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Visniauskas B, Ogola BO, Kilanowski-Doroh I, Harris NR, Diaz ZT, Horton AC, Blessinger SA, McNally AB, Zimmerman MA, Arnold AC, Lindsey SH. Hypertension disrupts the vascular clock in both sexes. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 327:H765-H777. [PMID: 39058434 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00131.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Blood pressure (BP) displays a circadian rhythm and disruptions in this pattern elevate cardiovascular risk. Although both central and peripheral clock genes are implicated in these processes, the importance of vascular clock genes is not fully understood. BP, vascular reactivity, and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system display overt sex differences, but whether changes in circadian patterns underlie these differences is unknown. Therefore, we hypothesized that circadian rhythms and vascular clock genes would differ across sex and would be blunted by angiotensin II (ANG II)-induced hypertension. ANG II infusion elevated BP and disrupted circadian patterns similarly in both males and females. In females, an impact on heart rate (HR) and locomotor activity was revealed, whereas in males hypertension suppressed baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). A marked disruption in the vascular expression patterns of period circadian regulator 1 (Per1) and brain and muscle aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator like protein 1 (Bmal1) was noted in both sexes. Vascular expression of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (Gper1) also showed diurnal synchronization in both sexes that was similar to that of Per1 and Per2 and disrupted by hypertension. In contrast, vascular expression of estrogen receptor 1 (Esr1) showed a diurnal rhythm and hypertension-induced disruption only in females. This study shows a strikingly similar impact of hypertension on BP rhythmicity, vascular clock genes, and vascular estrogen receptor expression in both sexes. We identified a greater impact of hypertension on locomotor activity and heart rate in females and on baroreflex sensitivity in males and also revealed a diurnal regulation of vascular estrogen receptors. These insights highlight the intricate ties between circadian biology, sex differences, and cardiovascular regulation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study reveals that ANG II-induced hypertension disrupts the circadian rhythm of blood pressure in both male and female mice, with parallel effects on vascular clock gene and estrogen receptor diurnal patterns. Notably, sex-specific responses to hypertension in terms of locomotor activity, heart rate, and baroreflex sensitivity are revealed. These findings pave the way for chronotherapeutic strategies tailored to mitigate cardiovascular risks associated with disrupted circadian rhythms in hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Visniauskas
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
| | - Benard O Ogola
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
- Vascular Biology Center and Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
| | - Isabella Kilanowski-Doroh
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
| | - Nicholas R Harris
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
| | - Zaidmara T Diaz
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
| | - Alec C Horton
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
| | - Sophia A Blessinger
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
| | - Alexandra B McNally
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
| | - Margaret A Zimmerman
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
| | - Amy C Arnold
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Sarah H Lindsey
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
- Tulane Center of Excellence in Sex-Based Biology and Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
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2
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Best J, Kim R, Reed M, Nijhout HF. A mathematical model of melatonin synthesis and interactions with the circadian clock. Math Biosci 2024; 377:109280. [PMID: 39243938 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2024.109280] [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: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
A new mathematical model of melatonin synthesis in pineal cells is created and connected to a slightly modified previously created model of the circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN influences the production of melatonin by upregulating two key enzymes in the pineal. The melatonin produced enters the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid and thus the SCN, influencing the circadian clock. We show that the model of melatonin synthesis corresponds well with extant experimental data and responds similarly to clinical experiments on bright light in the middle of the night. Melatonin is widely used to treat jet lag and sleep disorders. We show how the feedback from the pineal to the SCN causes phase resetting of the circadian clock. Melatonin doses early in the evening advance the clock and doses late at night delay the clock with a dead zone in between where the phase of the clock does not change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Best
- Department of Mathematics, The Ohio State University, 231 W. 18th Ave., Columbus, 43210, OH, USA.
| | - Ruby Kim
- Department of Mathematics, University of Michigan, 2074 East Hall, 530 Church St., Ann Arbor, 48109, MI, USA
| | - Michael Reed
- Department of Mathematics, Duke University, 120 Science Drive, Campus box 90338, Durham, 27708, NC, USA
| | - H Frederik Nijhout
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Biological Sciences Building, Campus box 90320, Durham, 27708, NC, USA
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3
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Bernstein BJ, Kendricks DR, Fry S, Wilson L, Koopmans B, Loos M, Stevanovic KD, Cushman JD. Sex differences in spontaneous behavior and cognition in mice using an automated behavior monitoring system. Physiol Behav 2024; 283:114595. [PMID: 38810714 PMCID: PMC11246821 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114595] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Isolation of sex differences as a key characteristic underlying neurobehavioral differentiation is an essential component of studies in neuroscience. The current study sought to address this concern by observing behavioral differences using an automated home cage system for neurobehavioral assessment, a method rapidly increasing in use due to advances in technology and advantages such as reduced handling stress and cross-lab variability. Sex differences in C57BL/6 mice arose for motor activity and circadian-linked behavior, with females being more active compared to males, and males having a stronger anticipatory increase in activity leading up to the onset of the light phase compared to females. These activity differences were observed not only across the lifespan, but also in different genetic background mouse strains across different testing sites showing the generalizability and robustness of these observed effects. Activity differences were also observed in performance on a spatial learning and reversal task with females making more responses and receiving a corresponding elevation in reward pellets. Notably, there were no sex differences in learning nor achieved accuracy, suggesting these observed effects were predominantly in activity. The outcomes of this study align with previous reports showcasing differences in activity between males and females. The comparison across strains and testing sites showed robust and reproducible differences in behavior between female and male mice that are relevant to consider when designing behavioral studies. Furthermore, the observed sex differences in performance on the learning and reversal procedure raise concern for interpretation of behavior differences between sexes due to the attribution of these differences to motor activity rather than cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana J Bernstein
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Dalisa R Kendricks
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), National Institute of Health, NC, USA
| | - Sydney Fry
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, University of Colorado, CO, USA
| | - Leslie Wilson
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), National Institute of Health, NC, USA
| | - Bastijn Koopmans
- Sylics (Synaptologics B.V.), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; InnoSer Nederland B.V., Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten Loos
- Sylics (Synaptologics B.V.), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; InnoSer Nederland B.V., Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Korey D Stevanovic
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), National Institute of Health, NC, USA
| | - Jesse D Cushman
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), National Institute of Health, NC, USA.
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4
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Sharma P, Nelson RJ. Disrupted Circadian Rhythms and Substance Use Disorders: A Narrative Review. Clocks Sleep 2024; 6:446-467. [PMID: 39189197 PMCID: PMC11348162 DOI: 10.3390/clockssleep6030030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Substance use disorder is a major global health concern, with a high prevalence among adolescents and young adults. The most common substances of abuse include alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, nicotine, and opiates. Evidence suggests that a mismatch between contemporary lifestyle and environmental demands leads to disrupted circadian rhythms that impair optimal physiological and behavioral function, which can increase the vulnerability to develop substance use disorder and related problems. The circadian system plays an important role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle and reward processing, both of which directly affect substance abuse. Distorted substance use can have a reciprocal effect on the circadian system by influencing circadian clock gene expression. Considering the detrimental health consequences and profound societal impact of substance use disorder, it is crucial to comprehend its complex association with circadian rhythms, which can pave the way for the generation of novel chronotherapeutic treatment approaches. In this narrative review, we have explored the potential contributions of disrupted circadian rhythms and sleep on use and relapse of different substances of abuse. The involvement of circadian clock genes with drug reward pathways is discussed, along with the potential research areas that can be explored to minimize disordered substance use by improving circadian hygiene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi Sharma
- Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA;
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5
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Perry LJ, Perez BE, Wahba LR, Nikhil KL, Lenzen WC, Jones JR. A circadian behavioral analysis suite for real-time classification of daily rhythms in complex behaviors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.23.581778. [PMID: 39149294 PMCID: PMC11326128 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.23.581778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Measuring animal behavior over long timescales has been traditionally limited to behaviors that are easily measurable with real-time sensors. More complex behaviors have been measured over time, but these approaches are considerably more challenging due to the intensive manual effort required for scoring behaviors. Recent advances in machine learning have introduced automated behavior analysis methods, but these often overlook long-term behavioral patterns and struggle with classification in varying environmental conditions. To address this, we developed a pipeline that enables continuous, parallel recording and acquisition of animal behavior for an indefinite duration. As part of this pipeline, we applied a recent breakthrough self-supervised computer vision model to reduce training bias and overfitting and to ensure classification robustness. Our system automatically classifies animal behaviors with a performance approaching that of expert-level human labelers. Critically, classification occurs continuously, across multiple animals, and in real time. As a proof-of-concept, we used our system to record behavior from 97 mice over two weeks to test the hypothesis that sex and estrogen influence circadian rhythms in nine distinct home cage behaviors. We discovered novel sex- and estrogen-dependent differences in circadian properties of several behaviors including digging and nesting rhythms. We present a generalized version of our pipeline and novel classification model, the "circadian behavioral analysis suite," (CBAS) as a user-friendly, open-source software package that allows researchers to automatically acquire and analyze behavioral rhythms with a throughput that rivals sensor-based methods, allowing for the temporal and circadian analysis of behaviors that were previously difficult or impossible to observe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan J Perry
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Blanca E Perez
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Larissa Rays Wahba
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - K L Nikhil
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - William C Lenzen
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Jeff R Jones
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
- Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
- Center for Biological Clocks Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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6
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Pastrick A, Diaz M, Adaya G, Montinola V, Arzbecker M, Joye DAM, Evans JA. Biological Sex Influences Daily Locomotor Rhythms in Mice Held Under Different Housing Conditions. J Biol Rhythms 2024; 39:351-364. [PMID: 38845380 PMCID: PMC11322640 DOI: 10.1177/07487304241256004] [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: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Daily rhythms are programmed by a central circadian clock that is modulated by photoperiod. Here, we recorded locomotor activity rhythms in C57Bl/6 or mPer2Luc mice of both sexes held under different housing conditions. First, we confirm that the structure of locomotor activity rhythms differs between male and female mice in both genetic backgrounds. Male mice exhibit a nightly "siesta," whereas female mice fluctuate between nights with and without a nightly siesta, which corresponds with changes in locomotor activity levels, circadian period, and vaginal cytology. The nightly siesta is modulated by the presence of a running wheel in both sexes but is not required for the infradian patterning of locomotor rhythms in females. Finally, photoperiodic changes in locomotor rhythms differed by sex, and females displayed phase-jumping responses earlier than males under a parametric photoentrainment assay simulating increasing day length. Collectively, these results highlight that sex and sex hormones influence daily locomotor rhythms under a variety of different environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Victoria Montinola
- Department of Biomedical Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Madeline Arzbecker
- Department of Biomedical Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Deborah A. M. Joye
- Department of Biomedical Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Evans
- Department of Biomedical Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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7
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Lal H, Verma SK, Wang Y, Xie M, Young ME. Circadian Rhythms in Cardiovascular Metabolism. Circ Res 2024; 134:635-658. [PMID: 38484029 PMCID: PMC10947116 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.323520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Energetic demand and nutrient supply fluctuate as a function of time-of-day, in alignment with sleep-wake and fasting-feeding cycles. These daily rhythms are mirrored by 24-hour oscillations in numerous cardiovascular functional parameters, including blood pressure, heart rate, and myocardial contractility. It is, therefore, not surprising that metabolic processes also fluctuate over the course of the day, to ensure temporal needs for ATP, building blocks, and metabolism-based signaling molecules are met. What has become increasingly clear is that in addition to classic signal-response coupling (termed reactionary mechanisms), cardiovascular-relevant cells use autonomous circadian clocks to temporally orchestrate metabolic pathways in preparation for predicted stimuli/stresses (termed anticipatory mechanisms). Here, we review current knowledge regarding circadian regulation of metabolism, how metabolic rhythms are synchronized with cardiovascular function, and whether circadian misalignment/disruption of metabolic processes contribute toward the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hind Lal
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Suresh Kumar Verma
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Yajing Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Min Xie
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Martin E. Young
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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8
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Vidafar P, McGlashan EM, Burns AC, Anderson C, Shechter A, Lockley SW, Phillips AJK, Cain SW. Greater sensitivity of the circadian system of women to bright light, but not dim-to-moderate light. J Pineal Res 2024; 76:e12936. [PMID: 39041348 PMCID: PMC10909465 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Women typically sleep and wake earlier than men and have been shown to have earlier circadian timing relative to the light/dark cycle that synchronizes the clock. A potential mechanism for earlier timing in women is an altered response of the circadian system to evening light. We characterized individual-level dose-response curves for light-induced melatonin suppression using a within-subjects protocol. Fifty-six participants (29 women, 27 men; aged 18-30 years) were exposed to a range of light illuminances (10, 30, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 2000 lux) using melatonin suppression relative to a dim control (<1 lux) as a marker of light sensitivity. Women were free from hormonal contraception. To examine the potential influence of sex hormones, estradiol and progesterone was examined in women and testosterone was examined in a subset of men. Menstrual phase was monitored using self-reports and estradiol and progesterone levels. Women exhibited significantly greater melatonin suppression than men under the 400-lux and 2000-lux conditions, but not under lower light conditions (10-200 lux). Light sensitivity did not differ by menstrual phase, nor was it associated with levels of estradiol, progesterone, or testosterone, suggesting the sex differences in light sensitivity were not acutely driven by circulating levels of sex hormones. These results suggest that sex differences in circadian timing are not due to differences in the response to dim/moderate light exposures typically experienced in the evening. The finding of increased bright light sensitivity in women suggests that sex differences in circadian timing could plausibly instead be driven by a greater sensitivity to phase-advancing effects of bright morning light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Vidafar
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical SchoolThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life CourseCanberraAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia
| | - Elise M. McGlashan
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
- Melbourne School of Psychological SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Angus C. Burns
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Clare Anderson
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Ari Shechter
- Department of MedicineColumbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Steven W. Lockley
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
- Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Division of Sleep and Circadian DisordersBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Division of Sleep MedicineHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesSurrey Sleep Research Centre, University of SurreyGuildfordSurreyUK
| | - Andrew J. K. Phillips
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Sean W. Cain
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
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Naveed M, Chao OY, Hill JW, Yang YM, Huston JP, Cao R. Circadian neurogenetics and its implications in neurophysiology, behavior, and chronomedicine. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 157:105523. [PMID: 38142983 PMCID: PMC10872425 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105523] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
The circadian rhythm affects multiple physiological processes, and disruption of the circadian system can be involved in a range of disease-related pathways. The genetic underpinnings of the circadian rhythm have been well-studied in model organisms. Significant progress has been made in understanding how clock genes affect the physiological functions of the nervous system. In addition, circadian timing is becoming a key factor in improving drug efficacy and reducing drug toxicity. The circadian biology of the target cell determines how the organ responds to the drug at a specific time of day, thus regulating pharmacodynamics. The current review brings together recent advances that have begun to unravel the molecular mechanisms of how the circadian clock affects neurophysiological and behavioral processes associated with human brain diseases. We start with a brief description of how the ubiquitous circadian rhythms are regulated at the genetic, cellular, and neural circuit levels, based on knowledge derived from extensive research on model organisms. We then summarize the latest findings from genetic studies of human brain disorders, focusing on the role of human clock gene variants in these diseases. Lastly, we discuss the impact of common dietary factors and medications on human circadian rhythms and advocate for a broader application of the concept of chronomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Naveed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Owen Y Chao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812, USA
| | - Jennifer W Hill
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Yi-Mei Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Joseph P Huston
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ruifeng Cao
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Department of Neurology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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Han C, Lim JY, Koike N, Kim SY, Ono K, Tran CK, Mangutov E, Kim E, Zhang Y, Li L, Pradhan AA, Yagita K, Chen Z, Yoo SH, Burish MJ. Regulation of headache response and transcriptomic network by the trigeminal ganglion clock. Headache 2024; 64:195-210. [PMID: 38288634 PMCID: PMC10961824 DOI: 10.1111/head.14670] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the circadian features of the trigeminal ganglion in a mouse model of headache. BACKGROUND Several headache disorders, such as migraine and cluster headache, are known to exhibit distinct circadian rhythms of attacks. The circadian basis for these rhythmic pain responses, however, remains poorly understood. METHODS We examined trigeminal ganglion ex vivo and single-cell cultures from Per2::LucSV reporter mice and performed immunohistochemistry. Circadian behavior and transcriptomics were investigated using a novel combination of trigeminovascular and circadian models: a nitroglycerin mouse headache model with mechanical thresholds measured every 6 h, and trigeminal ganglion RNA sequencing measured every 4 h for 24 h. Finally, we performed pharmacogenomic analysis of gene targets for migraine, cluster headache, and trigeminal neuralgia treatments as well as trigeminal ganglion neuropeptides; this information was cross-referenced with our cycling genes from RNA sequencing data to identify potential targets for chronotherapy. RESULTS The trigeminal ganglion demonstrates strong circadian rhythms in both ex vivo and single-cell cultures, with core circadian proteins found in both neuronal and non-neuronal cells. Using our novel behavioral model, we showed that nitroglycerin-treated mice display circadian rhythms of pain sensitivity which were abolished in arrhythmic Per1/2 double knockout mice. Furthermore, RNA-sequencing analysis of the trigeminal ganglion revealed 466 genes that displayed circadian oscillations in the control group, including core clock genes and clock-regulated pain neurotransmitters. In the nitroglycerin group, we observed a profound circadian reprogramming of gene expression, as 331 of circadian genes in the control group lost rhythm and another 584 genes gained rhythm. Finally, pharmacogenetics analysis identified 10 genes in our trigeminal ganglion circadian transcriptome that encode target proteins of current medications used to treat migraine, cluster headache, or trigeminal neuralgia. CONCLUSION Our study unveiled robust circadian rhythms in the trigeminal ganglion at the behavioral, transcriptomic, and pharmacogenetic levels. These results support a fundamental role of the clock in pain pathophysiology. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY Several headache diseases, such as migraine and cluster headache, have headaches that occur at the same time each day. We learned that the trigeminal ganglion, an important pain structure in several headache diseases, has a 24-hour cycle that might be related to this daily cycle of headaches. Our genetic analysis suggests that some medications may be more effective in treating migraine and cluster headache when taken at specific times of the day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chorong Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UTHealth Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ji Ye Lim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UTHealth Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nobuya Koike
- Department of Physiology and Systems Bioscience, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sun Young Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UTHealth Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kaori Ono
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UTHealth Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Celia K. Tran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UTHealth Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Elizaveta Mangutov
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Eunju Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UTHealth Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yanping Zhang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Lingyong Li
- Division of Molecular and Translational Biomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Amynah A. Pradhan
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kazuhiro Yagita
- Department of Physiology and Systems Bioscience, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Zheng Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UTHealth Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Seung-Hee Yoo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UTHealth Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mark J. Burish
- Department of Neurosurgery, UTHealth Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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11
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Johnson CE, Duncan MJ, Murphy MP. Sex and Sleep Disruption as Contributing Factors in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:31-74. [PMID: 38007653 PMCID: PMC10842753 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230527] [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: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects more women than men, with women throughout the menopausal transition potentially being the most under researched and at-risk group. Sleep disruptions, which are an established risk factor for AD, increase in prevalence with normal aging and are exacerbated in women during menopause. Sex differences showing more disrupted sleep patterns and increased AD pathology in women and female animal models have been established in literature, with much emphasis placed on loss of circulating gonadal hormones with age. Interestingly, increases in gonadotropins such as follicle stimulating hormone are emerging to be a major contributor to AD pathogenesis and may also play a role in sleep disruption, perhaps in combination with other lesser studied hormones. Several sleep influencing regions of the brain appear to be affected early in AD progression and some may exhibit sexual dimorphisms that may contribute to increased sleep disruptions in women with age. Additionally, some of the most common sleep disorders, as well as multiple health conditions that impair sleep quality, are more prevalent and more severe in women. These conditions are often comorbid with AD and have bi-directional relationships that contribute synergistically to cognitive decline and neuropathology. The association during aging of increased sleep disruption and sleep disorders, dramatic hormonal changes during and after menopause, and increased AD pathology may be interacting and contributing factors that lead to the increased number of women living with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie E. Johnson
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Marilyn J. Duncan
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - M. Paul Murphy
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Lexington, KY, USA
- University of Kentucky, Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, Lexington, KY, USA
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12
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Christians JK, Reue K. The role of gonadal hormones and sex chromosomes in sex-dependent effects of early nutrition on metabolic health. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1304050. [PMID: 38189044 PMCID: PMC10770830 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1304050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Early-life conditions such as prenatal nutrition can have long-term effects on metabolic health, and these effects may differ between males and females. Understanding the biological mechanisms underlying sex differences in the response to early-life environment will improve interventions, but few such mechanisms have been identified, and there is no overall framework for understanding sex differences. Biological sex differences may be due to chromosomal sex, gonadal sex, or interactions between the two. This review describes approaches to distinguish between the roles of chromosomal and gonadal sex, and summarizes findings regarding sex differences in metabolism. The Four Core Genotypes (FCG) mouse model allows dissociation of the sex chromosome genotype from gonadal type, whereas the XY* mouse model can be used to distinguish effects of X chromosome dosage vs the presence of the Y chromosome. Gonadectomy can be used to distinguish between organizational (permanent) and activational (reversible) effects of sex hormones. Baseline sex differences in a variety of metabolic traits are influenced by both activational and organizational effects of gonadal hormones, as well as sex chromosome complement. Thus far, these approaches have not been widely applied to examine sex-dependent effects of prenatal conditions, although a number of studies have found activational effects of estradiol to be protective against the development of hypertension following early-life adversity. Genes that escape X chromosome inactivation (XCI), such as Kdm5c, contribute to baseline sex-differences in metabolism, while Ogt, another XCI escapee, leads to sex-dependent responses to prenatal maternal stress. Genome-wide approaches to the study of sex differences include mapping genetic loci influencing metabolic traits in a sex-dependent manner. Seeking enrichment for binding sites of hormone receptors among genes showing sexually-dimorphic expression can elucidate the relative roles of hormones. Using the approaches described herein to identify mechanisms underlying sex-dependent effects of early nutrition on metabolic health may enable the identification of fundamental mechanisms and potential interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian K. Christians
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Women’s Health Research Institute, BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Karen Reue
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Van Loh BM, Yaw AM, Breuer JA, Jackson B, Nguyen D, Jang K, Ramos F, Ho EV, Cui LJ, Gillette DLM, Sempere LF, Gorman MR, Tonsfeldt KJ, Mellon PL, Hoffmann HM. The transcription factor VAX1 in VIP neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus impacts circadian rhythm generation, depressive-like behavior, and the reproductive axis in a sex-specific manner in mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1269672. [PMID: 38205198 PMCID: PMC10777845 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1269672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) within the hypothalamus is a key brain structure required to relay light information to the body and synchronize cell and tissue level rhythms and hormone release. Specific subpopulations of SCN neurons, defined by their peptide expression, regulate defined SCN output. Here we focus on the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) expressing neurons of the SCN. SCN VIP neurons are known to regulate circadian rhythms and reproductive function. Methods To specifically study SCN VIP neurons, we generated a novel knock out mouse line by conditionally deleting the SCN enriched transcription factor, Ventral Anterior Homeobox 1 (Vax1), in VIP neurons (Vax1Vip; Vax1fl/fl:VipCre). Results We found that Vax1Vip females presented with lengthened estrous cycles, reduced circulating estrogen, and increased depressive-like behavior. Further, Vax1Vip males and females presented with a shortened circadian period in locomotor activity and ex vivo SCN circadian period. On a molecular level, the shortening of the SCN period was driven, at least partially, by a direct regulatory role of VAX1 on the circadian clock genes Bmal1 and Per2. Interestingly, Vax1Vip females presented with increased expression of arginine vasopressin (Avp) in the paraventricular nucleus, which resulted in increased circulating corticosterone. SCN VIP and AVP neurons regulate the reproductive gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and kisspeptin neurons. To determine how the reproductive neuroendocrine network was impacted in Vax1Vip mice, we assessed GnRH sensitivity to a kisspeptin challenge in vivo. We found that GnRH neurons in Vax1Vip females, but not males, had an increased sensitivity to kisspeptin, leading to increased luteinizing hormone release. Interestingly, Vax1Vip males showed a small, but significant increase in total sperm and a modest delay in pubertal onset. Both male and female Vax1Vip mice were fertile and generated litters comparable in size and frequency to controls. Conclusion Together, these data identify VAX1 in SCN VIP neurons as a neurological overlap between circadian timekeeping, female reproduction, and depressive-like symptoms in mice, and provide novel insight into the role of SCN VIP neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke M. Van Loh
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Alexandra M. Yaw
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Joseph A. Breuer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Brooke Jackson
- Department of Radiology and Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Duong Nguyen
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Krystal Jang
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Fabiola Ramos
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Emily V. Ho
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Laura J. Cui
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Dominique L. M. Gillette
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Lorenzo F. Sempere
- Department of Radiology and Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Michael R. Gorman
- Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Karen J. Tonsfeldt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Pamela L. Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Hanne M. Hoffmann
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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14
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Young ME. The Cardiac Circadian Clock: Implications for Cardiovascular Disease and its Treatment. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2023; 8:1613-1628. [PMID: 38205356 PMCID: PMC10774593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2023.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Virtually all aspects of physiology fluctuate with respect to the time of day. This is beautifully exemplified by cardiovascular physiology, for which blood pressure and electrophysiology exhibit robust diurnal oscillations. At molecular/biochemical levels (eg, transcription, translation, signaling, metabolism), cardiovascular-relevant tissues (such as the heart) are profoundly different during the day vs the night. Unfortunately, this in turn contributes toward 24-hour rhythms in both risk of adverse event onset (eg, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction) and pathogenesis severity (eg, extent of ischemic damage). Accumulating evidence indicates that cell-autonomous timekeeping mechanisms, termed circadian clocks, temporally govern biological processes known to play critical roles in cardiovascular function/dysfunction. In this paper, a comprehensive review of our current understanding of the cardiomyocyte circadian clock during both health and disease is detailed. Unprecedented basic, translational, and epidemiologic studies support a need to implement chronobiological considerations in strategies designed for both prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin E. Young
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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15
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Moysés-Oliveira M, Favilla BP, Melaragno MI, Tufik S. X-Chromosome Dependent Differences in the Neuronal Molecular Signatures and Their Implications in Sleep Patterns. Sleep Med Clin 2023; 18:521-531. [PMID: 38501524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2023.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Biological factors and mechanisms that drive sex differences observed in sleep disturbances are understudied and poorly understood. The extent to which sex chromosome constitution impacts on sex differences in circadian patterns is still a knowledge void in the sleep medicine field. Here we focus on the neurological consequences of X-chromosome functional imbalances between males and females and how this molecular inequality might affect sex divergencies on sleep. In light of the X-chromosome inactivation mechanism in females and its implications in gene regulation, we describe sleep-related neuronal circuits and brain regions impacted by sex-biased modulations of the transcriptome and the epigenome. Benefited from recent large-scale genetic studies on the interplay between X-chromosome and brain function, we list clinically relevant genes that might play a role in sex differences in neuronal pathways. Those molecular signatures are put into the context of sleep and sleep-associated neurological phenotypes, aiming to identify biological mechanisms that link X-chromosome gene regulation to sex-biased human traits. These findings are a significant step forward in understanding how X-linked genes manifest in sleep-associated transcriptional networks and point to future research opportunities to address female-specific clinical manifestations and therapeutic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Moysés-Oliveira
- Sleep Institute, Associação Fundo de Incentivo à Pesquisa, Rua Marselhea, 500, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bianca Pereira Favilla
- Genetics Division, Departamento de Morfologia e Genética, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Isabel Melaragno
- Genetics Division, Departamento de Morfologia e Genética, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sergio Tufik
- Sleep Institute, Associação Fundo de Incentivo à Pesquisa, Rua Marselhea, 500, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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16
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Boyd HM, Frick KM, Kwapis JL. Connecting the Dots: Potential Interactions Between Sex Hormones and the Circadian System During Memory Consolidation. J Biol Rhythms 2023; 38:537-555. [PMID: 37464775 PMCID: PMC10615791 DOI: 10.1177/07487304231184761] [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: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Both the circadian clock and sex hormone signaling can strongly influence brain function, yet little is known about how these 2 powerful modulatory systems might interact during complex neural processes like memory consolidation. Individually, the molecular components and action of each of these systems have been fairly well-characterized, but there is a fundamental lack of information about how these systems cooperate. In the circadian system, clock genes function as timekeeping molecules that convey time-of-day information on a well-stereotyped cycle that is governed by the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Keeping time is particularly important to synchronize various physiological processes across the brain and body, including those that regulate memory consolidation. Similarly, sex hormones are powerful modulators of memory, with androgens, estrogens, and progestins, all influencing memory consolidation within memory-relevant brain regions like the hippocampus. Despite clear evidence that each system can influence memory individually, exactly how the circadian and hormonal systems might interact to impact memory consolidation remains unclear. Research investigating either sex hormone action or circadian gene function within memory-relevant brain regions has unveiled several notable places in which the two systems could interact to control memory. Here, we bring attention to known interactions between the circadian clock and sex hormone signaling. We then review sex hormone-mediated control of memory consolidation, highlighting potential nodes through which the circadian system might interact during memory formation. We suggest that the bidirectional relationship between these two systems is essential for proper control of memory formation based on an animal's hormonal and circadian state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M. Boyd
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
- Center for Eukaryotic Gene Regulation, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Karyn M. Frick
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Janine L. Kwapis
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
- Center for Eukaryotic Gene Regulation, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
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17
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Thirouin ZS, Gizowski C, Murtaz A, Bourque CW. Sex-specific differences in the circadian pattern of action potential firing by rat suprachiasmatic nucleus vasopressin neurons. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13273. [PMID: 37132408 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus serves as the master circadian clock in mammals. Most SCN neurons express the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) along with a peptide cotransmitter. Notably, the neuropeptides vasopressin (VP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) define two prominent clusters within the SCN: those located in the ventral core (VIP) and those forming the dorsomedial "shell" of the nucleus (VP). Axons emerging from VP neurons in the shell are thought to mediate much of the SCN's output to other brain regions as well as VP release into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Previous work has shown that VP release by SCN neurons is activity dependent and SCN VP neurons fire action potentials at a higher rate during the light phase. Accordingly, CSF VP levels are higher during daytime. Interestingly, the amplitude of the CSF VP rhythm is greater in males than females, suggesting the existence of sex differences in the electrical activity of SCN VP neurons. Here we investigated this hypothesis by performing cell-attached recordings from 1070 SCN VP neurons across the entire circadian cycle in both sexes of transgenic rats that express green fluorescent protein (GFP) driven by the VP gene promoter. Using an immunocytochemical approach we confirmed that >60% of SCN VP neurons display visible GFP. Recordings in acute coronal slices revealed that VP neurons display a striking circadian pattern of action potential firing, but the characteristics of this activity cycle differ in males and females. Specifically, neurons in males reached a significantly higher peak firing frequency during subjective daytime compared to females and the acrophase occurred ~1 h earlier in females. Peak firing rates in females were not significantly different at various phases of the estrous cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra S Thirouin
- Center for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Claire Gizowski
- Center for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anzala Murtaz
- Center for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Charles W Bourque
- Center for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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18
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Ballester Roig MN, Roy PG, Hannou L, Delignat-Lavaud B, Sully Guerrier TA, Bélanger-Nelson E, Dufort-Gervais J, Mongrain V. Transcriptional regulation of the mouse EphA4, Ephrin-B2 and Ephrin-A3 genes by the circadian clock machinery. Chronobiol Int 2023; 40:983-1003. [PMID: 37551686 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2023.2237580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms originate from molecular feedback loops. In mammals, the transcription factors CLOCK and BMAL1 act on regulatory elements (i.e. E-boxes) to shape biological functions in a rhythmic manner. The EPHA4 receptor and its ligands Ephrins (EFN) are cell adhesion molecules regulating neurotransmission and neuronal morphology. Previous studies showed the presence of E-boxes in the genes of EphA4 and specific Ephrins, and that EphA4 knockout mice have an altered circadian rhythm of locomotor activity. We thus hypothesized that the core clock machinery regulates the gene expression of EphA4, EfnB2 and EfnA3. CLOCK and BMAL1 (or NPAS2 and BMAL2) were found to have transcriptional activity on distal and proximal regions of EphA4, EfnB2 and EfnA3 putative promoters. A constitutively active form of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β; a negative regulator of CLOCK and BMAL1) blocked the transcriptional induction. Mutating the E-boxes of EphA4 distal promoter sequence reduced transcriptional induction. EPHA4 and EFNB2 protein levels did not show circadian variations in the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus or prefrontal cortex. The findings uncover that core circadian transcription factors can regulate the gene expression of elements of the Eph/Ephrin system, which might contribute to circadian rhythmicity in biological processes in the brain or peripheral tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Neus Ballester Roig
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Recherche CIUSSS-NIM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pierre-Gabriel Roy
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Recherche CIUSSS-NIM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Valérie Mongrain
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Recherche CIUSSS-NIM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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19
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Le AL, Lynch WJ, Rissman EF. Sex Chromosome Complement and Estradiol Modify Cocaine Self-Administration Behaviors in Male Mice. Neuroendocrinology 2023; 113:1177-1188. [PMID: 37348474 DOI: 10.1159/000531648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Women are more vulnerable to cocaine's reinforcing effects and have a more rapid course to addiction after initial cocaine use as compared to men. Studies in rodents similarly indicate an enhanced sensitivity to the reinforcing effects of cocaine in females versus males. Levels of estradiol (E2) are correlated with vulnerability to the rewarding actions of cocaine. Here, we asked if sex chromosome complement (SCC) influences vulnerability to cocaine use. METHODS We used the four-core genotype mouse that produces gonadal males and females with either XX or XY SCC. Mice were gonadectomized and implanted with either an estradiol (E2) or cholesterol-filled pellet. This allowed us to determine the effects of SCC in the absence (cholesterol-treated) and presence of tonic high physiological hormone levels (estradiol). Acquisition of cocaine self-administration was determined over a 12-day period using an escalated dose procedure (0.3 mg/kg/infusion, sessions 1-6; 0.6 mg/kg/infusion, sessions 6-12). RESULTS Without estradiol treatment, a greater percentage of castrated XY mice acquired cocaine self-administration and did so at a faster rate than XX castrates and ovariectomized XY females. These same XY males acquired sooner, infused more cocaine, and directed more nose pokes to the rewarded nose-poke hole than XX castrates and XY males receiving E2. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that in gonadal male mice, SCC and estradiol can modulate the reinforcing effects of cocaine which may influence the likelihood of cocaine use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron L Le
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, NCSU, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Wendy J Lynch
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Emilie F Rissman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, NCSU, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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20
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Anderson ST, Meng H, Brooks TG, Tang SY, Lordan R, Sengupta A, Nayak S, Mřela A, Sarantopoulou D, Lahens NF, Weljie A, Grant GR, Bushman FD, FitzGerald GA. Sexual dimorphism in the response to chronic circadian misalignment on a high-fat diet. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabo2022. [PMID: 37196066 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abo2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Longitudinal studies associate shiftwork with cardiometabolic disorders but do not establish causation or elucidate mechanisms of disease. We developed a mouse model based on shiftwork schedules to study circadian misalignment in both sexes. Behavioral and transcriptional rhythmicity were preserved in female mice despite exposure to misalignment. Females were protected from the cardiometabolic impact of circadian misalignment on a high-fat diet seen in males. The liver transcriptome and proteome revealed discordant pathway perturbations between the sexes. Tissue-level changes were accompanied by gut microbiome dysbiosis only in male mice, biasing toward increased potential for diabetogenic branched chain amino acid production. Antibiotic ablation of the gut microbiota diminished the impact of misalignment. In the United Kingdom Biobank, females showed stronger circadian rhythmicity in activity and a lower incidence of metabolic syndrome than males among job-matched shiftworkers. Thus, we show that female mice are more resilient than males to chronic circadian misalignment and that these differences are conserved in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seán T Anderson
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hu Meng
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Thomas G Brooks
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Soon Yew Tang
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ronan Lordan
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Arjun Sengupta
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Soumyashant Nayak
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Antonijo Mřela
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dimitra Sarantopoulou
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nicholas F Lahens
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Aalim Weljie
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gregory R Grant
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Frederic D Bushman
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Garret A FitzGerald
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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21
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Furtado A, Costa D, Lemos MC, Cavaco JE, Santos CRA, Quintela T. The impact of biological clock and sex hormones on the risk of disease. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2023; 137:39-81. [PMID: 37709381 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Molecular clocks are responsible for defining 24-h cycles of behaviour and physiology that are called circadian rhythms. Several structures and tissues are responsible for generating these circadian rhythms and are named circadian clocks. The suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus is believed to be the master circadian clock receiving light input via the optic nerve and aligning internal rhythms with environmental cues. Studies using both in vivo and in vitro methodologies have reported the relationship between the molecular clock and sex hormones. The circadian system is directly responsible for controlling the synthesis of sex hormones and this synthesis varies according to the time of day and phase of the estrous cycle. Sex hormones also directly interact with the circadian system to regulate circadian gene expression, adjust biological processes, and even adjust their own synthesis. Several diseases have been linked with alterations in either the sex hormone background or the molecular clock. So, in this chapter we aim to summarize the current understanding of the relationship between the circadian system and sex hormones and their combined role in the onset of several related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Furtado
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Portugal
| | - Diana Costa
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Portugal
| | - Manuel C Lemos
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Portugal
| | - J Eduardo Cavaco
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Portugal
| | - Cecília R A Santos
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Portugal
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Portugal; UDI-IPG, Unidade de Investigação para o Desenvolvimento do Interior, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda, Guarda, Portugal.
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22
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Rice RC, Baratta AM, Farris SP. Home-Cage Sipper Devices Reveal Age and Sex Differences in Ethanol Consumption Patterns. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.22.533844. [PMID: 36993453 PMCID: PMC10055331 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.22.533844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Free-choice paradigms such as two-bottle choice (2BC) are commonly used to characterize ethanol consumption and preference of rodent models used to study alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, these assays are limited by low temporal resolution that misses finer patterns of drinking behavior, including circadian drinking patterns that are known to vary with age and sex and are affected in AUD pathogenesis. Modern, cost-effective tools are becoming widely available that could elucidate these patterns, including open-source, Arduino-based home-cage sipper devices. We hypothesized that adaptation of these home-cage sipper devices would uncover distinct age- and sex-related differences in temporal drinking patterns. To test this hypothesis, we used the sipper devices in a continuous 2BC paradigm using water and ethanol (10%; v/v) for 14 days to measure drinking patterns of male and female adolescent (3-week), young adult (6-week), and mature adult (18-week) C57BL/6J mice. Daily grams of fluid consumption were manually recorded at the beginning of the dark cycle, while home-cage sipper devices continuously recorded the number of sips. Consistent with prior studies, females consumed more ethanol than males, and adolescent mice consumed the most out of any age group. Correlation analyses of manually recorded fluid consumption versus home-cage sipper activity revealed a statistically significant prediction of fluid consumption across all experimental groups. Sipper activity was able to capture subtle circadian differences between experimental groups, as well as distinct individual variation in drinking behavior among animals. Blood ethanol concentrations were significantly correlated with sipper data, suggesting that home-cage sipper devices can accurately determine individual timing of ethanol consumption. Overall, our studies show that augmenting the 2BC drinking paradigm with automated home-cage sipper devices can accurately measure ethanol consumption across sexes and age groups, revealing individual differences and temporal patterns of ethanol drinking behavior. Future studies utilizing these home-cage sipper devices will further dissect circadian patterns for age and sex relevant to the pathogenesis of AUD, as well as underlying molecular mechanisms for patterns in ethanol consumption. Highlights Female mice consume more ethanol than males in a continuous access paradigmAdolescent male and female mice consume more ethanol than young or mature adult miceAutomated home-cage sipper devices accurately measure ethanol consumptionDevices reveal sex- and age-dependent differences in circadian drinking patternsDevices reveal distinct individual variation in circadian drinking patterns.
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23
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Obodo D, Outland EH, Hughey JJ. Sex Inclusion in Transcriptome Studies of Daily Rhythms. J Biol Rhythms 2023; 38:3-14. [PMID: 36419398 PMCID: PMC9903005 DOI: 10.1177/07487304221134160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Biomedical research on mammals has traditionally neglected females, raising the concern that some scientific findings may generalize poorly to half the population. Although this lack of sex inclusion has been broadly documented, its extent within circadian genomics remains undescribed. To address this gap, we examined sex inclusion practices in a comprehensive collection of publicly available transcriptome studies on daily rhythms. Among 148 studies having samples from mammals in vivo, we found strong underrepresentation of females across organisms and tissues. Overall, only 23 of 123 studies in mice, 0 of 10 studies in rats, and 9 of 15 studies in humans included samples from females. In addition, studies having samples from both sexes tended to have more samples from males than from females. These trends appear to have changed little over time, including since 2016, when the US National Institutes of Health began requiring investigators to consider sex as a biological variable. Our findings highlight an opportunity to dramatically improve representation of females in circadian research and to explore sex differences in daily rhythms at the genome level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Obodo
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee,Program in Chemical and Physical Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Elliot H. Outland
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jacob J. Hughey
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee,Program in Chemical and Physical Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee,Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee,Jacob J. Hughey, Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Ave., Suite 1475, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; e-mail:
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24
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Fabian CB, Seney ML, Joffe ME. Sex differences and hormonal regulation of metabotropic glutamate receptor synaptic plasticity. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 168:311-347. [PMID: 36868632 PMCID: PMC10392610 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Striking sex differences exist in presentation and incidence of several psychiatric disorders. For example, major depressive disorder is more prevalent in women than men, and women who develop alcohol use disorder progress through drinking milestones more rapidly than men. With regards to psychiatric treatment responses, women respond more favorably to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors than men, whereas men have better outcomes when prescribed tricyclic antidepressants. Despite such well-documented biases in incidence, presentation, and treatment response, sex as a biological variable has long been neglected in preclinical and clinical research. An emerging family of druggable targets for psychiatric diseases, metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors are G-protein coupled receptors broadly distributed throughout the central nervous system. mGlu receptors confer diverse neuromodulatory actions of glutamate at the levels of synaptic plasticity, neuronal excitability, and gene transcription. In this chapter, we summarize the current preclinical and clinical evidence for sex differences in mGlu receptor function. We first highlight basal sex differences in mGlu receptor expression and function and proceed to describe how gonadal hormones, notably estradiol, regulate mGlu receptor signaling. We then describe sex-specific mechanisms by which mGlu receptors differentially modulate synaptic plasticity and behavior in basal states and models relevant for disease. Finally, we discuss human research findings and highlight areas in need of further research. Taken together, this review emphasizes how mGlu receptor function and expression can differ across sex. Gaining a more complete understanding of how sex differences in mGlu receptor function contribute to psychiatric diseases will be critical in the development of novel therapeutics that are effective in all individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly B Fabian
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Marianne L Seney
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Max E Joffe
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
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25
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Morphofunctional State and Circadian Rhythms of the Liver of Female Rats under the Influence of Chronic Alcohol Intoxication and Constant Lighting. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810744. [PMID: 36142658 PMCID: PMC9502101 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A separate and combined effect of constant illumination and chronic alcohol intoxication (CAI) on diurnal dynamics of micromorphometric parameters of hepatocytes in female Wistar rats and p53, Ki-67, PER2, BMAL1, and ADH5 expression in these cells were studied. The increase in apoptotic activity and proliferation in all animals under the action of chronodestructors is shown. All experimental animals showed a decrease in BMAL1 expression and increase in PER2 expression; ADH5 is overexpressed under the influence of ethanol. Circadian rhythms (CRs) of BMAL1, PER2, p53, and Ki-67 expression persist in all groups, except combined action of chronodestructors, and ADH5 CRs persist in all groups—thus, these rhythms in females are quite stable. CRs of the hepatocyte nuclei area are preserved in all the studied groups, although they undergo a significant shift. At the same time, the CRs of the hepatocyte area are destroyed under the action of light, both independently and in combination with CAI, and the CR of the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio (NCR) is destroyed by exposure to CAI. It can be assumed that CRs of the hepatocyte area are significantly affected by dark deprivation and NCR rhythm is sensitive to ethanol consumption, while the stability of studied genes’ expression rhythms at separate influences of studied chronodestructors is maintained by yet unknown adaptation mechanisms. It is necessary to note that, according to our previous studies of male rats, rat females show significantly greater stability of the studied CRs.
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26
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Noh SG, Jung HJ, Kim S, Arulkumar R, Kim DH, Park D, Chung HY. Regulation of Circadian Genes Nr1d1 and Nr1d2 in Sex-Different Manners during Liver Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710032. [PMID: 36077427 PMCID: PMC9456386 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Circadian rhythm is associated with the aging process and sex differences; however, how age and sex can change circadian regulation systems remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to evaluate age- and sex-related changes in gene expression and identify sex-specific target molecules that can regulate aging. Methods: Rat livers were categorized into four groups, namely, young male, old male, young female, and old female, and the expression of several genes involved in the regulation of the circadian rhythm was confirmed by in silico and in vitro studies. Results: Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses showed that the expression of genes related to circadian rhythms changed more in males than in females during liver aging. In addition, differentially expressed gene analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction/western blotting analysis revealed that Nr1d1 and Nr1d2 expression was upregulated in males during liver aging. Furthermore, the expression of other circadian genes, such as Arntl, Clock, Cry1/2, Per1/2, and Rora/c, decreased in males during liver aging; however, these genes showed various gene expression patterns in females during liver aging. Conclusions: Age-related elevation of Nr1d1/2 downregulates the expression of other circadian genes in males, but not females, during liver aging. Consequently, age-related upregulation of Nr1d1/2 may play a more crucial role in the change in circadian rhythms in males than in females during liver aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Gyun Noh
- Interdisciplinary Research Program of Bioinformatics and Longevity Science, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Korea
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Korea
| | - Hee Jin Jung
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Korea
| | - Seungwoo Kim
- Interdisciplinary Research Program of Bioinformatics and Longevity Science, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Korea
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Korea
| | - Radha Arulkumar
- Interdisciplinary Research Program of Bioinformatics and Longevity Science, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Korea
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Korea
| | - Dae Hyun Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Korea
| | - Daeui Park
- Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 141, Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Hae Young Chung
- Interdisciplinary Research Program of Bioinformatics and Longevity Science, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Korea
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-51-510-2814
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27
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Abstract
Sex as a biological variable is the focus of much literature and has been emphasized by the National Institutes of Health, in part, to remedy a long history of male-dominated studies in preclinical and clinical research. We propose that time-of-day is also a crucial biological variable in biomedical research. In common with sex differences, time-of-day should be considered in analyses and reported to improve reproducibility of studies and to provide the appropriate context to the conclusions. Endogenous circadian rhythms are present in virtually all living organisms, including bacteria, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Virtually all physiological and behavioral processes display daily fluctuations in optimal performance that are driven by these endogenous circadian clocks; importantly, many of those circadian rhythms also show sex differences. In this review, we describe some of the documented sex differences in circadian rhythms.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Walton
- Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, USA
| | - Jacob R Bumgarner
- Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, USA
| | - Randy J Nelson
- Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, USA
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28
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Vijaya Shankara J, Horsley KG, Cheng N, Rho JM, Antle MC. Circadian Responses to Light in the BTBR Mouse. J Biol Rhythms 2022; 37:498-515. [PMID: 35722987 PMCID: PMC9452857 DOI: 10.1177/07487304221102279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Animals with altered freerunning periods are valuable in understanding properties of the circadian clock. Understanding the relationship between endogenous clock properties, entrainment, and influence of light in terms of parametric and non-parametric models can help us better understand how different populations adapt to external light cycles. Many clinical populations often show significant changes in circadian properties that in turn cause sleep and circadian problems, possibly exacerbating their underlying clinical condition. BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice are a model commonly used for the study of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Adults and adolescents with ASD frequently exhibit profound sleep and circadian disruptions, including increased latency to sleep, insomnia, advanced and delayed sleep phase disorders, and sleep fragmentation. Here, we investigated the circadian phenotype of BTBR mice in freerunning and light-entrained conditions and found that this strain of mice showed noticeably short freerunning periods (~22.75 h). In addition, when compared to C57BL/6J controls, BTBR mice also showed higher levels of activity even though this activity was compressed into a shorter active phase. Phase delays and phase advances to light were significantly larger in BTBR mice. Despite the short freerunning period, BTBR mice exhibited normal entrainment in light-dark cycles and accelerated entrainment to both advanced and delayed light cycles. Their ability to entrain to skeleton photoperiods of 1 min suggests that this entrainment cannot be attributed to masking. Period differences were also correlated with differences in the number of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide–expressing cells in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Overall, the BTBR model, with their unique freerunning and entrainment properties, makes an interesting model to understand the underlying circadian clock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhenkruthi Vijaya Shankara
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Katelyn G Horsley
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ning Cheng
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Comparative Biology & Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jong M Rho
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Departments of Neurosciences and Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Michael C Antle
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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29
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Arnold AP. Integrating Sex Chromosome and Endocrine Theories to Improve Teaching of Sexual Differentiation. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2022; 14:a039057. [PMID: 35667790 PMCID: PMC9438782 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a039057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Major sex differences in mammalian tissues are functionally tied to reproduction and evolved as adaptations to meet different reproductive needs of females and males. They were thus directly controlled by gonadal hormones. Factors encoded on the sex chromosomes also cause many sex differences in diverse tissues because they are present in different doses in XX and XY cells. The sex chromosome effects likely evolved not because of demands of reproduction, but as side effects of genomic forces that adaptively reduced sexual inequality. Sex-specific effects of particular factors, including gonadal hormones, therefore, are not necessarily explained as adaptations for reproduction, but also as potential factors offsetting, rather than producing, sex differences. The incorporation of these concepts would improve future teaching about sexual differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur P Arnold
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095-7239, USA
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30
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Yao Y, Silver R. Mutual Shaping of Circadian Body-Wide Synchronization by the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus and Circulating Steroids. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:877256. [PMID: 35722187 PMCID: PMC9200072 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.877256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Steroids are lipid hormones that reach bodily tissues through the systemic circulation, and play a major role in reproduction, metabolism, and homeostasis. All of these functions and steroids themselves are under the regulation of the circadian timing system (CTS) and its cellular/molecular underpinnings. In health, cells throughout the body coordinate their daily activities to optimize responses to signals from the CTS and steroids. Misalignment of responses to these signals produces dysfunction and underlies many pathologies. Questions Addressed To explore relationships between the CTS and circulating steroids, we examine the brain clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the daily fluctuations in plasma steroids, the mechanisms producing regularly recurring fluctuations, and the actions of steroids on their receptors within the SCN. The goal is to understand the relationship between temporal control of steroid secretion and how rhythmic changes in steroids impact the SCN, which in turn modulate behavior and physiology. Evidence Surveyed The CTS is a multi-level organization producing recurrent feedback loops that operate on several time scales. We review the evidence showing that the CTS modulates the timing of secretions from the level of the hypothalamus to the steroidogenic gonadal and adrenal glands, and at specific sites within steroidogenic pathways. The SCN determines the timing of steroid hormones that then act on their cognate receptors within the brain clock. In addition, some compartments of the body-wide CTS are impacted by signals derived from food, stress, exercise etc. These in turn act on steroidogenesis to either align or misalign CTS oscillators. Finally this review provides a comprehensive exploration of the broad contribution of steroid receptors in the SCN and how these receptors in turn impact peripheral responses. Conclusion The hypothesis emerging from the recognition of steroid receptors in the SCN is that mutual shaping of responses occurs between the brain clock and fluctuating plasma steroid levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Yao
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Yifan Yao,
| | - Rae Silver
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Barnard College, New York City, NY, United States
- Department of Psychology, Barnard College, New York City, NY, United States
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Graduate School, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, NY, United States
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31
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Augsburger GR, Soloveva A, Carr JC. Sex and limb comparisons of neuromuscular function in the morning versus the evening. Physiol Rep 2022; 10:e15260. [PMID: 35581749 PMCID: PMC9114651 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The time-of-day influence on neuromuscular function is well-documented, but important details remain elusive. It is currently unknown whether males and females differ in their diurnal variation for optimal neuromuscular performance. The purpose of this study is to identify the time-of-day influence on neuromuscular function between sexes and determine whether these responses differ for the upper versus lower limbs. A group of males (n = 12) and females (n = 15) completed neuromuscular performance testing in the morning (07:00-09:00) and evening (17:00-19:00) on separate days in a randomized order. Maximal force, the normalized rate of force development, EMG, normalized EMG rise, and submaximal force steadiness were compared between morning and evening hours. The main findings show that maximal force was greater in the evening for the knee extensors (d = 0.570, p < 0.01) but not the elbow flexors (d = 0.212, p = 0.281), whereas maximal muscle excitation was greater in the evening for the biceps brachii (d = 0.348, p < 0.01) but not the vastus lateralis (d = 0.075, p = 0.526) with no influence of sex. However, force steadiness during knee extension was superior in the evening versus the morning for males (d = 0.734, p = 0.025) and compared to evening values for females (g = 1.19, p = 0.032). Overall, these findings show that time-of-day affects the knee extensors more than the elbow flexors and that diurnal variability between sexes appears to be task-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alisa Soloveva
- Kinesiology DepartmentTexas Christian UniversityFort WorthTexasUSA
| | - Joshua C. Carr
- Kinesiology DepartmentTexas Christian UniversityFort WorthTexasUSA
- Department of Medical EducationTexas Christian University School of MedicineFort WorthTexasUSA
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32
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Poole J, Kitchen GB. Circadian regulation of innate immunity in animals and humans and implications for human disease. Semin Immunopathol 2022; 44:183-192. [PMID: 35169890 PMCID: PMC8853148 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-022-00921-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are 24-h oscillating variations in physiology generated by the core circadian clock. There is now a wide body of evidence showing circadian regulation of the immune system. Innate immune cells contain the molecular circadian clock which drives rhythmic responses, from the magnitude of the inflammatory response to the numbers of circulating immune cells varying throughout the day. This leads to rhythmic presentation of disease clinically, for example the classic presentation of nocturnal asthma or the sudden development of pulmonary oedema from acute myocardial infarction first thing in the morning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Poole
- Southmead Hospital, North Bristol Trust, Southmead Rd, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Gareth B Kitchen
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.
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33
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Modelling Female Physiology from Head to Toe: Impact of Sex Hormones, Menstrual Cycle, and Pregnancy. J Theor Biol 2022; 540:111074. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2022.111074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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34
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Suarez-Trujillo A, Hoang N, Robinson L, McCabe CJ, Conklin D, Minor RC, Townsend J, Plaut K, George UZ, Boerman J, Casey TM. Effect of circadian system disruption on the concentration and daily oscillations of cortisol, progesterone, melatonin, serotonin, growth hormone, and core body temperature in periparturient dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:2651-2668. [PMID: 35033342 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20691] [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: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic, circadian, sleep, and reproductive systems are integrated and reciprocally regulated, but the understanding of the mechanism is limited. To study this integrated regulation, the circadian timing system was disrupted by exposing late pregnant nonlactating (dry) cows to chronic shifts in the light-dark phase, and rhythms of body temperature and circulating cortisol (CORT), progesterone (P4), serotonin (5HT), melatonin (MEL), and growth hormone (GH) concentrations were measured. Specifically, across 2 identical studies (1 and 2), at 35 d before expected calving (BEC) multiparous cows were assigned to control (CON; n = 24) and exposed to 16 h light and 8 h dark or phase shift (PS; n = 24) treatments and exposed to 6-h light-dark phase shifts every 3 d until parturition. All cows were exposed to control lighting after calving. Blood samples were collected in the first study at 0600 h on d 35 BEC, d 21 BEC, and 2 d before calving, and d 0, 2, 9, 15, and 22 postpartum (PP). A subset of cows (n = 6/group) in study 1 was blood sampled every 4 h over 48 h beginning on d 23 BEC, 9 BEC, and 5 PP. Body temperature was measured every 30 min (n = 8-16/treatment) for 48 h at 23 BEC and 9 BEC in both studies; and at 14 PP and 60 PP only in study 2. Treatment did not affect levels of CORT, GH, or P4 at 0600 h, but overall level of 5HT was lower and MEL higher in PS cows across days sampled. A 2-component versus single-component cosinor model better described [>coefficient of determination (R2); <Akaike information criterion and <Bayesian information criterion] daily oscillations of all hormones and temperature for both treatments. Circadian rhythm fit (R2) of body temperature and MEL increased from 23 BEC to 9 BEC in CON and was marked by loss of feeding time influence on oscillations in both treatments. Both treatments exhibited circadian rhythms of CORT at 9 BEC, CON cows also exhibited circadian rhythms in P4 at 23 BEC, and 5HT at 9 BEC. Daily oscillations in temperature and hormones, except CORT, were affected by PS treatment in the prepartum and were associated with longer gestation. In the PP, circadian rhythmicity was lost or diminished for all hormones and body temperature in both treatments. Stronger rhythms of body temperature and multiple hormones at 1 wk prepartum may indicate a synchronizing cue to time parturition. Therefore, dairy systems may need to consider management factors that affect circadian clocks in late-gestation cows.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nguyen Hoang
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182
| | - Leela Robinson
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Conor J McCabe
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Dawn Conklin
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro 27401
| | - Radiah C Minor
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro 27401
| | - Jonathan Townsend
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Karen Plaut
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Uduak Z George
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182
| | - Jacquelyn Boerman
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Theresa M Casey
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907.
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35
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Glatfelter GC, Sosa J, Hudson RL, Dubocovich ML. Methods to Assess Melatonin Receptor-Mediated Phase-Shift and Re-entrainment of Rhythmic Behaviors in Mouse Models. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2550:391-411. [PMID: 36180708 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2593-4_39] [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: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The neurohormone melatonin facilitates entrainment of biological rhythms to environmental light-dark conditions as well as phase-shifts of circadian rhythms in constant conditions via activation of the MT1 and/or MT2 receptors expressed within the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. The efficacy of melatonin and related agonists to modulate biological rhythms can be assessed using two well-validated mouse models of rhythmic behaviors. These models serve as predictive measures of therapeutic efficacy for treatment of circadian phase disorders caused by internal (e.g., clock gene mutations, blindness, depression, seasonal affective disorder) or external (e.g., shift work, travel across time zones) causes in humans. Here we provide background and detailed protocols for quantitative assessment of the magnitude and efficacy of melatonin receptor ligands in mouse circadian phase-shift and re-entrainment paradigms. The utility of these models in the discovery of novel therapeutics acting on melatonin receptors will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant C Glatfelter
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Designer Drug Research Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer Sosa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Randall L Hudson
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Margarita L Dubocovich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, USA.
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36
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Casey TM, Plaut K, Boerman J. Circadian clocks and their role in lactation competence. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2022; 78:106680. [PMID: 34607219 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2021.106680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are 24 h cycles of behavior, physiology and gene expression that function to synchronize processes across the body and coordinate physiology with the external environment. Circadian clocks are central to maintaining homeostasis and regulating coordinated changes in physiology in response to internal and external cues. Orchestrated changes occur in maternal physiology during the periparturient period to support the growth of the fetus and the energetic and nutritional demands of lactation. Discoveries in our lab made over a decade ago led us to hypothesize that the circadian timing system functions to regulate metabolic and mammary specific changes that occur to support a successful lactation. Findings of studies that ensued are summarized, and point to the importance of circadian clocks in the regulation of lactation competence. Disruption of the circadian timing system can negatively affect mammary gland development and differentiation, alter maternal metabolism and impair milk production.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Casey
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| | - K Plaut
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - J Boerman
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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37
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Liu C, Liu Y, Xin Y, Wang Y. Circadian secretion rhythm of GLP-1 and its influencing factors. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:991397. [PMID: 36531506 PMCID: PMC9755352 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.991397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Circadian rhythm is an inherent endogenous biological rhythm in living organisms. However, with the improvement of modern living standards, many factors such as prolonged artificial lighting, sedentarism, short sleep duration, intestinal flora and high-calorie food intake have disturbed circadian rhythm regulation on various metabolic processes, including GLP-1 secretion, which plays an essential role in the development of various metabolic diseases. Herein, we focused on GLP-1 and its circadian rhythm to explore the factors affecting GLP-1 circadian rhythm and its potential mechanisms and propose some feasible suggestions to improve GLP-1 secretion.
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38
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Crislip GR, Johnston JG, Douma LG, Costello HM, Juffre A, Boyd K, Li W, Maugans CC, Gutierrez-Monreal M, Esser KA, Bryant AJ, Liu AC, Gumz ML. Circadian Rhythm Effects on the Molecular Regulation of Physiological Systems. Compr Physiol 2021; 12:2769-2798. [PMID: 34964116 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Nearly every system within the body contains an intrinsic cellular circadian clock. The circadian clock contributes to the regulation of a variety of homeostatic processes in mammals through the regulation of gene expression. Circadian disruption of physiological systems is associated with pathophysiological disorders. Here, we review the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms contributing to the known circadian rhythms in physiological function. This article focuses on what is known in humans, along with discoveries made with cell and rodent models. In particular, the impact of circadian clock components in metabolic, cardiovascular, endocrine, musculoskeletal, immune, and central nervous systems are discussed. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:1-30, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ryan Crislip
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jermaine G Johnston
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Renal Transplantation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Lauren G Douma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Hannah M Costello
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Alexandria Juffre
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Kyla Boyd
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Wendy Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Cheoting C Maugans
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Miguel Gutierrez-Monreal
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Karyn A Esser
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Andrew J Bryant
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Andrew C Liu
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Michelle L Gumz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Renal Transplantation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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39
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Martin-Burgos B, Wang W, William I, Tir S, Mohammad I, Javed R, Smith S, Cui Y, Arzavala J, Mora D, Smith CB, van der Vinne V, Molyneux PC, Miller SC, Weaver DR, Leise TL, Harrington ME. Methods for Detecting PER2:LUCIFERASE Bioluminescence Rhythms in Freely Moving Mice. J Biol Rhythms 2021; 37:78-93. [PMID: 34873943 DOI: 10.1177/07487304211062829] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are driven by daily oscillations of gene expression. An important tool for studying cellular and tissue circadian rhythms is the use of a gene reporter, such as bioluminescence from the reporter gene luciferase controlled by a rhythmically expressed gene of interest. Here we describe methods that allow measurement of circadian bioluminescence from a freely moving mouse housed in a standard cage. Using a LumiCycle In Vivo (Actimetrics), we determined conditions that allow detection of circadian rhythms of bioluminescence from the PER2 reporter, PER2::LUC, in freely behaving mice. The LumiCycle In Vivo applies a background subtraction that corrects for effects of room temperature on photomultiplier tube (PMT) output. We tested delivery of d-luciferin via a subcutaneous minipump and in the drinking water. We demonstrate spikes in bioluminescence associated with drinking bouts. Further, we demonstrate that a synthetic luciferase substrate, CycLuc1, can support circadian rhythms of bioluminescence, even when delivered at a lower concentration than d-luciferin, and can support longer-term studies. A small difference in phase of the PER2::LUC bioluminescence rhythms, with females phase leading males, can be detected with this technique. We share our analysis scripts and suggestions for further improvements in this method. This approach will be straightforward to apply to mice with tissue-specific reporters, allowing insights into responses of specific peripheral clocks to perturbations such as environmental or pharmacological manipulations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wanqi Wang
- Neuroscience Program, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts
| | - Ivana William
- Neuroscience Program, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts
| | - Selma Tir
- Neuroscience Program, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts
| | - Innus Mohammad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Reja Javed
- Neuroscience Program, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts
| | - Stormi Smith
- Neuroscience Program, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts
| | - Yilin Cui
- Neuroscience Program, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts
| | | | - Dalilah Mora
- Neuroscience Program, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts
| | - Ciearra B Smith
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts.,Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Vincent van der Vinne
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts.,Department of Biology, Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts
| | | | - Stephen C Miller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - David R Weaver
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts.,Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Tanya L Leise
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts
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40
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Bilu C, Kronfeld-Schor N, Zimmet P, Einat H. Sex differences in the response to circadian disruption in diurnal sand rats. Chronobiol Int 2021; 39:169-185. [PMID: 34711113 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2021.1989448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Most animal model studies on physiological functions and pathologies are conducted in males. However, diseases such as depression, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease, all show different prevalence and characteristics in females and males. Moreover, most mammal studies are conducted in nocturnal mice and rats, while modelling diurnal humans. We therefore used male and female fat sand rats (Psammomys obesus), which are diurnal in the wild, as an animal model for T2DM, to explore the effects of mild circadian disruption on behavior, glucose tolerance, cholesterol and heart weight. We found significant differences between the sexes: on average, in response to short photoperiods (SP) acclimation, males showed higher levels of depression-like behavior, lower glucose tolerance, and increased plasma cholesterol levels compared with females, with no effect on heart/body weight ratio. Females, however did show an increase in heart/body weight ratio in response to SP acclimation. We also found that regardless of sex, arrhythmic animals showed higher blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels, heart/body weight ratio, and depressive-like behavior compared with rhythmic animals. Hence, we suggest that the expression of the Circadian Syndrome could be different between males and females. Additional work with females is required to clearly delineate the specific effects in both sexes, and promote sex-based health care, prevention measures and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmel Bilu
- School of Zoology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Noga Kronfeld-Schor
- School of Zoology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Paul Zimmet
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Haim Einat
- School of Behavioral Sciences, Tel Aviv-Yaffo Academic College, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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41
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Warfield AE, Prather JF, Todd WD. Systems and Circuits Linking Chronic Pain and Circadian Rhythms. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:705173. [PMID: 34276301 PMCID: PMC8284721 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.705173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Research over the last 20 years regarding the link between circadian rhythms and chronic pain pathology has suggested interconnected mechanisms that are not fully understood. Strong evidence for a bidirectional relationship between circadian function and pain has been revealed through inflammatory and immune studies as well as neuropathic ones. However, one limitation of many of these studies is a focus on only a few molecules or cell types, often within only one region of the brain or spinal cord, rather than systems-level interactions. To address this, our review will examine the circadian system as a whole, from the intracellular genetic machinery that controls its timing mechanism to its input and output circuits, and how chronic pain, whether inflammatory or neuropathic, may mediate or be driven by changes in these processes. We will investigate how rhythms of circadian clock gene expression and behavior, immune cells, cytokines, chemokines, intracellular signaling, and glial cells affect and are affected by chronic pain in animal models and human pathologies. We will also discuss key areas in both circadian rhythms and chronic pain that are sexually dimorphic. Understanding the overlapping mechanisms and complex interplay between pain and circadian mediators, the various nuclei they affect, and how they differ between sexes, will be crucial to move forward in developing treatments for chronic pain and for determining how and when they will achieve their maximum efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - William D. Todd
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
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42
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Ceglarek A, Hubalewska-Mazgaj M, Lewandowska K, Sikora-Wachowicz B, Marek T, Fafrowicz M. Time-of-day effects on objective and subjective short-term memory task performance. Chronobiol Int 2021; 38:1330-1343. [PMID: 34121547 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2021.1929279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The time-of-day along with the synchrony effect (better performance at optimal times of the day according to the chronotype) on the cognitive performance has been well established in previous research. This influence is mediated by both circadian and homeostatic processes consistent with the Borbély two-process model. This experiment focused on the objective and subjective performance of the visual short-term memory task requiring holistic processing. Sixty-five young, healthy participants including 40 females were divided into morning and evening types and performed a given task in two sessions - in the morning and in the evening. Type division was made according to the chronotype questionnaire and polymorphism of the PER3 clock gene. The task was a modified version of Deese-Roediger-McDermott paradigm adjusted to study short-term memory, in which visual, abstract stimuli were used. The analysis was based on an exploratory approach investigating the influence of circadian and individual (sex) factors on execution of memory task. Evening types were more accurate in the task compared to morning types, regardless of the part of the day. The time-of-day effect was revealed on objective measures (reaction times for hits and false alarms) and subjective effort put into the performance. The reaction times were slower in the morning unlike the effort that was greater in the evening. The time-of-day × sex interaction was observed in the case of subjective effort: men described the task as more demanding in the evening. The results could be explained by differences in hemispheric dominance depending on the time-of-day. The report provides new patterns of behavioral data analysis, investigating sex aspects and use of self-assessment scales of performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ceglarek
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroergonomics, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Hubalewska-Mazgaj
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Koryna Lewandowska
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroergonomics, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Barbara Sikora-Wachowicz
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroergonomics, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Tadeusz Marek
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroergonomics, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Fafrowicz
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroergonomics, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.,Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
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43
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Dib R, Gervais NJ, Mongrain V. A review of the current state of knowledge on sex differences in sleep and circadian phenotypes in rodents. Neurobiol Sleep Circadian Rhythms 2021; 11:100068. [PMID: 34195482 PMCID: PMC8240025 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbscr.2021.100068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep is a vital part of our lives as it is required to maintain health and optimal cognition. In humans, sex differences are relatively well-established for many sleep phenotypes. However, precise differences in sleep phenotypes between male and female rodents are less documented. The main goal of this article is to review sex differences in sleep architecture and electroencephalographic (EEG) activity during wakefulness and sleep in rodents. The effects of acute sleep deprivation on sleep duration and EEG activity in male and female rodents will also be covered, in addition to sex differences in specific circadian phenotypes. When possible, the contribution of the female estrous cycle to the observed differences between males and females will be described. In general, male rodents spend more time in non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) in comparison to females, while other differences between sexes in sleep phenotypes are species- and estrous cycle phase-dependent. Altogether, the review illustrates the need for a sex-based perspective in basic sleep and circadian research, including the consideration of sex chromosomes and gonadal hormones in sleep and circadian phenotypes. In rodents, males spend less time awake, and more time in NREMS than females. The recovery from sleep deprivation is also dependent on biological sex. Gonadal hormones modulate sleep and circadian phenotypes in rodents. A more systematic comparison of sex in basic sleep/circadian research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama Dib
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicole J Gervais
- Rotman Research Institute - Baycrest Centre, North York, ON, Canada
| | - Valérie Mongrain
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), Montréal, QC, Canada
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44
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Joye DAM, Evans JA. Sex differences in daily timekeeping and circadian clock circuits. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 126:45-55. [PMID: 33994299 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The circadian system regulates behavior and physiology in many ways important for health. Circadian rhythms are expressed by nearly every cell in the body, and this large system is coordinated by a central clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Sex differences in daily rhythms are evident in humans and understanding how circadian function is modulated by biological sex is an important goal. This review highlights work examining effects of sex and gonadal hormones on daily rhythms, with a focus on behavior and SCN circuitry in animal models commonly used in pre-clinical studies. Many questions remain in this area of the field, which would benefit from further work investigating this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A M Joye
- Marquette University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jennifer A Evans
- Marquette University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
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45
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Rohr KE, Telega A, Savaglio A, Evans JA. Vasopressin regulates daily rhythms and circadian clock circuits in a manner influenced by sex. Horm Behav 2021; 127:104888. [PMID: 33202247 PMCID: PMC7855892 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a neurohormone that alters cellular physiology through both endocrine and synaptic signaling. Circadian rhythms in AVP release and other biological processes are driven by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the anterior hypothalamus. Loss of vasopressin signaling alters circadian behavior, but the basis of these effects remains unclear. Here we investigate the role of AVP signaling in circadian timekeeping by analyzing behavior and SCN function in a novel AVP-deficient mouse model. Consistent with previous work, loss of AVP signaling increases water consumption and accelerates recovery to simulated jetlag. We expand on these results to show that loss of AVP increases period, imprecision and plasticity of behavioral rhythms under constant darkness. Interestingly, the effect of AVP deficiency on circadian period was influenced by sex, with loss of AVP lengthening period in females but not males. Examining SCN function directly with ex vivo bioluminescence imaging of clock protein expression, we demonstrate that loss of AVP signaling modulates the period, precision, and phase relationships of SCN neurons in both sexes. This pattern of results suggests that there are likely sex differences in downstream targets of the SCN. Collectively, this work indicates that AVP signaling modulates circadian circuits in a manner influenced by sex, which provides new insight into sexual dimorphisms in the regulation of daily rhythms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla E Rohr
- Marquette University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, United States of America
| | - Adam Telega
- Marquette University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, United States of America
| | - Alexandra Savaglio
- Marquette University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, United States of America
| | - Jennifer A Evans
- Marquette University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, United States of America.
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46
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Arnold AP. Four Core Genotypes and XY* mouse models: Update on impact on SABV research. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 119:1-8. [PMID: 32980399 PMCID: PMC7736196 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The impact of two mouse models is reviewed, the Four Core Genotypes and XY* models. The models are useful for determining if the causes of sex differences in phenotypes are either hormonal or sex chromosomal, or both. Used together, the models also can distinguish between the effects of X or Y chromosome genes that contribute to sex differences in phenotypes. To date, the models have been used to uncover sex chromosome contributions to sex differences in a wide variety of phenotypes, including brain and behavior, autoimmunity and immunity, cardiovascular disease, metabolism, and Alzheimer's Disease. In some cases, use of the models has been a strategy leading to discovery of specific X or Y genes that protect from or exacerbate disease. Sex chromosome and hormonal factors interact, in some cases to reduce the effects of each other. Future progress will come from more extensive application of these models, and development of similar models in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur P Arnold
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute, University of California, UCLA, 610 Charles Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-7239, United States.
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47
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Wake-sleep cycles are severely disrupted by diseases affecting cytoplasmic homeostasis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:28402-28411. [PMID: 33106420 PMCID: PMC7668169 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2003524117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Circadian rhythms including wake-sleep cycles are driven by molecular time cues generated by a self-sustaining transcriptional negative feedback loop. Among all clock proteins, PERIOD (PER) is considered the pacemaker protein because its rhythm of accumulation and nuclear entry generates the timing and duration of feedback inhibition. Here we provide a new understanding of how robust PER rhythms are generated: the collective action of interacting PER molecules, not a random mass action of individual molecules, allows compensation of spatial and temporal differences (or “noise”) of individual molecules. We also show that the collective PER rhythm requires healthy cytoplasmic trafficking, and that circadian sleep disorders can arise in such conditions as obesity, aging, and neurodegenerative disorders in which the cytoplasm becomes congested. The circadian clock is based on a transcriptional feedback loop with an essential time delay before feedback inhibition. Previous work has shown that PERIOD (PER) proteins generate circadian time cues through rhythmic nuclear accumulation of the inhibitor complex and subsequent interaction with the activator complex in the feedback loop. Although this temporal manifestation of the feedback inhibition is the direct consequence of PER’s cytoplasmic trafficking before nuclear entry, how this spatial regulation of the pacemaker affects circadian timing has been largely unexplored. Here we show that circadian rhythms, including wake-sleep cycles, are lengthened and severely unstable if the cytoplasmic trafficking of PER is disrupted by any disease condition that leads to increased congestion in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, we found that the time delay and robustness in the circadian clock are seamlessly generated by delayed and collective phosphorylation of PER molecules, followed by synchronous nuclear entry. These results provide clear mechanistic insight into why circadian and sleep disorders arise in such clinical conditions as metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases and aging, in which the cytoplasm is congested.
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48
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Valcin JA, Udoh US, Swain TM, Andringa KK, Patel CR, Al Diffalha S, Baker PRS, Gamble KL, Bailey SM. Alcohol and Liver Clock Disruption Increase Small Droplet Macrosteatosis, Alter Lipid Metabolism and Clock Gene mRNA Rhythms, and Remodel the Triglyceride Lipidome in Mouse Liver. Front Physiol 2020; 11:1048. [PMID: 33013449 PMCID: PMC7504911 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.01048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Heavy alcohol drinking dysregulates lipid metabolism, promoting hepatic steatosis – the first stage of alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). The molecular circadian clock plays a major role in synchronizing daily rhythms in behavior and metabolism and clock disruption can cause pathology, including liver disease. Previous studies indicate that alcohol consumption alters liver clock function, but the impact alcohol or clock disruption, or both have on the temporal control of hepatic lipid metabolism and injury remains unclear. Here, we undertook studies to determine whether genetic disruption of the liver clock exacerbates alterations in lipid metabolism and worsens steatosis in alcohol-fed mice. To address this question, male liver-specific Bmal1 knockout (LKO) and flox/flox (Fl/Fl) control mice were fed a control or alcohol-containing diet for 5 weeks. Alcohol significantly dampened diurnal rhythms of mRNA levels in clock genes Bmal1 and Dbp, phase advanced Nr1d1/REV-ERBα, and induced arrhythmicity in Clock, Noct, and Nfil3/E4BP4, with further disruption in livers of LKO mice. Alcohol-fed LKO mice exhibited higher plasma triglyceride (TG) and different time-of-day patterns of hepatic TG and macrosteatosis, with elevated levels of small droplet macrosteatosis compared to alcohol-fed Fl/Fl mice. Diurnal rhythms in mRNA levels of lipid metabolism transcription factors (Srebf1, Nr1h2, and Ppara) were significantly altered by alcohol and clock disruption. Alcohol and/or clock disruption significantly altered diurnal rhythms in mRNA levels of fatty acid (FA) synthesis and oxidation (Acaca/b, Mlycd, Cpt1a, Fasn, Elovl5/6, and Fads1/2), TG turnover (Gpat1, Agpat1/2, Lpin1/2, Dgat2, and Pnpla2/3), and lipid droplet (Plin2/5, Lipe, Mgll, and Abdh5) genes, along with protein abundances of p-ACC, MCD, and FASN. Lipidomics analyses showed that alcohol, clock disruption, or both significantly altered FA saturation and remodeled the FA composition of the hepatic TG pool, with higher percentages of several long and very long chain FA in livers of alcohol-fed LKO mice. In conclusion, these results show that the liver clock is important for maintaining temporal control of hepatic lipid metabolism and that disrupting the liver clock exacerbates alcohol-related hepatic steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Valcin
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Uduak S Udoh
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Telisha M Swain
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Kelly K Andringa
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Chirag R Patel
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Sameer Al Diffalha
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | | | - Karen L Gamble
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Shannon M Bailey
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Wang HB, Tahara Y, Luk SHC, Kim YS, Hitchcock ON, MacDowell Kaswan ZA, In Kim Y, Block GD, Ghiani CA, Loh DH, Colwell CS. Melatonin treatment of repetitive behavioral deficits in the Cntnap2 mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 145:105064. [PMID: 32889171 PMCID: PMC7597927 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105064] [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: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nighttime light pollution is linked to metabolic and cognitive dysfunction. Many patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) show disturbances in their sleep/wake cycle, and may be particularly vulnerable to the impact of circadian disruptors. In this study, we examined the impact of exposure to dim light at night (DLaN, 5 lx) in a model of ASD: the contactin associated protein-like 2 knock out (Cntnap2 KO) mice. DLaN was sufficient to disrupt locomotor activity rhythms, exacerbate the excessive grooming and diminish the social preference in Cntnap2 mutant mice. On a molecular level, DLaN altered the phase and amplitude of PER2:LUC rhythms in a tissue-specific manner in vitro. Daily treatment with melatonin reduced the excessive grooming of the mutant mice to wild-type levels and improved activity rhythms. Our findings suggest that common circadian disruptors such as light at night should be considered in the management of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huei Bin Wang
- Molecular, Cellular, Integrative Physiology Graduate Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, USA; Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, USA
| | - Yu Tahara
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, USA
| | - Shu Hon Christopher Luk
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, USA
| | - Yoon-Sik Kim
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, USA
| | - Olivia N Hitchcock
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, USA
| | - Zoe A MacDowell Kaswan
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, USA
| | - Yang In Kim
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience Research Institute, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gene D Block
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, USA
| | - Cristina A Ghiani
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, USA
| | - Dawn H Loh
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, USA
| | - Christopher S Colwell
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, USA.
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50
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Riljak V, Janisova K, Myslivecek J. Lack of M 4 muscarinic receptors in the striatum, thalamus and intergeniculate leaflet alters the biological rhythm of locomotor activity in mice. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:1615-1629. [PMID: 32409918 PMCID: PMC7286859 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02082-x] [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: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The deletion of M4 muscarinic receptors (MRs) changes biological rhythm parameters in females. Here, we searched for the mechanisms responsible for these changes. We performed biological rhythm analysis in two experiments: in experiment 1, the mice [C57Bl/6NTac (WT) and M4 MR -/- mice (KO)] were first exposed to a standard LD regime (12/12-h light/dark cycle) for 8 days and then subsequently exposed to constant darkness (for 24 h/day, DD regime) for another 16 days. In experiment 2, the mice (after the standard LD regime) were exposed to the DD regime and to one light pulse (zeitgeber time 14) on day 9. We also detected M1 MRs in brain areas implicated in locomotor biological rhythm regulation. In experiment 1, the biological rhythm activity curves differed: the period (τ, duration of diurnal cycle) was shorter in the DD regime. Moreover, the day mean, mesor (midline value), night mean and their difference were higher in KO animals. The time in which the maximal slope occurred was lower in the DD regime than in the LD regime in both WT and KO but was lower in KO than in WT mice. In experiment 2, there were no differences in biological rhythm parameters between WT and KO mice. The densities of M1 MRs in the majority of areas implicated in locomotor biological rhythm were low. A significant amount of M1 MR was found in the striatum. These results suggest that although core clock output is changed by M4 MR deletion, the structures involved in biological rhythm regulation in WT and KO animals are likely the same, and the most important areas are the striatum, thalamus and intergeniculate leaflet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Riljak
- Institute of Physiology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Albertov 5, 12800, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Janisova
- Institute of Physiology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Albertov 5, 12800, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jaromir Myslivecek
- Institute of Physiology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Albertov 5, 12800, Prague, Czech Republic.
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