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Eraslan IM, Egberts-Brugman M, Read JL, Voglsanger LM, Samarasinghe RM, Hamilton L, Dhar P, Williams RJ, Walker LC, Ch'ng S, Lawrence AJ, Walker AJ, Dean OM, Gundlach AL, Smith CM. Neuroanatomical distribution of fluorophores within adult RXFP3 Cre-tdTomato/YFP mouse brain. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 225:116265. [PMID: 38714277 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Relaxin-family peptide 3 receptor (RXFP3) is activated by relaxin-3 in the brain to influence arousal and related functions, such as feeding and stress responses. Two transgenic mouse lines have recently been developed that co-express different fluorophores within RXFP3-expressing neurons: either yellow fluorescent protein (YFP; RXFP3-Cre/YFP mice) or tdTomato (RXFP3-Cre/tdTomato mice). To date, the characteristics of neurons that express RXFP3-associated fluorophores in these mice have only been investigated in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. To better determine the utility of these fluorophore-expressing mice for further research, we characterised the neuroanatomical distribution of fluorophores throughout the brain of these mice and compared this to the published distribution of Rxfp3 mRNA (detected by in situ hybridisation) in wildtype mice. Coronal sections of RXFP3-Cre/YFP (n = 8) and RXFP3-Cre/tdTomato (n = 8) mouse brains were imaged, and the density of fluorophore-expressing cells within various brain regions/nuclei was qualitatively assessed. Comparisons with our previously reported RXFP3 mRNA distribution revealed that of 212 brain regions that contained either fluorophore or RXFP3 mRNA, approximately half recorded densities that were within two qualitative measurements of each other (on a 9-point scale), including hippocampal dentate gyrus and amygdala subregions. However, many brain areas with likely non-authentic, false-positive, or false-negative fluorophore expression were also detected, including the cerebellum. Therefore, this study provides a guide to which brain regions should be prioritized for future study of RXFP3 in these mice, to better understand the neuroanatomy and function of this intriguing, neuronal peptide receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izel M Eraslan
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Monique Egberts-Brugman
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Justin L Read
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Lara M Voglsanger
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Rasika M Samarasinghe
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Lee Hamilton
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Poshmaal Dhar
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Richard J Williams
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Leigh C Walker
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Sarah Ch'ng
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Adam J Walker
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Olivia M Dean
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew L Gundlach
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Craig M Smith
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia.
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2
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Navarro-Sánchez M, Gil-Miravet I, Montero-Caballero D, Bathgate RAD, Hossain MA, Castillo-Gómez E, Gundlach AL, Olucha-Bordonau FE. Modulation of contextual fear acquisition and extinction by acute and chronic relaxin-3 receptor (RXFP3) activation in the rat retrosplenial cortex. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 225:116264. [PMID: 38710334 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The retrosplenial cortex (RSC) plays a central role in processing contextual fear conditioning. In addition to corticocortical and thalamocortical projections, the RSC receives subcortical inputs, including a substantial projection from the nucleus incertus in the pontine tegmentum. This GABAergic projection contains the neuropeptide, relaxin-3 (RLN3), which inhibits target neurons via its Gi/o-protein-coupled receptor, RXFP3. To assess this peptidergic system role in contextual fear conditioning, we bilaterally injected the RSC of adult rats with an adeno-associated-virus (AAV), expressing the chimeric RXFP3 agonist R3/I5 or a control AAV, and subjected them to contextual fear conditioning. The R3/I5 injected rats did not display any major differences to control-injected and naïve rats but displayed a significantly delayed extinction. Subsequently, we employed acute bilateral injections of the specific RXFP3 agonist peptide, RXFP3-Analogue 2 (A2), into RSC. While the administration of A2 before each extinction trial had no impact on the extinction process, treatment with A2 before each acquisition trial resulted in delayed extinction. In related anatomical studies, we detected an enrichment of RLN3-immunoreactive nerve fibers in deep layers of the RSC, and a higher level of co-localization of RXFP3 mRNA with vesicular GABA transporter (vGAT) mRNA than with vesicular glutamate transporter-1 (vGLUT1) mRNA across the RSC, consistent with an effect of RLN3/RXFP3 signalling on the intrinsic, inhibitory circuits within the RSC. These findings suggest that contextual conditioning processes in the RSC involve, in part, RLN3 afferent modulation of local inhibitory neurons that provides a stronger memory acquisition which, in turn, retards the extinction process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Navarro-Sánchez
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
| | - Isis Gil-Miravet
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
| | - Daniel Montero-Caballero
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
| | - Ross A D Bathgate
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Esther Castillo-Gómez
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain; CIBERsam-isciii, Red Española de Estrés, Spain
| | - Andrew L Gundlach
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Francisco E Olucha-Bordonau
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain; CIBERsam-isciii, Red Española de Estrés, Spain.
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3
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Xu Q, Ye M, Su Y, Feng L, Zhou L, Xu J, Wang D. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in male tilapia lacking a functional rln3b gene. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 270:132165. [PMID: 38729472 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Relaxin 3 is a neuropeptide that plays a crucial role in reproductive functions of mammals. Previous studies have confirmed that rln3a plays an important role in the male reproduction of tilapia. To further understand the significance of its paralogous gene rln3b in male fertility, we generated a homozygous mutant line of rln3b in Nile tilapia. Our findings indicated that rln3b mutation delayed spermatogenesis and led to abnormal testes structure. Knocking out rln3b gene resulted in a decrease in sperm count, sperm motility and male fish fertility. TUNEL detection revealed a small amount of apoptosis in the testes of rln3b-/- male fish at 390 days after hatching (dah). RT-qPCR analysis demonstrated that mutation of rln3b gene caused a significant downregulation of steroid synthesis-related genes such as cyp17a1, cyp11b2, germ cell marker gene, Vasa, and gonadal somatic cell marker genes of amh and amhr2. Furthermore, we found a significant down-regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis-related genes, while a significantly up-regulation of the dopamine synthetase gene in the rln3b-/- male fish. Taken together, our data strongly suggested that Rln3b played a crucial role in the fertility of XY tilapia by regulating HPG axis genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinglei Xu
- Fisheries Engineering Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China
| | - Maolin Ye
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yun Su
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Li Feng
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Linyan Zhou
- Fisheries Engineering Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China.
| | - Jian Xu
- Fisheries Engineering Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing 100141, China.
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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4
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Jayakody T, Inoue A, Kannan S, Nakamura G, Kawakami K, Mendis K, Nguyen TB, Li J, Herr DR, Verma CS, Dawe GS. Mechanisms of biased agonism by Gα i/o-biased stapled peptide agonists of the relaxin-3 receptor. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eabl5880. [PMID: 38349968 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abl5880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The neuropeptide relaxin-3 is composed of an A chain and a B chain held together by disulfide bonds, and it modulates functions such as anxiety and food intake by binding to and activating its cognate receptor RXFP3, mainly through the B chain. Biased ligands of RXFP3 would help to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of G proteins and β-arrestins downstream of RXFP3 that lead to such diverse functions. We showed that the i, i+4 stapled relaxin-3 B chains, 14s18 and d(1-7)14s18, were Gαi/o-biased agonists of RXFP3. These peptides did not induce recruitment of β-arrestin1/2 to RXFP3 by GPCR kinases (GRKs), in contrast to relaxin-3, which enabled the GRK2/3-mediated recruitment of β-arrestin1/2 to RXFP3. Relaxin-3 and the previously reported peptide 4 (an i, i+4 stapled relaxin-3 B chain) did not exhibit biased signaling. The staple linker of peptide 4 and parts of both the A chain and B chain of relaxin-3 interacted with extracellular loop 3 (ECL3) of RXFP3, moving it away from the binding pocket, suggesting that unbiased ligands promote a more open conformation of RXFP3. These findings highlight roles for the A chain and the N-terminal residues of the B chain of relaxin-3 in inducing conformational changes in RXFP3, which will help in designing selective biased ligands with improved therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharindunee Jayakody
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Neurobiology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, P.O. Box 1490, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | | | - Gaku Nakamura
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Kouki Kawakami
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Krishan Mendis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, P.O. Box 1490, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
| | - Thanh-Binh Nguyen
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671
| | - Jianguo Li
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671
| | - Deron R Herr
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chandra S Verma
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 6 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Dr., Singapore 637551
| | - Gavin S Dawe
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Neurobiology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Precision Medicine Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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5
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Gołyszny M, Obuchowicz E, Zieliński M. Neuropeptides as regulators of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis activity and their putative roles in stress-induced fertility disorders. Neuropeptides 2022; 91:102216. [PMID: 34974357 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2021.102216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides being regulators of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, also affect the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis by regulating gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion from hypothalamic neurons. Here, we review the available data on how neuropeptides affect HPG axis activity directly or indirectly via their influence on the HPA axis. The putative role of neuropeptides in stress-induced infertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, is also described. This review discusses both well-known neuropeptides (i.e., kisspeptin, Kp; oxytocin, OT; arginine-vasopressin, AVP) and more recently discovered peptides (i.e., relaxin-3, RLN-3; nesfatin-1, NEFA; phoenixin, PNX; spexin, SPX). For the first time, we present an up-to-date review of all published data regarding interactions between the aforementioned neuropeptide systems. The reviewed literature suggest new pathophysiological mechanisms leading to fertility disturbances that are induced by stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miłosz Gołyszny
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18 Street, 40-752 Katowice, Poland.
| | - Ewa Obuchowicz
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18 Street, 40-752 Katowice, Poland.
| | - Michał Zieliński
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18 Street, 40-752 Katowice, Poland.
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6
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Identification of oxytocin receptor activating chemical components from traditional Japanese medicines. J Food Drug Anal 2021; 29:653-675. [PMID: 35649140 PMCID: PMC9931015 DOI: 10.38212/2224-6614.3381] [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: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (Oxt) is known to regulate social communication, stress and body weight. The activation of Oxt receptors (OTR) has clinical potential to abate stress disorders and metabolic syndrome. Kamikihito (KKT) is a traditional Japanese medicine used to treat psychological stress-related disorders. We investigated the effects of KKT, its ingredients and chemical components on Oxt neurons and OTR. C-Fos expression was examined after oral and peripheral administration of KKT in rats. Electrophysiological change of Oxt neurons and Oxt release upon application of KKT were measured in rat brain slice. The direct effect of KKT, its ingredients and its chemical components were examined by cytosolic Ca2+([Ca2+]i) measurement in Oxt neurons and OTR-expressing HEK293 cells. Both intraperitoneal and oral administration of KKT in rats induced c-Fos expression in neurons of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) including Oxt neurons. Application of KKT induced activation of Oxt neurons and Oxt release. KKT increased [Ca2+]i in OTR-expressing HEK293 cells, and failed to activate with OTR antagonist. KKT-induced PVN Oxt neuron activation was also attenuated by OTR antagonist. Seven chemical components (rutin, ursolic acid, (Z )-butylidenephtalide, p-cymene, senkunolide, [6]-shogaol, [8]-shogaol) of three ingredients (Zizyphi Fructus, Angelicae Acutilobae Radix, Zingiberis Rhizoma) from KKT had potential to activate OTR. KKT can directly activate PVN Oxt neurons by interacting with OTR. The interaction of seven chemical components from KKT may contribute to activate OTR. Effect of KKT on Oxt neurons and OTR may contribute to the treatment of Oxt related disorders.
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7
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Imambocus BN, Zhou F, Formozov A, Wittich A, Tenedini FM, Hu C, Sauter K, Macarenhas Varela E, Herédia F, Casimiro AP, Macedo A, Schlegel P, Yang CH, Miguel-Aliaga I, Wiegert JS, Pankratz MJ, Gontijo AM, Cardona A, Soba P. A neuropeptidergic circuit gates selective escape behavior of Drosophila larvae. Curr Biol 2021; 32:149-163.e8. [PMID: 34798050 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.10.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Animals display selective escape behaviors when faced with environmental threats. Selection of the appropriate response by the underlying neuronal network is key to maximizing chances of survival, yet the underlying network mechanisms are so far not fully understood. Using synapse-level reconstruction of the Drosophila larval network paired with physiological and behavioral readouts, we uncovered a circuit that gates selective escape behavior for noxious light through acute and input-specific neuropeptide action. Sensory neurons required for avoidance of noxious light and escape in response to harsh touch, each converge on discrete domains of neuromodulatory hub neurons. We show that acute release of hub neuron-derived insulin-like peptide 7 (Ilp7) and cognate relaxin family receptor (Lgr4) signaling in downstream neurons are required for noxious light avoidance, but not harsh touch responses. Our work highlights a role for compartmentalized circuit organization and neuropeptide release from regulatory hubs, acting as central circuit elements gating escape responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibi Nusreen Imambocus
- LIMES Institute, Department of Molecular Brain Physiology and Behavior, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Str. 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany; Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fangmin Zhou
- LIMES Institute, Department of Molecular Brain Physiology and Behavior, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Str. 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany; Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andrey Formozov
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annika Wittich
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Federico M Tenedini
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Chun Hu
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Sauter
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ednilson Macarenhas Varela
- Integrative Biomedicine Laboratory, CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Center, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua do Instituto Bacteriológico 5, 1150-082 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fabiana Herédia
- Integrative Biomedicine Laboratory, CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Center, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua do Instituto Bacteriológico 5, 1150-082 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andreia P Casimiro
- Integrative Biomedicine Laboratory, CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Center, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua do Instituto Bacteriológico 5, 1150-082 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - André Macedo
- Integrative Biomedicine Laboratory, CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Center, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua do Instituto Bacteriológico 5, 1150-082 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Philipp Schlegel
- LIMES Institute, Department of Molecular Brain Physiology and Behavior, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Str. 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Chung-Hui Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical School, 427E Bryan Research, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Irene Miguel-Aliaga
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - J Simon Wiegert
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael J Pankratz
- LIMES Institute, Department of Molecular Brain Physiology and Behavior, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Str. 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Alisson M Gontijo
- Integrative Biomedicine Laboratory, CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Center, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua do Instituto Bacteriológico 5, 1150-082 Lisbon, Portugal; The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Lisbon Campus, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Albert Cardona
- HHMI Janelia Research Campus, 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA; MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK; Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Peter Soba
- LIMES Institute, Department of Molecular Brain Physiology and Behavior, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Str. 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany; Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20251 Hamburg, Germany.
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8
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Buaban S, Lengnudum K, Boonkum W, Phakdeedindan P. Genome-wide association study on milk production and somatic cell score for Thai dairy cattle using weighted single-step approach with random regression test-day model. J Dairy Sci 2021; 105:468-494. [PMID: 34756438 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies are a powerful tool to identify genomic regions and variants associated with phenotypes. However, only limited mutual confirmation from different studies is available. The objectives of this study were to identify genomic regions as well as genes and pathways associated with the first-lactation milk, fat, protein, and total solid yields; fat, protein, and total solid percentage; and somatic cell score (SCS) in a Thai dairy cattle population. Effects of SNPs were estimated by a weighted single-step GWAS, which back-solved the genomic breeding values predicted using single-step genomic BLUP (ssGBLUP) fitting a single-trait random regression test-day model. Genomic regions that explained at least 0.5% of the total genetic variance were selected for further analyses of candidate genes. Despite the small number of genotyped animals, genomic predictions led to an improvement in the accuracy over the traditional BLUP. Genomic predictions using weighted ssGBLUP were slightly better than the ssGBLUP. The genomic regions associated with milk production traits contained 210 candidate genes on 19 chromosomes [Bos taurus autosome (BTA) 1 to 7, 9, 11 to 16, 20 to 21, 26 to 27 and 29], whereas 21 candidate genes on 3 chromosomes (BTA 11, 16, and 21) were associated with SCS. Many genomic regions explained a small fraction of the genetic variance, indicating polygenic inheritance of the studied traits. Several candidate genes coincided with previous reports for milk production traits in Holstein cattle, especially a large region of genes on BTA14. We identified 141 and 5 novel genes related to milk production and SCS, respectively. These novel genes were also found to be functionally related to heat tolerance (e.g., SLC45A2, IRAG1, and LOC101902172), longevity (e.g., SYT10 and LOC101903327), and fertility (e.g., PAG1). These findings may be attributed to indirect selection in our population. Identified biological networks including intracellular cell transportation and protein catabolism implicate milk production, whereas the immunological pathways such as lymphocyte activation are closely related to SCS. Further studies are required to validate our findings before exploiting them in genomic selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Buaban
- Bureau of Animal Husbandry and Genetic Improvement, Department of Livestock Development, Pathum Thani 12000, Thailand
| | - K Lengnudum
- Bureau of Biotechnology in Livestock Production, Department of Livestock Development, Pathum Thani 12000, Thailand
| | - W Boonkum
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - P Phakdeedindan
- Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Genomics and Precision Dentistry Research Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
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9
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Gil-Miravet I, Mañas-Ojeda A, Ros-Bernal F, Castillo-Gómez E, Albert-Gascó H, Gundlach AL, Olucha-Bordonau FE. Involvement of the Nucleus Incertus and Relaxin-3/RXFP3 Signaling System in Explicit and Implicit Memory. Front Neuroanat 2021; 15:637922. [PMID: 33867946 PMCID: PMC8044989 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.637922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Telencephalic cognitive and emotional circuits/functions are strongly modulated by subcortical inputs. The main focus of past research on the nature of this modulation has been on the widespread monoamine projections to the telencephalon. However, the nucleus incertus (NI) of the pontine tegmentum provides a strong GABAergic and peptidergic innervation of the hippocampus, basal forebrain, amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and related regions; and represents a parallel source of ascending modulation of cognitive and emotional domains. NI GABAergic neurons express multiple peptides, including neuromedin-B, cholecystokinin, and relaxin-3, and receptors for stress and arousal transmitters, including corticotrophin-releasing factor and orexins/hypocretins. A functional relationship exists between NI neurons and their associated peptides, relaxin-3 and neuromedin-B, and hippocampal theta rhythm, which in turn, has a key role in the acquisition and extinction of declarative and emotional memories. Furthermore, RXFP3, the cognate receptor for relaxin-3, is a Gi/o protein-coupled receptor, and its activation inhibits the cellular accumulation of cAMP and induces phosphorylation of ERK, processes associated with memory formation in the hippocampus and amygdala. Therefore, this review summarizes the role of NI transmitter systems in relaying stress- and arousal-related signals to the higher neural circuits and processes associated with memory formation and retrieval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isis Gil-Miravet
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Castelló de la Plana, Spain
| | - Aroa Mañas-Ojeda
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Castelló de la Plana, Spain
| | - Francisco Ros-Bernal
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Castelló de la Plana, Spain
| | - Esther Castillo-Gómez
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Castelló de la Plana, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Hector Albert-Gascó
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew L Gundlach
- The Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Francisco E Olucha-Bordonau
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Castelló de la Plana, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
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10
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Voglsanger LM, Read J, Ch'ng SS, Zhang C, Eraslan IM, Gray L, Rivera LR, Hamilton LD, Williams R, Gundlach AL, Smith CM. Differential Level of RXFP3 Expression in Dopaminergic Neurons Within the Arcuate Nucleus, Dorsomedial Hypothalamus and Ventral Tegmental Area of RXFP3-Cre/tdTomato Mice. Front Neurosci 2021; 14:594818. [PMID: 33584175 PMCID: PMC7873962 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.594818] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RXFP3 (relaxin-family peptide 3 receptor) is the cognate G-protein-coupled receptor for the neuropeptide, relaxin-3. RXFP3 is expressed widely throughout the brain, including the hypothalamus, where it has been shown to modulate feeding behavior and neuroendocrine activity in rodents. In order to better characterize its potential mechanisms of action, this study determined whether RXFP3 is expressed by dopaminergic neurons within the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH), in addition to the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Neurons that express RXFP3 were visualized in coronal brain sections from RXFP3-Cre/tdTomato mice, which express the tdTomato fluorophore within RXFP3-positive cells, and dopaminergic neurons in these areas were visualized by simultaneous immunohistochemical detection of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactivity (TH-IR). Approximately 20% of ARC neurons containing TH-IR coexpressed tdTomato fluorescence, suggesting that RXFP3 can influence the dopamine pathway from the ARC to the pituitary gland that controls prolactin release. The ability of prolactin to reduce leptin sensitivity and increase food consumption therefore represents a potential mechanism by which RXFP3 activation influences feeding. A similar proportion of DMH neurons containing TH-IR expressed RXFP3-related tdTomato fluorescence, consistent with a possible RXFP3-mediated regulation of stress and neuroendocrine circuits. In contrast, RXFP3 was barely detected within the VTA. TdTomato signal was absent from the ARC and DMH in sections from Rosa26-tdTomato mice, suggesting that the cells identified in RXFP3-Cre/tdTomato mice expressed authentic RXFP3-related tdTomato fluorescence. Together, these findings identify potential hypothalamic mechanisms through which RXFP3 influences neuroendocrine control of metabolism, and further highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting RXFP3 in feeding-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara M Voglsanger
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Institute for Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
| | - Justin Read
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Institute for Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah S Ch'ng
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Cary Zhang
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Izel M Eraslan
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Institute for Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
| | - Laura Gray
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Institute for Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
| | - Leni R Rivera
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Institute for Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
| | - Lee D Hamilton
- Faculty of Health, School of Exercise and Nutritional Science, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
| | - Richard Williams
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Institute for Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew L Gundlach
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Craig M Smith
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Institute for Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
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11
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de Ávila C, Chometton S, Calvez J, Guèvremont G, Kania A, Torz L, Lenglos C, Blasiak A, Rosenkilde MM, Holst B, Conrad CD, Fryer JD, Timofeeva E, Gundlach AL, Cifani C. Estrous Cycle Modulation of Feeding and Relaxin-3/Rxfp3 mRNA Expression: Implications for Estradiol Action. Neuroendocrinology 2021; 111:1201-1218. [PMID: 33333517 DOI: 10.1159/000513830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Food intake varies during the ovarian hormone/estrous cycle in humans and rodents, an effect mediated mainly by estradiol. A potential mediator of the central anorectic effects of estradiol is the neuropeptide relaxin-3 (RLN3) synthetized in the nucleus incertus (NI) and acting via the relaxin family peptide-3 receptor (RXFP3). METHODS We investigated the relationship between RLN3/RXFP3 signaling and feeding behavior across the female rat estrous cycle. We used in situ hybridization to investigate expression patterns of Rln3 mRNA in NI and Rxfp3 mRNA in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), medial preoptic area (MPA), and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), across the estrous cycle. We identified expression of estrogen receptors (ERs) in the NI using droplet digital PCR and assessed the electrophysiological responsiveness of NI neurons to estradiol in brain slices. RESULTS Rln3 mRNA reached the lowest levels in the NI pars compacta during proestrus. Rxfp3 mRNA levels varied across the estrous cycle in a region-specific manner, with changes observed in the perifornical LHA, magnocellular PVN, dorsal BNST, and MPA, but not in the parvocellular PVN or lateral LHA. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (Gper1) mRNA was the most abundant ER transcript in the NI. Estradiol inhibited 33% of type 1 NI neurons, including RLN3-positive cells. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that the RLN3/RXFP3 system is modulated by the estrous cycle, and although further studies are required to better elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of estradiol signaling, current results implicate the involvement of the RLN3/RXFP3 system in food intake fluctuations observed across the estrous cycle in female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila de Ávila
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, CRIUCPQ, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada,
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark,
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA,
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA,
| | - Sandrine Chometton
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, CRIUCPQ, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Juliane Calvez
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, CRIUCPQ, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Geneviève Guèvremont
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, CRIUCPQ, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Alan Kania
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Lola Torz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- NNF CBMR, Nutrient and Metabolite Sensing, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christophe Lenglos
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, CRIUCPQ, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Anna Blasiak
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Mette M Rosenkilde
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Holst
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- NNF CBMR, Nutrient and Metabolite Sensing, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cheryl D Conrad
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - John D Fryer
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Elena Timofeeva
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, CRIUCPQ, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Andrew L Gundlach
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Carlo Cifani
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, CRIUCPQ, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
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12
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Liu J, Yang K, Jin Y, Liu Y, Chen Y, Zhang X, Yu S, Song E, Chen S, Zhang J, Jing G, An R. H3 relaxin protects against calcium oxalate crystal-induced renal inflammatory pyroptosis. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12902. [PMID: 32945585 PMCID: PMC7574868 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals can activate inflammatory cytokines by triggering inflammasomes, which cause damage to the adhered epithelium, a dysfunctional microenvironment and even renal failure. However, a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effects of these crystals on damage and cytokine function in renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) remains limited and to be explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS We detected the pyroptosis of TECs induced after exposure to CaOx crystals and demonstrated the significance of cytokine activation in the subsequent inflammatory processes through a proteomic study. We then conducted animal and cell experiments to verify relevant mechanisms through morphological, protein, histological and biochemical approaches. Human serum samples were further tested to help explain the pathophysiological mechanism of H3 relaxin. RESULTS We verified that crystal-induced extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) upregulation via the membrane purinergic 2X7 receptor (P2X7 R) promotes ROS generation and thereby activates NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated interleukin-1β/18 maturation and gasdermin D cleavage. Human recombinant relaxin-3 (H3 relaxin) can act on the transmembrane receptor RXFP1 to produce cAMP and subsequently improves crystal-derived damage via ATP consumption. Additionally, endogenous relaxin-3 was found to be elevated in patients with renal calculus and can thus serve as a biomarker. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide previously unidentified mechanistic insights into CaOx crystal-induced inflammatory pyroptotic damage and H3 relaxin-mediated anti-inflammatory protection and thus suggest a series of potential therapeutic targets and methods for but not limited to nephrocalcinosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiannan Liu
- Department of UrologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHeilongjiangChina
| | - Kelaier Yang
- Department of EndocrinologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHeilongjiangChina
| | - Yinshan Jin
- Department of UrologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHeilongjiangChina
| | - Yadong Liu
- Department of UrologyNingbo First HospitalZhejiangChina
| | - Yaodong Chen
- Department of Ultrasonic ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityShanxiChina
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Department of CardiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHeilongjiangChina
| | - Shiliang Yu
- Department of UrologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHeilongjiangChina
| | - Erlin Song
- Department of UrologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHeilongjiangChina
| | - Song Chen
- Department of UrologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHeilongjiangChina
| | - Jingbo Zhang
- Department of UrologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHeilongjiangChina
| | - Guanhua Jing
- Department of UrologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHeilongjiangChina
| | - Ruihua An
- Department of UrologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHeilongjiangChina
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13
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Kania A, Szlaga A, Sambak P, Gugula A, Blasiak E, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, Hossain MA, Cifani C, Hess G, Gundlach AL, Blasiak A. RLN3/RXFP3 Signaling in the PVN Inhibits Magnocellular Neurons via M-like Current Activation and Contributes to Binge Eating Behavior. J Neurosci 2020; 40:5362-5375. [PMID: 32532885 PMCID: PMC7343322 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2895-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Binge-eating disorder is the most common eating disorder. Various neuropeptides play important roles in the regulation of feeding behavior, including relaxin-3 (RLN3), which stimulates food intake in rats through the activation of the relaxin-family peptide-3 receptor (RXFP3). Here we demonstrate that a likely mechanism underlying the orexigenic action of RLN3 is RXFP3-mediated inhibition of oxytocin- and arginine-vasopressin-synthesizing paraventricular nucleus (PVN) magnocellular neurosecretory cells. Moreover, we reveal that, in male and female rats, this action depends on M-like potassium conductance. Notably, higher intra- and peri-PVN RLN3 fiber densities were observed in females, which may constitute an anatomic substrate for observed sex differences in binge-eating disorder. Finally, in a model of binge-eating in female rats, RXFP3 blockade within the PVN prevented binge-eating behavior. These data demonstrate a direct RLN3/RXFP3 action in the PVN of male and female rats, identify the associated ionic mechanisms, and reveal that hypothalamic RLN3/RXFP3 signaling regulates binge-eating behavior.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Binge-eating disorder is the most common eating disorder worldwide, affecting women twice as frequently as men. Various neuropeptides play important roles in the regulation of feeding behavior, including relaxin-3, which acts via the relaxin-family peptide-3 receptor (RXFP3). Using a model of binge-eating, we demonstrated that relaxin-3/RXFP3 signaling in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is necessary for the expression of binge-eating behavior in female rats. Moreover, we elucidated the neuronal mechanism of RLN3/RXFP3 signaling in PVN in male and female rats and characterized sex differences in the RLN3 innervation of the PVN. These findings increase our understanding of the brain circuits and neurotransmitters involved in binge-eating disorder pathology and identify RXFP3 as a therapeutic target for binge-like eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Kania
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, 30-387, Poland
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, 62032, Italy
| | - Agata Szlaga
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, 30-387, Poland
| | - Patryk Sambak
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, 30-387, Poland
| | - Anna Gugula
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, 30-387, Poland
| | - Ewa Blasiak
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, 30-387, Poland
| | | | - Mohammad Akhter Hossain
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, and Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3010 Victoria, Australia
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, 62032, Italy
| | - Grzegorz Hess
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, 30-387, Poland
| | - Andrew L Gundlach
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, and Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3010 Victoria, Australia
| | - Anna Blasiak
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, 30-387, Poland
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14
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Albert-Gascó H, Ros-Bernal F, Castillo-Gómez E, Olucha-Bordonau FE. MAP/ERK Signaling in Developing Cognitive and Emotional Function and Its Effect on Pathological and Neurodegenerative Processes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4471. [PMID: 32586047 PMCID: PMC7352860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The signaling pathway of the microtubule-associated protein kinase or extracellular regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) is a common mechanism of extracellular information transduction from extracellular stimuli to the intracellular space. The transduction of information leads to changes in the ongoing metabolic pathways and the modification of gene expression patterns. In the central nervous system, ERK is expressed ubiquitously, both temporally and spatially. As for the temporal ubiquity, this signaling system participates in three key moments: (i) Embryonic development; (ii) the early postnatal period; and iii) adulthood. During embryonic development, the system is partly responsible for the patterning of segmentation in the encephalic vesicle through the FGF8-ERK pathway. In addition, during this period, ERK directs neurogenesis migration and the final fate of neural progenitors. During the early postnatal period, ERK participates in the maturation process of dendritic trees and synaptogenesis. During adulthood, ERK participates in social and emotional behavior and memory processes, including long-term potentiation. Alterations in mechanisms related to ERK are associated with different pathological outcomes. Genetic alterations in any component of the ERK pathway result in pathologies associated with neural crest derivatives and mental dysfunctions associated with autism spectrum disorders. The MAP-ERK pathway is a key element of the neuroinflammatory pathway triggered by glial cells during the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as prionic diseases. The process triggered by MAPK/ERK activation depends on the stage of development (mature or senescence), the type of cellular element in which the pathway is activated, and the anatomic neural structure. However, extensive gaps exist with regards to the targets of the phosphorylated ERK in many of these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Albert-Gascó
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK;
| | - Francisco Ros-Bernal
- U.P Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Avda. de Vicent Sos Baynat s/n, 12071 Castelló de la Plana, Spain; (F.R.-B.); (E.C.-G.)
| | - Esther Castillo-Gómez
- U.P Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Avda. de Vicent Sos Baynat s/n, 12071 Castelló de la Plana, Spain; (F.R.-B.); (E.C.-G.)
- Spanish National Network for Research in Mental Health, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Planta 0, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco E. Olucha-Bordonau
- U.P Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Avda. de Vicent Sos Baynat s/n, 12071 Castelló de la Plana, Spain; (F.R.-B.); (E.C.-G.)
- Spanish National Network for Research in Mental Health, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Planta 0, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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15
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de Ávila C, Chometton S, Ma S, Pedersen LT, Timofeeva E, Cifani C, Gundlach AL. Effects of chronic silencing of relaxin-3 production in nucleus incertus neurons on food intake, body weight, anxiety-like behaviour and limbic brain activity in female rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:1091-1106. [PMID: 31897576 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05439-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Eating disorders are frequently triggered by stress and are more prevalent in women than men. First signs often appear during early adolescence, but the biological basis for the sex-specific differences is unknown. Central administration of native relaxin-3 (RLN3) peptide or chimeric/truncated analogues produces differential effects on food intake and HPA axis activity in adult male and female rats, but the precise role of endogenous RLN3 signalling in metabolic and neuroendocrine control is unclear. Therefore, we examined the effects of microRNA-induced depletion (knock-down) of RLN3 mRNA/(peptide) production in neurons of the brainstem nucleus incertus (NI) in female rats on a range of physiological, behavioural and neurochemical indices, including food intake, body weight, anxiety, plasma corticosterone, mRNA levels of key neuropeptides in the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN) and limbic neural activity patterns (reflected by c-fos mRNA). Validated depletion of RLN3 in NI neurons of female rats (n = 8) produced a small, sustained (~ 2%) decrease in body weight, an imbalance in food intake and an increase in anxiety-like behaviour in the large open field, but not in the elevated plus-maze or light/dark box. Furthermore, NI RLN3 depletion disrupted corticosterone regulation, increased oxytocin and arginine-vasopressin, but not corticotropin-releasing factor, mRNA, in PVN, and decreased basal levels of c-fos mRNA in parvocellular and magnocellular PVN, bed nucleus of stria terminalis and the lateral hypothalamic area, brain regions involved in stress and feeding. These findings support a role for NI RLN3 neurons in fine-tuning stress and neuroendocrine responses and food intake regulation in female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila de Ávila
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, CRIUCPQ, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada. .,The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. .,NNF CBMR, Nutrient and Metabolite Sensing, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Sandrine Chometton
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, CRIUCPQ, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Sherie Ma
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lola Torz Pedersen
- NNF CBMR, Nutrient and Metabolite Sensing, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elena Timofeeva
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, CRIUCPQ, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Carlo Cifani
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, CRIUCPQ, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Andrew L Gundlach
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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16
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Szczepanska-Sadowska E, Cudnoch-Jedrzejewska A, Wsol A. The role of oxytocin and vasopressin in the pathophysiology of heart failure in pregnancy and in fetal and neonatal life. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 318:H639-H651. [PMID: 32056469 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00484.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy and early life create specific psychosomatic challenges for the mother and child, such as changes in hemodynamics, resetting of the water-electrolyte balance, hypoxia, pain, and stress, that all play an important role in the regulation of the release of oxytocin and vasopressin. Both of these hormones regulate the water-electrolyte balance and cardiovascular functions, maturation of the cardiovascular system, and cardiovascular responses to stress. These aspects may be of particular importance in a state of emergency, such as hypertension in the mother or severe heart failure in the child. In this review, we draw attention to a broad spectrum of actions exerted by oxytocin and vasopressin in the pregnant mother and the offspring during early life. To this end, we discuss the following topics: 1) regulation of the secretion of oxytocin and vasopressin and expression of their receptors in the pregnant mother and child, 2) direct and indirect effects of oxytocin and vasopressin on the cardiovascular system in the healthy mother and fetus, and 3) positive and negative consequences of altered secretion of oxytocin and vasopressin in the mother with cardiovascular pathology and in the progeny with heart failure. The present survey provides evidence that moderate stimulation of the oxytocin and vasopressin receptors plays a beneficial role in the healthy pregnant mother and fetus; however, under pathophysiological conditions the inappropriate action of these hormones exerts several negative effects on the cardiovascular system of the mother and progeny and may potentially contribute to the pathophysiology of heart failure in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Szczepanska-Sadowska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - A Cudnoch-Jedrzejewska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - A Wsol
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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17
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Wykes AD, Ma S, Bathgate RAD, Gundlach AL. Targeted viral vector transduction of relaxin-3 neurons in the rat nucleus incertus using a novel cell-type specific promoter. IBRO Rep 2019; 8:1-10. [PMID: 31890981 PMCID: PMC6928288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibror.2019.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Extensive, ascending relaxin-3-containing neural networks are present throughout the rat forebrain. Relaxin-3 signalling modulates complex behaviours and cognitive processes including feeding, anxiety and memory. We tested a 1736 bp promoter sequence for specific transgene expression in relaxin-3 neurons of rat nucleus incertus (NI). This promoter restricted m-Cherry marker expression to NI relaxin-3 neurons with 98% specificity. This targeted transgene delivery offers a versatile method for ongoing preclinical studies of relaxin-3 circuitry.
Modern neuroscience utilizes transgenic techniques extensively to study the activity and function of brain neural networks. A key feature of this approach is its compatibility with molecular methods for selective transgene expression in neuronal circuits of interest. Until now, such targeted transgenic approaches have not been applied to the extensive circuitry involving the neuropeptide, relaxin-3. Pharmacological and gene knock-out studies have revealed relaxin-3 signalling modulates interrelated behaviours and cognitive processes, including stress and anxiety, food and alcohol consumption, and spatial and social memory, highlighting the potential of this system as a therapeutic target. In the present study, we aimed to identify a promoter sequence capable of regulating cell-type specific transgene expression from an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector in relaxin-3 neurons of the rat nucleus incertus (NI). In parallel to relaxin-3 promoter sequences, we also tested an AAV vector containing promoter elements for the tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) gene, as TrkA is co-expressed with relaxin-3 in rat NI neurons. Stereotaxic injection of an mCherry-expressing AAV vector revealed widespread non-specific TrkA promoter (880 bp) activity in and adjacent to the NI at 8 weeks post-treatment. In contrast, mCherry expression was successfully restricted to relaxin-3 NI neurons with 98% specificity using a 1736 bp relaxin-3 promoter. In addition to detailed anatomical mapping of NI relaxin-3 networks, illustrated here in association with GABAergic medial septum neurons, this method for targeted transgene delivery offers a versatile tool for ongoing preclinical studies of relaxin-3 circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander D Wykes
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sherie Ma
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ross A D Bathgate
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew L Gundlach
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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18
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Kania A, Sambak P, Gugula A, Szlaga A, Soltys Z, Blasiak T, Hess G, Rajfur Z, Blasiak A. Electrophysiology and distribution of oxytocin and vasopressin neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus: a study in male and female rats. Brain Struct Funct 2019; 225:285-304. [DOI: 10.1007/s00429-019-01989-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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19
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Marwari S, Poulsen A, Shih N, Lakshminarayanan R, Kini RM, Johannes CW, Dymock BW, Dawe GS. Intranasal administration of a stapled relaxin-3 mimetic has anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like activity in rats. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:3899-3923. [PMID: 31220339 PMCID: PMC6811745 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Depression and anxiety are common causes of disability, and innovative tools and potential pharmacological targets are actively sought for prevention and treatment. Therapeutic strategies targeting the relaxin‐3 peptide or its primary endogenous receptor, RXFP3, for the treatment of major depression and anxiety disorders have been limited by a lack of compounds with drug‐like properties. We proposed that a hydrocarbon‐stapled mimetic of relaxin‐3, when administered intranasally, might be uniquely applicable to the treatment of these disorders. Experimental Approach We designed a series of hydrocarbon‐stapled relaxin‐3 mimetics and identified the most potent compound using in vitro receptor binding and activation assays. Further, we assessed the effect of intranasal delivery of relaxin‐3 and the lead stapled mimetic in rat models of anxiety and depression. Key Results We developed an i,i+7 stapled relaxin‐3 mimetic that manifested a stabilized α‐helical structure, proteolytic resistance, and confirmed agonist activity in receptor binding and activation in vitro assays. The stapled peptide agonist enhanced food intake after intracerebral infusion in rats, confirming in vivo activity. We showed that intranasal delivery of the lead i,i+7 stapled peptide or relaxin‐3 had orexigenic effects in rats, indicating a potential clinically translatable route of delivery. Further, intranasal administration of the lead i,i+7 stapled peptide exerted anxiolytic and antidepressant‐like activity in anxiety‐ and depression‐related behaviour paradigms. Conclusions and Implications Our preclinical findings demonstrate that targeting the relaxin‐3/RXFP3 receptor system via intranasal delivery of an i,i+7 stapled relaxin‐3 mimetic may represent an effective treatment approach for depression, anxiety, and related neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhi Marwari
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anders Poulsen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Experimental Therapeutics Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Norrapat Shih
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rajamani Lakshminarayanan
- Anti-Infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - R Manjunatha Kini
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Charles William Johannes
- Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Brian William Dymock
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gavin Stewart Dawe
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Neurobiology and Ageing Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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20
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Ch'ng SS, Fu J, Brown RM, Smith CM, Hossain MA, McDougall SJ, Lawrence AJ. Characterization of the relaxin family peptide receptor 3 system in the mouse bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. J Comp Neurol 2019; 527:2615-2633. [PMID: 30947365 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a critical node involved in stress and reward-related behaviors. Relaxin family peptide receptor 3 (RXFP3) signaling in the BNST has been implicated in stress-induced alcohol seeking behavior. However, the neurochemical phenotype and connectivity of BNST RXFP3-expressing (RXFP3+) cells have yet to be elucidated. We interrogated the molecular signature and electrophysiological properties of BNST RXFP3+ neurons using a RXFP3-Cre reporter mouse line. BNST RXFP3+ cells are circumscribed to the dorsal BNST (dBNST) and are neurochemically heterogeneous, comprising a mix of inhibitory and excitatory neurons. Immunohistochemistry revealed that ~48% of BNST RXFP3+ neurons are GABAergic, and a quarter of these co-express the calcium-binding protein, calbindin. A subset of BNST RXFP3+ cells (~41%) co-express CaMKIIα, suggesting this subpopulation of BNST RXFP3+ neurons are excitatory. Corroborating this, RNAscope® revealed that ~35% of BNST RXFP3+ cells express vVGluT2 mRNA, indicating a subpopulation of RXFP3+ neurons are glutamatergic. RXFP3+ neurons show direct hyperpolarization to bath application of a selective RXFP3 agonist, RXFP3-A2, while around 50% of cells were depolarised by exogenous corticotrophin releasing factor. In behaviorally naive mice the majority of RXFP3+ neurons were Type II cells exhibiting Ih and T type calcium mediated currents. However, chronic swim stress caused persistent plasticity, decreasing the proportion of neurons that express these channels. These studies are the first to characterize the BNST RXFP3 system in mouse and lay the foundation for future functional studies appraising the role of the murine BNST RXFP3 system in more complex behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S Ch'ng
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jingjing Fu
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robyn M Brown
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Craig M Smith
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Stuart J McDougall
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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21
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Rytova V, Ganella DE, Hawkes D, Bathgate RAD, Ma S, Gundlach AL. Chronic activation of the relaxin-3 receptor on GABA neurons in rat ventral hippocampus promotes anxiety and social avoidance. Hippocampus 2019; 29:905-920. [PMID: 30891856 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in modern society and better treatments are required. Key brain areas and signaling systems underlying anxiety include prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala, and monoaminergic and peptidergic systems, respectively. Hindbrain GABAergic projection neurons that express the peptide, relaxin-3, broadly innervate the forebrain, particularly the septum and hippocampus, and relaxin-3 acts via a Gi/o -protein-coupled receptor known as the relaxin-family peptide 3 receptor (RXFP3). Thus, relaxin-3/RXFP3 signaling is implicated in modulation of arousal, motivation, mood, memory, and anxiety. Ventral hippocampus (vHip) is central to affective and cognitive processing and displays a high density of relaxin-3-positive nerve fibers and RXFP3 binding sites, but the identity of target neurons and associated effects on behavior are unknown. Therefore, in adult, male rats, we assessed the neurochemical nature of hippocampal RXFP3 mRNA-expressing neurons and anxiety-like and social behavior following chronic RXFP3 activation in vHip by viral vector expression of an RXFP3-selective agonist peptide, R3/I5. RXFP3 mRNA detected by fluorescent in situ hybridization was topographically distributed across the hippocampus in somatostatin- and parvalbumin-mRNA expressing GABA neurons. Chronic RXFP3 activation in vHip increased anxiety-like behavior in the light-dark box and elevated-plus maze, but not the large open-field test, and reduced social interaction with a conspecific stranger. Our data reveal disruptive effects of persistent RXFP3 signaling on hippocampal GABA networks important in anxiety; and identify a potential therapeutic target for anxiety disorders that warrants further investigation in relevant preclinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Rytova
- Discovery Science, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Despina E Ganella
- Discovery Science, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Hawkes
- Discovery Science, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ross A D Bathgate
- Discovery Science, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sherie Ma
- Discovery Science, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew L Gundlach
- Discovery Science, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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22
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Onaka T, Takayanagi Y. Role of oxytocin in the control of stress and food intake. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12700. [PMID: 30786104 PMCID: PMC7217012 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin neurones in the hypothalamus are activated by stressful stimuli and food intake. The oxytocin receptor is located in various brain regions, including the sensory information-processing cerebral cortex; the cognitive information-processing prefrontal cortex; reward-related regions such as the ventral tegmental areas, nucleus accumbens and raphe nucleus; stress-related areas such as the amygdala, hippocampus, ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamus and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray; homeostasis-controlling hypothalamus; and the dorsal motor complex controlling intestinal functions. Oxytocin affects behavioural and neuroendocrine stress responses and terminates food intake by acting on the metabolic or nutritional homeostasis system, modulating emotional processing, reducing reward values of food intake, and facilitating sensory and cognitive processing via multiple brain regions. Oxytocin also plays a role in interactive actions between stress and food intake and contributes to adaptive active coping behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsushi Onaka
- Division of Brain and NeurophysiologyDepartment of PhysiologyJichi Medical UniversityShimotsuke‐shiJapan
| | - Yuki Takayanagi
- Division of Brain and NeurophysiologyDepartment of PhysiologyJichi Medical UniversityShimotsuke‐shiJapan
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23
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Ozaki S, Higo S, Iwata K, Saeki H, Ozawa H. Region-specific changes in brain kisspeptin receptor expression during estrogen depletion and the estrous cycle. Histochem Cell Biol 2019; 152:25-34. [PMID: 30671658 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-018-01767-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin acts as a potent neuropeptide regulator of reproduction through modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Previous studies revealed sex differences in brain expression patterns as well as regulation of expression by estrogen. Alternatively, sex differences and estrogen regulation of the kisspeptin receptor (encoded by Kiss1r) have not been examined at cellular resolution. In the current study, we examined whether Kiss1r mRNA expression also exhibits estrogen sensitivity and sex-dependent differences using in situ hybridization. We compared Kiss1r mRNA expression between ovariectomized (OVX) rats and estradiol (E2)-replenished OVX rats to examine estrogen sensitivity, and compared expression between gonadally intact male rats and female rats in diestrus or proestrus to examine sex differences. In OVX rats, E2 replenishment significantly reduced Kiss1r expression specifically in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC). A difference in Kiss1r expression was also observed between diestrus and proestrus rats in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), but not in the ARC. Thus, estrogen appears to have region- and context-specific effects on Kiss1r expression. However, immunostaining revealed minimal colocalization of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in Kiss1r-expressing neuronal populations of ARC and PVN, indicating indirect or ERα-independent regulation of Kiss1r expression. Surprisingly, unlike the kisspeptin ligand, no sexual dimorphisms were observed in either the brain distribution of Kiss1r expression or in the number of Kiss1r-expressing neurons within enriched brain nuclei. The current study reveals marked differences in regulation between kisspeptin and kisspeptin receptor, and provides an essential foundation for further study of kisspeptin signaling and function in reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeko Ozaki
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Sendagi 1-1-5, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan.,Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shimpei Higo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Sendagi 1-1-5, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Kinuyo Iwata
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Sendagi 1-1-5, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Hidehisa Saeki
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ozawa
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Sendagi 1-1-5, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan.
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24
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Albert-Gasco H, Sanchez-Sarasua S, Ma S, García-Díaz C, Gundlach AL, Sanchez-Perez AM, Olucha-Bordonau FE. Central relaxin-3 receptor (RXFP3) activation impairs social recognition and modulates ERK-phosphorylation in specific GABAergic amygdala neurons. Brain Struct Funct 2018; 224:453-469. [PMID: 30368554 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-018-1763-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, the extended amygdala is a neural hub for social and emotional information processing. In the rat, the extended amygdala receives inhibitory GABAergic projections from the nucleus incertus (NI) in the pontine tegmentum. NI neurons produce the neuropeptide relaxin-3, which acts via the Gi/o-protein-coupled receptor, RXFP3. A putative role for RXFP3 signalling in regulating social interaction was investigated by assessing the effect of intracerebroventricular infusion of the RXFP3 agonist, RXFP3-A2, on performance in the 3-chamber social interaction paradigm. Central RXFP3-A2, but not vehicle, infusion, disrupted the capacity to discriminate between a familiar and novel conspecific subject, but did not alter differentiation between a conspecific and an inanimate object. Subsequent studies revealed that agonist-infused rats displayed increased phosphoERK(pERK)-immunoreactivity in specific amygdaloid nuclei at 20 min post-infusion, with levels similar to control again after 90 min. In parallel, we used immunoblotting to profile ERK phosphorylation dynamics in whole amygdala after RXFP3-A2 treatment; and multiplex histochemical labelling techniques to reveal that after RXFP3-A2 infusion and social interaction, pERK-immunopositive neurons in amygdala expressed vesicular GABA-transporter mRNA and displayed differential profiles of RXFP3 and oxytocin receptor mRNA. Overall, these findings demonstrate that central relaxin-3/RXFP3 signalling can modulate social recognition in rats via effects within the amygdala and likely interactions with GABA and oxytocin signalling.
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MESH Headings
- Amygdala/cytology
- Amygdala/drug effects
- Amygdala/enzymology
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism
- GABAergic Neurons/drug effects
- GABAergic Neurons/enzymology
- Infusions, Intraventricular
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
- Male
- Oxytocin/metabolism
- Peptides/administration & dosage
- Phosphorylation
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/agonists
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Receptors, Oxytocin/genetics
- Receptors, Oxytocin/metabolism
- Receptors, Peptide/agonists
- Receptors, Peptide/genetics
- Receptors, Peptide/metabolism
- Recognition, Psychology/drug effects
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Social Behavior
- Vesicular Inhibitory Amino Acid Transport Proteins/genetics
- Vesicular Inhibitory Amino Acid Transport Proteins/metabolism
- gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector Albert-Gasco
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Av de Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Castellón, Spain
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sandra Sanchez-Sarasua
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Av de Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Castellón, Spain
| | - Sherie Ma
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Cristina García-Díaz
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Av de Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Castellón, Spain
| | - Andrew L Gundlach
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ana M Sanchez-Perez
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Av de Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Castellón, Spain.
| | - Francisco E Olucha-Bordonau
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universitat Jaume I, Av de Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Castellón, Spain.
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25
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García-Díaz C, Sánchez-Catalán MJ, Castro-Salazar E, García-Avilés A, Albert-Gascó H, Sánchez-Sarasúa de la Bárcena S, Sánchez-Pérez AM, Gundlach AL, Olucha-Bordonau FE. Nucleus incertus ablation disrupted conspecific recognition and modified immediate early gene expression patterns in 'social brain' circuits of rats. Behav Brain Res 2018; 356:332-347. [PMID: 30195021 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Social interaction involves neural activity in prefrontal cortex, septum, hippocampus, amygdala and hypothalamus. Notably, these areas all receive projections from the nucleus incertus (NI) in the pontine tegmentum. Therefore, we investigated the effect of excitotoxic lesions of NI neurons in adult male, Wistar rats on performance in a social discrimination test, and associated changes in immediate-early gene protein levels. NI was lesioned with quinolinic acid, and after recovery, rats underwent two trials in the 3-chamber test. In the first trial, NI-lesioned and sham-lesioned rats spent longer exploring a conspecific than an inanimate object. By contrast, in the second trial, NI-lesioned rats visited the familiar and novel conspecific chambers equally, whereas sham-lesioned rats spent longer engaging with the novel rat. Quantification of Fos- and Egr-1-immunoreactivity (IR) levels in brain areas implicated in social behaviour, revealed that social encounter and NI lesion produced complex, differential changes. For example, Egr-1-IR was broadly decreased in several amygdala nuclei in NI-lesioned rats relative to sham, but Fos-IR levels were unaltered. In hippocampus, NI-lesioned rats displayed decreased Fos-IR in CA2 and CA3, while Egr-1-IR was increased in the polymorphic dentate gyrus, CA1, CA2 and subiculum of NI-lesioned rats, relative to sham. Social encounter-related Egr-1-IR was also decreased in septum and anterior and lateral hypothalamus of NI-lesioned rats. Overall, these data suggest NI networks can modulate the activity of sensory, emotional and executive brain areas involved in social recognition, with a likely involvement of neuronal Egr-1 activation in amygdala, septum and hypothalamus, and Erg-1 inhibition in hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - A L Gundlach
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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26
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Sabetghadam A, Grabowiecka-Nowak A, Kania A, Gugula A, Blasiak E, Blasiak T, Ma S, Gundlach AL, Blasiak A. Melanin-concentrating hormone and orexin systems in rat nucleus incertus: Dual innervation, bidirectional effects on neuron activity, and differential influences on arousal and feeding. Neuropharmacology 2018; 139:238-256. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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27
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Olucha-Bordonau FE, Albert-Gascó H, Ros-Bernal F, Rytova V, Ong-Pålsson EKE, Ma S, Sánchez-Pérez AM, Gundlach AL. Modulation of forebrain function by nucleus incertus and relaxin-3/RXFP3 signaling. CNS Neurosci Ther 2018; 24:694-702. [PMID: 29722152 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The nucleus incertus (NI) in the pontine tegmentum sends ascending projections to the midbrain, hypothalamus, amygdala, basal forebrain, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex, and has a postulated role in modulating several forebrain functions. A substantial population of GABAergic NI neurons expresses the neuropeptide, relaxin-3, which acts via the Gi/o -protein-coupled receptor, RXFP3, present throughout the forebrain target regions. Broad and specific manipulations of these systems by activation or inhibition of the NI or modulating RXFP3 signaling have revealed key insights into the likely influence of the NI/relaxin-3/RXFP3 system on modalities including arousal, feeding, stress responses, anxiety and addiction, and attention and memory. This range of actions corresponds to a likely impact of NI/(relaxin-3) projections on multiple integrated circuits, but makes it difficult to draw conclusions about a generalized function for this network. This review will focus on the key physiological process of oscillatory theta rhythm and the neural circuits that promote it during behavioral activation, highlighting the ability of NI and relaxin-3/RXFP3 signaling systems to modulate these circuits. A better understanding of these mechanisms may provide a way to therapeutically adjust malfunction of forebrain activity present in several pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Héctor Albert-Gascó
- Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Francisco Ros-Bernal
- Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Valeria Rytova
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Emma K E Ong-Pålsson
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Sherie Ma
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Ana M Sánchez-Pérez
- Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Andrew L Gundlach
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Vic., Australia
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Albert-Gascó H, Ma S, Ros-Bernal F, Sánchez-Pérez AM, Gundlach AL, Olucha-Bordonau FE. GABAergic Neurons in the Rat Medial Septal Complex Express Relaxin-3 Receptor (RXFP3) mRNA. Front Neuroanat 2018; 11:133. [PMID: 29403361 PMCID: PMC5777284 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2017.00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The medial septum (MS) complex modulates hippocampal function and related behaviors. Septohippocampal projections promote and control different forms of hippocampal synchronization. Specifically, GABAergic and cholinergic projections targeting the hippocampal formation from the MS provide bursting discharges to promote theta rhythm, or tonic activity to promote gamma oscillations. In turn, the MS is targeted by ascending projections from the hypothalamus and brainstem. One of these projections arises from the nucleus incertus in the pontine tegmentum, which contains GABA neurons that co-express the neuropeptide relaxin-3 (Rln3). Both stimulation of the nucleus incertus and septal infusion of Rln3 receptor agonist peptides promotes hippocampal theta rhythm. The Gi/o-protein-coupled receptor, relaxin-family peptide receptor 3 (RXFP3), is the cognate receptor for Rln3 and identification of the transmitter phenotype of neurons expressing RXFP3 in the septohippocampal system can provide further insights into the role of Rln3 transmission in the promotion of septohippocampal theta rhythm. Therefore, we used RNAscope multiplex in situ hybridization to characterize the septal neurons expressing Rxfp3 mRNA in the rat. Our results demonstrate that Rxfp3 mRNA is abundantly expressed in vesicular GABA transporter (vGAT) mRNA- and parvalbumin (PV) mRNA-positive GABA neurons in MS, whereas ChAT mRNA-positive acetylcholine neurons lack Rxfp3 mRNA. Approximately 75% of Rxfp3 mRNA-positive neurons expressed vGAT mRNA (and 22% were PV mRNA-positive), while the remaining 25% expressed Rxfp3 mRNA only, consistent with a potential glutamatergic phenotype. Similar proportions were observed in the posterior septum. The occurrence of RXFP3 in PV-positive GABAergic neurons gives support to a role for the Rln3-RXFP3 system in septohippocampal theta rhythm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector Albert-Gascó
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain.,The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Sherie Ma
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Francisco Ros-Bernal
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
| | - Ana M Sánchez-Pérez
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
| | - Andrew L Gundlach
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Francisco E Olucha-Bordonau
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
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de Ávila C, Chometton S, Lenglos C, Calvez J, Gundlach AL, Timofeeva E. Differential effects of relaxin-3 and a selective relaxin-3 receptor agonist on food and water intake and hypothalamic neuronal activity in rats. Behav Brain Res 2018; 336:135-144. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Feijóo-Bandín S, Aragón-Herrera A, Rodríguez-Penas D, Portolés M, Roselló-Lletí E, Rivera M, González-Juanatey JR, Lago F. Relaxin-2 in Cardiometabolic Diseases: Mechanisms of Action and Future Perspectives. Front Physiol 2017; 8:599. [PMID: 28868039 PMCID: PMC5563388 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the great effort of the medical community during the last decades, cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide, increasing their prevalence every year mainly due to our new way of life. In the last years, the study of new hormones implicated in the regulation of energy metabolism and inflammation has raised a great interest among the scientific community regarding their implications in the development of cardiometabolic diseases. In this review, we will summarize the main actions of relaxin, a pleiotropic hormone that was previously suggested to improve acute heart failure and that participates in both metabolism and inflammation regulation at cardiovascular level, and will discuss its potential as future therapeutic target to prevent/reduce cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Feijóo-Bandín
- Cellular and Molecular Cardiology Research Unit, Institute of Biomedical Research and University Clinical HospitalSantiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades CardiovascularesMadrid, Spain
| | - Alana Aragón-Herrera
- Cellular and Molecular Cardiology Research Unit, Institute of Biomedical Research and University Clinical HospitalSantiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Diego Rodríguez-Penas
- Cellular and Molecular Cardiology Research Unit, Institute of Biomedical Research and University Clinical HospitalSantiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Manuel Portolés
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades CardiovascularesMadrid, Spain
- Cardiocirculatory Unit, Health Research Institute of La Fe University HospitalValencia, Spain
| | - Esther Roselló-Lletí
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades CardiovascularesMadrid, Spain
- Cardiocirculatory Unit, Health Research Institute of La Fe University HospitalValencia, Spain
| | - Miguel Rivera
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades CardiovascularesMadrid, Spain
- Cardiocirculatory Unit, Health Research Institute of La Fe University HospitalValencia, Spain
| | - José R. González-Juanatey
- Cellular and Molecular Cardiology Research Unit, Institute of Biomedical Research and University Clinical HospitalSantiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades CardiovascularesMadrid, Spain
| | - Francisca Lago
- Cellular and Molecular Cardiology Research Unit, Institute of Biomedical Research and University Clinical HospitalSantiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades CardiovascularesMadrid, Spain
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31
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Zhang C, Baimoukhametova DV, Smith CM, Bains JS, Gundlach AL. Relaxin-3/RXFP3 signalling in mouse hypothalamus: no effect of RXFP3 activation on corticosterone, despite reduced presynaptic excitatory input onto paraventricular CRH neurons in vitro. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:1725-1739. [PMID: 28314951 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4575-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Relaxin-3/RXFP3 signalling is proposed to be involved in the neuromodulatory control of arousal- and stress-related neural circuits. Furthermore, previous studies in rats have led to the proposal that relaxin-3/RXFP3 signalling is associated with activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, but direct evidence for RXFP3-related actions on the activity of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons is lacking. In this study, we investigated characteristics of the relaxin-3/RXFP3 system in mouse hypothalamus. Administration of an RXFP3 agonist (RXFP3-A2) intra-cerebroventricularly or directly into the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN) of C57BL/6J mice did not alter corticosterone levels. Similarly, there were no differences between serum corticosterone levels in Rxfp3 knockout (C57BL/6JRXFP3TM1) and wild-type mice at baseline and after stress, despite detection of the predicted stress-induced increases in serum corticosterone. We examined the nature of the relaxin-3 innervation of PVN in wild-type mice and in Crh-IRES-Cre;Ai14 mice that co-express the tdTomato fluorophore in CRH neurons, identifying abundant relaxin-3 fibres in the peri-PVN region, but only sparse fibres associated with densely packed CRH neurons. In whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings of tdTomato-positive CRH neurons in these mice, we observed a reduction in sEPSC frequency following local application of RXFP3-A2, consistent with an activation of RXFP3 on presynaptic glutamatergic afferents in the PVN region. These studies clarify the relationship between relaxin-3/RXFP3 inputs and CRH neurons in mouse PVN, with implications for the interpretation of current and previous in vivo studies and future investigations of this stress-related signalling network in normal and transgenic mice, under normal and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Zhang
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - D V Baimoukhametova
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - C M Smith
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - J S Bains
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Andrew L Gundlach
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Landry M. The relaxin-3/RXFP3 system as a peptidergic pathway to control hypothalamic neurons. J Physiol 2017; 595:3249-3250. [PMID: 28295347 DOI: 10.1113/jp274052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Landry
- Bordeaux University, IINS CNRS UMR 5297, 146, rue Léo Saignat, 33076, Bordeaux, Cedex, France
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Kusek M, Tokarska A, Siwiec M, Gadek-Michalska A, Szewczyk B, Hess G, Tokarski K. Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitor Attenuates the Effects of Repeated Restraint Stress on Synaptic Transmission in the Paraventricular Nucleus of the Rat Hypothalamus. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:127. [PMID: 28515682 PMCID: PMC5413825 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-synthesizing parvocellular neuroendocrine cells (PNCs) of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) play a key role in the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. Several studies have demonstrated that synaptic inputs to these cells may undergo stress-related enhancement but, on the other hand, it has been reported that exposition to the same stressor for prolonged time periods may induce a progressive reduction in the response of the HPA axis to homotypic stressors. In the present study rats were subjected to 10 min restraint sessions, repeated twice daily for 3 or 7 days. Miniature excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs and mIPSCs) were then recorded from PNCs in ex vivo hypothalamic slice preparations obtained 24 h after the last restraint. Restraint stress repeated over 3 days resulted in increased mean frequency and decreased rise time and decay time constant of mEPSCs, accompanied by a decrease in the excitability of PNCs, however, no such changes were evident in slices obtained from rats subjected to restraint over 7 days. There were no changes in mIPSCs after repeated restraint. Administration of the unspecific nitric oxide synthase (NOS) blocker Nω-Nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) before each restraint, repeated over 3 days, prevented the occurrence of an increase in mEPSC frequency. However, animals receiving L-NNA and subjected to repeated restraint had similar changes in PNCs membrane excitability and mEPSC kinetics as stressed rats not receiving L-NNA. Comparison of the effects of a single 10 min restraint session followed by either an immediate or delayed (24 h) decapitation revealed an increase in the mean mEPSC frequency and a decrease in the mean mIPSC frequency in slices prepared immediately after restraint, with no apparent effects when slice preparation was delayed by 24 h. These results demonstrate that restraint, lasting 10 min and repeated twice daily for 3 days, induces a selective and long-lasting enhancement of excitatory synaptic input onto PNCs, partially by a NOS-dependent mechanism, and reduces PNC excitability, whereas prolongation of repeated stress for up to 7 days results in an adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kusek
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of SciencesKraków, Poland
| | - Anna Tokarska
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian UniversityKraków, Poland
| | - Marcin Siwiec
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of SciencesKraków, Poland
| | - Anna Gadek-Michalska
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of SciencesKraków, Poland
| | - Bernadeta Szewczyk
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of SciencesKraków, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Hess
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of SciencesKraków, Poland.,Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian UniversityKraków, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Tokarski
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of SciencesKraków, Poland
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Blasiak A, Gundlach AL, Hess G, Lewandowski MH. Interactions of Circadian Rhythmicity, Stress and Orexigenic Neuropeptide Systems: Implications for Food Intake Control. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:127. [PMID: 28373831 PMCID: PMC5357634 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Many physiological processes fluctuate throughout the day/night and daily fluctuations are observed in brain and peripheral levels of several hormones, neuropeptides and transmitters. In turn, mediators under the “control” of the “master biological clock” reciprocally influence its function. Dysregulation in the rhythmicity of hormone release as well as hormone receptor sensitivity and availability in different tissues, is a common risk-factor for multiple clinical conditions, including psychiatric and metabolic disorders. At the same time circadian rhythms remain in a strong, reciprocal interaction with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Recent findings point to a role of circadian disturbances and excessive stress in the development of obesity and related food consumption and metabolism abnormalities, which constitute a major health problem worldwide. Appetite, food intake and energy balance are under the influence of several brain neuropeptides, including the orexigenic agouti-related peptide, neuropeptide Y, orexin, melanin-concentrating hormone and relaxin-3. Importantly, orexigenic neuropeptide neurons remain under the control of the circadian timing system and are highly sensitive to various stressors, therefore the potential neuronal mechanisms through which disturbances in the daily rhythmicity and stress-related mediator levels contribute to food intake abnormalities rely on reciprocal interactions between these elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Blasiak
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrew L Gundlach
- Neuropeptides Division, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthParkville, VIC, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Grzegorz Hess
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian UniversityKrakow, Poland; Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of SciencesKrakow, Poland
| | - Marian H Lewandowski
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University Krakow, Poland
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