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Casati L, Ciceri S, Maggi R, Bottai D. Physiological and Pharmacological overview of the Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115553. [PMID: 37075816 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115553] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) is a decapeptide responsible for the control of the reproductive functions. It shows C- and N-terminal aminoacid modifications and two other distinct isoforms have been so far identified. The biological effects of GnRH are mediated by binding to high-affinity G-protein couple receptors (GnRHR), showing characteristic very short C tail. In mammals, including humans, GnRH-producing neurons originate in the embryonic nasal compartment and during early embryogenesis they undergo rapid migration towards the hypothalamus; the increasing knowledge of such mechanisms improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to infertility. The pharmacological use of GnRH, or its synthetic peptide and non-peptide agonists or antagonists, provides a valid tool for reproductive disorders and assisted reproduction technology (ART). The presence of GnRHR in several organs and tissues indicates additional functions of the peptide. The identification of a GnRH/GnRHR system in the human endometrium, ovary, and prostate has extended the functions of the peptide to the physiology and tumor transformation of such tissues. Likely, the activity of a GnRH/GnRHR system at the level of the hippocampus, as well as its decreased expression in mice brain aging, raised interest in its possible involvement in neurogenesis and neuronal functions. In conclusion, GnRH/GnRHR appears to be a fascinating biological system that exerts several possibly integrated pleiotropic actions in the complex control of reproductive functions, tumor growth, neurogenesis, and neuroprotection. This review aims to provide an overview of the physiology of GnRH and the pharmacological applications of its synthetic analogs in the management of reproductive and non-reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Casati
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Samuele Ciceri
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences (DISFARM), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano Italy
| | - Roberto Maggi
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences (DISFARM), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano Italy.
| | - Daniele Bottai
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences (DISFARM), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano Italy
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2
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Franssen D, Johansson HKL, Lopez-Rodriguez D, Lavergne A, Terwagne Q, Boberg J, Christiansen S, Svingen T, Parent AS. Perinatal exposure to the fungicide ketoconazole alters hypothalamic control of puberty in female rats. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1140886. [PMID: 37077353 PMCID: PMC10108553 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1140886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as diethylstilbestrol (DES) are known to alter the timing of puberty onset and reproductive function in females. Accumulating evidence suggests that steroid synthesis inhibitors such as ketoconazole (KTZ) or phthalates may also affect female reproductive health, however their mode of action is poorly understood. Because hypothalamic activity is very sensitive to sex steroids, we aimed at determining whether and how EDCs with different mode of action can alter the hypothalamic transcriptome and GnRH release in female rats. DESIGN Female rats were exposed to KTZ or DES during perinatal (DES 3-6-12μg/kg.d; KTZ 3-6-12mg/kg.d), pubertal or adult periods (DES 3-12-48μg/kg.d; KTZ 3-12-48mg/kg.d). RESULTS Ex vivo study of GnRH pulsatility revealed that perinatal exposure to the highest doses of KTZ and DES delayed maturation of GnRH secretion before puberty, whereas pubertal or adult exposure had no effect on GnRH pulsatility. Hypothalamic transcriptome, studied by RNAsequencing in the preoptic area and in the mediobasal hypothalamus, was found to be very sensitive to perinatal exposure to all doses of KTZ before puberty with effects persisting until adulthood. Bioinformatic analysis with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis predicted "Creb signaling in Neurons" and "IGF-1 signaling" among the most downregulated pathways by all doses of KTZ and DES before puberty, and "PPARg" as a common upstream regulator driving gene expression changes. Deeper screening ofRNAseq datasets indicated that a high number of genes regulating the activity of the extrinsic GnRH pulse generator were consistently affected by all the doses of DES and KTZ before puberty. Several, including MKRN3, DNMT3 or Cbx7, showed similar alterations in expression at adulthood. CONCLUSION nRH secretion and the hypothalamic transcriptome are highly sensitive to perinatal exposure to both DES and KTZ. The identified pathways should be exploredfurther to identify biomarkers for future testing strategies for EDC identification and when enhancing the current standard information requirements in regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Franssen
- Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Delphine Franssen,
| | | | | | - Arnaud Lavergne
- GIGA-Bioinformatics, GIGA Institute, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Quentin Terwagne
- Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Julie Boberg
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sofie Christiansen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne-Simone Parent
- Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liege, Liege, Belgium
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Ziarniak K, Yang T, Boycott C, Beetch M, Sassek M, Grzeda E, Ma Y, Sliwowska JH, Stefanska B. DNA hypermethylation of Kiss1r promoter and reduction of hepatic Kiss1r in female rats with type 2 diabetes. Epigenetics 2022; 17:2332-2346. [PMID: 36094166 PMCID: PMC9665141 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2119120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin, produced from the brain and peripheral tissues, may constitute an important link in metabolic regulation in response to external cues, such as diet. The kisspeptin system is well described in the brain. However, its function and regulation in the peripheral tissues, especially in relation to metabolic disease and sex differences, remain to be elucidated. As Kiss1 and Kiss1r, encoding for kisspeptin and kisspeptin receptors, respectively, are altered by overnutrition/fasting and regulated by DNA methylation during puberty and cancer, epigenetic mechanisms in metabolic disorders are highly probable. In the present study, we experimentally induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) in female Wistar rats using high-fat diet/streptozocin. We analysed expression and DNA methylation of Kiss1 and Kiss1r in the peripheral tissues, using quantitative-reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and pyrosequencing. We discovered differential expression of Kiss1 and Kiss1r in peripheral organs in DM2 females, as compared with healthy controls, and the profile differed from patterns reported earlier in males. DM2 in females was linked to the increased Kiss1 mRNA in the liver and increased Kiss1r mRNA in the liver and adipose tissue. However, Kiss1r promoter was hypermethylated in the liver, suggesting gene silencing. Indeed, the increase in DNA methylation of Kiss1r promoter was accompanied by a reduction in Kiss1r protein, implying epigenetic or translational gene repression. Our results deliver novel evidence for tissue-specific differences in Kiss1 and Kiss1r expression in peripheral organs in DM2 females and suggest DNA methylation as a player in regulation of the hepatic kisspeptin system in DM2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Ziarniak
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland.,Molecular and Cell Biology Unit, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Tony Yang
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Cayla Boycott
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Megan Beetch
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Maciej Sassek
- Department of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Biostructure, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Emilia Grzeda
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Yuexi Ma
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joanna H Sliwowska
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Barbara Stefanska
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Mohr MA, Keshishian T, Falcy BA, Laham BJ, Wong AM, Micevych PE. Puberty enables oestradiol-induced progesterone synthesis in female mouse hypothalamic astrocytes. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13082. [PMID: 35000221 PMCID: PMC9207152 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The development of oestrogen positive feedback is a hallmark of female puberty. Both oestrogen and progesterone signalling are required for the functioning of this neuroendocrine feedback loop but the physiological changes that underlie the emergence of positive feedback remain unknown. Only after puberty does oestradiol (E2) facilitate progesterone synthesis in the rat female hypothalamus (neuroP), an event critical for positive feedback and the LH surge. We hypothesize that prior to puberty, these astrocytes have low levels of membrane oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα), which is needed for facilitation of neuroP synthesis. Thus, we hypothesized that prepubertal astrocytes are unable to respond to E2 with increased neuroP synthesis due a lack of membrane ERα. To test this, hypothalamic tissues and enriched primary hypothalamic astrocyte cultures were acquired from prepubertal (postnatal week 3) and post-pubertal (week 8) female mice. E2-facilitated neuroP was measured in the hypothalamus pre- and post-puberty, and hypothalamic astrocyte responses were measured after treatment with E2. Prior to puberty, E2-facilitated neuroP synthesis did not occur in the hypothalamus, and mERα expression was low in hypothalamic astrocytes, but E2-facilitated neuroP synthesis in the rostral hypothalamus and mERα expression increased post-puberty. The increase in mERα expression in hypothalamic astrocytes corresponded with a post-pubertal increase in caveolin-1 protein, PKA phosphorylation, and a more rapid [Ca2+ ]i flux in response to E2. Together, results from the present study indicate that E2-facilitated neuroP synthesis occurs in the rostral hypothalamus, develops during puberty, and corresponds to a post-pubertal increase in mERα levels in hypothalamic astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret A Mohr
- Department of Neurobiology, UCLA DGSOM, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Brain Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Tina Keshishian
- Department of Neurobiology, UCLA DGSOM, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Brain Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Brennan A Falcy
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Blake J Laham
- Department of Psychology, Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Angela M Wong
- Department of Neurobiology, UCLA DGSOM, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Brain Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Paul E Micevych
- Department of Neurobiology, UCLA DGSOM, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Brain Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Sánchez-Garrido MA, García-Galiano D, Tena-Sempere M. Early programming of reproductive health and fertility: novel neuroendocrine mechanisms and implications in reproductive medicine. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:346-375. [PMID: 35187579 PMCID: PMC9071071 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis, environmental changes taking place during early maturational periods may alter normal development and predispose to the occurrence of diverse pathologies later in life. Indeed, adverse conditions during these critical developmental windows of high plasticity have been reported to alter the offspring developmental trajectory, causing permanent functional and structural perturbations that in the long term may enhance disease susceptibility. However, while solid evidence has documented that fluctuations in environmental factors, ranging from nutrient availability to chemicals, in early developmental stages (including the peri-conceptional period) have discernible programming effects that increase vulnerability to develop metabolic perturbations, the impact and eventual mechanisms involved, of such developmental alterations on the reproductive phenotype of offspring have received less attention. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review will summarize recent advances in basic and clinical research that support the concept of DOHaD in the context of the impact of nutritional and hormonal perturbations, occurring during the periconceptional, fetal and early postnatal stages, on different aspects of reproductive function in both sexes. Special emphasis will be given to the effects of early nutritional stress on the timing of puberty and adult gonadotropic function, and to address the underlying neuroendocrine pathways, with particular attention to involvement of the Kiss1 system in these reproductive perturbations. The implications of such phenomena in terms of reproductive medicine will also be considered. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive MEDLINE search, using PubMed as main interface, of research articles and reviews, published mainly between 2006 and 2021, has been carried out. Search was implemented using multiple terms, focusing on clinical and preclinical data from DOHaD studies, addressing periconceptional, gestational and perinatal programming of reproduction. Selected studies addressing early programming of metabolic function have also been considered, when relevant. OUTCOMES A solid body of evidence, from clinical and preclinical studies, has documented the impact of nutritional and hormonal fluctuations during the periconceptional, prenatal and early postnatal periods on pubertal maturation, as well as adult gonadotropic function and fertility. Furthermore, exposure to environmental chemicals, such as bisphenol A, and maternal stress has been shown to negatively influence pubertal development and gonadotropic function in adulthood. The underlying neuroendocrine pathways and mechanisms involved have been also addressed, mainly by preclinical studies, which have identified an, as yet incomplete, array of molecular and neurohormonal effectors. These include, prominently, epigenetic regulatory mechanisms and the hypothalamic Kiss1 system, which likely contribute to the generation of reproductive alterations in conditions of early nutritional and/or metabolic stress. In addition to the Kiss1 system, other major hypothalamic regulators of GnRH neurosecretion, such as γ-aminobutyric acid and glutamate, may be targets of developmental programming. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This review addresses an underdeveloped area of reproductive biology and medicine that may help to improve our understanding of human reproductive disorders and stresses the importance, and eventual pathogenic impact, of early determinants of puberty, adult reproductive function and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Angel Sánchez-Garrido
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Cordoba, Spain
| | - David García-Galiano
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Cordoba, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Cordoba, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Yaghmaeian Salmani B, Balderson B, Bauer S, Ekman H, Starkenberg A, Perlmann T, Piper M, Bodén M, Thor S. Selective requirement for polycomb repressor complex 2 in the generation of specific hypothalamic neuronal subtypes. Development 2022; 149:274592. [PMID: 35245348 PMCID: PMC8959139 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamus displays staggering cellular diversity, chiefly established during embryogenesis by the interplay of several signalling pathways and a battery of transcription factors. However, the contribution of epigenetic cues to hypothalamus development remains unclear. We mutated the polycomb repressor complex 2 gene Eed in the developing mouse hypothalamus, which resulted in the loss of H3K27me3, a fundamental epigenetic repressor mark. This triggered ectopic expression of posteriorly expressed regulators (e.g. Hox homeotic genes), upregulation of cell cycle inhibitors and reduced proliferation. Surprisingly, despite these effects, single cell transcriptomic analysis revealed that most neuronal subtypes were still generated in Eed mutants. However, we observed an increase in glutamatergic/GABAergic double-positive cells, as well as loss/reduction of dopamine, hypocretin and Tac2-Pax6 neurons. These findings indicate that many aspects of the hypothalamic gene regulatory flow can proceed without the key H3K27me3 epigenetic repressor mark, but points to a unique sensitivity of particular neuronal subtypes to a disrupted epigenomic landscape. Summary: Polycomb repressor complex 2 inactivation results in selective effects on mouse hypothalamic development, increasing glutamatergic/GABA cells, while reducing dopamine, Hcrt and Tac2-Pax6 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Yaghmaeian Salmani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, SE-58185 Linkoping, Sweden
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brad Balderson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Susanne Bauer
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, SE-58185 Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Helen Ekman
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, SE-58185 Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Annika Starkenberg
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, SE-58185 Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Thomas Perlmann
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Piper
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Mikael Bodén
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Stefan Thor
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, SE-58185 Linkoping, Sweden
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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7
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Yang X, Qi Z, Yang H, Li J, Liu Y, Sang Y, Li M, Du X, Wang H, Liu B, Xu B, Liu W, Xu Z, Deng Y. The m 6A mRNA demethylase FTO regulates GnRH secretion in Mn-induced precocious puberty. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 542:111523. [PMID: 34843901 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The GABAA receptor (GABAAR) plays important roles in the regulation of Mn-induced GnRH secretion in immature female rats. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we assessed whether FTO and its substrate m6A are correlated with GABAAR expression in GnRH neurons after treatment with Mn in vitro and in vivo. Our study indicated that Mn treatment increased the expression of GnRH mRNA and decreased the levels of GABAAR protein but had no effect on GABAAR mRNA. Moreover, Mn upregulated the levels of FTO and inhibited global cellular m6A levels and GABAAα2 mRNA m6A levels. Knockdown of FTO increased the expression of GABAAR protein and GABAAα2 mRNA m6A levels. Data from rat models further demonstrate that inhibition of FTO suppressed GABAAR protein expression in the hypothalamus, causing delayed puberty onset. Collectively, our findings suggest that FTO-dependent m6A demethylation plays a critical role in regulating GABAAR mRNA processing in GnRH neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Yang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China; School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China.
| | - Zhipeng Qi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Haibo Yang
- Department of Occupational Diseases, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong, 276000, China.
| | - Jiashuo Li
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Yanan Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Yanqi Sang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Minghui Li
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Xianchao Du
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Haiying Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Bingchen Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Zhaofa Xu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Yu Deng
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
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Bar-Sadeh B, Amichai OE, Pnueli L, Begum K, Leeman G, Emes RD, Stöger R, Bentley GR, Melamed P. Epigenetic regulation of 5α reductase-1 underlies adaptive plasticity of reproductive function and pubertal timing. BMC Biol 2022; 20:11. [PMID: 34996447 PMCID: PMC8742331 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01219-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Women facing increased energetic demands in childhood commonly have altered adult ovarian activity and shorter reproductive lifespan, possibly comprising a strategy to optimize reproductive success. Here, we sought to understand the mechanisms of early-life programming of reproductive function, by integrating analysis of reproductive tissues in an appropriate mouse model with methylation analysis of proxy tissue DNA in a well-characterized population of Bangladeshi migrants in the UK. Bangladeshi women whose childhood was in Bangladesh were found to have later pubertal onset and lower age-matched ovarian reserve than Bangladeshi women who grew-up in England. Subsequently, we aimed to explore the potential relevance to the altered reproductive phenotype of one of the genes that emerged from the screens. Results Of the genes associated with differential methylation in the Bangladeshi women whose childhood was in Bangladesh as compared to Bangladeshi women who grew up in the UK, 13 correlated with altered expression of the orthologous gene in the mouse model ovaries. These mice had delayed pubertal onset and a smaller ovarian reserve compared to controls. The most relevant of these genes for reproductive function appeared to be SRD5A1, which encodes the steroidogenic enzyme 5α reductase-1. SRD5A1 was more methylated at the same transcriptional enhancer in mice ovaries as in the women’s buccal DNA, and its expression was lower in the hypothalamus of the mice as well, suggesting a possible role in the central control of reproduction. The expression of Kiss1 and Gnrh was also lower in these mice compared to controls, and inhibition of 5α reductase-1 reduced Kiss1 and Gnrh mRNA levels and blocked GnRH release in GnRH neuronal cell cultures. Crucially, we show that inhibition of this enzyme in female mice in vivo delayed pubertal onset. Conclusions SRD5A1/5α reductase-1 responds epigenetically to the environment and its downregulation appears to alter the reproductive phenotype. These findings help to explain diversity in reproductive characteristics and how they are shaped by early-life environment and reveal novel pathways that might be targeted to mitigate health issues caused by life-history trade-offs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01219-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Bar-Sadeh
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 32000, Haifa, Israel
| | - Or E Amichai
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 32000, Haifa, Israel
| | - Lilach Pnueli
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 32000, Haifa, Israel
| | - Khurshida Begum
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Gregory Leeman
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Richard D Emes
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Reinhard Stöger
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, LE12 5RD, UK
| | | | - Philippa Melamed
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 32000, Haifa, Israel.
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9
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Franssen D, Svingen T, Lopez Rodriguez D, Van Duursen M, Boberg J, Parent AS. A Putative Adverse Outcome Pathway Network for Disrupted Female Pubertal Onset to Improve Testing and Regulation of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals. Neuroendocrinology 2022; 112:101-114. [PMID: 33640887 DOI: 10.1159/000515478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The average age for pubertal onset in girls has declined over recent decades. Epidemiological studies in humans and experimental studies in animals suggest a causal role for endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that are present in our environment. Of concern, current testing and screening regimens are inadequate in identifying EDCs that may affect pubertal maturation, not least because they do not consider early-life exposure. Also, the causal relationship between EDC exposure and pubertal timing is still a matter of debate. To address this issue, we have used current knowledge to elaborate a network of putative adverse outcome pathways (pAOPs) to identify how chemicals can affect pubertal onset. By using the AOP framework, we highlight current gaps in mechanistic understanding that need to be addressed and simultaneously point towards events causative of pubertal disturbance that could be exploited for alternative test methods. We propose 6 pAOPs that could explain the disruption of pubertal timing by interfering with the central hypothalamic trigger of puberty, GnRH neurons, and by so doing highlight specific modes of action that could be targeted for alternative test method development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Franssen
- Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Terje Svingen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Majorie Van Duursen
- Department of Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julie Boberg
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne-Simone Parent
- Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Department of Pediatrics, CHU de Liège, Liège, Belgium
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10
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Manotas MC, González DM, Céspedes C, Forero C, Rojas Moreno AP. Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Puberty. Sex Dev 2021; 16:1-10. [PMID: 34649256 DOI: 10.1159/000519039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Puberty is a complex transitional phase in which reproductive capacity is achieved. There is a very wide variation in the age range of the onset of puberty, which follows a familial, ethnic, and sex pattern. The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and several genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors play an important role in the onset of and throughout puberty. Recently, there has been significant progress in identifying factors that affect normal pubertal timing. Different studies have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that affect pubertal timing in both sexes and across ethnic groups. Single genes are implicated in both precocious and delayed puberty, and epigenetic mechanisms have been suggested to affect the development and function of the GnRH neuronal network and responsiveness of end organs. All these factors can influence normal puberty timing, precocious puberty, and delayed puberty. The objective of this review is to describe recent findings related to the genetic and epigenetic control of puberty and highlight the need to deepen the knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms of this process in the normal and abnormal context.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Carolina Manotas
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Daniel Mauricio González
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Camila Céspedes
- Pediatric Endocrinologist, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia.,Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Catalina Forero
- Pediatric Endocrinologist, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia.,Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
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Chandra K, Banerjee A, Das M. Epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of GnRH gene under altered metabolism and ageing. THE NUCLEUS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13237-021-00374-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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12
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Lopez-Rodriguez D, Franssen D, Heger S, Parent AS. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and their effects on puberty. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 35:101579. [PMID: 34563408 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2021.101579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sexual maturation in humans is characterized by a unique individual variability. Pubertal onset is a highly heritable polygenic trait but it is also affected by environmental factors such as obesity or endocrine disrupting chemicals. The last 30 years have been marked by a constant secular trend toward earlier age at onset of puberty in girls and boys around the world. More recent data, although more disputed, suggest an increased incidence in idiopathic central precocious puberty. Such trends point to a role for environmental factors in pubertal changes. Animal data suggest that the GnRH-neuronal network is highly sensitive to endocrine disruption during development. This review focuses on the most recent data regarding secular trend in pubertal timing as well as potential new epigenetic mechanisms explaining the developmental and transgenerational effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on pubertal timing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Delphine Franssen
- GIGA Neurosciences, Neuroendocrinology Unit, University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Sabine Heger
- Children's Hospital Bult, Janusz-Korczak-Allee 12, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anne-Simone Parent
- GIGA Neurosciences, Neuroendocrinology Unit, University of Liège, Belgium; Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège, Belgium.
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13
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Sakae Y, Tanaka M. Metabolism and Sex Differentiation in Animals from a Starvation Perspective. Sex Dev 2021; 15:168-178. [PMID: 34284403 DOI: 10.1159/000515281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals determine their sex genetically (GSD: genetic sex determination) and/or environmentally (ESD: environmental sex determination). Medaka (Oryzias latipes) employ a XX/XY GSD system, however, they display female-to-male sex reversal in response to various environmental changes such as temperature, hypoxia, and green light. Interestingly, we found that 5 days of starvation during sex differentiation caused female-to-male sex reversal. In this situation, the metabolism of pantothenate and fatty acid synthesis plays an important role in sex reversal. Metabolism is associated with other biological factors such as germ cells, HPG axis, lipids, and epigenetics, and supplys substances and acts as signal transducers. In this review, we discuss the importance of metabolism during sex differentiation and how metabolism contributes to sex differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Sakae
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Minoru Tanaka
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
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Lopez-Rodriguez D, Franssen D, Bakker J, Lomniczi A, Parent AS. Cellular and molecular features of EDC exposure: consequences for the GnRH network. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2021; 17:83-96. [PMID: 33288917 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-020-00436-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The onset of puberty and the female ovulatory cycle are important developmental milestones of the reproductive system. These processes are controlled by a tightly organized network of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, as well as genetic, epigenetic and hormonal factors, which ultimately drive the pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone. They also strongly depend on organizational processes that take place during fetal and early postnatal life. Therefore, exposure to environmental pollutants such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during critical periods of development can result in altered brain development, delayed or advanced puberty and long-term reproductive consequences, such as impaired fertility. The gonads and peripheral organs are targets of EDCs, and research from the past few years suggests that the organization of the neuroendocrine control of reproduction is also sensitive to environmental cues and disruption. Among other mechanisms, EDCs interfere with the action of steroidal and non-steroidal receptors, and alter enzymatic, metabolic and epigenetic pathways during development. In this Review, we discuss the cellular and molecular consequences of perinatal exposure (mostly in rodents) to representative EDCs with a focus on the neuroendocrine control of reproduction, pubertal timing and the female ovulatory cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Delphine Franssen
- Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Julie Bakker
- Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Alejandro Lomniczi
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), OHSU, OR, USA
| | - Anne-Simone Parent
- Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège, Liège, Belgium.
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