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Kim MA, Kim TH, Kannan P, Kho KH, Park K, Sohn YC. Functional Characterization of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone and Corazonin Signaling Systems in Pacific Abalone: Toward Reclassification of Invertebrate Neuropeptides. Neuroendocrinology 2023; 114:64-89. [PMID: 37703838 DOI: 10.1159/000533662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The proposed evolutionary origins and corresponding nomenclature of bilaterian gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-related neuropeptides have changed tremendously with the aid of receptor deorphanization. However, the reclassification of the GnRH and corazonin (CRZ) signaling systems in Lophotrochozoa remains unclear. METHODS We characterized GnRH and CRZ receptors in the mollusk Pacific abalone, Haliotis discus hannai (Hdh), by phylogenetic and gene expression analyses, bioluminescence-based reporter, Western blotting, substitution of peptide amino acids, in vivo neuropeptide injection, and RNA interference assays. RESULTS Two Hdh CRZ-like receptors (Hdh-CRZR-A and Hdh-CRZR-B) and three Hdh GnRH-like receptors (Hdh-GnRHR1-A, Hdh-GnRHR1-B, and Hdh-GnRHR2) were identified. In phylogenetic analysis, Hdh-CRZR-A and -B grouped within the CRZ-type receptors, whereas Hdh-GnRHR1-A/-B and Hdh-GnRHR2 clustered within the GnRH/adipokinetic hormone (AKH)/CRZ-related peptide-type receptors. Hdh-CRZR-A/-B and Hdh-GnRHR1-A were activated by Hdh-CRZ (pQNYHFSNGWHA-NH2) and Hdh-GnRH (pQISFSPNWGT-NH2), respectively. Hdh-CRZR-A/-B dually coupled with the Gαq and Gαs signaling pathways, whereas Hdh-GnRHR1-A was linked only with Gαq signaling. Analysis of substituted peptides, [I2S3]Hdh-CRZ and [N2Y3H4]Hdh-GnRH, and in silico docking models revealed that the N-terminal amino acids of the peptides are critical for the selectivity of Hdh-CRZR and Hdh-GnRHR. Two precursor transcripts for Hdh-CRZ and Hdh-GnRH peptides and their receptors were mainly expressed in the neural ganglia, and their levels increased in starved abalones. Injection of Hdh-CRZ peptide into abalones decreased food consumption, whereas Hdh-CRZR knockdown increased food consumption. Moreover, Hdh-CRZ induced germinal vesicle breakdown in mature oocytes. CONCLUSION Characterization of Hdh-CRZRs and Hdh-GnRHRs and their cognate peptides provides new insight into the evolutionary route of GnRH-related signaling systems in bilaterians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Ae Kim
- Department of Marine Bioscience, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
- East Coast Life Sciences Institute, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Ha Kim
- Department of Marine Bioscience, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
| | - Priyadharshini Kannan
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, KIST Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang Hee Kho
- Department of Fisheries Science, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, Republic of Korea
| | - Keunwan Park
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, KIST Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chang Sohn
- Department of Marine Bioscience, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
- East Coast Life Sciences Institute, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
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Rodríguez Gabilondo A, Hernández Pérez L, Martínez Rodríguez R. Hormonal and neuroendocrine control of reproductive function in teleost fish. BIONATURA 2021. [DOI: 10.21931/rb/2021.06.02.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is one of the important physiological events for the maintenance of the species. Hormonal and neuroendocrine regulation of teleost requires multiple and complex interactions along the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis. Within this axis, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) regulates the synthesis and release of gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Steroidogenesis drives reproduction function in which the development and differentiation of gonads. In recent years, new neuropeptides have become the focus of reproductive physiology research as they are involved in the different regulatory mechanisms of these species' growth, metabolism, and reproduction. However, especially in fish, the role of these neuropeptides in the control of reproductive function is not well studied. The study of hormonal and neuroendocrine events that regulate reproduction is crucial for the development and success of aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Rodríguez Gabilondo
- Metabolic Modifiers for Aquaculture, Agricultural Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Liz Hernández Pérez
- Metabolic Modifiers for Aquaculture, Agricultural Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Rebeca Martínez Rodríguez
- Metabolic Modifiers for Aquaculture, Agricultural Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
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Fontana F, Limonta P. Dissecting the Hormonal Signaling Landscape in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:1133. [PMID: 34067217 PMCID: PMC8151003 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying prostate cancer (PCa) progression towards its most aggressive, castration-resistant (CRPC) stage is urgently needed to improve the therapeutic options for this almost incurable pathology. Interestingly, CRPC is known to be characterized by a peculiar hormonal landscape. It is now well established that the androgen/androgen receptor (AR) axis is still active in CRPC cells. The persistent activity of this axis in PCa progression has been shown to be related to different mechanisms, such as intratumoral androgen synthesis, AR amplification and mutations, AR mRNA alternative splicing, increased expression/activity of AR-related transcription factors and coregulators. The hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), by binding to its specific receptors (GnRH-Rs) at the pituitary level, plays a pivotal role in the regulation of the reproductive functions. GnRH and GnRH-R are also expressed in different types of tumors, including PCa. Specifically, it has been demonstrated that, in CRPC cells, the activation of GnRH-Rs is associated with a significant antiproliferative/proapoptotic, antimetastatic and antiangiogenic activity. This antitumor activity is mainly mediated by the GnRH-R-associated Gαi/cAMP signaling pathway. In this review, we dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of the androgen/AR and GnRH/GnRH-R axes in CRPC progression and the possible therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrizia Limonta
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy;
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Tzoupis H, Nteli A, Androutsou ME, Tselios T. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone and GnRH Receptor: Structure, Function and Drug Development. Curr Med Chem 2021; 27:6136-6158. [PMID: 31309882 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190712165444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) is a key element in sexual maturation and regulation of the reproductive cycle in the human organism. GnRH interacts with the pituitary cells through the activation of the Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Receptors (GnRHR). Any impairments/dysfunctions of the GnRH-GnRHR complex lead to the development of various cancer types and disorders. Furthermore, the identification of GnRHR as a potential drug target has led to the development of agonist and antagonist molecules implemented in various treatment protocols. The development of these drugs was based on the information derived from the functional studies of GnRH and GnRHR. OBJECTIVE This review aims at shedding light on the versatile function of GnRH and GnRH receptor and offers an apprehensive summary regarding the development of different agonists, antagonists and non-peptide GnRH analogues. CONCLUSION The information derived from these studies can enhance our understanding of the GnRH-GnRHR versatile nature and offer valuable insight into the design of new more potent molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agathi Nteli
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Rion GR-26504, Greece
| | - Maria-Eleni Androutsou
- Vianex S.A., Tatoiou Str., 18th km Athens-Lamia National Road, Nea Erythrea 14671, Greece
| | - Theodore Tselios
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Rion GR-26504, Greece
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Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptors in Prostate Cancer: Molecular Aspects and Biological Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249511. [PMID: 33327545 PMCID: PMC7765031 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pituitary Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone receptors (GnRH-R) mediate the activity of the hypothalamic decapeptide GnRH, thus playing a key role in the regulation of the reproductive axis. Early-stage prostate cancer (PCa) is dependent on serum androgen levels, and androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT), based on GnRH agonists and antagonists, represents the standard therapeutic approach for PCa patients. Unfortunately, the tumor often progresses towards the more aggressive castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) stage. GnRH receptors are also expressed in CRPC tissues, where their binding to both GnRH agonists and antagonists is associated with significant antiproliferative/proapoptotic, antimetastatic and antiangiogenic effects, mediated by the Gαi/cAMP signaling cascade. GnRH agonists and antagonists are now considered as an effective therapeutic strategy for CRPC patients with many clinical trials demonstrating that the combined use of these drugs with standard therapies (i.e., docetaxel, enzalutamide, abiraterone) significantly improves disease-free survival. In this context, GnRH-based bioconjugates (cytotoxic drugs covalently linked to a GnRH-based decapeptide) have been recently developed. The rationale of this treatment is that the GnRH peptide selectively binds to its receptors, delivering the cytotoxic drug to CRPC cells while sparing nontumor cells. Some of these compounds have already entered clinical trials.
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Chehade C, Amaral FG, Branco GS, Cassel M, De Jesus LWO, Costa FG, Bordin SA, Moreira RG, Borella MI. Molecular characterization of different preproGnRHs in Astyanax altiparanae (Characiformes): Effects of GnRH on female reproduction. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:720-734. [PMID: 32418283 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a key molecule in the initiation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Thus, knowledge about GnRH may contribute to the effectiveness of species reproduction. Using a Neotropical tetra Astyanax altiparanae as a fish model species, the GnRH forms were characterized at the molecular level and the role of injected GnRHs in vivo was evaluated. The full-length complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences of preproGnRH2 (612 bp) and preproGnRH3 (407 bp) of A. altiparanae were obtained, and the GnRH1 form was not detected. The cDNA sequences of preproGnRH2 and preproGnRH3 were found to be conserved, but a change in the amino acid at position 8 of the GnRH3 decapeptide of A. altiparanae was observed. All the injected GnRHs stimulated lhβ messenger RNA (mRNA) expression but not fshβ mRNA expression, and only GnRH2 was able to increase maturation-inducing steroid (MIS) levels and possibly stimulate oocyte release. Furthermore, only GnRH2 was able to start the entire reproductive hormonal cascade and induce spawning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayrra Chehade
- Fish Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda G Amaral
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Physiology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovana S Branco
- Fish Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mônica Cassel
- Department of Education - Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, Mato Grosso Federal Institute of Education, Science, and Technology (IFMT)-Alta Floresta Campus, Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Lázaro W O De Jesus
- Laboratory of Applied Animal Morphophysiology, Department of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Fabiano G Costa
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of Northern Paraná (UENP), Jacarezinho, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Silvana A Bordin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata G Moreira
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Reproduction of Aquatic Organisms, Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria I Borella
- Fish Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
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Ma Y, Ladisa C, Chang JP, Habibi HR. Multifactorial control of reproductive and growth axis in male goldfish: Influences of GnRH, GnIH and thyroid hormone. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 500:110629. [PMID: 31678419 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Reproduction and growth are under multifactorial control of neurohormones and peripheral hormones. This study investigated seasonally related effects of GnIH, GnRH, and T3 on the reproductive and growth axis in male goldfish at three stages of gonadal recrudescence. The effects of injection treatments with GnRH, GnIH and/or T3 were examined by measuring serum LH and GH levels, as well as peripheral transcript levels, using a factorial design. As expected, GnRH elevated serum LH and GH levels in a seasonally dependant manner, with maximal elevations of LH in late stages of gonadal recrudescence (Spring) and maximal increases in GH in the regressed gonadal stage (Summer). GnIH injection increased serum LH and GH levels only in fish at the regressed stage but exerted both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on GnRH-induced LH responses depending on season. T3 treatment mainly had stimulatory effects on circulating LH levels and inhibitory effects on serum GH concentrations. In the liver and testes, we observed seasonal differences in thyroid receptors, estrogen receptors, vitellogenin, follicle-stimulating hormone receptor, aromatase and IGF-I transcript levels that were tissue- and sex-specific. Generally, there were no clear correlation between circulating LH and GH levels and peripheral transcript levels, presumably due to time-related response and possible direct interaction of GnRH and GnIH at the level of liver and testis. The results support the hypothesis that GnRH and GnIH are important components of multifactorial mechanisms that work in concert with T3 to regulate reciprocal control of reproduction and growth in goldfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Ma
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 1N4
| | - C Ladisa
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 1N4
| | - J P Chang
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 1N4; Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9
| | - H R Habibi
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 1N4.
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Ma Y, Ladisa C, Chang JP, Habibi HR. Seasonal Related Multifactorial Control of Pituitary Gonadotropin and Growth Hormone in Female Goldfish: Influences of Neuropeptides and Thyroid Hormone. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:175. [PMID: 32318022 PMCID: PMC7154077 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Female reproduction is under multifactorial control of brain-pituitary-peripheral origin. The present study provides information on seasonal changes in circulating LH and GH concentrations, as well as transcript levels for a number of genes involved in the regulation of reproduction and growth in female goldfish. We also provide information on the effects of treatments with GnRH and/or GnIH, and their interaction with T3, at three stages of gonadal recrudescence. Maximum basal concentration of LH was observed at late recrudescence (Spring) while no seasonal changes in basal serum GH levels was detected. Serum LH and GH levels were stimulated by GnRH as expected, depending on the season. GnIH stimulated basal GH concentrations in gonadally regressed fish. GnIH inhibitory action on GnRH-induced LH response was observed in late, but not in mid recrudescence. T3 actions on basal and GnRH- or GnIH-induced GH secretion were generally inhibitory, depending on season. Administration of T3 attenuated GnRH-induced LH responses in mid and late stages of gonadal recrudescence, and the presence of GnIH abolished inhibitory actions of T3 in fish at mid recrudescence. Our results also demonstrated seasonal patterns in basal and GnRH- and/or GnIH-induced transcript levels for ERα, ERβI, FSHR, aromatase, TRαI, TRβ, IGF-I, and Vtg in the liver and ovary. However, there were no clear correlations between changes in transcript levels and circulating levels of LH and GH. The results support the hypothesis that GnRH, GnIH, and T3 are contributing factors in complex reciprocal control of reproduction and growth in goldfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Ma
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Claudia Ladisa
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - John P. Chang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Hamid R. Habibi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Hamid R. Habibi
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Umatani C, Oka Y. Multiple functions of non-hypophysiotropic gonadotropin releasing hormone neurons in vertebrates. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2019; 5:23. [PMID: 31367467 PMCID: PMC6647275 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-019-0138-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) is a hypophysiotropic hormone that is generally thought to be important for reproduction. This hormone is produced by hypothalamic GnRH neurons and stimulates the secretion of gonadotropins. On the other hand, vertebrates also have non-hypophysiotropic GnRH peptides, which are produced by extrahypothalamic GnRH neurons. They are mainly located in the terminal nerve, midbrain tegmentum, trigeminal nerve, and spinal cord (sympathetic preganglionic nerves). In vertebrates, there are typically three gnrh paralogues (gnrh1, gnrh2, gnrh3). GnRH-expression in the non-hypophysiotropic neurons (gnrh1 or gnrh3 in the terminal nerve and the trigeminal nerve, gnrh2 in the midbrain tegmentum) occurs from the early developmental stages. Recent studies have suggested that non-hypophysiotropic GnRH neurons play various functional roles. Here, we summarize their anatomical/physiological properties and discuss their possible functions, focusing on studies in vertebrates. GnRH neurons in the terminal nerve show different spontaneous firing properties during the developmental stages. These neurons in adulthood show regular pacemaker firing, and it has been suggested that these neurons show neuromodulatory function related to the regulation of behavioral motivation, etc. In addition to their recognized role in neuromodulation in adult, in juvenile fish, these neurons, which show more frequent burst firing than in adults, are suggested to have novel functions. GnRH neurons in the midbrain tegmentum show regular pacemaker firing similar to that of the adult terminal nerve and are suggested to be involved in modulations of feeding (teleosts) or nutrition-related sexual behaviors (musk shrew). GnRH neurons in the trigeminal nerve are suggested to be involved in nociception and chemosensory avoidance, although the literature on their electrophysiological properties is limited. Sympathetic preganglionic cells in the spinal cord were first reported as peptidergic modulatory neurons releasing GnRH with a putative function in coordinating interaction between vasomotor and exocrine outflow in the sympathetic nervous system. The functional role of non-hypophysiotropic GnRH neurons may thus be in the global modulation of neural circuits in a manner dependent on internal conditions or the external environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chie Umatani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033 Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Oka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033 Japan
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Tzoupis H, Nteli A, Platts J, Mantzourani E, Tselios T. Refinement of the gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor I homology model by applying molecular dynamics. J Mol Graph Model 2019; 89:147-155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Lents CA, Thorson JF, Desaulniers AT, White BR. RFamide‐related peptide 3 and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone‐II are autocrine–paracrine regulators of testicular function in the boar. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:994-1003. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Clay A. Lents
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research ServiceU. S. Meat Animal Research CenterClay CenterNebraska
| | - Jennifer F. Thorson
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research ServiceU. S. Meat Animal Research CenterClay CenterNebraska
| | - Amy T. Desaulniers
- University of Nebraska‐LincolnDepartment of Animal ScienceLincolnNebraska
| | - Brett R. White
- University of Nebraska‐LincolnDepartment of Animal ScienceLincolnNebraska
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Desaulniers AT, Cederberg RA, Lents CA, White BR. Expression and Role of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone 2 and Its Receptor in Mammals. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:269. [PMID: 29312140 PMCID: PMC5732264 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 (GnRH1) and its receptor (GnRHR1) drive mammalian reproduction via regulation of the gonadotropins. Yet, a second form of GnRH (GnRH2) and its receptor (GnRHR2) also exist in mammals. GnRH2 has been completely conserved throughout 500 million years of evolution, signifying high selection pressure and a critical biological role. However, the GnRH2 gene is absent (e.g., rat) or inactivated (e.g., cow and sheep) in some species but retained in others (e.g., human, horse, and pig). Likewise, many species (e.g., human, chimpanzee, cow, and sheep) retain the GnRHR2 gene but lack the appropriate coding sequence to produce a full-length protein due to gene coding errors; although production of GnRHR2 in humans remains controversial. Certain mammals lack the GnRHR2 gene (e.g., mouse) or most exons entirely (e.g., rat). In contrast, old world monkeys, musk shrews, and pigs maintain the coding sequence required to produce a functional GnRHR2. Like GnRHR1, GnRHR2 is a 7-transmembrane, G protein-coupled receptor that interacts with Gαq/11 to mediate cell signaling. However, GnRHR2 retains a cytoplasmic tail and is only 40% homologous to GnRHR1. A role for GnRH2 and its receptor in mammals has been elusive, likely because common laboratory models lack both the ligand and receptor. Uniquely, both GnRH2 and GnRHR2 are ubiquitously expressed; transcript levels are abundant in peripheral tissues and scarcely found in regions of the brain associated with gonadotropin secretion, suggesting a divergent role from GnRH1/GnRHR1. Indeed, GnRH2 and its receptor are not physiological modulators of gonadotropin secretion in mammals. Instead, GnRH2 and GnRHR2 coordinate the interaction between nutritional status and sexual behavior in the female brain. Within peripheral tissues, GnRH2 and its receptor are novel regulators of reproductive organs. GnRH2 and GnRHR2 directly stimulate steroidogenesis within the porcine testis. In the female, GnRH2 and its receptor may help mediate placental function, implantation, and ovarian steroidogenesis. Furthermore, both the GnRH2 and GnRHR2 genes are expressed in human reproductive tumors and represent emerging targets for cancer treatment. Thus, GnRH2 and GnRHR2 have diverse functions in mammals which remain largely unexplored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy T. Desaulniers
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Rebecca A. Cederberg
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | | | - Brett R. White
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
- *Correspondence: Brett R. White,
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Wang F, Huang GD, Tian H, Zhong YB, Shi HJ, Li Z, Zhang XS, Wang H, Sun F. Point mutations in KAL1 and the mitochondrial gene MT-tRNA(cys) synergize to produce Kallmann syndrome phenotype. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13050. [PMID: 26278626 PMCID: PMC4642522 DOI: 10.1038/srep13050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Kallmann syndrome (KS) is an inherited developmental disorder defined as the association of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia or hyposmia. KS has been shown to be a genetically heterogeneous disease with different modes of inheritance. However, variants in any of the causative genes identified so far are only found in approximately one third of KS patients, thus indicating that other genes or pathways remain to be discovered. Here, we report a large Han Chinese family with inherited KS which harbors two novel variants, KAL1 c.146G>T (p.Cys49Phe) and mitochondrial tRNA(cys) (m.5800A>G). Although two variants can't exert obvious effects on the migration of GnRH neurons, they show the synergistic effect, which can account for the occurrence of the disorder in this family. Furthermore, the disturbance of the mitochondrial cysteinyl-tRNA pathway can significantly affect the migration of GnRH cells in vitro and in vivo by influencing the chemomigration function of anosmin-1. Our work highlights a new mode of inheritance underlay the genetic etiology of KS and provide valuable clues to understand the disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Guo-Dong Huang
- Center for Circadian Clocks, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China.,School of Biology &Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Tian
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Ying-Bin Zhong
- Center for Circadian Clocks, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China.,School of Biology &Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui-Juan Shi
- National Population and Family Planning Key Laboratory of Contraceptive Drugs and Devices, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xian-Sheng Zhang
- Departments of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Han Wang
- Center for Circadian Clocks, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China.,School of Biology &Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
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14
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Desaulniers AT, Cederberg RA, Mills GA, Ford JJ, Lents CA, White BR. LH-Independent Testosterone Secretion Is Mediated by the Interaction Between GNRH2 and Its Receptor Within Porcine Testes. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:45. [PMID: 26134865 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.128082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike classic gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 (GNRH1), the second mammalian isoform (GNRH2) is an ineffective stimulant of gonadotropin release. Species that produce GNRH2 may not maintain a functional GNRH2 receptor (GNRHR2) due to coding errors. A full-length GNRHR2 gene has been identified in swine, but its role in reproduction requires further elucidation. Our objective was to examine the role of GNRH2 and GNRHR2 in testicular function of boars. We discovered that GNRH2 levels were higher in the testis than in the anterior pituitary gland or hypothalamus, corresponding to greater GNRHR2 abundance in the testis versus the anterior pituitary gland. Moreover, GNRH2 immunostaining was most prevalent within seminiferous tubules, whereas GNRHR2 was detected in high abundance on Leydig cells. GNRH2 pretreatment of testis explant cultures elicited testosterone secretion similar to that of human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation. Treatment of mature boars with GNRH2 elevated testosterone levels similar to those of GNRH1-treated males, despite minimal GNRH2-induced release of luteinizing hormone (LH). When pretreated with a GNRHR1 antagonist (SB-75), subsequent GNRH2 treatment stimulated low levels of testosterone secretion despite a pattern of LH release similar to that in the previous trial, suggesting that SB-75 inhibited testicular GNRHR2s. Given that pigs lack testicular GNRHR1, these data may indicate that GNRH2 and its receptor are involved in autocrine or paracrine regulation of testosterone secretion. Notably, our data are the first to suggest a biological function of a novel GNRH2-GNRHR2 system in the testes of swine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy T Desaulniers
- University of Nebraska- Lincoln, Department of Animal Science, Lincoln, Nebraska
| | - Rebecca A Cederberg
- University of Nebraska- Lincoln, Department of Animal Science, Lincoln, Nebraska
| | - Ginger A Mills
- University of Nebraska- Lincoln, Department of Animal Science, Lincoln, Nebraska
| | - J Joe Ford
- US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska
| | - Clay A Lents
- US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska
| | - Brett R White
- University of Nebraska- Lincoln, Department of Animal Science, Lincoln, Nebraska
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15
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Davies S, Cros T, Richard D, Meddle SL, Tsutsui K, Deviche P. Food availability, energetic constraints and reproductive development in a wild seasonally breeding songbird. Funct Ecol 2015; 29:1421-1434. [PMID: 27546946 PMCID: PMC4974902 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In many organisms, food availability is a proximate cue that synchronizes seasonal development of the reproductive system with optimal environmental conditions. Growth of the gonads and secondary sexual characteristics is orchestrated by the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. However, our understanding of the physiological mechanisms by which food availability modulates activity of the HPG axis is limited. It is thought that many factors, including energetic status, modulate seasonal reproductive activation. We tested the hypothesis that food availability modulates the activity of the HPG axis in a songbird. Specifically, we food‐restricted captive adult male Abert's Towhees Melozone aberti for 2 or 4 weeks during photoinduced reproductive development. A third group (control) received ad libitum food throughout. We measured multiple aspects of the reproductive system including endocrine activity of all three levels of the HPG axis [i.e. hypothalamic gonadotropin‐releasing hormone‐I (GnRH‐I), plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T)], and gonad morphology. Furthermore, because gonadotropin‐inhibitory hormone (GnIH) and neuropeptide Y (NPY; a potent orexigenic peptide) potentially integrate information on food availability into seasonal reproductive development, we also measured the brain levels of these peptides. At the hypothalamic level, we detected no effect of food restriction on immunoreactive (ir) GnRH‐I, but the duration of food restriction was inversely related to the size of ir‐GnIH perikarya. Furthermore, the number of ir‐NPY cells was higher in food‐restricted than control birds. Food restriction did not influence photoinduced testicular growth, but decreased plasma LH and T, and width of the cloacal protuberance, an androgen‐sensitive secondary sexual characteristic. Returning birds to ad libitum food availability had no effect on plasma LH or T, but caused the cloacal protuberance to rapidly increase in size to that of ad libitum‐fed birds. Our results support the tenet that food availability modulates photoinduced reproductive activation. However, they also suggest that this modulation is complex and depends upon the level of the HPG axis considered. At the hypothalamic level, our results are consistent with a role for the GnIH and NPY systems in integrating information on energetic status. There also appears to be a role for endocrine function at the anterior pituitary gland and testicular levels in modulating reproductive development in the light of energetic status and independently of testicular growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Davies
- School of Life Sciences Arizona State University Tempe Arizona 85287 USA; Present address: Department of Biological Sciences Virginia Tech Blacksburg Virginia 24061USA
| | - Thomas Cros
- Faculté des Sciences Fondamentales et Appliquées Université de Poitiers Poitiers 86022 France
| | - Damien Richard
- Faculté des Sciences Fondamentales et Appliquées Université de Poitiers Poitiers 86022 France
| | - Simone L Meddle
- The Roslin Institute The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies The University of Edinburgh Easter Bush Midlothian EH25 9RG UK
| | - Kazuyoshi Tsutsui
- Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences Department of Biology and Center for Medical Life Science Waseda University Tokyo 162-8480 Japan
| | - Pierre Deviche
- School of Life Sciences Arizona State University Tempe Arizona 85287 USA
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16
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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.
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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:
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17
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Zhao Y, Lin MCA, Farajzadeh M, Wayne NL. Early development of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuronal network in transgenic zebrafish. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2013; 4:107. [PMID: 24009601 PMCID: PMC3757539 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2013.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding development of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal circuits is fundamental to our understanding of reproduction, but not yet well understood. Most studies have been focused on GnRH neurons located in the hypothalamus and preoptic area (POA), which directly regulate the pituitary-gonadal axis. In zebrafish (Danio rerio), two forms of GnRH have been identified: GnRH2 and GnRH3. GnRH3 neurons in this species plays two roles: hypophysiotropic and neuromodulatory, depending on their location. GnRH3 neurons in the ventral telencephalon, POA, and hypothalamus control pituitary-gonadal function; in other areas (e.g., terminal nerve), they are neuromodulatory and without direct action on reproduction. To investigate the biology of GnRH neurons, a stable line of transgenic zebrafish was generated in which the GnRH3 promoter drives expression of a bright variant of green fluorescent protein (Emerald GFP, or EMD). This provides unprecedented sensitivity in detecting and imaging GnRH3 neurons during early embryogenesis in the transparent embryo. Using timelapse confocal imaging to monitor the time course of GnRH3:EMD expression in the live embryo, we describe the emergence and development of GnRH3 neurons in the olfactory region, hypothalamus, POA, and trigeminal ganglion. By 50 h post fertilization, these diverse groups of GnRH3 neurons project broadly in the central and peripheral nervous systems and make anatomical connections with each other. Immunohistochemistry of synaptic vesicle protein 2 (a marker of synaptic transmission) in this transgenic model suggests synaptic formation is occurring during early development of the GnRH3 neural network. Electrophysiology reveals early emergence of responsiveness to the stimulatory effects of kisspeptin in terminal nerve GnRH3 neurons. Overall, our findings reveal that the GnRH3 neuronal system is comprised of multiple populations of neurons as a complicated network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Zhao
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Meng-Chin A. Lin
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Matthew Farajzadeh
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nancy L. Wayne
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- *Correspondence: Nancy L. Wayne, Department of Physiology, Center for Health Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Room 53-231, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA e-mail:
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18
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Garcia-Garcia RM. Integrative control of energy balance and reproduction in females. ISRN VETERINARY SCIENCE 2012; 2012:121389. [PMID: 23762577 PMCID: PMC3671732 DOI: 10.5402/2012/121389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There is a strong association between nutrition and reproduction. Chronic dietary energy deficits as well as energy surpluses can impair reproductive capacity. Metabolic status impacts reproductive function at systemic level, modulating the hypothalamic GnRH neuronal network and/or the pituitary gonadotropin secretion through several hormones and neuropeptides, and at the ovarian level, acting through the regulation of follicle growth and steroidogenesis by means of the growth hormone-IGF-insulin system and local ovarian mediators. In the past years, several hormones and neuropeptides have been emerging as important mediators between energy balance and reproduction. The present review goes over the main sites implicated in the control of energy balance linked to reproductive success and summarizes the most important metabolic and neuroendocrine signals that participate in reproductive events with special emphasis on the role of recently discovered neuroendocrine peptides. Also, a little overview about the effects of maternal nutrition, affecting offspring reproduction, has been presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Garcia-Garcia
- Physiology Department (Animal Physiology), Complutense University, Avenida Puerta de Hierro S/N, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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19
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Perfito N, Bentley GE. Opportunism, photoperiodism, and puberty: Different mechanisms or variations on a theme? Integr Comp Biol 2009; 49:538-49. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icp052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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