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Constantin S, Sokanovic SJ, Mochimaru Y, Smiljanic K, Sivcev S, Prévide RM, Wray S, Balla T, Stojilkovic SS. Postnatal Development and Maintenance of Functional Pituitary Gonadotrophs Is Dependent on PI4-Kinase A. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad168. [PMID: 37935042 PMCID: PMC10652335 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad168] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Postnatal development of functional pituitary gonadotrophs is necessary for maturation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, puberty, and reproduction. Here we examined the role of PI4-kinase A, which catalyzes the biosynthesis of PI4P in mouse reproduction by knocking out this enzyme in cells expressing the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor. Knockout (KO) mice were infertile, reflecting underdeveloped gonads and reproductive tracts and lack of puberty. The number and distribution of hypothalamic GnRH neurons and Gnrh1 expression in postnatal KOs were not affected, whereas Kiss1/kisspeptin expression was increased. KO of PI4-kinase A also did not alter embryonic establishment and neonatal development and function of the gonadotroph population. However, during the postnatal period, there was a progressive loss of expression of gonadotroph-specific genes, including Fshb, Lhb, and Gnrhr, accompanied by low gonadotropin synthesis. The postnatal gonadotroph population also progressively declined, reaching approximately one-third of that observed in controls at 3 months of age. In these residual gonadotrophs, GnRH-dependent calcium signaling and calcium-dependent membrane potential changes were lost, but intracellular administration of inositol-14,5-trisphosphate rescued this signaling. These results indicate a key role for PI4-kinase A in the postnatal development and maintenance of a functional gonadotroph population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Constantin
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Srdjan J Sokanovic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, 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, 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, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sonja Sivcev
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rafael M Prévide
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Susan Wray
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tamas Balla
- Section on Molecular Signal Transduction, 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, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Casati L, Ciceri S, Maggi R, Bottai D. Physiological and Pharmacological overview of the Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115553. [PMID: 37075816 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115553] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) is a decapeptide responsible for the control of the reproductive functions. It shows C- and N-terminal aminoacid modifications and two other distinct isoforms have been so far identified. The biological effects of GnRH are mediated by binding to high-affinity G-protein couple receptors (GnRHR), showing characteristic very short C tail. In mammals, including humans, GnRH-producing neurons originate in the embryonic nasal compartment and during early embryogenesis they undergo rapid migration towards the hypothalamus; the increasing knowledge of such mechanisms improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to infertility. The pharmacological use of GnRH, or its synthetic peptide and non-peptide agonists or antagonists, provides a valid tool for reproductive disorders and assisted reproduction technology (ART). The presence of GnRHR in several organs and tissues indicates additional functions of the peptide. The identification of a GnRH/GnRHR system in the human endometrium, ovary, and prostate has extended the functions of the peptide to the physiology and tumor transformation of such tissues. Likely, the activity of a GnRH/GnRHR system at the level of the hippocampus, as well as its decreased expression in mice brain aging, raised interest in its possible involvement in neurogenesis and neuronal functions. In conclusion, GnRH/GnRHR appears to be a fascinating biological system that exerts several possibly integrated pleiotropic actions in the complex control of reproductive functions, tumor growth, neurogenesis, and neuroprotection. This review aims to provide an overview of the physiology of GnRH and the pharmacological applications of its synthetic analogs in the management of reproductive and non-reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Casati
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Samuele Ciceri
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences (DISFARM), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano Italy
| | - Roberto Maggi
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences (DISFARM), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano Italy.
| | - Daniele Bottai
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences (DISFARM), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano Italy
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Alonso CAI, David CD, Toufaily C, Wang Y, Zhou X, Ongaro L, Nudelman G, Nair VD, Ruf-Zamojski F, Boehm U, Sealfon SC, Bernard DJ. Activating Transcription Factor 3 Stimulates Follicle-Stimulating Hormone-β Expression In Vitro But Is Dispensable for Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Production in Murine Gonadotropes In Vivo. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad050. [PMID: 36951304 PMCID: PMC10282924 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a dimeric glycoprotein produced by pituitary gonadotrope cells, regulates spermatogenesis in males and ovarian follicle growth in females. Hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates FSHβ subunit gene (Fshb) transcription, though the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. To address this gap in knowledge, we examined changes in pituitary gene expression in GnRH-deficient mice (hpg) treated with a regimen of exogenous GnRH that increases pituitary Fshb but not luteinizing hormone β (Lhb) messenger RNA levels. Activating transcription factor 3 (Atf3) was among the most upregulated genes. Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) can heterodimerize with members of the activator protein 1 family to regulate gene transcription. Co-expression of ATF3 with JunB stimulated murine Fshb, but not Lhb, promoter-reporter activity in homologous LβT2b cells. ATF3 also synergized with a constitutively active activin type I receptor to increase endogenous Fshb expression in these cells. Nevertheless, FSH production was intact in gonadotrope-specific Atf3 knockout [conditional knockout (cKO)] mice. Ovarian follicle development, ovulation, and litter sizes were equivalent between cKOs and controls. Testis weights and sperm counts did not differ between genotypes. Following gonadectomy, increases in LH secretion were enhanced in cKO animals. Though FSH levels did not differ between genotypes, post-gonadectomy increases in pituitary Fshb and gonadotropin α subunit expression were more pronounced in cKO than control mice. These data indicate that ATF3 can selectively stimulate Fshb expression in vitro but is not required for FSH production in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A I Alonso
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Caroline D David
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Chirine Toufaily
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Luisina Ongaro
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - German Nudelman
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assay, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Venugopalan D Nair
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assay, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Frederique Ruf-Zamojski
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assay, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ulrich Boehm
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Signaling, Saarland University School of Medicine, Homburg 66421, Germany
| | - Stuart C Sealfon
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assay, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Daniel J Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
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Brady K, Liu HC, Hicks J, Long JA, Porter TE. Global gene expression analysis of the turkey hen hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis during the preovulatory hormonal surge. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102547. [PMID: 36878099 PMCID: PMC10006860 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The preovulatory hormonal surge (PS) consists of elevated circulating luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone levels and serves as the primary trigger for ovarian follicle ovulation. Increased LH and progesterone, produced by the pituitary and the granulosa layer of the largest ovarian follicle (F1), respectively, result from hypothalamic stimulation and steroid hormone feedback on the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The hypothalamus, pituitary, F1 granulosa, and granulosa layer of the fifth largest follicle (F5) were isolated from converter turkey hens outside and during the PS and subjected to RNA sequencing (n = 6 per tissue). Differentially expressed genes were subjected to functional annotation using DAVID and IPA. A total of 12, 250, 1235, and 1938 DEGs were identified in the hypothalamus, pituitary, F1 granulosa, and F5 granulosa respectively (q<0.05, |fold change|>1.5, FPKM>1). Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed key roles for metabolic processes, steroid hormone feedback, and hypoxia induced gene expression changes. Upstream analysis identified a total of 4, 42, 126, and 393 potential regulators of downstream gene expression in the hypothalamus, pituitary, F1G, and F5G respectively, with a total of 63 potential regulators exhibiting differential expression between samples collected outside and during the PS (|z-score|>2). The results from this study serve to increase the current knowledge base surrounding the regulation of the PS in turkey hens. Through GO analysis, downstream processes and functions associated with the PS were linked to identified DEGs, and through upstream analysis, potential regulators of DEGs were identified for further analysis. Linking upstream regulators to the downstream PS and ovulation events could allow for genetic selection or manipulation of ovulation frequencies in turkey hens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Brady
- Animal Biosciences and Biotechnology Laboratory, BARC, ARS, USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States.
| | - Hsiao-Ching Liu
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Julie Hicks
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Julie A Long
- Animal Biosciences and Biotechnology Laboratory, BARC, ARS, USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States
| | - Tom E Porter
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
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Constantin S, Bjelobaba I, Stojilkovic SS. Pituitary gonadotroph-specific patterns of gene expression and hormone secretion. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 66:102274. [PMID: 35994915 PMCID: PMC9509429 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary gonadotrophs play a key role in reproductive functions by secreting luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The LH secretory activity of gonadotroph is controlled by hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) via GnRH receptors and is accompanied by only minor effects on high basal Lhb gene expression. The secretory profiles of GnRH and LH are highly synchronized, with the latter reflecting a depletion of prestored LH in secretory vesicles by regulated exocytosis. In contrast, FSH is predominantly released by constitutive exocytosis, and secretory activity reflects the kinetics of Fshb gene expression controlled by GnRH, activin, and inhibin. Here is a review of recent data to improve the understanding of multiple patterns of gonadotroph gene expression and hormone secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Constantin
- Section on Cellular Signaling, 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
| | - Stanko S Stojilkovic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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