1
|
Santillo S, De Petrocellis L, Musio C. Diurnal and circadian regulation of opsin-like transcripts in the eyeless cnidarian Hydra. Biomol Concepts 2024; 15:bmc-2022-0044. [PMID: 38502542 DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2022-0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Opsins play a key role in the ability to sense light both in image-forming vision and in non-visual photoreception (NVP). These modalities, in most animal phyla, share the photoreceptor protein: an opsin-based protein binding a light-sensitive chromophore by a lysine (Lys) residue. So far, visual and non-visual opsins have been discovered throughout the Metazoa phyla, including the photoresponsive Hydra, an eyeless cnidarian considered the evolutionary sister species to bilaterians. To verify whether light influences and modulates opsin gene expression in Hydra, we utilized four expression sequence tags, similar to two classic opsins (SW rhodopsin and SW blue-sensitive opsin) and two non-visual opsins (melanopsin and peropsin), in investigating the expression patterns during both diurnal and circadian time, by means of a quantitative RT-PCR. The expression levels of all four genes fluctuated along the light hours of diurnal cycle with respect to the darkness one and, in constant dark condition of the circadian cycle, they increased. The monophasic behavior in the L12:D12 cycle turned into a triphasic expression profile during the continuous darkness condition. Consequently, while the diurnal opsin-like expression revealed a close dependence on light hours, the highest transcript levels were found in darkness, leading us to novel hypothesis that in Hydra, an "internal" biological rhythm autonomously supplies the opsins expression during the circadian time. In conclusion, in Hydra, both diurnal and circadian rhythms apparently regulate the expression of the so-called visual and non-visual opsins, as already demonstrated in higher invertebrate and vertebrate species. Our data confirm that Hydra is a suitable model for studying ancestral precursor of both visual and NVP, providing useful hints on the evolution of visual and photosensory systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Santillo
- Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems "Eduardo Caianiello" (ISASI), National Research Council (CNR), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli (Naples), Italy
| | - Luciano De Petrocellis
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council (CNR), 80078 Pozzuoli (Naples), Italy
| | - Carlo Musio
- Institute of Biophysics (IBF), Trento Unit, National Research Council (CNR), Via Sommarive 18, 38123 Trento, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Patko E, Szabo E, Toth D, Tornoczky T, Bosnyak I, Vaczy A, Atlasz T, Reglodi D. Distribution of PACAP and PAC1 Receptor in the Human Eye. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:2176-2187. [PMID: 35253081 PMCID: PMC9726800 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-022-01985-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide with widespread distribution and diverse biological functions. Several studies show that PACAP has strong cytoprotective effects mediated mostly through its specific PAC1 receptor (PAC1-R) and it plays important roles in several pathological conditions. Its distribution and altered expression are known in various human tissues, but there is no descriptive data about PACAP and its receptors in the human eyebulb. Since PACAP38 is the dominant form of the naturally occurring PACAP, our aim was to investigate the distribution of PACAP38-like immunoreactivity in the human eye and to describe the presence of PAC1-R. Semiquantitative evaluation was performed after routine histology and immunohistochemical labeling on human eye sections. Our results showed high level of immunopositivity in the corneal epithelium and endothelium. Within the vascular layer, the iris and the ciliary body had strong immunopositivity for both PACAP and PAC1-R. Several layers of the retina showed immunoreactivity for PACAP and PAC1-R, but the ganglion cell layer had a special pattern in the immunolabeling. Labeling was observed in the neuropil within the optic nerve in both cases and glial cells displayed immunoreactivity for PAC1-R. In summary, our study indicates the widespread occurrence of PACAP and its specific receptor in the human eye, implying that the results from in vitro and animal studies have translational value and most probably are also present in the human eye.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelin Patko
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, 7624, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Edina Szabo
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, 7624, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Denes Toth
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Tamas Tornoczky
- Department of Pathology, Medical School and Clinical Center, University of Pecs, 7624, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Inez Bosnyak
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, 7624, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Vaczy
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, 7624, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Tamas Atlasz
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, 7624, Pecs, Hungary.
- Szentagothai Research Center, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624, Pecs, Hungary.
- Department of Sportbiology, University of Pecs, 7624, Pecs, Hungary.
| | - Dora Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, 7624, Pecs, Hungary
- Szentagothai Research Center, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624, Pecs, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ma H, Yang MS, Zhang YT, Qiu HT, You XX, Chen SX, Hong WS. Expressions of melanopsins in telencephalon imply their function in synchronizing semilunar spawning rhythm in the mudskipper Boleophthalmus pectinirostris. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 315:113926. [PMID: 34653434 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The mudskipper Boleophthalmus pectinirostris inhabits intertidal mudflats, exhibiting semilunar reproductive rhythms. To investigate whether melanopsin is possibly involved in the synchronization of the semilunar spawning rhythm in the female mudskipper, we first cloned all four melanopsin subtypes (opn4m1, opn4m3, opn4x1, opn4x2) in B. pectinirostris. Results from RTq-PCR showed that significantly higher transcription levels of all four melanopsin subtypes were observed in the eyes rather than other tissues. In brain, all four melanopsin subtypes were also detectable in different regions, including the telencephalon, in which the expression of melanopsin has not been reported in other teleosts. The transcription levels of opn4m3 and opn4x1 in the telencephalon exhibited a daily fluctuation pattern. When females entered the spawning season, opn4m1 and opn4x1 transcript levels increased significantly in the telencephalon. During the spawning season, the transcript levels of opn4m3 and opn4x1 in the telencephalon appeared to have a cyclic pattern associated with semilunar periodicity, exhibiting two cycles with a peak around the first or the last lunar quarters. Results from ISH showed that, opn4x1 mRNA was localized in the medial of dorsal telencephalic area, dorsal nucleus of ventral telencephalic area (Vd), ventral nucleus of ventral telencephalic area (Vv), anterior part of parvocellular preoptic nucleus, magnocellular part of the magnocellular preoptic nucleus (PMmc), habenular and ventral zone of hypothalamus. Intriguingly, gnrh3 mRNA was also located in Vd, Vv and PMmc. Taken together, our results suggested that melanopsins, e.g. opn4x1, expressed in the telencephalon might mediate semilunar spawning activity in the female mudskipper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- He Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Ming Shu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yu Ting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Heng Tong Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xin Xin You
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Marine and Fisheries Institute, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Shi Xi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Wan Shu Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Matsuo M, Kamei Y, Fukamachi S. Behavioural red-light sensitivity in fish according to the optomotor response. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:210415. [PMID: 34386255 PMCID: PMC8334835 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.210415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Various procedures have been adopted to investigate spectral sensitivity of animals, e.g. absorption spectra of visual pigments, electroretinography, optokinetic response, optomotor response (OMR) and phototaxis. The use of these techniques has led to various conclusions about animal vision. However, visual sensitivity should be evaluated consistently for a reliable comparison. In this study, we retrieved behavioural data of several fish species using a single OMR procedure and compared their sensitivities to near-infrared light. Besides cavefish that lack eyes, some species were not appropriate for the OMR test because they either stayed still or changed swimming direction frequently. Eight of 13 fish species tested were OMR positive. Detailed analyses using medaka, goldfish, zebrafish, guppy, stickleback and cichlid revealed that all the fish were sensitive to light at a wavelength greater than or equal to 750 nm, where the threshold wavelengths varied from 750 to 880 nm. Fish opsin repertoire affected the perception of red light. By contrast, the copy number of long-wavelength-sensitive (LWS) genes did not necessarily improve red-light sensitivity. While the duplication of LWS and other cone opsin genes that has occurred extensively during fish evolution might not aid increasing spectral sensitivity, it may provide some other advantageous ophthalmic function, such as enhanced spectral discrimination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Matsuo
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Japan Women's University, Tokyo 112-8681, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kamei
- Spectrography and Bioimaging Facility, National Institute for Basic Biology, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
- Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Shoji Fukamachi
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Japan Women's University, Tokyo 112-8681, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Byun JH, Hyeon JY, Kim ES, Kim BH, Miyanishi H, Kagawa H, Takeuchi Y, Kim SJ, Takemura A, Hur SP. Gene expression patterns of novel visual and non-visual opsin families in immature and mature Japanese eel males. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8326. [PMID: 32149019 PMCID: PMC7049458 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was carried out to identify and estimate physiological function of a new type of opsin subfamily present in the retina and whole brain tissues of Japanese eel using RNA–Seq transcriptome method. A total of 18 opsin subfamilies were identified through RNA–seq. The visual opsin family included Rh2, SWS2, FWO, DSO, and Exo-Rhod. The non-visual opsin family included four types of melanopsin subfamily (Opn4x1, Opn4x2, Opn4m1, and Opn4m2), peropsin, two types of neuropsin subfamily (Opn5-like, Opn5), Opn3, three types of TMT opsin subfamily (TMT1, 2, 3), VA-opsin, and parapinopsin. In terms of changes in photoreceptor gene expression in the retina of sexually mature and immature male eels, DSO mRNA increased in the maturation group. Analysis of expression of opsin family gene in male eel brain before and after maturation revealed that DSO and SWS2 expression in terms of visual opsin mRNA increased in the sexually mature group. In terms of non-visual opsin mRNA, parapinopsin mRNA increased whereas that of TMT2 decreased in the fore-brain of the sexually mature group. The mRNA for parapinopsin increased in the mid-brain of the sexually mature group, whereas those of TMT1 and TMT3 increased in the hind-brain of the sexually mature group. DSO mRNA also increased in the retina after sexual maturation, and DSO and SWS2 mRNA increased in whole brain part, suggesting that DSO and SWS2 are closely related to sexual maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Hwan Byun
- Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Ji-Yeon Hyeon
- Jeju Research Institute, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Jeju, Jeju, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biology, Jeju National University, Jeju, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Su Kim
- Jeju Research Institute, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Jeju, Jeju, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biology, Jeju National University, Jeju, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong-Hoon Kim
- Marine Science Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hiroshi Miyanishi
- Department of Marine Biology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Gakuen-Kibanadai-Nishi, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Hirohiko Kagawa
- Department of Marine Biology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Gakuen-Kibanadai-Nishi, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Yuki Takeuchi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Se-Jae Kim
- Department of Biology, Jeju National University, Jeju, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Akihiro Takemura
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Sung-Pyo Hur
- Jeju Research Institute, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Jeju, Jeju, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biology, Jeju National University, Jeju, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hauzman E, Kalava V, Bonci DMO, Ventura DF. Characterization of the melanopsin gene (Opn4x) of diurnal and nocturnal snakes. BMC Evol Biol 2019; 19:174. [PMID: 31462236 PMCID: PMC6714106 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-019-1500-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of non-visual responses to light in vertebrates, such as circadian rhythm control and pupillary light reflex, are mediated by melanopsins, G-protein coupled membrane receptors, conjugated to a retinal chromophore. In non-mammalian vertebrates, melanopsin expression is variable within the retina and extra-ocular tissues. Two paralog melanopsin genes were classified in vertebrates, Opn4x and Opn4m. Snakes are highly diversified vertebrates with a wide range of daily activity patterns, which raises questions about differences in structure, function and expression pattern of their melanopsin genes. In this study, we analyzed the melanopsin genes expressed in the retinas of 18 snake species from three families (Viperidae, Elapidae, and Colubridae), and also investigated extra-retinal tissue expression. RESULTS Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the amplified gene belongs to the Opn4x group, and no expression of the Opn4m was found. The same paralog is expressed in the iris, but no extra-ocular expression was detected. Molecular evolutionary analysis indicated that melanopsins are evolving primarily under strong purifying selection, although lower evolutionary constraint was detected in snake lineages (ω = 0.2), compared to non-snake Opn4x and Opn4m (ω = 0.1). Statistical analysis of selective constraint suggests that snake phylogenetic relationships have driven stronger effects on melanopsin evolution, than the species activity pattern. In situ hybridization revealed the presence of melanopsin within cells in the outer and inner nuclear layers, in the ganglion cell layer, and intense labeling in the optic nerve. CONCLUSIONS The loss of the Opn4m gene and extra-ocular photosensitive tissues in snakes may be associated with a prolonged nocturnal/mesopic bottleneck in the early history of snake evolution. The presence of melanopsin-containing cells in all retinal nuclear layers indicates a globally photosensitive retina, and the expression in classic photoreceptor cells suggest a regionalized co-expression of melanopsin and visual opsins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Einat Hauzman
- Departamento de Psicologia Experimental, Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Professor Mello Moraes, 1721, Bloco A - Sala D9. Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-030, Brazil. .,Instituto Israelita de Ensino e Pesquisa Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | - Daniela Maria Oliveira Bonci
- Departamento de Psicologia Experimental, Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Professor Mello Moraes, 1721, Bloco A - Sala D9. Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-030, Brazil.,Instituto Israelita de Ensino e Pesquisa Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dora Fix Ventura
- Departamento de Psicologia Experimental, Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Professor Mello Moraes, 1721, Bloco A - Sala D9. Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-030, Brazil.,Instituto Israelita de Ensino e Pesquisa Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Effects of PACAP on Dry Eye Symptoms, and Possible Use for Therapeutic Application. J Mol Neurosci 2018; 68:420-426. [PMID: 29931503 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1087-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a 27- or 38-amino acid neuropeptide, which belongs to the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide/glucagon/secretin family of peptides. PACAP and its three receptor subtypes are expressed in neural tissues and in the eye, including the retina, cornea, and lacrimal gland. PACAP is known to exert pleiotropic effects on the central nervous system and in eye tissues where it plays important roles in protecting against dry eye. This review provides an overview of current knowledge regarding dry eye symptoms in aged animals and humans and the protective effects, mechanisms of action. In addition, we also refer to the development of a new preventive/therapeutic method by PACAP of dry eye patients.
Collapse
|
8
|
Haas R, Alenciks E, Meddle S, Fraley GS. Expression of deep brain photoreceptors in the Pekin drake: a possible role in the maintenance of testicular function. Poult Sci 2018; 96:2908-2919. [PMID: 28339754 PMCID: PMC5850723 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pex037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Several putative deep brain photoreceptors (DBPs) have been identified, such as melanopsin, opsin 5, and vertebrate ancient opsin. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of DBPs in gonadal regulation in the Pekin drake. As previously reported, we observed opsin-like immunoreactivity (-ir) in the lateral septum (LS), melanopsin-ir in the premammillary nucleus (PMM), and opsin 5-ir in the periventricular organ. To determine the sensitivity of the DBPs to specific wavelengths of light, drakes were given an acute exposure to red, blue, or white light. Blue light stimulated an increase (P < 0.01) in the immediate early gene fra-2-ir co-expression in melanopsin-ir neurons in the PMM, and red light increased (P < 0.05) fra-2-ir co-expression in opsin-ir neurons, suggesting these neurons are blue- and red-receptive, respectively. To further investigate this photoperiodic response, we exposed drakes to chronic red, long-day white, short-day white, or blue light. Blue light elicited gonadal regression, as testes weight (P < 0.001) and plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) levels (P < 0.001) were lower compared to drakes housed under long-day white light. Photo-regressed drakes experienced complete gonadal recrudescence when housed under long-day red and blue light. qRT-PCR analyses showed that gonadally regressed drakes showed reduced levels (P < 0.01) of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) mRNA but not photoreceptor or GnIH mRNAs compared to gonadally functional drakes. Our data suggest DBP in the LS may be rhodosin and multiple DBPs are required to fully maintain gonadal function in Pekin drakes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Haas
- Biology Department, Hope College, Holland, MI
| | - E Alenciks
- Biology Department, Hope College, Holland, MI
| | - S Meddle
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The Roslin Institute Building, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian EH25 9RG, Scotland. UK
| | - G S Fraley
- Biology Department, Hope College, Holland, MI
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kelley JL, Davies WIL. The Biological Mechanisms and Behavioral Functions of Opsin-Based Light Detection by the Skin. Front Ecol Evol 2016. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2016.00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
10
|
Rincón Camacho L, Morandini L, Birba A, Cavallino L, Alonso F, LoNostro FL, Pandolfi M. The pineal complex: a morphological and immunohistochemical comparison between a tropical (Paracheirodon axelrodi) and a subtropical (Aphyocharax anisitsi) characid species. J Morphol 2016; 277:1355-67. [PMID: 27439893 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Cardinal neon Paracheirodon axelrodi and bloodfin tetra Aphyocharax anisitsi are two species of characids with high trade value as ornamental fish in South America. Although both species inhabit middle water layers, cardinal neon exhibits a tropical distribution and bloodfin tetra a subtropical one. In this work, we carried out an anatomical, histological and immunohistochemical study of the pineal complex of P. axelrodi and A. anisitsi. In both species, the pineal complex consisted of three components, the pineal and parapineal organs and the dorsal sac (DS). The pineal organ was composed of a short, thin pineal stalk (PS), vertically disposed with respect to the upper surface of the telencephalon, and a pineal vesicle (PV), located at the distal end of the PS and attached to the skull by connective tissue. The pineal window (PW), a site in the skull where the luminal information accesses the pineal organ, appeared just above the latter structures. In the epidermis of P. axelrodi's PW, club cells were identified, but were not observed in the epidermis of A. anisitsi's one. With respect to the DS, it appeared to be folded on itself, and was bigger and more folded in A. anisitsi than in P. axelrodi. Immunohistochemical assays revealed the presence of cone opsin-like and rod opsin-like photoreceptor cells in the PS and PV. These results provide a first insight into the morphological assembly of the pineal complex of both species, and contribute to a better understanding of the integration and transduction of light stimuli in characids. J. Morphol. 277:1355-1367, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rincón Camacho
- Laboratorio De Neuroendocrinología Y Comportamiento, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), FCEN, UBA E IBBEA, CONICET-UBA, Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güirlades 2160, Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, C1428EHA, Argentina
| | - Leonel Morandini
- Laboratorio De Neuroendocrinología Y Comportamiento, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), FCEN, UBA E IBBEA, CONICET-UBA, Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güirlades 2160, Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, C1428EHA, Argentina
| | - Agustina Birba
- Laboratorio De Neuroendocrinología Y Comportamiento, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), FCEN, UBA E IBBEA, CONICET-UBA, Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güirlades 2160, Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, C1428EHA, Argentina
| | - Luciano Cavallino
- Laboratorio De Neuroendocrinología Y Comportamiento, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), FCEN, UBA E IBBEA, CONICET-UBA, Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güirlades 2160, Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, C1428EHA, Argentina
| | - Felipe Alonso
- División Ictiología, CONICET, Museo Argentino De Ciencias Naturales, Buenos Aires, C1405DJR, Argentina
| | - Fabiana L LoNostro
- Laboratorio De Ecotoxicología Acuática, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), FCEN, UBA E IBBEA, CONICET-UBA, Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güirlades 2160, Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, C1428EHA, Argentina
| | - Matias Pandolfi
- Laboratorio De Neuroendocrinología Y Comportamiento, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), FCEN, UBA E IBBEA, CONICET-UBA, Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güirlades 2160, Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, C1428EHA, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Shioda S, Takenoya F, Wada N, Hirabayashi T, Seki T, Nakamachi T. Pleiotropic and retinoprotective functions of PACAP. Anat Sci Int 2016; 91:313-24. [PMID: 27324639 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-016-0351-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a 27- or 38-amino acid neuropeptide, which belongs to the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide/glucagon/secretin family. PACAP and its three receptor subtypes are expressed in neural tissues of the eye, including the retina, cornea and lacrimal gland, and PACAP is known to exert pleiotropic effects throughout the central nervous system. This review provides an overview of current knowledge regarding the cell protective effects, mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of PACAP in response to several types of eye injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seiji Shioda
- Global Research Center for Innovative Life Science, Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-8501, Japan.
| | - Fumiko Takenoya
- Global Research Center for Innovative Life Science, Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-8501, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Wada
- Global Research Center for Innovative Life Science, Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-8501, Japan
| | - Takahiro Hirabayashi
- Global Research Center for Innovative Life Science, Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-8501, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Seki
- Department of Anatomy and Ophthalmology, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-8555, Japan
| | - Tomoya Nakamachi
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, 3190 Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hang CY, Kitahashi T, Parhar IS. Brain area-specific diurnal and photic regulation of val-opsinA and val-opsinB genes in the zebrafish. J Neurochem 2015; 133:501-10. [PMID: 25727787 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Revised: 02/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish possess two isoforms of vertebrate ancient long (VAL)-opsin, val-opsinA (valopa) and val-opsinB (valopb), which probably mediate non-visual responses to light. To understand the diurnal and light-sensitive regulation of the valop genes in different cell groups, the current study used real-time quantitative PCR to examine the diurnal changes of valopa and b mRNA levels in different brain areas of adult male zebrafish. Furthermore, effects of the extended exposure to light or dark condition, luminous levels and the treatment with a melatonin receptor agonist or antagonist on valop transcription were examined. In the thalamus, valop mRNA levels showed significant diurnal changes; valopa peaked in the evening, while valopb peaked in the morning. The diurnal change of valopa mRNA levels occurred independent of light conditions, whereas that of valopb mRNA levels were regulated by light. A melatonin receptor agonist or antagonist did not affect the changes of valop mRNA levels. In contrast, the midbrain and hindbrain showed arrhythmic valop mRNA levels under light and dark cycles. The differential diurnal regulation of the valopa and b genes in the thalamus and the arrhythmic expression in the midbrain and hindbrain suggest involvement of deep brain VAL-opsin in time- and light-dependent physiology. We show diurnal expression changes of vertebrate ancient long (VAL) opsin genes (valopa and valopb), depending on brain area, time of day and light condition, in the adult male zebrafish. Differential regulation of the valop genes in the thalamus and arrhythmic expression in the midbrain and hindbrain suggest their involvement in time- and light-dependent physiology to adjust to environmental changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chong Yee Hang
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Levy G, Degani G. The role of brain peptides in the reproduction of blue gourami males (Trichogaster trichopterus). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 319:461-70. [PMID: 23857782 DOI: 10.1002/jez.1809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In all vertebrates, reproduction and growth are closely linked and both are controlled by complex hormonal interactions at the brain-pituitary level. In this study, we focused on the reciprocal interactions between brain peptides that regulate growth and reproductive functions in a teleostei fish (blue gourami Trichogaster trichopterus). An increase in gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 (GnRH1) gene expression was detected during ontogeny, and this peptide increased growth hormone (GH) and β follicle-stimulating hormone (βFSH) gene expression in pituitary cell culture. However, although no change in gonadotropin-releasing hormone 2 (GnRH2) gene expression during the reproductive cycle or sexual behavior was detected, a stimulatory effect of this peptide on β gonadotropins (βGtH) gene expression was observed. In addition, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide 38 (PACAP-38) inhibited GnRH-analog-induced βFSH gene expression, and co-treatment of cells with GnRH-analog and PACAP-38 inhibited GnRH-analog-stimulatory and PACAP-38-inhibitory effects on GH gene expression. These findings together with previous studies were used to create a model summarizing the mechanism of brain peptides (GnRH, PACAP and its related peptide) and the relationship to reproduction and growth through pituitary hormone gene expression during ontogenesis and reproductive stages in blue gourami.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gal Levy
- School of Science and Technology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel; MIGAL-Galilee Technology Center, Kiryat Shmona, Israel; Department of Neurobiology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Davies WIL, Tay BH, Zheng L, Danks JA, Brenner S, Foster RG, Collin SP, Hankins MW, Venkatesh B, Hunt DM. Evolution and functional characterisation of melanopsins in a deep-sea chimaera (elephant shark, Callorhinchus milii). PLoS One 2012; 7:e51276. [PMID: 23251480 PMCID: PMC3522658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-visual photoreception in mammals is primarily mediated by two splice variants that derive from a single melanopsin (OPN4M) gene, whose expression is restricted to a subset of retinal ganglion cells. Physiologically, this sensory system regulates the photoentrainment of many biological rhythms, such as sleep via the melatonin endocrine system and pupil constriction. By contrast, melanopsin exists as two distinct lineages in non-mammals, opn4m and opn4x, and is broadly expressed in a wide range of tissue types, including the eye, brain, pineal gland and skin. Despite these findings, the evolution and function of melanopsin in early vertebrates are largely unknown. We, therefore, investigated the complement of opn4 classes present in the genome of a model deep-sea cartilaginous species, the elephant shark (Callorhinchus milii), as a representative vertebrate that resides at the base of the gnathostome (jawed vertebrate) lineage. We reveal that three melanopsin genes, opn4m1, opn4m2 and opn4x, are expressed in multiple tissues of the elephant shark. The two opn4m genes are likely to have arisen as a result of a lineage-specific duplication, whereas “long” and “short” splice variants are generated from a single opn4x gene. By using a heterologous expression system, we suggest that these genes encode functional photopigments that exhibit both “invertebrate-like” bistable and classical “vertebrate-like” monostable biochemical characteristics. We discuss the evolution and function of these melanopsin pigments within the context of the diverse photic and ecological environments inhabited by this chimaerid holocephalan, as well as the origin of non-visual sensory systems in early vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wayne I. L. Davies
- School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia Oceans Institute and Lions Eye Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Boon-Hui Tay
- Comparative Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Biopolis, Singapore
| | - Lei Zheng
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Janine A. Danks
- Comparative Endocrinology and Biochemistry Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, Health Innovations Research Institute, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sydney Brenner
- Comparative Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Biopolis, Singapore
| | - Russell G. Foster
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Shaun P. Collin
- School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia Oceans Institute and Lions Eye Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mark W. Hankins
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (DH); (BV); (MWH)
| | - Byrappa Venkatesh
- Comparative Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Biopolis, Singapore
- * E-mail: (DH); (BV); (MWH)
| | - David M. Hunt
- School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia Oceans Institute and Lions Eye Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- * E-mail: (DH); (BV); (MWH)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Davies WIL, Zheng L, Hughes S, Tamai TK, Turton M, Halford S, Foster RG, Whitmore D, Hankins MW. Functional diversity of melanopsins and their global expression in the teleost retina. Cell Mol Life Sci 2011; 68:4115-32. [PMID: 21833582 PMCID: PMC11114754 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-011-0785-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2011] [Revised: 06/29/2011] [Accepted: 07/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Melanopsin (OPN4) is an opsin photopigment that, in mammals, confers photosensitivity to retinal ganglion cells and regulates circadian entrainment and pupil constriction. In non-mammalian species, two forms of opn4 exist, and are classified into mammalian-like (m) and non-mammalian-like (x) clades. However, far less is understood of the function of this photopigment family. Here we identify in zebrafish five melanopsins (opn4m-1, opn4m-2, opn4m-3, opn4x-1 and opn4x-2), each encoding a full-length opsin G protein. All five genes are expressed in the adult retina in a largely non-overlapping pattern, as revealed by RNA in situ hybridisation and immunocytochemistry, with at least one melanopsin form present in all neuronal cell types, including cone photoreceptors. This raises the possibility that the teleost retina is globally light sensitive. Electrophysiological and spectrophotometric studies demonstrate that all five zebrafish melanopsins encode a functional photopigment with peak spectral sensitivities that range from 470 to 484 nm, with opn4m-1 and opn4m-3 displaying invertebrate-like bistability, where the retinal chromophore interchanges between cis- and trans-isomers in a light-dependent manner and remains within the opsin binding pocket. In contrast, opn4m-2, opn4x-1 and opn4x-2 are monostable and function more like classical vertebrate-like photopigments, where the chromophore is converted from 11-cis to all-trans retinal upon absorption of a photon, hydrolysed and exits from the binding pocket of the opsin. It is thought that all melanopsins exhibit an invertebrate-like bistability biochemistry. Our novel findings, however, reveal the presence of both invertebrate-like and vertebrate-like forms of melanopsin in the teleost retina, and indicate that photopigment bistability is not a universal property of the melanopsin family. The functional diversity of these teleost melanopsins, together with their widespread expression pattern within the retina, suggests that melanopsins confer global photosensitivity to the teleost retina and might allow for direct "fine-tuning" of retinal circuitry and physiology in the dynamic light environments found in aquatic habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wayne I. L. Davies
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Levels 5-6 West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Headley Way, Oxford, OX3 9DU UK
| | - Lei Zheng
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Levels 5-6 West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Headley Way, Oxford, OX3 9DU UK
| | - Steven Hughes
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Levels 5-6 West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Headley Way, Oxford, OX3 9DU UK
| | - T. Katherine Tamai
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, 21 University Street, London, WC1E 6DE UK
| | - Michael Turton
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Levels 5-6 West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Headley Way, Oxford, OX3 9DU UK
| | - Stephanie Halford
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Levels 5-6 West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Headley Way, Oxford, OX3 9DU UK
| | - Russell G. Foster
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Levels 5-6 West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Headley Way, Oxford, OX3 9DU UK
| | - David Whitmore
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, 21 University Street, London, WC1E 6DE UK
| | - Mark W. Hankins
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Levels 5-6 West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Headley Way, Oxford, OX3 9DU UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
ON ganglion cells are intrinsically photosensitive in the tiger salamander retina. J Comp Neurol 2011; 520:200-10. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.22746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
|
17
|
Isorna E, Aliaga-Guerrero M, M'Rabet AE, Servili A, Falcón J, Muñoz-Cueto JA. Identification of two arylalkylamine N-acetyltranferase 1 genes with different developmental expression profiles in the flatfish Solea senegalensis. J Pineal Res 2011; 51:434-44. [PMID: 21718359 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079x.2011.00907.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The existence of two arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 (Aanat1) genes in the genome of some teleosts has been reported recently by in silico analysis. However, there are no data concerning the similarities and/or differences between them and many questions remain to be answered, such as their expression sites, development, or kinetics. Here, we report the cloning of Aanat1a and Aanat1b cDNAs from the sole retina and show for the first time that at least three Aanat genes are expressed in a vertebrate species. Because melatonin is involved in fish ontogeny, we analyzed the developmental transcript levels of Aanat1a and Aanat1b by quantitative real-time PCR, showing their inverse and stage-specific expression patterns. Aanat1a was more abundant during early than late larval stages. Before metamorphosis, nocturnal expression was higher. At metamorphosis, Aanat1a expression decreased and lost these day-night variations. In contrast, the abundance of Aanat1b transcripts, low during early developing stages, rose significantly throughout metamorphosis. This situation seemed to apply to the adult because Aanat1a expression was lower than Aanat1b expression in the retina of adults, where the former did not exhibit day-night variations, while the latter did so with much higher nocturnal transcript levels. In situ hybridization analysis detected Aanat1a and Aanat1b messengers in the outer and inner nuclear layers of retina. The differences in abundance and distinct day-night expression patterns between Aanat1a and Aanat1b during sole development suggest different functions for these two enzymes as well as the existence of interactions between the melatoninergic and thyroid hormone systems during flatfish metamorphosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther Isorna
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, Puerto Real, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Matos-Cruz V, Blasic J, Nickle B, Robinson PR, Hattar S, Halpern ME. Unexpected diversity and photoperiod dependence of the zebrafish melanopsin system. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25111. [PMID: 21966429 PMCID: PMC3178608 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals have evolved specialized photoreceptors in the retina and in extraocular tissues that allow them to measure light changes in their environment. In mammals, the retina is the only structure that detects light and relays this information to the brain. The classical photoreceptors, rods and cones, are responsible for vision through activation of rhodopsin and cone opsins. Melanopsin, another photopigment first discovered in Xenopus melanophores (Opn4x), is expressed in a small subset of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the mammalian retina, where it mediates non-image forming functions such as circadian photoentrainment and sleep. While mammals have a single melanopsin gene (opn4), zebrafish show remarkable diversity with two opn4x-related and three opn4-related genes expressed in distinct patterns in multiple neuronal cell types of the developing retina, including bipolar interneurons. The intronless opn4.1 gene is transcribed in photoreceptors as well as in horizontal cells and produces functional photopigment. Four genes are also expressed in the zebrafish embryonic brain, but not in the photoreceptive pineal gland. We discovered that photoperiod length influences expression of two of the opn4-related genes in retinal layers involved in signaling light information to RGCs. Moreover, both genes are expressed in a robust diurnal rhythm but with different phases in relation to the light-dark cycle. The results suggest that melanopsin has an expanded role in modulating the retinal circuitry of fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Matos-Cruz
- Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Joseph Blasic
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Benjamin Nickle
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Phyllis R. Robinson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Samer Hattar
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MEH); (SH)
| | - Marnie E. Halpern
- Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MEH); (SH)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
The pineal complex of the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax): I. Histological, immunohistochemical and qPCR study. J Chem Neuroanat 2011; 41:170-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2011.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2010] [Revised: 01/28/2011] [Accepted: 01/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
20
|
Abstract
The visual pigment rhodopsin (rh1) constitutes the first step in the sensory transduction cascade in the rod photoreceptors of the vertebrate eye, forming the basis of vision at low light levels. In most vertebrates, rhodopsin is a single-copy gene whose function in rod photoreceptors is highly conserved. We found evidence for a second rhodopsin-like gene (rh1-2) in the zebrafish genome. This novel gene was not the product of a zebrafish-specific gene duplication event and contains a number of unique amino acid substitutions. Despite these differences, expression of rh1-2 in vitro yielded a protein that not only bound chromophore, producing an absorption spectrum in the visible range (λmax ≈ 500 nm), but also activated in response to light. Unlike rh1, rh1-2 is not expressed during the first 4 days of embryonic development; it is expressed in the retina of adult fish but not the brain or muscle. Similar rh1-2 sequences were found in two other Danio species, as well as a more distantly related cyprinid, Epalzeorhynchos bicolor. While sequences were only identified in cyprinid fish, phylogenetic analyses suggest an older origin for this gene family. Our study suggests that rh1-2 is a functional opsin gene that is expressed in the retina later in development. The discovery of a new previously uncharacterized opsin gene in zebrafish retina is surprising given its status as a model system for studies of vertebrate vision and visual development.
Collapse
|
21
|
Dearworth JR, Selvarajah BP, Kalman RA, Lanzone AJ, Goch AM, Boyd AB, Goldberg LA, Cooper LJ. A mammalian melanopsin in the retina of a fresh water turtle, the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans). Vision Res 2011; 51:288-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2010.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2010] [Revised: 10/19/2010] [Accepted: 10/21/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
22
|
Abstract
Life on earth is subject to alternating cycles of day and night imposed by the rotation of the earth. Consequently, living things have evolved photodetective systems to synchronize their physiology and behavior with the external light-dark cycle. This form of photodetection is unlike the familiar "image vision," in that the basic information is light or darkness over time, independent of spatial patterns. "Nonimage" vision is probably far more ancient than image vision and is widespread in living species. For mammals, it has long been assumed that the photoreceptors for nonimage vision are also the textbook rods and cones. However, recent years have witnessed the discovery of a small population of retinal ganglion cells in the mammalian eye that express a unique visual pigment called melanopsin. These ganglion cells are intrinsically photosensitive and drive a variety of nonimage visual functions. In addition to being photoreceptors themselves, they also constitute the major conduit for rod and cone signals to the brain for nonimage visual functions such as circadian photoentrainment and the pupillary light reflex. Here we review what is known about these novel mammalian photoreceptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Tri Hoang Do
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience and Center for Sensory Biology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Davies WL, Hankins MW, Foster RG. Vertebrate ancient opsin and melanopsin: divergent irradiance detectors. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2010; 9:1444-57. [PMID: 20922256 DOI: 10.1039/c0pp00203h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Both vertebrates and invertebrates respond to light by utilising a wide-ranging array of photosensory systems, with diverse photoreceptor organs expressing a characteristic photopigment, itself consisting of an opsin apoprotein linked to a light-sensitive retinoid chromophore based on vitamin A. In the eye, the pigments expressed in both cone and rod photoreceptors have been studied in great depth and mediate contrast perception, measurement of the spectral composition of environmental light, and thus classical image forming vision. By contrast, the molecular basis for non-visual and extraocular photoreception is far less understood; however, two photopigment genes have become the focus of much study, the vertebrate ancient (va) opsin and melanopsin (opn4). In this review, we discuss the history of discovery for each gene, as well as focusing on the evolution, expression profile, functional role and broader physiological significance of each photopigment. Recently, it has been suggested independently by Arendt et al. and Lamb that an ancestral opsin bifurcated in early metazoans and evolved into two quite different photopigments, one expressed in rhabdomeric photoreceptors and the other in ciliary photoreceptors. This interpretation of the evolution of the metazoan eye has provided a powerful framework for understanding photobiological organization. Their proposal, however, does not encompass all current experimental observations that would be consistent with what we term a central "Evolution of Photosensory Opsins with Common Heredity (EPOCH)" hypothesis to explain the complexity of animal photosensory systems. Clearly, many opsin genes (e.g. va opsin) simply do not fit neatly within this scheme. Thus, the review concludes with a discussion of these anomalies and their context regarding the phylogeny of photoreceptor and photopigment development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wayne L Davies
- Circadian and Visual Neuroscience, Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Oxford, Levels 5-6 West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford, UK OX3 9DU
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Seth M, Maitra SK. Importance of light in temporal organization of photoreceptor proteins and melatonin-producing system in the pineal of carp Catla catla. Chronobiol Int 2010; 27:463-86. [PMID: 20524796 DOI: 10.3109/07420521003666416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The importance of light in the temporal organization of photoreceptor proteins and melatonin-producing system has been investigated for the first time in the pineal of a tropical fish. In this study, an identical experimental paradigm was followed during the four distinct phases of an annual cycle in adult carps (Catla catla) maintained either under natural photoperiod (NP) or continuous illumination (LL) or darkness (DD) for 30 days. At the end of each experiment, the pineal from fish in each experimental group was collected either at 06:00, 12:00, 18:00, or 24:00 in a daily cycle and assessed by Western blot analysis for pineal rod-like opsin, alpha-transducin, and AANAT. The same animals were also used for measurement of serum melatonin levels, and the serum as well as intra-pineal Ca(++) levels at each timepoint. The study revealed a daily rhythmicity with a peak at 12:00 h and nadir at 24:00 h in the band intensity of pineal rod-like opsin and alpha-transducin in NP fish, while the band intensities of these photo-pigment proteins remained high under LL and low under DD, irrespective of clock hour during the 24 h cycle. The band intensity of pineal AANAT, levels of serum melatonin, and both serum Ca(++) and intra-pineal Ca(++) were maximum at 24:00 h and minimum at 12:00h in NP fish, and they were significantly lower under LL and higher under DD at each point of study. The results showed loss of daily rhythm in each studied variable in both LL and DD carps, suggesting that their circadian organization is dependent on the external light-dark conditions, rather than an endogenous circadian oscillator in the pineal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohua Seth
- Department of Zoology, Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Atlasz T, Szabadfi K, Kiss P, Racz B, Gallyas F, Tamas A, Gaal V, Marton Z, Gabriel R, Reglodi D. Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide in the retina: focus on the retinoprotective effects. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1200:128-39. [PMID: 20633141 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05512.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neurotrophic and neuroprotective peptide that has been shown to exert protective effects against different neuronal injuries, such as traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, models of neurodegenerative diseases, and cerebral ischemia. PACAP and its receptors are present in the retina. In this study, we summarize the current knowledge on retinal PACAP with focus on the retinoprotective effects. Results of histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular biological analysis are reviewed. In vitro, PACAP shows protection against glutamate, thapsigargin, anisomycin, and anoxia. In vivo, the protective effects of intravitreal PACAP treatment have been shown in the following models of retinal degeneration in rats: excitotoxic injury induced by glutamate and kainate, ischemic injury, degeneration caused by UV-A light, optic nerve transection, and streptozotocin-induced diabetic retinopathy. Studying the molecular mechanism has revealed that PACAP acts by activating antiapoptotic and inhibiting proapoptotic signaling pathways in the retina in vivo. These studies strongly suggest that PACAP is an excellent candidate retinoprotective agent that could be a potential therapeutic substance in various retinal diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Atlasz
- Department of Sportbiology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
The circadian clock is an evolutionarily, highly conserved feature of most organisms. This internal timing mechanism coordinates biochemical, physiological and behavioral processes to maintain synchrony with the environmental cycles of light, temperature and nutrients. Several studies have shown that light is the most potent cue used by most organisms (humans included) to synchronize daily activities. In mammals, light perception occurs only in the retina; three different types of photoreceptors are present within this tissue: cones, rods and the newly discovered intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). Researchers believe that the classical photoreceptors (e.g., the rods and the cones) are responsible for the image-forming vision, whereas the ipRGCs play a key role in the non-image forming vision. This non-image-forming photoreceptive system communicates not only with the master circadian pacemaker located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus, but also with many other brain areas that are known to be involved in the regulation of several functions; thus, this non-image forming system may also affect several aspects of mammalian health independently from the circadian system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ketema N Paul
- Circadian Rhythms and Sleep Disorders Program, Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Vaudry D, Falluel-Morel A, Bourgault S, Basille M, Burel D, Wurtz O, Fournier A, Chow BKC, Hashimoto H, Galas L, Vaudry H. Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide and Its Receptors: 20 Years after the Discovery. Pharmacol Rev 2009; 61:283-357. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.109.001370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 829] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
|