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Byambaragchaa M, Park SH, Kim SG, Shin MG, Kim SK, Park MH, Kang MH, Min KS. Stable Production of a Recombinant Single-Chain Eel Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Analog in CHO DG44 Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7282. [PMID: 39000389 PMCID: PMC11242883 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to produce single-chain recombinant Anguillid eel follicle-stimulating hormone (rec-eel FSH) analogs with high activity in Cricetulus griseus ovary DG44 (CHO DG44) cells. We recently reported that an O-linked glycosylated carboxyl-terminal peptide (CTP) of the equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) β-subunit contributes to high activity and time-dependent secretion in mammalian cells. We constructed a mutant (FSH-M), in which a linker including the eCG β-subunit CTP region (amino acids 115-149) was inserted between the β-subunit and α-subunit of wild-type single-chain eel FSH (FSH-wt). Plasmids containing eel FSH-wt and eel FSH-M were transfected into CHO DG44 cells, and single cells expressing each protein were isolated from 10 and 7 clones. Secretion increased gradually during the cultivation period and peaked at 4000-5000 ng/mL on day 9. The molecular weight of eel FSH-wt was 34-40 kDa, whereas that of eel FSH-M increased substantially, with two bands at 39-46 kDa. Treatment with PNGase F to remove the N glycosylation sites decreased the molecular weight remarkably to approximately 8 kDa. The EC50 value and maximal responsiveness of eel FSH-M were approximately 1.23- and 1.06-fold higher than those of eel FSH-wt, indicating that the mutant showed slightly higher biological activity. Phosphorylated extracellular-regulated kinase (pERK1/2) activation exhibited a sharp peak at 5 min, followed by a rapid decline. These findings indicate that the new rec-eel FSH molecule with the eCG β-subunit CTP linker shows potent activity and could be produced in massive quantities using the stable CHO DG44 cell system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munkhzaya Byambaragchaa
- Carbon-Neutral Resources Research Center, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea;
- Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea
| | - Sei Hyen Park
- Graduate School of Animal Biosciences, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea; (S.H.P.); (S.-G.K.)
| | - Sang-Gwon Kim
- Graduate School of Animal Biosciences, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea; (S.H.P.); (S.-G.K.)
| | - Min Gyu Shin
- Aquaculture Research Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Busan 46083, Republic of Korea; (M.G.S.); (S.-K.K.)
| | - Shin-Kwon Kim
- Aquaculture Research Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Busan 46083, Republic of Korea; (M.G.S.); (S.-K.K.)
| | | | - Myung-Hwa Kang
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hoseo University, Asan 31499, Republic of Korea;
| | - Kwan-Sik Min
- Carbon-Neutral Resources Research Center, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea;
- Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea
- Division of Animal BioScience, School of Animal Life Convergence Sciences, Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea
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Byambaragchaa M, Park SH, Kim SG, Shin MG, Kim SK, Hur SP, Park MH, Kang MH, Min KS. Stable Production of a Tethered Recombinant Eel Luteinizing Hormone Analog with High Potency in CHO DG44 Cells. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:6085-6099. [PMID: 38921034 PMCID: PMC11202772 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
We produced a recombinant eel luteinizing hormone (rec-eel LH) analog with high potency in Chinese hamster ovary DG44 (CHO DG44) cells. The tethered eel LH mutant (LH-M), which had a linker comprising the equine chorionic gonadotropin (eLH/CG) β-subunit carboxyl-terminal peptide (CTP) region (amino acids 115 to 149), was inserted between the β-subunit and α-subunit of wild-type tethered eel LH (LH-wt). Monoclonal cells transfected with the tethered eel LH-wt and eel LH-M plasmids were isolated from five to nine clones of CHO DG44 cells, respectively. The secreted quantities abruptly increased on day 3, with peak levels of 5000-7500 ng/mL on day 9. The molecular weight of tethered rec-eel LH-wt was 32-36 kDa, while that of tethered rec-eel LH-M increased to approximately 38-44 kDa, indicating the detection of two bands. Treatment with the peptide N-glycanase F decreased the molecular weight by approximately 8 kDa. The oligosaccharides at the eCG β-subunit O-linked glycosylation sites were appropriately modified post-translation. The EC50 value and maximal responsiveness of eel LH-M increased by approximately 2.90- and 1.29-fold, respectively, indicating that the mutant exhibited more potent biological activity than eel LH-wt. Phosphorylated extracellular regulated kinase (pERK1/2) activation resulted in a sharp peak 5 min after agonist treatment, with a rapid decrease thereafter. These results indicate that the new tethered rec-eel LH analog had more potent activity in cAMP response than the tethered eel LH-wt in vitro. Taken together, this new eel LH analog can be produced in large quantities using a stable CHO DG44 cell system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munkhzaya Byambaragchaa
- Carbon-Neutral Resources Research Center, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea; (M.B.); (M.-H.P.)
| | - Sei Hyen Park
- Graduate School of Animal Biosciences, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea;
| | - Sang-Gwon Kim
- Graduate School of Animal Biosciences, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea;
| | - Min Gyu Shin
- Aquaculture Research Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Busan 46083, Republic of Korea (M.G.S.); (S.-K.K.)
| | - Shin-Kwon Kim
- Aquaculture Research Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Busan 46083, Republic of Korea (M.G.S.); (S.-K.K.)
| | - Sung-Pyo Hur
- Department of Marine Life Science, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea;
| | - Myung-Hum Park
- Carbon-Neutral Resources Research Center, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea; (M.B.); (M.-H.P.)
- Graduate School of Animal Biosciences, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea;
| | - Myung-Hwa Kang
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hoseo University, Asan 31499, Republic of Korea;
| | - Kwan-Sik Min
- Carbon-Neutral Resources Research Center, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea; (M.B.); (M.-H.P.)
- Graduate School of Animal Biosciences, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea;
- Division of Animal BioScience, School of Animal Life Convergence Sciences, Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea
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3
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Choi SH, Byambaragchaa M, Kim DJ, Lee JH, Kang MH, Min KS. Specific Signal Transduction of Constitutively Activating (D576G) and Inactivating (R476H) Mutants of Agonist-Stimulated Luteinizing Hormone Receptor in Eel. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119133. [PMID: 37298083 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the mechanism of signal transduction using inactivating (R476H) and activating (D576G) mutants of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) of eel at the conserved regions of intracellular loops II and III, respectively, naturally occurring in mammalian LHR. The expression of D576G and R476H mutants was approximately 58% and 59%, respectively, on the cell surface compared to those of eel LHR-wild type (wt). In eel LHR-wt, cAMP production increased upon agonist stimulation. Cells expressing eel LHR-D576G, a highly conserved aspartic acid residue, exhibited a 5.8-fold increase in basal cAMP response; however, the maximal cAMP response by high-agonist stimulation was approximately 0.62-fold. Mutation of a highly conserved arginine residue in the second intracellular loop of eel LHR (LHR-R476H) completely impaired the cAMP response. The rate of loss in cell-surface expression of eel LHR-wt and D576G mutant was similar to the agonist recombinant (rec)-eel LH after 30 min. However, the mutants presented rates of loss higher than eel LHR-wt did upon rec-eCG treatment. Therefore, the activating mutant constitutively induced cAMP signaling. The inactivating mutation resulted in the loss of LHR expression on the cell surface and no cAMP signaling. These data provide valuable information regarding the structure-function relationship of LHR-LH complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Hee Choi
- Animal BioScience, School of Animal Life Convergence, Hankyong National University, Ansung 17579, Republic of Korea
| | - Munkhzaya Byambaragchaa
- Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Ansung 17579, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Jung Kim
- Aquaculture Industry Division, South Sea Fisheries Research Institute, National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS), Yeosu 59780, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Hyuk Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Hwa Kang
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hoseo University, Asan 31499, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwan-Sik Min
- Animal BioScience, School of Animal Life Convergence, Hankyong National University, Ansung 17579, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Ansung 17579, Republic of Korea
- Carbon-Neutral Resources Research Center, Hankyong National University, Ansung 17579, Republic of Korea
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Deng Q, He L, Xu F, Deng Q, Xu T, Jiang J, Hu Z, Yang J. Characterization of beta subunit variants of recombinant human chorionic gonadotrophin. Anal Biochem 2023; 668:115089. [PMID: 36858250 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115089] [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: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), an endogenous glycoprotein hormone, has been widely used for the treatment of infertility and corpus luteum defect in women. The biological specificity of hCG is essentially determined by its beta (β-) subunit, whereas the alpha (α-) subunit is a common subunit shared among the gonadotropin family. In development of a therapeutic recombinant hCG, the purity analysis showed that the beta (β-) subunit has two variants, β1 and β2. Structural characterization using a combination of analytical techniques has demonstrated that β1-subunit is derived from non-glycosylation at Asn 13, whereas β2-subunit is a normal species with complete N-glycosylation at both Asn 13 and Asn 30. In vivo Bioactivity evaluation of the r-hCG fractions with various ratios of β1-and β2-subunits showed that incomplete glycosylation at Asn 13 potentially reduced the biological activity of r-hCG to promote uterus growth. Although hCG has a long history of medicinal use, this is the first report to identify the structural difference of hCG β-subunit variants, as well as to preliminary establish the structure-activity relationship of this variation. The obtained results also suggest the importance of variant characterization and necessary quality control of product variants during the development of recombinant protein therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinpei Deng
- Livzon MabPharm Inc., Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Lixiu He
- Livzon MabPharm Inc., Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Fangyan Xu
- Livzon MabPharm Inc., Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Tongze Xu
- Livzon MabPharm Inc., Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
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Qin G, Qin Z, Lu C, Ye Z, Elaswad A, Jin Y, Khan MGQ, Su B, Dunham RA. Gene Editing of the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Gene to Sterilize Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Using a Modified Transcription Activator-like Effector Nuclease Technology with Electroporation. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12030392. [PMID: 36979084 PMCID: PMC10044888 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (fsh) plays an important role in sexual maturation in catfish. Knocking out the fsh gene in the fish zygote should suppress the reproduction of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). In this study, transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) plasmids targeting the fsh gene were electroporated into fertilized eggs with the standard double electroporation technique. Targeted fsh cleavage efficiency was 63.2% in P1fsh-knockout catfish. Ten of fifteen (66.7%) control pairs spawned, and their eggs had 32.3–74.3% average hatch rates in 2016 and 2017. Without hormone therapy, the spawning rates of P1 mutants ranged from 33.3 to 40.0%, with an average egg hatching rate of 0.75%. After confirmation of the low fertility of P1 mutants in 2016, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone therapy improved the spawning rates by 80% for female mutants and 88.9% for male mutants, and the mean hatch rate was 35.0% for F1 embryos, similar to that of the controls (p > 0.05). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identification showed no potential TALEN plasmid integration into the P1 channel catfish genome. Neither the P1 nor the F1 mutant fish showed any noticeable changes in in body weight, survival rate, and hatching rate when the reproductive gene was knocked out. F1 families had a mean inheritance rate of 50.3%. The results brought us one step closer to allowing implementation of certain genetic techniques to aquaculture and fisheries management, while essentially eliminating the potential environment risk posed by transgenic, hybrid, and exotic fish as well as domestic fish.
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Physicochemical Characterization of a Recombinant eCG and Comparative Studies with PMSG Commercial Preparations. Protein J 2023; 42:24-36. [PMID: 36652139 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-023-10092-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) is a glycoprotein hormone widely used in timed artificial ovulation (TAI) and superovulation protocols to improve the reproductive performance in livestock. Until recently, the only eCG products available in the market for veterinary use consisted in partially purified preparations of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG). Here, a bioactive recombinant eCG (reCG) produced in suspension CHO-K1 cells was purified employing different chromatographic methods (hydrophobic interaction chromatography and reverse-phase (RP)-HPLC) and compared with a RP-HPLC-purified PMSG. To gain insight into the structural and functional characteristics of reCG, a bioinformatics analysis was performed. An exhaustive characterization comprising the determination of the purity degree, aggregates and nicked forms through SDS-PAGE, RP-HPLC and SEC-HPLC was performed. Higher order structures were studied by fluorescence spectroscopy and SEC-HPLC. Isoforms profile were analyzed by isoelectric focusing. Glycosylation analysis was performed through pulsed amperometric detection and PNGase F treatment following SDS-PAGE and weak anion exchange-HPLC. Slight differences between the purified recombinant hormones were found. However, recombinant molecules and PMSG exhibited variations in the glycosylation pattern. In fact, differences in sialic acid content between two commercial preparations of PMSG were also obtained, which could lead to differences in their biological potency. These results show the importance of having a standardized production process, as occurs in a recombinant protein bioprocess. Besides, our results reflect the importance of the glycan moieties on eCG conformation and hence in its biological activity, preventing denaturing processes such as aggregation.
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The N-Linked Glycosylation Site N191 Is Necessary for PKA Signal Transduction in Eel Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232112792. [PMID: 36361582 PMCID: PMC9655291 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) contains several N-linked glycosylation sites in its extracellular region. We conducted the present study to determine whether conserved glycosylated sites in eel FSHR are necessary for cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signal transduction. We used site-directed mutagenesis to induce four mutations (N120Q, N191Q, N272Q, and N288Q) in the N-linked glycosylation sites of eel FSHR. In the eel FSHR wild-type (wt), the cAMP response was gradually increased in a dose-dependent manner (0.01–1500 ng/mL), displaying a high response (approximately 57.5 nM/104 cells) at the Rmax level. Three mutants (N120Q, N272Q, and N288Q) showed a considerably decreased signal transduction as a result of high-ligand treatment, whereas one mutant (N191Q) exhibited a completely impaired signal transduction. The expression level of the N191Q mutant was only 9.2% relative to that of the eel FSHR-wt, indicating a negligible expression level. The expression levels of the N120Q and N272Q mutants were approximately 35.9% and 24% of the FSHG-wt, respectively. The N288Q mutant had an expression level similar to that of the eel FSHR-wt, despite the mostly impaired cAMP responsiveness. The loss of the cell surface agonist-receptor complexes was very rapid in the cells expressing eel FSHR-wt and FSHR-N288Q mutants. Specifically, the N191Q mutant was completely impaired by the loss of cell surface receptors, despite treatment with a high concentration of the agonist. Therefore, we suggest that the N191 site is necessary for cAMP signal transduction. This finding implies that the cAMP response, mediated by G proteins, is directly related to the loss of cell surface receptors as a result of high-agonist treatment.
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Byambaragchaa M, Joo HE, Kim SG, Kim YJ, Park GE, Min KS. Signal Transduction of C-Terminal Phosphorylation Regions for Equine Luteinizing Hormone/Chorionic Gonadotropin Receptor (eLH/CGR). Dev Reprod 2022; 26:1-12. [PMID: 35528321 PMCID: PMC9042392 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2022.26.1.1] [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: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the signal transduction of phosphorylation sites
at the carboxyl (C)-terminal region of equine luteinizing hormone/chorionic
gonadotropin receptor (eLH/ CGR). The eLH/CGR has a large extracellular domain
of glycoprotein hormone receptors within the G protein-coupled receptors. We
constructed a mutant (eLH/CGR-t656) of eLH/ CGR, in which the C-terminal
cytoplasmic tail was truncated at the Phe656 residue, through polymerase chain
reaction. The eLH/CGR-t656 removed 14 potential phosphorylation sites in the
intracellular C-terminal region. The plasmids were transfected into Chinese
hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 and PathHunter Parental cells expressing
β-arrestin, and agonist-induced cAMP responsiveness was analyzed. In
CHO-K1 cells, those expressing eLH/CGR-t656 were lower than those expressing
eLH/CGR wild-type (eLH/CGR-wt). The EC50 of the eLH/ CGR-t656 mutant
was approximately 72.2% of the expression observed in eLH/CGR-wt. The maximal
response in eLH/CGR-t656 also decreased to approximately 43% of that observed in
eLH/CGR-wt. However, in PathHunter Parental cells, cAMP activity and maximal
response of the eLH/CGR-t656 mutant were approximately 173.5% and 100.8%,
respectively, of that of eLH/CGR-wt. These results provide evidence that the
signal transduction of C-terminal phosphorylation in eLH/CGR plays a pivotal
role in CHO-K1 cells. The cAMP level was recovered in PathHunter Parental cells
expressing β-arrestin. We suggest that the signal transduction of the
C-terminal region phosphorylation sites is remarkably different depending on the
cells expressing β-arrestin in CHO-K1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyo-Eun Joo
- Division of Animal Science, School of Animal Life Convergence Sciences, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Korea
| | - Sang-Gwon Kim
- Division of Animal Science, School of Animal Life Convergence Sciences, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Korea
| | - Yean-Ji Kim
- Division of Animal Science, School of Animal Life Convergence Sciences, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Korea
| | - Gyeong-Eun Park
- Division of Animal Science, School of Animal Life Convergence Sciences, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Korea
| | - Kwan-Sik Min
- Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Korea.,Division of Animal Science, School of Animal Life Convergence Sciences, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Korea
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Byambaragchaa M, Choi SH, Joo HE, Kim SG, Kim YJ, Park GE, Kang MH, Min KS. Specific Biological Activity of Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) Glycosylation Sites in Cells Expressing Equine Luteinizing Hormone/CG (eLH/CG) Receptor. Dev Reprod 2021; 25:199-211. [PMID: 35141446 PMCID: PMC8807129 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2021.25.4.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), produced by the endometrial cups of the
placenta after the first trimester, is a specific glycoprotein that displays
dual luteinizing hormone (LH)-like and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-like
effects in non-equid species. However, in equidaes, eCG exhibits only LH-like
activity. To identify the specific biological functions of glycosylated sites in
eCG, we constructed the following site mutants of N- and O-linked glycosylation:
eCGβ/αΔ56, substitution of α-subunit56
N-linked glycosylation site; eCGβ-D/α, deletion of the O-linked
glycosylation sites at the β-subunit, and
eCGβ-D/αΔ56, double mutant. We produced recombinant eCG
(rec-eCG) proteins in Chinese hamster ovary suspension (CHO-S) cells. We
examined the biological activity of rec-eCG proteins in CHO-K1 cells expressing
the eLH/CG receptor and found that signal transduction activities of
deglycosylated mutants remarkably decreased. The EC50 levels of
eCGβ/αΔ56, eCGβ-D/α, and
eCGβ-D/αΔ56 mutants decreased by 2.1-, 5.6-, and 3.4-fold,
respectively, compared to that of wild-type eCG. The Rmax values of the mutants
were 56%-80% those of wild-type eCG (141.9 nmol/104 cells). Our
results indicate that the biological activity of eCG is greatly affected by the
removal of N- and O-linked glycosylation sites in cells expressing eLH/CGR.
These results provide important information on rec-eCG in the regulation of
specific glycosylation sites and improve our understanding of the specific
biological activity of rec-eCG glycosylation sites in equidaes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Seung-Hee Choi
- Animal Biotechnology, Hankyong National University, Ansung 17579, Korea
| | - Hyo-Eun Joo
- Dept. of Animal Life Science, Hankyong National University, Ansung 17579, Korea
| | - Sang-Gwon Kim
- Dept. of Animal Life Science, Hankyong National University, Ansung 17579, Korea
| | - Yean-Ji Kim
- Dept. of Animal Life Science, Hankyong National University, Ansung 17579, Korea
| | - Gyeong-Eun Park
- Dept. of Animal Life Science, Hankyong National University, Ansung 17579, Korea
| | - Myung-Hwa Kang
- Dept. of Food Science and Nutrition, Hoseo University, Asan 31499, Korea
| | - Kwan-Sik Min
- Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Ansung 17579, Korea.,Animal Biotechnology, Hankyong National University, Ansung 17579, Korea.,Dept. of Animal Life Science, Hankyong National University, Ansung 17579, Korea
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Santos-Jimenez Z, Meza-Herrera CA, Calderon-Leyva G, Martinez-Ros P, Guillen-Muñoz JM, Gonzalez-Bulnes A. Efficiency of hCG for Inducing Resumption of Ovarian Cyclicity and Synchronized Ovulations during the Seasonal Anestrous in Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113159. [PMID: 34827891 PMCID: PMC8614577 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113159] [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] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The use of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) in protocols for estrus synchronization in sheep is currently challenged, so it is necessary to implement alternatives (i.e., human chorionic gonadotropin; hCG), mainly during the anestrous season. Therefore, we compared the reproductive outcomes, including estrus induction, ovulatory follicle dynamics, and pregnancy outputs in anestrus Dorper sheep treated with insertion of one intravaginal progesterone-loaded CIDR + either saline, eCG, or hCG. The administration of hCG at the time of CIDR removal was effective at inducing estrus, resume ovulations, and ovarian cyclicity, yet, in a narrow window of time, it is a scenario that may limit the implementation of an artificial insemination protocol. Abstract This research aimed to evaluate whether the administration of hCG at the time of removal of a progesterone device may be effective at inducing estrus and ovulations in sheep during the natural seasonal anestrous, by comparing reproductive outputs (induction and duration of estrus, follicle development, ovulation, ovulation rate, and pregnancy rates) in ewes treated with eCG or only saline solution at the time of CIDR removal. Whereas results demonstrated no response in the control non-treated group, the largest rate of narrowly synchronized estrus signs and ovulations occurred in the eCG-group. The administration of hCG was effective at inducing estrus, promote follicular growth and a delayed yet significant ovulation (>84%) on day 10 after CIDR removal; moreover, an increased embryonic implantation rate was also observed. Moreover, if the hCG ewes remain exposed to active males for some days, said strategy could be adopted, aiming to induce pregnancies by natural mating in a short period of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zurisaday Santos-Jimenez
- Unidad Laguna, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Torreón 25315, Coahuila, Mexico; (Z.S.-J.); (G.C.-L.)
- Departamento de Farmacologia y Toxicologia, Facultad de Veterinaria, UCM, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - César A. Meza-Herrera
- Unidad Regional Universitaria de Zonas Áridas, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Unidad Regional Universitaria de Zonas Áridas, Bermejillo 35230, Durango, Mexico;
| | - Guadalupe Calderon-Leyva
- Unidad Laguna, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Torreón 25315, Coahuila, Mexico; (Z.S.-J.); (G.C.-L.)
| | - Paula Martinez-Ros
- Departamento de Produccion y Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc 7, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Juan M. Guillen-Muñoz
- Unidad Laguna, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Torreón 25315, Coahuila, Mexico; (Z.S.-J.); (G.C.-L.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.G.-M.); (A.G.-B.)
| | - Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes
- Departamento de Farmacologia y Toxicologia, Facultad de Veterinaria, UCM, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Produccion y Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc 7, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain;
- Correspondence: (J.M.G.-M.); (A.G.-B.)
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Byambaragchaa M, Seong HK, Choi SH, Kim DJ, Kang MH, Min KS. Constitutively Activating Mutants of Equine LH/CGR Constitutively Induce Signal Transduction and Inactivating Mutations Impair Biological Activity and Cell-Surface Receptor Loss In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910723. [PMID: 34639064 PMCID: PMC8509413 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The signal transduction of the equine lutropin/choriogonadotropin receptor (eLH/CGR) is unclear in naturally occurring activating/inactivating mutants of this receptor, which plays an important role in reproductive physiology. We undertook the present study to determine whether conserved structurally related mutations in eLH/CGR exhibit similar mechanisms of signal transduction. We constructed four constitutively activating mutants (M398T, L457R, D564G, and D578Y) and three inactivating mutants (D405N, R464H, and Y546F); measured cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation via homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence assays in Chinese hamster ovary cells; and investigated cell-surface receptor loss using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. The eLH/CGR-L457R-, -D564G-, and -D578Y-expressing cells exhibited 16.9-, 16.4-, and 11.2-fold increases in basal cAMP response, respectively. The eLH/CGR-D405N- and R464H-expressing cells presented a completely impaired signal transduction, whereas the Y546F-expressing cells exhibited a small increase in cAMP response. The cell-surface receptor loss was 1.4- to 2.4-fold greater in the activating-mutant-expressing cells than in wild-type eLH/CGR-expressing cells, but was completely impaired in the D405N- and Y546F-expressing cells, despite treatment with a high concentration of agonist. In summary, the state of activation of eLH/CGR influenced agonist-induced cell-surface receptor loss, which was directly related to the signal transduction of constitutively activating mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munkhzaya Byambaragchaa
- Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Ansung 17579, Korea; (M.B.); (H.-K.S.)
| | - Hoon-Ki Seong
- Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Ansung 17579, Korea; (M.B.); (H.-K.S.)
| | - Seung-Hee Choi
- Animal Biotechnology, Graduate School of Future Convergence Technology, Hankyong National University, Ansung 17579, Korea;
| | - Dae-Jung Kim
- Jeju Fisheries Research Institute, National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS), Jeju 63610, Korea;
| | - Myung-Hwa Kang
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hoseo University, Asan 31499, Korea;
| | - Kwan-Sik Min
- Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Ansung 17579, Korea; (M.B.); (H.-K.S.)
- Animal Biotechnology, Graduate School of Future Convergence Technology, Hankyong National University, Ansung 17579, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-670-5421; Fax: +82-31-670-5417
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12
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Lee SY, Byambaragchaa M, Choi SH, Kang HJ, Kang MH, Min KS. Roles of N-linked and O-linked glycosylation sites in the activity of equine chorionic gonadotropin in cells expressing rat luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor. BMC Biotechnol 2021; 21:52. [PMID: 34482828 PMCID: PMC8419929 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-021-00712-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), which comprises highly glycosylated α-subunit and β-subunit, is a unique member of the glycoprotein hormone family as it elicits both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-like and luteinizing hormone (LH)-like responses in non-equid species. To examine the biological function of glycosylated sites in eCG, the following glycosylation site mutants were constructed: eCGβ/αΔ56, substitution of Asn56 of α-subunit with Gln; eCGβ-D/α, deletion of the O-linked glycosylation site at the carboxyl-terminal peptide (CTP) region of the β-subunit; eCGβ-D/αΔ56, double mutant. The recombinant eCG (rec-eCG) mutants were expressed in Chinese hamster ovary suspension (CHO-S) cells. The FSH-like and LH-like activities of the mutants were examined using CHO-K1 cells expressing rat lutropin/CG receptor (rLH/CGR) and rat FSH receptor (rFSHR). Results Both rec-eCGβ/α and rec-eCGβ/αΔ56 were efficiently secreted into the CHO-S cell culture medium on day 1 post-transfection. However, the secretion of eCGβ-D/α and eCGβ-D/αΔ56, which lack approximately 12 O-linked glycosylation sites, was slightly delayed. The expression levels of all mutants were similar (200–250 mIU/mL) from days 3 to 7 post-transfection. The molecular weight of rec-eCGβ/α, rec-eCGβ/αΔ56 and rec-eCG β-D/α were in the ranges of 40–45, 37–42, and 34–36 kDa, respectively. Treatment with peptide-N-glycanase F markedly decreased the molecular weight to approximately 5–10 kDa. Rec-eCGβ/αΔ56 exhibited markedly downregulated LH-like activity. The signal transduction activity of both double mutants was completely impaired. This indicated that the glycosylation site at Asn56 of the α-subunit plays a pivotal role in the LH-like activity of eCG. Similarly, the FSH-like activity of the mutants was markedly downregulated. eCGβ-D/α exhibited markedly downregulated LH-like and FSH-like activities. Conclusions Rec-eCGβ/α exhibits potent biological activity in cells expressing rLH/CGR and rFSHR. The findings of this study suggest that the LH-like and FSH-like activities of eCG are regulated by the N-linked glycosylation site at Asn56 of the eCG α-subunit and/or by the O-linked glycosylation sites of the eCG β-subunit. These findings improved our understanding of the mechanisms underlying both LH-like and FSH-like activities of eCG.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Yun Lee
- Animal Biotechnology, Graduate School of Future Convergence Technology, Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Ansung, 17579, Korea
| | - Munkhzaya Byambaragchaa
- Animal Biotechnology, Graduate School of Future Convergence Technology, Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Ansung, 17579, Korea
| | - Seung-Hee Choi
- Animal Biotechnology, Graduate School of Future Convergence Technology, Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Ansung, 17579, Korea
| | - Han-Ju Kang
- Animal Biotechnology, Graduate School of Future Convergence Technology, Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Ansung, 17579, Korea
| | - Myung-Hwa Kang
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hoseo University, Asan, 31499, Korea
| | - Kwan-Sik Min
- Animal Biotechnology, Graduate School of Future Convergence Technology, Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Ansung, 17579, Korea. .,School of Animal Life Biotechnology, Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Ansung, 17579, Korea.
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13
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Byambaragchaa M, Park A, Gil SJ, Lee HW, Ko YJ, Choi SH, Kang MH, Min KS. Luteinizing hormone-like and follicle-stimulating hormone-like activities of equine chorionic gonadotropin β-subunit mutants in cells expressing rat luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor and rat follicle-stimulating hormone receptor. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2021; 25:171-181. [PMID: 34262660 PMCID: PMC8253215 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2021.1943708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
To identify the specific region of eCG involved in FSH-like activity, the following mutant expression vectors were constructed targeting the amino acid residues 102–104 of the eCG β-subunit: single mutants, eCGβV102G/α, eCGβF103P/α, and eCGβR104K/α; double mutants, eCGβV102G;F103P/α, eCGβV102G;R104K/α, and eCGβF103P;R104K/α; triple mutant, eCGβV102G;F103P;R104K/α. The LH-like and FSH-like activities of eCG mutants were examined in CHO-K1 cells expressing rat LH/CG receptor and rat FSH receptor. The levels of eCGβV102G/α, eCGβR104K/α, and eCGβV102G;R104K/α in the culture supernatant were markedly lower than those of eCGβ/α-wt. The other mutants and rec-eCGβ/α-wt were efficiently secreted into the culture supernatant. The LH-like activities of eCGV104G/α, eCGβV102G;R104K/α, and eCGβF103P;R104K/α were approximately 61%, 52%, and 54%, respectively, of those of eCG-wt. The Rmax values of the mutants were 58.9%–78.8% those of eCG-wt with eCGβR104K/α exhibiting the lowest value. The FSH-like activities of single mutants were only 16%–20% of those of eCG-wt. Additionally, the FSH-like activity of double mutants was less than 10% of that of eCG-wt. In particular, the FSH-like activities of βV102G;R104K/α and βF103P;R104K/α were 2.5–2.9% of that of eCG-wt. These results suggest that the amino acid residues 102–104 of the eCG β-subunit are dispensable and that the residue 104 of the eCG β-subunit plays a pivotal role in signal transduction through the rat FSH receptor. Thus, these mutants may aid future studies on eCG interactions with mammalian FSH receptors in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munkhzaya Byambaragchaa
- Animal Life and Environmental Science, Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Ansung, Korea
| | - Ayoung Park
- Animal Life and Environmental Science, Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Ansung, Korea
| | - So-Jin Gil
- School of Animal Life Biotechnology, Hankyong National University, Ansung, Korea
| | - Hae-Won Lee
- School of Animal Life Biotechnology, Hankyong National University, Ansung, Korea
| | - Yun-Jeong Ko
- School of Animal Life Biotechnology, Hankyong National University, Ansung, Korea
| | - Seung-Hee Choi
- Animal Life and Environmental Science, Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Ansung, Korea
| | - Myung-Hwa Kang
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hoseo University, Asan, Korea
| | - Kwan-Sik Min
- Animal Life and Environmental Science, Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Ansung, Korea.,School of Animal Life Biotechnology, Hankyong National University, Ansung, Korea
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Crispo M, Meikle MN, Schlapp G, Menchaca A. Ovarian superstimulatory response and embryo development using a new recombinant glycoprotein with eCG-like activity in mice. Theriogenology 2021; 164:31-35. [PMID: 33529809 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacological ovarian control required for the implementation of artificial insemination and embryo-related technologies usually includes the use of eCG, naturally produced in pregnant mares. In this study, we report the superovulatory response and embryo development in mice obtained with a new glycoprotein with eCG-like activity (reCG) produced by recombinant DNA technology. A total of 150 females from three different mouse strains (C57BL/6J, BALB/cJ and B6D2F1/J) were subjected to a superstimulatory protocol consisting of 5 IU of natural eCG (n = 50), 5 IU of reCG (n = 50), or received a placebo (no-eCG, n = 50) by intraperitoneal route, followed by 5 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin 48 h later. Overall, no significant differences were observed in the total number of ova/zygotes (33.6 ± 2.4 vs 28.7 ± 2.6; P = NS) and viable ova/zygotes (31.5 ± 2.4 vs 25.8 ± 2.5; P = NS) collected per female among eCG and reCG treated females, respectively, which were greater (P < 0.05) than those obtained in no-eCG treated females (6.9 ± 0.7 and 5.9 ± 0.7, respectively). Zygotes derived from the three experimental groups (n = 2914) were subjected to in vitro culture until hatching 4.5 days post coitum (dpc). Regardless of the mouse strain, no differences were observed among eCG and reCG treated females for overall cleavage rate 1.5 dpc (58.5% vs 60.5%), development rate 3.5 dpc (47.2% vs 48.9%) and hatching rate 4.5 dpc (49.5% vs 54.5) (P = NS). Control females from no-eCG treated group showed lower cleavage and development rates (36.4% and 29.7%, respectively; P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study reports for the first time comparable superovulatory response and embryo development between recombinant and natural eCG treatment, which has important implications for reproductive technologies in several species.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Crispo
- Unidad de Animales Transgénicos y de Experimentación, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo 2020, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - M N Meikle
- Unidad de Animales Transgénicos y de Experimentación, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo 2020, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - G Schlapp
- Unidad de Animales Transgénicos y de Experimentación, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo 2020, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - A Menchaca
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Fundación IRAUy, Cruz Del Sur 2250, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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15
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Min KS, Park JJ, Lee SY, Byambaragchaa M, Kang MH. Comparative gene expression profiling of mouse ovaries upon stimulation with natural equine chorionic gonadotropin (N-eCG) and tethered recombinant-eCG (R-eCG). BMC Biotechnol 2020; 20:59. [PMID: 33176770 PMCID: PMC7661263 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-020-00653-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) induces super-ovulation in laboratory animals. Notwithstanding its extensive usage, limited information is available regarding the differences between the in vivo effects of natural eCG (N-eCG) and recombinant eCG (R-eCG). This study aimed to investigate the gene expression profiles of mouse ovaries upon stimulation with N-eCG and R-eCG produced from CHO-suspension (CHO-S) cells. R-eCG gene was constructed and transfected into CHO-S cells and quantified. Subsequently, we determined the metabolic clearance rate (MCR) of N-eCG and R-eCG up to 24 h after intravenous administration through the mice tail vein and identified differentially expressed genes in both ovarian tissues, via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS R-eCG was markedly expressed initially after transfection and maintained until recovery on day 9. Glycan chains were substantially modified in R-eCG protein produced from CHO-S cells and eliminated through PNGase F treatment. The MCR was higher for R-eCG than for N-eCG, and no significant difference was observed after 60 min. Notwithstanding their low concentrations, R-eCG and N-eCG were detected in the blood at 24 h post-injection. Microarray analysis of ovarian tissue revealed that 20 of 12,816 genes assessed therein were significantly up-regulated and 43 genes were down-regulated by > 2-fold in the group that received R-eCG (63 [0.49%] differentially regulated genes in total). The microarray results were concurrent with and hence validated by those of RT-PCR, qRT-PCR, and IHC analyses. CONCLUSIONS The present results indicate that R-eCG can be adequately produced through a cell-based expression system through post-translational modification of eCG and can induce ovulation in vivo. These results provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the up- or down-regulation of specific ovarian genes and the production of R-eCG with enhanced biological activity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwan-Sik Min
- Animal Biotechnology, Graduate School of Future Convergence Technology, Hankyong National University, Ansung, 17579 South Korea
- School of Animal Life Convergence Science, Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Ansung, 17579 South Korea
| | - Jong-Ju Park
- Animal Biotechnology, Graduate School of Future Convergence Technology, Hankyong National University, Ansung, 17579 South Korea
| | - So-Yun Lee
- Animal Biotechnology, Graduate School of Future Convergence Technology, Hankyong National University, Ansung, 17579 South Korea
| | - Munkhzaya Byambaragchaa
- Animal Biotechnology, Graduate School of Future Convergence Technology, Hankyong National University, Ansung, 17579 South Korea
| | - Myung-Hwa Kang
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hoseo University, Asan, 31499 South Korea
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