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Muñoz-Jurado A, Escribano BM. Presence of melatonin in foods of daily consumption: The benefit of this hormone for health. Food Chem 2024; 458:140172. [PMID: 38943958 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140172] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Melatonin (MLT) is a hormone that exists in all living organisms, including bacteria, yeast, fungi, animals, and plants, many of which are ingested daily in the diet. However, the exact concentrations of melatonin in each of the foods and the effect on health of the intake of foods rich in MLT are not known. Therefore, the aim of this review was to gather the available information on the melatonin content of different foods and to evaluate the effect that this hormone has on different pathologies. The amount of MLT may vary depending on the variety, origin, heat treatment, processing, and analysis technique, among other factors. Dietary interventions with foods rich in MLT report health benefits, but there is no evidence that hormone is partially responsible for the clinical improvement. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the MLT content in more foods, as well as the effect that cooking/processing has on the amount of MLT, to estimate its total intake in a typical diet and better explore its potential impact on the health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Muñoz-Jurado
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Spain.; Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain..
| | - Begoña M Escribano
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Spain.; Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain..
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2
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Li G, Yan L, Wang L, Ma W, Wu H, Guan S, Yao Y, Deng S, Yang H, Zhang J, Zhang X, Wu H, He C, Ji P, Lian Z, Wu Y, Zhang L, Liu G. Ovarian overexpression of ASMT gene increases follicle numbers in transgenic sheep: Association with lipid metabolism. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 269:131803. [PMID: 38670205 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Melatonin plays an important role in mammalian reproductive activities, to further understand the effects of endogenous melatonin on functions of ovary, the transgenic sheep with overexpression of melatonin synthetic enzyme gene ASMT in ovary were generated. The results showed that total melatonin content in follicular fluid of transgenic sheep was significantly greater than that in the wild type. Accordingly, the follicle numbers of transgenic sheep were also significantly greater than those in the WT. The results of follicular fluid metabolites sequencing showed that compared with WT, the differential metabolites of the transgenic sheep were significantly enriched in several signaling pathways, the largest number of metabolites was lipid metabolism pathway and the main differential metabolites were lipids and lipoid molecules. SMART-seq2 were used to analyze the oocytes and granulosa cells of transgenic sheep and WT sheep. The main differential enrichment pathway was metabolic pathway, in which lipid metabolism genes accounted for the majority. In conclusion, this is the first report to show that ovary overexpression of ASMT increased local melatonin production and follicle numbers. These results may imply that ASMT plays an important role in follicle development and formation, and melatonin intervention may be a potential method to promote this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangdong Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Laiqing Yan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Likai Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wenkui Ma
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hao Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shengyu Guan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yujun Yao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shoulong Deng
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Hai Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jinlong Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Tianjin, Tianjin 300112, China
| | - Xiaosheng Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Tianjin, Tianjin 300112, China
| | - Haixin Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Changjiu He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Pengyun Ji
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhengxing Lian
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yingjie Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Guoshi Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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3
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Jurjus A, El Masri J, Ghazi M, El Ayoubi LM, Soueid L, Gerges Geagea A, Jurjus R. Mechanism of Action of Melatonin as a Potential Adjuvant Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Cancer. Nutrients 2024; 16:1236. [PMID: 38674926 PMCID: PMC11054672 DOI: 10.3390/nu16081236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a continuum of chronic inflammatory diseases, is tightly associated with immune system dysregulation and dysbiosis, leading to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and multiple extraintestinal manifestations. The pathogenesis of IBD is not completely elucidated. However, it is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), which is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies. In both IBD and CRC, a complex interplay occurs between the immune system and gut microbiota (GM), leading to the alteration in GM composition. Melatonin, a neuroendocrine hormone, was found to be involved with this interplay, especially since it is present in high amounts in the gut, leading to some protective effects. Actually, melatonin enhances the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier, regulates the immune response, alleviates inflammation, and attenuates oxidative stress. Thereby, the authors summarize the multifactorial interaction of melatonin with IBD and with CRC, focusing on new findings related to the mechanisms of action of this hormone, in addition to its documented positive outcomes on the treatment of these two pathologies and possible future perspectives to use melatonin as an adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdo Jurjus
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107, Lebanon; (J.E.M.); (M.G.); (L.S.); (A.G.G.); (R.J.)
| | - Jad El Masri
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107, Lebanon; (J.E.M.); (M.G.); (L.S.); (A.G.G.); (R.J.)
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon;
| | - Maya Ghazi
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107, Lebanon; (J.E.M.); (M.G.); (L.S.); (A.G.G.); (R.J.)
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon;
| | | | - Lara Soueid
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107, Lebanon; (J.E.M.); (M.G.); (L.S.); (A.G.G.); (R.J.)
| | - Alice Gerges Geagea
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107, Lebanon; (J.E.M.); (M.G.); (L.S.); (A.G.G.); (R.J.)
| | - Rosalyn Jurjus
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107, Lebanon; (J.E.M.); (M.G.); (L.S.); (A.G.G.); (R.J.)
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4
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Li M, Wu L, Shi Y, Wu L, Afzal F, Jia Y, Huang Y, Hu B, Chen J, Huang J. Bioinformatics and Functional Analysis of OsASMT1 Gene in Response to Abiotic Stress. Biochem Genet 2024:10.1007/s10528-024-10774-w. [PMID: 38582819 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-024-10774-w] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The study aimed to elucidate the functional characteristics of OsASMT1 gene under copper (Cu) or sodium chloride (NaCl) stress. Bioinformatics scrutiny unveiled that OsASMT1 is situated on chromosome 9. Its protein architecture, comprising dimerization and methyltransferase domains, showed significant similarities to OsASMT2 and OsASMT3. High expression in roots and panicles, along with abiotic stress putative cis-regulatory elements in the promoter, indicated potential stress responsiveness. Real-time quantitative PCR confirmed OsASMT1 induction under Cu and NaCl stress in rice. Surprisingly, yeast expressing OsASMT1 did not exhibit enhanced resistance to abiotic stresses. The results of subcellular localization analysis indicated that OsASMT1 plays a role in the cytoplasm. While OsASMT1 responded to Cu and NaCl stress in rice, its heterologous expression in yeast failed to confer abiotic stress resistance, highlighting the need for further investigation of its functional implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Li
- College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, Sichuan, China
| | - Longying Wu
- College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Shi
- College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, Sichuan, China
| | - Lijuan Wu
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Farhan Afzal
- College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanru Jia
- College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 61130, Sichuan, China
| | - Binhua Hu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Nuclear Technology, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 610066, Sichuan, China
| | - Ji Chen
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Jin Huang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, Sichuan, China.
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Lei X, Xu Z, Huang L, Huang Y, Tu S, Xu L, Liu D. The potential influence of melatonin on mitochondrial quality control: a review. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1332567. [PMID: 38273825 PMCID: PMC10808166 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1332567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are critical for cellular energetic metabolism, intracellular signaling orchestration and programmed death regulation. Therefore, mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with various pathogeneses. The maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis and functional recovery after injury are coordinated by mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics and autophagy, which are collectively referred to as mitochondrial quality control. There is increasing evidence that mitochondria are important targets for melatonin to exert protective effects under pathological conditions. Melatonin, an evolutionarily conserved tryptophan metabolite, can be synthesized, transported and metabolized in mitochondria. In this review, we summarize the important role of melatonin in the damaged mitochondria elimination and mitochondrial energy supply recovery by regulating mitochondrial quality control, which may provide new strategies for clinical treatment of mitochondria-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudan Lei
- Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Experimental Research, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenni Xu
- Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Experimental Research, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingxiao Huang
- Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Experimental Research, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujun Huang
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Siyu Tu
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Xu
- Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Experimental Research, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Dengqun Liu
- Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Experimental Research, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Mattern KMJ, Blancas-Velázquez AS, Ngo MT, Bille S, Hertz H, Bering T, Rath MF. The ISL LIM-homeobox 2 transcription factor is negatively regulated by circadian adrenergic signaling to repress the expression of Aanat in pinealocytes of the rat pineal gland. J Pineal Res 2023; 75:e12905. [PMID: 37649242 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin is synthesized in the pineal gland during nighttime in response to nocturnal increase in the activity of the enzyme aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT), the transcription of which is modulated by several homeodomain transcription factors. Recent work suggests that the homeodomain transcription factor ISL LIM homeobox 2 (ISL2) is expressed in the pineal gland, but its role is currently unknown. With the purpose of identifying the mechanisms that control pineal expression of Isl2 and the possible function of Isl2 in circadian pineal biology, we report that Isl2 is specifically expressed in the pinealocytes of the rat pineal gland. Its expression exhibits a 24 h rhythm with high transcript and protein levels during the day and a trough in the second half of the night. This rhythm persists in darkness, and lesion studies reveal that it requires intact function of the suprachiasmatic nuclei, suggesting intrinsic circadian regulation. In vivo and in vitro experiments show that pineal Isl2 expression is repressed by adrenergic signaling acting via cyclic AMP; further, Isl2 is negatively regulated by the nocturnal transcription factor cone-rod homeobox. During development, pineal Isl2 expression is detectable from embryonic day 19, preceding Aanat by several days. In vitro knockdown of Isl2 is accompanied by an increase in Aanat transcript levels suggesting that ISL2 represses its daytime expression. Thus, rhythmic expression of ISL2 in pinealocytes is under the control of the suprachiasmatic nucleus acting via adrenergic signaling in the gland to repress nocturnal expression, while ISL2 itself negatively regulates daytime pineal expression of Aanat and thereby suggestively enhances the circadian rhythm in melatonin synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuno M-J Mattern
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Aurea S Blancas-Velázquez
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikaella T Ngo
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Signe Bille
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Hertz
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tenna Bering
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin F Rath
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Ku LC, Sheu ML, Cheng HH, Lee CY, Tsai YC, Tsai CY, Lin KH, Lai LC, Lai DW. Melatonin protects retinal integrity through mediated immune homeostasis in the sodium iodate-induced mouse model of age-related macular degeneration. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114476. [PMID: 36905808 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114476] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of visual deficiency in older adults worldwide. Melatonin (MT) can potentially reduce retinal deterioration. However, the mechanism by which MT mediates regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the retina is not yet fully understood. METHODS The transcriptome profiles of aged or young human retinal tissues from the GEO database were analyzed for MT-related gene expression. The pathological changes in the retina in the NaIO3-induced mouse model were quantitatively determined by staining with hematoxylin and eosin. Retinal whole-mounting immunofluorescence staining was conducted to determine the expression of the Treg-specific marker FOXP3. The phenotypes of M1/M2 macrophages were representing related gene markers in the retina. The GEO database includes biopsies from patients with retinal detachment for ENPTD1, NT5E, and TET2 gene expression. A pyrosequencing assay was performed for NT5E DNA methylation on human primary Tregs, and siTET2 transfection engineering was used. RESULTS MT synthesis-related genes in retinal tissue may be affected by age. Our study shows that MT can effectively restore NaIO3-induced retinopathy and maintain retinal structural integrity. Importantly, MT may assist the conversion of M1 to M2 macrophages to promote tissue repair, which may be caused by the increased infiltration of Tregs. Moreover, MT treatment may upregulate TET2, and further NT5E demethylation is associated with Treg recruitment in the retinal microenvironment. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that MT can effectively ameliorate retinal degeneration and regulate immune homeostasis via Tregs. Modulation of the immune response may provide a key therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Cheng Ku
- Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Meei-Ling Sheu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - He-Hsiung Cheng
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yi Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Tsai
- Department of Immune Medicine, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yun Tsai
- Experimental Animal Center, Department of Molecular Biology and Cell Research, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Hung Lin
- Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Ophthalmology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Lih-Ching Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - De-Wei Lai
- Experimental Animal Center, Department of Molecular Biology and Cell Research, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Pharmacy and Master Program, Tajen University, Pingtung, Taiwan.
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8
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Kim JY, Kim W, Lee KH. The role of microRNAs in the molecular link between circadian rhythm and autism spectrum disorder. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2023; 27:38-52. [PMID: 36860270 PMCID: PMC9970207 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2023.2180535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Circadian rhythm regulates physiological cycles of awareness and sleepiness. Melatonin production is primarily regulated by circadian regulation of gene expression and is involved in sleep homeostasis. If the circadian rhythm is abnormal, sleep disorders, such as insomnia and several other diseases, can occur. The term 'autism spectrum disorder (ASD)' is used to characterize people who exhibit a certain set of repetitive behaviors, severely constrained interests, social deficits, and/or sensory behaviors that start very early in life. Because many patients with ASD suffer from sleep disorders, sleep disorders and melatonin dysregulation are attracting attention for their potential roles in ASD. ASD is caused by abnormalities during the neurodevelopmental processes owing to various genetic or environmental factors. Recently, the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in circadian rhythm and ASD have gained attraction. We hypothesized that the relationship between circadian rhythm and ASD could be explained by miRNAs that can regulate or be regulated by either or both. In this study, we introduced a possible molecular link between circadian rhythm and ASD. We performed a thorough literature review to understand their complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Young Kim
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Wanil Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si, Republic of Korea, Wanil Kim Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do52727, Republic of Korea; Kyung-Ha Lee Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Ha Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea, Wanil Kim Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do52727, Republic of Korea; Kyung-Ha Lee Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan46241, Republic of Korea
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9
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Guo HX, Zheng Y, Zhao GK, Wang HQ, Yu S, Gao F, Zhang JB, Zhang YH, Yuan B. Circ-ERC2 Is Involved in Melatonin Synthesis by Regulating the miR-125a-5p/MAT2A Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415477. [PMID: 36555116 PMCID: PMC9778726 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion in the pineal gland is highly conserved in vertebrates. Melatonin levels are always elevated at night. Acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase (ASMT) is the last enzyme in the regulation of melatonin biosynthesis (N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine-melatonin). S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is an important methyl donor in mammals and can be used as a substrate for the synthesis of melatonin. Methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) catalyzes the synthesis of SAM from methionine and ATP and has a circadian rhythm. CircRNA is an emerging type of endogenous noncoding RNA with a closed loop. Whether circRNAs in the pineal gland can participate in the regulation of melatonin synthesis by binding miRNAs to target mat2a as part of the circadian rhythm is still unclear. In this study, we predicted the targeting relationship of differentially expressed circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs based on the results of rat pineal RNA sequencing. Mat2a siRNA transfection confirmed that mat2a is involved in the synthesis of melatonin. Circ-ERC2 and miR-125a-5p were screened out by software prediction, dual-luciferase reporter experiments, cell transfection, etc. Finally, we constructed a rat superior cervical ganglionectomy model (SCGx), and the results showed that circ-ERC2 could participate in the synthesis of melatonin through the miR-125a-5p/MAT2A axis. The results of the study revealed that circ-ERC2 can act as a molecular sponge of miR-125a-5p to regulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland by targeting mat2a. This experiment provides a basis for research on the circadian rhythm of noncoding RNA on pineal melatonin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bao Yuan
- Correspondence: (Y.-H.Z.); (B.Y.)
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10
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Wu H, Zhou W, Liu H, Cui X, Ma W, Wu H, Li G, Wang L, Zhang J, Zhang X, Ji P, Lian Z, Liu G. Whole-genome methylation analysis reveals epigenetic variation between wild-type and nontransgenic cloned, ASMT transgenic cloned dairy goats generated by the somatic cell nuclear transfer. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:145. [PMID: 36434676 PMCID: PMC9701027 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00764-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SCNT (somatic cell nuclear transfer) is of great significance to biological research and also to the livestock breeding. However, the survival rate of the SCNT cloned animals is relatively low compared to other transgenic methods. This indicates the potential epigenetic variations between them. DNA methylation is a key marker of mammalian epigenetics and its alterations will lead to phenotypic differences. In this study, ASMT (acetylserotonin-O-methyltransferase) ovarian overexpression transgenic goat was produced by using SCNT. To investigate whether there are epigenetic differences between cloned and WT (wild type) goats, WGBS (whole-genome bisulfite sequencing) was used to measure the whole-genome methylation of these animals. RESULTS It is observed that the different mCpG sites are mainly present in the intergenic and intronic regions between cloned and WT animals, and their CG-type methylation sites are strongly correlated. DMR (differentially methylated region) lengths are located around 1000 bp, mainly distributed in the exonic, intergenic and intronic functional domains. A total of 56 and 36 DMGs (differentially methylated genes) were identified by GO and KEGG databases, respectively. Functional annotation showed that DMGs were enriched in biological-process, cellular-component, molecular-function and other signaling pathways. A total of 10 identical genes related to growth and development were identified in GO and KEGG databases. CONCLUSION The differences in methylation genes among the tested animals have been identified. A total of 10 DMGs associated with growth and development were identified between cloned and WT animals. The results indicate that the differential patterns of DNA methylation between the cloned and WT goats are probably caused by the SCNT. These novel observations will help us to further identify the unveiled mechanisms of somatic cell cloning technology, particularly in goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agricultural, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China ,Sany Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya, 572025 China
| | - Wendi Zhou
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agricultural, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Haijun Liu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300192 China
| | - Xudai Cui
- Qingdao Senmiao Industrial Co., Ltd., Qingdao, 266101 China
| | - Wenkui Ma
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agricultural, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Haixin Wu
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agricultural, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Guangdong Li
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agricultural, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Likai Wang
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agricultural, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Jinlong Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300192 China
| | - Xiaosheng Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300192 China
| | - Pengyun Ji
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agricultural, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Zhengxing Lian
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agricultural, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Guoshi Liu
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agricultural, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China ,Sany Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya, 572025 China
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11
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An ultrastructural study of the deep pineal gland of the Sprague Dawley rat using transmission and serial block face scanning electron microscopy: cell types, barriers, and innervation. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 389:531-546. [PMID: 35737105 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03654-5] [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: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The morphology of the deep pineal gland of the Sprague Dawley rat was investigated by serial block face scanning electron microscopy. Cells were three-dimensionally (3-D) reconstructed using the software Fiji TrackEM. The deep pineal gland consisted of 2-5 layers of electron-lucent pinealocytes, with a euchromatic nucleus, endowed with one or two processes. Laterally, the deep pineal merged with the habenula and the stria medullaris thalami, via an intermediate area containing cells with more electron-dense cytoplasm and an indented nucleus with heterochromatin. Neither nerve terminals nor capillaries were observed in the deep pineal itself but present in the intermediate parts of the gland. The deep pineal was in contact with the third ventricle via the pineal and suprahabenular recesses. The ependymal lining in these recesses was an epithelium connected by tight junctions between their lateral cell membranes. Several intraventricular nerve terminals were in contact with the ependyma. 3-D reconstructions showed the ependymal cells endowed with long slender process penetrating the underlying pineal parenchyma. Few "tanocyte-like" ependymal cells, endowed with a process, reaching the subarachnoid space on the inferior surface of the deep pineal were observed. In addition, pinealocyte and astrocyte processes, often connected by gap junctions, bordered the inferior surface. In summary, the rat deep pineal gland is a neuroendocrine structure connected to the habenula. We here report specialized ependymal cells that might transmit signals from the cerebrospinal fluid to the deep pineal parenchyma and a "trans-pineal tanocyte-like cell" that connects the ventricular system with the subarachnoid space.
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12
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Teng J, Wang D, Wang W, Ning C, Zhang Q, Tang H. Transcriptional Regulation of the Chicken ASMT Gene- A Preliminary Analysis. Br Poult Sci 2022; 63:833-839. [PMID: 35702898 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2022.2090230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
1. Melatonin is an indole hormone that, among its myriad biological functions, regulates circadian and seasonal rhythms in animals. The ASMT gene plays an essential role in melatonin synthesis. However, in chickens, little is known about the regulatory elements governing its transcription.2. The following study identified the transcription start site of the chicken ASMT gene by 5'-RACE. Then, the proximal minimal promoter was identified using a series of 5' truncations of the ASMT promoter (e.g., -3502/+17, -2698/+17, -2003/+17, -1378/+17, and -254/+17). Site-directed mutagenesis, overexpression, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were applied to show that the transcription factor Oct-1 binds to the promoter region of ASMT.3. The translation start site was located 19 bp upstream from the translational start site. The luciferase reporter assay confirmed that the core promoter of chicken ASMT gene was in the -254/+17 region. Using site-directed mutagenesis, overexpression, and EMSA, Oct-1 bound the promoter of ASMT.4. Overall, Oct1 plays an important role in the transcriptional regulation of chicken ASMT gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Teng
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, China
| | - Wenwen Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, China
| | - Chao Ning
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, China
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13
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Jovanovic F, Sudhakar A, Knezevic NN. The Kynurenine Pathway and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Inflammation as a Common Denominator. Int J Tryptophan Res 2022; 15:11786469221099214. [PMID: 35620306 PMCID: PMC9128055 DOI: 10.1177/11786469221099214] [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: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic disorder commonly seen in females of reproductive age. The pathophysiology of PCOS is multifactorial and includes dysfunction in ovarian steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis, impaired gonadotropin levels, insulin resistance, gut microbiota imbalance, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle preferences. Low-grade inflammatory conditions such as obesity and impaired glucose tolerance are common metabolic disturbances in women with PCOS. A growing body of literature suggests strong evidence rendering PCOS in close proximity with chronic inflammation as documented by high levels of serum white blood cells, C-reactive protein, and various proinflammatory cytokines seen in this condition. Inflammation seems to be the most common metabolic denominator between the kynurenine pathway and PCOS. The association of tryptophan and kynurenine pathway has already been well documented in mood disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, chronic pain conditions, and different inflammatory states. In this manuscript, we describe the influence of sex steroid hormones on different enzymes of the KP; inflammatory nature of PCOS and CRP as a marker of IDO/TDO activity; and the effects of altered gut flora in women with PCOS. This review provides a novel view of the available evidence of tryptophan and downstream metabolites in PCOS in the context of underlying inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Jovanovic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Merit Health Wesley, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
| | - Aboorva Sudhakar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Merit Health Wesley, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
| | - Nebojsa Nick Knezevic
- Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, USA
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14
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Carstensen MB, Medvetzky A, Weinberger A, Driever W, Gothilf Y, Rath MF. Genetic ablation of the Bsx homeodomain transcription factor in zebrafish: Impact on mature pineal gland morphology and circadian behavior. J Pineal Res 2022; 72:e12795. [PMID: 35249239 PMCID: PMC9285933 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The pineal gland is a neuroendocrine structure in the brain, which produces and secretes the hormone melatonin at nighttime and is considered a key element in the circadian clock system. Early morphogenesis of the gland is controlled by a number of transcription factors, some of which remain active in adult life. One of these is the brain-specific homeobox (Bsx), a highly conserved homeodomain transcription factor with a developmental role in the pineal gland of several species, including zebrafish, and regulatory roles in mature pinealocytes of the rat. To determine the role of Bsx in circadian biology, we here examined the effects of a bsx loss-of-function mutation on the pineal gland in adult zebrafish and on behavioral circadian rhythms in larvae. In pineal cell type-specific Gfp/Egfp reporter zebrafish lines, we did not detect fluorescence signals in the pineal area of homozygous (bsx-/- ) mutants. Interestingly, a nonpigmented area on the dorsal surface of the head above the gland, known as the pineal window, was pigmented in the homozygous mutants. Furthermore, a structure corresponding to the pineal gland was not detectable in the midline of the adult brain in histological sections analyzed by Nissl staining and S-antigen immunohistochemistry. Moreover, the levels of pineal transcripts were greatly reduced in bsx-/- mutants, as revealed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Notably, analysis of locomotor activity at the larval stage revealed altered circadian rhythmicity in the bsx mutants with periods and phases similar to wildtype, but severely reduced amplitudes in locomotor activity patterns. Thus, Bsx is essential for full development of the pineal gland, with its absence resulting in a phenotype of morphological pineal gland ablation and disrupted circadian behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Bloss Carstensen
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Life SciencesTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Adar Medvetzky
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Life SciencesTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Alon Weinberger
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Life SciencesTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Wolfgang Driever
- Developmental Biology, Institute Biology, Faculty of BiologyAlbert Ludwig University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Yoav Gothilf
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Life SciencesTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Sagol School of NeuroscienceTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Martin Fredensborg Rath
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
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15
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Ding X, Pan T, Tian Q, Huang W, Hayashi LS, Liu Q, Li F, Xu LX, Miao P, Yang X, Sun B, Feng CX, Feng X, Li M, Huang J. Profiling Temporal Changes of the Pineal Transcriptomes at Single Cell Level Upon Neonatal HIBD. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:794012. [PMID: 35350377 PMCID: PMC8958010 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.794012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) often results in various neurological deficits. Among them, a common, yet often neglected, symptom is circadian rhythm disorders. Previous studies revealed that the occurrence of cysts in the pineal gland, an organ known to regulate circadian rhythm, is associated with circadian problems in children with HIBD. However, the underlying mechanisms of pineal dependent dysfunctions post HIBD remain largely elusive. Here, by performing 10x single cell RNA sequencing, we firstly molecularly identified distinct pineal cell types and explored their transcriptome changes at single cell level at 24 and 72 h post neonatal HIBD. Bioinformatic analysis of cell prioritization showed that both subtypes of pinealocytes, the predominant component of the pineal gland, were mostly affected. We then went further to investigate how distinct pineal cell types responded to neonatal HIBD. Within pinealocytes, we revealed a molecularly defined β to α subtype conversion induced by neonatal HIBD. Within astrocytes, we discovered that all three subtypes responded to neonatal HIBD, with differential expression of reactive astrocytes markers. Two subtypes of microglia cells were both activated by HIBD, marked by up-regulation of Ccl3. Notably, microglia cells showed substantial reduction at 72 h post HIBD. Further investigation revealed that pyroptosis preferentially occurred in pineal microglia through NLRP3-Caspase-1-GSDMD signaling pathway. Taken together, our results delineated temporal changes of molecular and cellular events occurring in the pineal gland following neonatal HIBD. By revealing pyroptosis in the pineal gland, our study also provided potential therapeutic targets for preventing extravasation of pineal pathology and thus improving circadian rhythm dysfunction in neonates with HIBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ding
- Soochow Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Child Brain Injury, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tao Pan
- Soochow Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Child Brain Injury, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qiuyan Tian
- Pediatrics Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wenxi Huang
- Undergraduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Lauren S Hayashi
- IRTA Fellow, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Qin Liu
- Pediatrics Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fuyong Li
- Pediatrics Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Li-Xiao Xu
- Pediatrics Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Po Miao
- Soochow Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Child Brain Injury, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Soochow Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Child Brain Injury, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Soochow Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Child Brain Injury, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chen-Xi Feng
- Pediatrics Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xing Feng
- Soochow Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Child Brain Injury, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Pediatrics Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Undergraduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States.,IRTA Fellow, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.,School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Mei Li
- Pediatrics Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jian Huang
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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16
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Melatonin secretion, molecular expression and evolution of MT1/2 in two Lasiopodomys species. Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-021-00204-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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17
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Wu H, Cui X, Guan S, Li G, Yao Y, Wu H, Zhang J, Zhang X, Yu T, Li Y, Lian Z, Zhang L, Liu G. The Improved Milk Quality and Enhanced Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Acetylserotonin-O-methyltransferase ( ASMT) Overexpressed Goats: An Association with the Elevated Endogenous Melatonin Production. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27020572. [PMID: 35056885 PMCID: PMC8778916 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27020572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Transgenic animal production is an important means of livestock breeding and can be used to model pharmaceutical applications. Methods: In this study, to explore the biological activity of endogenously produced melatonin, Acetylserotonin-O-methyltransferase (ASMT)-overexpressed melatonin-enriched dairy goats were successfully generated through the use of pBC1-ASMT expression vector construction and prokaryotic embryo microinjection. Results: These transgenic goats have the same normal phenotype as the wild-type goats (WT). However, the melatonin levels in their blood and milk were significantly increased (p < 0.05). In addition, the quality of their milk was also improved, showing elevated protein content and a reduced somatic cell number compared to the WT goats. No significant changes were detected in the intestinal microbiota patterns between groups. When the animals were challenged by the intravenous injection of E. coli, the ASMT-overexpressed goats had a lower level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and higher anti-inflammatory cytokines compared to the WT goats. Metabolic analysis uncovered a unique arachidonic acid metabolism pattern in transgenic goats. Conclusions: The increased melatonin production due to ASMT overexpression in the transgenic goats may have contributed to their improved milk quality and enhanced the anti-inflammatory ability compared to the WT goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agricultural, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (H.W.); (S.G.); (G.L.); (Y.Y.); (H.W.); (Z.L.); (L.Z.)
| | - Xudai Cui
- Qingdao Senmiao Industrial Co., Ltd., Qingdao 266101, China; (X.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Shengyu Guan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agricultural, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (H.W.); (S.G.); (G.L.); (Y.Y.); (H.W.); (Z.L.); (L.Z.)
| | - Guangdong Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agricultural, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (H.W.); (S.G.); (G.L.); (Y.Y.); (H.W.); (Z.L.); (L.Z.)
| | - Yujun Yao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agricultural, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (H.W.); (S.G.); (G.L.); (Y.Y.); (H.W.); (Z.L.); (L.Z.)
| | - Haixin Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agricultural, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (H.W.); (S.G.); (G.L.); (Y.Y.); (H.W.); (Z.L.); (L.Z.)
| | - Jinlong Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Tianjin 300192, China; (J.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiaosheng Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Tianjin 300192, China; (J.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Tuan Yu
- Tianheng Animal Health and Product Quality Supervision Station, Qingdao 266200, China;
| | - Yunxiang Li
- Qingdao Senmiao Industrial Co., Ltd., Qingdao 266101, China; (X.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Zhengxing Lian
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agricultural, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (H.W.); (S.G.); (G.L.); (Y.Y.); (H.W.); (Z.L.); (L.Z.)
| | - Lu Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agricultural, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (H.W.); (S.G.); (G.L.); (Y.Y.); (H.W.); (Z.L.); (L.Z.)
| | - Guoshi Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agricultural, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (H.W.); (S.G.); (G.L.); (Y.Y.); (H.W.); (Z.L.); (L.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-10-6273-2735
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18
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Rath MF, Møller M. Radiochemical In Situ Hybridization in Developmental Studies of the Pineal Gland. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2550:75-84. [PMID: 36180679 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2593-4_10] [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: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Radiochemical in situ hybridization enables detection of gene expression in small areas of the brain, such as the developing pineal gland in rodents. The method combines determination of spatial and temporal gene expression profiles with semiquantitative analyses. We here describe the procedure of radiochemical in situ hybridization on the developing rat pineal gland ranging from preparation of fetal tissue for in situ hybridization to principles of quantification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morten Møller
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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19
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Melatonin: From Neurobiology to Treatment. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11091121. [PMID: 34573143 PMCID: PMC8468230 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11091121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin, the major regulator of the sleep/wake cycle, also plays important physiological and pharmacological roles in the control of neuronal plasticity and neuroprotection. Accordingly, the secretion of this hormone reaches the maximal extent during brain development (childhood-adolescence) while it is greatly reduced during aging, a condition associated to altered sleep pattern and reduced neuronal plasticity. Altogether, these properties of melatonin have allowed us to demonstrate in both experimental models and clinical studies the great chronobiotic efficacy and sleep promoting effects of exogenous melatonin. Thus, the prolonged release formulation of melatonin, present as a drug in the pharmaceutical market, has been recently recommended for the treatment of insomnia in over 55 years old subjects.
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20
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Ge W, Yan ZH, Wang L, Tan SJ, Liu J, Reiter RJ, Luo SM, Sun QY, Shen W. A hypothetical role for autophagy during the day/night rhythm-regulated melatonin synthesis in the rat pineal gland. J Pineal Res 2021; 71:e12742. [PMID: 33960014 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin is a highly conserved molecule that regulates day/night rhythms; it is associated with sleep improvement, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, anti-aging effects, and seasonal and circadian rhythms and has been a hot topic of research for decades. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, a recent study describes a single-cell transcriptome atlas for the rat pineal gland. Based on a more comprehensive analysis of the retrieved data (Mays et al., PLoS One, 2018, 13, e0205883), results from the current study unveiled the underappreciated gene regulatory network behind different cell populations in the pineal gland. More importantly, our study here characterized, for the first time, the day/night activation of autophagy flux in the rat pineal gland, indicating a potential role of autophagy in regulating melatonin synthesis in the rat pineal gland. These findings emphasized a hypothetical role of day/night autophagy in linking the biological clock with melatonin synthesis. Furthermore, ultrastructure analysis of pinealocytes provided fascinating insights into differences in their intracellular structure between daytime and nighttime. In addition, we also provide a preliminary description of cell-cell communication in the rat pineal gland. In summary, the current study unveils the day/night regulation of autophagy in the rat pineal gland, raising a potential role of autophagy in day/night-regulated melatonin synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ge
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zi-Hui Yan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shao-Jing Tan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Central Laboratory of Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Long School of Medicine, UT Health, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Shi-Ming Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Shen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
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21
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Lépinay J, Taragnat C, Dubois JP, Chesneau D, Jockers R, Delagrange P, Bozon V. Negative regulation of melatonin secretion by melatonin receptors in ovine pinealocytes. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255249. [PMID: 34324562 PMCID: PMC8320996 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin (MLT) is a biological modulator of circadian and seasonal rhythms and reproduction. The photoperiodic information is detected by retinal photoreceptors and transmitted through nerve transmissions to the pineal gland, where MLT is synthesized and secreted at night into the blood. MLT interacts with two G protein-coupled receptors, MT1 and MT2. The aim of our work was to provide evidence for the presence of MLT receptors in the ovine pineal gland and define their involvement on melatonin secretion. For the first time, we identified the expression of MLT receptors with the specific 2-[125I]-MLT agonistic radioligand in ovin pinealocytes. The values of Kd and Bmax are 2.24 ± 1.1 nM and 20 ± 6.8 fmol/mg. MLT receptors are functional and inhibit cAMP production and activate ERK1/2 through pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi/o proteins. The MLT receptor antagonist/ inverse agonist luzindole increased cAMP production (189 ± 30%) and MLT secretion (866 ± 13%). The effect of luzindole on MLT secretion was additive with the effect of well-described activators of this pathway such as the β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol and the α-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine. Co-incubation of all three compounds increased MLT secretion by 1236 ± 199%. These results suggest that MLT receptors are involved in the negative regulation of the synthesis of its own ligand in pinealocytes. While adrenergic receptors promote MLT secretion, MLT receptors mitigate this effect to limit the quantity of MLT secreted by the pineal gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Lépinay
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Catherine Taragnat
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Dubois
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Didier Chesneau
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Ralf Jockers
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | | | - Véronique Bozon
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
- * E-mail:
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22
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Romero-Diaz C, Xu C, Campos SM, Herrmann MA, Kusumi K, Hews DK, Martins EP. Brain transcriptomic responses of Yarrow's spiny lizard, Sceloporus jarrovii, to conspecific visual or chemical signals. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 20:e12753. [PMID: 34036739 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Species with multimodal communication integrate information from social cues in different modalities into behavioral responses that are mediated by changes in gene expression in the brain. Differences in patterns of gene expression between signal modalities may shed light on the neuromolecular mechanisms underlying multisensory processing. Here, we use RNA-Seq to analyze brain transcriptome responses to either chemical or visual social signals in a territorial lizard with multimodal communication. Using an intruder challenge paradigm, we exposed 18 wild-caught, adult, male Sceloporus jarrovii to either male conspecific scents (femoral gland secretions placed on a small pebble), the species-specific push-up display (a programmed robotic model), or a control (an unscented pebble). We conducted differential expression analysis with both a de novo S. jarrovii transcriptome assembly and the reference genome of a closely related species, Sceloporus undulatus. Despite some inter-individual variation, we found significant differences in gene expression in the brain across signal modalities and the control in both analyses. The most notable differences occurred between chemical and visual stimulus treatments, closely followed by visual stimulus versus the control. Altered expression profiles could explain documented aggression differences in the immediate behavioral response to conspecific signals from different sensory modalities. Shared differentially expressed genes between visually- or chemically-stimulated males are involved in neural activity and neurodevelopment and several other differentially expressed genes in stimulus-challenged males are involved in conserved signal-transduction pathways associated with the social stress response, aggression and the response to territory intruders across vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cindy Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Stephanie M Campos
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Morgan A Herrmann
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Kenro Kusumi
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Diana K Hews
- Department of Biology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana, USA
| | - Emília P Martins
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
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23
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Dumas G, Goubran‐Botros H, Matondo M, Pagan C, Boulègue C, Chaze T, Chamot‐Rooke J, Maronde E, Bourgeron T. Mass-spectrometry analysis of the human pineal proteome during night and day and in autism. J Pineal Res 2021; 70:e12713. [PMID: 33368564 PMCID: PMC8047921 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The human pineal gland regulates day-night dynamics of multiple physiological processes, especially through the secretion of melatonin. Using mass-spectrometry-based proteomics and dedicated analysis tools, we identify proteins in the human pineal gland and analyze systematically their variation throughout the day and compare these changes in the pineal proteome between control specimens and donors diagnosed with autism. Results reveal diverse regulated clusters of proteins with, among others, catabolic carbohydrate process and cytoplasmic membrane-bounded vesicle-related proteins differing between day and night and/or control versus autism pineal glands. These data show novel and unexpected processes happening in the human pineal gland during the day/night rhythm as well as specific differences between autism donor pineal glands and those from controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Dumas
- Human Genetics and Cognitive FunctionsInstitut PasteurUMR 3571 CNRSUniversity Paris DiderotParisFrance
- Precision Psychiatry and Social Physiology laboratoryCHU Ste‐Justine Research CenterDepartment of PsychiatryUniversity of MontrealQuebecQCCanada
| | - Hany Goubran‐Botros
- Human Genetics and Cognitive FunctionsInstitut PasteurUMR 3571 CNRSUniversity Paris DiderotParisFrance
| | - Mariette Matondo
- Institut PasteurUnité de Spectrométrie de Masse pour la Biologie (MSBio)Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (C2RT)USR 2000 CNRSParisFrance
| | - Cécile Pagan
- Paris Descartes UniversityParisFrance
- Service de Biochimie et Biologie MoléculaireINSERM U942Hôpital LariboisièreAPHPParisFrance
| | - Cyril Boulègue
- Institut PasteurUnité de Spectrométrie de Masse pour la Biologie (MSBio)Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (C2RT)USR 2000 CNRSParisFrance
| | - Thibault Chaze
- Institut PasteurUnité de Spectrométrie de Masse pour la Biologie (MSBio)Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (C2RT)USR 2000 CNRSParisFrance
| | - Julia Chamot‐Rooke
- Institut PasteurUnité de Spectrométrie de Masse pour la Biologie (MSBio)Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (C2RT)USR 2000 CNRSParisFrance
| | - Erik Maronde
- Institute for Anatomy IIFaculty of MedicineGoethe UniversityFrankfurtGermany
| | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Human Genetics and Cognitive FunctionsInstitut PasteurUMR 3571 CNRSUniversity Paris DiderotParisFrance
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24
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El Bitar F, Al Sudairy N, Qadi N, Al Rajeh S, Alghamdi F, Al Amari H, Al Dawsari G, Alsubaie S, Al Sudairi M, Abdulaziz S, Al Tassan N. A Comprehensive Analysis of Unique and Recurrent Copy Number Variations in Alzheimer's Disease and its Related Disorders. Curr Alzheimer Res 2020; 17:926-938. [PMID: 33256577 DOI: 10.2174/1567205017666201130111424] [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: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Copy number variations (CNVs) play an important role in the genetic etiology of various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and major depressive disorder (MDD) were shown to have share mechanisms and signaling pathways with AD. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess CNVs regions that may harbor genes contributing to AD, T2DM, and MDD in 67 Saudi familial and sporadic AD patients, with no alterations in the known genes of AD and genotyped previously for APOE. METHODS DNA was analyzed using the CytoScan-HD array. Two layers of filtering criteria were applied. All the identified CNVs were checked in the Database of Genomic Variants (DGV). RESULTS A total of 1086 CNVs (565 gains and 521 losses) were identified in our study. We found 73 CNVs harboring genes that may be associated with AD, T2DM or MDD. Nineteen CNVs were novel. Most importantly, 42 CNVs were unique in our studied cohort existing only in one patient. Two large gains on chromosomes 1 and 13 harbored genes implicated in the studied disorders. We identified CNVs in genes that encode proteins involved in the metabolism of amyloid-β peptide (AGRN, APBA2, CR1, CR2, IGF2R, KIAA0125, MBP, RER1, RTN4R, VDR and WISPI) or Tau proteins (CACNAIC, CELF2, DUSP22, HTRA1 and SLC2A14). CONCLUSION The present work provided information on the presence of CNVs related to AD, T2DM, and MDD in Saudi Alzheimer's patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadia El Bitar
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nourah Al Sudairy
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Najeeb Qadi
- Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Fatimah Alghamdi
- Institute of Biology and Environmental Research, National Center for Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hala Al Amari
- Institute of Biology and Environmental Research, National Center for Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghadeer Al Dawsari
- Institute of Biology and Environmental Research, National Center for Genomics Technology, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sahar Alsubaie
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mishael Al Sudairi
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara Abdulaziz
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nada Al Tassan
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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25
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Mrvelj A, Womble MD. Fluoride-Free Diet Stimulates Pineal Growth in Aged Male Rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 197:175-183. [PMID: 31713773 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-019-01964-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The pineal gland is a naturally calcifying endocrine organ which secretes the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin. Age-related changes of the pineal have been observed, including decreased pinealocyte numbers, increased calcification, and a reduction in melatonin production. Since fluoride is attracted to calcium within the pineal gland, this study sought to examine the effects of a fluoride-free diet on the morphology of the pineal gland of aged male rats (26 months old). All animals had previously been raised on standard fluoridated food and drinking water. These control animals were compared to other animals that were placed on a fluoride-free diet ("fluoride flush") for 4 or 8 weeks. At 4 weeks, pineal glands from fluoride-free animals showed a 96% increase in supporting cell numbers and at 8 weeks a 73% increase in the number of pinealocytes compared to control animals. In contrast, the number of pinealocytes and supporting cells in animals given an initial 4-week fluoride flush followed by a return to fluoridated drinking water (1.2 ppm NaF) for 4 weeks were not different from control animals. Our findings therefore demonstrate that a fluoride-free diet encouraged pinealocyte proliferation and pineal gland growth in aged animals and fluoride treatment inhibited gland growth. These findings suggest that dietary fluoride may be detrimental to the pineal gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Mrvelj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 1 University Plaza, Youngstown, OH, 44555, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeastern Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Mark D Womble
- Department of Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 1 University Plaza, Youngstown, OH, 44555, USA.
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26
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Vazquez SE, Ferré EMN, Scheel DW, Sunshine S, Miao B, Mandel-Brehm C, Quandt Z, Chan AY, Cheng M, German M, Lionakis M, DeRisi JL, Anderson MS. Identification of novel, clinically correlated autoantigens in the monogenic autoimmune syndrome APS1 by proteome-wide PhIP-Seq. eLife 2020; 9:e55053. [PMID: 32410729 PMCID: PMC7228772 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of autoantigens remains a critical challenge for understanding and treating autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS1), a rare monogenic form of autoimmunity, presents as widespread autoimmunity with T and B cell responses to multiple organs. Importantly, autoantibody discovery in APS1 can illuminate fundamental disease pathogenesis, and many of the antigens found in APS1 extend to more common autoimmune diseases. Here, we performed proteome-wide programmable phage-display (PhIP-Seq) on sera from a cohort of people with APS1 and discovered multiple common antibody targets. These novel APS1 autoantigens exhibit tissue-restricted expression, including expression in enteroendocrine cells, pineal gland, and dental enamel. Using detailed clinical phenotyping, we find novel associations between autoantibodies and organ-restricted autoimmunity, including a link between anti-KHDC3L autoantibodies and premature ovarian insufficiency, and between anti-RFX6 autoantibodies and diarrheal-type intestinal dysfunction. Our study highlights the utility of PhIP-Seq for extensively interrogating antigenic repertoires in human autoimmunity and the importance of antigen discovery for improved understanding of disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Vazquez
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Tetrad Graduate Program, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Elise MN Ferré
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - David W Scheel
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Sara Sunshine
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Brenda Miao
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Caleigh Mandel-Brehm
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Zoe Quandt
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Alice Y Chan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Mickie Cheng
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Michael German
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Michail Lionakis
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Joseph L DeRisi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Chan Zuckerberg BiohubSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Mark S Anderson
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
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27
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Lumsden SC, Clarkson AN, Cakmak YO. Neuromodulation of the Pineal Gland via Electrical Stimulation of Its Sympathetic Innervation Pathway. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:264. [PMID: 32300290 PMCID: PMC7145358 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Stimulation of the pineal gland via its sympathetic innervation pathway results in the production of N-acetylserotonin and melatonin. Melatonin has many therapeutic roles and is heavily implicated in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. In addition, N-acetylserotonin has recently been reported to promote neurogenesis in the brain. Upregulation of these indoleamines is possible via neuromodulation of the pineal gland. This is achieved by electrical stimulation of structures or fibres in the pineal gland sympathetic innervation pathway. Many studies have performed such pineal neuromodulation using both invasive and non-invasive methods. However, the effects of various experimental variables and stimulation paradigms has not yet been reviewed and evaluated. This review summarises these studies and presents the optimal experimental protocols and stimulation parameters necessary for maximal upregulation of melatonin metabolic output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susannah C. Lumsden
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Andrew N. Clarkson
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Medical Technologies Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yusuf Ozgur Cakmak
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Medical Technologies Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Health Systems and Technology, Dunedin, New Zealand
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28
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Sato K, Glaser S, Alvaro D, Meng F, Francis H, Alpini G. Cholangiocarcinoma: novel therapeutic targets. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:345-357. [PMID: 32077341 PMCID: PMC7129482 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1733528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a liver cancer derived from the biliary tree with a less than 30% five-year survival rate. Early diagnosis of CCA is challenging and treatment options are limited. Some CCA patients have genetic mutations and several therapeutic drugs or antibodies have been introduced to target abnormally expressed proteins. However, CCA is heterogeneous and patients often present with drug resistance which is attributed to multiple mutations or other factors. Novel approaches and methodologies for CCA treatments are in demand.Area covered: This review summarizes current approaches for CCA treatments leading to the development of novel therapeutic drugs or tools for human CCA patients. A literature search was conducted in PubMed utilizing the combination of the searched term 'cholangiocarcinoma' with other keywords such as 'miRNA', 'FGFR', 'immunotherapy' or 'microenvironment'. Papers published within 2015-2019 were obtained for reading.Expert opinion: Preclinical studies have demonstrated promising therapeutic approaches that target various cells or pathways. Recent studies have revealed that hepatic cells coordinate to promote CCA tumor progression in the tumor microenvironment, which may be a new therapeutic target. Although further studies are required, novel therapeutic tools such as extracellular vesicles could be utilized to manage CCA and its microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisaku Sato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Domenico Alvaro
- Gastroenterology, Medicine, Università Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Fanyin Meng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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29
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Xie S, Fan W, He H, Huang F. Role of Melatonin in the Regulation of Pain. J Pain Res 2020; 13:331-343. [PMID: 32104055 PMCID: PMC7012243 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s228577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a pleiotropic hormone synthesized and secreted mainly by the pineal gland in vertebrates. Melatonin is an endogenous regulator of circadian and seasonal rhythms. Melatonin is involved in many physiological and pathophysiological processes demonstrating antioxidant, antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Accumulating evidence has revealed that melatonin plays an important role in pain modulation through multiple mechanisms. In this review, we examine recent evidence for melatonin on pain regulation in various animal models and patients with pain syndromes, and the potential cellular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Xie
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenguo Fan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongwen He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oral Anatomy and Physiology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Huang
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
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30
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Betti L, Palego L, Demontis GC, Miraglia F, Giannaccini G. Hydroxyindole- O-methyltransferase (HIOMT) activity in the retina of melatonin-proficient mice. Heliyon 2019; 5:e02417. [PMID: 31687544 PMCID: PMC6819757 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous pieces of evidence support the expression by the mammalian retina of Hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT, EC 2.1.1.4), the enzyme directly responsible for the biosynthesis of the pineal chronobiotic hormone melatonin (MLT). However, conflicting results obtained so far by enzyme-kinetic and immune-detection techniques still make HIOMT presence and relevance in the eye a matter of debate. This work aimed at evaluating unambiguously HIOMT activity in the mouse retina, a valuable model for studying the effects of MLT variations on ocular pathophysiology. Since laboratory mouse strains can bear genetic polymorphisms yielding defective enzymes of MLT biosynthesis, retinas and control pineal glands used in this study were obtained in a MLT-proficient crossing of A/J mice, the A/J/C57BL/10 strain. To improve the radiochemical reference assay, we tested different homogenization procedures coupled with HPLC detection. Concomitantly, we quantified MLT, and its precursor N-acetyl-serotonin (NAS) by HPLC coupled to electrochemical detection in retinas isolated from either light- or dark-adapted mice. Results showed that the standard radio-chemical assay was successful for pineal HIOMT only, whereas specific homogenization buffers and HPLC were required to detect retinal activity, presumably due to interfering methyl-transferases inhibited by NAS. Under present conditions, retinal HIOMT Vmax accounted for by ≈ 40 fmol/h/mg protein, 2.6-hundreds-fold lower than the pineal counterpart, displaying equivalent KMs (≈10 μM). Moreover, NAS and MLT rapidly decreased in light-exposed isolated retinas, corroborating light-sensitive in-situ MLT formation. Conclusively, we measured mouse retinal HIOMT kinetics under basal conditions, a useful result to elucidate the regulatory patterns, the possible impact on eye health, and therapeutic approaches related to this enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Betti
- Department of Pharmacy, Via Bonanno 6, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Corresponding author.
| | - Lionella Palego
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Via Savi 10, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Corresponding author.
| | - Gian Carlo Demontis
- Department of Pharmacy, Via Bonanno 6, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabiana Miraglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Via Bonanno 6, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gino Giannaccini
- Department of Pharmacy, Via Bonanno 6, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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31
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Sergina SN, Ilyukha VA, Morozov AV, Antonova EP, Bruler ES, Volodina AD. Taxonomic and Ethnical Dispersion of the Phenomenon of Pineal Concretions in the Gerontological Context. ADVANCES IN GERONTOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s2079057019020206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Amaral FGD, Andrade-Silva J, Kuwabara WMT, Cipolla-Neto J. New insights into the function of melatonin and its role in metabolic disturbances. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2019; 14:293-300. [PMID: 31192707 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2019.1631158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Melatonin is a pineal hormone that has acquired several unique modes of regulating the physiological effects in mammals due to its characteristic phylogenetic history. While melatonin exhibits immediate nocturnal effects, it also has next-day prospective effects that take place in the absence of this hormone. Besides that, the daily repetition and the annual variation in the duration of its synthesis determine its circadian and seasonal effects that characterize melatonin as a chronobiotic, a molecule that encodes time to the internal environment. Additionally, it presents transgenerational effects that are important for fetal programming, leading to a balanced energy metabolism in the adult life. AREAS COVERED Physiology, pathophysiology and therapeutic value of melatonin in metabolism and metabolic disorders. EXPERT OPINION The typical mechanisms of action of melatonin (immediate, prospective, chronobiotic and transgenerational) should be considered to adequately understand its physiological effects on the regulation of metabolism in humans and, as a result, to understand the metabolic pathophysiological consequences caused by its synthesis and/or signaling disturbances. That points to the importance of a broader understanding of melatonin actions, besides the classical endocrinological point of view, that would allow the clinician/research to proper interpret its role in health maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jéssica Andrade-Silva
- b Department of Physiology and Biophysics , Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Wilson M T Kuwabara
- b Department of Physiology and Biophysics , Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - José Cipolla-Neto
- b Department of Physiology and Biophysics , Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
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The Absence of Pineal Melatonin Abolishes the Daily Rhythm of Tph1 (Tryptophan Hydroxylase 1), Asmt (Acetylserotonin O-Methyltransferase), and Aanat (Aralkylamine N-Acetyltransferase) mRNA Expressions in Rat Testes. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:7800-7809. [PMID: 31124080 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1626-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the effects of pinealectomy in Wistar rats and melatonin replacement therapy on the daily mRNA expression of melatonin (Tph1, Aanat, Asmt, Mt1, Mt2, and Rorα), and steroidogenic (Star, 17βhsd3, and Lhr) related genes as well as clock genes (Rev-erbα, Bmal1, Per1, Per2, Cry1, and Cry2) in testes. The testes of control animals express the Tph1, Aanat, and Asmt and Per2 genes with 24-h rhythms in mRNA, reaching the maximal values during the dark phase. Pinealectomy abolished and melatonin treatment restored the 24-h rhythmicity. Daytime differences in mRNA expression were significant for Star, Lhr, Mt1, Mt2, Rorα, Rev-erbα, Bmal1, Cry1, and Cry2 genes in testes of control rats. Conversely, 17βhsd3 and Per1 mRNA expression did not show a daytime difference in testes of control animals. Pinealectomy abolished the peak time of Mt1 and Mt2 mRNA expression, phase shifted the peak time of Star, Rorα, Rev-erbα, Bmal1, and Cry2 mRNA expression, downregulated the 24-h Lhr mRNA expression, and inverted the peak time of Per1, Per2, and Cry1 mRNA expression to the light phase. The melatonin replacement therapy completely restored the control levels of Lhr, Rev-erbα, and Per1 mRNA expression patterns, partially restored the daily control of Star, Mt2, Rorα, Bmal1, Cry1, and Cry2 mRNA expression but did not re-establish the daily control of Mt1 mRNA expression. This suggests that the daily mRNA expression of these genes is probably driven by pineal melatonin and melatonin treatment restores (partially or completely) the daily control of gene expression patterns.
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Zhao F, Ma C, Zhao G, Wang G, Li X, Yang K. Rumen-Protected 5-Hydroxytryptophan Improves Sheep Melatonin Synthesis in the Pineal Gland and Intestinal Tract. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:3605-3616. [PMID: 31091223 PMCID: PMC6534969 DOI: 10.12659/msm.915909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Based on the extensive biological effects of melatonin (MLT), it is beneficial to increase the MLT content in the bodies of animals at a specific physiological stage. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a diet supplemented with rumen-protected (RP) 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on the pineal gland and intestinal tract MLT synthesis of sheep. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eighteen Kazakh sheep were assigned randomly to 3 diet groups: control group (CT, corn-soybean meal basal diet), CT+111 group (111 mg/kg BW RP 5-HTP), and CT+222 group (222 mg/kg BW RP 5-HTP). The gene expressions of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AA-NAT), hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT), monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), and the intermediates of MLT synthesis were observed from the pineal gland and intestinal tract by the reverse transcription (RT)-PCR method. The 5-HTP, 5-HT, N-acetylserotonin (NAS), MLT, and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) contents in the pineal gland and intestinal tract were analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS The study showed that the pineal gland HIOMT expression (P<0.05), MLT (P<0.05) and 5-HIAA (P<0.05) levels in the 222 mg/kg group significantly increased compared to those in the CT and CT+111 mg/kg groups. In addition, the AADC (P<0.01) and AA-NAT (P<0.05) gene expression levels in the duodenum and jejunum were increased by the supplementation of RP 5-HTP. CONCLUSIONS Rumen-protected 5-hydroxytryptophan promoted melatonin synthesis in the pineal gland and intestinal tract during the natural light period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China (mainland)
| | - Chen Ma
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China (mainland)
| | - Guodong Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China (mainland)
| | - Gen Wang
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China (mainland)
| | - Xiaobin Li
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China (mainland)
| | - Kailun Yang
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China (mainland)
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Rohde K, Hertz H, Rath MF. Homeobox genes in melatonin-producing pinealocytes: Otx2 and Crx act to promote hormone synthesis in the mature rat pineal gland. J Pineal Res 2019; 66:e12567. [PMID: 30803008 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Homeobox genes encode transcription factors that regulate developmental processes; however, in the pineal gland, a neuroendocrine organ responsible for nocturnal melatonin synthesis, expression of the homeobox genes Otx2 (orthodenticle homeobox 2) and Crx (cone-rod homeobox) persists postnatally. We here show that OTX2 and CRX are exclusively present in melatonin-producing pinealocytes of the rat pineal gland. To understand the roles of Otx2 and Crx in the mature pineal gland, we used siRNA technology in cultured rat pinealocytes with the nocturnal situation mimicked by adding norepinephrine to the culture media. siRNA-induced knockdown of Otx2 was found to reduce expression levels of the enzymes involved in melatonin synthesis at both transcript and protein levels. Similar results were obtained when knocking down Crx. Knocking down Otx2 and Crx simultaneously produced an even larger reduction in both transcript and protein levels of the melatonin-producing enzymes and also reduced the levels of melatonin released to the culture media. These results suggest that Otx2 and Crx, both alone and in combination, act to control pineal melatonin synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Rohde
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Hertz
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin F Rath
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Coon SL, Fu C, Hartley SW, Holtzclaw L, Mays JC, Kelly MC, Kelley MW, Mullikin JC, Rath MF, Savastano LE, Klein DC. Single Cell Sequencing of the Pineal Gland: The Next Chapter. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:590. [PMID: 31616371 PMCID: PMC6764290 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The analysis of pineal cell biology has undergone remarkable development as techniques have become available which allow for sequencing of entire transcriptomes and, most recently, the sequencing of the transcriptome of individual cells. Identification of at least nine distinct cell types in the rat pineal gland has been made possible, allowing identification of the precise cells of origin and expression of transcripts for the first time. Here the history and current state of knowledge generated by these transcriptomic efforts is reviewed, with emphasis on the insights suggested by the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven L. Coon
- Molecular Genomics Core, Office of the Scientific Director, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Cong Fu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China
| | - Steven W. Hartley
- Comparative Genomics Analysis Unit, Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Lynne Holtzclaw
- Microscopy and Imaging Core, Office of the Scientific Director, Intramural Research Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Joseph C. Mays
- Institute on Systems Genetics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Michael C. Kelly
- Single Cell Analysis Facility, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Matthew W. Kelley
- Section on Developmental Neuroscience, Laboratory of Cochlear Development, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - James C. Mullikin
- National Institutes of Health Intramural Sequencing Center, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Martin F. Rath
- Department of Neuroscience, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Luis E. Savastano
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - David C. Klein
- Office of the Scientific Director, Intramural Research Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: David C. Klein
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Mays JC, Kelly MC, Coon SL, Holtzclaw L, Rath MF, Kelley MW, Klein DC. Single-cell RNA sequencing of the mammalian pineal gland identifies two pinealocyte subtypes and cell type-specific daily patterns of gene expression. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205883. [PMID: 30347410 PMCID: PMC6197868 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate pineal gland is dedicated to the production of the hormone melatonin, which increases at night to influence circadian and seasonal rhythms. This increase is associated with dramatic changes in the pineal transcriptome. Here, single-cell analysis of the rat pineal transcriptome was approached by sequencing mRNA from ~17,000 individual pineal cells, with the goals of profiling the cells that comprise the pineal gland and examining the proposal that there are two distinct populations of pinealocytes differentiated by the expression of Asmt, which encodes the enzyme that converts N-acetylserotonin to melatonin. In addition, this analysis provides evidence of cell-specific time-of-day dependent changes in gene expression. Nine transcriptomically distinct cell types were identified: ~90% were classified as melatonin-producing α- and β-pinealocytes (1:19 ratio). Non-pinealocytes included three astrocyte subtypes, two microglia subtypes, vascular and leptomeningeal cells, and endothelial cells. α-Pinealocytes were distinguished from β-pinealocytes by ~3-fold higher levels of Asmt transcripts. In addition, α-pinealocytes have transcriptomic differences that likely enhance melatonin formation by increasing the availability of the Asmt cofactor S-adenosylmethionine, resulting from increased production of a precursor of S-adenosylmethionine, ATP. These transcriptomic differences include ~2-fold higher levels of the ATP-generating oxidative phosphorylation transcriptome and ~8-fold lower levels of the ribosome transcriptome, which is expected to reduce the consumption of ATP by protein synthesis. These findings suggest that α-pinealocytes have a specialized role in the pineal gland: efficiently O-methylating the N-acetylserotonin produced and released by β-pinealocytes, thereby improving the overall efficiency of melatonin synthesis. We have also identified transcriptomic changes that occur between night and day in seven cell types, the majority of which occur in β-pinealocytes and to a lesser degree in α-pinealocytes; many of these changes were mimicked by adrenergic stimulation with isoproterenol. The cellular heterogeneity of the pineal gland as revealed by this study provides a new framework for understanding pineal cell biology at single-cell resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C. Mays
- Section on Developmental Neuroscience, Laboratory of Cochlear Development, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Michael C. Kelly
- Section on Developmental Neuroscience, Laboratory of Cochlear Development, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Steven L. Coon
- Molecular Genomics Core Facility, Office of the Scientific Director, Intramural Research Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lynne Holtzclaw
- Microscopy and Imaging Core, Office of the Scientific Director, Intramural Research Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Martin F. Rath
- Department of Neuroscience, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matthew W. Kelley
- Section on Developmental Neuroscience, Laboratory of Cochlear Development, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - David C. Klein
- Office of the Scientific Director, Intramural Research Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
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Kurtulus Dereli A, Demırci GN, Dodurga Y, Özbal S, Cankurt U, Boz B, Adiguzel E, Acar K. Evaluation of human pineal gland acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase immunoreactivity in suicide: A preliminary study. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2018; 58:233-238. [PMID: 30185109 DOI: 10.1177/0025802418797178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Disorders of the serotonergic system are especially known to be present in the neurobiology of suicidal behavior. Studies investigating melatonin levels show that changes in pineal gland functions may also play a role in the pathogenesis of suicide. However, to our knowledge, there are no studies evaluating the activity of pinealocytes responsible for melatonin synthesis in suicide. This preliminary study aimed to investigate the relationship among pinealocyte, acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase (ASMT) immunoreactivity, and suicide. Samples of pineal gland, cerebrospinal fluid, blood, and urine were obtained from 21 suicide and 21 non-suicide cases on which medicolegal autopsies were performed. Expression of ASMT in human pineal gland was evaluated by immunohistochemical methods. A scoring system was used to define the anti-ASMT-positive staining in the sections. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were employed to assess serum and cerebrospinal fluid melatonin levels and blood and urine noradrenaline levels. The ASMT-immunopositive pinealocyte count was observed to be lower in suicide cases compared to the non-suicide cases. With the exception of two cases (with moderate staining), all graded scores were 3 (strong staining) in non-suicide group, whereas scores were 1 (mild staining) or 2 (moderate staining) in the suicide group. Melatonin levels in the blood were lower among the suicide victims. These results support decreased pineal gland activity in suicide. However, further studies are needed to assess whether these changes are related to a psychiatric disorder.
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Manno FAM, Lau C. The pineal gland of the shrew (Blarina brevicauda and Blarina carolinensis): a light and electron microscopic study of pinealocytes. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 374:595-605. [PMID: 30088080 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2897-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The pineal gland structure and ultrastructure in the Northern (Blarina brevicauda) and Southern short-tailed shrew (Blarina carolinensis) are described by light and electron microscopy. Results observed were similar to other mammals of Insectivora described previously, specifically, the hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) and the Old World mole (Talpa europea). Two different types of pinealocytes were noticed by electron microscopy, in addition to relatively few glial cells. Granular vesicles were not noticed in abundance. The granular endoplasmic reticulum was observed and studded with vesicles. The golgi apparatus was well developed and appeared often. Synaptic ribbons were observed in several different formations consisting of ribbons and/or rods. The ciliary derivative, the rudimentary photoreceptor structures found in the pinealocytes of population I, was noticed in a 9 + 0 tubular pattern. Within these semifossorial shrews, the relationship between specific intracellular organelles and their function was discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis A M Manno
- Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Condon Lau
- Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
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Zhang J, Qiu J, Zhou Y, Wang Y, Li H, Zhang T, Jiang Y, Gou K, Cui S. LIM homeobox transcription factor Isl1 is required for melatonin synthesis in the pig pineal gland. J Pineal Res 2018; 65:e12481. [PMID: 29480946 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin is a key hormone that regulates circadian rhythms, metabolism, and reproduction. However, the mechanisms of melatonin synthesis and secretion have not been fully defined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the functions of the LIM homeobox transcription factor Isl1 in regulating melatonin synthesis and secretion in porcine pineal gland. We found that Isl1 is highly expressed in the melatonin-producing cells in the porcine pineal gland. Further functional studies demonstrate that Isl1 knockdown in cultured primary porcine pinealocytes results in the decline of melatonin and arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) mRNA levels by 29.2% and 72.2%, respectively, whereas Isl1 overexpression raised by 1.3-fold and 2.7-fold. In addition, the enhancing effect of norepinephrine (NE) on melatonin synthesis was abolished by Isl1 knockdown. The in vivo intracerebroventricular NE injections upregulate Isl1 mRNA and protein levels by about threefold and 4.5-fold in the porcine pineal gland. We then examined the changes in Isl1 expression in the pineal gland and global melatonin levels throughout the day. The results show that Isl1 protein level at 24:00 is 2.5-fold higher than that at 12:00, which is parallel to melatonin levels. We further found that Isl1 increases the activity of AANAT promoter, and the effect of NE on Isl1 expression was blocked by an ERK inhibitor. Collectively, the results presented here demonstrate that Isl1 positively modulates melatonin synthesis by targeting AANAT, via the ERK signaling pathway of NE. These suggest that Isl1 plays important roles in maintaining the daily circadian rhythm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingtao Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yewen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Taojie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Kemian Gou
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Ashton A, Stoney PN, Ransom J, McCaffery P. Rhythmic Diurnal Synthesis and Signaling of Retinoic Acid in the Rat Pineal Gland and Its Action to Rapidly Downregulate ERK Phosphorylation. Mol Neurobiol 2018. [PMID: 29520716 PMCID: PMC6153719 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-0964-5] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin A is important for the circadian timing system; deficiency disrupts daily rhythms in activity and clock gene expression, and reduces the nocturnal peak in melatonin in the pineal gland. However, it is currently unknown how these effects are mediated. Vitamin A primarily acts via the active metabolite, retinoic acid (RA), a transcriptional regulator with emerging non-genomic activities. We investigated whether RA is subject to diurnal variation in synthesis and signaling in the rat pineal gland. Its involvement in two key molecular rhythms in this gland was also examined: kinase activation and induction of Aanat, which encodes the rhythm-generating melatonin synthetic enzyme. We found diurnal changes in expression of several genes required for RA signaling, including a RA receptor and synthetic enzymes. The RA-responsive gene Cyp26a1 was found to change between day and night, suggesting diurnal changes in RA activity. This corresponded to changes in RA synthesis, suggesting rhythmic production of RA. Long-term RA treatment in vitro upregulated Aanat transcription, while short-term treatment had no effect. RA was also found to rapidly downregulate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 phosphorylation, suggesting a rapid non-genomic action which may be involved in driving the molecular rhythm in ERK1/2 activation in this gland. These results demonstrate that there are diurnal changes in RA synthesis and activity in the rat pineal gland which are partially under circadian control. These may be key to the effects of vitamin A on circadian rhythms, therefore providing insight into the molecular link between this nutrient and the circadian system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ashton
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, Scotland, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Patrick N Stoney
- Cell Signal Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Jemma Ransom
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, Scotland, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Peter McCaffery
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, Scotland, AB25 2ZD, UK.
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Bering T, Carstensen MB, Wörtwein G, Weikop P, Rath MF. The Circadian Oscillator of the Cerebral Cortex: Molecular, Biochemical and Behavioral Effects of Deleting the Arntl Clock Gene in Cortical Neurons. Cereb Cortex 2018; 28:644-657. [PMID: 28052921 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A molecular circadian oscillator resides in neurons of the cerebral cortex, but its role is unknown. Using the Cre-LoxP method, we have here abolished the core clock gene Arntl in those neurons. This mouse represents the first model carrying a deletion of a circadian clock component specifically in an extrahypothalamic cell type of the brain. Molecular analyses of clock gene expression in the cerebral cortex of the Arntl conditional knockout mouse revealed disrupted circadian expression profiles, whereas clock gene expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus was still rhythmic, thus showing that Arntl is required for normal function of the cortical circadian oscillator. Daily rhythms in running activity and temperature were not influenced, whereas the resynchronization response to experimental jet-lag exhibited minor though significant differences between genotypes. The tail-suspension test revealed significantly prolonged immobility periods in the knockout mouse indicative of a depressive-like behavioral state. This phenotype was accompanied by reduced norepinephrine levels in the cerebral cortex. Our data show that Arntl is required for normal cortical clock function and further give reason to suspect that the circadian oscillator of the cerebral cortex is involved in regulating both circadian biology and mood-related behavior and biochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tenna Bering
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry, Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Mental Health Services of the Capital Region of Denmark, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Bloss Carstensen
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gitta Wörtwein
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1014 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pia Weikop
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry, Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Mental Health Services of the Capital Region of Denmark, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Fredensborg Rath
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Sakimura K, Maekawa T, Kume SI, Ohta T. Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) Fatty Rat, a Novel Animal Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Shows Blunted Circadian Rhythms and Melatonin Secretion. Int J Endocrinol 2018; 2018:9065690. [PMID: 30344606 PMCID: PMC6174757 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9065690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), impairments of circadian rhythms, including the sleep-wake cycle, blood pressure, and plasma melatonin concentrations, are frequently observed. Animal models of DM are also reported to show aberrant circadian rhythms. However, the changes in the circadian rhythms of plasma soluble substances, including melatonin, in diabetic animals are controversial. In the present study, we investigated the circadian rhythms of spontaneous locomotor activity, metabolic parameters (plasma glucose, triglyceride, and total cholesterol), and plasma melatonin concentrations in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) fatty rats, a novel animal model of type 2 DM. Although SDT fatty rats exhibited low locomotor activity in the dark phase, no phase shifts were observed. The circadian variations of plasma metabolic parameters were more apparent in the SDT fatty rats compared with control Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The circadian rhythms of plasma melatonin concentrations were significantly impaired in SDT fatty rats. To get an insight into the mechanism underlying the impaired melatonin secretion in SDT fatty rats, the expression of arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (Aanat) and acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase (Asmt) mRNA, which encode the rate-limiting enzymes for melatonin synthesis, was investigated in the pineal gland. There were no significant differences in Aanat and Asmt expression between the control SD and SDT fatty rats. These results suggest that SDT fatty rats show impaired circadian rhythms and dysregulated melatonin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuya Sakimura
- Biological/Pharmacological Research Laboratories, Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1 Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Maekawa
- Biological/Pharmacological Research Laboratories, Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1 Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shin-ichi Kume
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Functional Anatomy, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Ohta
- Biological/Pharmacological Research Laboratories, Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1 Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
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Alkozi HA, Sánchez Montero JM, Doadrio AL, Pintor J. Docking studies for melatonin receptors. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2017; 13:241-248. [PMID: 29271261 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2018.1419184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Melatonin is a neurohormone that controls many relevant physiological processes beyond the control of circadian rhythms. Melatonin's actions are carried out by two main types of melatonin receptors; MT1 and MT2. These receptors are important, and not just because of the biological actions of its natural agonist; but also, because melatonin analogues can improve or antagonize their biological effect. Area covered: The following article describes the importance of melatonin as a biologically relevant molecule. It also defines the receptors for this substance, as well as the second messengers coupled to these receptors. Lastly, the article describes the amino acid residues involved in the docking process in both MT1 and MT2 melatonin receptors. Expert opinion: The biological actions of melatonin and their interpretations are becoming more relevant and therefore require the development of new pharmacological tools. Understanding the second messenger mechanisms involved in melatonin actions, as well as the characteristics of the docking of this molecule to MT1 and MT2 melatonin receptors, will permit the development of more selective agonists and antagonists which will help us to better understand this molecule as well to develop new therapeutic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan Awad Alkozi
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Faculty of Optometry , Universidad Complutense de Madrid , Madrid , Spain
| | - José Maria Sánchez Montero
- b Department of Organic Chemistry and Pharmaceutical, Faculty of Pharmacy , Ciudad Universitaria , Madrid , Spain
| | - Antonio Luis Doadrio
- c Department of Inorganic Chemistry and Bioorganic, Faculty of Pharmacy , University Complutense of Madrid , Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid , Spain
| | - Jesus Pintor
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Faculty of Optometry , Universidad Complutense de Madrid , Madrid , Spain
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Hsueh PT, Wang HH, Liu CL, Ni WF, Chen YL, Liu JK. Expression of cerebral serotonin related to anxiety-like behaviors in C57BL/6 offspring induced by repeated subcutaneous prenatal exposure to low-dose lipopolysaccharide. PLoS One 2017. [PMID: 28650979 PMCID: PMC5484498 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which likely occurs due to infection or contact with environmental allergens during pregnancy, is a proposed risk factor that induces anxiety- and autism spectrum disorder-like behaviors in offspring. However, the molecular and behavioral changes in offspring after maternal immune activation have not been completely identified. We hypothesized that a subcutaneous injection of LPS in a pregnant mouse would induce changes in cerebral serotonin (5-HT) in parallel to the appearance of anxiety-like behaviors in the dam’s offspring. After LPS injections (total, 100 μg/Kg), the time spent in the central region during the open field test and the number of times that the mice moved between the light and dark boxes and between the open and closed arms on the elevated plus maze test revealed anxiety-like behaviors in offspring at 5, 6 and 9 weeks of age. The mRNA expression levels of tph2 (5-HT synthesizing enzyme) and slc6a4 (5-HT transporter) were down-regulated in both adolescent (5 weeks of age) and adult (8 weeks of age) brains. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the numbers and sizes of tph2-expressing cells were notably decreased in the raphe nuclei of the midbrain of adults. Moreover, compared with controls (phosphate-buffered saline-treated offspring), the cerebral 5-HT concentration at adolescence and adulthood in LPS-induced offspring was significantly decreased. We concluded that maternal immune activation induced by exposure to a low dose of LPS decreased cerebral 5-HT levels in parallel to the down-regulation of the tph2 and slc6a4 genes and in conjunction with anxiety-like behaviors in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Tan Hsueh
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Han Wang
- Department of Biotechnology, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Lin Liu
- Department of Biotechnology, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Fen Ni
- Department of Biotechnology, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Lei Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (LJK); (CYL)
| | - Jong-Kang Liu
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (LJK); (CYL)
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Wang SG, Tsao DD, Vanderpool KG, Yasumura T, Rash JE, Nagy JI. Connexin36 localization to pinealocytes in the pineal gland of mouse and rat. Eur J Neurosci 2017; 45:1594-1605. [PMID: 28474748 PMCID: PMC5507615 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13602] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Several cell types in the pineal gland are known to establish intercellular gap junctions, but the connexin constituents of those junctions have not been fully characterized. Specifically, the expression of connexin36 (Cx36) protein and mRNA has been examined in the pineal, but the identity of cells that produce Cx36 and that form Cx36-containing gap junctions has not been determined. We used immunofluorescence and freeze fracture replica immunogold labelling (FRIL) of Cx36 to investigate the cellular and subcellular localization of Cx36 in the pineal gland of adult mouse and rat. Immunofluorescence labelling of Cx36 was visualized exclusively as puncta or short immunopositive strands that were distributed throughout the pineal, and which were absent in pineal sections from Cx36 null mice. By double immunofluorescence labelling, Cx36 was localized to tryptophan hydroxylase-positive and 5-hydroxytryptamine-positive pinealocyte cell bodies and their large initial processes, including at intersections of those processes and at sites displaying a confluence of processes. Labelling for the cell junction marker zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) either overlapped or was closely associated with labelling for Cx36. Pinealocytes thus form Cx36-containing gap junctions that also incorporate the scaffolding protein ZO-1. FRIL revealed labelling of Cx36 at ultrastructurally defined gap junctions between pinealocytes, most of which was at gap junctions having reticular, ribbon or string configurations. The results suggest that the endocrine functions of pinealocytes and their secretion of melatonin is supported by their intercellular communication via Cx36-containing gap junctions, which may now be tested by the use of Cx36 null mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- S G Wang
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - D D Tsao
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - K G Vanderpool
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - T Yasumura
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - J E Rash
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - J I Nagy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
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Ibañez Rodriguez MP, Noctor SC, Muñoz EM. Cellular Basis of Pineal Gland Development: Emerging Role of Microglia as Phenotype Regulator. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167063. [PMID: 27861587 PMCID: PMC5115862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The adult pineal gland is composed of pinealocytes, astrocytes, microglia, and other interstitial cells that have been described in detail. However, factors that contribute to pineal development have not been fully elucidated, nor have pineal cell lineages been well characterized. We applied systematic double, triple and quadruple labeling of cell-specific markers on prenatal, postnatal and mature rat pineal gland tissue combined with confocal microscopy to provide a comprehensive view of the cellular dynamics and cell lineages that contribute to pineal gland development. The pineal gland begins as an evagination of neuroepithelium in the roof of the third ventricle. The pineal primordium initially consists of radially aligned Pax6+ precursor cells that express vimentin and divide at the ventricular lumen. After the tubular neuroepithelium fuses, the distribution of Pax6+ cells transitions to include rosette-like structures and later, dispersed cells. In the developing gland all dividing cells express Pax6, indicating that Pax6+ precursor cells generate pinealocytes and some interstitial cells. The density of Pax6+ cells decreases across pineal development as a result of cellular differentiation and microglial phagocytosis, but Pax6+ cells remain in the adult gland as a distinct population. Microglial colonization begins after pineal recess formation. Microglial phagocytosis of Pax6+ cells is not common at early stages but increases as microglia colonize the gland. In the postnatal gland microglia affiliate with Tuj1+ nerve fibers, IB4+ blood vessels, and Pax6+ cells. We demonstrate that microglia engulf Pax6+ cells, nerve fibers, and blood vessel-related elements, but not pinealocytes. We conclude that microglia play a role in pineal gland formation and homeostasis by regulating the precursor cell population, remodeling blood vessels and pruning sympathetic nerve fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- María P. Ibañez Rodriguez
- Institute of Histology and Embryology of Mendoza (IHEM), National University of Cuyo, National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Stephen C. Noctor
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail: (EMM); (SCN)
| | - Estela M. Muñoz
- Institute of Histology and Embryology of Mendoza (IHEM), National University of Cuyo, National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
- * E-mail: (EMM); (SCN)
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