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Liddle TA, Majumdar G, Stewart C, Bain MM, Stevenson TJ. Dissociating Mechanisms That Underlie Seasonal and Developmental Programs for the Neuroendocrine Control of Physiology in Birds. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0154-23.2023. [PMID: 38548332 PMCID: PMC11007308 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0154-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Long-term programmed rheostatic changes in physiology are essential for animal fitness. Hypothalamic nuclei and the pituitary gland govern key developmental and seasonal transitions in reproduction. The aim of this study was to identify the molecular substrates that are common and unique to developmental and seasonal timing. Adult and juvenile quail were collected from reproductively mature and immature states, and key molecular targets were examined in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) and pituitary gland. qRT-PCR assays established deiodinase type 2 (DIO2) and type 3 (DIO3) expression in adults changed with photoperiod manipulations. However, DIO2 and DIO3 remain constitutively expressed in juveniles. Pituitary gland transcriptome analyses established that 340 transcripts were differentially expressed across seasonal photoperiod programs and 1,189 transcripts displayed age-dependent variation in expression. Prolactin (PRL) and follicle-stimulating hormone subunit beta (FSHβ) are molecular markers of seasonal programs and are significantly upregulated in long photoperiod conditions. Growth hormone expression was significantly upregulated in juvenile quail, regardless of photoperiodic condition. These findings indicate that a level of cell autonomy in the pituitary gland governs seasonal and developmental programs in physiology. Overall, this paper yields novel insights into the molecular mechanisms that govern developmental programs and adult brain plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Adam Liddle
- Laboratory of Seasonal Biology, School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Gaurav Majumdar
- Department of Zoology, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India
| | - Calum Stewart
- Laboratory of Seasonal Biology, School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Maureen M Bain
- Laboratory of Seasonal Biology, School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Tyler John Stevenson
- Laboratory of Seasonal Biology, School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Parks BMB, McVea K, Phillmore LS. Vernal growth of vocal control nucleus Area X, but not HVC, precedes gonadal recrudescence in wild black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus). J Neuroendocrinol 2024:e13375. [PMID: 38379225 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
In temperate-zone songbirds, the neuroanatomical changes which occur in advance of breeding, including the growth of nuclei of the vocal control system, are believed to occur downstream of gonadal recrudescence. However, evidence from wild birds is mixed. Here, we captured black-capped chickadees from the wild in early spring (March-April), summer (August-September), and winter (December-January); in addition to measuring the volumes of two vocal control nuclei (Area X and HVC), we also quantified two indicators of reproductive state (gonads and circulating gonadal steroids). Most birds captured in early spring had regressed gonads and low levels of circulating gonadal steroids, indicating these birds were not yet in full breeding condition. However, these early spring birds still had a significantly larger Area X than winter birds, while HVC did not differ in size across groups. Using data from a previously published seasonal study of black-capped chickadees (Phillmore et al., Developmental Neurobiology, 2015;75:203-216), we then compared Area X and HVC volumes from our early spring group to a breeding group of chickadees captured 3-4 weeks later in the spring. While Area X volume did not differ between the studies, breeding males in Phillmore et al. (2015) had a significantly larger HVC. Taken together, this suggests that the vernal growth of Area X occurs ahead of HVC in black-capped chickadees, and that the overall vernal changes in the vocal control system occur at least partially in advance of the breeding-associated upregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Broderick M B Parks
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Kyle McVea
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Leslie S Phillmore
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Hazlerigg DG, Appenroth D, Tomotani BM, West AC, Wood SH. Biological timekeeping in polar environments: lessons from terrestrial vertebrates. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb246308. [PMID: 38031958 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The polar regions receive less solar energy than anywhere else on Earth, with the greatest year-round variation in daily light exposure; this produces highly seasonal environments, with short summers and long, cold winters. Polar environments are also characterised by a reduced daily amplitude of solar illumination. This is obvious around the solstices, when the Sun remains continuously above (polar 'day') or below (polar 'night') the horizon. Even at the solstices, however, light levels and spectral composition vary on a diel basis. These features raise interesting questions about polar biological timekeeping from the perspectives of function and causal mechanism. Functionally, to what extent are evolutionary drivers for circadian timekeeping maintained in polar environments, and how does this depend on physiology and life history? Mechanistically, how does polar solar illumination affect core daily or seasonal timekeeping and light entrainment? In birds and mammals, answers to these questions diverge widely between species, depending on physiology and bioenergetic constraints. In the high Arctic, photic cues can maintain circadian synchrony in some species, even in the polar summer. Under these conditions, timer systems may be refined to exploit polar cues. In other instances, temporal organisation may cease to be dominated by the circadian clock. Although the drive for seasonal synchronisation is strong in polar species, reliance on innate long-term (circannual) timer mechanisms varies. This variation reflects differing year-round access to photic cues. Polar chronobiology is a productive area for exploring the adaptive evolution of daily and seasonal timekeeping, with many outstanding areas for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Hazlerigg
- Arctic Seasonal Timekeeping Initiative (ASTI), Arctic chronobiology and physiology research group, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø NO-9037, Norway
| | - Daniel Appenroth
- Arctic Seasonal Timekeeping Initiative (ASTI), Arctic chronobiology and physiology research group, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø NO-9037, Norway
| | - Barbara M Tomotani
- Arctic Seasonal Timekeeping Initiative (ASTI), Arctic chronobiology and physiology research group, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø NO-9037, Norway
| | - Alexander C West
- Arctic Seasonal Timekeeping Initiative (ASTI), Arctic chronobiology and physiology research group, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø NO-9037, Norway
| | - Shona H Wood
- Arctic Seasonal Timekeeping Initiative (ASTI), Arctic chronobiology and physiology research group, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø NO-9037, Norway
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Liu J, Xu Y, Wang Y, Zhang J, Fu Y, Liufu S, Jiang D, Pan J, Ouyang H, Huang Y, Tian Y, Shen X. The DNA methylation status of the serotonin metabolic pathway associated with reproductive inactivation induced by long-light exposure in Magang geese. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:355. [PMID: 37365488 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09342-0] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Domestic geese are seasonal breeders and have the lowest reproductive capacity among all poultry species. Magang geese is a topical short-day breeder, short photoperiod exposure stimulates its reproductive activity while long photoperiod inhibits. To explore epigenetic change that could influence reproductive activity, we performed whole genome bisulfite sequencing and transcriptome sequencing in the hypothalamus at three reproductive stages during long-light exposure in male Magang geese. RESULTS A total number of 10,602 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified among three comparison groups. We observed that the vast majority of DMRs were enriched in intron regions. By integrating the BS-sequencing and RNA-seq data, the correlation between methylation changes of CG DMRs and expression changes of their associated genes was significant only for genes containing CG DMRs in their intron. A total of 278 DMR-associated DEGs were obtained among the three stages. KEGG analysis revealed that the DMR-associated DEGs were mainly involved in 11 pathways. Among them, the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway was significantly enriched in both two comparisons (RA vs.RD and RD vs.RI); the Wnt signaling pathway, apelin signaling pathway, melanogenesis, calcium signaling pathway, focal adhesion, and adherens junction were significantly enriched in the RA vs. RI comparison. In addition, the expression level of two serotonin-metabolic genes was significantly altered during reproductive axis inactivation by the methylation status of their promoter region (TPH2) and intron region (SLC18A2), respectively. These results were confirmed by Bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP), pyrosequencing, and real-time qPCR, indicating that serotonin metabolic signaling may play a key role in decreasing the reproductive activity of Magang geese induced by long-light exposure. Furthermore, we performed a metabolomics approach to investigate the concentration of neurotransmitters among the three stages, and found that 5-HIAA, the last product of the serotonin metabolic pathway, was significantly decreased in the hypothalamus during RI. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals that the methylation status of the serotonin metabolic pathway in the hypothalamus is associated with reproductive inactivation, and provided new insight into the effect of DNA methylation on the reproductive regulation of the hypothalamus in Magang geese.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Yanglong Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Yushuai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510275, China
| | - Jinning Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510275, China
| | - Yuting Fu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Sui Liufu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Danli Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Jianqiu Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Hongjia Ouyang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Yunmao Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China.
| | - Yunbo Tian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China.
| | - Xu Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China.
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Whitenack LE, Welklin JF, Branch CL, Sonnenberg BR, Pitera AM, Kozlovsky DY, Benedict LM, Heinen VK, Pravosudov VV. Complex relationships between climate and reproduction in a resident montane bird. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230554. [PMID: 37351489 PMCID: PMC10282579 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Animals use climate-related environmental cues to fine-tune breeding timing and investment to match peak food availability. In birds, spring temperature is a commonly documented cue used to initiate breeding, but with global climate change, organisms are experiencing both directional changes in ambient temperatures and extreme year-to-year precipitation fluctuations. Montane environments exhibit complex climate patterns where temperatures and precipitation change along elevational gradients, and where exacerbated annual variation in precipitation has resulted in extreme swings between heavy snow and drought. We used 10 years of data to investigate how annual variation in climatic conditions is associated with differences in breeding phenology and reproductive performance in resident mountain chickadees (Poecile gambeli) at two elevations in the northern Sierra Nevada mountains, USA. Variation in spring temperature was not associated with differences in breeding phenology across elevations in our system. Greater snow accumulation was associated with later breeding initiation at high, but not low, elevation. Brood size was reduced under drought, but only at low elevation. Our data suggest complex relationships between climate and avian reproduction and point to autumn climate as important for reproductive performance, likely via its effect on phenology and abundance of invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E. Whitenack
- Department of Biology, Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology Graduate Program, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Joseph F. Welklin
- Department of Biology, Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology Graduate Program, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Carrie L. Branch
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Benjamin R. Sonnenberg
- Department of Biology, Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology Graduate Program, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Angela M. Pitera
- Department of Biology, Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology Graduate Program, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Dovid Y. Kozlovsky
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Lauren M. Benedict
- Department of Biology, Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology Graduate Program, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Virginia K. Heinen
- Department of Biology, Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology Graduate Program, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Vladimir V. Pravosudov
- Department of Biology, Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology Graduate Program, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
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Welklin JF, Lantz SM, Khalil S, Moody NM, Karubian J, Webster MS. Photoperiod and rainfall are associated with seasonal shifts in social structure in a songbird. Behav Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arac110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Seasonally breeding animals often exhibit different social structures during non-breeding and breeding periods that coincide with seasonal environmental variation and resource abundance. However, we know little about the environmental factors associated with when seasonal shifts in social structure occur. This lack of knowledge contrasts with our well-defined knowledge of the environmental cues that trigger a shift to breeding physiology in seasonally breeding species. Here, we identified some of the main environmental factors associated with seasonal shifts in social structure and initiation of breeding in the red-backed fairywren (Malurus melanocephalus), an Australian songbird. Social network analyses revealed that social groups, which are highly territorial during the breeding season, interact in social “communities” on larger home ranges during the non-breeding season. Encounter rates among non-breeding groups were related to photoperiod and rainfall, with shifting photoperiod and increased rainfall associated with a shift toward territorial breeding social structure characterized by reductions in home range size and fewer encounters among non-breeding social groups. Similarly, onset of breeding was highly seasonal and was also associated with non-breeding season rainfall, with greater rainfall leading to earlier breeding. These findings reveal that for some species, the environmental factors associated with the timing of shifts in social structure across seasonal boundaries can be similar to those that determine timing of breeding. This study increases our understanding of the environmental factors associated with seasonal variation in social structure and how the timing of these shifts may respond to changing climates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph F Welklin
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University , 215 Tower Rd, Ithaca, NY 14853 , USA
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology , 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 , USA
| | - Samantha M Lantz
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University , 400 Lindy Boggs Center, New Orleans, LA 70118 , USA
| | - Sarah Khalil
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology , 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 , USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University , 400 Lindy Boggs Center, New Orleans, LA 70118 , USA
| | - Nicole M Moody
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University , 400 Lindy Boggs Center, New Orleans, LA 70118 , USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University , 80 Waterman St, Providence, RI 02912 , USA
| | - Jordan Karubian
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University , 400 Lindy Boggs Center, New Orleans, LA 70118 , USA
| | - Michael S Webster
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University , 215 Tower Rd, Ithaca, NY 14853 , USA
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology , 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 , USA
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7
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Mitochondrial dysfunction in follicles is associated with broodiness in Zhedong white goose. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 243:107032. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Rose EM, Haakenson CM, Ball GF. Sex differences in seasonal brain plasticity and the neuroendocrine regulation of vocal behavior in songbirds. Horm Behav 2022; 142:105160. [PMID: 35366412 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Birdsong is controlled in part by a discrete network of interconnected brain nuclei regulated in turn by steroid hormones and environmental stimuli. This complex interaction results in neural changes that occur seasonally as the environment varies (e.g., photoperiod, food/water availability, etc.). Variation in environment, vocal behavior, and neuroendocrine control has been primarily studied in male songbirds in both laboratory studies of captive birds and field studies of wild caught birds. The bias toward studying seasonality in the neuroendocrine regulation of song in male birds comes from a historic focus on sexually selected male behaviors. In fact, given that male song is often loud and accompanied by somewhat extravagant courtship behaviors, female song has long been overlooked. To compound this bias, the primary model songbird species for studies in the lab, zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) and canaries (Serinus canaria), exhibit little or no female song. Therefore, understanding the degree of variation and neuroendocrine control of seasonality in female songbirds is a major gap in our knowledge. In this review, we discuss the importance of studying sex differences in seasonal plasticity and the song control system. Specifically, we discuss sex differences in 1) the neuroanatomy of the song control system, 2) the distribution of receptors for androgens and estrogens and 3) the seasonal neuroplasticity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis as well as in the neural and cellular mechanisms mediating song system changes. We also discuss how these neuroendocrine mechanisms drive sex differences in seasonal behavior. Finally, we highlight specific gaps in our knowledge and suggest experiments critical for filling these gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangeline M Rose
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA; Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - Chelsea M Haakenson
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA; Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Gregory F Ball
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA; Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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Delfino HC, Carlos CJ. Intra‐annual variation in activity budgets of a wild Chilean Flamingo (
Phoenicopterus chilensis
) population in Southern Brazil. AUSTRAL ECOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Cardoso Delfino
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Sistemática de Aves e Mamíferos Marinhos (LABSMAR), Departamento de Zoologia, Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biociências Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul 9500 CEP: 91509‐900, Av. Bento Gonçalves Porto Alegre RS Brazil
| | - Caio José Carlos
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Sistemática de Aves e Mamíferos Marinhos (LABSMAR), Departamento de Zoologia, Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biociências Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul 9500 CEP: 91509‐900, Av. Bento Gonçalves Porto Alegre RS Brazil
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10
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Dardente H, Simonneaux V. GnRH and the photoperiodic control of seasonal reproduction: Delegating the task to kisspeptin and RFRP-3. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13124. [PMID: 35384117 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Synchronization of mammalian breeding activity to the annual change of photoperiod and environmental conditions is of the utmost importance for individual survival and species perpetuation. Subsequent to the early 1960s, when the central role of melatonin in this adaptive process was demonstrated, our comprehension of the mechanisms through which light regulates gonadal activity has increased considerably. The current model for the photoperiodic neuroendocrine system points to pivotal roles for the melatonin-sensitive pars tuberalis (PT) and its seasonally-regulated production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), as well as for TSH-sensitive hypothalamic tanycytes, radial glia-like cells located in the basal part of the third ventricle. Tanycytes respond to TSH through increased expression of thyroid hormone (TH) deiodinase 2 (Dio2), which leads to heightened production of intrahypothalamic triiodothyronine (T3) during longer days of spring and summer. There is strong evidence that this local, long-day driven, increase in T3 links melatonin input at the PT to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) output, to align breeding with the seasons. The mechanism(s) through which T3 impinges upon GnRH remain(s) unclear. However, two distinct neuronal populations of the medio-basal hypothalamus, which express the (Arg)(Phe)-amide peptides kisspeptin and RFamide-related peptide-3, appear to be well-positioned to relay this seasonal T3 message towards GnRH neurons. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the cellular, molecular and neuroendocrine players, which keep track of photoperiod and ultimately govern GnRH output and seasonal breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugues Dardente
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Valérie Simonneaux
- Institute for Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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11
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Walsh JP. Thyroid Function across the Lifespan: Do Age-Related Changes Matter? Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2022; 37:208-219. [PMID: 35417936 PMCID: PMC9081302 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2022.1463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating concentrations of thyrotropin (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) are tightly regulated. Each individual has setpoints for TSH and free T4 which are genetically determined, and subject to environmental and epigenetic influence. Pituitary-thyroid axis setpoints are probably established in utero, with maturation of thyroid function continuing until late gestation. From neonatal life (characterized by a surge of TSH and T4 secretion) through childhood and adolescence (when free triiodothyronine levels are higher than in adults), thyroid function tests display complex, dynamic patterns which are sexually dimorphic. In later life, TSH increases with age in healthy older adults without an accompanying fall in free T4, indicating alteration in TSH setpoint. In view of this, and evidence that mild subclinical hypothyroidism in older people has no health impact, a strong case can be made for implementation of age-related TSH reference ranges in adults, as is routine in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P. Walsh
- Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
- Corresponding author: John P. Walsh Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia Tel: +61-864572466, Fax: +61-864573221, E-mail:
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12
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Characterization and Distribution of Kisspeptins, Kisspeptin Receptors, GnIH, and GnRH1 in the Brain of the Protogynous Bluehead Wrasse (Thalassoma bifasciatum). J Chem Neuroanat 2022; 121:102087. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2022.102087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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13
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Hossain M, Pal S, Kumar Tiwari P, Pal N. Bifurcations, chaos, and multistability in a nonautonomous predator-prey model with fear. CHAOS (WOODBURY, N.Y.) 2021; 31:123134. [PMID: 34972329 DOI: 10.1063/5.0067046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Classical predator-prey models usually emphasize direct predation as the primary means of interaction between predators and prey. However, several field studies and experiments suggest that the mere presence of predators nearby can reduce prey density by forcing them to adopt costly defensive strategies. Adoption of such kind would cause a substantial change in prey demography. The present paper investigates a predator-prey model in which the predator's consumption rate (described by a functional response) is affected by both prey and predator densities. Perceived fear of predators leads to a drop in prey's birth rate. We also consider both constant and time-varying (seasonal) forms of prey's birth rate and investigate the model system's respective autonomous and nonautonomous implementations. Our analytical studies include finding conditions for the local stability of equilibrium points, the existence, direction of Hopf bifurcation, etc. Numerical illustrations include bifurcation diagrams assisted by phase portraits, construction of isospike and Lyapunov exponent diagrams in bi-parametric space that reveal the rich and complex dynamics embedded in the system. We observe different organized periodic structures within the chaotic regime, multistability between multiple pairs of coexisting attractors with intriguing basins of attractions. Our results show that even relatively slight changes in system parameters, perturbations, or environmental fluctuations may have drastic consequences on population oscillations. Our observations indicate that the fear effect alters the system dynamics significantly and drives an otherwise irregular system toward regularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mainul Hossain
- Department of Mathematics, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan 731235, India
| | - Saheb Pal
- Department of Mathematics, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan 731235, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar Tiwari
- Department of Basic Science and Humanities, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Bhagalpur 813210, India
| | - Nikhil Pal
- Department of Mathematics, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan 731235, India
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Zekoll T, Waldherr M, Tessmar-Raible K. Characterization of tmt-opsin2 in Medaka Fish Provides Insight Into the Interplay of Light and Temperature for Behavioral Regulation. Front Physiol 2021; 12:726941. [PMID: 34744767 PMCID: PMC8569850 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.726941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the big challenges in the study of animal behavior is to combine molecular-level questions of functional genetics with meaningful combinations of environmental stimuli. Light and temperature are important external cues, influencing the behaviors of organisms. Thus, understanding the combined effect of light and temperature changes on wild-type vs. genetically modified animals is a first step to understand the role of individual genes in the ability of animals to cope with changing environments. Many behavioral traits can be extrapolated from behavioral tests performed from automated motion tracking combined with machine learning. Acquired datasets, typically complex and large, can be challenging for subsequent quantitative analyses. In this study, we investigate medaka behavior of tmt-opsin2 mutants vs. corresponding wild-types under different light and temperature conditions using automated tracking combined with a convolutional neuronal network and a Hidden Markov model-based approach. The temperatures in this study can occur in summer vs. late spring/early autumn in the natural habitat of medaka fish. Under summer-like temperature, tmt-opsin2 mutants did not exhibit changes in overall locomotion, consistent with previous observations. However, detailed analyses of fish position revealed that the tmt-opsin2 mutants spent more time in central locations of the dish, possibly because of decreased anxiety. Furthermore, a clear difference in location and overall movement was obvious between the mutant and wild-types under colder conditions. These data indicate a role of tmt-opsin2 in behavioral adjustment, at least in part possibly depending on the season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Zekoll
- Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
- Research Platform “Rhythms of Life, ” University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Monika Waldherr
- Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
- Research Platform “Rhythms of Life, ” University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristin Tessmar-Raible
- Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
- Research Platform “Rhythms of Life, ” University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
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15
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Rose EM, Prior NH, Ball GF. The singing question: re-conceptualizing birdsong. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 97:326-342. [PMID: 34609054 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Birdsong has been the subject of broad research from a variety of sub-disciplines and has taught us much about the evolution, function, and mechanisms driving animal communication and cognition. Typically, birdsong refers to the specialized vocalizations produced by oscines. Historically, much of the research on birdsong was conducted in north temperate regions (specifically in Europe and North America) leading to multiple biases. Due to these historic biases these vocalizations are generally considered to be highly sexually dimorphic, heavily shaped by sexual selection and essential for courtship and territoriality. Song is also typically defined as a learned trait shaped by cultural evolution. Together, this framework focuses research specifically on males, particularly during the north temperate breeding season - reflecting and thereby reinforcing this framework. The physiological underpinnings of song often emphasize the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (associated with breeding changes) and the song control system (underlying vocal learning). Over the years there has been great debate over which features of song are essential to the definition of birdsong, which features apply broadly to contexts outside males in the north temperate region, and over the importance of having a definition at all. Importantly, the definitions we use can both guide and limit the progress of research. Here, we describe the history of these definitions, and how these definitions have directed and restricted research to focus on male song in sexually selected contexts. Additionally, we highlight the gaps in our scientific knowledge, especially with respect to the function and physiological mechanisms underlying song in females and in winter, as well as in non-seasonally breeding species. Furthermore, we highlight the problems with using complexity and learning as dichotomous variables to categorize songs and calls. Across species, no one characteristic of song - sexual dimorphism, seasonality, complexity, sexual selection, learning - consistently delineates song from other songbird vocal communication. We provide recommendations for next steps to build an inclusive information framework that will allow researchers to explore nuances in animal communication and promote comparative research. Specifically, we recommend that researchers should operationalize the axis of variation most relevant to their study/species by identifying their specific question and the variable(s) of focus (e.g. seasonality). Researchers should also identify the axis (axes) of variation (e.g. degree of control by testosterone) most relevant to their study and use language consistent with the question and axis (axes) of variation (e.g. control by testosterone in the seasonal vocal production of birds).
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangeline M Rose
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, 4094 Campus Dr., College Park, MD, 20742, U.S.A.,Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, University of Maryland, College Park, 0219 Cole Student Activities Building, 4090 Union Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, U.S.A
| | - Nora H Prior
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, 4094 Campus Dr., College Park, MD, 20742, U.S.A.,Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, University of Maryland, College Park, 0219 Cole Student Activities Building, 4090 Union Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, U.S.A
| | - Gregory F Ball
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, 4094 Campus Dr., College Park, MD, 20742, U.S.A.,Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, University of Maryland, College Park, 0219 Cole Student Activities Building, 4090 Union Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, U.S.A
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16
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Determination of Annual Plasma Hormone Levels Associated with Reproduction in Long-Day Breeding Domestic Geese. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082363. [PMID: 34438820 PMCID: PMC8388741 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082363] [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: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In domestic birds, breeding practices and optimisation of the microenviroment and nutrition ensure egg production throughout the entire year. However, domestic geese experience an annual cycle of reproductive quiescence and recrudescence. Thus, patterns of reproductive hormones related to the initiation and termination of the breeding–laying period between the sexes seems to be especially important. This paper presents annual patterns of prolactin (PRL), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), testosterone (T), progesterone (P4), and estradiol (E2) in ganders and female geese. Long-day breeding Zatorska geese kept in controlled commercial conditions experienced periods with elevated plasma PRL levels in both sexes post-breeding and during the second half of the breeding–laying period. Increased plasma PRL levels by the end of the breeding–laying period were detected earlier in ganders than in female geese. Annual patterns of thyroid hormones (THs) were partially in agreement with existing theories on the specific role of THs in termination of breeding, which is permissive rather than causal. It may be suggested that ganders terminate their breeding–laying period one month earlier than female geese. These results may be useful in the manipulation of the endocrine axis to extend the duration of seasonal hatching egg production. Abstract This paper examines the dynamics of circulating hormone changes connected with reproduction in geese during the annual period related to gonad morphometry. One hundred geese were examined. The levels of prolactin (PRL), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), testosterone (T), progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) were estimated. In both sexes, PRL level patterns fit a quadratic trend with elevations in the post-breeding and the second half of the breeding–laying periods. During these periods, differences in the PRL level between sexes were noted. In ganders, increased PRL levels during the laying period occurred earlier compared to in female geese. Cubic trends for T and E2 in ganders and quadratic for T, P4, and E2 in female geese were observed. PRL was negatively correlated with T in both sexes and with P4 and E2 in female geese. A higher level of T3 and variation in T4 in ganders with a quartic trend in ganders vs. a quadratic in female geese were noted. Patterns of PRL, T, and E2 suggested that the breeding–laying period in ganders may be shorter than in female geese. These findings will be used to explore experimental manipulations of the endocrine axis to increase synchronisation of both sexes.
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17
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The neuropeptide allatostatin C from clock-associated DN1p neurons generates the circadian rhythm for oogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2016878118. [PMID: 33479181 PMCID: PMC7848730 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2016878118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Metazoan species optimize the timing of reproduction to maximize fitness. To understand how biological clocks direct reproduction, we investigated the neural substrates that produce oogenesis rhythms in the genetically amenable model organism Drosophila melanogaster. The neuropeptide allatostatin C (AstC) is an insect counterpart of the vertebrate neuropeptide somatostatin, which suppresses gonadotropin production. A subset of the brain circadian pacemaker neurons produces AstC. We have uncovered that these clock-associated AstC neurons generate the circadian oogenesis rhythm via brain insulin-producing cells and the insect gonadotropin juvenile hormone. Identification of a conserved neuropeptide pathway that links female reproduction and the biological clock offers insight into the molecular mechanisms that direct reproductive timing. The link between the biological clock and reproduction is evident in most metazoans. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, a key model organism in the field of chronobiology because of its well-defined networks of molecular clock genes and pacemaker neurons in the brain, shows a pronounced diurnal rhythmicity in oogenesis. Still, it is unclear how the circadian clock generates this reproductive rhythm. A subset of the group of neurons designated “posterior dorsal neuron 1” (DN1p), which are among the ∼150 pacemaker neurons in the fly brain, produces the neuropeptide allatostatin C (AstC-DN1p). Here, we report that six pairs of AstC-DN1p send inhibitory inputs to the brain insulin-producing cells, which express two AstC receptors, star1 and AICR2. Consistent with the roles of insulin/insulin-like signaling in oogenesis, activation of AstC-DN1p suppresses oogenesis through the insulin-producing cells. We show evidence that AstC-DN1p activity plays a role in generating an oogenesis rhythm by regulating juvenile hormone and vitellogenesis indirectly via insulin/insulin-like signaling. AstC is orthologous to the vertebrate neuropeptide somatostatin (SST). Like AstC, SST inhibits gonadotrophin secretion indirectly through gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the hypothalamus. The functional and structural conservation linking the AstC and SST systems suggest an ancient origin for the neural substrates that generate reproductive rhythms.
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18
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Sharma A, Singh D, Gupta P, Bhardwaj SK, Kaur I, Kumar V. Molecular changes associated with migratory departure from wintering areas in obligate songbird migrants. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:269085. [PMID: 34105726 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.242153] [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: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Day length regulates the development of spring migratory and subsequent reproductive phenotypes in avian migrants. This study used molecular approaches, and compared mRNA and proteome-wide expression in captive redheaded buntings that were photostimulated under long-day (LD) conditions for 4 days (early stimulated, LD-eS) or for ∼3 weeks until each bird had shown 4 successive nights of Zugunruhe (stimulated, LD-S); controls were maintained under short days. After ∼3 weeks of LD, photostimulated indices of the migratory preparedness (fattening, weight gain and Zugunruhe) were paralleled with upregulated expression of acc, dgat2 and apoa1 genes in the liver, and of cd36, fabp3 and cpt1 genes in the flight muscle, suggesting enhanced fatty acid (FA) synthesis and transport in the LD-S state. Concurrently, elevated expression of genes involved in the calcium ion signalling and transport (camk1 and atp2a2; camk2a in LD-eS), cellular stress (hspa8 and sod1, not nos2) and metabolic pathways (apoa1 and sirt1), but not of genes associated with migratory behaviour (adcyap1 and vps13a), were found in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH). Further, MBH-specific quantitative proteomics revealed that out of 503 annotated proteins, 28 were differentially expressed (LD-eS versus LD-S: 21 up-regulated and 7 down-regulated) and they enriched five physiological pathways that are associated with FA transport and metabolism. These first comprehensive results on gene and protein expression suggest that changes in molecular correlates of FA transport and metabolism may aid the decision for migratory departure from wintering areas in obligate songbird migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aakansha Sharma
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| | - Devraj Singh
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| | - Priya Gupta
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, Delhi 110 067, India
| | | | - Inderjeet Kaur
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, Delhi 110 067, India.,Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh, Haryana 123031, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
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19
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Hanlon C, Takeshima K, Bédécarrats GY. Changes in the Control of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary Gonadal Axis Across Three Differentially Selected Strains of Laying Hens ( Gallus gallus domesticus). Front Physiol 2021; 12:651491. [PMID: 33841186 PMCID: PMC8027345 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.651491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic selection for earlier sexual maturation and extended production cycles in laying hens has significantly improved reproductive efficiency. While limited emphasis has been placed on the underlying physiological changes, we hypothesize that modifications in the control of the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis have occurred. Thus, three strains of White leghorn derivatives were followed from hatch to 100 weeks of age (woa), including Lohmann LSL-lite (n = 120) as current commercial hens, heritage Shaver White leghorns (n = 100) as 2000s commercial equivalents, and Smoky Joe hens (n = 68) as 1960s commercial equivalents. Body weight (BW) and egg production were monitored, and blood samples were collected throughout to monitor estradiol (E2) concentrations. Tissue samples were collected at 12, 17, 20, 25, 45, 60, 75, and 100 woa to capture changes in mRNA levels of key genes involved in the HPG axis and monitor ovarian follicular pools. All hens, regardless of strain, age or photoperiod laid their first egg within a 64-gram BW window and, as E2 levels increased prior to photostimulation (PS) in Lohmann and Shaver hens, a metabolic trigger likely induced sexual maturation. However, increased levels of Opsin 5 (OPN5) were observed during the maturation period. Although an elevation in gonadotrophin-releasing hormone I (GnRH-I) mRNA levels was associated with early maturation, no changes in gonadotrophin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) mRNA levels were observed. Nonetheless, a significant shift in pituitary sensitivity to GnRH was associated with maturation. Throughout the trial, Lohmann, Shaver, and Smoky Joe hens laid 515, 417, and 257 eggs, respectively (p < 0.0001). Results show that the extended laying persistency in Lohmann hens was supported by sustained pituitary sensitivity to GnRH-I, recurrent elevations in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) mRNA levels, and five cyclical elevations in E2 levels. This was also associated with a consistently higher pool of small white ovarian follicles. In summary, our results demonstrate first that, regardless of photoperiodic cues, meeting a specific narrow body weight threshold is sufficient to initiate sexual maturation in Leghorn chicken derivatives. Furthermore, recurrent increases in E2 and FSH may be the key to sustain extended laying period, allowing modern layers to double their reproductive capacity compared to their 1960s-counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene Hanlon
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Kayo Takeshima
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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20
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Multi-breed investigation of pig social rank and biological rhythm based on feeding behaviors at electronic feeding stations. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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21
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Lindner M, Laine VN, Verhagen I, Viitaniemi HM, Visser ME, van Oers K, Husby A. Rapid changes in DNA methylation associated with the initiation of reproduction in a small songbird. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:3645-3659. [PMID: 33453134 PMCID: PMC8359384 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Species with a circannual life cycle need to match the timing of their life history events to the environment to maximize fitness. However, our understanding of how circannual traits such as timing of reproduction are regulated on a molecular level remains limited. Recent studies have implicated that epigenetic mechanisms can be an important part in the processes that regulate circannual traits. Here, we explore the role of DNA methylation in mediating reproductive timing in a seasonally breeding bird species, the great tit (Parus major), using genome‐wide DNA methylation data from individual females that were blood sampled repeatedly throughout the breeding season. We demonstrate rapid and directional changes in DNA methylation within the promoter region of several genes, including a key transcription factor (NR5A1) known from earlier studies to be involved in the initiation of timing of reproduction. Interestingly, the observed changes in DNA methylation at NR5A1 identified here are in line with earlier gene expression studies of reproduction in chicken, indicating that the observed shifts in DNA methylation at this gene can have a regulatory role. Our findings provide an important step towards elucidating the genomic mechanism that mediates seasonal timing of a key life history traits and provide support for the idea that epigenetic mechanisms may play an important role in circannual traits. see also the Perspective by Melanie J. Heckwolf and Britta S. Meyer
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Lindner
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Chronobiology Unit, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Veronika N Laine
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Finnish Museum of Natural History, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Irene Verhagen
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Heidi M Viitaniemi
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme (OEB), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marcel E Visser
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Chronobiology Unit, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kees van Oers
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Arild Husby
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme (OEB), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway.,Evolutionary Biology, Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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22
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Soni R, Haldar C, Mohini Chaturvedi C. Retinal and extra-retinal photoreceptor responses and reproductive performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) following exposure to different photoperiodic regime. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 302:113667. [PMID: 33221313 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Japanese quail is a truly photoperiodic avian species. In general long days are gonado-stimulatory and short days are gonado-inhibitory for this poultry bird. To investigate the correlation of retinal and extra-retinal photoreceptors with different photoperiodic conditions quail were divided into 2 groups and kept under long day (16L: 8D) and short day (8L: 16D) condition separately to develop photosensitivity and scotosensitivity respectively. Transfer of long day quail to intermediate day-length (13.5L: 10.5D) developed photorefractoriness (relative) and prolonged exposure to short photoperiodic conditions led the birds to develop scotorefractoriness. Increased expression of mRNA and immunosignaling of photoreceptors rhodopsin, transducin in eye and hypothalamus while decreased mRNA expression of melatonin receptors (Mel1b, Mel1c) were noted in the eyes of photosensitive (PS) and scotorefractory (SR) quail compared to photorefractory (PR) and scotosensitive (SS) birds respectively. Decreased expression of hypothalamic GnIH and melatonin receptors mRNA was observed in PS and SR birds compared to PR and SS birds respectively. Modulation of retinal and extra retinal photoreceptors leads to increased spermatogenesis as well as mRNA expression of steroidogenic genes and androgen receptor in the testis of sexually active PS and SR quail. These results led us to conclude that gonadal stimulation in PS as well as SR quail is outcome of activated retinal and extra retinal photoreceptors which lowered melatonin receptors and GnIH expression. Contrarily testicular inhibition in PR and SS is the outcome of decreased photoperception. It is suggested that decreased photoperception in SS quail increases after prolong exposure of the short day (in SR) leading to increased activity of HPG axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Soni
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Chandana Haldar
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
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23
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Álvarez‐Quintero N, Velando A, Noguera JC, Kim S. Environment-induced changes in reproductive strategies and their transgenerational effects in the three-spined stickleback. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:771-783. [PMID: 33520165 PMCID: PMC7820166 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
An organism may increase its fitness by changing its reproductive strategies in response to environmental cues, but the possible consequences of those changes for the next generation have rarely been explored. By using an experiment on the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), we studied how changes in the onset of breeding photoperiod (early versus late) affect reproductive strategies of males and females, and life histories of their offspring. We also explored whether telomeres are involved in the within- and transgenerational effects. In response to the late onset of breeding photoperiod, females reduced their investment in the early clutches, but males increased their investment in sexual signals. Costs of increased reproductive investment in terms of telomere loss were evident only in the late females. The environmentally induced changes in reproductive strategies affected offspring growth and survival. Most notably, offspring growth rate was the fastest when both parents experienced a delayed (i.e., late) breeding photoperiod, and survival rate was the highest when both parents experienced an advanced (i.e., early) breeding photoperiod. There was no evidence of transgenerational effects on offspring telomere length despite positive parents-offspring relationships in this trait. Our results highlight that environmental changes may impact more than one generation by altering reproductive strategies of seasonal breeders with consequences for offspring viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Náyade Álvarez‐Quintero
- Grupo Ecoloxía Animal (Lab 97)Torre CACTICentro de Investigación MariñaUniversidade de VigoVigoSpain
| | - Alberto Velando
- Grupo Ecoloxía Animal (Lab 97)Torre CACTICentro de Investigación MariñaUniversidade de VigoVigoSpain
| | - Jose C. Noguera
- Grupo Ecoloxía Animal (Lab 97)Torre CACTICentro de Investigación MariñaUniversidade de VigoVigoSpain
| | - Sin‐Yeon Kim
- Grupo Ecoloxía Animal (Lab 97)Torre CACTICentro de Investigación MariñaUniversidade de VigoVigoSpain
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24
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Zhao W, Yuan T, Fu Y, Niu D, Chen W, Chen L, Lu L. Seasonal differences in the transcriptome profile of the Zhedong white goose (Anser cygnoides) pituitary gland. Poult Sci 2020; 100:1154-1166. [PMID: 33518074 PMCID: PMC7858147 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.10.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In animals, the adaptation to breed at the time of greatest survival of the young is known as seasonal reproduction. This is mainly controlled by the photoperiod, which stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and starts the breeding season. Herein, we have determined the seasonal changes in gene expression patterns of Zhedong white geese pituitary glands under a natural photoperiodism, conducted at autumn equinox (AE), winter solstice (WS), spring equinox (SE), and summer solstice (SS). Pairwise comparisons of WS vs. AE, SE vs. WS, SS vs. SE, and AE vs. SS resulted in 1,139, 33, 704, and 3,503 differently expressed genes, respectively. When compared with SS, AE showed downregulation of genes, such as vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor, prolactin receptor, and thyroid hormone receptor beta, whereas gonadotropin-releasing hormone II receptor was upregulated, indicating that these genes may be responsible for the transition from cessation to egg laying. In addition, the expression levels of 5 transcription factors (POU1F1, Pitx2, NR5A1, NR4A2, and SREBF2) and 6 circadian clock-associated genes (Clock, Per2, ARNTL2, Eya3, Dio2, and NPAS2) also changed seasonally. Gene Ontology term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis revealed that “response to oxidative stress” and steroid biosynthesis pathway also participate in regulating the reproduction seasonality of geese. Overall, these results contribute to the identification of genes involved in seasonal reproduction, enabling a better understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying seasonal reproduction of geese.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanqiu Zhao
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Taoyan Yuan
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Yan Fu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Dong Niu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhejiang A&F University, Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 311300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weihu Chen
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Xiangshan County Agricultural and Rural Bureau, Ningbo 315700, China
| | - Li Chen
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Lizhi Lu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China.
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25
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Salamon A. Factors affecting the production of double-yolked eggs. WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00439339.2020.1830011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Attila Salamon
- MTA-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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26
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Khandu P, Gale GA, Kinley K, Tandin T, Shimano S, Bumrungsri S. Daily roosting behaviour of the critically endangered White-bellied Heron Ardea insignis as a function of day length. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2020.1814525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pema Khandu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Hat Yai, Thailand
- Department of Science, Wangbama Central School, Ministry of Education, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - George A. Gale
- Conservation Ecology Program, School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology, Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kinley Kinley
- Tsirang Forest Division,Tsirang, Department of Forest and Park Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Bhutan
- Institute of Botany and Landscape Ecology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Tandin Tandin
- Nature Conservation Division, Department of Forest and Park Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Satoshi Shimano
- Science Research Center, Hosei University, Fujimi 2-17-1 Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8160, Japan
| | - Sara Bumrungsri
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Hat Yai, Thailand
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27
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Maney DL, Aldredge RA, Edwards SHA, James NP, Sockman KW. Time course of photo-induced Egr-1 expression in the hypothalamus of a seasonally breeding songbird. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 512:110854. [PMID: 32422399 PMCID: PMC7347413 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Many seasonally-breeding species use daylength to time reproduction. Light-induced release of progonadal hormones involves a complex cascade of responses both inside and outside the brain. In this study, we used induction of early growth response 1 (Egr-1), the protein product of an immediate early gene, to evaluate the time course of such responses in male white-throated sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) exposed to a single long day. Induction of Egr-1 in the pars tuberalis began ∼11 h after dawn. This response was followed ∼6 h later by dramatic induction in the tuberal hypothalamus, including in the ependymal cells lining the third ventricle. At approximately the same time, Egr-1 was induced in dopaminergic and vasoactive intestinal peptide neurons in the tuberal hypothalamus and in dopaminergic neurons of the premammillary nucleus. We noted no induction in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons until 2 h after dawn the following morning. Overall, our results indicate that Egr-1 responses in GnRH neurons occur rather late during photostimulation, compared with responses in other cell populations, and that such induction may reflect new synthesis related to GnRH depletion rather than stimulation by light cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna L Maney
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Robert A Aldredge
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Nathan P James
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Keith W Sockman
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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28
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Hanlon C, Ramachandran R, Zuidhof MJ, Bédécarrats GY. Should I Lay or Should I Grow: Photoperiodic Versus Metabolic Cues in Chickens. Front Physiol 2020; 11:707. [PMID: 32670092 PMCID: PMC7332832 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
While photoperiod has been generally accepted as the primary if not the exclusive cue to stimulate reproduction in photoperiodic breeders such as the laying hen, current knowledge suggests that metabolism, and/or body composition can also play an influential role to control the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal (HPG)-axis. This review thus intends to first describe how photoperiodic and metabolic cues can impact the HPG axis, then explore and propose potential common pathways and mechanisms through which both cues could be integrated. Photostimulation refers to a perceived increase in day-length resulting in the stimulation of the HPG. While photoreceptors are present in the retina of the eye and the pineal gland, it is the deep brain photoreceptors (DBPs) located in the hypothalamus that have been identified as the potential mediators of photostimulation, including melanopsin (OPN4), neuropsin (OPN5), and vertebrate-ancient opsin (VA-Opsin). Here, we present the current state of knowledge surrounding these DBPs, along with their individual and relative importance and, their possible downstream mechanisms of action to initiate the activation of the HPG axis. On the metabolic side, specific attention is placed on the hypothalamic integration of appetite control with the stimulatory (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone; GnRH) and inhibitory (Gonadotropin Inhibitory Hormone; GnIH) neuropeptides involved in the control of the HPG axis. Specifically, the impact of orexigenic peptides agouti-related peptide (AgRP), and neuropeptide Y (NPY), as well as the anorexigenic peptides pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), and cocaine-and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) is reviewed. Furthermore, beyond hypothalamic control, several metabolic factors involved in the control of body weight and composition are also presented as possible modulators of reproduction at all three levels of the HPG axis. These include peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) for its impact in liver metabolism during the switch from growth to reproduction, adiponectin as a potential modulator of ovarian development and follicular maturation, as well as growth hormone (GH), and leptin (LEP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene Hanlon
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Ramesh Ramachandran
- Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, Department of Animal Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Martin J. Zuidhof
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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29
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Prusik M, Lewczuk B. Diurnal Rhythm of Plasma Melatonin Concentration in the Domestic Turkey and Its Regulation by Light and Endogenous Oscillators. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10040678. [PMID: 32294963 PMCID: PMC7222729 DOI: 10.3390/ani10040678] [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: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Environmental light regulates a wide range of phenomena in almost all organisms on Earth. Daily and seasonal changes in the photoperiod duration are the most important factors controlling the secretion of melatonin (MLT), a pineal hormone that affects many physiological processes in birds. The results of previous studies on the effect of MLT on the productivity and health of poultry have been promising. However, there are very few studies on the daily profiles of plasma MLT concentrations in domestic birds; therefore, we decided to examine plasma MLT levels in 10-week-old domestic turkeys exposed to different light conditions. The results demonstrated that plasma MLT concentration in turkeys kept under a 12 h light: 12 h dark cycle showed a prominent diurnal rhythm. Night-time light exposure caused a rapid decrease in plasma MLT concentrations. The housing of turkeys in continuous dim red light revealed endogenously generated diurnal rhythm of MLT secretion. The rhythm of the plasma MLT level in a reversed cycle of 12 h dark: 12 h light adapted quickly to the new lighting condition. Abstract The aim of this study was to characterize the diurnal rhythm of plasma melatonin (MLT) concentration and its regulation by light and endogenous oscillators in 10-week-old domestic turkeys. Three experiments were performed to examine (i) the course of daily changes in plasma MLT concentration in turkeys kept under a 12 h light: 12 h dark (12L:12D) cycle; (ii) the influence of night-time light exposure lasting 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 h on the plasma MLT level; and (iii) the occurrence of circadian fluctuations in plasma MLT levels in birds kept under continuous dim red light and the ability of turkeys to adapt their pineal secretory activity to a reversed light-dark cycle (12D:12L). The plasma MLT concentration was measured with a direct radioimmunoassay. The plasma MLT concentration in turkeys kept under a 12L:12D cycle changed significantly in a daily rhythm. It was low during the photophase and increased stepwise after the onset of darkness to achieve the maximal level in the middle of the scotophase. Next, it decreased during the second half of the night. The difference between the lowest level of MLT and the highest level was approximately 18-fold. The exposure of turkeys to light during the scotophase caused a rapid, large decrease in plasma MLT concentration. The plasma MLT concentration decreased approximately 3- and 10-fold after 0.5 and 1 h of light exposure, respectively, and reached the day-time level after 2 h of exposure. In turkeys kept under continuous darkness, the plasma MLT level was approximately 2.5-fold higher at 02:00 h than at 14:00 h. In birds kept under 12D:12L, the plasma MLT level was significantly higher at 14:00 h than at 02:00 h. The results showed that plasma MLT concentrations in 10-week-old turkeys have a prominent diurnal rhythm, which is endogenously generated and strongly influenced by environmental light.
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30
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Maldonado L, Tempesti TC, Somoza GM, Peluc SI, Valdez DJ. Reproduction in the Eared Dove: An exception to the classic model of seasonal reproduction in birds? ZOOLOGY 2020; 140:125769. [PMID: 32251889 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2020.125769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In avian species living at high altitudes and latitudes, reproductive events are largely controlled by photoperiod, with changes being perceived mainly through encephalic photoreceptors located in the hypothalamus. It is known that during long day periods (reproductive periods), the information transmitted by brain photoreceptors triggers the production of thyroid hormones that regulate GnRH secretion, inducing secretion of pituitary gonadotropins. As a result, gonads develop and grow and the production of gonadal sex hormones, testosterone and estradiol increases (classic gonadal cycle). During short day periods (non-reproductive periods) on the other hand, the gonads regress, and plasma gonadal steroid levels are low. By means of this mechanism, birds synchronize their physiology and reproductive behaviors with seasonal changes in the environment. However, it appears that not all avian species comply with this general reproductive pattern. For example, the Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata), a South American opportunistic breeding columbiform, has been reported to successfully reproduce throughout the year, making it an interesting avian system for studying the endocrine basis of avian reproduction. In view of a clear lack of seasonal variability in testicular weight and size (the classic gonadal regression/recrudescence cycle) in the male Eared Dove, we examined whether their reproductive aseasonality could be the result of being in a continuous state of reproductive preparedness. Our results show that despite the absence of a marked gonadal cycle in terms of gonadal volume, plasma testosterone levels in males were minimal during autumn-winter, reaching maximum values during spring-summer. This indicates that male gonad function is not seasonal in terms of spermatogenesis but that circulating testosterone levels are correlated with photoperiod, demonstrating an exception to the classic model of reproduction in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Maldonado
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Centro de Zoología Aplicada, Córdoba, Rondeau 798, CP X5000AVP, Argentina
| | - Tomas C Tempesti
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Córdoba, Av. Haya de la Torre s/n Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Argentina
| | - Gustavo M Somoza
- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Av. Intendente Marino Km 8,200 CC 164 (7130) Chascomús, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Susana I Peluc
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Centro de Zoología Aplicada, Córdoba, Rondeau 798, CP X5000AVP, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Córdoba, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 299, X5000JJC, Argentina
| | - Diego J Valdez
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Centro de Zoología Aplicada, Córdoba, Rondeau 798, CP X5000AVP, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Córdoba, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 299, X5000JJC, Argentina.
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31
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Martin RJ, Kruger MC, MacDougall-Shackleton SA, Sherry DF. Black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) use temperature as a cue for reproductive timing. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 287:113348. [PMID: 31786139 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Reliable environmental cues, such as photoperiod, act as initial predictive cues that allow birds to time reproduction to match peak food abundance for their offspring. More variable local cues, like temperature, may, however, provide more precise information about the timing of food abundance. Non-migratory birds, in particular, should be sensitive to temperature cues and use them to modulate their reproductive timing. We conducted two experiments to examine the effect of temperature on reproductive condition (gonad size and circulating androgen levels) in non-migratory black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus). First, we exposed groups of birds in outdoor aviaries to three different over-winter temperature treatments and assessed gonad size in the spring. Second, we manipulated temperature in environmental chambers under photostimulatory and non-photostimulatory photoperiodic conditions and assessed gonad size and circulating testosterone levels. Temperature had no independent effect on gonad size or testosterone levels, but when photostimulated birds exposed to warmer conditions became reproductively ready earlier than birds experiencing cooler conditions. We conclude that temperature acts as a supplementary cue that modulates the photoperiod-driven timing of reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Jeffrey Martin
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, Canada; Advanced Facility for Avian Research, University of Western Ontario, Canada.
| | - M Charlotte Kruger
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, Canada; Advanced Facility for Avian Research, University of Western Ontario, Canada
| | - Scott A MacDougall-Shackleton
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, Canada; Advanced Facility for Avian Research, University of Western Ontario, Canada
| | - David F Sherry
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, Canada; Advanced Facility for Avian Research, University of Western Ontario, Canada
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32
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Jeong MS, Choi CY, Kim H, Lee WS. Predicting climate-driven shifts in the breeding phenology of Varied Tits ( Sittiparus various) in South Korean forests. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2019; 23:422-432. [PMID: 31853380 PMCID: PMC6913659 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2019.1675759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenological shifts of plants and animals due to climate change can vary among regions and species, requiring study of local ecosystems to understand specific impacts. The reproductive timing of insectivorous songbirds in temperate forests is tightly synchronized with peak prey abundance, and thus they can be susceptible to such shift in timing. We aimed to investigate the effect of future climate change on the egg-laying phenology of the Varied Tit (Sittiparus various), which is common and widely distributed in South Korean forests. We developed the predictive model by investigating their egg-laying dates in response to spring temperatures along geographical gradients, and our model indicated that the tits lay eggs earlier when the average of daily mean and daily maximum temperatures rise. We predicted future shifts in egg-laying dates based on the most recent climate change model published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), under a scenario with no climate change mitigation and under a scenario with moderate mitigation. Under this outcome, this species might be unable to adapt to rapid climate change due to asynchrony with prey species during the reproductive period. If no mitigation is undertaken, our model predicts that egg-laying dates will be advanced by more than 10 days compared to the present in 83.58% of South Korea. However, even moderate mitigation will arrest this phenomenon and maintain present egg-laying dates. These results demonstrate the first quantitative assessment for the effect of warming temperatures on the phenological response of insectivorous songbirds in South Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Su Jeong
- Department of Forest Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Young Choi
- Department of Forest Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hankyu Kim
- Department of Forest Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Woo-Shin Lee
- Department of Forest Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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33
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MALEK I, HAIM A. Bright artificial light at night is associated with increased body mass, poor reproductive success and compromised disease tolerance in Australian budgerigars (
Melopsittacus undulatus
). Integr Zool 2019; 14:589-603. [DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Itay MALEK
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental BiologyUniversity of Haifa Mount Carmel Haifa Israel
| | - Abraham HAIM
- The Israeli Center for Interdisciplinary Research in ChronobiologyUniversity of Haifa Haifa Israel
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34
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Tomotani BM, de la Hera I, Lange CYMJG, van Lith B, Meddle SL, Both C, Visser ME. Timing manipulations reveal the lack of a causal link across timing of annual-cycle stages in a long-distance migrant. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:jeb.201467. [PMID: 31413104 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.201467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Organisms need to time their annual-cycle stages, like breeding and migration, to occur at the right time of the year. Climate change has shifted the timing of annual-cycle stages at different rates, thereby tightening or lifting time constraints of these annual-cycle stages, a rarely studied consequence of climate change. The degree to which these constraints are affected by climate change depends on whether consecutive stages are causally linked (scenario I) or whether the timing of each stage is independent of other stages (scenario II). Under scenario I, a change in timing in one stage has knock-on timing effects on subsequent stages, whereas under scenario II, a shift in the timing of one stage affects the degree of overlap with previous and subsequent stages. To test this, we combined field manipulations, captivity measurements and geolocation data. We advanced and delayed hatching dates in pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) and measured how the timing of subsequent stages (male moult and migration) were affected. There was no causal effect of manipulated hatching dates on the onset of moult and departure to Africa. Thus, advancing hatching dates reduced the male moult-breeding overlap with no effect on the moult-migration interval. Interestingly, the wintering location of delayed males was more westwards, suggesting that delaying the termination of breeding carries over to winter location. Because we found no causal linkage of the timing of annual-cycle stages, climate change could shift these stages at different rates, with the risk that the time available for some becomes so short that this will have major fitness consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara M Tomotani
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands .,Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
| | - Iván de la Hera
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands.,School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland T23XA50
| | - Cynthia Y M J G Lange
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart van Lith
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Simone L Meddle
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Christiaan Both
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel E Visser
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
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35
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Rittenhouse JL, Robart AR, Watts HE. Variation in chronotype is associated with migratory timing in a songbird. Biol Lett 2019; 15:20190453. [PMID: 31455169 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2019.0453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Like many organisms, birds exhibit daily (circadian) and seasonal biological rhythms, and within populations both daily and seasonal timing often vary among individuals. Because photoperiod interacts with the circadian rhythms of many organisms to induce seasonal changes in behaviour and physiology, it is hypothesized that differences in daily timing, called chronotypes, underpin differences among individuals in the timing of seasonal events. For seasonal events stimulated by increasing daylength, this hypothesis predicts a positive relationship between the timing of daily and seasonal activities of individuals, with advanced chronotypes expressing events earlier in the year. The few previous tests of this hypothesis have focused on seasonal reproductive timing in birds. However, the hypothesis predicts that this relationship should extend to other photoinduced seasonal events. Therefore, we tested whether variation in chronotype was associated with variation in spring migratory timing in a captive songbird model, the pine siskin (Spinus pinus). We found that pine siskins expressing migratory restlessness exhibited repeatable chronotypes in their timing of nocturnal activity. Further, chronotype was significantly associated with the onset date of migratory behaviour, consistent with the hypothesized relationship between chronotype and seasonal timing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashley R Robart
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Heather E Watts
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.,Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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36
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Singh Porte D, Gupta S. A chronological assessment of foraging activities of the Cotton Pigmy Goose, Nettapus coromandelianus Gmelin, 1789 at Dulahara pond, Ratanpur, Chhattisgarh, India. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2018.1484807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Seema Gupta
- Department of Zoology, Govt. Nagarjuna P.G. College of Science, Raipur, India
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37
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Chen R, Guo RH, Zhu HX, Shi ZD. Development of a sandwich ELISA for determining plasma prolactin concentration in domestic birds. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2019; 67:21-27. [PMID: 30660024 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to establish a sandwich ELISA for the determination of prolactin (PRL) concentrations in the plasma of domestic fowls. The assay uses a recombinant goose PRL as the reference standard, expressed in a eukaryotic system, and as the antigen for raising a polyclonal antibody in rabbit. This rabbit anti-goose PRL polyclonal antibody was used for coating the wells of the ELISA plate, and its biotinylated form served as the detection antibody. An avidin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase was used to bind the detection antibody and to catalyze the chromogenic reaction using 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine as the substrate. The assay showed a linear relationship between the optical density and concentration of the standard PRL in the 0 to 12.5 ng/mL range, and the assay was sensitive to a concentration as low as 0.39 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-assay CVs were <7% and 11%, respectively. The response curves of the serially diluted plasma samples from goose, duck, and chicken exhibited similar parallel relationships to that observed for the reference standards. Consistent with previous findings, the assay effectively detected differences in PRL concentration in plasma samples from chicken, duck, and goose at various reproductive stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - R H Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - H X Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Z D Shi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China.
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38
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Lindestad O, Wheat CW, Nylin S, Gotthard K. Local adaptation of photoperiodic plasticity maintains life cycle variation within latitudes in a butterfly. Ecology 2018; 100:e02550. [PMID: 30375642 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The seasonal cycle varies geographically and organisms are under selection to express life cycles that optimally exploit their spatiotemporal habitats. In insects, this often means producing an annual number of generations (voltinism) appropriate to the local season length. Variation in voltinism may arise from variation in environmental factors (e.g., temperature or photoperiod) acting on a single reaction norm shared across populations, but it may also result from local adaptation of reaction norms. However, such local adaptation is poorly explored at short geographic distances, especially within latitudes. Using a combination of common-garden rearing and life cycle modeling, we have investigated the causal factors behind voltinism variation in Swedish populations of the butterfly Pararge aegeria, focusing on a set of populations that lie within a single degree of latitude but nonetheless differ in season length and voltinism. Despite considerable differences in ambient temperature between populations, modeling suggested that the key determinant of local voltinism was in fact interpopulation differences in photoperiodic response. These include differences in the induction thresholds for winter diapause, as well as differences in photoperiodic regulation of larval development, a widespread but poorly studied phenomenon. Our results demonstrate previously neglected ways that photoperiodism may mediate insect phenological responses to temperature, and emphasize the importance of local adaptation in shaping phenological patterns in general, as well as for predicting the responses of populations to changes in climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olle Lindestad
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Sören Nylin
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karl Gotthard
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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39
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Dominoni DM, de Jong M, Bellingham M, O'Shaughnessy P, van Oers K, Robinson J, Smith B, Visser ME, Helm B. Dose-response effects of light at night on the reproductive physiology of great tits (Parus major): Integrating morphological analyses with candidate gene expression. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2018; 329:473-487. [PMID: 30058288 PMCID: PMC6220976 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is increasingly recognized as a potential threat to wildlife and ecosystem health. Among the ecological effects of ALAN, changes in reproductive timing are frequently reported, but the mechanisms underlying this relationship are still poorly understood. Here, we experimentally investigated these mechanisms by assessing dose‐dependent photoperiodic responses to ALAN in the great tit (Parus major). We individually exposed photosensitive male birds to one of three nocturnal light levels (0.5, 1.5, and 5 lux), or to a dark control. Subsequent histological and molecular analyses on their testes indicated a dose‐dependent reproductive response to ALAN. Specifically, different stages of gonadal growth were activated after exposure to different levels of light at night. mRNA transcript levels of genes linked to the development of germ cells (stra8 and spo11) were increased under 0.5 lux compared to the dark control. The 0.5 and 1.5 lux groups showed slight increases in testis size and transcript levels associated with steroid synthesis (lhr and hsd3b1) and spermatogenesis (fshr, wt1, sox9, and cldn11), although spermatogenesis was not detected in histological analysis. In contrast, all birds under 5 lux had 10 to 30 times larger testes than birds in all other groups, with a parallel strong increase in mRNA transcript levels and clear signs of spermatogenesis. Across treatments, the volume of the testes was generally a good predictor of testicular transcript levels. Overall, our findings indicate that even small changes in nocturnal light intensity can increase, or decrease, effects on the reproductive physiology of wild organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide M Dominoni
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike de Jong
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michelle Bellingham
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Peter O'Shaughnessy
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kees van Oers
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jane Robinson
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Bethany Smith
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Marcel E Visser
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Helm
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,GELIFES, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Moore AF, Cassone VM, Alloway KD, Bartell PA. The premammillary nucleus of the hypothalamus is not necessary for photoperiodic timekeeping in female turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190274. [PMID: 29462137 PMCID: PMC5819771 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In birds, seasonal reproduction is regulated by day length, with long days in the spring activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and reproductive behaviors. The photoreceptors mediating this process remain unknown, but recently, the premammillary nucleus (PMM) of the hypothalamus has been implicated as the site of photoperiodic signaling in turkeys. We performed electrolytic lesions of the PMM to elucidate its role in the photoactivation and maintenance of egg production in female turkeys. Our results show that ablation of the PMM does not alter the normal lay cycle. No differences were found between lesioned birds and sham controls in the latency to lay following photostimulation, nor in subsequent egg production over a period of 29 weeks. No differences in the incidence of gonadal regression were found, indicating that the PMM is not essential for the termination of breeding. We conclude that any role of the PMM in photoperiodic regulation, if it exists, is redundant with other components of the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashli F. Moore
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Vincent M. Cassone
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Kevin D. Alloway
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Paul A. Bartell
- Department of Animal Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Zhu H, Shao X, Chen Z, Wei C, Lei M, Ying S, Yu J, Shi Z. Induction of out-of-season egg laying by artificial photoperiod in Yangzhou geese and the associated endocrine and molecular regulation mechanisms. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 180:127-136. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Saino N, Ambrosini R, Albetti B, Caprioli M, De Giorgio B, Gatti E, Liechti F, Parolini M, Romano A, Romano M, Scandolara C, Gianfranceschi L, Bollati V, Rubolini D. Migration phenology and breeding success are predicted by methylation of a photoperiodic gene in the barn swallow. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45412. [PMID: 28361883 PMCID: PMC5374444 DOI: 10.1038/srep45412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals often considerably differ in the timing of their life-cycle events, with major consequences for individual fitness, and, ultimately, for population dynamics. Phenological variation can arise from genetic effects but also from epigenetic modifications in DNA expression and translation. Here, we tested if CpG methylation at the poly-Q and 5'-UTR loci of the photoperiodic Clock gene predicted migration and breeding phenology of long-distance migratory barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) that were tracked year-round using light-level geolocators. Increasing methylation at Clock poly-Q was associated with earlier spring departure from the African wintering area, arrival date at the European breeding site, and breeding date. Higher methylation levels also predicted increased breeding success. Thus, we showed for the first time in any species that CpG methylation at a candidate gene may affect phenology and breeding performance. Methylation at Clock may be a candidate mechanism mediating phenological responses of migratory birds to ongoing climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Saino
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Ambrosini
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 1, I-20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Benedetta Albetti
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab - Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, via San Barnaba 8, I-20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Caprioli
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara De Giorgio
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab - Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, via San Barnaba 8, I-20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Gatti
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 1, I-20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Felix Liechti
- Swiss Ornithological Insititute, Seerose 1, CH-6204, Sempach, Switzerland
| | - Marco Parolini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Romano
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Romano
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Scandolara
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Gianfranceschi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Bollati
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab - Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, via San Barnaba 8, I-20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Rubolini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
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Zhu H, Chen Z, Shao X, Yu J, Wei C, Dai Z, Shi Z. Reproductiveaxis gene regulation during photostimulation and photorefractoriness in Yangzhou goose ganders. Front Zool 2017; 14:11. [PMID: 28250798 PMCID: PMC5324292 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-017-0200-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Yangzhou goose is a long-day breeding bird that has been increasingly produced in China. Artificial lighting programs are used for controlling its reproductive activities. This study investigated the regulations of photostimulation and photorefractoriness that govern the onset and cessation of the breeding period. Results Increasing the daily photoperiod from 8 to 12 h rapidly stimulated testis development and increased plasma testosterone concentrations, with peak levels being reached 2 months after the photoperiod increase. Subsequently, testicular activities, testicular weight, spermatogenesis, and plasma testosterone concentrations declined steadily and reached to the nadir at 5 months after the 12-hour photoperiod. Throughout the experiment, plasma concentrations of triiodothyronine and thyroxine changed in reciprocal fashions to that of testosterone. The stimulation of reproductive activities caused by the increasing photoperiod was associated with increases in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), but decreases in gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) gene messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in the hypothalamus. In the pituitary gland, the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) mRNA abruptly increased during the longer 12-hour photoperiod. The occurrence of photorefractoriness was associated with increased GnIH gene transcription by over 250-fold, together with increased VIP mRNA levels in the hypothalamus, and then prolactin and thyroid-stimulating hormone in the pituitary gland. FSH receptor, LH receptor, and StAR mRNA levels in the testis changed in ways paralleling those of testicular weight and testosterone concentrations. Conclusions The seasonal reproductive activities in Yangzhou geese were directly stimulated by a long photoperiod via upregulation of GnRH gene transcription, downregulation of GnIH, VIP gene transcription, and stimulation of gonadotrophin. Development of photorefractoriness was characterized by hyper-regulation of GnIH gene transcription in the hypothalamus, in addition of upregulation of VIP and TRH gene transcription, and that of their receptors, in the pituitary gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanxi Zhu
- Laboratory of Animal Improvement and Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014 China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Improvement and Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014 China
| | - Xibin Shao
- Sunlake Swan Farm, Changzhou, 213101 China
| | - Jianning Yu
- Laboratory of Animal Improvement and Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014 China
| | - Chuankun Wei
- Laboratory of Animal Improvement and Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014 China
| | - Zichun Dai
- Laboratory of Animal Improvement and Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014 China
| | - Zhendan Shi
- Laboratory of Animal Improvement and Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014 China
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Markowska M, Majewski PM, Skwarło-Sońta K. Avian biological clock - Immune system relationship. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 66:130-138. [PMID: 27235884 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Biological rhythms in birds are driven by the master clock, which includes the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the pineal gland and the retina. Light/dark cycles are the cues that synchronize the rhythmic changes in physiological processes, including immunity. This review summarizes our investigations on the bidirectional relationships between the chicken pineal gland and the immune system. We demonstrated that, in the chicken, the main pineal hormone, melatonin, regulates innate immunity, maintains the rhythmicity of immune reactions and is involved in the seasonal changes in immunity. Using thioglycollate-induced peritonitis as a model, we showed that the activated immune system regulates the pineal gland by inhibition of melatonin production at the level of the key enzyme in its biosynthetic pathway, arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase (AANAT). Interleukin 6 and interleukin 18 seem to be the immune mediators influencing the pineal gland, directly inhibiting Aanat gene transcription and modulating expression of the clock genes Bmal1 and Per3, which in turn regulate Aanat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Markowska
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Department of Animal Physiology, Miecznikowa 1 Str., 02-096, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Paweł M Majewski
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Department of Animal Physiology, Miecznikowa 1 Str., 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krystyna Skwarło-Sońta
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Department of Animal Physiology, Miecznikowa 1 Str., 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
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Griffith SC, Crino OL, Andrew SC, Nomano FY, Adkins-Regan E, Alonso-Alvarez C, Bailey IE, Bittner SS, Bolton PE, Boner W, Boogert N, Boucaud ICA, Briga M, Buchanan KL, Caspers BA, Cichoń M, Clayton DF, Derégnaucourt S, Forstmeier W, Guillette LM, Hartley IR, Healy SD, Hill DL, Holveck MJ, Hurley LL, Ihle M, Tobias Krause E, Mainwaring MC, Marasco V, Mariette MM, Martin-Wintle MS, McCowan LSC, McMahon M, Monaghan P, Nager RG, Naguib M, Nord A, Potvin DA, Prior NH, Riebel K, Romero-Haro AA, Royle NJ, Rutkowska J, Schuett W, Swaddle JP, Tobler M, Trompf L, Varian-Ramos CW, Vignal C, Villain AS, Williams TD. Variation in Reproductive Success Across Captive Populations: Methodological Differences, Potential Biases and Opportunities. Ethology 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon C. Griffith
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Ondi L. Crino
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Samuel C. Andrew
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Fumiaki Y. Nomano
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Elizabeth Adkins-Regan
- Department of Psychology and Department of Neurobiology and Behavior; Cornell University; Ithaca NY USA
| | - Carlos Alonso-Alvarez
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) - CSIC-UCLM-JCCM; Ciudad Real Spain
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva; Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales - CSIC; Madrid Spain
| | - Ida E. Bailey
- School of Biology; University of St Andrews; St Andrews, Fife UK
| | | | - Peri E. Bolton
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Winnie Boner
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine; College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences; University of Glasgow; Glasgow UK
| | - Neeltje Boogert
- School of Psychology; University of St Andrews; St Andrews, Fife UK
| | - Ingrid C. A. Boucaud
- CNRS UMR 9197 NeuroPSI/ENES; Université de Lyon/Saint-Etienne; Saint-Etienne France
| | - Michael Briga
- Behavioural Biology; University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Mariusz Cichoń
- Institute of Environmental Sciences; Jagiellonian University; Cracow Poland
| | - David F. Clayton
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology; Queen Mary University of London; London UK
| | | | - Wolfgang Forstmeier
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics; Max Planck Institute for Ornithology; Seewiesen Germany
| | | | - Ian R. Hartley
- Lancaster Environment Centre; Lancaster University; Lancaster UK
| | - Susan D. Healy
- School of Biology; University of St Andrews; St Andrews, Fife UK
| | - Davina L. Hill
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine; College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences; University of Glasgow; Glasgow UK
| | - Marie-Jeanne Holveck
- Institute of Biology; University of Leiden; Leiden The Netherlands
- Biodiversity Research Centre; Earth and Life Institute; Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL); Louvain-la-Neuve Belgium
| | - Laura L. Hurley
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Malika Ihle
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics; Max Planck Institute for Ornithology; Seewiesen Germany
| | - E. Tobias Krause
- Department of Animal Behaviour; Bielefeld University; Bielefeld Germany
- Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry; Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut; Celle Germany
| | - Mark C. Mainwaring
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney NSW Australia
- Lancaster Environment Centre; Lancaster University; Lancaster UK
| | - Valeria Marasco
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine; College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences; University of Glasgow; Glasgow UK
| | - Mylene M. Mariette
- CNRS UMR 9197 NeuroPSI/ENES; Université de Lyon/Saint-Etienne; Saint-Etienne France
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Deakin University; Geelong VIC Australia
| | - Meghan S. Martin-Wintle
- Conservation and Research Department; PDXWildlife; Portland OR USA
- Applied Animal Ecology; Institute for Conservation Research; San Diego Zoo Global; Escondido CA USA
| | - Luke S. C. McCowan
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Maeve McMahon
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology; Queen Mary University of London; London UK
| | - Pat Monaghan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine; College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences; University of Glasgow; Glasgow UK
| | - Ruedi G. Nager
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine; College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences; University of Glasgow; Glasgow UK
| | - Marc Naguib
- Behavioural Ecology Group; Department of Animal Sciences; Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - Andreas Nord
- Department of Biology; Lund University; Lund Sweden
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology; University of Tromsø; Tromsø Norway
| | - Dominique A. Potvin
- Advanced Facility for Avian Research; University of Western Ontario; London ON Canada
| | - Nora H. Prior
- Zoology Department; University of British Columbia; Vancouver BC Canada
| | - Katharina Riebel
- Lancaster Environment Centre; Lancaster University; Lancaster UK
| | - Ana A. Romero-Haro
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) - CSIC-UCLM-JCCM; Ciudad Real Spain
| | - Nick J. Royle
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation; University of Exeter; Penryn UK
| | - Joanna Rutkowska
- Institute of Environmental Sciences; Jagiellonian University; Cracow Poland
| | - Wiebke Schuett
- Zoological Institute; University of Hamburg; Hamburg Germany
| | - John P. Swaddle
- Biology Department; Institute for Integrative Bird Behaviour Studies; The College of William and Mary; Williamsburg VA USA
| | | | - Larissa Trompf
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Claire W. Varian-Ramos
- Biology Department; Institute for Integrative Bird Behaviour Studies; The College of William and Mary; Williamsburg VA USA
| | - Clémentine Vignal
- CNRS UMR 9197 NeuroPSI/ENES; Université de Lyon/Saint-Etienne; Saint-Etienne France
| | - Avelyne S. Villain
- CNRS UMR 9197 NeuroPSI/ENES; Université de Lyon/Saint-Etienne; Saint-Etienne France
| | - Tony D. Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences; Simon Fraser University; Burnaby BC Canada
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Bazzi G, Cecere JG, Caprioli M, Gatti E, Gianfranceschi L, Podofillini S, Possenti CD, Ambrosini R, Saino N, Spina F, Rubolini D. Clock gene polymorphism, migratory behaviour and geographic distribution: a comparative study of trans-Saharan migratory birds. Mol Ecol 2016; 25:6077-6091. [PMID: 27862517 DOI: 10.1111/mec.13913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Migratory behaviour is controlled by endogenous circannual rhythms that are synchronized by external cues, such as photoperiod. Investigations on the genetic basis of circannual rhythmicity in vertebrates have highlighted that variation at candidate 'circadian clock' genes may play a major role in regulating photoperiodic responses and timing of life cycle events, such as reproduction and migration. In this comparative study of 23 trans-Saharan migratory bird species, we investigated the relationships between species-level genetic variation at two candidate genes, Clock and Adcyap1, and species' traits related to migration and geographic distribution, including timing of spring migration across the Mediterranean Sea, migration distance and breeding latitude. Consistently with previous evidence showing latitudinal clines in 'circadian clock' genotype frequencies, Clock allele size increased with breeding latitude across species. However, early- and late-migrating species had similar Clock allele size. Species migrating over longer distances, showing delayed spring migration and smaller phenotypic variance in spring migration timing, had significantly reduced Clock (but not Adcyap1) gene diversity. Phylogenetic confirmatory path analysis suggested that migration date and distance were the most important variables directly affecting Clock gene diversity. Hence, our study supports the hypothesis that Clock allele size increases poleward as a consequence of adaptation to the photoperiodic regime of the breeding areas. Moreover, we show that long-distance migration is associated with lower Clock diversity, coherently with strong stabilizing selection acting on timing of life cycle events in long-distance migratory species, likely resulting from the time constraints imposed by late spring migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Bazzi
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Jacopo G Cecere
- ISPRA - Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, via Cà Fornacetta 9, I-40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Manuela Caprioli
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Gatti
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Gianfranceschi
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Podofillini
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina D Possenti
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Ambrosini
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Ambiente e della Terra (DISAT), Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, I-20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Saino
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Fernando Spina
- ISPRA - Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, via Cà Fornacetta 9, I-40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Diego Rubolini
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
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Bazzi G, Podofillini S, Gatti E, Gianfranceschi L, Cecere JG, Spina F, Saino N, Rubolini D. Candidate genes have sex-specific effects on timing of spring migration and moult speed in a long-distance migratory bird. Curr Zool 2016; 63:479-486. [PMID: 29492007 PMCID: PMC5804205 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zow103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The timing of major life-history events, such as migration and moult, is set by endogenous circadian and circannual clocks, that have been well characterized at the molecular level. Conversely, the genetic sources of variation in phenology and in other behavioral traits have been sparsely addressed. It has been proposed that inter-individual variability in the timing of seasonal events may arise from allelic polymorphism at phenological candidate genes involved in the signaling cascade of the endogenous clocks. In this study of a long-distance migratory passerine bird, the willow warbler Phylloscopus trochilus, we investigated whether allelic variation at 5 polymorphic loci of 4 candidate genes (Adcyap1, Clock, Creb1, and Npas2), predicted 2 major components of the annual schedule, namely timing of spring migration across the central Mediterranean sea and moult speed, the latter gauged from ptilochronological analyses of tail feathers moulted in the African winter quarters. We identified a novel Clock gene locus (Clock region 3) showing polyQ polymorphism, which was however not significantly associated with any phenotypic trait. Npas2 allele size predicted male (but not female) spring migration date, with males bearing longer alleles migrating significantly earlier than those bearing shorter alleles. Creb1 allele size significantly predicted male (but not female) moult speed, longer alleles being associated with faster moult. All other genotype-phenotype associations were statistically non-significant. These findings provide new evidence for a role of candidate genes in modulating the phenology of different circannual activities in long-distance migratory birds, and for the occurrence of sex-specific candidate gene effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Bazzi
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, Milan I-20133, Italy
| | - Stefano Podofillini
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, Milan I-20133, Italy
| | - Emanuele Gatti
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, Milan I-20133, Italy
| | - Luca Gianfranceschi
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, Milan I-20133, Italy
| | - Jacopo G Cecere
- ISPRA-Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, via Cà Fornacetta 9, Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO I-40064, Italy
| | - Fernando Spina
- ISPRA-Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, via Cà Fornacetta 9, Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO I-40064, Italy
| | - Nicola Saino
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, Milan I-20133, Italy
| | - Diego Rubolini
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, Milan I-20133, Italy
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Davies S, Gao S, Valle S, Bittner S, Hutton P, Meddle SL, Deviche P. Negative energy balance in a male songbird, the Abert's towhee, constrains the testicular endocrine response to luteinizing hormone stimulation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 218:2685-93. [PMID: 26333925 PMCID: PMC4582157 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.123042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Energy deficiency can suppress reproductive function in vertebrates. As the orchestrator of reproductive function, endocrine activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is potentially an important mechanism mediating such effects. Previous experiments in wild-caught birds found inconsistent relationships between energy deficiency and seasonal reproductive function, but these experiments focused on baseline HPG axis activity and none have investigated the responsiveness of this axis to endocrine stimulation. Here, we present data from an experiment in Abert's towhees, Melozone aberti, using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) challenges to investigate whether energy deficiency modulates the plasma testosterone responsiveness of the HPG axis. Wild-caught birds were either ad libitum fed or energetically constrained via chronic food restriction during photoinduced reproductive development. Energy deficiency did not significantly affect the development of reproductive morphology, the baseline endocrine activity of the HPG axis, or the plasma testosterone response to GnRH challenge. Energy deficiency did, however, decrease the plasma testosterone responsiveness to LH challenge. Collectively, these observations suggest that energy deficiency has direct gonadal effects consisting of a decreased responsiveness to LH stimulation. Our study, therefore, reveals a mechanism by which energy deficiency modulates reproductive function in wild birds in the absence of detectable effects on baseline HPG axis activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Davies
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Sisi Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Shelley Valle
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Stephanie Bittner
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Pierce Hutton
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Simone L Meddle
- The Roslin Institute, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Pierre Deviche
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
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Rastogi A, Malik S, Rani S, Kumar V. Changes in brain peptides associated with reproduction and energy homeostasis in photosensitive and photorefractory migratory redheaded buntings. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 230-231:67-75. [PMID: 27038875 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Present study examined the expression of brain peptides associated with the reproduction and energy homeostasis (GnRH/GnIH, NPY/VIP), and assessed their possible functional association in the photosensitive (non-breeding, pre-breeding), photostimulated (breeding) and photorefractory (post-breeding) migratory redheaded buntings (Emberiza bruniceps), using double-labeled immunohistochemistry. Particularly, we measured immunoreactive (-ir) cell numbers, per cent cell area and cell optical density (OD) in the preoptic area (GnRH-I), midbrain (GnRH-II), paraventricular nucleus (GnIH), dorsomedial hypothalamus, DMH and infundibular complex, INc (NPY and VIP), and lateral septal organ (VIP) of buntings kept under natural photoperiods at the wintering latitude (26°55'N). There was a significant seasonal difference in GnRH-I, not GnRH-II, with reduced -ir cells in the photosensitive and photorefractory buntings, and notably with increased cell OD between the refractory and non-breeding states with no increase in testis size. Also, increased cell OD of GnIH neurons in non-breeding state indicated its role in the maintenance of small testes during the post-refractory period. Overall, seasonal changes in GnRH-I and GnIH were found consistent with their suggested roles in reproductive regulation of absolute photorefractory birds. Further, there was a significant seasonal change in cell OD of NPY neurons in DMH, not the INc. In contrast, VIP immunoreactivity was seasonally altered, with a significantly higher VIP-ir cells in breeding than the pre-breeding state. Finally, close proximity between perikarya with fibres suggested functional interactions between the GnRH and GnIH, and NPY and VIP. Thus, seasonal plasticity of brain peptides is perhaps the part of neural regulation of seasonal reproduction and associated energy homeostasis in migratory songbirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Rastogi
- Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226 007, India
| | - Shalie Malik
- Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226 007, India
| | - Sangeeta Rani
- Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226 007, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India.
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Davies S, Lane S, Meddle SL, Tsutsui K, Deviche P. The ecological and physiological bases of variation in the phenology of gonad growth in an urban and desert songbird. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 230-231:17-25. [PMID: 26972152 PMCID: PMC4890648 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2015] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Birds often adjust to urban areas by advancing the timing (phenology) of vernal gonad growth. However, the ecological and physiological bases of this adjustment are unclear. We tested whether the habitat-related disparity in gonad growth phenology of male Abert's towhees, Melozone aberti, is due to greater food availability in urban areas of Phoenix, Arizona USA or, alternatively, a habitat-related difference in the phenology of key food types. To better understand the physiological mechanism underlying variation in gonad growth phenology, we compared the activity of the reproductive system at all levels of hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. We found no habitat-associated difference in food availability (ground arthropod biomass), but, in contrast to the seasonal growth of leaves on desert trees, the leaf foliage of urban trees was already developed at the beginning of our study. Multiple estimates of energetic status did not significantly differ between the non-urban and urban towhees during three years that differed in the habitat-related disparity in gonad growth and winter precipitation levels. Thus, our results provide no support for the hypothesis that greater food abundance in urban areas of Phoenix drives the habitat-related disparity in gonad growth phenology in Abert's towhees. By contrast, they suggest that differences in the predictability and magnitude of change in food availability between urban and desert areas of Phoenix contribute to the observed habitat-related disparity in gonad growth. Endocrine responsiveness of the gonads may contribute to this phenomenon as desert - but not urban - towhees had a marked plasma testosterone response to GnRH challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Davies
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA.
| | - Samuel Lane
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Simone L Meddle
- The Roslin Institute & Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9PS, UK
| | - Kazuyoshi Tsutsui
- Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology and Center for Medical Life Science, Waseda University, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - Pierre Deviche
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
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