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Coutinho EA, Esparza LA, Rodriguez J, Yang J, Schafer D, Kauffman AS. Targeted inhibition of kisspeptin neurons reverses hyperandrogenemia and abnormal hyperactive LH secretion in a preclinical mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome. Hum Reprod 2024:deae153. [PMID: 38978296 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae153] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do hyperactive kisspeptin neurons contribute to abnormally high LH secretion and downstream hyperandrogenemia in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-like conditions and can inhibition of kisspeptin neurons rescue such endocrine impairments? SUMMARY ANSWER Targeted inhibition of endogenous kisspeptin neuron activity in a mouse model of PCOS reduced the abnormally hyperactive LH pulse secretion and hyperandrogenemia to healthy control levels. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY PCOS is a reproductive disorder characterized by hyperandrogenemia, anovulation, and/or polycystic ovaries, along with a hallmark feature of abnormal LH hyper-pulsatility, but the mechanisms underlying the endocrine impairments remain unclear. A chronic letrozole (LET; aromatase inhibitor) mouse model recapitulates PCOS phenotypes, including polycystic ovaries, anovulation, high testosterone, and hyperactive LH pulses. LET PCOS-like females also have increased hypothalamic kisspeptin neuronal activation which may drive their hyperactive LH secretion and hyperandrogenemia, but this has not been tested. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Transgenic KissCRE+/hM4Di female mice or littermates Cre- controls were treated with placebo, or chronic LET (50 µg/day) to induce a PCOS-like phenotype, followed by acute (once) or chronic (2 weeks) clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) exposure to chemogenetically inhibit kisspeptin cells (n = 6 to 10 mice/group). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Key endocrine measures, including in vivo LH pulse secretion patterns and circulating testosterone levels, were assessed before and after selective kisspeptin neuron inhibition and compared between PCOS groups and healthy controls. Alterations in body weights were measured and pituitary and ovarian gene expression was determined by qRT-PCR. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Acute targeted inhibition of kisspeptin neurons in PCOS mice successfully lowered the abnormally hyperactive LH pulse secretion (P < 0.05). Likewise, chronic selective suppression of kisspeptin neuron activity reversed the previously high LH and testosterone levels (P < 0.05) down to healthy control levels and rescued reproductive gene expression (P < 0. 05). LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Ovarian morphology was not assessed in this study. Additionally, mouse models can offer mechanistic insights into neuroendocrine processes in PCOS-like conditions but may not perfectly mirror PCOS in women. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These data support the hypothesis that overactive kisspeptin neurons can drive neuroendocrine PCOS-like impairments, and this may occur in PCOS women. Our findings complement recent clinical investigations using NKB receptor antagonists to lower LH in PCOS women and suggest that pharmacological dose-dependent modulation of kisspeptin neuron activity may be a valuable future therapeutic target to clinically treat hyperandrogenism and lower elevated LH in PCOS women. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research was supported by NIH grants R01 HD111650, R01 HD090161, R01 HD100580, P50 HD012303, R01 AG078185, and NIH R24 HD102061, and a pilot project award from the British Society for Neuroendocrinology. There are no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eulalia A Coutinho
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lourdes A Esparza
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Julian Rodriguez
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jason Yang
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Danielle Schafer
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alexander S Kauffman
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Constantin S, Sokanovic SJ, Mochimaru Y, Dams AL, Smiljanic K, Prévide RM, Nessa N, Carmona GN, Stojilkovic SS. Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptors N and N2 Control Pituitary Melanotroph Development and POMC Expression. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae076. [PMID: 38923438 PMCID: PMC11242453 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The neuroendocrine marker genes Ptprn and Ptprn2 encode protein tyrosine phosphatase receptors N and N2, 2 members of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptors void of enzymatic activity, and whose function and mechanism of action have not been elucidated. To explore the role(s) of Ptprn and Ptprn2 on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, we used mice in which both genes were knocked out (DKO). The focus in this study was on corticotrophs and melanotrophs from the anterior and intermediate lobes of the pituitary gland, respectively. In both sexes, DKO caused an increase in the expression of the corticotroph/melanotroph genes Pomc and Tbx19 and the melanotroph-specific gene Pax7. We also found in vivo and in vitro increased synthesis and release of beta-endorphin, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, and ACTH in DKO mice, which was associated with increased serum corticosterone levels and adrenal mass. DKO also increased the expression of other melanotroph-specific genes, but not corticotroph-specific genes. The dopaminergic pathway in the hypothalamus and dopaminergic receptors in melanotrophs were not affected in DKO mice. However, hyperplasia of the intermediate lobe was observed in DKO females and males, accompanied by increased proopiomelanocortin immunoreactivity per cell. These results indicate that protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type N contributes to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function by being involved in processes governing postnatal melanotroph development and Pomc expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Constantin
- Section on Cellular Signaling, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Srdjan J Sokanovic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yuta Mochimaru
- Section on Cellular Signaling, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Aloa Lamarca Dams
- Section on Cellular Signaling, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kosara Smiljanic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rafael M Prévide
- Section on Cellular Signaling, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Naseratun Nessa
- Section on Cellular Signaling, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Gilberto N Carmona
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Stanko S Stojilkovic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Ye Z, Elaswad A, Su B, Alsaqufi A, Shang M, Bugg WS, Qin G, Drescher D, Li H, Qin Z, Odin R, Makhubu N, Abass N, Dong S, Dunham R. Reversible Sterilization of Channel Catfish via Overexpression of Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Gene. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1899. [PMID: 38998011 PMCID: PMC11240427 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The confinement of transgenic fish is essential to prevent their escape and reproduction in natural ecosystems. Reversible transgenic sterilization is a promising approach to control the reproduction of transgenic fish. Therefore, the present study was conducted to develop a reversibly sterile channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) via the transgenic overexpression of the goldfish (Carassius auratus) glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) gene driven by the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) β-actin promoter to disrupt normal gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) regulation. Three generations of GAD-transgenic fish were produced. All studied generations showed repressed reproductive performance; however, this was not always statistically significant. In F1, 5.4% of the transgenic fish showed a sexual maturity score ≥ 4 (maximum = 5) at five years of age, which was lower (p = 0.07) than that of the control group (16.8%). In the spawning experiments conducted on F1 transgenic fish at six and nine years of age, 45.5% and 20.0% of fish spawned naturally, representing lower values (p = 0.09 and 0.12, respectively) than the percentages in the sibling control fish of the same age (83.3% and 66.7%, respectively). Four of six pairs of the putative infertile six-year-old fish spawned successfully after luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analog (LHRHa) therapy. Similar outcomes were noted in the three-year-old F2 fish, with a lower spawning percentage in transgenic fish (20.0%) than in the control (66.7%). In one-year-old F2-generation transgenic fish, the observed mean serum gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) levels were 9.23 ± 2.49 and 8.14 ± 2.21 ng/mL for the females and males, respectively. In the control fish, the mean levels of GnRH were 11.04 ± 4.06 and 9.03 ± 2.36 ng/mL for the females and males, respectively, which did not differ significantly from the control (p = 0.15 and 0.27 for females and males, respectively). There was no significant difference in the estradiol levels of the female transgenic and non-transgenic fish in the one- and four-year-old F2-generation fish. The four-year-old F2-generation male transgenic fish exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) lower levels of GnRH and testosterone than the control fish. In conclusion, while overexpressing GAD repressed the reproductive abilities of channel catfish, it did not completely sterilize transgenic fish. The sterilization rate might be improved through selection in future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Ye
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.E.); (B.S.); (A.A.); (M.S.); (W.S.B.); (G.Q.); (D.D.); (H.L.); (Z.Q.); (R.O.); (N.M.); (N.A.); (S.D.); (R.D.)
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572024, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Ahmed Elaswad
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.E.); (B.S.); (A.A.); (M.S.); (W.S.B.); (G.Q.); (D.D.); (H.L.); (Z.Q.); (R.O.); (N.M.); (N.A.); (S.D.); (R.D.)
- Center of Excellence in Marine Biotechnology, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
| | - Baofeng Su
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.E.); (B.S.); (A.A.); (M.S.); (W.S.B.); (G.Q.); (D.D.); (H.L.); (Z.Q.); (R.O.); (N.M.); (N.A.); (S.D.); (R.D.)
| | - Ahmed Alsaqufi
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.E.); (B.S.); (A.A.); (M.S.); (W.S.B.); (G.Q.); (D.D.); (H.L.); (Z.Q.); (R.O.); (N.M.); (N.A.); (S.D.); (R.D.)
- Department of Aquaculture and Animal Production, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mei Shang
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.E.); (B.S.); (A.A.); (M.S.); (W.S.B.); (G.Q.); (D.D.); (H.L.); (Z.Q.); (R.O.); (N.M.); (N.A.); (S.D.); (R.D.)
| | - William S. Bugg
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.E.); (B.S.); (A.A.); (M.S.); (W.S.B.); (G.Q.); (D.D.); (H.L.); (Z.Q.); (R.O.); (N.M.); (N.A.); (S.D.); (R.D.)
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Guyu Qin
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.E.); (B.S.); (A.A.); (M.S.); (W.S.B.); (G.Q.); (D.D.); (H.L.); (Z.Q.); (R.O.); (N.M.); (N.A.); (S.D.); (R.D.)
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David Drescher
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.E.); (B.S.); (A.A.); (M.S.); (W.S.B.); (G.Q.); (D.D.); (H.L.); (Z.Q.); (R.O.); (N.M.); (N.A.); (S.D.); (R.D.)
- Fisheries Department, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Auburn, WA 98092, USA
| | - Hanbo Li
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.E.); (B.S.); (A.A.); (M.S.); (W.S.B.); (G.Q.); (D.D.); (H.L.); (Z.Q.); (R.O.); (N.M.); (N.A.); (S.D.); (R.D.)
| | - Zhenkui Qin
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.E.); (B.S.); (A.A.); (M.S.); (W.S.B.); (G.Q.); (D.D.); (H.L.); (Z.Q.); (R.O.); (N.M.); (N.A.); (S.D.); (R.D.)
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Ramjie Odin
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.E.); (B.S.); (A.A.); (M.S.); (W.S.B.); (G.Q.); (D.D.); (H.L.); (Z.Q.); (R.O.); (N.M.); (N.A.); (S.D.); (R.D.)
- College of Fisheries, Mindanao State University-Maguindanao, Datu Odin Sinsuat 9601, Philippines
| | - Nonkonzo Makhubu
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.E.); (B.S.); (A.A.); (M.S.); (W.S.B.); (G.Q.); (D.D.); (H.L.); (Z.Q.); (R.O.); (N.M.); (N.A.); (S.D.); (R.D.)
| | - Nermeen Abass
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.E.); (B.S.); (A.A.); (M.S.); (W.S.B.); (G.Q.); (D.D.); (H.L.); (Z.Q.); (R.O.); (N.M.); (N.A.); (S.D.); (R.D.)
- Department of Agricultural Botany, Faculty of Agriculture Saba-Basha, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21531, Egypt
| | - Sheng Dong
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.E.); (B.S.); (A.A.); (M.S.); (W.S.B.); (G.Q.); (D.D.); (H.L.); (Z.Q.); (R.O.); (N.M.); (N.A.); (S.D.); (R.D.)
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Rex Dunham
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.E.); (B.S.); (A.A.); (M.S.); (W.S.B.); (G.Q.); (D.D.); (H.L.); (Z.Q.); (R.O.); (N.M.); (N.A.); (S.D.); (R.D.)
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Talbi R, Stincic TL, Ferrari K, Hae CJ, Walec K, Medve E, Gerutshang A, León S, McCarthy EA, Rønnekleiv OK, Kelly MJ, Navarro VM. POMC neurons control fertility through differential signaling of MC4R in Kisspeptin neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.18.580873. [PMID: 38915534 PMCID: PMC11195098 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.18.580873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Inactivating mutations in the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) gene cause monogenic obesity. Interestingly, female patients also display various degrees of reproductive disorders, in line with the subfertile phenotype of MC4RKO female mice. However, the cellular mechanisms by which MC4R regulates reproduction are unknown. Kiss1 neurons directly stimulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release through two distinct populations; the Kiss1ARH neurons, controlling GnRH pulses, and the sexually dimorphic Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons controlling the preovulatory LH surge. Here, we show that Mc4r expressed in Kiss1 neurons is required for fertility in females. In vivo, deletion of Mc4r from Kiss1 neurons in female mice replicates the reproductive impairments of MC4RKO mice without inducing obesity. Conversely, reinsertion of Mc4r in Kiss1 neurons of MC4R null mice restores estrous cyclicity and LH pulsatility without reducing their obese phenotype. In vitro, we dissect the specific action of MC4R on Kiss1ARH vs Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons and show that MC4R activation excites Kiss1ARH neurons through direct synaptic actions. In contrast, Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons are normally inhibited by MC4R activation except under elevated estradiol levels, thus facilitating the activation of Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons to induce the LH surge driving ovulation in females. Our findings demonstrate that POMCARH neurons acting through MC4R, directly regulate reproductive function in females by stimulating the "pulse generator" activity of Kiss1ARH neurons and restricting the activation of Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons to the time of the estradiol-dependent LH surge, and thus unveil a novel pathway of the metabolic regulation of fertility by the melanocortin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajae Talbi
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Todd L. Stincic
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Kaitlin Ferrari
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Choi Ji Hae
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karol Walec
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Medve
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Achi Gerutshang
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Silvia León
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. McCarthy
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Oline K. Rønnekleiv
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Martin J. Kelly
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Víctor M. Navarro
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Program in Neuroscience, Boston, MA, USA
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Clarkson J, Yip SH, Porteous R, Kauff A, Heather AK, Herbison AE. CRISPR-Cas9 knockdown of ESR1 in preoptic GABA-kisspeptin neurons suppresses the preovulatory surge and estrous cycles in female mice. eLife 2023; 12:RP90959. [PMID: 38126277 PMCID: PMC10735218 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that estradiol-sensing preoptic area GABA neurons are involved in the preovulatory surge mechanism necessary for ovulation. In vivo CRISPR-Cas9 editing was used to achieve a 60-70% knockdown in estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) expression by GABA neurons located within the regions of the rostral periventricular area of the third ventricle (RP3V) and medial preoptic nuclei (MPN) in adult female mice. Mice exhibited variable reproductive phenotypes with the only significant finding being mice with bilateral ESR1 deletion in RP3V GABA neurons having reduced cFos expression in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons at the time of the surge. One sub-population of RP3V GABA neurons expresses kisspeptin. Re-grouping ESR1-edited mice on the basis of their RP3V kisspeptin expression revealed a highly consistent phenotype; mice with a near-complete loss of kisspeptin immunoreactivity displayed constant estrus and failed to exhibit surge activation but retained pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. These observations demonstrate that ESR1-expressing GABA-kisspeptin neurons in the RP3V are essential for the murine preovulatory LH surge mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Clarkson
- Centre for NeuroendocrinologyDunedinNew Zealand
- Department of Physiology, University of Otago School of Biomedical SciencesDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Siew Hoong Yip
- Centre for NeuroendocrinologyDunedinNew Zealand
- Department of Physiology, University of Otago School of Biomedical SciencesDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Robert Porteous
- Centre for NeuroendocrinologyDunedinNew Zealand
- Department of Physiology, University of Otago School of Biomedical SciencesDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Alexia Kauff
- Department of Physiology, University of Otago School of Biomedical SciencesDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Alison K Heather
- Department of Physiology, University of Otago School of Biomedical SciencesDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Allan E Herbison
- Centre for NeuroendocrinologyDunedinNew Zealand
- Department of Physiology, University of Otago School of Biomedical SciencesDunedinNew Zealand
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
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Buo C, Bearss RJ, Novak AG, Anello AE, Dakin JJ, Piet R. Serotonin stimulates female preoptic area kisspeptin neurons via activation of type 2 serotonin receptors in mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1212854. [PMID: 37900129 PMCID: PMC10602649 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1212854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The neuroendocrine control of ovulation is orchestrated by neuronal circuits that ultimately drive the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus to trigger the preovulatory surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. While estrogen feedback signals are determinant in triggering activation of GnRH neurons, through stimulation of afferent kisspeptin neurons in the rostral periventricular area of the third ventricle (RP3VKISS1 neurons), many neuropeptidergic and classical neurotransmitter systems have been shown to regulate the LH surge. Among these, several lines of evidence indicate that the monoamine neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) has an excitatory, permissive, influence over the generation of the surge, via activation of type 2 5-HT (5-HT2) receptors. The mechanisms through which this occurs, however, are not well understood. We hypothesized that 5-HT exerts its influence on the surge by stimulating RP3VKISS1 neurons in a 5-HT2 receptor-dependent manner. Methods We tested this using kisspeptin neuron-specific calcium imaging and electrophysiology in brain slices obtained from male and female mice. Results We show that exogenous 5-HT reversibly increases the activity of the majority of RP3VKISS1 neurons. This effect is more prominent in females than in males, is likely mediated directly at RP3VKISS1 neurons and requires activation of 5-HT2 receptors. The functional impact of 5-HT on RP3VKISS1 neurons, however, does not significantly vary during the estrous cycle. Conclusion Taken together, these data suggest that 5-HT2 receptor-mediated stimulation of RP3VKISS1 neuron activity might be involved in mediating the influence of 5-HT on the preovulatory LH surge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Buo
- Brain Health Research Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Robin J. Bearss
- Brain Health Research Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Alyssa G. Novak
- Brain Health Research Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Anna E. Anello
- Brain Health Research Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Jordan J. Dakin
- Brain Health Research Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Richard Piet
- Brain Health Research Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
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Mansano NDS, Vieira HR, Araujo-Lopes R, Szawka RE, Donato J, Frazao R. Fasting Modulates GABAergic Synaptic Transmission to Arcuate Kisspeptin Neurons in Female Mice. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad150. [PMID: 37793082 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
It is well-established that the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is suppressed due to negative energy balance. However, less information is available on whether kisspeptin neuronal activity contributes to fasting-induced responses. In the present study, female and male mice were fasted for 24 hours or provided food ad libitum (fed group) to determine whether acute fasting is sufficient to modulate kisspeptin neuronal activity. In female mice, fasting attenuated luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin (PRL) serum levels and increased follicle-stimulating hormone levels compared with the fed group. In contrast, fasting did not affect gonadotropin or PRL secretion in male mice. By measuring genes related to LH pulse generation in micropunches obtained from the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH), we observed that fasting reduced Kiss1 mRNA levels in female and male mice. In contrast, Pdyn expression was upregulated only in fasted female mice, whereas no changes in the Tac2 mRNA levels were observed in both sexes. Interestingly, the frequency and amplitude of the GABAergic postsynaptic currents recorded from ARH kisspeptin neurons (ARHKisspeptin) were reduced in 24-hour fasted female mice but not in males. Additionally, neuropeptide Y induced a hyperpolarization in the resting membrane potential of ARHKisspeptin neurons of fed female mice but not in males. Thus, the response of ARHKisspeptin neurons to fasting is sexually dependent with a female bias, associated with changes in gonadotropins and PRL secretion. Our findings suggest that GABAergic transmission to ARHKisspeptin neurons modulates the activity of the HPG axis during situations of negative energy balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naira da Silva Mansano
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Anatomia, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Henrique Rodrigues Vieira
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Anatomia, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Roberta Araujo-Lopes
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Raphael Escorsim Szawka
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Renata Frazao
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Anatomia, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
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8
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Ramos-Pittol JM, Fernandes-Freitas I, Milona A, Manchishi SM, Rainbow K, Lam BYH, Tadross JA, Beucher A, Colledge WH, Cebola I, Murphy KG, Miguel-Aliaga I, Yeo GSH, Dhillo WS, Owen BM. Dax1 modulates ERα-dependent hypothalamic estrogen sensing in female mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3076. [PMID: 37248237 PMCID: PMC10227040 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38618-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Coupling the release of pituitary hormones to the developmental stage of the oocyte is essential for female fertility. It requires estrogen to restrain kisspeptin (KISS1)-neuron pulsatility in the arcuate hypothalamic nucleus, while also exerting a surge-like effect on KISS1-neuron activity in the AVPV hypothalamic nucleus. However, a mechanistic basis for this region-specific effect has remained elusive. Our genomic analysis in female mice demonstrate that some processes, such as restraint of KISS1-neuron activity in the arcuate nucleus, may be explained by region-specific estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) DNA binding at gene regulatory regions. Furthermore, we find that the Kiss1-locus is uniquely regulated in these hypothalamic nuclei, and that the nuclear receptor co-repressor NR0B1 (DAX1) restrains its transcription specifically in the arcuate nucleus. These studies provide mechanistic insight into how ERα may control the KISS1-neuron, and Kiss1 gene expression, to couple gonadotropin release to the developmental stage of the oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M Ramos-Pittol
- Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | | | - Alexandra Milona
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen M Manchishi
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, Cambridge University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kara Rainbow
- Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, Cambridge University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Brian Y H Lam
- Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, Cambridge University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - John A Tadross
- Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, Cambridge University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Histopathology and East Midlands & East of England Genomic Laboratory Hub, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anthony Beucher
- Section of Genetics and Genomics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - William H Colledge
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, Cambridge University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Inês Cebola
- Section of Genetics and Genomics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin G Murphy
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Miguel-Aliaga
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giles S H Yeo
- Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, Cambridge University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Bryn M Owen
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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9
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Starrett JR, Moenter SM. Hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons as potential mediators of estradiol negative and positive feedback. Peptides 2023; 163:170963. [PMID: 36740189 PMCID: PMC10516609 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.170963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Gonadal steroid feedback regulates the brain's patterned secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Negative feedback, which occurs in males and during the majority of the female cycle, modulates the amplitude and frequency of GnRH pulses. Positive feedback occurs in females when high estradiol induces a surge pattern of GnRH release. These two forms of feedback and their corresponding patterns of GnRH secretion are thought to be mediated by kisspeptin-expressing neurons in two hypothalamic areas: the arcuate nucleus and the anteroventral periventricular area. In this review, we present evidence for this theory and remaining questions to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Rudolph Starrett
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Suzanne M Moenter
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; The Reproductive Sciences Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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10
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Piet R. Circadian and kisspeptin regulation of the preovulatory surge. Peptides 2023; 163:170981. [PMID: 36842628 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.170981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Fertility in mammals is ultimately controlled by a small population of neurons - the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons - located in the ventral forebrain. GnRH neurons control gonadal function through the release of GnRH, which in turn stimulates the secretion of the anterior pituitary gonadotropins luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In spontaneous ovulators, ovarian follicle maturation eventually stimulates, via sex steroid feedback, the mid-cycle surge in GnRH and LH secretion that causes ovulation. The GnRH/LH surge is initiated in many species just before the onset of activity through processes controlled by the central circadian clock, ensuring that the neuroendocrine control of ovulation and sex behavior are coordinated. This review aims to give an overview of anatomical and functional studies that collectively reveal some of the mechanisms through which the central circadian clock regulates GnRH neurons and their afferent circuits to drive the preovulatory surge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Piet
- Brain Health Research Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States.
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11
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Velasco I, Franssen D, Daza-Dueñas S, Skrapits K, Takács S, Torres E, Rodríguez-Vazquez E, Ruiz-Cruz M, León S, Kukoricza K, Zhang FP, Ruohonen S, Luque-Cordoba D, Priego-Capote F, Gaytan F, Ruiz-Pino F, Hrabovszky E, Poutanen M, Vázquez MJ, Tena-Sempere M. Dissecting the KNDy hypothesis: KNDy neuron-derived kisspeptins are dispensable for puberty but essential for preserved female fertility and gonadotropin pulsatility. Metabolism 2023; 144:155556. [PMID: 37121307 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2023.155556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kiss1 neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate-nucleus (ARC) play key roles in the control of GnRH pulsatility and fertility. A fraction of ARC Kiss1 neurons, termed KNDy, co-express neurokinin B (NKB; encoded by Tac2). Yet, NKB- and Kiss1-only neurons are also found in the ARC, while a second major Kiss1-neuronal population is present in the rostral hypothalamus. The specific contribution of different Kiss1 neuron sub-sets and kisspeptins originating from them to the control of reproduction and eventually other bodily functions remains to be fully determined. METHODS To tease apart the physiological roles of KNDy-born kisspeptins, conditional ablation of Kiss1 in Tac2-expressing cells was implemented in vivo. To this end, mice with Tac2 cell-specific Kiss1 KO (TaKKO) were generated and subjected to extensive reproductive and metabolic characterization. RESULTS TaKKO mice displayed reduced ARC kisspeptin content and Kiss1 expression, with greater suppression in females, which was detectable at infantile-pubertal age. In contrast, Tac2/NKB levels were fully preserved. Despite the drop of ARC Kiss1/kisspeptin, pubertal timing was normal in TaKKO mice of both sexes. However, young-adult TaKKO females displayed disturbed LH pulsatility and sex steroid levels, with suppressed basal LH and pre-ovulatory LH surges, early-onset subfertility and premature ovarian insufficiency. Conversely, testicular histology and fertility were grossly conserved in TaKKO males. Ablation of Kiss1 in Tac2-cells led also to sex-dependent alterations in body composition, glucose homeostasis, especially in males, and locomotor activity, specifically in females. CONCLUSIONS Our data document that KNDy-born kisspeptins are dispensable/compensable for puberty in both sexes, but required for maintenance of female gonadotropin pulsatility and fertility, as well as for adult metabolic homeostasis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) co-expressing kisspeptins and NKB, named KNDy, have been recently suggested to play a key role in pulsatile secretion of gonadotropins, and hence reproduction. However, the relative contribution of this Kiss1 neuronal-subset, vs. ARC Kiss1-only and NKB-only neurons, as well as other Kiss1 neuronal populations, has not been assessed in physiological settings. We report here findings in a novel mouse-model with elimination of KNDy-born kisspeptins, without altering other kisspeptin compartments. Our data highlights the heterogeneity of ARC Kiss1 populations and document that, while dispensable/compensable for puberty, KNDy-born kisspeptins are required for proper gonadotropin pulsatility and fertility, specifically in females, and adult metabolic homeostasis. Characterization of this functional diversity is especially relevant, considering the potential of kisspeptin-based therapies for management of human reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Velasco
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Delphine Franssen
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain; GIGA-Neurosciences Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Silvia Daza-Dueñas
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Katalin Skrapits
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Takács
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Encarnación Torres
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Elvira Rodríguez-Vazquez
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Miguel Ruiz-Cruz
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Silvia León
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Krisztina Kukoricza
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Fu-Ping Zhang
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Suvi Ruohonen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Diego Luque-Cordoba
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain; Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Feliciano Priego-Capote
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain; Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Francisco Gaytan
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Pino
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Erik Hrabovszky
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Finland
| | - María J Vázquez
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Cordoba, Spain; Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Finland; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Cordoba, Spain.
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12
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Sokanovic SJ, Constantin S, Lamarca Dams A, Mochimaru Y, Smiljanic K, Bjelobaba I, Prévide RM, Stojilkovic SS. Common and female-specific roles of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptors N and N2 in mice reproduction. Sci Rep 2023; 13:355. [PMID: 36611058 PMCID: PMC9825377 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27497-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Simultaneous knockout of the neuroendocrine marker genes Ptprn and Ptprn2, which encode the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptors N and N2, causes infertility in female mice while males are fertile. To elucidate the mechanism of the sex-specific roles of Ptprn and Ptprn2 in mouse reproduction, we analyzed the effects of their double knockout (DKO) on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In DKO females, delayed puberty and lack of ovulation were observed, complemented by changes in ovarian gene expression and steroidogenesis. In contrast, testicular gene expression, steroidogenesis, and reproductive organs development were not significantly affected in DKO males. However, in both sexes, pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) beta gene expression and LH levels were reduced, as well as follicle-stimulating hormone beta gene and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) gene, while the calcium-mobilizing and LH secretory actions of GnRH were preserved. Hypothalamic Gnrh1 and Kiss1 gene expression was also reduced in DKO females and males. In parallel, a significant decrease in the density of immunoreactive GnRH and kisspeptin fibers was detected in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus of DKO females and males. The female-specific kisspeptin immunoreactivity in the rostral periventricular region of the third ventricle was also reduced in DKO females, but not in DKO males. These data indicate a critical role of Ptprn and Ptprn2 in kisspeptin-GnRH neuronal function and sexual dimorphism in the threshold levels of GnRH required to preserve reproductive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srdjan J Sokanovic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Stephanie Constantin
- Section on Cellular Signaling, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Aloa Lamarca Dams
- Section on Cellular Signaling, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Yuta Mochimaru
- Section on Cellular Signaling, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Kosara Smiljanic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ivana Bjelobaba
- Department for Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Rafael M Prévide
- Section on Cellular Signaling, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Stanko S Stojilkovic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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13
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Hatcher KM, Costanza L, Kauffman AS, Stephens SBZ. The molecular phenotype of kisspeptin neurons in the medial amygdala of female mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1093592. [PMID: 36843592 PMCID: PMC9951589 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1093592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is regulated through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, largely via the action of kisspeptin neurons in the hypothalamus. Importantly, Kiss1 neurons have been identified in other brain regions, including the medial amygdala (MeA). Though the MeA is implicated in regulating aspects of both reproductive physiology and behavior, as well as non-reproductive processes, the functional roles of MeA Kiss1 neurons are largely unknown. Additionally, besides their stimulation by estrogen, little is known about how MeA Kiss1 neurons are regulated. Using a RiboTag mouse model in conjunction with RNA-seq, we examined the molecular profile of MeA Kiss1 neurons to identify transcripts that are co-expressed in MeA Kiss1 neurons of female mice and whether these transcripts are modulated by estradiol (E2) treatment. RNA-seq identified >13,800 gene transcripts co-expressed in female MeA Kiss1 neurons, including genes for neuropeptides and receptors implicated in reproduction, metabolism, and other neuroendocrine functions. Of the >13,800 genes co-expressed in MeA Kiss1 neurons, only 45 genes demonstrated significantly different expression levels due to E2 treatment. Gene transcripts such as Kiss1, Gal, and Oxtr increased in response to E2 treatment, while fewer transcripts, such as Esr1 and Cyp26b1, were downregulated by E2. Dual RNAscope and immunohistochemistry was performed to validate co-expression of MeA Kiss1 with Cck and Cartpt. These results are the first to establish a profile of genes actively expressed by MeA Kiss1 neurons, including a subset of genes regulated by E2, which provides a useful foundation for future investigations into the regulation and function of MeA Kiss1 neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M. Hatcher
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Leah Costanza
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Alexander S. Kauffman
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Shannon B. Z. Stephens
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Shannon B. Z. Stephens,
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14
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González-Flores O, Pfaus JG, Luna-Hernández A, Montes-Narváez O, Domínguez-Ordóñez R, Tecamachaltzi-Silvarán MB, García-Juárez M. Estradiol and progesterone-induced lordosis behavior is modulated by both the Kisspeptin receptor and melanin-concentrating hormone in estradiol benzoate-primed rats. Horm Behav 2022; 146:105257. [PMID: 36115135 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of estradiol benzoate (E2B) and progesterone (P) induces intense lordosis behavior in ovariectomized rats primed peripherally with E2B. The present study tested the hypothesis that the Kisspeptin (Kiss) and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) pathways regulate female sexual behavior induced by these steroid hormones. In Experiment 1, we tested the relevance of the Kiss pathway by ICV infusion of its inhibitor, kiss-234, before administration of E2B or P in estrogen-primed rats. Lordosis induced by E2B alone or with the addition of P was reduced significantly at 30, 120, and 240 min. In Experiment 2, ICV infusion of MCH 30 min before E2B or P significantly reduced lordosis in rats primed with E2B alone. These data support the hypothesis that the Kiss and MCH pathways, which can release or modulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), are involved in E2B- and P-induced lordosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar González-Flores
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, México
| | - James G Pfaus
- Department of Psychology and Life Sciences, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic; Czech National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Ailyn Luna-Hernández
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, México; Maestría en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Omar Montes-Narváez
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, México; Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Raymundo Domínguez-Ordóñez
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, México; Licenciatura en Ingeniería Agronómica y Zootecnia, CRC, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, México
| | | | - Marcos García-Juárez
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, México.
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15
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Coutinho EA, Esparza LA, Hudson AD, Rizo N, Steffen P, Kauffman AS. Conditional Deletion of KOR (Oprk1) in Kisspeptin Cells Does Not Alter LH Pulses, Puberty, or Fertility in Mice. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6763672. [PMID: 36260530 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Classic pharmacological studies suggested that endogenous dynorphin-KOR signaling is important for reproductive neuroendocrine regulation. With the seminal discovery of an interconnected network of hypothalamic arcuate neurons co-expressing kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin (KNDy neurons), the KNDy hypothesis was developed to explain how gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) pulses are generated. Key to this hypothesis is dynorphin released from KNDy neurons acting in a paracrine manner on other KNDy neurons via kappa opioid receptor (KOR) signaling to terminate neural "pulse" events. While in vitro evidence supports this aspect of the KNDy hypothesis, a direct in vivo test of the necessity of KOR signaling in kisspeptin neurons for proper LH secretion has been lacking. We therefore conditionally knocked out KOR selectively from kisspeptin neurons of male and female mice and tested numerous reproductive measures, including in vivo LH pulse secretion. Surprisingly, despite validating successful knockout of KOR in kisspeptin neurons, we found no significant effect of kisspeptin cell-specific deletion of KOR on any measure of puberty, LH pulse parameters, LH surges, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, estrous cycles, or fertility. These outcomes suggest that the KNDy hypothesis, while sufficient normally, may not be the only neural mechanism for sculpting GnRH and LH pulses, supported by recent findings in humans and mice. Thus, besides normally acting via KOR in KNDy neurons, endogenous dynorphin and other opioids may, under some conditions, regulate LH and FSH secretion via KOR in non-kisspeptin cells or perhaps via non-KOR pathways. The current models for GnRH and LH pulse generation should be expanded to consider such alternate mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eulalia A Coutinho
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lourdes A Esparza
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alexandra D Hudson
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nathanael Rizo
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Paige Steffen
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alexander S Kauffman
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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16
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Socs3 ablation in kisspeptin cells partially prevents lipopolysaccharide-induced body weight loss. Cytokine 2022; 158:155999. [PMID: 35985175 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.155999] [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: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Many cytokines have been proposed to regulate reproduction due to their actions on hypothalamic kisspeptin cells, the main modulators of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. Hormones such as leptin, prolactin and growth hormone are good examples of cytokines that lead to Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway activation, consequently exerting effects in kisspeptin neurons. Different studies have investigated how specific components of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway affect the functions of kisspeptin cells, but the role of the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) in mediating cytokine actions in kisspeptin cells remains unknown. Cre-Loxp technology was used in the present study to ablate Socs3 expression in kisspeptin cells (Kiss1/Socs3-KO). Then, male and female control and Kiss1/Socs3-KO mice were evaluated for sexual maturation, energy homeostasis features, and fertility. It was found that hypothalamic Kiss1 mRNA expression is significantly downregulated in Kiss1/Socs3-KO mice. Despite reduced hypothalamic Kiss1 mRNA content, these mice did not present any sexual maturation or fertility impairments. Additionally, body weight gain, leptin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis were similar to control mice. Interestingly, Kiss1/Socs3-KO mice were partially protected against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced body weight loss. Our results suggest that Socs3 ablation in kisspeptin cells partially prevents the sickness behavior induced by LPS, suggesting that kisspeptin cells can modulate energy metabolism in mice in certain situations.
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17
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Uenoyama Y, Tsuchida H, Nagae M, Inoue N, Tsukamura H. Opioidergic pathways and kisspeptin in the regulation of female reproduction in mammals. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:958377. [PMID: 36033602 PMCID: PMC9404872 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.958377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous opioid peptides have attracted attention as critical neuropeptides in the central mechanism regulating female reproduction ever since the discovery that arcuate dynorphin neurons that coexpress kisspeptin and neurokinin B (NKB), which are also known as kisspeptin/neurokinin B/dynorphin (KNDy) neurons, play a role as a master regulator of pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release in mammals. In this study, we first focus on the role of dynorphin released by KNDy neurons in the GnRH pulse generation. Second, we provide a historical overview of studies on endogenous opioid peptides. Third, we discuss how endogenous opioid peptides modulate tonic GnRH/gonadotropin release in female mammals as a mediator of inhibitory internal and external cues, such as ovarian steroids, nutritional status, or stress, on reproduction. Then, we discuss the role of endogenous opioid peptides in GnRH surge generation in female mammals.
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18
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Kauffman AS. Neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying estrogen positive feedback and the LH surge. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:953252. [PMID: 35968365 PMCID: PMC9364933 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.953252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A fundamental principle in reproductive neuroendocrinology is sex steroid feedback: steroid hormones secreted by the gonads circulate back to the brain to regulate the neural circuits governing the reproductive neuroendocrine axis. These regulatory feedback loops ultimately act to modulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, thereby affecting gonadotropin secretion from the anterior pituitary. In females, rising estradiol (E2) during the middle of the menstrual (or estrous) cycle paradoxically "switch" from being inhibitory on GnRH secretion ("negative feedback") to stimulating GnRH release ("positive feedback"), resulting in a surge in GnRH secretion and a downstream LH surge that triggers ovulation. While upstream neural afferents of GnRH neurons, including kisspeptin neurons in the rostral hypothalamus, are proposed as critical loci of E2 feedback action, the underlying mechanisms governing the shift between E2 negative and positive feedback are still poorly understood. Indeed, the precise cell targets, neural signaling factors and receptors, hormonal pathways, and molecular mechanisms by which ovarian-derived E2 indirectly stimulates GnRH surge secretion remain incompletely known. In many species, there is also a circadian component to the LH surge, restricting its occurrence to specific times of day, but how the circadian clock interacts with endocrine signals to ultimately time LH surge generation also remains a major gap in knowledge. Here, we focus on classic and recent data from rodent models and discuss the consensus knowledge of the neural players, including kisspeptin, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and glia, as well as endocrine players, including estradiol and progesterone, in the complex regulation and generation of E2-induced LH surges in females.
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19
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Transcriptome profiling of kisspeptin neurons from the mouse arcuate nucleus reveals new mechanisms in estrogenic control of fertility. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2113749119. [PMID: 35763574 PMCID: PMC9271166 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2113749119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin neurons in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) are critical targets of ovarian estrogen feedback regulating mammalian fertility. To reveal molecular mechanisms underlying this signaling, we thoroughly characterized the estrogen-regulated transcriptome of kisspeptin cells from ovariectomized transgenic mice substituted with 17β-estradiol or vehicle. MBH kisspeptin neurons were harvested using laser-capture microdissection, pooled, and subjected to RNA sequencing. Estrogen treatment significantly (p.adj. < 0.05) up-regulated 1,190 and down-regulated 1,139 transcripts, including transcription factors, neuropeptides, ribosomal and mitochondrial proteins, ion channels, transporters, receptors, and regulatory RNAs. Reduced expression of the excitatory serotonin receptor-4 transcript (Htr4) diminished kisspeptin neuron responsiveness to serotonergic stimulation. Many estrogen-regulated transcripts have been implicated in puberty/fertility disorders. Patients (n = 337) with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) showed enrichment of rare variants in putative CHH-candidate genes (e.g., LRP1B, CACNA1G, FNDC3A). Comprehensive characterization of the estrogen-dependent kisspeptin neuron transcriptome sheds light on the molecular mechanisms of ovary-brain communication and informs genetic research on human fertility disorders.
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20
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Sobrino V, Avendaño MS, Perdices-López C, Jimenez-Puyer M, Tena-Sempere M. Kisspeptins and the neuroendocrine control of reproduction: Recent progress and new frontiers in kisspeptin research. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 65:100977. [PMID: 34999056 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In late 2003, a major breakthrough in our understanding of the mechanisms that govern reproduction occurred with the identification of the reproductive roles of kisspeptins, encoded by the Kiss1 gene, and their receptor, Gpr54 (aka, Kiss1R). The discovery of this unsuspected reproductive facet attracted an extraordinary interest and boosted an intense research activity, in human and model species, that, in a relatively short period, established a series of basic concepts on the physiological roles of kisspeptins. Such fundamental knowledge, gathered in these early years of kisspeptin research, set the scene for the more recent in-depth dissection of the intimacies of the neuronal networks involving Kiss1 neurons, their precise mechanisms of regulation and the molecular underpinnings of the function of kisspeptins as pivotal regulators of all key aspects of reproductive function, from puberty onset to pulsatile gonadotropin secretion and the metabolic control of fertility. While no clear temporal boundaries between these two periods can be defined, in this review we will summarize the most prominent advances in kisspeptin research occurred in the last ten years, as a means to provide an up-dated view of the state of the art and potential paths of future progress in this dynamic, and ever growing domain of Neuroendocrinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Sobrino
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Maria Soledad Avendaño
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Cecilia Perdices-López
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Jimenez-Puyer
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland.
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21
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Mansano NDS, Paradela RS, Bohlen TM, Zanardi IM, Chaves FM, Silveira MA, Tavares MR, Donato J, Frazao R. Vasoactive intestinal peptide exerts an excitatory effect on hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons during estrogen negative feedback. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 542:111532. [PMID: 34915098 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons are the primary modulators of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. It has been shown that circadian rhythms driven by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) contribute to GnRH secretion. Kisspeptin neurons are potential targets of SCN neurons due to reciprocal connections with the anteroventral periventricular and rostral periventricular nuclei (AVPV/PeN) and the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH). Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a notable SCN neurotransmitter, modulates GnRH secretion depending on serum estradiol levels, aging or time of the day. Considering that kisspeptin neurons may act as interneurons and mediate VIP's effects on the reproductive axis, we investigated the effects of VIP on hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons in female mice during estrogen negative feedback. Our findings indicate that VIP induces a TTX-independent depolarization of approximately 30% of AVPV/PeN kisspeptin neurons in gonad-intact (diestrus) and ovariectomized (OVX) mice. In the ARH, the percentage of kisspeptin neurons that were depolarized by VIP was even higher (approximately 90%). An intracerebroventricular infusion of VIP leds to an increased percentage of kisspeptin neurons expressing the phosphoSer133 cAMP-response-element-binding protein (pCREB) in the AVPV/PeN. On the other hand, pCREB expression in ARH kisspeptin neurons was similar between saline- and VIP-injected mice. Thus, VIP can recruit different signaling pathways to modulate AVPV/PeN or ARH kisspeptin neurons, resulting in distinct cellular responses. The expression of VIP receptors (VPACR) was upregulated in the AVPV/PeN, but not in the ARH, of OVX mice compared to mice on diestrus and estradiol-primed OVX mice. Our findings indicate that VIP directly influences distinct cellular aspects of the AVPV/PeN and ARH kisspeptin neurons during estrogen negative feedback, possibly to influence pulsatile LH secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naira da Silva Mansano
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Regina Silva Paradela
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Tabata M Bohlen
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Izabela M Zanardi
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Machado Chaves
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marina Augusto Silveira
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Rosolen Tavares
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Renata Frazao
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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22
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Tonsfeldt KJ, Mellon PL, Hoffmann HM. Circadian Rhythms in the Neuronal Network Timing the Luteinizing Hormone Surge. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6490154. [PMID: 34967900 PMCID: PMC8782605 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
For billions of years before electric light was invented, life on Earth evolved under the pattern of light during the day and darkness during the night. Through evolution, nearly all organisms internalized the temporal rhythm of Earth's 24-hour rotation and evolved self-sustaining biological clocks with a ~24-hour rhythm. These internal rhythms are called circadian rhythms, and the molecular constituents that generate them are called molecular circadian clocks. Alignment of molecular clocks with the environmental light-dark rhythms optimizes physiology and behavior. This phenomenon is particularly true for reproductive function, in which seasonal breeders use day length information to time yearly changes in fertility. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that light-induced disruption of circadian rhythms can negatively impact fertility in nonseasonal breeders as well. In particular, the luteinizing hormone surge promoting ovulation is sensitive to circadian disruption. In this review, we will summarize our current understanding of the neuronal networks that underlie circadian rhythms and the luteinizing hormone surge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Tonsfeldt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Pamela L Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Correspondence: Pamela L. Mellon, Ph.D., University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, USA 92093-0674.
| | - Hanne M Hoffmann
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, 766 Service Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
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23
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Ogawa S, Parhar IS. Heterogeneity in GnRH and kisspeptin neurons and their significance in vertebrate reproductive biology. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 64:100963. [PMID: 34798082 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrate reproduction is essentially controlled by the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which is a central dogma of reproductive biology. Two major hypothalamic neuroendocrine cell groups containing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and kisspeptin are crucial for control of the HPG axis in vertebrates. GnRH and kisspeptin neurons exhibit high levels of heterogeneity including their cellular morphology, biochemistry, neurophysiology and functions. However, the molecular foundation underlying heterogeneities in GnRH and kisspeptin neurons remains unknown. More importantly, the biological and physiological significance of their heterogeneity in reproductive biology is poorly understood. In this review, we first describe the recent advances in the neuroendocrine functions of kisspeptin-GnRH pathways. We then view the recent emerging progress in the heterogeneity of GnRH and kisspeptin neurons using morphological and single-cell transcriptomic analyses. Finally, we discuss our views on the significance of functional heterogeneity of reproductive endocrine cells and their potential relevance to reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Ogawa
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ishwar S Parhar
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
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24
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Göcz B, Takács S, Skrapits K, Rumpler É, Solymosi N, Póliska S, Colledge WH, Hrabovszky E, Sárvári M. Estrogen differentially regulates transcriptional landscapes of preoptic and arcuate kisspeptin neuron populations. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:960769. [PMID: 36093104 PMCID: PMC9454256 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.960769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin neurons residing in the rostral periventricular area of the third ventricle (KPRP3V) and the arcuate nucleus (KPARC) mediate positive and negative estrogen feedback, respectively. Here, we aim to compare transcriptional responses of KPRP3V and KPARC neurons to estrogen. Transgenic mice were ovariectomized and supplemented with either 17β-estradiol (E2) or vehicle. Fluorescently tagged KPRP3V neurons collected by laser-capture microdissection were subjected to RNA-seq. Bioinformatics identified 222 E2-dependent genes. Four genes encoding neuropeptide precursors (Nmb, Kiss1, Nts, Penk) were robustly, and Cartpt was subsignificantly upregulated, suggesting putative contribution of multiple neuropeptides to estrogen feedback mechanisms. Using overrepresentation analysis, the most affected KEGG pathways were neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and dopaminergic synapse. Next, we re-analyzed our previously obtained KPARC neuron RNA-seq data from the same animals using identical bioinformatic criteria. The identified 1583 E2-induced changes included suppression of many neuropeptide precursors, granins, protein processing enzymes, and other genes related to the secretory pathway. In addition to distinct regulatory responses, KPRP3V and KPARC neurons exhibited sixty-two common changes in genes encoding three hormone receptors (Ghsr, Pgr, Npr2), GAD-65 (Gad2), calmodulin and its regulator (Calm1, Pcp4), among others. Thirty-four oppositely regulated genes (Kiss1, Vgf, Chrna7, Tmem35a) were also identified. The strikingly different transcriptional responses in the two neuron populations prompted us to explore the transcriptional mechanism further. We identified ten E2-dependent transcription factors in KPRP3V and seventy in KPARC neurons. While none of the ten transcription factors interacted with estrogen receptor-α, eight of the seventy did. We propose that an intricate, multi-layered transcriptional mechanism exists in KPARC neurons and a less complex one in KPRP3V neurons. These results shed new light on the complexity of estrogen-dependent regulatory mechanisms acting in the two functionally distinct kisspeptin neuron populations and implicate additional neuropeptides and mechanisms in estrogen feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Göcz
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Erik Hrabovszky, ; Miklós Sárvári, ; Balázs Göcz,
| | - Szabolcs Takács
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Skrapits
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Éva Rumpler
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Norbert Solymosi
- Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szilárd Póliska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - William H. Colledge
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Erik Hrabovszky
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Erik Hrabovszky, ; Miklós Sárvári, ; Balázs Göcz,
| | - Miklós Sárvári
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Erik Hrabovszky, ; Miklós Sárvári, ; Balázs Göcz,
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25
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Jamieson BB, Moore AM, Lohr DB, Thomas SX, Coolen LM, Lehman MN, Campbell RE, Piet R. Prenatal androgen treatment impairs the suprachiasmatic nucleus arginine-vasopressin to kisspeptin neuron circuit in female mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:951344. [PMID: 35992143 PMCID: PMC9388912 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.951344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with elevated androgen and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and with oligo/anovulation. Evidence indicates that elevated androgens impair sex steroid hormone feedback regulation of pulsatile LH secretion. Hyperandrogenemia in PCOS may also disrupt the preovulatory LH surge. The mechanisms through which this might occur, however, are not fully understood. Kisspeptin (KISS1) neurons of the rostral periventricular area of the third ventricle (RP3V) convey hormonal cues to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. In rodents, the preovulatory surge is triggered by these hormonal cues and coincident timing signals from the central circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Timing signals are relayed to GnRH neurons, in part, via projections from SCN arginine-vasopressin (AVP) neurons to RP3VKISS1 neurons. Because rodent SCN cells express androgen receptors (AR), we hypothesized that these circuits are impaired by elevated androgens in a mouse model of PCOS. In prenatally androgen-treated (PNA) female mice, SCN Ar expression was significantly increased compared to that found in prenatally vehicle-treated mice. A similar trend was seen in the number of Avp-positive SCN cells expressing Ar. In the RP3V, the number of kisspeptin neurons was preserved. Anterograde tract-tracing, however, revealed reduced SCNAVP neuron projections to the RP3V and a significantly lower proportion of RP3VKISS1 neurons with close appositions from SCNAVP fibers. Functional assessments showed, on the other hand, that RP3VKISS1 neuron responses to AVP were maintained in PNA mice. These findings indicate that PNA changes some of the neural circuits that regulate the preovulatory surge. These impairments might contribute to ovulatory dysfunction in PNA mice modeling PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley B. Jamieson
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Aleisha M. Moore
- Brain Health Research Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Dayanara B. Lohr
- Brain Health Research Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Simone X. Thomas
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Lique M. Coolen
- Brain Health Research Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Michael N. Lehman
- Brain Health Research Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Rebecca E. Campbell
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Richard Piet
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Richard Piet,
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26
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Ho EV, Shi C, Cassin J, He MY, Nguyen RD, Ryan GE, Tonsfeldt KJ, Mellon PL. Reproductive Deficits Induced by Prenatal Antimüllerian Hormone Exposure Require Androgen Receptor in Kisspeptin Cells. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6371276. [PMID: 34529765 PMCID: PMC8507963 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive disorder characterized by elevated androgens and antimüllerian hormone (AMH). These hormones remain elevated throughout pregnancy, and potential effects of hormone exposure on offspring from women with PCOS remain largely unexplored. Expanding on recent reports of prenatal AMH exposure in mice, we have fully characterized the reproductive consequences of prenatal AMH (pAMH) exposure throughout the lifespan of first- and second-generation offspring of both sexes. We also sought to elucidate mechanisms underlying pAMH-induced reproductive effects. There is a known reciprocal relationship between AMH and androgens, and in PCOS and PCOS-like animal models, androgen feedback is dysregulated at the level of the hypothalamus. Kisspeptin neurons express androgen receptors and play a critical role in sexual development and function. We therefore hypothesized that pAMH-induced reproductive phenotypes would be mediated by androgen signaling at the level of kisspeptin cells. We tested the pAMH model in kisspeptin-specific androgen receptor knockout (KARKO) mice and found that virtually all pAMH-induced phenotypes assayed are eliminated in KARKO offspring compared to littermate controls. By demonstrating the necessity of androgen receptor in kisspeptin cells to induce pAMH phenotypes, we have advanced understanding of the interactions between AMH and androgens in the context of prenatal exposure, which could have significant implications for children of women with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily V Ho
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Chengxian Shi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Jessica Cassin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Michelle Y He
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Ryan D Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Genevieve E Ryan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Karen J Tonsfeldt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Pamela L Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
- Correspondence: Pamela L. Mellon, PhD, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093-0674, USA.
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Identification of Impacted Pathways and Transcriptomic Markers as Potential Mediators of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Transgenic Mice Expressing Human IGFBP5. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212609. [PMID: 34830489 PMCID: PMC8619832 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious disease characterized by extracellular matrix (ECM) component overproduction and remodeling. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) is a conserved member of the IGFBP family of proteins that is overexpressed in fibrotic tissues and promotes fibrosis. We used RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between primary lung fibroblasts (pFBs) of homozygous (HOMO) transgenic mice expressing human IGFBP5 (hIGFBP5) and wild type mice (WT). The results of the differential expression analysis showed 2819 DEGs in hIGFBP5 pFBs. Functional enrichment analysis confirmed the pro-fibrotic character of IGFBP5 and revealed its impact on fundamental signaling pathways, including cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, focal adhesion, AGE-RAGE signaling, calcium signaling, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, to name a few. Noticeably, 7% of the DEGs in hIGFBP5-expressing pFBs are receptors and integrins. Furthermore, hub gene analysis revealed 12 hub genes including Fpr1, Bdkrb2, Mchr1, Nmur1, Cnr2, P2ry14, and Ptger3. Validation assays were performed to complement the RNAseq data. They confirmed significant differences in the levels of the corresponding proteins in cultured pFBs. Our study provides new insights into the molecular mechanism(s) of IGFBP5-associated pulmonary fibrosis through possible receptor interactions that drive fibrosis and tissue remodeling.
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Mohr MA, Esparza LA, Steffen P, Micevych PE, Kauffman AS. Progesterone Receptors in AVPV Kisspeptin Neurons Are Sufficient for Positive Feedback Induction of the LH Surge. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6348143. [PMID: 34379733 PMCID: PMC8423423 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin, encoded by Kiss1, stimulates gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons to govern reproduction. In female rodents, estrogen-sensitive kisspeptin neurons in the rostral anteroventral periventricular (AVPV) hypothalamus are thought to mediate estradiol (E2)-induced positive feedback induction of the preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. AVPV kisspeptin neurons coexpress estrogen and progesterone receptors (PGRs) and are activated during the LH surge. While E2 effects on kisspeptin neurons have been well studied, progesterone's regulation of kisspeptin neurons is less understood. Using transgenic mice lacking PGR exclusively in kisspeptin cells (termed KissPRKOs), we previously demonstrated that progesterone action specifically in kisspeptin cells is essential for ovulation and normal fertility. Unlike control females, KissPRKO females did not generate proper LH surges, indicating that PGR signaling in kisspeptin cells is required for positive feedback. However, because PGR was knocked out from all kisspeptin neurons in the brain, that study was unable to determine the specific kisspeptin population mediating PGR action on the LH surge. Here, we used targeted Cre-mediated adeno-associated virus (AAV) technology to reintroduce PGR selectively into AVPV kisspeptin neurons of adult KissPRKO females, and tested whether this rescues occurrence of the LH surge. We found that targeted upregulation of PGR in kisspeptin neurons exclusively in the AVPV is sufficient to restore proper E2-induced LH surges in KissPRKO females, suggesting that this specific kisspeptin population is a key target of the necessary progesterone action for the surge. These findings further highlight the critical importance of progesterone signaling, along with E2 signaling, in the positive feedback induction of LH surges and ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret A Mohr
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Lourdes A Esparza
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Paige Steffen
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Paul E Micevych
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Alexander S Kauffman
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Correspondence: Dr. Alexander S. Kauffman, Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, #0674, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA. E-mail:
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Uenoyama Y, Inoue N, Nakamura S, Tsukamura H. Kisspeptin Neurons and Estrogen-Estrogen Receptor α Signaling: Unraveling the Mystery of Steroid Feedback System Regulating Mammalian Reproduction. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179229. [PMID: 34502135 PMCID: PMC8430864 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen produced by ovarian follicles plays a key role in the central mechanisms controlling reproduction via regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release by its negative and positive feedback actions in female mammals. It has been well accepted that estrogen receptor α (ERα) mediates both estrogen feedback actions, but precise targets had remained as a mystery for decades. Ever since the discovery of kisspeptin neurons as afferent ERα-expressing neurons to govern GnRH neurons, the mechanisms mediating estrogen feedback are gradually being unraveled. The present article overviews the role of kisspeptin neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), which are considered to drive pulsatile GnRH/gonadotropin release and folliculogenesis, in mediating the estrogen negative feedback action, and the role of kisspeptin neurons located in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus-periventricular nucleus (AVPV-PeN), which are thought to drive GnRH/luteinizing hormone (LH) surge and consequent ovulation, in mediating the estrogen positive feedback action. This implication has been confirmed by the studies showing that estrogen-bound ERα down- and up-regulates kisspeptin gene (Kiss1) expression in the ARC and AVPV-PeN kisspeptin neurons, respectively. The article also provides the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms regulating Kiss1 expression in kisspeptin neurons by estrogen. Further, afferent ERα-expressing neurons that may regulate kisspeptin release are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihisa Uenoyama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan; (Y.U.); (N.I.)
| | - Naoko Inoue
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan; (Y.U.); (N.I.)
| | - Sho Nakamura
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari 794-8555, Japan;
| | - Hiroko Tsukamura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan; (Y.U.); (N.I.)
- Correspondence:
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