent behavioral decisions. Sending and receiving sensory information in social contexts, however, can be dramatically influenced by an individual’s internal state, particularly in species that cycle in and out of breeding or other physiological condition like nutritional state or social status. Modulatory substances like steroids, peptides, and biogenic amines can influence both the substrates used for sending social signals (e.g., motivation centers, sensorimotor pathways, and muscles) as well as the peripheral sensory organs and central neural circuitry involved in the reception of this information and subsequent execution of behavioral responses. This issue highlights research from neuroethologists on the topic of modulation of sending and receiving social signals and demonstrates that it can occur in both males and females, in different senses at both peripheral sensory organs and the brain, at different levels of biological organization, on different temporal scales, in various social contexts, and across many diverse vertebrate taxa. Modifying a signal produced by a sender or how that signal is perceived in a receiver provides flexibility in communication and has broad implications for influencing social decisions like mate choice, which ultimately affects reproductive fitness and species persistence. This phenomenon of modulators and internal physiological state impacting communication abilities is likely more widespread than currently realized and we hope this issue inspires others working on diverse systems to examine this topic from different perspectives. An integrative and comparative approach will advance discovery in this field and is needed to better understand how endocrine modulation contributes to sexual selection and the evolution of animal communication in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen P Maruska
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, 202 Life Sciences Bldg., Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Julie M Butler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, 202 Life Sciences Bldg., Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
- Biology Department, Stanford University, 371 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305-5020, USA
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