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Cangiano B, Swee DS, Quinton R, Bonomi M. Genetics of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: peculiarities and phenotype of an oligogenic disease. Hum Genet 2020; 140:77-111. [PMID: 32200437 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-020-02147-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
A genetic basis of congenital isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) can be defined in almost 50% of cases, albeit not necessarily the complete genetic basis. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques have led to the discovery of a great number of loci, each of which has illuminated our understanding of human gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, either in respect of their embryonic development or their neuroendocrine regulation as the "pilot light" of human reproduction. However, because each new gene linked to CHH only seems to underpin another small percentage of total patient cases, we are still far from achieving a comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis of CHH. Patients have generally not benefited from advances in genetics in respect of novel therapies. In most cases, even genetic counselling is limited by issues of apparent variability in expressivity and penetrance that are likely underpinned by oligogenicity in respect of known and unknown genes. Robust genotype-phenotype relationships can generally only be established for individuals who are homozygous, hemizygous or compound heterozygotes for the same gene of variant alleles that are predicted to be deleterious. While certain genes are purely associated with normosmic CHH (nCHH) some purely with the anosmic form (Kallmann syndrome-KS), other genes can be associated with both nCHH and KS-sometimes even within the same kindred. Even though the anticipated genetic overlap between CHH and constitutional delay in growth and puberty (CDGP) has not materialised, previously unanticipated genetic relationships have emerged, comprising conditions of combined (or multiple) pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD), hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) and CHARGE syndrome. In this review, we report the current evidence in relation to phenotype and genetic peculiarities regarding 60 genes whose loss-of-function variants can disrupt the central regulation of reproduction at many levels: impairing GnRH neurons migration, differentiation or activation; disrupting neuroendocrine control of GnRH secretion; preventing GnRH neuron migration or function and/or gonadotropin secretion and action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biagio Cangiano
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20100, Milan, Italy.,Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - Du Soon Swee
- Department of Endocrinology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Richard Quinton
- Endocrine Unit, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Hospitals, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK. .,Translational and Clinical Research Institute, University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK.
| | - Marco Bonomi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20100, Milan, Italy. .,Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy.
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Wang J, Li J, Xu W, Xia Q, Gu Y, Song W, Zhang X, Yang Y, Wang W, Li H, Zou K. Androgen promotes differentiation of PLZF + spermatogonia pool via indirect regulatory pattern. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:57. [PMID: 31142324 PMCID: PMC6542041 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0369-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Androgen plays a pivotal role in spermatogenesis, accompanying a question how androgen acts on germ cells in testis since germ cells lack of androgen receptors (AR). Promyelocytic leukemia zinc-finger (PLZF) is essential for maintenance of undifferentiated spermatogonia population which is terminologically called spermatogonia progenitor cells (SPCs). Aims We aim to figure out the molecular connections between androgen and fates of PLZF+ SPCs population. Method Immunohistochemistry was conducted to confirm that postnatal testicular germ cells lacked endogenous AR. Subsequently, total cells were isolated from 5 dpp (day post partum) mouse testes, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and/or bicalutamide treatment manifested that Plzf was indirectly regulated by androgen. Then, Sertoli cells were purified to screen downstream targets of AR using ChIP-seq, and gene silence and overexpression were used to attest these interactions in Sertoli cells or SPCs-Sertoli cells co-culture system. Finally, these connections were further verified in vivo using androgen pharmacological deprivation mouse model. Results Gata2 is identified as a target of AR, and β1-integrin is a target of Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT1) in Sertoli cells. Androgen signal negatively regulate β1-integrin on Sertoli cells via Gata2 and WT1, and β1-integrin on Sertoli cells interacts with E-cadherin on SPCs to regulate SPCs fates. Conclusion Androgen promotes differentiation of PLZF+ spermatogonia pool via indirect regulatory pattern. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12964-019-0369-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Wang
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Weigang NO.1, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jinmei Li
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Weigang NO.1, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Bio-ID Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Xia
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Weigang NO.1, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yunzhao Gu
- Bio-ID Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weixiang Song
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Weigang NO.1, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Weigang NO.1, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Weigang NO.1, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Weigang NO.1, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, 210095, China.,National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Animal Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Hua Li
- Bio-ID Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kang Zou
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Weigang NO.1, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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Zheng J, Wang Z, Yang H, Yao X, Yang P, Ren C, Wang F, Zhang Y. Pituitary Transcriptomic Study Reveals the Differential Regulation of lncRNAs and mRNAs Related to Prolificacy in Different FecB Genotyping Sheep. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10020157. [PMID: 30781725 PMCID: PMC6410156 DOI: 10.3390/genes10020157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) have been identified as important regulators in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis associated with sheep prolificacy. However, their expression pattern and potential roles in the pituitary are yet unclear. To explore the potential mRNAs and lncRNAs that regulate the expression of the genes involved in sheep prolificacy, we used stranded specific RNA-seq to profile the pituitary transcriptome (lncRNA and mRNA) in high prolificacy (genotype FecB BB, litter size = 3; H) and low prolificacy sheep (genotype FecB B+; litter size = 1; L). Our results showed that 57 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and 298 DE mRNAs were found in the pituitary between the two groups. The qRT-PCR results correlated well with the RNA-seq results. Moreover, functional annotation analysis showed that the target genes of the DE lncRNAs were significantly enriched in pituitary function, hormone-related pathways as well as response to stimulus and some other terms related to reproduction. Furthermore, a co-expression network of lncRNAs and target genes was constructed and reproduction related genes such as SMAD2, NMB and EFNB3 were included. Lastly, the interaction of candidate lncRNA MSTRG.259847.2 and its target gene SMAD2 were validated in vitro of sheep pituitary cells. These differential mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles provide a valuable resource for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Hu sheep prolificacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zheng
- Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Center of Mutton Sheep and Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Zhibo Wang
- Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Center of Mutton Sheep and Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Hua Yang
- Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Center of Mutton Sheep and Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Xiaolei Yao
- Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Center of Mutton Sheep and Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Pengcheng Yang
- National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Animal Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - CaiFang Ren
- Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Center of Mutton Sheep and Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Feng Wang
- Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Center of Mutton Sheep and Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - YanLi Zhang
- Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Center of Mutton Sheep and Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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Baş F, Abalı ZY, Toksoy G, Poyrazoğlu Ş, Bundak R, Güleç Ç, Uyguner ZO, Darendeliler F. Precocious or early puberty in patients with combined pituitary hormone deficiency due to POU1F1 gene mutation: case report and review of possible mechanisms. Hormones (Athens) 2018; 17:581-588. [PMID: 30460459 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-018-0079-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Central precocious puberty (CPP) or early puberty (EP) is a rare entity in combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD), the latter caused by mutations in pituitary transcription factor genes. The early onset of puberty in two patients with CPHD with POU1F1 gene mutation was evaluated. A 3-month-old boy was diagnosed with central hypothyroidism, and L-thyroxine was commenced. He was referred for the evaluation of short stature at 20 months of age. Anthropometric evaluation revealed severe short stature (- 6.1 SDS), and growth hormone (GH) and prolactin deficiencies were diagnosed. Homozygous POU1F1 gene mutation (c.731T>G, p. I244S) was also detected. Testicular enlargement and high luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were observed at 7 years and 9 months of age while he was on GH and L-thyroxine treatment. Due to rapid progression of puberty, gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) was initiated at 11.3 years of age. This patient recently turned 19.2 years old, and his final height was - 2.3 SDS. The second patient, a 6-month-old boy, was also referred for growth retardation. His height was - 2.7 SDS, and GH and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) deficiencies were diagnosed. He also had homozygous (c.10C>T, p.Q4*) POU1F1 gene mutation. Onset of puberty was relatively early, at 10 years, with advanced bone age. He was on GnRHa treatment between 11.5 and 12.5 years of age. Recent evaluation of the patient was at 13.6 years of age, and he is still on levothyroxine and GH treatment. The relationship between the POU1F1 genotype and CPP or EP has not as yet been firmly established in humans. Animal studies have revealed that the Pou1f1 gene has a major effect on regulation of GnRH receptor function and the Gata2 gene. It has also been demonstrated that this gene controls gonadotrope evolution and prevents excess gonadotropin levels. Further studies are, however, needed to elucidate the relation between POU1F1 function and CPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firdevs Baş
- Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Istanbul University, Çapa 34093, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zehra Yavaş Abalı
- Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Istanbul University, Çapa 34093, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Güven Toksoy
- Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Şükran Poyrazoğlu
- Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Istanbul University, Çapa 34093, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rüveyde Bundak
- Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Istanbul University, Çapa 34093, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Çağrı Güleç
- Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zehra Oya Uyguner
- Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Feyza Darendeliler
- Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Istanbul University, Çapa 34093, Istanbul, Turkey
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Identification of long non-coding RNAs in the immature and mature rat anterior pituitary. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17780. [PMID: 29259254 PMCID: PMC5736705 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17996-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified in several types of human pituitary adenomas and normal anterior pituitary, some of which are involved in the pathogenesis of pituitary adenomas. However, a systematic analysis of lncRNAs expressed at different developmental stages of normal pituitary, particularly in rats, has not been performed. Therefore, we contrasted two cDNA libraries of immature (D15) and mature (D120) anterior pituitary in rat that were sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq Xten platform, and a total of 29,568,806,352 clean reads were identified. Notably, 7039 lncRNA transcripts corresponded to 4442 lncRNA genes, and 1181 lncRNA transcripts were significantly differentially expressed in D15 and D120. In addition, 6839 protein-coding genes (<100 kb upstream and downstream) were the nearest neighbors of 4074 lncRNA genes. An interaction network of lncRNAs and the follicle-stimulating hormone beta-subunit (FSHb) gene was constructed using the lncRNATargets platform, and three novel lncRNAs were obtained. Furthermore, we detected the expression of the novel lncRNAs and ten highly expressed lncRNAs that were randomly selected through quantitative PCR (qPCR). The rat anterior pituitary lncRNA content identified in this study provides a more in-depth understanding of the roles of these lncRNAs in hormone and reproduction development and regulation in mammals.
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Xie H, Hoffmann HM, Iyer AK, Brayman MJ, Ngo C, Sunshine MJ, Mellon PL. Chromatin status and transcription factor binding to gonadotropin promoters in gonadotrope cell lines. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2017; 15:86. [PMID: 29065928 PMCID: PMC5655979 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-017-0304-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proper expression of key reproductive hormones from gonadotrope cells of the pituitary is required for pubertal onset and reproduction. To further our understanding of the molecular events taking place during embryonic development, leading to expression of the glycoproteins luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), we characterized chromatin structure changes, imparted mainly by histone modifications, in model gonadotrope cell lines. METHODS We evaluated chromatin status and gene expression profiles by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, DNase sensitivity assay, and RNA sequencing in three developmentally staged gonadotrope cell lines, αT1-1 (progenitor, expressing Cga), αT3-1 (immature, expressing Cga and Gnrhr), and LβT2 (mature, expressing Cga, Gnrhr, Lhb, and Fshb), to assess changes in chromatin status and transcription factor access of gonadotrope-specific genes. RESULTS We found the common mRNA α-subunit of LH and FSH, called Cga, to have an open chromatin conformation in all three cell lines. In contrast, chromatin status of Gnrhr is open only in αT3-1 and LβT2 cells. Lhb begins to open in LβT2 cells and was further opened by activin treatment. Histone H3 modifications associated with active chromatin were high on Gnrhr in αT3-1 and LβT2, and Lhb in LβT2 cells, while H3 modifications associated with repressed chromatin were low on Gnrhr, Lhb, and Fshb in LβT2 cells. Finally, chromatin status correlates with the progressive access of LHX3 to Cga and Gnrhr, followed by PITX1 binding to the Lhb promoter. CONCLUSION Our data show the gonadotrope-specific genes Cga, Gnrhr, Lhb, and Fshb are not only controlled by developmental transcription factors, but also by epigenetic mechanisms that include the modulation of chromatin structure, and histone modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Xie
- 0000 0001 2107 4242grid.266100.3Department of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093-0674 USA
| | - Hanne M. Hoffmann
- 0000 0001 2107 4242grid.266100.3Department of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093-0674 USA
| | - Anita K. Iyer
- 0000 0001 2107 4242grid.266100.3Department of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093-0674 USA
- 0000 0004 0507 3954grid.185669.5Illumina Inc, 5200 Illumina Way, San Diego, CA 92122 USA
| | - Melissa J. Brayman
- 0000 0001 2107 4242grid.266100.3Department of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093-0674 USA
- Foley and Lardner LLP, 402 West Broadway, Suite 2100, San Diego, CA 92101 USA
| | - Cindy Ngo
- 0000 0001 2107 4242grid.266100.3Department of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093-0674 USA
| | - Mary Jean Sunshine
- 0000 0001 2107 4242grid.266100.3Department of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093-0674 USA
| | - Pamela L. Mellon
- 0000 0001 2107 4242grid.266100.3Department of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093-0674 USA
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Okhovat M, Maguire SM, Phelps SM. Methylation of avpr1a in the cortex of wild prairie voles: effects of CpG position and polymorphism. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017; 4:160646. [PMID: 28280564 PMCID: PMC5319330 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation can cause stable changes in neuronal gene expression, but we know little about its role in individual differences in the wild. In this study, we focus on the vasopressin 1a receptor (avpr1a), a gene extensively implicated in vertebrate social behaviour, and explore natural variation in DNA methylation, genetic polymorphism and neuronal gene expression among 30 wild prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). Examination of CpG density across 8 kb of the locus revealed two distinct CpG islands overlapping promoter and first exon, characterized by few CpG polymorphisms. We used a targeted bisulfite sequencing approach to measure DNA methylation across approximately 3 kb of avpr1a in the retrosplenial cortex, a brain region implicated in male space use and sexual fidelity. We find dramatic variation in methylation across the avrp1a locus, with pronounced diversity near the exon-intron boundary and in a genetically variable putative enhancer within the intron. Among our wild voles, differences in cortical avpr1a expression correlate with DNA methylation in this putative enhancer, but not with the methylation status of the promoter. We also find an unusually high number of polymorphic CpG sites (polyCpGs) in this focal enhancer. One polyCpG within this enhancer (polyCpG 2170) may drive variation in expression either by disrupting transcription factor binding motifs or by changing local DNA methylation and chromatin silencing. Our results contradict some assumptions made within behavioural epigenetics, but are remarkably concordant with genome-wide studies of gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Okhovat
- Author for correspondence: M. Okhovat e-mail:
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8
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Janjic MM, Stojilkovic SS, Bjelobaba I. Intrinsic and Regulated Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Gene Transcription in Mammalian Pituitary Gonadotrophs. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:221. [PMID: 28928715 PMCID: PMC5591338 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic decapeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), acting via its receptors (GnRHRs) expressed in pituitary gonadotrophs, represents a critical molecule in control of reproductive functions in all vertebrate species. GnRH-activated receptors regulate synthesis of gonadotropins in a frequency-dependent manner. The number of GnRHRs on the plasma membrane determines the responsiveness of gonadotrophs to GnRH and varies in relation to age, sex, and physiological status. This is achieved by a complex control that operates at transcriptional, translational, and posttranslational levels. This review aims to overview the mechanisms of GnRHR gene (Gnrhr) transcription in mammalian gonadotrophs. In general, Gnrhr exhibits basal and regulated transcription activities. Basal Gnrhr transcription appears to be an intrinsic property of native and immortalized gonadotrophs that secures the presence of a sufficient number GnRHRs to preserve their functionality independently of the status of regulated transcription. On the other hand, regulated transcription modulates GnRHR expression during development, reproductive cycle, and aging. GnRH is crucial for regulated Gnrhr transcription in native gonadotrophs but is ineffective in immortalized gonadotrophs. In rat and mouse, both basal and GnRH-induced Gnrhr transcription rely primarily on the protein kinase C signaling pathway, with subsequent activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases. Continuous GnRH application, after a transient stimulation, shuts off regulated but not basal transcription, suggesting that different branches of this signaling pathway control transcription. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide, but not activins, contributes to the regulated transcription utilizing the protein kinase A signaling pathway, whereas a mechanisms by which steroid hormones modulate Gnrhr transcription has not been well characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija M. Janjic
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic”, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Stanko S. Stojilkovic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shiver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ivana Bjelobaba
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic”, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- *Correspondence: Ivana Bjelobaba,
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Okhovat M, Maguire SM, Phelps SM. Methylation of avpr1a in the cortex of wild prairie voles: effects of CpG position and polymorphism. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017. [PMID: 28280564 DOI: 10.5061/dryad.f8d4r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation can cause stable changes in neuronal gene expression, but we know little about its role in individual differences in the wild. In this study, we focus on the vasopressin 1a receptor (avpr1a), a gene extensively implicated in vertebrate social behaviour, and explore natural variation in DNA methylation, genetic polymorphism and neuronal gene expression among 30 wild prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). Examination of CpG density across 8 kb of the locus revealed two distinct CpG islands overlapping promoter and first exon, characterized by few CpG polymorphisms. We used a targeted bisulfite sequencing approach to measure DNA methylation across approximately 3 kb of avpr1a in the retrosplenial cortex, a brain region implicated in male space use and sexual fidelity. We find dramatic variation in methylation across the avrp1a locus, with pronounced diversity near the exon-intron boundary and in a genetically variable putative enhancer within the intron. Among our wild voles, differences in cortical avpr1a expression correlate with DNA methylation in this putative enhancer, but not with the methylation status of the promoter. We also find an unusually high number of polymorphic CpG sites (polyCpGs) in this focal enhancer. One polyCpG within this enhancer (polyCpG 2170) may drive variation in expression either by disrupting transcription factor binding motifs or by changing local DNA methylation and chromatin silencing. Our results contradict some assumptions made within behavioural epigenetics, but are remarkably concordant with genome-wide studies of gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Okhovat
- Department of Integrative Biology , University of Texas at Austin , Austin, TX , USA
| | - S M Maguire
- Department of Integrative Biology , University of Texas at Austin , Austin, TX , USA
| | - S M Phelps
- Department of Integrative Biology , University of Texas at Austin , Austin, TX , USA
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10
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Laverrière JN, L'Hôte D, Tabouy L, Schang AL, Quérat B, Cohen-Tannoudji J. Epigenetic regulation of alternative promoters and enhancers in progenitor, immature, and mature gonadotrope cell lines. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 434:250-65. [PMID: 27402603 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotrope cell identity genes emerge in a stepwise process during mouse pituitary development. Cga, encoding for the α-subunit of TSH, LH, and FSH, is initially detected at E11.5 followed by Gnrhr and steroidogenic factor Sf1 at E13.5, specifying cells engaged in a gonadotrope cell fate. Lhb and Fshb appear at E16.5 and 17.5, respectively, typifying differentiated gonadotrope cells. Using the αT1-1, αT3-1 and LβT2 cell lines recapitulating these stages of gonadotrope differentiation, DNA methylation at Gnrhr and Sf1 was investigated. Regulatory regions were found hypermethylated in progenitor αT1-1 cells and hypomethylated in differentiated LβT2 cells. Abundance of RNA polymerase II together with active histone modifications including H3K4me1, H3K4me3, and H3K27ac were strictly correlated with DNA hypomethylation. Analyses of epigenomic modifications and chromatin accessibility were further extended to Isl1, Lhx3, Gata2, and Pitx2, highlighting alternative usages of specific regulatory gene domains in progenitor αT1-1, immature αT3-1, and mature LβT2 gonadotrope cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Noël Laverrière
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), F-75013, Paris, France; CNRS UMR 8251, F-75013, Paris, France; Physiologie de l'axe gonadotrope INSERM U1133, F-75013, Paris, France.
| | - David L'Hôte
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), F-75013, Paris, France; CNRS UMR 8251, F-75013, Paris, France; Physiologie de l'axe gonadotrope INSERM U1133, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Laure Tabouy
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), F-75013, Paris, France; CNRS UMR 8251, F-75013, Paris, France; Physiologie de l'axe gonadotrope INSERM U1133, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Laure Schang
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), F-75013, Paris, France; CNRS UMR 8251, F-75013, Paris, France; Physiologie de l'axe gonadotrope INSERM U1133, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Quérat
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), F-75013, Paris, France; CNRS UMR 8251, F-75013, Paris, France; Physiologie de l'axe gonadotrope INSERM U1133, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Joëlle Cohen-Tannoudji
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), F-75013, Paris, France; CNRS UMR 8251, F-75013, Paris, France; Physiologie de l'axe gonadotrope INSERM U1133, F-75013, Paris, France
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11
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Stallings CE, Kapali J, Ellsworth BS. Mouse Models of Gonadotrope Development. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2016; 143:1-48. [PMID: 27697200 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The pituitary gonadotrope is central to reproductive function. Gonadotropes develop in a systematic process dependent on signaling factors secreted from surrounding tissues and those produced within the pituitary gland itself. These signaling pathways are important for stimulating specific transcription factors that ultimately regulate the expression of genes and define gonadotrope identity. Proper gonadotrope development and ultimately gonadotrope function are essential for normal sexual maturation and fertility. Understanding the mechanisms governing differentiation programs of gonadotropes is important to improve treatment and molecular diagnoses for patients with gonadotrope abnormalities. Much of what is known about gonadotrope development has been elucidated from mouse models in which important factors contributing to gonadotrope development and function have been deleted, ectopically expressed, or modified. This chapter will focus on many of these mouse models and their contribution to our current understanding of gonadotrope development.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Stallings
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States
| | - J Kapali
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States
| | - B S Ellsworth
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States.
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12
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Pihlajoki M, Färkkilä A, Soini T, Heikinheimo M, Wilson DB. GATA factors in endocrine neoplasia. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 421:2-17. [PMID: 26027919 PMCID: PMC4662929 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Revised: 04/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
GATA transcription factors are structurally-related zinc finger proteins that recognize the consensus DNA sequence WGATAA (the GATA motif), an essential cis-acting element in the promoters and enhancers of many genes. These transcription factors regulate cell fate specification and differentiation in a wide array of tissues. As demonstrated by genetic analyses of mice and humans, GATA factors play pivotal roles in the development, homeostasis, and function of several endocrine organs including the adrenal cortex, ovary, pancreas, parathyroid, pituitary, and testis. Additionally, GATA factors have been shown to be mutated, overexpressed, or underexpressed in a variety of endocrine tumors (e.g., adrenocortical neoplasms, parathyroid tumors, pituitary adenomas, and sex cord stromal tumors). Emerging evidence suggests that GATA factors play a direct role in the initiation, proliferation, or propagation of certain endocrine tumors via modulation of key developmental signaling pathways implicated in oncogenesis, such as the WNT/β-catenin and TGFβ pathways. Altered expression or function of GATA factors can also affect the metabolism, ploidy, and invasiveness of tumor cells. This article provides an overview of the role of GATA factors in endocrine neoplasms. Relevant animal models are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjut Pihlajoki
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anniina Färkkilä
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tea Soini
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markku Heikinheimo
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; Department of Pediatrics, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David B Wilson
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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13
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Cederberg RA, Smith JE, McDonald EA, Lee C, Perkins AR, White BR. Activity of the porcine gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor gene promoter is partially conferred by a distal gonadotrope specific element (GSE) within an upstream enhancing region, two proximal GSEs and a retinoid X receptor binding site. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:45. [PMID: 25981521 PMCID: PMC4461931 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0033-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor (GnRHR) numbers on gonadotropes within the anterior pituitary gland represents a critical point for control of reproductive function. Binding of GnRH to its receptor regulates follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) release and levels of this G-protein coupled receptor on the surface of gonadotropes determines their sensitivity to GnRH pulses. While transcriptional regulation of this gene has been studied in mice, rats, humans and sheep, little is known about its regulation in the pig, an important agricultural species and human research model. METHODS We isolated 5118 bp of 5' flanking sequence for the porcine GnRHR gene and generated luciferase reporter vectors. Deletion and mutation constructs were evaluated in gonadotrope-derived alphaT3-1 cells to determine regions important for gene transcription. Additionally, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) were performed to identify transcription factors binding to the GnRHR promoter. RESULTS Transient transfections revealed that the GnRHR promoter was functional in alphaT3-1 cells but not in cells of non-gonadotrope origin. Mutation of the highly conserved gonadotrope specific element (GSE) located at -179/-171 of proximal promoter completely ablated luciferase activity, whereas mutation of another GSE at -315/-310 reduced activity by 34%. Consistent with this, EMSAs using alphaT3-1 nuclear extracts and a steroidogenic factor (SF)1 antibody confirmed SF1 binding to both GSEs. EMSAs also demonstrated that a retinoid X receptor (RXR) binding site at -279/-274 binds RXRalpha and RXRbeta and mutation of this site eliminated promoter activity. Transient transfection of alphaT3-1 cells with reporter vectors containing selective removal of 5' flanking region for the porcine GnRHR gene indicated that the -1915/-1431 segment was important for promoter activity. Definition of this region via transfection assays and EMSAs revealed an upstream enhancing region located at -1779/-1667 that increases porcine GnRHR gene expression in alphaT3-1 cells and includes a SF1 binding site at -1760/-1753. CONCLUSIONS Porcine GnRHR promoter activity in alphaT3-1 cells is partially conferred by a distal GSE, two proximal GSEs and a RXR binding site. Basal gonadotrope expression of the porcine GnRHR gene uniquely involves three GSEs and RXR is newly identified as a regulator of GnRHR promoter activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Cederberg
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
| | - Jacqueline E Smith
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
- Current address: Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA.
| | - Emily A McDonald
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
- Current address: Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Chanho Lee
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
| | - Amy R Perkins
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
- Current address: Arizona Andrology Laboratory and Cryobank, Tuscon, AZ, USA.
| | - Brett R White
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
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Abstract
Significant progress has been made recently in unravelling the embryonic events leading to pituitary morphogenesis, both in vivo and in vitro. This includes dissection of the molecular mechanisms controlling patterning of the ventral diencephalon that regulate formation of the pituitary anlagen or Rathke's pouch. There is also a better characterisation of processes that underlie maintenance of pituitary progenitors, specification of endocrine lineages and the three-dimensional organisation of newly differentiated endocrine cells. Furthermore, a population of adult pituitary stem cells (SCs), originating from embryonic progenitors, have been described and shown to have not only regenerative potential, but also the capacity to induce tumour formation. Finally, the successful recapitulation in vitro of embryonic events leading to generation of endocrine cells from embryonic SCs, and their subsequent transplantation, represents exciting advances towards the use of regenerative medicine to treat endocrine deficits. In this review, an up-to-date description of pituitary morphogenesis will be provided and discussed with particular reference to pituitary SC studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Rizzoti
- Division of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental GeneticsMRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK
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15
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Schang A. Inside and outside the pituitary: comparative analysis of Gnrhr expression provides insight into the mechanisms underlying the evolution of gene expression. J Neuroendocrinol 2015; 27:177-86. [PMID: 25556311 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
DNA cis-acting elements involved in gene regulation may actively contribute to adaptation processes because they are submitted to lower evolutionary constraints than coding DNA. In this regard, comparisons of the mechanisms underlying basal and regulated Gnrhr expression have revealed some features that promote stable and consistent Gnrhr expression in pituitary gonadotroph cells in different species. The presence of two divergent SF1 (NR5A1) response elements in all analysed mammalian Gnrhr promoters probably comprises one of the features that ensures reliable expression in the pituitary. By contrast, in other tissues, such as the hippocampus and testis, our analyses revealed dissimilar levels of Gnrhr expression among species. Indeed, Gnrhr was consistently expressed after birth in the rat but not the mouse hippocampus. Similar discrepancies were observed in foetal and adult testes. The ability of the rat promoter to drive reporter gene expression in the hippocampus and testis of transgenic mice just as it naturally directs the expression of the endogenous Gnrhr in rats strongly suggests that regulatory DNA sequences contained species-specific instructions prevailing over other controls. The major conclusion emerging from these studies is that Gnrhr promoter sequences are mainly responsible for directing transcriptional programmes and play a predominant role over the species-specific cell environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Al Schang
- Sorbonne Paris Cité, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Université Paris Diderot, Paris 7, CNRS 8251, Paris, France; Sorbonne Paris Cité, Epigénétique et Destin Cellulaire, Universite Paris Diderot, Paris 7, CNRS 7216, Paris, France
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16
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Wu X, Yan M, Wan X, Lian S, Li A. Cloning and tissue expression profiling of theGnRHRgene of the Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata): polymorphism and association with egg-laying performance. Br Poult Sci 2015; 56:164-74. [DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2014.997674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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17
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Jin JM, Yang WX. Molecular regulation of hypothalamus-pituitary-gonads axis in males. Gene 2014; 551:15-25. [PMID: 25168889 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) plays vital roles in reproduction and steroid hormone production in both sexes. The focus of this review is upon gene structures, receptor structures and the signaling pathways of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The hormones' functions in reproduction as well as consequences resulting from mutations are also summarized. Specific characteristics of hormones such as the pulsatile secretions of GnRH are also covered. The different regulators of the HPG axis are introduced including kisspeptin, activin, inhibin, follistatin, androgens and estrogen. This review includes not only their basic information, but also their unique function in the HPG axis. Here we view the HPG axis as a whole, so relations between ligands and receptors are well described crossing different levels of the HPG axis. Hormone interactions and transformations are also considered. The major information of this article is depicted in three figures summarizing the current discoveries on the HPG axis. This article systematically introduces the basic knowledge of the HPG axis and provides information of the current advances relating to reproductive hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Min Jin
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Park S, Mullen RD, Rhodes SJ. Cell-specific actions of a human LHX3 gene enhancer during pituitary and spinal cord development. Mol Endocrinol 2013; 27:2013-27. [PMID: 24100213 DOI: 10.1210/me.2013-1161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The LIM class of homeodomain protein 3 (LHX3) transcription factor is essential for pituitary gland and nervous system development in mammals. In humans, mutations in the LHX3 gene underlie complex pediatric syndromes featuring deficits in anterior pituitary hormones and defects in the nervous system. The mechanisms that control temporal and spatial expression of the LHX3 gene are poorly understood. The proximal promoters of the human LHX3 gene are insufficient to guide expression in vivo and downstream elements including a conserved enhancer region appear to play a role in tissue-specific expression in the pituitary and nervous system. Here we characterized the activity of this downstream enhancer region in regulating gene expression at the cellular level during development. Human LHX3 enhancer-driven Cre reporter transgenic mice were generated to facilitate studies of enhancer actions. The downstream LHX3 enhancer primarily guides gene transcription in α-glycoprotein subunit -expressing cells secreting the TSHβ, LHβ, or FSHβ hormones and expressing the GATA2 and steroidogenic factor 1 transcription factors. In the developing nervous system, the enhancer serves as a targeting module active in V2a interneurons. These results demonstrate that the downstream LHX3 enhancer is important in specific endocrine and neural cell types but also indicate that additional regulatory elements are likely involved in LHX3 gene expression. Furthermore, these studies revealed significant gonadotrope cell heterogeneity during pituitary development, providing insights into the cellular physiology of this key reproductive regulatory cell. The human LHX3 enhancer-driven Cre reporter transgenic mice also provide a valuable tool for further developmental studies of cell determination and differentiation in the pituitary and nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyoung Park
- PhD, Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, LD222, 402 North Blackford Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5120.
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Ishaq M, Schang AL, Magre S, Laverrière JN, Guillou A, Coudouel N, Wargnier R, Cohen-Tannoudji J, Counis R. Rat Gnrhr promoter directs species-specific gene expression in the pituitary and testes of transgenic mice. J Mol Endocrinol 2013; 50:411-26. [PMID: 23536650 DOI: 10.1530/jme-12-0231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The GnRH receptor (GnRHR) is expressed in several non-pituitary tissues, notably in gonads. However, mechanisms underlying the gonad-specific expression of Gnrhr are not well understood. Here, Gnrhr expression was analysed in the developing testes and pituitaries of rats and transgenic mice bearing the human placental alkaline phosphatase reporter gene (ALPP) under the control of the rat Gnrhr promoter. We showed that the 3.3 kb, but not the pituitary-specific 1.1 kb promoter, directs ALPP expression exclusively to testis Leydig cells from embryonic day 12 onwards. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that promoter activity displayed the same biphasic profile as marker genes in Leydig cells, i.e. abrupt declines after birth followed by progressive rises after a latency phase, in coherence with the differentiation and evolution of foetal and adult Leydig cell lineages. Interestingly, the developmental profile of transgene expression showed high similarity with the endogenous Gnrhr profile in the rat testis, while mouse Gnrhr was only poorly expressed in the mouse testis. In the pituitary, both transgene and Gnrhr were co-expressed at measurable levels with similar ontogenetic profiles, which were markedly distinct from those in the testis. Castration that induced pituitary Gnrhr up-regulation in rats did not affect the mouse Gnrhr. However, it duly up-regulated the transgene. In addition, in LβT2 cells, the rat, but not mouse, Gnrhr promoter was sensitive to GnRH agonist stimulation. Collectively, our data highlight inter-species variations in the expression and regulation of Gnrhr in two different organs and reveal that the rat promoter sequence contains relevant genetic information that dictates rat-specific gene expression in the mouse context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ishaq
- Université Paris Diderot Paris 7, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, EAC CNRS 4413, Physiologie de l'Axe Gonadotrope, Bâtiment Buffon, case courier 7007, 4, rue MA Lagroua Weill-Hallé, 75205 Paris cedex 13, France
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Schang AL, Quérat B, Simon V, Garrel G, Bleux C, Counis R, Cohen-Tannoudji J, Laverrière JN. Mechanisms underlying the tissue-specific and regulated activity of the Gnrhr promoter in mammals. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2012; 3:162. [PMID: 23248618 PMCID: PMC3521148 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2012.00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The GnRH receptor (GnRHR) plays a central role in the development and maintenance of reproductive function in mammals. Following stimulation by GnRH originating from the hypothalamus, GnRHR triggers multiple signaling events that ultimately stimulate the synthesis and the periodic release of the gonadotropins, luteinizing-stimulating hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH) which, in turn, regulate gonadal functions including steroidogenesis and gametogenesis. The concentration of GnRHR at the cell surface is essential for the amplitude and the specificity of gonadotrope responsiveness. The number of GnRHR is submitted to strong regulatory control during pituitary development, estrous cycle, pregnancy, lactation, or after gonadectomy. These modulations take place, at least in part, at the transcriptional level. To analyze this facet of the reproductive function, the 5' regulatory sequences of the gene encoding the GnRHR have been isolated and characterized through in vitro and in vivo approaches. This review summarizes results obtained with the mouse, rat, human, and ovine promoters either by transient transfection assays or by means of transgenic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jean-Noël Laverrière
- *Correspondence: Jean-Noël Laverrière, Physiologie de l’Axe Gonadotrope, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, EAC CNRS 4413, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot-Paris 7, Bâtiment Buffon, case courrier 7007, 4 rue MA Lagroua Weill-Hallé, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France. e-mail:
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