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Banik J, Moreira ARS, Lim J, Tomlinson S, Hardy LL, Lagasse A, Haney A, Crimmins MR, Boehm U, Odle AK, MacNicol MC, Childs GV, MacNicol AM. The Musashi RNA binding proteins direct the translational activation of key pituitary mRNAs. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5918. [PMID: 38467682 PMCID: PMC10928108 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56002-8] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The pituitary functions as a master endocrine gland that secretes hormones critical for regulation of a wide variety of physiological processes including reproduction, growth, metabolism and stress responses. The distinct hormone-producing cell lineages within the pituitary display remarkable levels of cell plasticity that allow remodeling of the relative proportions of each hormone-producing cell population to meet organismal demands. The molecular mechanisms governing pituitary cell plasticity have not been fully elucidated. Our recent studies have implicated a role for the Musashi family of sequence-specific mRNA binding proteins in the control of pituitary hormone production, pituitary responses to hypothalamic stimulation and modulation of pituitary transcription factor expression in response to leptin signaling. To date, these actions of Musashi in the pituitary appear to be mediated through translational repression of the target mRNAs. Here, we report Musashi1 directs the translational activation, rather than repression, of the Prop1, Gata2 and Nr5a1 mRNAs which encode key pituitary lineage specification factors. We observe that Musashi1 further directs the translational activation of the mRNA encoding the glycolipid Neuronatin (Nnat) as determined both in mRNA reporter assays as well as in vivo. Our findings suggest a complex bifunctional role for Musashi1 in the control of pituitary cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jewel Banik
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham, Slot 814, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Ana Rita Silva Moreira
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham, Slot 814, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Juchan Lim
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham, Slot 814, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Sophia Tomlinson
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham, Slot 814, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Linda L Hardy
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham, Slot 814, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Alex Lagasse
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham, Slot 814, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Anessa Haney
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham, Slot 814, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Meghan R Crimmins
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Ulrich Boehm
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Signaling, Saarland University School of Medicine, Homburg, Germany
| | - Angela K Odle
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham, Slot 814, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Melanie C MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham, Slot 814, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Gwen V Childs
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham, Slot 814, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Angus M MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham, Slot 814, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
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Miles TK, Allensworth-James ML, Odle AK, Silva Moreira AR, Haney AC, LaGasse AN, Gies AJ, Byrum SD, Riojas AM, MacNicol MC, MacNicol AM, Childs GV. Maternal undernutrition results in transcript changes in male offspring that may promote resistance to high fat diet induced weight gain. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1332959. [PMID: 38720938 PMCID: PMC11077627 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1332959] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal nutrition during embryonic development and lactation influences multiple aspects of offspring health. Using mice, this study investigates the effects of maternal caloric restriction (CR) during mid-gestation and lactation on offspring neonatal development and on adult metabolic function when challenged by a high fat diet (HFD). The CR maternal model produced male and female offspring that were significantly smaller, in terms of weight and length, and females had delayed puberty. Adult offspring born to CR dams had a sexually dimorphic response to the high fat diet. Compared to offspring of maternal control dams, adult female, but not male, CR offspring gained more weight in response to high fat diet at 10 weeks. In adipose tissue of male HFD offspring, maternal undernutrition resulted in blunted expression of genes associated with weight gain and increased expression of genes that protect against weight gain. Regardless of maternal nutrition status, HFD male offspring showed increased expression of genes associated with progression toward nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Furthermore, we observed significant, sexually dimorphic differences in serum TSH. These data reveal tissue- and sex-specific changes in gene and hormone regulation following mild maternal undernutrition, which may offer protection against diet induced weight gain in adult male offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany K. Miles
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Melody L. Allensworth-James
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Angela K. Odle
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Ana Rita Silva Moreira
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Anessa C. Haney
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Alex N. LaGasse
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Allen J. Gies
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Stephanie D. Byrum
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Angelica M. Riojas
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Melanie C. MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Angus M. MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Gwen V. Childs
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
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Ruggiero-Ruff RE, Le BH, Villa PA, Lainez NM, Athul SW, Das P, Ellsworth BS, Coss D. Single-Cell Transcriptomics Identifies Pituitary Gland Changes in Diet-Induced Obesity in Male Mice. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqad196. [PMID: 38146776 PMCID: PMC10791142 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad196] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a chronic disease with increasing prevalence worldwide. Obesity leads to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, as well as endocrine alterations, reproductive disorders, changes in basal metabolism, and stress hormone production, all of which are regulated by the pituitary. In this study, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of pituitary glands from male mice fed control and high-fat diet (HFD) to determine obesity-mediated changes in pituitary cell populations and gene expression. We determined that HFD exposure is associated with dramatic changes in somatotrope and lactotrope populations, by increasing the proportion of somatotropes and decreasing the proportion of lactotropes. Fractions of other hormone-producing cell populations remained unaffected. Gene expression changes demonstrated that in HFD, somatotropes became more metabolically active, with increased expression of genes associated with cellular respiration, and downregulation of genes and pathways associated with cholesterol biosynthesis. Despite a lack of changes in gonadotrope fraction, genes important in the regulation of gonadotropin hormone production were significantly downregulated. Corticotropes and thyrotropes were the least affected in HFD, while melanotropes exhibited reduced proportion. Lastly, we determined that changes in plasticity and gene expression were associated with changes in hormone levels. Serum prolactin was decreased corresponding to reduced lactotrope fraction, while lower luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in the serum corresponded to a decrease in transcription and translation. Taken together, our study highlights diet-mediated changes in pituitary gland populations and gene expression that play a role in altered hormone levels in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Ruggiero-Ruff
- Division of Biomedical Sciences; School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Brandon H Le
- Institute for Integrative Genome Biology Bioinformatics Core Facility, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Pedro A Villa
- Division of Biomedical Sciences; School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Nancy M Lainez
- Division of Biomedical Sciences; School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Sandria W Athul
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Pratyusa Das
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Buffy S Ellsworth
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Djurdjica Coss
- Division of Biomedical Sciences; School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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4
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Miles TK, Odle AK, Byrum SD, Lagasse A, Haney A, Ortega VG, Bolen CR, Banik J, Reddick MM, Herdman A, MacNicol MC, MacNicol AM, Childs GV. Anterior Pituitary Transcriptomics Following a High-Fat Diet: Impact of Oxidative Stress on Cell Metabolism. Endocrinology 2023; 165:bqad191. [PMID: 38103263 PMCID: PMC10771268 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad191] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Anterior pituitary cell function requires a high level of protein synthesis and secretion which depend heavily on mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate production and functional endoplasmic reticula. Obesity adds stress to tissues, requiring them to adapt to inflammation and oxidative stress, and adding to their allostatic load. We hypothesized that pituitary function is vulnerable to the stress of obesity. Here, we utilized a 10- to 15-week high-fat diet (HFD, 60%) in a thermoneutral environment to promote obesity, testing both male and female FVB.129P mice. We quantified serum hormones and cytokines, characterized the metabolic phenotype, and defined changes in the pituitary transcriptome using single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis. Weight gain was significant by 3 weeks in HFD mice, and by 10 weeks all HFD groups had gained 20 g. HFD females (15 weeks) had increased energy expenditure and decreased activity. All HFD groups showed increases in serum leptin and decreases in adiponectin. HFD caused increased inflammatory markers: interleukin-6, resistin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and tumor necrosis factorα. HFD males and females also had increased insulin and increased TSH, and HFD females had decreased serum prolactin and growth hormone pulse amplitude. Pituitary single-cell transcriptomics revealed modest or no changes in pituitary cell gene expression from HFD males after 10 or 15 weeks or from HFD females after 10 weeks. However, HFD females (15 weeks) showed significant numbers of differentially expressed genes in lactotropes and pituitary stem cells. Collectively, these studies reveal that pituitary cells from males appear to be more resilient to the oxidative stress of obesity than females and identify the most vulnerable pituitary cell populations in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany K Miles
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Angela K Odle
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Stephanie D Byrum
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Biomedical informatics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Alex Lagasse
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Anessa Haney
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Victoria G Ortega
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Cole R Bolen
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Jewel Banik
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Milla M Reddick
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Ashley Herdman
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Melanie C MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Angus M MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Gwen V Childs
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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5
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Wójcik M, Krawczyńska A, Zieba DA, Antushevich H, Herman AP. Influence of Leptin on the Secretion of Growth Hormone in Ewes under Different Photoperiodic Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098036. [PMID: 37175738 PMCID: PMC10178528 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098036] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptin is an adipokine with a pleiotropic impact on many physiological processes, including hypothalamic-pituitary-somatotropic (HPS) axis activity, which plays a key role in regulating mammalian metabolism. Leptin insensitivity/resistance is a pathological condition in humans, but in seasonal animals, it is a physiological adaptation. Therefore, these animals represent a promising model for studying this phenomenon. This study aimed to determine the influence of leptin on the activity of the HPS axis. Two in vivo experiments performed during short- and long-day photoperiods were conducted on 12 ewes per experiment, and the ewes were divided randomly into 2 groups. The arcuate nucleus, paraventricular nucleus, anterior pituitary (AP) tissues, and blood were collected. The concentration of growth hormone (GH) was measured in the blood, and the relative expression of GHRH, SST, GHRHR, SSTR1, SSTR2, SSTR3, SSTR5, LEPR, and GH was measured in the collected brain structures. The study showed that the photoperiod, and therefore leptin sensitivity, plays an important role in regulating HPS axis activity in the seasonal ewe. However, leptin influences the release of GH in a season-dependent manner, and its effect seems to be targeted at the posttranscriptional stages of GH secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Wójcik
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland
| | - Agata Krawczyńska
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland
| | - Dorota Anna Zieba
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Biotechnology, and Fisheries, Faculty of Animal Sciences, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
| | - Hanna Antushevich
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland
| | - Andrzej Przemysław Herman
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland
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Vickers MH. Early life nutrition and neuroendocrine programming. Neuropharmacology 2021; 205:108921. [PMID: 34902348 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in the nutritional environment in early life can significantly increase the risk for obesity and a range of development of metabolic disorders in offspring in later life, effects that can be passed onto future generations. This process, termed development programming, provides the framework of the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) paradigm. Early life nutritional compromise including undernutrition, overnutrition or specific macro/micronutrient deficiencies, results in a range of adverse health outcomes in offspring that can be further exacerbated by a poor postnatal nutritional environment. Although the mechanisms underlying programming remain poorly defined, a common feature across the phenotypes displayed in preclinical models is that of altered wiring of neuroendocrine circuits that regulate satiety and energy balance. As such, altered maternal nutritional exposures during critical early periods of developmental plasticity can result in aberrant hardwiring of these circuits with lasting adverse consequences for the offspring. There is also increasing evidence around the role of an altered epigenome and the gut-brain axis in mediating some of the central programming effects observed. Further, although such programming was once considered to result in a permanent change in developmental trajectory, there is evidence, at least from preclinical models, that programming can be reversed via targeted nutritional manipulations during early development. Further work is required at a mechanistic level to allow for identification for early markers of later disease risk, delineation of sex-specific effects and pathways to implementation of strategies aimed at breaking the transgenerational transmission of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Vickers
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
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Allensworth-James M, Banik J, Odle A, Hardy L, Lagasse A, Moreira ARS, Bird J, Thomas CL, Avaritt N, Kharas MG, Lengner CJ, Byrum SD, MacNicol MC, Childs GV, MacNicol AM. Control of the Anterior Pituitary Cell Lineage Regulator POU1F1 by the Stem Cell Determinant Musashi. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6054984. [PMID: 33373440 PMCID: PMC7814296 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The adipokine leptin regulates energy homeostasis through ubiquitously expressed leptin receptors. Leptin has a number of major signaling targets in the brain, including cells of the anterior pituitary (AP). We have previously reported that mice lacking leptin receptors in AP somatotropes display growth hormone (GH) deficiency, metabolic dysfunction, and adult-onset obesity. Among other targets, leptin signaling promotes increased levels of the pituitary transcription factor POU1F1, which in turn regulates the specification of somatotrope, lactotrope, and thyrotrope cell lineages within the AP. Leptin's mechanism of action on somatotropes is sex dependent, with females demonstrating posttranscriptional control of Pou1f1 messenger RNA (mRNA) translation. Here, we report that the stem cell marker and mRNA translational control protein, Musashi1, exerts repression of the Pou1f1 mRNA. In female somatotropes, Msi1 mRNA and protein levels are increased in the mouse model that lacks leptin signaling (Gh-CRE Lepr-null), coincident with lack of POU1f1 protein, despite normal levels of Pou1f1 mRNA. Single-cell RNA sequencing of pituitary cells from control female animals indicates that both Msi1 and Pou1f1 mRNAs are expressed in Gh-expressing somatotropes, and immunocytochemistry confirms that Musashi1 protein is present in the somatotrope cell population. We demonstrate that Musashi interacts directly with the Pou1f1 mRNA 3' untranslated region and exerts translational repression of a Pou1f1 mRNA translation reporter in a leptin-sensitive manner. Musashi immunoprecipitation from whole pituitary reveals coassociated Pou1f1 mRNA. These findings suggest a mechanism in which leptin stimulation is required to reverse Musashi-mediated Pou1f1 mRNA translational control to coordinate AP somatotrope function with metabolic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Allensworth-James
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Jewel Banik
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Angela Odle
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Linda Hardy
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Alex Lagasse
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Ana Rita Silva Moreira
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Jordan Bird
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | | | - Nathan Avaritt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | | | | | - Stephanie D Byrum
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Melanie C MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Gwen V Childs
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Angus M MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Correspondence: Angus M. MacNicol, PhD, Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
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8
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Miles TK, Silva Moreira AR, Allensworth-James ML, Odle AK, Haney AC, MacNicol AM, MacNicol MC, Childs GV. Sex differences in somatotrope response to fasting: biphasic responses in male mice. J Endocrinol 2020; 247:213-224. [PMID: 33112825 PMCID: PMC7673470 DOI: 10.1530/joe-20-0275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Anterior pituitary somatotropes are important metabolic sensors responding to leptin by secreting growth hormone (GH). However, reduced leptin signals caused by fasting have not always correlated with reduced serum GH. Reports show that fasting may stimulate or reduce GH secretion, depending on the species. Mechanisms underlying these distinct somatotrope responses to fasting remain unknown. To define the somatotrope response to decreased leptin signaling we examined markers of somatotrope function over different time periods of fasting. Male mice were fasted for 24 and 48 h, with female mice fasted for 24 h compared to fed controls ad libitum. Body weight and serum glucose were reduced in both males and females, but, unexpectedly, serum leptin was reduced only in males. Furthermore, in males, serum GH levels showed a biphasic response with significant reductions at 24 h followed by a significant rise at 48 h, which coincided with the rise in serum ghrelin levels. In contrast, females showed an increase in serum GH at 24 h. We then explored mechanisms underlying the differential somatotrope responses seen in males and observed that pituitary levels of Gh mRNA increased, with no distinction between acute and prolonged fasting. By contrast, the Ghrhr mRNA (encoding GH releasing hormone receptor) and the Ghsr mRNA (encoding the ghrelin receptor) were both greatly increased at prolonged fasting times coincident with increased serum GH. These findings show sex differences in the somatotrope and adipocyte responses to fasting and support an adaptive role for somatotropes in males in response to multiple metabolic signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany K Miles
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Ana Rita Silva Moreira
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Melody L Allensworth-James
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Angela K Odle
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Anessa C Haney
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Angus M MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Melanie C MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Gwen V Childs
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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9
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Allensworth-James ML, Odle AK, Lim J, LaGasse AN, Miles TK, Hardy LL, Haney AC, MacNicol MC, MacNicol AM, Childs GV. Metabolic signalling to somatotrophs: Transcriptional and post-transcriptional mediators. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12883. [PMID: 32657474 PMCID: PMC8086172 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In normal individuals, pituitary somatotrophs optimise body composition by responding to metabolic signals from leptin. To identify mechanisms behind the regulation of somatotrophs by leptin, we used Cre-LoxP technology to delete leptin receptors (LEPR) selectively in somatotrophs and developed populations purified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) that contained 99% somatotrophs. FACS-purified, Lepr-null somatotrophs showed reduced levels of growth hormone (GH), growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor (GHRHR), and Pou1f1 proteins and Gh (females) and Ghrhr (both sexes) mRNAs. Pure somatotrophs also expressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin (PRL), both of which were reduced in pure somatotrophs lacking LEPR. This introduced five gene products that were targets of leptin. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that leptin is both a transcriptional and a post-transcriptional regulator of these gene products. Our tests showed that Pou1f1 and/or the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 transcriptional regulatory pathways are implicated in the leptin regulation of Gh or Ghrhr mRNAs. We then focused on potential actions by candidate microRNAs (miRNAs) with consensus binding sites on the 3' UTR of Gh or Ghrhr mRNAs. Somatotroph Lepr-null deletion mutants expressed elevated levels of miRNAs including miR1197-3p (in females), miR103-3p and miR590-3p (both sexes), which bind Gh mRNA, or miRNA-325-3p (elevated in both sexes), which binds Ghrhr mRNA. This elevation indicates repression of translation in the absence of LEPR. In addition, after detecting binding sites for Musashi on Tshb and Prl 3' UTR, we determined that Musashi1 repressed translation of both mRNAs in in vitro fluc assays and that Prl mRNA was enriched in Musashi immunoprecipitation assays. Finally, we tested ghrelin actions to determine whether its nitric oxide-mediated signalling pathways would restore somatotroph functions in deletion mutants. Ghrelin did not restore either GHRH binding or GH secretion in vitro. These studies show an unexpectedly broad role for leptin with respect to maintaining somatotroph functions, including the regulation of PRL and TSH in subsets of somatotrophs that may be progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody L Allensworth-James
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Angela K Odle
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Juchan Lim
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Alex N LaGasse
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Tiffany K Miles
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Linda L Hardy
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Anessa C Haney
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Melanie C MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Angus M MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Gwen V Childs
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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10
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Early overnutrition sensitizes the growth hormone axis to the impact of diet-induced obesity via sex-divergent mechanisms. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13898. [PMID: 32807904 PMCID: PMC7431568 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70898-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to its essential role in the physiological control of longitudinal growth, growth-hormone (GH) is endowed with relevant metabolic functions, including anabolic actions in muscle, lipolysis in adipose-tissue and glycemic modulation. Adult obesity is known to negatively impact GH-axis, thereby promoting a vicious circle that may contribute to the exacerbation of the metabolic complications of overweight. Yet, to what extent early-overnutrition sensitizes the somatotropic-axis to the deleterious effects of obesity remains largely unexplored. Using a rat-model of sequential exposure to obesogenic insults, namely postnatal-overfeeding during lactation and high-fat diet (HFD) after weaning, we evaluated in both sexes the individual and combined impact of these nutritional challenges upon key elements of the somatotropic-axis. While feeding HFD per se had a modest impact on the adult GH-axis, early overnutrition had durable effects on key elements of the somatotropic-system, which were sexually different, with a significant inhibition of pituitary gene expression of GH-releasing hormone-receptor (GHRH-R) and somatostatin receptor-5 (SST5) in males, but an increase in pituitary GHRH-R, SST2, SST5, GH secretagogue-receptor (GHS-R) and ghrelin expression in females. Notably, early-overnutrition sensitized the GH-axis to the deleterious impact of HFD, with a significant suppression of pituitary GH expression in both sexes and lowering of circulating GH levels in females. Yet, despite their similar metabolic perturbations, males and females displayed rather distinct alterations of key somatotropic-regulators/ mediators. Our data document a synergistic effect of postnatal-overnutrition on the detrimental impact of HFD-induced obesity on key elements of the adult GH-axis, which is conducted via mechanisms that are sexually-divergent.
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11
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Liu L, Huang X, Feng L, Wu Y. Internal Lipid Profile and Body Lipid Profile in Relation to Cognition: A Cross-Sectional Study in Southern China. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2020; 35:1533317520962660. [PMID: 33089704 PMCID: PMC10624072 DOI: 10.1177/1533317520962660] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM There are currently no established, clinically relevant, non-invasive markers of cognitive impairment, except for age and APOE genotype. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 1,296 participants from Nanchang, China, has been conducted. We collected data from Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, internal lipid profiles and body lipid profiles, age and other factors that may have an effect on cognitive impairment. RESULTS Internal lipid profiles (OR = 1.03 [95%CI, 1.00-1.06], P = 0.024), body lipid profiles (OR = 1.05 [95%CI, 1.01-1.09], P = 0.014), and age (OR = 1.03 [95%CI, 1.01-1.05], P < 0.001) were all positively correlated with cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS Cognitive impairment was more frequent in female patients with high internal lipid profiles or body lipid profiles, and these characteristics were related to age and education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Liu
- Department Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department Health Care Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xiao Huang
- Department Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Liang Feng
- Department Health Care Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yanqing Wu
- Department Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
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12
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Perry GML. 'Fat's chances': Loci for phenotypic dispersion in plasma leptin in mouse models of diabetes mellitus. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222654. [PMID: 31661517 PMCID: PMC6818960 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leptin, a critical mediator of feeding, metabolism and diabetes, is expressed on an incidental basis according to satiety. The genetic regulation of leptin should similarly be episodic. Methodology Data from three mouse cohorts hosted by the Jackson Laboratory– 402 (174F, 228M) F2 Dilute Brown non-Agouti (DBA/2)×DU6i intercrosses, 142 Non Obese Diabetic (NOD/ShiLtJ×(NOD/ShiLtJ×129S1/SvImJ.H2g7) N2 backcross females, and 204 male Nonobese Nondiabetic (NON)×New Zealand Obese (NZO/HlLtJ) reciprocal backcrosses–were used to test for loci associated with absolute residuals in plasma leptin and arcsin-transformed percent fat (‘phenotypic dispersion’; PDpLep and PDAFP). Individual data from 1,780 mice from 43 inbred strains was also used to estimate genetic variances and covariances for dispersion in each trait. Principal findings Several loci for PDpLep were detected, including possibly syntenic Chr 17 loci, but there was only a single position on Chr 6 for PDAFP. Coding SNP in genes linked to the consensus Chr 17 PDpLep locus occurred in immunological and cancer genes, genes linked to diabetes and energy regulation, post-transcriptional processors and vomeronasal variants. There was evidence of intersexual differences in the genetic architecture of PDpLep. PDpLep had moderate heritability (hs2=0.29) and PDAFP low heritability (hs2=0.12); dispersion in these traits was highly genetically correlated r = 0.8). Conclusions Greater genetic variance for dispersion in plasma leptin, a physiological trait, may reflect its more ephemeral nature compared to body fat, an accrued progressive character. Genetic effects on incidental phenotypes such as leptin might be effectively characterized with randomization-detection methodologies in addition to classical approaches, helping identify incipient or borderline cases or providing new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy M. L. Perry
- Department of Biology, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
- * E-mail:
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13
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Allensworth-James ML, Odle A, Haney A, MacNicol M, MacNicol A, Childs G. Sex-specific changes in postnatal GH and PRL secretion in somatotrope LEPR-null mice. J Endocrinol 2018; 238:221-230. [PMID: 29929987 PMCID: PMC6354591 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The developing pituitary is a rapidly changing environment that is constantly meeting the physiological demands of the growing organism. During early postnatal development, the anterior pituitary is refining patterns of anterior hormone secretion in response to numerous genetic factors. Our laboratory previously developed a somatotrope leptin receptor (LEPR) deletion mouse model that had decreased lean body mass, disrupted metabolism, decreased GH stores and was GH deficient as an adult. To understand how deletion of LEPR in somatotropes altered GH, we turned our attention to postnatal development. The current study examines GH, PRL, TSH, ACTH, LH and FSH secretion during postnatal days 4, 5, 8, 10 and 15 and compares age and sex differences. The LEPR mutants have dysregulation of GH (P < 0.03) and a reduced developmental prolactin peak in males (P < 0.04) and females (P < 0.002). There were no differences in weight between groups, and the postnatal leptin surge appeared to be normal. Percentages of immunolabeled GH cells were reduced in mutants compared with controls in all age groups by 35-61% in males and 41-44% in females. In addition, we measured pituitary expression of pituitary transcription factors, POU1F1 and PROP1. POU1F1 was reduced in mutant females at PND 10 (P < 0.009) and PND 15 (P < 0.02) but increased in males at PND 10 (P < 0.01). PROP1 was unchanged in female mutants but showed developmental increases at PND 5 (P < 0.02) and PND 15 (P < 0.01). These studies show that the dysfunction caused by LEPR deletion in somatotropes begins as early as neonatal development and involves developing GH and prolactin cells (somatolactotropes).
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody L Allensworth-James
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental SciencesCollege of Medicine University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Angela Odle
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental SciencesCollege of Medicine University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Anessa Haney
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental SciencesCollege of Medicine University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Melanie MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental SciencesCollege of Medicine University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Angus MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental SciencesCollege of Medicine University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Gwen Childs
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental SciencesCollege of Medicine University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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14
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Appetite, Metabolism and Hormonal Regulation in Normal Ageing and Dementia. Diseases 2018; 6:diseases6030066. [PMID: 30036957 PMCID: PMC6164971 DOI: 10.3390/diseases6030066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Feeding and nutrition follow the growth trajectory of the course of life. The profound physiological changes that human body experiences during ageing affect separate aspects of food intake, from tastant perception to satiety. Concurrent morbidities, such as neurodegeneration, as seen in dementia, and metabolic syndrome, may further shape nutritional behaviours, status and adequacy. In an effort to fill the gap between the exhausting basic research and the actual needs of professionals caring for the exponentially expanding ageing population, the current review addresses major factors relevant to appetite and eating disturbances. Does age alter the perception of food modalities? Is food generally still perceived as alluring and delicious with age? Is there an interplay between ageing, cognitive decline, and malnutrition? What tools can we adopt for proper and timely monitoring? Finally, what anatomical and pathophysiological evidence exists to support a hypothesis of central regulation of metabolic perturbations in normal and accelerated cognitive impairment, and how can we benefit from it in health practice?
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15
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Odle AK, Beneš H, Melgar Castillo A, Akhter N, Syed M, Haney A, Allensworth-James M, Hardy L, Winter B, Manoharan R, Syed R, MacNicol MC, MacNicol AM, Childs GV. Association of Gnrhr mRNA With the Stem Cell Determinant Musashi: A Mechanism for Leptin-Mediated Modulation of GnRHR Expression. Endocrinology 2018; 159:883-894. [PMID: 29228137 PMCID: PMC5776477 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The cyclic expression of pituitary gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors (GnRHRs) may be an important checkpoint for leptin regulatory signals. Gonadotrope Lepr-null mice have reduced GnRHR levels, suggesting these receptors may be leptin targets. To determine if leptin stimulated GnRHR directly, primary pituitary cultures or pieces were exposed to 1 to 100 nM leptin. Leptin increased GnRHR protein levels and the percentages of gonadotropes that bound biotinylated analogs of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (bio-GnRH) but had no effect on Gnrhr messenger RNA (mRNA). An in silico analysis revealed three consensus Musashi (MSI) binding elements (MBEs) for this translational control protein in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of Gnrhr mRNA. Several experiments determined that these Gnrhr mRNA MBE were active: (1) RNA electrophoretic mobility shift assay analyses showed that MSI1 specifically bound Gnrhr mRNA 3'-UTR; (2) RNA immunoprecipitation of pituitary fractions with MSI1 antibody pulled down a complex enriched in endogenous MSI protein and endogenous Gnrhr mRNA; and (3) fluorescence reporter assays showed that MSI1 repressed translation of the reporter coupled to the Gnrhr 3'-UTR. In vitro, leptin stimulation of pituitary pieces reduced Msi1 mRNA in female pituitaries, and leptin stimulation of pituitary cultures reduced MSI1 proteins selectively in gonadotropes identified by binding to bio-GnRH. These findings show that leptin's direct stimulatory actions on gonadotrope GnRHR correlate with a direct inhibition of expression of the posttranscriptional regulator MSI1. We also show MSI1 interaction with the 3'-UTR of Gnrhr mRNA. These findings now open the door to future studies of leptin-modulated posttranscriptional pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela K. Odle
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Helen Beneš
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Andrea Melgar Castillo
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Noor Akhter
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Mohsin Syed
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Anessa Haney
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Melody Allensworth-James
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Linda Hardy
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Benjamin Winter
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Ragul Manoharan
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Raiyan Syed
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Melanie C. MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Angus M. MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Gwen V. Childs
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
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16
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Odle AK, Akhter N, Syed MM, Allensworth-James ML, Beneš H, Melgar Castillo AI, MacNicol MC, MacNicol AM, Childs GV. Leptin Regulation of Gonadotrope Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptors As a Metabolic Checkpoint and Gateway to Reproductive Competence. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 8:367. [PMID: 29354094 PMCID: PMC5760501 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The adipokine leptin signals the body's nutritional status to the brain, and particularly, the hypothalamus. However, leptin receptors (LEPRs) can be found all throughout the body and brain, including the pituitary. It is known that leptin is permissive for reproduction, and mice that cannot produce leptin (Lep/Lep) are infertile. Many studies have pinpointed leptin's regulation of reproduction to the hypothalamus. However, LEPRs exist at all levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. We have previously shown that deleting the signaling portion of the LEPR specifically in gonadotropes impairs fertility in female mice. Our recent studies have targeted this regulation to the control of gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) expression. The hypotheses presented here are twofold: (1) cyclic regulation of pituitary GnRHR levels sets up a target metabolic checkpoint for control of the reproductive axis and (2) multiple checkpoints are required for the metabolic signaling that regulates the reproductive axis. Here, we emphasize and explore the relationship between the hypothalamus and the pituitary with regard to the regulation of GnRHR. The original data we present strengthen these hypotheses and build on our previous studies. We show that we can cause infertility in 70% of female mice by deleting all isoforms of LEPR specifically in gonadotropes. Our findings implicate activin subunit (InhBa) mRNA as a potential leptin target in gonadotropes. We further show gonadotrope-specific upregulation of GnRHR protein (but not mRNA levels) following leptin stimulation. In order to try and understand this post-transcriptional regulation, we tested candidate miRNAs (identified with in silico analysis) that may be binding the Gnrhr mRNA. We show significant upregulation of one of these miRNAs in our gonadotrope-Lepr-null females. The evidence provided here, combined with our previous work, lay the foundation for metabolically regulated post-transcriptional control of the gonadotrope. We discuss possible mechanisms, including miRNA regulation and the involvement of the RNA binding protein, Musashi. We also demonstrate how this regulation may be vital for the dynamic remodeling of gonadotropes in the cycling female. Finally, we propose that the leptin receptivity of both the hypothalamus and the pituitary are vital for the body's ability to delay or slow reproduction during periods of low nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela K. Odle
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Noor Akhter
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Mohsin M. Syed
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Melody L. Allensworth-James
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Helen Beneš
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Andrea I. Melgar Castillo
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Melanie C. MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Angus M. MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Gwen V. Childs
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
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17
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Zhang L, Qin Y, Liang D, Li L, Liang Y, Chen L, Tong L, Zhou J, Li H, Zhang H. Association of polymorphisms in LEPR with type 2 diabetes and related metabolic traits in a Chinese population. Lipids Health Dis 2018; 17:2. [PMID: 29301582 PMCID: PMC5753482 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-017-0644-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leptin acts as a mediator of inflammation and energy homeostasis by activating leptin receptor (LEPR). We conducted this study to explore the association of polymorphisms in LEPR with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its related metabolic traits. Methods We performed a case–control study to investigate the association of polymorphisms in LEPR with T2DM and related metabolic traits in a Chinese population, with a total of 922 T2DM patients and 1031 nondiabetic subjects. Polymorphisms were genotyped using MassARRAY assay. Results The G allele of rs1327118 was associated with a decreased risk of T2DM in men (P = 0.044, odds ratio = 0.707, 95% confidence interval = 0.504–0.991) and the G allele of rs3806318 was associated with increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) in men with T2DM. Besides, the women patients carrying the G allele of rs1327118 showed increased SBP and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels, but decreased high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level. Conclusion Our results suggest that rs1327118 may be associated with SBP, DBP and HDL-C levels in women with T2DM, and rs3806318 may be associated with T2DM and SBP level in men with T2DM. Further studies with larger sample size or functional experiments focused on exact mechanism are required to verify our observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Zhang
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China.,Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent Diseases, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingfen Qin
- Department of Endocrine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Danyan Liang
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Endocrine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaojie Liang
- Beihai Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beihai, 536000, People's Republic of China
| | - Lulin Chen
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China.,Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent Diseases, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Tong
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China.,Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent Diseases, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Endocrine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Li
- School of General Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China.
| | - Haiying Zhang
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China. .,Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent Diseases, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China. .,Guangxi key laboratory for genomic and personalized medicine, Guangxi collaborative innovation center for genomic and personalized medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Reynolds CM, Perry JK, Vickers MH. Manipulation of the Growth Hormone-Insulin-Like Growth Factor (GH-IGF) Axis: A Treatment Strategy to Reverse the Effects of Early Life Developmental Programming. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18081729. [PMID: 28786951 PMCID: PMC5578119 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18081729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence from human clinical, epidemiological, and experimental animal models has clearly highlighted a link between the early life environment and an increased risk for a range of cardiometabolic disorders in later life. In particular, altered maternal nutrition, including both undernutrition and overnutrition, spanning exposure windows that cover the period from preconception through to early infancy, clearly highlight an increased risk for a range of disorders in offspring in later life. This process, preferentially termed “developmental programming” as part of the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) framework, leads to phenotypic outcomes in offspring that closely resemble those of individuals with untreated growth hormone (GH) deficiency, including increased adiposity and cardiovascular disorders. As such, the use of GH as a potential intervention strategy to mitigate the effects of developmental malprogramming has received some attention in the DOHaD field. In particular, experimental animal models have shown that early GH treatment in the setting of poor maternal nutrition can partially rescue the programmed phenotype, albeit in a sex-specific manner. Although the mechanisms remain poorly defined, they include changes to endothelial function, an altered inflammasome, changes in adipogenesis and cardiovascular function, neuroendocrine effects, and changes in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Similarly, GH treatment to adult offspring, where an adverse metabolic phenotype is already manifest, has shown efficacy in reversing some of the metabolic disorders arising from a poor early life environment. Components of the GH-insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-IGF binding protein (GH-IGF-IGFBP) system, including insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), have also shown promise in ameliorating programmed metabolic disorders, potentially acting via epigenetic processes including changes in miRNA profiles and altered DNA methylation. However, as with the use of GH in the clinical setting of short stature and GH-deficiency, the benefits of treatment are also, in some cases, associated with potential unwanted side effects that need to be taken into account before effective translation as an intervention modality in the DOHaD context can be undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare M Reynolds
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Jo K Perry
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Mark H Vickers
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
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19
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Tuersunjiang N, Odhiambo JF, Shasa DR, Smith AM, Nathanielsz PW, Ford SP. Maternal obesity programs reduced leptin signaling in the pituitary and altered GH/IGF1 axis function leading to increased adiposity in adult sheep offspring. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181795. [PMID: 28771488 PMCID: PMC5542597 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies in rodents highlight a role for leptin in stimulation of pituitary growth hormone (GH) secretion, with an impact on body composition regulation. We have reported that maternal obesity (MO) during ovine pregnancy results in hyperphagia, glucose-insulin dysregulation, increased adiposity, hypercortisolemia and hyperleptinemia in mature offspring subjected to a bout of ad libitum feeding. We hypothesized that MO reduces leptin signaling in the pituitary and down regulates the GH/IGF1 axis and increases circulating cortisol leading to increased adiposity in their adult offspring. Male lambs born to MO (n = 6) or control (CON, n = 6) ewes were fed only to requirements until placed on a 12 week ad libitum feeding trial at maturity. The pituitary, hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, and liver were collected at necropsy and mRNA and protein expression determined. Plasma cortisol concentrations were increased (P<0.05) in MO vs. CON offspring at the end of the feeding trial. Further, serum concentrations of IGF1 decreased (P<0.01) and GH tended to decrease (P<0.08) in MO vs. CON offspring. Pituitary mRNA and leptin receptor protein expression were decreased in MO vs. CON offspring in association with decreased GH mRNA expression, and decreased IGF1 mRNA and protein expression in liver. Liver 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11βHSD1) expression was increased (P<0.01) and its cofactor hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase tended to increase (P<0.06) in MO vs. CON offspring. 11βHSD2 expression remained unchanged. These data indicate that MO induced an increase in liver conversion of cortisone to cortisol in adult offspring and support a role for leptin signaling in the pituitary in mediating offspring adiposity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuermaimaiti Tuersunjiang
- Center for the Study of Fetal Programming, Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - John F. Odhiambo
- Center for the Study of Fetal Programming, Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Desiree R. Shasa
- Center for the Study of Fetal Programming, Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Ashley M. Smith
- Center for the Study of Fetal Programming, Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Peter W. Nathanielsz
- Center for the Study of Fetal Programming, Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Stephen P. Ford
- Center for the Study of Fetal Programming, Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
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20
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Bello AR, Puertas‐Avendaño RA, González‐Gómez MJ, González‐Gómez M, Laborda J, Damas C, Ruiz‐Hidalgo M, Diaz C. Delta-like protein 1 in the pituitary-adipose axis in the adult male mouse. J Neuroendocrinol 2017; 29:e12507. [PMID: 28718206 PMCID: PMC6084355 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
With the aim of studying delta-like protein 1 (DLK1) with respect to the relationship between adipocyte leptin and adenohypophyseal hormones, we carried out an immunohistochemical study analysing the presence of receptors for these hormones in the pituitary and adipose cells of male wild-type (WT) mice (Dlk1+/+ ) compared to knockout (KO) mice (Dlk1-/- ). The mRNA expression of these molecules was also determined using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The results obtained showed that, in WT adipose cells, all of the adenohypophyseal hormone receptors were present, with a higher mRNA expression for growth hormone (GH) receptor and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor. Of the total cells in the anterior pituitary lobe, 17.09±0.9% were leptin receptor (LEPR) immunoreactive (-IR), mainly in GH-IR and prolactin (PRL)-IR cells (41.5±3.8%; 13.5±1.7%, respectively). In Dlk1-/- mice, adipocyte cells showed a significant increase in the TSH receptor mRNA expression level. Moreover, the percentage of LEPR-IR GH cells showed a statistically significant increase compared to controls, from 41.5±3.8% to 53.1±4.0%. By contrast, only 3.0±0.6% of LEP-IR anterior pituitary cells were detected in Dlk1 KO mice, as opposed to 6.8±1.1% observed in WT mice. The results suggest that relationships exist between adipocytes and pituitary GH, PRL and TSH cells, in addition to an influence with respect to the synthesis and release of pituitary leptin, particularly in PRL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. R. Bello
- Cell Biology SectionSchool of Sciences/Institute for Tropical Diseases and Public HealthUniversity of La LagunaTenerifeSpain
| | - R. A. Puertas‐Avendaño
- Cell Biology SectionSchool of Sciences/Institute for Tropical Diseases and Public HealthUniversity of La LagunaTenerifeSpain
| | - M. J. González‐Gómez
- Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry and BiochemistrySchool of Medicine/Regional Centre for Biomedical ResearchBiomedicine Unit Spanish National Research Council/University of Castilla‐La ManchaAlbaceteSpain
| | - M. González‐Gómez
- Department of Basic Medical SciencesSchool of MedicineUniversity of La LagunaTenerifeSpain
| | - J. Laborda
- Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry and BiochemistrySchool of Medicine/Regional Centre for Biomedical ResearchBiomedicine Unit Spanish National Research Council/University of Castilla‐La ManchaAlbaceteSpain
| | - C. Damas
- Department of PsychobiologySchool of PsychologyUniversity of La LagunaTenerifeSpain
| | - M. Ruiz‐Hidalgo
- Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry and BiochemistrySchool of Medicine/Regional Centre for Biomedical ResearchBiomedicine Unit Spanish National Research Council/University of Castilla‐La ManchaAlbaceteSpain
| | - C. Diaz
- Department of Medical SciencesSchool of Medicine/Institute for Research in Neurological DisabilitiesUniversity of Castilla‐La ManchaAlbaceteSpain
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21
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Sarmento-Cabral A, Peinado JR, Halliday LC, Malagon MM, Castaño JP, Kineman RD, Luque RM. Adipokines (Leptin, Adiponectin, Resistin) Differentially Regulate All Hormonal Cell Types in Primary Anterior Pituitary Cell Cultures from Two Primate Species. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43537. [PMID: 28349931 PMCID: PMC5640086 DOI: 10.1038/srep43537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipose-tissue (AT) is an endocrine organ that dynamically secretes multiple hormones, the adipokines, which regulate key physiological processes. However, adipokines and their receptors are also expressed and regulated in other tissues, including the pituitary, suggesting that locally- and AT-produced adipokines might comprise a regulatory circuit that relevantly modulate pituitary cell-function. Here, we used primary pituitary cell-cultures from two normal nonhuman-primate species [Papio-anubis/Macaca-fascicularis] to determine the impact of different adipokines on the functioning of all anterior-pituitary cell-types. Leptin and resistin stimulated GH-release, a response that was blocked by somatostatin. Conversely, adiponectin decreased GH-release, and inhibited GHRH-, but not ghrelin-stimulated GH-secretion. Furthermore: 1) Leptin stimulated PRL/ACTH/FSH- but not LH/TSH-release; 2) adiponectin stimulated PRL-, inhibited ACTH- and did not alter LH/FSH/TSH-release; and 3) resistin increased ACTH-release and did not alter PRL/LH/FSH/TSH-secretion. These effects were mediated through the activation of common (AC/PKA) and distinct (PLC/PKC, intra-/extra-cellular calcium, PI3K/MAPK/mTOR) signaling-pathways, and by the gene-expression regulation of key receptors/transcriptional-factors involved in the functioning of these pituitary cell-types (e.g. GHRH/ghrelin/somatostatin/insulin/IGF-I-receptors/Pit-1). Finally, we found that primate pituitaries expressed leptin/adiponectin/resistin. Altogether, these and previous data suggest that local-production of adipokines/receptors, in conjunction with circulating adipokine-levels, might comprise a relevant regulatory circuit that contribute to the fine-regulation of pituitary functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Sarmento-Cabral
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía (HURS), Córdoba, Spain.,CIBER de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain.,Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario (ceiA3), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Juan R Peinado
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine of Ciudad Real, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
| | - Lisa C Halliday
- Biologic Resources Laboratory, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - María M Malagon
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía (HURS), Córdoba, Spain.,CIBER de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Justo P Castaño
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía (HURS), Córdoba, Spain.,CIBER de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain.,Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario (ceiA3), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rhonda D Kineman
- Research and Development Division, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Raúl M Luque
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía (HURS), Córdoba, Spain.,CIBER de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain.,Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario (ceiA3), Córdoba, Spain
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22
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Odle AK, Allensworth-James ML, Akhter N, Syed M, Haney AC, MacNicol M, MacNicol AM, Childs GV. A Sex-Dependent, Tropic Role for Leptin in the Somatotrope as a Regulator of POU1F1 and POU1F1-Dependent Hormones. Endocrinology 2016; 157:3958-3971. [PMID: 27571135 PMCID: PMC5045503 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary somatotropes perform the key function of coordinating organismic growth and body composition with metabolic signals. However, the mechanism by which they sense and respond to metabolic signals via the adipokine leptin is unknown. The complex interplay between the heterogeneous cell types of the pituitary confounds the identification of somatotrope-specific mechanisms. Somatotropes represent 30%-40% of the anterior pituitary population and are derived from a lineage of cells that are activated by the Pit-Oct-Unc domain family domain class 1 transcription factor 1 (POU1F1) to produce GH, prolactin (PRL). and TSH. To determine the mechanism by which leptin controls somatotrope function, we used Cre-LoxP technology and fluorescence-activated cell sorting to purify and study control or leptin receptor-deleted (Lepr null) somatotropes. We report that Lepr-null somatotropes show significant reductions in GH protein (GH) and Gh mRNA. By contrast, enzyme immunoassays detected no changes in ACTH, LH, and FSH levels in mutants, indicating that the control of these hormones is independent of leptin signaling to somatotropes. Reduced TSH and PRL levels were also observed, but interestingly, this reduction occurred only in in Lepr-null somatotropes from mutant females and not from males. Consistent with the sex-specific reduction in Gh mRNA, TSH, and PRL, enzyme immunoassays detected a sex-specific reduction in POU1F1 protein levels in adult female Lepr-null somatotropes. Collectively, this study of purified Lepr-null somatotropes has uncovered an unexpected tropic role for leptin in the control of POU1F1 and all POU1F1-dependent hormones. This supports a broader role for somatotropes as metabolic sensors including sex-specific responses to leptin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela K Odle
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Melody L Allensworth-James
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Noor Akhter
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Mohsin Syed
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Anessa C Haney
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Melanie MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Angus M MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Gwen V Childs
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
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23
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Odle AK, Allensworth-James M, Haney A, Akhter N, Syed M, Childs GV. Adipocyte Versus Somatotrope Leptin: Regulation of Metabolic Functions in the Mouse. Endocrinology 2016; 157:1443-56. [PMID: 26859333 PMCID: PMC4816722 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Leptin regulates food intake and energy expenditure (EE) and is produced in adipocytes, the pituitary, and several other tissues. Animals that are leptin or leptin receptor deficient have major metabolic complications, including obesity. This study tests the hypothesis that the pituitary somatotrope may contribute a source of leptin that maintains some of these metabolic functions. We created 2 different tissue-specific leptin knockout animals: a Somatotrope-Lep-null model and an Adipocyte-Lep-null model. Metabolic analysis of both models, along with a global deletion model, was performed. The Somatotrope-Lep-null animals had fewer somatotropes, and females had a 76% decrease in serum prolactin. During the dark (feeding) phase, females had a 35% increase in ambulation coupled with a 4% increase in EE. Mutants showed no change in food intake or weight gain and EE was unchanged in males. During the light (sleep) phase, Somatotrope-Lep-null mutant males had lower EE and females continued to have higher EE. The respiratory quotients (RQs) of mutants and littermate controls were decreased in males and increased in females; all were within the range that indicates predominant carbohydrate burning. The massively obese Adipocyte-Lep-null animals, however, had significant increases in food intake, sleep, and increased EE, with decreased activity. Changes in RQ were sexually dimorphic, with female mutants having higher RQ and males having decreased RQ. We conclude that both adipocyte and somatotrope leptin contribute to the metabolic homeostasis of the mouse, and that extraadipocyte sources of leptin cannot overcome the major metabolic challenges seen in these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Katherine Odle
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, College of Medicine, Center for Translational Neurosciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Melody Allensworth-James
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, College of Medicine, Center for Translational Neurosciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Anessa Haney
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, College of Medicine, Center for Translational Neurosciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Noor Akhter
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, College of Medicine, Center for Translational Neurosciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Mohsin Syed
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, College of Medicine, Center for Translational Neurosciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Gwen V Childs
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, College of Medicine, Center for Translational Neurosciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
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