1
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Bulus AD, Yasartekin Y, Ceylan AC, Dirican O, Husseini AA. Cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: A single-center experience. Niger J Clin Pract 2023; 26:1552-1556. [PMID: 37929534 DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_244_23] [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] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Delayed puberty (DP) affects approximately 2% of adolescents. In most patients of both genders, delayed puberty is due to constitutional delay in growth and puberty (CDGP); it is a self-limiting condition starting later than usual during puberty but progressing normally. Other causes of DP include permanent hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, functional hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and gonadal insufficiency. Methods Nine patients admitted to the Ankara Atatürk Sanatoryum Training and Research Hospital Pediatric Endocrinology Department with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism between January 2012 and December 2022 were analyzed. Results Nine patients who applied to our pediatric endocrinology clinic with delayed puberty were analyzed. These nine patients were diagnosed and reported as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with molecular methods. We aimed to determine the status of these cases from a molecular point of view, to emphasize the importance of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in patients with delayed puberty, and to reveal the rarely encountered delayed puberty together with the clinical and laboratory data set of the patients. Conclusions To emphasize the importance of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, which is a rare cause of delayed puberty, the molecular predispositions of our patients followed in our clinic are reviewed, and the data we have provided will contribute to the accumulation of data in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Bulus
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Ankara Atatürk Sanatorium Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Y Yasartekin
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Ankara Atatürk Sanatorium Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - A C Ceylan
- Medical Genetics, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - O Dirican
- Department of Pathology, Istanbul Gelisim University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - A A Husseini
- Department of Biomedical Device Technology, Istanbul Gelişim University, Istanbul, Türkiye
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2
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Chung WCJ, Tsai PS. The initiation and maintenance of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuron identity in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1166132. [PMID: 37181038 PMCID: PMC10173152 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1166132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons that secrete gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) drive vertebrate reproduction. Genetic lesions that disrupt these neurons in humans lead to congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) and reproductive failure. Studies on CHH have largely focused on the disruption of prenatal GnRH neuronal migration and postnatal GnRH secretory activity. However, recent evidence suggests a need to also focus on how GnRH neurons initiate and maintain their identity during prenatal and postnatal periods. This review will provide a brief overview of what is known about these processes and several gaps in our knowledge, with an emphasis on how disruption of GnRH neuronal identity can lead to CHH phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson CJ Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Pei-San Tsai
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States
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3
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Yellapragada V, Eskici N, Wang Y, Madhusudan S, Vaaralahti K, Tuuri T, Raivio T. Time and dose-dependent effects of FGF8-FGFR1 signaling in GnRH neurons derived from human pluripotent stem cells. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:276003. [PMID: 35833364 PMCID: PMC9403748 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8), acting through the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), has an important role in the development of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-expressing neurons (GnRH neurons). We hypothesized that FGF8 regulates differentiation of human GnRH neurons in a time- and dose-dependent manner via FGFR1. To investigate this further, human pluripotent stem cells were differentiated during 10 days of dual-SMAD inhibition into neural progenitor cells, followed either by treatment with FGF8 at different concentrations (25 ng/ml, 50 ng/ml or 100 ng/ml) for 10 days or by treatment with 100 ng/ml FGF8 for different durations (2, 4, 6 or 10 days); cells were then matured through DAPT-induced inhibition of Notch signaling for 5 days into GnRH neurons. FGF8 induced expression of GNRH1 in a dose-dependent fashion and the duration of FGF8 exposure correlated positively with gene expression of GNRH1 (P<0.05, Rs=0.49). However, cells treated with 100 ng/ml FGF8 for 2 days induced the expression of genes, such as FOXG1, ETV5 and SPRY2, and continued FGF8 treatment induced the dynamic expression of several other genes. Moreover, during exposure to FGF8, FGFR1 localized to the cell surface and its specific inhibition with the FGFR1 inhibitor PD166866 reduced expression of GNRH1 (P<0.05). In neurons, FGFR1 also localized to the nucleus. Our results suggest that dose- and time-dependent FGF8 signaling via FGFR1 is indispensable for human GnRH neuron ontogeny. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: This article demonstrates the essential role FGF8–FGFR1 signaling has in the development of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-expressing neurons by using a human stem cell model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatram Yellapragada
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program (STEMM), Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nazli Eskici
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program (STEMM), Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yafei Wang
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program (STEMM), Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Shrinidhi Madhusudan
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program (STEMM), Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kirsi Vaaralahti
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program (STEMM), Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timo Tuuri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 00029 Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taneli Raivio
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program (STEMM), Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,New Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, 00029 Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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4
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Duittoz AH, Forni PE, Giacobini P, Golan M, Mollard P, Negrón AL, Radovick S, Wray S. Development of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone system. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13087. [PMID: 35067985 PMCID: PMC9286803 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes the current understanding of the development of the neuroendocrine gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) system, including discussion on open questions regarding (1) transcriptional regulation of the Gnrh1 gene; (2) prenatal development of the GnRH1 system in rodents and humans; and (3) paracrine and synaptic communication during migration of the GnRH cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paolo E. Forni
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity at AlbanyAlbanyNYUSA
- The RNA InstituteUniversity at AlbanyAlbanyNYUSA
| | - Paolo Giacobini
- Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Postnatal BrainLille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR‐S1172, Inserm, CHU LilleUniversity of LilleLilleFrance
| | - Matan Golan
- Institute of Animal SciencesAgricultural Research Organization – Volcani CenterRishon LetziyonIsrael
| | - Patrice Mollard
- Institute of Functional GenomicsCNRS, InsermMontpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
| | - Ariel L. Negrón
- Clinical and Translational ResearchRutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolNew BrunswickNJUSA
| | - Sally Radovick
- Clinical and Translational ResearchRutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolNew BrunswickNJUSA
| | - Susan Wray
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology SectionNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMDUSA
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5
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Cerrizuela S, Vega-Lopez GA, Méndez-Maldonado K, Velasco I, Aybar MJ. The crucial role of model systems in understanding the complexity of cell signaling in human neurocristopathies. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1537. [PMID: 35023327 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Animal models are useful to study the molecular, cellular, and morphogenetic mechanisms underlying normal and pathological development. Cell-based study models have emerged as an alternative approach to study many aspects of human embryonic development and disease. The neural crest (NC) is a transient, multipotent, and migratory embryonic cell population that generates a diverse group of cell types that arises during vertebrate development. The abnormal formation or development of the NC results in neurocristopathies (NCPs), which are characterized by a broad spectrum of functional and morphological alterations. The impaired molecular mechanisms that give rise to these multiphenotypic diseases are not entirely clear yet. This fact, added to the high incidence of these disorders in the newborn population, has led to the development of systematic approaches for their understanding. In this article, we have systematically reviewed the ways in which experimentation with different animal and cell model systems has improved our knowledge of NCPs, and how these advances might contribute to the development of better diagnostic and therapeutic tools for the treatment of these pathologies. This article is categorized under: Congenital Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Congenital Diseases > Stem Cells and Development Congenital Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Neurological Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Cerrizuela
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Guillermo A Vega-Lopez
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), Tucumán, Argentina.,Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Karla Méndez-Maldonado
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular - Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico.,Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Iván Velasco
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular - Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular del Instituto de Fisiología Celular, UNAM en el Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "Manuel Velasco Suárez", Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Manuel J Aybar
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), Tucumán, Argentina.,Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
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6
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Abstract
The diagnostic suspicion of congenital central hypogonadism is based on clinical signs. Biochemical confirmation is challenging, especially after the postnatal activation stage of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. Sertoli cell markers, like AMH and inhibin B, have become useful tools for the diagnosis of male central hypogonadism during childhood. Different mechanisms can participate in the aetiopathogenesis of central hypogonadism, leading to a deficiency in the production of gonadotrophins. Advances in genetic studies, mainly next generation sequencing techniques, have allowed the discovery of a large number of genes related to central hypogonadism. However, a causal variant is found in approximately half of the patients. Central hypogonadism has been classically described as a pathology with variable expressivity and incomplete penetrance. Currently, these characteristics are known to be partially explained by the presence of oligogenicity, that is the participation of variants in more than one gene in the aetiology of central hypogonadism in the same patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina P Grinspon
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI - División de, Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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7
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Faienza MF, Urbano F, Moscogiuri LA, Chiarito M, De Santis S, Giordano P. Genetic, epigenetic and enviromental influencing factors on the regulation of precocious and delayed puberty. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1019468. [PMID: 36619551 PMCID: PMC9813382 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1019468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The pubertal development onset is controlled by a network of genes that regulate the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) pulsatile release and the subsequent increase of the circulating levels of pituitary gonadotropins that activate the gonadal function. Although the transition from pre-pubertal condition to puberty occurs physiologically in a delimited age-range, the inception of pubertal development can be anticipated or delayed due to genetic and epigenetic changes or environmental conditions. Most of the genetic and epigenetic alterations concern genes which encode for kisspeptin, GnRH, LH, FSH and their receptor, which represent crucial factors of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Recent data indicate a central role of the epigenome in the regulation of genes in the hypothalamus and pituitary that could mediate the flexibility of pubertal timing. Identification of epigenetically regulated genes, such as Makorin ring finger 3 (MKRN3) and Delta-like 1 homologue (DLK1), respectively responsible for the repression and the activation of pubertal development, provides additional evidence of how epigenetic variations affect pubertal timing. This review aims to investigate genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors responsible for the regulation of precocious and delayed puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Felicia Faienza
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
- Giovanni XXIII Pediatric Hospital, Bari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Maria Felicia Faienza,
| | | | | | | | - Stefania De Santis
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Science, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Giordano
- Giovanni XXIII Pediatric Hospital, Bari, Italy
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
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8
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Duan C, Allard J. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuron development in vertebrates. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 292:113465. [PMID: 32184073 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons are master regulators of the reproductive axis in vertebrates. During early mammalian embryogenesis, GnRH1 neurons emerge in the nasal/olfactory placode. These neurons undertake a long-distance migration, moving from the nose to the preoptic area and hypothalamus. While significant advances have been made in understanding the functional importance of the GnRH1 neurons in reproduction, where GnRH1 neurons come from and how are they specified during early development is still under debate. In addition to the GnRH1 gene, most vertebrate species including humans have one or two additional GnRH genes. Compared to the GnRH1 neurons, much less is known about the development and regulation of GnRH2 neuron and GnRH3 neurons. The objective of this article is to review what is currently known about GnRH neuron development. We will survey various cell autonomous and non-autonomous factors implicated in the regulation of GnRH neuron development. Finally, we will discuss emerging tools and new approaches to resolve open questions pertaining to GnRH neuron development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cunming Duan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
| | - John Allard
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
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9
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Linscott ML, Chung WCJ. Epigenomic control of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone neurone development and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12860. [PMID: 32452569 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian reproductive success depends on gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones to stimulate gonadotrophin secretion from the anterior pituitary and activate gonadal steroidogenesis and gametogenesis. Genetic screening studies in patients diagnosed with Kallmann syndrome (KS), a congenital form of hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (CHH), identified several causal mutations, including those in the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) system. This signalling pathway regulates neuroendocrine progenitor cell proliferation, fate specification and cell survival. Indeed, the GnRH neurone system was absent or abrogated in transgenic mice with reduced (ie, hypomorphic) Fgf8 and/or Fgf receptor (Fgfr) 1 expression, respectively. Moreover, we found that GnRH neurones were absent in the embryonic olfactory placode of Fgf8 hypomorphic mice, the putative birthplace of GnRH neurones. These observations, together with those made in human KS/CHH patients, indicate that the FGF8/FGFR1 signalling system is a requirement for the ontogenesis of the GnRH neuronal system and function. In this review, we discuss how epigenetic factors control the expression of genes such as Fgf8 that are known to be critical for GnRH neurone ontogenesis, fate specification, and the pathogenesis of KS/CHH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Linscott
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Wilson C J Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
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10
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Champagne M, Olivier P, Glavas P, Cantin MA, Rauch F, Alos N, Campeau PM. A de novo frameshift FGFR1 mutation extending the protein in an individual with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism without anosmia. Eur J Med Genet 2020; 63:103784. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2019.103784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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11
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Cangiano B, Swee DS, Quinton R, Bonomi M. Genetics of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: peculiarities and phenotype of an oligogenic disease. Hum Genet 2020; 140:77-111. [PMID: 32200437 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-020-02147-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
A genetic basis of congenital isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) can be defined in almost 50% of cases, albeit not necessarily the complete genetic basis. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques have led to the discovery of a great number of loci, each of which has illuminated our understanding of human gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, either in respect of their embryonic development or their neuroendocrine regulation as the "pilot light" of human reproduction. However, because each new gene linked to CHH only seems to underpin another small percentage of total patient cases, we are still far from achieving a comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis of CHH. Patients have generally not benefited from advances in genetics in respect of novel therapies. In most cases, even genetic counselling is limited by issues of apparent variability in expressivity and penetrance that are likely underpinned by oligogenicity in respect of known and unknown genes. Robust genotype-phenotype relationships can generally only be established for individuals who are homozygous, hemizygous or compound heterozygotes for the same gene of variant alleles that are predicted to be deleterious. While certain genes are purely associated with normosmic CHH (nCHH) some purely with the anosmic form (Kallmann syndrome-KS), other genes can be associated with both nCHH and KS-sometimes even within the same kindred. Even though the anticipated genetic overlap between CHH and constitutional delay in growth and puberty (CDGP) has not materialised, previously unanticipated genetic relationships have emerged, comprising conditions of combined (or multiple) pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD), hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) and CHARGE syndrome. In this review, we report the current evidence in relation to phenotype and genetic peculiarities regarding 60 genes whose loss-of-function variants can disrupt the central regulation of reproduction at many levels: impairing GnRH neurons migration, differentiation or activation; disrupting neuroendocrine control of GnRH secretion; preventing GnRH neuron migration or function and/or gonadotropin secretion and action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biagio Cangiano
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20100, Milan, Italy.,Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - Du Soon Swee
- Department of Endocrinology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Richard Quinton
- Endocrine Unit, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Hospitals, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK. .,Translational and Clinical Research Institute, University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK.
| | - Marco Bonomi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20100, Milan, Italy. .,Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy.
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12
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Linscott ML, Chung WCJ. TET1 regulates fibroblast growth factor 8 transcription in gonadotropin releasing hormone neurons. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220530. [PMID: 31361780 PMCID: PMC6667164 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) is a potent morphogen that regulates the ontogenesis of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, which control the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and therefore reproductive success. Indeed, FGF8 and FGFR1 deficiency severely compromises vertebrate reproduction in mice and humans and is associated with Kallmann Syndrome (KS), a congenital disease characterized by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism associated with anosmia. Our laboratory demonstrated that FGF8 signaling through FGFR1, both of which are KS-related genes, is necessary for proper GnRH neuron development in mice and humans. Here, we investigated the possibility that non-genetic factors, such as the epigenome, may contribute to KS onset. For this purpose, we developed an embryonic explant model, utilizing the mouse olfactory placode (OP), the birthplace of GnRH neurons. We show that TET1, which converts 5-methylcytosine residues (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylated cytosines (5hmC), controls transcription of Fgf8 during GnRH neuron ontogenesis. Through MeDIP and ChIP RT-qPCR we found that TET1 bound to specific CpG islands on the Fgf8 promoter. We found that the temporal expression of Fgf8 correlates with not only TET1 binding, but also with 5hmC enrichment. siRNA knockdown of Tet1 reduced Fgf8 and Fgfr1 mRNA expression. During this time period, Fgf8 also switched histone status, most likely via recruitment of EZH2, a major component of the polycomb repressor complex-2 (PRC2) at E13.5. Together, these studies underscore the significance of epigenetics and chromatin modifications to temporally regulated genes involved in KS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L. Linscott
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Wilson C. J. Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, United States of America
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, United States of America
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13
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Cho HJ, Shan Y, Whittington NC, Wray S. Nasal Placode Development, GnRH Neuronal Migration and Kallmann Syndrome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:121. [PMID: 31355196 PMCID: PMC6637222 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of Gonadotropin releasing hormone-1 (GnRH) neurons is important for a functional reproduction system in vertebrates. Disruption of GnRH results in hypogonadism and if accompanied by anosmia is termed Kallmann Syndrome (KS). From their origin in the nasal placode, GnRH neurons migrate along the olfactory-derived vomeronasal axons to the nasal forebrain junction and then turn caudally into the developing forebrain. Although research on the origin of GnRH neurons, their migration and genes associated with KS has identified multiple factors that influence development of this system, several aspects still remain unclear. This review discusses development of the olfactory system, factors that regulate GnRH neuron formation and development of the olfactory system, migration of the GnRH neurons from the nose into the brain, and mutations in humans with KS that result from disruption of normal GnRH/olfactory systems development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ju Cho
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Yufei Shan
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Niteace C Whittington
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Susan Wray
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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14
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Young J, Xu C, Papadakis GE, Acierno JS, Maione L, Hietamäki J, Raivio T, Pitteloud N. Clinical Management of Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:669-710. [PMID: 30698671 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The initiation and maintenance of reproductive capacity in humans is dependent on pulsatile secretion of the hypothalamic hormone GnRH. Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is a rare disorder that results from the failure of the normal episodic GnRH secretion, leading to delayed puberty and infertility. CHH can be associated with an absent sense of smell, also termed Kallmann syndrome, or with other anomalies. CHH is characterized by rich genetic heterogeneity, with mutations in >30 genes identified to date acting either alone or in combination. CHH can be challenging to diagnose, particularly in early adolescence where the clinical picture mirrors that of constitutional delay of growth and puberty. Timely diagnosis and treatment will induce puberty, leading to improved sexual, bone, metabolic, and psychological health. In most cases, patients require lifelong treatment, yet a notable portion of male patients (∼10% to 20%) exhibit a spontaneous recovery of their reproductive function. Finally, fertility can be induced with pulsatile GnRH treatment or gonadotropin regimens in most patients. In summary, this review is a comprehensive synthesis of the current literature available regarding the diagnosis, patient management, and genetic foundations of CHH relative to normal reproductive development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Young
- University of Paris-Sud, Paris-Sud Medical School, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Bicêtre Hôpital, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,INSERM Unité 1185, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Cheng Xu
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Georgios E Papadakis
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - James S Acierno
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luigi Maione
- University of Paris-Sud, Paris-Sud Medical School, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Bicêtre Hôpital, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,INSERM Unité 1185, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Johanna Hietamäki
- Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Translational Stem Cell Biology and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taneli Raivio
- Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Translational Stem Cell Biology and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nelly Pitteloud
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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15
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Lippincott MF, Nguyen K, Delaney A, Chan YM, Seminara SB. Assessing Sex Steroid Influence on Kisspeptin Responsiveness in Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism. J Endocr Soc 2018; 2:1293-1305. [PMID: 30430143 PMCID: PMC6223246 DOI: 10.1210/js.2018-00183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Individuals with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH), even those with evidence of some hypothalamic reproductive endocrine activity, fail to complete puberty and fail to respond to physiologic doses of kisspeptin. OBJECTIVE This case series examined whether treatment with sex steroids could stimulate kisspeptin responsiveness in patients with IHH. DESIGN This was a case series. SETTING This study was conducted at an academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS Seven patients with IHH were studied. INTERVENTIONS Participants, both on and off sex steroid therapy, underwent frequent blood sampling to measure LH at baseline, in response to kisspeptin and GnRH. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcome measure was LH responses to kisspeptin on and off sex steroids. RESULTS All participants responded to exogenous GnRH, but no participant responded to exogenous kisspeptin. Sex steroid treatment did not modify responsiveness to kisspeptin. CONCLUSIONS The functional impairment of the GnRH neuronal network in patients with IHH, as evidenced by their inability to respond to a physiologic dose of kisspeptin, is observed in both sex steroid- deficient and sex steroid-replete states. In this case series, a normalized sex steroid milieu does not appear capable of overcoming the kisspeptin resistance of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret F Lippincott
- Harvard Reproductive Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kiana Nguyen
- Harvard Reproductive Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Angela Delaney
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yee-Ming Chan
- Harvard Reproductive Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stephanie Beth Seminara
- Harvard Reproductive Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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16
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Maione L, Dwyer AA, Francou B, Guiochon-Mantel A, Binart N, Bouligand J, Young J. GENETICS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Genetic counseling for congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and Kallmann syndrome: new challenges in the era of oligogenism and next-generation sequencing. Eur J Endocrinol 2018; 178:R55-R80. [PMID: 29330225 DOI: 10.1530/eje-17-0749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) and Kallmann syndrome (KS) are rare, related diseases that prevent normal pubertal development and cause infertility in affected men and women. However, the infertility carries a good prognosis as increasing numbers of patients with CHH/KS are now able to have children through medically assisted procreation. These are genetic diseases that can be transmitted to patients' offspring. Importantly, patients and their families should be informed of this risk and given genetic counseling. CHH and KS are phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous diseases in which the risk of transmission largely depends on the gene(s) responsible(s). Inheritance may be classically Mendelian yet more complex; oligogenic modes of transmission have also been described. The prevalence of oligogenicity has risen dramatically since the advent of massively parallel next-generation sequencing (NGS) in which tens, hundreds or thousands of genes are sequenced at the same time. NGS is medically and economically more efficient and more rapid than traditional Sanger sequencing and is increasingly being used in medical practice. Thus, it seems plausible that oligogenic forms of CHH/KS will be increasingly identified making genetic counseling even more complex. In this context, the main challenge will be to differentiate true oligogenism from situations when several rare variants that do not have a clear phenotypic effect are identified by chance. This review aims to summarize the genetics of CHH/KS and to discuss the challenges of oligogenic transmission and also its role in incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity in a perspective of genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Maione
- University of Paris-Sud, Paris-Sud Medical School, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bicêtre, France
- INSERM U1185, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Andrew A Dwyer
- Boston College, William F. Connell School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruno Francou
- University of Paris-Sud, Paris-Sud Medical School, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM U1185, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Pharmacogenomics, and Hormonology, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Anne Guiochon-Mantel
- University of Paris-Sud, Paris-Sud Medical School, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM U1185, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Pharmacogenomics, and Hormonology, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Nadine Binart
- University of Paris-Sud, Paris-Sud Medical School, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM U1185, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Jérôme Bouligand
- University of Paris-Sud, Paris-Sud Medical School, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM U1185, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Pharmacogenomics, and Hormonology, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Jacques Young
- University of Paris-Sud, Paris-Sud Medical School, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bicêtre, France
- INSERM U1185, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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17
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Lund C, Pulli K, Yellapragada V, Giacobini P, Lundin K, Vuoristo S, Tuuri T, Noisa P, Raivio T. Development of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone-Secreting Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2016; 7:149-57. [PMID: 27426041 PMCID: PMC4982984 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2016.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons regulate human puberty and reproduction. Modeling their development and function in vitro would be of interest for both basic research and clinical translation. Here, we report a three-step protocol to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into GnRH-secreting neurons. Firstly, hPSCs were differentiated to FOXG1, EMX2, and PAX6 expressing anterior neural progenitor cells (NPCs) by dual SMAD inhibition. Secondly, NPCs were treated for 10 days with FGF8, which is a key ligand implicated in GnRH neuron ontogeny, and finally, the cells were matured with Notch inhibitor to bipolar TUJ1-positive neurons that robustly expressed GNRH1 and secreted GnRH decapeptide into the culture medium. The protocol was reproducible both in human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, and thus provides a translational tool for investigating the mechanisms of human puberty and its disorders. GnRH neurons regulate puberty and reproduction We generated GnRH-expressing and secreting neurons from hPSCs These neurons can be used to study diseases affecting the reproductive system
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Lund
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Kristiina Pulli
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Venkatram Yellapragada
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Paolo Giacobini
- Inserm, Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center, Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Unité 1172, 59045 Lille Cedex, France; School of Medicine, University of Lille, Lille 59000, France
| | - Karolina Lundin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HUCH, Helsinki 00029, Finland
| | - Sanna Vuoristo
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Timo Tuuri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HUCH, Helsinki 00029, Finland
| | - Parinya Noisa
- School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; Faculty of Medicine/Physiology, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum Helsinki, PO Box 63 (Haartmaninkatu 8), Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Taneli Raivio
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital (HUCH), Helsinki 00029, Finland; Faculty of Medicine/Physiology, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum Helsinki, PO Box 63 (Haartmaninkatu 8), Helsinki 00014, Finland.
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18
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Stewart CE, Corella KM, Samberg BD, Jones PT, Linscott ML, Chung WCJ. Perinatal midline astrocyte development is impaired in fibroblast growth factor 8 hypomorphic mice. Brain Res 2016; 1646:287-296. [PMID: 27291295 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Our previous studies showed that Fgf8 mutations can cause Kallmann syndrome (KS), a form of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, in which patients do not undergo puberty and are infertile. Interestingly, some KS patients also have agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) suggesting that KS pathology is not limited to reproductive function. Here, we asked whether FGF8 dysfunction is the underlying cause of ACC in some KS patients. Indeed, early studies in transgenic mice with Fgf8 mutations reported the presence of failed or incomplete corpus callosum formation. Additional studies in transgenic mice showed that FGF8 function most likely prevents the prenatal elimination of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-immunoreactive (IR) glial cells in the indusium griseum (IG) and midline zipper (MZ), two anterior-dorsal midline regions required for corpus callosum formation (i.e., between embryonic days (E) 15.5-18.5). Here, we tested the hypothesis that FGF8 function is critical for the survival of the GFAP-IR midline glial cells. First, we measured the incidence of apoptosis in the anterior-dorsal midline region in Fgf8 hypomorphic mice during embryonic corpus callosum formation. Second, we quantified the GFAP expression in the anterior-dorsal midbrain region during pre- and postnatal development, in order to study: 1) how Fgf8 hypomorphy disrupts prenatal GFAP-IR midline glial cell development, and 2) whether Fgf8 hypomorphy continues to disrupt postnatal GFAP-IR midline glial cell development. Our results indicate that perinatal FGF8 signaling is important for the timing of the onset of anterior-dorsal Gfap expression in midline glial cells suggesting that FGF8 function regulates midline GFAP-IR glial cell development, which when disrupted by Fgf8 deficiency prevents the formation of the corpus callosum. These studies provide an experimentally-based mechanistic explanation as to why corpus callosum formation may fail in KS patients with deficits in FGF signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney E Stewart
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Kristina M Corella
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Brittany D Samberg
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Paula T Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Megan L Linscott
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Wilson C J Chung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
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19
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Miller AV, Kavanaugh SI, Tsai PS. Disruption of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus in Fibroblast Growth Factor Signaling-Deficient Mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:11. [PMID: 26903947 PMCID: PMC4745264 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) 8 is essential for the development of multiple brain regions. Previous studies from our laboratory showed that reduced Fgf8 signaling led to the developmental alterations of neuroendocrine nuclei that originated within the diencephalon, including the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei. To further understand the role of Fgf8 in the development of other hypothalamic nuclei, we examined if Fgf8 and its cognate receptor, Fgfr1, also impact the integrity of the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). The SCN control an organism's circadian rhythm and contain vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-producing neurons as the main input neurons. Mice hypomorphic for Fgf8, Fgfr1, or both were examined for their SCN volume and the number of VIP neurons on postnatal day (PN) 0; adult hypomorphic mice were further examined for SCN function by quantifying SCN neuronal activation using cFos as a marker. On PN0, mice homozygous for Fgf8 hypomorphy displayed the most severe reduction of the SCN volume and VIP neurons. Those heterozygous for Fgf8 hypomorphy alone or Fgf8 combined with Fgfr1 hypomorphy, called double heterozygotes (DH), showed normal SCN volume but significantly reduced VIP neurons, albeit less severely than the homozygotes. Adult wild type, heterozygous Fgf8 hypomorphs (F8 Het), and DH mice were also examined for SCN cFos activation at three time points: 1 h (morning), 6 h (afternoon), and 11 h (evening) after light onset. In F8 Het mice, a significant change in the pattern of cFos immunostaining that may reflect delayed morning SCN activation was observed. Overall, our studies provide evidence supporting that deficiencies in Fgf8 not only impact the structural integrity of the SCN but also the pattern of SCN activation in response to light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann V. Miller
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- *Correspondence: Ann V. Miller,
| | - Scott I. Kavanaugh
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Pei-San Tsai
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
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20
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Abstract
Significant progress has been made recently in unravelling the embryonic events leading to pituitary morphogenesis, both in vivo and in vitro. This includes dissection of the molecular mechanisms controlling patterning of the ventral diencephalon that regulate formation of the pituitary anlagen or Rathke's pouch. There is also a better characterisation of processes that underlie maintenance of pituitary progenitors, specification of endocrine lineages and the three-dimensional organisation of newly differentiated endocrine cells. Furthermore, a population of adult pituitary stem cells (SCs), originating from embryonic progenitors, have been described and shown to have not only regenerative potential, but also the capacity to induce tumour formation. Finally, the successful recapitulation in vitro of embryonic events leading to generation of endocrine cells from embryonic SCs, and their subsequent transplantation, represents exciting advances towards the use of regenerative medicine to treat endocrine deficits. In this review, an up-to-date description of pituitary morphogenesis will be provided and discussed with particular reference to pituitary SC studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Rizzoti
- Division of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental GeneticsMRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK
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21
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Forni PE, Wray S. GnRH, anosmia and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism--where are we? Front Neuroendocrinol 2015; 36:165-77. [PMID: 25306902 PMCID: PMC4703044 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Revised: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons originate the nasal placode and migrate into the brain during prenatal development. Once within the brain, these cells become integral components of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, essential for reproductive function. Disruption of this system causes hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH). HH associated with anosmia is clinically defined as Kallman syndrome (KS). Recent work examining the developing nasal region has shed new light on cellular composition, cell interactions and molecular cues responsible for the development of this system in different species. This review discusses some developmental aspects, animal models and current advancements in our understanding of pathologies affecting GnRH. In addition we discuss how development of neural crest derivatives such as the glia of the olfactory system and craniofacial structures control GnRH development and reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo E Forni
- Department of Biological Sciences and the Center for Neuroscience Research, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, United States.
| | - Susan Wray
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.
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22
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The indirect role of fibroblast growth factor-8 in defining neurogenic niches of the olfactory/GnRH systems. J Neurosci 2014; 33:19620-34. [PMID: 24336726 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3238-13.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenic protein-4 (BMP4) and fibroblast growth factor-8 (FGF8) are thought to have opposite roles in defining epithelial versus neurogenic fate in the developing olfactory/vomeronasal system. In particular, FGF8 has been implicated in specification of olfactory and gonadotropin releasing hormone-1 (GnRH) neurons, as well as in controlling olfactory stem cell survival. Using different knock-in mouse lines and Cre-lox-mediated lineage tracing, Fgf8 expression and cell lineage was analyzed in the developing nose in relation to the expression of Bmp4 and its antagonist Noggin (Nog). FGF8 is expressed by cells that acquire an epidermal, respiratory cell fate and not by stem cells that acquire neuronal olfactory or vomeronasal cell fate. Ectodermal and mesenchymal sources of BMP4 control the expression of BMP/TGFβ antagonist Nog, whereas mesenchymal sources of Nog define the neurogenic borders of the olfactory pit. Fgf8 hypomorph mouse models, Fgf8(neo/neo) and Fgf8(neo/null), displayed severe craniofacial defects together with overlapping defects in the olfactory pit including (1) lack of neuronal formation ventrally, where GnRH neurons normally form, and (2) altered expression of Bmp4 and Nog, with Nog ectopically expressed in the nasal mesenchyme and no longer defining the GnRH and vomeronasal neurogenic border. Together our data show that (1) FGF8 is not sufficient to induce ectodermal progenitors of the olfactory pit to acquire neural fate and (2) altered neurogenesis and lack of GnRH neuron specification after chronically reduced Fgf8 expression reflected dysgenesis of the nasal region and loss of a specific neurogenic permissive milieu that was defined by mesenchymal signals.
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23
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Lucchese G, Capone G, Kanduc D. Peptide sharing between influenza A H1N1 hemagglutinin and human axon guidance proteins. Schizophr Bull 2014; 40:362-75. [PMID: 23378012 PMCID: PMC3932078 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbs197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiologic data suggest that maternal microbial infections may cause fetal neurodevelopmental disorders, potentially increasing susceptibility to heavy psychopathologies such as schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, autism, pervasive developmental disorders, bipolar disorders, psychosis, epilepsy, language and speech disorders, and cognitive impairment in adult offspring. However, the molecular pathomechanisms underlying such a relationship are not clear. Here we analyze the potential role of the maternal immune response to viral infection in determining fetal brain injuries that increase the risk of neurological disorders in the adult. We use influenza infection as a disease model and human axon guidance pathway, a key process in the formation of neural network during midgestation, as a potential fetal target of immune insults. Specifically, we examined influenza A H1N1 hemagglutinin (HA), an antigenic viral protein, for amino acid sequence similarity to a random library of 188 axon guidance proteins. We obtain the results that (1) contrary to any theoretical expectations, 45 viral pentapeptide matches are distributed throughout a subset of 36 guidance molecules; (2) in 24 guidance proteins, the peptide sharing with HA antigen involves already experimentally validated influenza HA epitopes; and (3) most of the axon guidance vs HA peptide overlap is conserved among influenza A viral strains and subsets. Taken together, our data indicate that immune cross-reactivity between influenza HA and axon guidance molecules is possible and may well represent a pathologic mechanism capable of determining neurodevelopmental disruption in the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guglielmo Lucchese
- To whom correspondence should be addressed; tel: +39.080.544.3321, fax: +39.080.544.3317, e-mail:
| | - Giovanni Capone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Darja Kanduc
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Bari, Bari, Italy,To whom correspondence should be addressed; tel: +39.080.544.3321, fax: +39.080.544.3317, e-mail:
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24
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de Castro F, Esteban PF, Bribián A, Murcia-Belmonte V, García-González D, Clemente D. The Adhesion Molecule Anosmin-1 in Neurology: Kallmann Syndrome and Beyond. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2014; 8:273-92. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-8090-7_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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25
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Stevenson EL, Corella KM, Chung WCJ. Ontogenesis of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons: a model for hypothalamic neuroendocrine cell development. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2013; 4:89. [PMID: 23882261 PMCID: PMC3712253 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2013.00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis is the anatomical framework responsible for reproductive competence and species propagation. Essential to the coordinated actions of this three-tiered biological system is the fact that the regulatory inputs ultimately converge on the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal system, which in rodents primarily resides in the preoptic/hypothalamic region. In this short review we will focus on: (1) the general embryonic temporal and spatial development of the rodent GnRH neuronal system, (2) the origin(s) of GnRH neurons, and (3) which transcription - and growth factors have been found to be critical for GnRH neuronal ontogenesis and cellular fate-specification. Moreover, we ask the question whether the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in GnRH neuronal development may also play a role in the development of other hypophyseal secreting neuroendocrine cells in the hypothalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica L. Stevenson
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Kristina M. Corella
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Wilson C. J. Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- *Correspondence: Wilson C. J. Chung, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, 222 Cunningham Hall, Kent, OH 44242, USA e-mail:
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26
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Suárez R, García-González D, de Castro F. Mutual influences between the main olfactory and vomeronasal systems in development and evolution. Front Neuroanat 2012; 6:50. [PMID: 23269914 PMCID: PMC3529325 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2012.00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 11/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The sense of smell plays a crucial role in the sensory world of animals. Two chemosensory systems have been traditionally thought to play-independent roles in mammalian olfaction. According to this, the main olfactory system (MOS) specializes in the detection of environmental odorants, while the vomeronasal system (VNS) senses pheromones and semiochemicals produced by individuals of the same or different species. Although both systems differ in their anatomy and function, recent evidence suggests they act synergistically in the perception of scents. These interactions include similar responses to some ligands, overlap of telencephalic connections and mutual influences in the regulation of olfactory-guided behavior. In the present work, we propose the idea that the relationships between systems observed at the organismic level result from a constant interaction during development and reflects a common history of ecological adaptations in evolution. We review the literature to illustrate examples of developmental and evolutionary processes that evidence these interactions and propose that future research integrating both systems may shed new light on the mechanisms of olfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Suárez
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Brisbane, QLD, Australia ; Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile Santiago, Chile
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Rochester JR, Chung WCJ, Hayes TB, Tsai PS. Opposite-sex housing reactivates the declining GnRH system in aged transgenic male mice with FGF signaling deficiency. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2012; 303:E1428-39. [PMID: 23047985 PMCID: PMC3532464 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00289.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The continued presence of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons is required for a healthy reproductive lifespan, but factors that maintain postnatal GnRH neurons have not been identified. To begin to understand these factors, we investigated whether 1) fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling and 2) interactions with the opposite sex are involved in the maintenance of the postnatal GnRH system. A transgenic mouse model (dnFGFR mouse) with the targeted expression of a dominant-negative FGF receptor (dnFGFR) in GnRH neurons was used to examine the consequence of FGF signaling deficiency on postnatal GnRH neurons. Male dnFGFR mice suffered a significant loss of postnatal GnRH neurons within the first 100 days of life. Interestingly, this loss was reversed after cohabitation with female, but not male, mice for 300-550 days. Along with a rescue in GnRH neuron numbers, opposite-sex housing in dnFGFR males also increased hypothalamic GnRH peptide levels, promoted a more mature GnRH neuronal morphology, facilitated litter production, and enhanced testicular morphology. Last, mice hypomorphic for FGFR3 exhibited a similar pattern of postnatal GnRH neuronal loss as dnFGFR males, suggesting FGF signaling acts, in part, through FGFR3 to enhance the maintenance of the postnatal GnRH system. In summary, we have shown that FGF signaling is required for the continued presence of postnatal GnRH neurons. However, this requirement is not absolute, since sexual interactions can compensate for defects in FGFR signaling, thereby rescuing the declining GnRH system. This suggests the postnatal GnRH system is highly plastic and capable of responding to environmental stimuli throughout adult life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna R Rochester
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
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Miraoui H, Dwyer A, Pitteloud N. Role of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling in the neuroendocrine control of human reproduction. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011; 346:37-43. [PMID: 21664428 PMCID: PMC3185130 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is critical for a broad range of developmental processes. In 2003, Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) was discovered as a novel locus causing both forms of isolate GnRH Deficiency, Kallmann syndrome [KS with anosmia] and normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism [nIHH] eventually accounting for approximately 10% of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency cases. Such cases are characterized by a broad spectrum of reproductive phenotypes from severe congenital forms of GnRH deficiency to reversal of HH. Additionally, the variable expressivity of both reproductive and non-reproductive phenotypes among patients and family members harboring the identical FGFR1 mutations has pointed to a more complex, oligogenic model for GnRH deficiency. Further, reversal of HH in patients carrying FGFR1 mutations suggests potential gene-environment interactions in human GnRH deficiency disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hichem Miraoui
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Endocrine, Diabetes, & Metabolism Service, BH 19-701, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Regulation of temporal and spatial organization of newborn GnRH neurons by IGF signaling in zebrafish. J Neurosci 2011; 31:11814-24. [PMID: 21849542 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.6804-10.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
When and how newborn neurons are organized to form a functional network in the developing brain remains poorly understood. An attractive model is the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuron system, master regulator of the reproductive axis. Here we show that blockage of IGF signaling, a central growth-promoting signaling pathway, by the induced expression of a dominant-negative form of IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) or specific IGF1R inhibitors delayed the emergence of GnRH2 neurons in the midbrain and GnRH3 neurons in the olfactory bulb region. Blockage of IGF signaling also resulted in an abnormal appearance of GnRH3 neurons outside of the olfactory bulb region, although it did not change the locations of other olfactory neurons, GnRH2 neurons, or brain patterning. This IGF action is developmental stage-dependent because the blockade of IGF signaling in advanced embryos had no such effect. An application of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors phenocopied the IGF signaling deficient embryos, whereas the MAPK inhibitors had no effect, suggesting that this IGF action is mediated through the PI3K pathway. Real-time in vivo imaging studies revealed that the ectopic GnRH3 neurons emerged at the same time as the normal GnRH3 neurons in IGF-deficient embryos. Further experiments suggest that IGF signaling affects the spatial distribution of newborn GnRH3 neurons by influencing neural crest cell migration and/or differentiation. These results suggest that the IGF-IGF1R-PI3K pathway regulates the precise temporal and spatial organization of GnRH neurons in zebrafish and provides new insights into the regulation of GnRH neuron development.
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Tsai PS, Brooks LR, Rochester JR, Kavanaugh SI, Chung WCJ. Fibroblast growth factor signaling in the developing neuroendocrine hypothalamus. Front Neuroendocrinol 2011; 32:95-107. [PMID: 21129392 PMCID: PMC3050526 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2010.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2010] [Revised: 11/03/2010] [Accepted: 11/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is pivotal to the formation of numerous central regions. Increasing evidence suggests FGF signaling also directs the development of the neuroendocrine hypothalamus, a collection of neuroendocrine neurons originating primarily within the nose and the ventricular zone of the diencephalon. This review outlines evidence for a role of FGF signaling in the prenatal and postnatal development of several hypothalamic neuroendocrine systems. The emphasis is placed on the nasally derived gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons, which depend on neurotrophic cues from FGF signaling throughout the neurons' lifetime. Although less is known about neuroendocrine neurons derived from the diencephalon, recent studies suggest they also exhibit variable levels of dependence on FGF signaling. Overall, FGF signaling provides a broad spectrum of cues that ranges from genesis, cell survival/death, migration, morphological changes, to hormone synthesis in the neuroendocrine hypothalamus. Abnormal FGF signaling will deleteriously impact multiple hypothalamic neuroendocrine systems, resulting in the disruption of diverse physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-San Tsai
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0354, USA.
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Franceschini I, Desroziers E, Caraty A, Duittoz A. The intimate relationship of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons with the polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule revisited across development and adult plasticity. Eur J Neurosci 2010; 32:2031-41. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2010.07517.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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32
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Abstract
Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone-1 (GnRH-1) is essential for mammalian reproduction, controlling release of gonadotrophins from the anterior pituitary. GnRH-1 neurones migrate from the nasal placode into the forebrain during development. Although first located within the nasal placode, the embryonic origin/lineage of GnRH-1 neurones is still unclear. The migration of GnRH-1 cells is the best characterised example of neurophilic/axophilic migration, with the cells using a subset of olfactory-derived vomeronasal axons as their pathway and numerous molecules to guide their movement into the forebrain. Exciting work in this area is beginning to identify intersecting pathways that orchestrate the movement of these critical neuroendocrine cells into the central nervous system, both spatially and temporally, through a diverse and changing terrain. Once within the forebrain, little is known about how the axons target the median eminence and ultimately secrete GnRH-1 in a pulsatile fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Wray
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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