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Impact of the Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel Antagonist Nimodipine on the Development of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043716. [PMID: 36835129 PMCID: PMC9960570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). While most of the current treatment strategies focus on immune cell regulation, except for the drug siponimod, there is no therapeutic intervention that primarily aims at neuroprotection and remyelination. Recently, nimodipine showed a beneficial and remyelinating effect in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of MS. Nimodipine also positively affected astrocytes, neurons, and mature oligodendrocytes. Here we investigated the effects of nimodipine, an L-type voltage-gated calcium channel antagonist, on the expression profile of myelin genes and proteins in the oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) line Oli-Neu and in primary OPCs. Our data indicate that nimodipine does not have any effect on myelin-related gene and protein expression. Furthermore, nimodipine treatment did not result in any morphological changes in these cells. However, RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses identified potential micro (mi)RNA that could support myelination after nimodipine treatment compared to a dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) control. Additionally, we treated zebrafish with nimodipine and observed a significant increase in the number of mature oligodendrocytes (* p≤ 0.05). Taken together, nimodipine seems to have different positive effects on OPCs and mature oligodendrocytes.
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Yao Y, Silver R. Mutual Shaping of Circadian Body-Wide Synchronization by the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus and Circulating Steroids. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:877256. [PMID: 35722187 PMCID: PMC9200072 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.877256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Steroids are lipid hormones that reach bodily tissues through the systemic circulation, and play a major role in reproduction, metabolism, and homeostasis. All of these functions and steroids themselves are under the regulation of the circadian timing system (CTS) and its cellular/molecular underpinnings. In health, cells throughout the body coordinate their daily activities to optimize responses to signals from the CTS and steroids. Misalignment of responses to these signals produces dysfunction and underlies many pathologies. Questions Addressed To explore relationships between the CTS and circulating steroids, we examine the brain clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the daily fluctuations in plasma steroids, the mechanisms producing regularly recurring fluctuations, and the actions of steroids on their receptors within the SCN. The goal is to understand the relationship between temporal control of steroid secretion and how rhythmic changes in steroids impact the SCN, which in turn modulate behavior and physiology. Evidence Surveyed The CTS is a multi-level organization producing recurrent feedback loops that operate on several time scales. We review the evidence showing that the CTS modulates the timing of secretions from the level of the hypothalamus to the steroidogenic gonadal and adrenal glands, and at specific sites within steroidogenic pathways. The SCN determines the timing of steroid hormones that then act on their cognate receptors within the brain clock. In addition, some compartments of the body-wide CTS are impacted by signals derived from food, stress, exercise etc. These in turn act on steroidogenesis to either align or misalign CTS oscillators. Finally this review provides a comprehensive exploration of the broad contribution of steroid receptors in the SCN and how these receptors in turn impact peripheral responses. Conclusion The hypothesis emerging from the recognition of steroid receptors in the SCN is that mutual shaping of responses occurs between the brain clock and fluctuating plasma steroid levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Yao
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Yifan Yao,
| | - Rae Silver
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Barnard College, New York City, NY, United States
- Department of Psychology, Barnard College, New York City, NY, United States
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Graduate School, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, NY, United States
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The Enigma of the Adrenarche: Identifying the Early Life Mechanisms and Possible Role in Postnatal Brain Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094296. [PMID: 33919014 PMCID: PMC8122518 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated metabolite (DHEAS) are dynamically regulated before birth and the onset of puberty. Yet, the origins and purpose of increasing DHEA[S] in postnatal development remain elusive. Here, we draw attention to this pre-pubertal surge from the adrenal gland—the adrenarche—and discuss whether this is the result of intra-adrenal gene expression specifically affecting the zona reticularis (ZR), if the ZR is influenced by the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, and the possible role of spino-sympathetic innervation in prompting increased ZR activity. We also discuss whether neural DHEA[S] synthesis is coordinately regulated with the developing adrenal gland. We propose that DHEA[S] is crucial in the brain maturation of humans prior to and during puberty, and suggest that the function of the adrenarche is to modulate, adapt and rewire the pre-adolescent brain for new and ever-changing social challenges. The etiology of DHEA[S] synthesis, neurodevelopment and recently described 11-keto and 11-oxygenated androgens are difficult to investigate in humans owing to: (i) ethical restrictions on mechanistic studies, (ii) the inability to predict which individuals will develop specific mental characteristics, and (iii) the difficulty of conducting retrospective studies based on perinatal complications. We discuss new opportunities for animal studies to overcome these important issues.
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Greaves RF, Wudy SA, Badoer E, Zacharin M, Hirst JJ, Quinn T, Walker DW. A tale of two steroids: The importance of the androgens DHEA and DHEAS for early neurodevelopment. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 188:77-85. [PMID: 30557606 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [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: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
DHEA and DHEAS are neuroactive neurosteroids that interact with several major receptor systems in the brain, including sigma (σ), glutamate, and GABA-A receptors. It has been recognized as early as 1952, that the loss of DHEA/DHEAS in adult life is associated with neuropsychiatric disorders (eg schizophrenia, depression). However, the mechanistic role for DHEA/DHEAS in any of these domains remains speculative, not the least because the presence of these androgens in the adrenal gland and brain is largely confined to humans and only some non-human primates. DHEA and DHEAS are dynamically regulated from before birth and before the onset of puberty, and therefore an understanding of the synthesis, regulation, and functions of this important androgen pathway warrants attention. Here, we draw attention to the possible modulating influence of DHEA/DHEAS in early brain development from fetal life to the remarkable increase of these steroids in early childhood - the adrenarche. We propose that the pre-pubertal DHEA/DHEAS surge plays a key role in modulating early brain development, perhaps by prolonging brain plasticity during childhood to allow the pre-adolescent brain to adapt and re-wire in response to new, and ever-changing social challenges. Nonetheless, the aetiology of neurodevelopmental phenomena in relation to DHEA/DHEAS synthesis and action cannot be easily studied in humans due to the obvious ethical restrictions on mechanistic studies, the uncertainty of predicting the future mental characteristics of individuals, and the difficulty of conducting retrospective investigations based on pre-birth and/or neonatal complications. We discuss new opportunities for animal studies to resolve these important questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronda F Greaves
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University - Bundoora Campus, Melbourne, 3083, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stefan A Wudy
- Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Emilio Badoer
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University - Bundoora Campus, Melbourne, 3083, Australia
| | - Margaret Zacharin
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Tracey Quinn
- Merck Serono Australia Pty Ltd, Frenchs Forest, NSW, 2086, Australia
| | - David W Walker
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University - Bundoora Campus, Melbourne, 3083, Australia.
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5
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Fleiss B, Wong F, Brownfoot F, Shearer IK, Baud O, Walker DW, Gressens P, Tolcos M. Knowledge Gaps and Emerging Research Areas in Intrauterine Growth Restriction-Associated Brain Injury. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:188. [PMID: 30984110 PMCID: PMC6449431 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a complex global healthcare issue. Concerted research and clinical efforts have improved our knowledge of the neurodevelopmental sequelae of IUGR which has raised the profile of this complex problem. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of therapies to prevent the substantial rates of fetal demise or the constellation of permanent neurological deficits that arise from IUGR. The purpose of this article is to highlight the clinical and translational gaps in our knowledge that hamper our collective efforts to improve the neurological sequelae of IUGR. Also, we draw attention to cutting-edge tools and techniques that can provide novel insights into this disorder, and technologies that offer the potential for better drug design and delivery. We cover topics including: how we can improve our use of crib-side monitoring options, what we still need to know about inflammation in IUGR, the necessity for more human post-mortem studies, lessons from improved integrated histology-imaging analyses regarding the cell-specific nature of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signals, options to improve risk stratification with genomic analysis, and treatments mediated by nanoparticle delivery which are designed to modify specific cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobbi Fleiss
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- NeuroDiderot, INSERM, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Bobbi Fleiss
| | - Flora Wong
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Fiona Brownfoot
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Isabelle K. Shearer
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Olivier Baud
- NeuroDiderot, INSERM, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Division of Neonatal Intensive Care, University Hospitals of Geneva, Children's Hospital, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David W. Walker
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Pierre Gressens
- NeuroDiderot, INSERM, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- PremUP, Paris, France
| | - Mary Tolcos
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
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Powrie YSL, Smith C. Central intracrine DHEA synthesis in ageing-related neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration: therapeutic potential? J Neuroinflammation 2018; 15:289. [PMID: 30326923 PMCID: PMC6192186 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-018-1324-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It is a well-known fact that DHEA declines on ageing and that it is linked to ageing-related neurodegeneration, which is characterised by gradual cognitive decline. Although DHEA is also associated with inflammation in the periphery, the link between DHEA and neuroinflammation in this context is less clear. This review drew from different bodies of literature to provide a more comprehensive picture of peripheral vs central endocrine shifts with advanced age—specifically in terms of DHEA. From this, we have formulated the hypothesis that DHEA decline is also linked to neuroinflammation and that increased localised availability of DHEA may have both therapeutic and preventative benefit to limit neurodegeneration. We provide a comprehensive discussion of literature on the potential for extragonadal DHEA synthesis by neuroglial cells and reflect on the feasibility of therapeutic manipulation of localised, central DHEA synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y S L Powrie
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa
| | - C Smith
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa.
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Masana M, Westerholz S, Kretzschmar A, Treccani G, Liebl C, Santarelli S, Dournes C, Popoli M, Schmidt MV, Rein T, Müller MB. Expression and glucocorticoid-dependent regulation of the stress-inducible protein DRR1 in the mouse adult brain. Brain Struct Funct 2018; 223:4039-4052. [PMID: 30121783 PMCID: PMC6267262 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-018-1737-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Identifying molecular targets that are able to buffer the consequences of stress and therefore restore brain homeostasis is essential to develop treatments for stress-related disorders. Down-regulated in renal cell carcinoma 1 (DRR1) is a unique stress-induced protein in the brain and has been recently proposed to modulate stress resilience. Interestingly, DRR1 shows a prominent expression in the limbic system of the adult mouse. Here, we analyzed the neuroanatomical and cellular expression patterns of DRR1 in the adult mouse brain using in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence and Western blot. Abundant expression of DRR1 mRNA and protein was confirmed in the adult mouse brain with pronounced differences between distinct brain regions. The strongest DRR1 signal was detected in the neocortex, the CA3 region of the hippocampus, the lateral septum and the cerebellum. DRR1 was also present in circumventricular organs and its connecting regions. Additionally, DRR1 was present in non-neuronal tissues like the choroid plexus and ependyma. Within cells, DRR1 protein was distributed in a punctate pattern in several subcellular compartments including cytosol, nucleus as well as some pre- and postsynaptic specializations. Glucocorticoid receptor activation (dexamethasone 10 mg/kg s.c.) induced DRR1 expression throughout the brain, with particularly strong induction in white matter and fiber tracts and in membrane-rich structures. This specific expression pattern and stress modulation of DRR1 point to a role of DRR1 in regulating how cells sense and integrate signals from the environment and thus in restoring brain homeostasis after stressful challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercè Masana
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany. .,Translational Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN), Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 19, 55128, Mainz, Germany. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERNED, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Sören Westerholz
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Anja Kretzschmar
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Giulia Treccani
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari and CEND, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Risskov, Denmark
| | - Claudia Liebl
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Sara Santarelli
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Carine Dournes
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Maurizio Popoli
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari and CEND, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mathias V Schmidt
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Theo Rein
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Marianne B Müller
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany.,Translational Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN), Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 19, 55128, Mainz, Germany.,Deutsches Resilienz-Zentrum, Mainz, Germany
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8
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Quinn T, Greaves R, Badoer E, Walker D. DHEA in Prenatal and Postnatal Life: Implications for Brain and Behavior. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2018; 108:145-174. [PMID: 30029725 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated congener (DHEAS) are the principal C19 steroid produced by the adrenal gland in many mammals, including humans. It is secreted in high concentrations during fetal life, but synthesis decreases after birth until, in humans and some other primates, there is a prepubertal surge of DHEA production by the adrenal gland-a phenomenon known as adrenarche. There remains considerable uncertainty about the physiological role of DHEA and DHEAS. Moreover, the origin of the trophic drives that determine the waxing and waning of DHEA synthesis are poorly understood. These gaps in knowledge arise in some measure from the difficulty of understanding mechanistic determinants from observations made opportunistically in humans and primates, and have stimulated a search for other suitable species that exhibit adrenarche- and adrenopause-like changes of adrenal function. DHEA and DHEAS are clearly neuroactive steroids with actions at several neurotransmitter receptors; indeed, DHEA is now known to be also synthesized by many parts of the brain, and this capacity undergoes ontogenic changes, but whether this is dependent or independent of the changes in adrenal synthesis is unknown. In this chapter we review key contributions to this field over the last 50+ years, and speculate on the importance of DHEA for the brain, both during development and for maturation and aging of cerebral function and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey Quinn
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ronda Greaves
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University-Bundoora Campus, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Emilio Badoer
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University-Bundoora Campus, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David Walker
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University-Bundoora Campus, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Mamrot J, Legaie R, Ellery SJ, Wilson T, Seemann T, Powell DR, Gardner DK, Walker DW, Temple-Smith P, Papenfuss AT, Dickinson H. De novo transcriptome assembly for the spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus). Sci Rep 2017; 7:8996. [PMID: 28827620 PMCID: PMC5566366 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09334-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spiny mice of the genus Acomys display several unique physiological traits, including menstruation and scar-free wound healing; characteristics that are exceedingly rare in mammals, and of considerable interest to the scientific community. These unique attributes, and the potential for spiny mice to accurately model human diseases, are driving increased use of this genus in biomedical research, however little genetic information is accessible for this species. This project aimed to generate a draft transcriptome for the Common spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus). Illumina sequencing of RNA from 15 organ types (male and female) produced 451 million, 150 bp paired-end reads (92.4Gbp). An extensive survey of de novo transcriptome assembly approaches using Trinity, SOAPdenovo-Trans, and Oases at multiple kmer lengths was conducted, producing 50 single-kmer assemblies from this dataset. Non-redundant transcripts from all assemblies were merged into a meta-assembly using the EvidentialGene tr2aacds pipeline, producing the largest gene catalogue to date for Acomys cahirinus. This study provides the first detailed characterization of the spiny mouse transcriptome. It validates use of the EvidentialGene tr2aacds pipeline in mammals to augment conventional de novo assembly approaches, and provides a valuable scientific resource for further investigation into the unique physiological characteristics inherent in the genus Acomys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared Mamrot
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Roxane Legaie
- MHTP node - Monash Bioinformatics Platform, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stacey J Ellery
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Trevor Wilson
- MHTP Medical Genomics Facility, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Torsten Seemann
- Melbourne Bioinformatics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David R Powell
- Monash Bioinformatics Platform, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David W Walker
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- RMIT University, Bundoora Campus, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Peter Temple-Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Education Program in Reproduction and Development, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anthony T Papenfuss
- Bioinformatics Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Computational Cancer Biology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hayley Dickinson
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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A review of fundamental principles for animal models of DOHaD research: an Australian perspective. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2016; 7:449-472. [DOI: 10.1017/s2040174416000477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiology formed the basis of ‘the Barker hypothesis’, the concept of ‘developmental programming’ and today’s discipline of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD). Animal experimentation provided proof of the underlying concepts, and continues to generate knowledge of underlying mechanisms. Interventions in humans, based on DOHaD principles, will be informed by experiments in animals. As knowledge in this discipline has accumulated, from studies of humans and other animals, the complexity of interactions between genome, environment and epigenetics, has been revealed. The vast nature of programming stimuli and breadth of effects is becoming known. As a result of our accumulating knowledge we now appreciate the impact of many variables that contribute to programmed outcomes. To guide further animal research in this field, the Australia and New Zealand DOHaD society (ANZ DOHaD) Animals Models of DOHaD Research Working Group convened at the 2nd Annual ANZ DOHaD Congress in Melbourne, Australia in April 2015. This review summarizes the contributions of animal research to the understanding of DOHaD, and makes recommendations for the design and conduct of animal experiments to maximize relevance, reproducibility and translation of knowledge into improving health and well-being.
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11
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Quinn TA, Ratnayake U, Dickinson H, Castillo-Melendez M, Walker DW. The feto-placental unit, and potential roles of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in prenatal and postnatal brain development: A re-examination using the spiny mouse. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 160:204-13. [PMID: 26485665 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Synthesis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) by the fetal adrenal gland is important for placental oestrogen production, and may also be important for modulating the effects of glucocorticoids on the developing brain. We have preciously shown that the enzymes and accessory proteins needed for DHEA synthesis-cytochrome P450 enzyme 17α-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase (P450c17), cytochrome-b5 (Cytb5), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD)-are expressed in the adrenal gland from 30 days gestation, and DHEA, cortisol and aldosterone are present in fetal plasma from this time. Explant culture of fetal adrenal tissue showed that the spiny mouse adrenal gland, can synthesize and secrete DHEA from at least 0.75 of gestation, and suggest that DHEA may have an important role(s) in placental biosynthesis of oestrogens and in modulating the actions of glucocorticoids in the developing brain in this species. Post-natally, increased immuno-expression of P450c17 and Cytb5 expression in the zona reticularis of the adrenal gland and a significant increase in the synthesis and secretion of DHEA in plasma from 8 to 20 days of age in the spiny mouse, are representative of a period of high adrenal androgen production consistent with the human phenomenon of adrenarche. The studies summarised in this review also show that DHEA is produced de novo in the developing brain of the spiny mouse. These results showed that the spiny mouse brain can indeed produce DHEA from pregnenolone in a time-dependant manner, and coupled with the identification of P450c17 and Cytb5 protein in several regions of the brain, support the idea that DHEA is an endogenous neuro-active steroid in this species. Together, the studies outlined in this review indicate that the androgen DHEA is an important hormone of adrenal and Central Nervous System (CNS) origin in the fetal and postnatal spiny mouse. Disturbance of the development of these fetal tissues, and/or of the relationship between the fetal adrenal gland and placenta during pregnancy, may have significant consequences for fetal development, placental function, and maturation of the brain. It is proposed that such disturbances of normal adrenal function could account for some of the neuropathologies that arise in juvenile and adult offspring following illness and stress experienced by the mother during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey A Quinn
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Australia; Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Australia
| | - Udani Ratnayake
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Australia; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne University, Australia
| | - Hayley Dickinson
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Australia; Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Australia
| | - Margie Castillo-Melendez
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Australia; Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Australia; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne University, Australia
| | - David W Walker
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Australia; Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Australia.
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