1
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Riera CE. Wiring the Brain for Wellness: Sensory Integration in Feeding and Thermogenesis: A Report on Research Supported by Pathway to Stop Diabetes. Diabetes 2024; 73:338-347. [PMID: 38377445 PMCID: PMC10882152 DOI: 10.2337/db23-0706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The recognition of sensory signals from within the body (interoceptive) and from the external environment (exteroceptive), along with the integration of these cues by the central nervous system, plays a crucial role in maintaining metabolic balance. This orchestration is vital for regulating processes related to both food intake and energy expenditure. Animal model studies indicate that manipulating specific populations of neurons in the central nervous system which influence these processes can effectively modify energy balance. This body of work presents an opportunity for the development of innovative weight loss therapies for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. In this overview, we delve into the sensory cues and the neuronal populations responsible for their integration, exploring their potential in the development of weight loss treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes. This article is the first in a series of Perspectives that report on research funded by the American Diabetes Association Pathway to Stop Diabetes program. ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline E. Riera
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
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2
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de Leeuw M, Verhoeve SI, van der Wee NJA, van Hemert AM, Vreugdenhil E, Coomans CP. The role of the circadian system in the etiology of depression. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105383. [PMID: 37678570 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms have evolved in almost all organisms enabling them to anticipate alternating changes in the environment. As a consequence, the circadian clock controls a broad range of bodily functions including appetite, sleep, activity and cortisol levels. The circadian clock synchronizes itself to the external world mainly by environmental light cues and can be disturbed by a variety of factors, including shift-work, jet-lag, stress, ageing and artificial light at night. Interestingly, mood has also been shown to follow a diurnal rhythm. Moreover, circadian disruption has been associated with various mood disorders and patients suffering from depression have irregular biological rhythms in sleep, appetite, activity and cortisol levels suggesting that circadian rhythmicity is crucially involved in the etiology and pathophysiology of depression. The aim of the present review is to give an overview and discuss recent findings in both humans and rodents linking a disturbed circadian rhythm to depression. Understanding the relation between a disturbed circadian rhythm and the etiology of depression may lead to novel therapeutic and preventative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max de Leeuw
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Postal Zone B1-P, P.O. Box 9600, Leiden 2300 RC, the Netherlands; Mental Health Care Rivierduinen, Bipolar Disorder Outpatient Clinic, PO Box 405, Leiden 2300 AK, the Netherlands.
| | - Sanne I Verhoeve
- Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, Leiden 2300 RC, the Netherlands
| | - Nic J A van der Wee
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Postal Zone B1-P, P.O. Box 9600, Leiden 2300 RC, the Netherlands
| | - Albert M van Hemert
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Postal Zone B1-P, P.O. Box 9600, Leiden 2300 RC, the Netherlands
| | - Erno Vreugdenhil
- Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, Leiden 2300 RC, the Netherlands
| | - Claudia P Coomans
- Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, Leiden 2300 RC, the Netherlands
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3
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Jovanovic P, Pool AH, Morones N, Wang Y, Novinbakht E, Keshishian N, Jang K, Oka Y, Riera CE. A sex-specific thermogenic neurocircuit induced by predator smell recruiting cholecystokinin neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4937. [PMID: 37582805 PMCID: PMC10427624 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40484-7] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Olfactory cues are vital for prey animals like rodents to perceive and evade predators. Stress-induced hyperthermia, via brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis, boosts physical performance and facilitates escape. However, many aspects of this response, including thermogenic control and sex-specific effects, remain enigmatic. Our study unveils that the predator odor trimethylthiazoline (TMT) elicits BAT thermogenesis, suppresses feeding, and drives glucocorticoid release in female mice. Chemogenetic stimulation of olfactory bulb (OB) mitral cells recapitulates the thermogenic output of this response and associated stress hormone corticosterone release in female mice. Neuronal projections from OB to medial amygdala (MeA) and dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) exhibit female-specific cFos activity toward odors. Cell sorting and single-cell RNA-sequencing of DMH identify cholecystokinin (CCK)-expressing neurons as recipients of predator odor cues. Chemogenetic manipulation and neuronal silencing of DMHCCK neurons further implicate these neurons in the propagation of predator odor-associated thermogenesis and food intake suppression, highlighting their role in female stress-induced hyperthermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Predrag Jovanovic
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 South San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 South San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Allan-Hermann Pool
- Department of Neuroscience, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Nancy Morones
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 South San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 South San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Yidan Wang
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 South San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 South San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Edward Novinbakht
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 South San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 South San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Nareg Keshishian
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 South San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 South San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Jang
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 South San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 South San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Yuki Oka
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Celine E Riera
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 South San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 South San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 South San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
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4
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James KA, Stromin JI, Steenkamp N, Combrinck MI. Understanding the relationships between physiological and psychosocial stress, cortisol and cognition. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1085950. [PMID: 36950689 PMCID: PMC10025564 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1085950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress is viewed as a state of real or perceived threat to homeostasis, the management of which involves the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems. These systems work independently and interactively as part of the stress response. The scientific stress literature, which spans both animal and human studies, contains heterogeneous findings about the effects of stress on the brain and the body. This review seeks to summarise and integrate literature on the relationships between these systems, examining particularly the roles of physiological and psychosocial stress, the stress hormone cortisol, as controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and the effects of stress on cognitive functioning. Health conditions related to impaired HPA axis functioning and their associated neuropsychiatric symptoms will also be considered. Lastly, this review will provide suggestions of clinical applicability for endocrinologists who are uniquely placed to measure outcomes related to endocrine, nervous and immune system functioning and identify areas of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Ann James
- Applied Cognitive Science and Experimental Neuropsychology Team (ACSENT) Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Juliet Ilena Stromin
- Applied Cognitive Science and Experimental Neuropsychology Team (ACSENT) Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nina Steenkamp
- Applied Cognitive Science and Experimental Neuropsychology Team (ACSENT) Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marc Irwin Combrinck
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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5
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Vega-Beyhart A, Araujo-Castro M, Hanzu FA, Casals G. Cortisol: Analytical and clinical determinants. Adv Clin Chem 2023; 113:235-271. [PMID: 36858647 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cortisol, the main human glucocorticoid, is synthesized from cholesterol in the adrenal cortex and predominantly metabolized by the liver. Interpretation of quantitative results from the analysis of serum, urine and saliva is complicated by variation in circadian rhythm, response to stress as well as the presence of protein-bound and free forms. Interestingly, cortisol is the only hormone routinely measured in serum, urine, and saliva. Preanalytical and analytical challenges arise in each matrix and are further compounded by the use of various stimulation and suppression tests commonly employed in clinical practice. Although not yet included in clinical guidelines, measurement of cortisol in hair may be of interest in specific situations. Immunoassays are the most widely used methods in clinical laboratories to measure cortisol, but they are susceptible to interference from synthetic and endogenous steroids, generally producing a variable overestimation of true cortisol results, especially in urine. Analysis by mass spectrometry provides higher specificity and allows simultaneous measurement of multiple steroids including synthetic steroids, thus reducing diagnostic uncertainty. An integrated review of cortisol in various disease states is also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Vega-Beyhart
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Araujo-Castro
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Ramón y Cajal (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Felicia A Hanzu
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gregori Casals
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Service of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Department of Fundamental Care and Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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6
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Zimmer C, Taff CC, Ardia DR, Rosvall KA, Kallenberg C, Bentz AB, Taylor AR, Johnson LS, Vitousek MN. Gene expression in the female tree swallow brain is associated with inter- and intra-population variation in glucocorticoid levels. Horm Behav 2023; 147:105280. [PMID: 36403365 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105280] [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: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Studies of the evolutionary causes and consequences of variation in circulating glucocorticoids (GCs) have begun to reveal how they are shaped by selection. Yet the extent to which variation in circulating hormones reflects variation in other important regulators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and whether these relationships vary among populations inhabiting different environments, remain poorly studied. Here, we compare gene expression in the brain of female tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) from populations that breed in environments that differ in their unpredictability. We find evidence of inter-population variation in the expression of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors in the hypothalamus, with the highest gene expression in a population from an extreme environment, and lower expression in a population from a more consistent environment as well as in birds breeding at an environmentally variable high-altitude site that are part of a population that inhabits a mixture of high and low altitude habitats. Within some populations, variation in circulating GCs predicted differences in gene expression, particularly in the hypothalamus. However, some patterns were present in all populations, whereas others were not. These results are consistent with the idea that some combination of local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity may modify components of the HPA axis affecting stress resilience. Our results also underscore that a comprehensive understanding of the function and evolution of the stress response cannot be gained from measuring circulating hormones alone, and that future studies that apply a more explicitly evolutionary approach to important regulatory traits are likely to provide significant insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Zimmer
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée, LEEC, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, UR 4443, 93430 Villetaneuse, France.
| | - Conor C Taff
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Daniel R Ardia
- Department of Biology, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA 17604, USA
| | - Kimberly A Rosvall
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Christine Kallenberg
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Alexandra B Bentz
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Audrey R Taylor
- Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - L Scott Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Towson University, Towson, MD 21252, USA
| | - Maren N Vitousek
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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7
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Dearing C, Handa RJ, Myers B. Sex differences in autonomic responses to stress: implications for cardiometabolic physiology. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2022; 323:E281-E289. [PMID: 35793480 PMCID: PMC9448273 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00058.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Chronic stress is a significant risk factor for negative health outcomes. Furthermore, imbalance of autonomic nervous system control leads to dysregulation of physiological responses to stress and contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic and psychiatric disorders. However, research on autonomic stress responses has historically focused on males, despite evidence that females are disproportionality affected by stress-related disorders. Accordingly, this mini-review focuses on the influence of biological sex on autonomic responses to stress in humans and rodent models. The reviewed literature points to sex differences in the consequences of chronic stress, including cardiovascular and metabolic disease. We also explore basic rodent studies of sex-specific autonomic responses to stress with a focus on sex hormones and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation of cardiovascular and metabolic physiology. Ultimately, emerging evidence of sex differences in autonomic-endocrine integration highlights the importance of sex-specific studies to understand and treat cardiometabolic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carley Dearing
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Robert J Handa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Brent Myers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
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8
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Lichlyter DA, Krumm ZA, Golde TA, Doré S. Role of CRF and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in stroke: revisiting temporal considerations and targeting a new generation of therapeutics. FEBS J 2022; 290:1986-2010. [PMID: 35108458 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ischaemic neurovascular stroke represents a leading cause of death in the developed world. Preclinical and human epidemiological evidence implicates the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family of neuropeptides as mediators of acute neurovascular injury pathology. Preclinical investigations of the role of CRF, CRF receptors and CRF-dependent activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis have pointed toward a tissue-specific and temporal relationship between activation of these pathways and physiological outcomes. Based on the literature, the major phases of ischaemic stroke aetiology may be separated into an acute phase in which CRF and anti-inflammatory stress signalling are beneficial and a chronic phase in which these contribute to neural degeneration, toxicity and apoptotic signalling. Significant gaps in knowledge remain regarding the pathway, temporality and systemic impact of CRF signalling and stress biology in neurovascular injury progression. Heterogeneity among experimental designs poses a challenge to defining the apparent reciprocal relationship between neurological injury and stress metabolism. Despite these challenges, it is our opinion that the elucidated temporality may be best matched with an antibody against CRF with a half-life of days to weeks as opposed to minutes to hours as with small-molecule CRF receptor antagonists. This state-of-the-art review will take a multipronged approach to explore the expected potential benefit of a CRF antibody by modulating CRF and corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 signalling, glucocorticoids and autonomic nervous system activity. Additionally, this review compares the modulation of CRF and HPA axis activity in neuropsychiatric diseases and their counterpart outcomes post-stroke and assess lessons learned from antibody therapies in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Lichlyter
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Zachary A Krumm
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Todd A Golde
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sylvain Doré
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry, Pharmaceutics, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
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9
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Jaszczyk A, Juszczak GR. Glucocorticoids, metabolism and brain activity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 126:113-145. [PMID: 33727030 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The review integrates different experimental approaches including biochemistry, c-Fos expression, microdialysis (glutamate, GABA, noradrenaline and serotonin), electrophysiology and fMRI to better understand the effect of elevated level of glucocorticoids on the brain activity and metabolism. The available data indicate that glucocorticoids alter the dynamics of neuronal activity leading to context-specific changes including both excitation and inhibition and these effects are expected to support the task-related responses. Glucocorticoids also lead to diversification of available sources of energy due to elevated levels of glucose, lactate, pyruvate, mannose and hydroxybutyrate (ketone bodies), which can be used to fuel brain, and facilitate storage and utilization of brain carbohydrate reserves formed by glycogen. However, the mismatch between carbohydrate supply and utilization that is most likely to occur in situations not requiring energy-consuming activities lead to metabolic stress due to elevated brain levels of glucose. Excessive doses of glucocorticoids also impair the production of energy (ATP) and mitochondrial oxidation. Therefore, glucocorticoids have both adaptive and maladaptive effects consistently with the concept of allostatic load and overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Jaszczyk
- Department of Animal Behavior and Welfare, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-552 Jastrzebiec, 36a Postepu str., Poland
| | - Grzegorz R Juszczak
- Department of Animal Behavior and Welfare, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-552 Jastrzebiec, 36a Postepu str., Poland.
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10
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Sheng JA, Bales NJ, Myers SA, Bautista AI, Roueinfar M, Hale TM, Handa RJ. The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis: Development, Programming Actions of Hormones, and Maternal-Fetal Interactions. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 14:601939. [PMID: 33519393 PMCID: PMC7838595 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.601939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is a complex system of neuroendocrine pathways and feedback loops that function to maintain physiological homeostasis. Abnormal development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis can further result in long-term alterations in neuropeptide and neurotransmitter synthesis in the central nervous system, as well as glucocorticoid hormone synthesis in the periphery. Together, these changes can potentially lead to a disruption in neuroendocrine, behavioral, autonomic, and metabolic functions in adulthood. In this review, we will discuss the regulation of the HPA axis and its development. We will also examine the maternal-fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and disruption of the normal fetal environment which becomes a major risk factor for many neurodevelopmental pathologies in adulthood, such as major depressive disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julietta A. Sheng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Natalie J. Bales
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Sage A. Myers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Anna I. Bautista
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Mina Roueinfar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Taben M. Hale
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Robert J. Handa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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11
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Sannes AC, Risøy A, Christensen JO, Nielsen MB, Gjerstad J. Spinal pain in employees exposed to abusive supervision: Evidence of a sex and CRHR1 CTC haplotype interaction. Mol Pain 2021; 17:17448069211042123. [PMID: 34617831 PMCID: PMC8504651 DOI: 10.1177/17448069211042123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous findings suggest that exposure to social stress in the form of abusive supervision may increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. In the present study, we examined the link between abusive supervision, the CRHR1 genotype and spinal pain. The data were collected through a national survey drawn from the National Central Employee Register by Statistics Norway. A total of 1226 individuals returned both the questionnaire and the saliva kit. Abusive supervision was measured by a 5-item version of the Tepper's 2000 scale. Spinal pain was measured by 3 items (neck-, upper and low back pain). Genotyping with regard to CRHR1 rs242941, rs242939 and rs1876828 was carried out using Taqman assay, and Phase v.2.1.1 was used to define the CRHR1 allele combinations. The analyses revealed that abusive supervision was associated with spinal pain. In particular, we observed a strong effect of abusive supervision on spinal pain in female +CTC/+CTC carriers (p = 0.002). Moreover, using +CTC/+CTC as a reference, +CTC/-CTC and -CTC/-CTC both showed protective effects (p = 0.024, p = 0.002, respectively). Also, our data demonstrated a clear sex and CRHR1 CTC haplotype interaction (p = 0.013). No such gene-environment interaction was seen in men. Our data demonstrated that the CRHR1 CTC haplotype may exacerbate the effect of abusive supervision on spinal pain in female employees. Hence, the present study supports the theory that both gender and the CRHR1 genotype, may moderate the pain responses to social stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrine Risøy
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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12
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Steven A, Friedrich M, Jank P, Heimer N, Budczies J, Denkert C, Seliger B. What turns CREB on? And off? And why does it matter? Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:4049-4067. [PMID: 32347317 PMCID: PMC7532970 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03525-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Altered expression and function of the transcription factor cyclic AMP response-binding protein (CREB) has been identified to play an important role in cancer and is associated with the overall survival and therapy response of tumor patients. This review focuses on the expression and activation of CREB under physiologic conditions and in tumors of distinct origin as well as the underlying mechanisms of CREB regulation by diverse stimuli and inhibitors. In addition, the clinical relevance of CREB is summarized, including its use as a prognostic and/or predictive marker as well as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Steven
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Friedrich
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Paul Jank
- Institute of Pathology, Philipps University Marburg, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Nadine Heimer
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jan Budczies
- Institute of Pathology, University Clinic Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carsten Denkert
- Institute of Pathology, Philipps University Marburg, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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13
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Lightman SL, Birnie MT, Conway-Campbell BL. Dynamics of ACTH and Cortisol Secretion and Implications for Disease. Endocr Rev 2020; 41:bnaa002. [PMID: 32060528 PMCID: PMC7240781 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnaa002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The past decade has seen several critical advances in our understanding of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation. Homeostatic physiological circuits need to integrate multiple internal and external stimuli and provide a dynamic output appropriate for the response parameters of their target tissues. The HPA axis is an example of such a homeostatic system. Recent studies have shown that circadian rhythmicity of the major output of this system-the adrenal glucocorticoid hormones corticosterone in rodent and predominately cortisol in man-comprises varying amplitude pulses that exist due to a subhypothalamic pulse generator. Oscillating endogenous glucocorticoid signals interact with regulatory systems within individual parts of the axis including the adrenal gland itself, where a regulatory network can further modify the pulsatile release of hormone. The HPA axis output is in the form of a dynamic oscillating glucocorticoid signal that needs to be decoded at the cellular level. If the pulsatile signal is abolished by the administration of a long-acting synthetic glucocorticoid, the resulting disruption in physiological regulation has the potential to negatively impact many glucocorticoid-dependent bodily systems. Even subtle alterations to the dynamics of the system, during chronic stress or certain disease states, can potentially result in changes in functional output of multiple cells and tissues throughout the body, altering metabolic processes, behavior, affective state, and cognitive function in susceptible individuals. The recent development of a novel chronotherapy, which can deliver both circadian and ultradian patterns, provides great promise for patients on glucocorticoid treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stafford L Lightman
- Translational Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Matthew T Birnie
- Translational Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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14
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Sun P, He L, Jia K, Yue Z, Li S, Jin Y, Li Z, Siwko S, Xue F, Su J, Liu M, Luo J. Regulation of body length and bone mass by Gpr126/Adgrg6. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaaz0368. [PMID: 32219165 PMCID: PMC7083604 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz0368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Adhesion G protein-coupled receptor G6 (Adgrg6; also named GPR126) single-nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with human height in multiple populations. However, whether and how GPR126 regulates body height is unknown. In this study, we found that mouse body length was specifically decreased in Osx-Cre;Gpr126fl/fl mice. Deletion of Gpr126 in osteoblasts resulted in a remarkable delay in osteoblast differentiation and mineralization during embryonic bone formation. Postnatal bone formation, bone mass, and bone strength were also significantly affected in Gpr126 osteoblast deletion mice because of defects in osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and ossification. Furthermore, type IV collagen functioned as an activating ligand of Gpr126 to regulate osteoblast differentiation and function by stimulating cAMP signaling. Moreover,the cAMP activator PTH(1-34), could partially restore the inhibition of osteoblast differentiation and the body length phenotype induced by Gpr126 deletion.Together, our results demonstrated that COLIV-Gpr126 regulated body length and bone mass through cAMP-CREB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of the Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Liang He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Kunhang Jia
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Zhiying Yue
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Shichang Li
- The Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of the Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Yunyun Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Zhenxi Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Stefan Siwko
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Feng Xue
- Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital and East China Normal University Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital, Shanghai 201400, P.R. China
| | - Jiacan Su
- Department of Orthopaedics Trauma, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Jian Luo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
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15
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Iftikhar K, Siddiq A, Baig SG, Zehra S. Substance P: A neuropeptide involved in the psychopathology of anxiety disorders. Neuropeptides 2020; 79:101993. [PMID: 31735376 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2019.101993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Substance P (SP) is the most widely distributed neuropeptide in central nervous system (CNS) where it participates in numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes including stress and anxiety related behaviors. In line with this notion, brain areas that are thought to be involved in anxiety regulation contains SP and its specific NK1 receptors. SP concentration in different brain regions alters with the exposure of stressful stimulus and affected NK1 receptor binding is observed. SP is released in response to a stressor, which produces anxiogenic effects via activation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in the liberation of cortisol. Moreover, SP is also involved in the activation of the sympathetic nervous system via stimulation of locus coeruleus (LC). This sympathetic surge initiates cortisol discharge by activation of HPA axis, representing the indirect anxiogenic effect of SP. Besides the aforementioned regions, SP also has an impact on other brain regions known to be involved in stress and anxiety mechanisms, including amygdala, lateral septum (LS), periaqueductal gray (PAG), ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH), and bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST). Thus, SP acts as an important neuromodulator in various brain regions in stress and anxiety response. Consistent with the above statement, SP makes a robust link in the psychopathology of anxiety disorders. As SP concentration is found elevated in stressed conditions, several studies have reported that the pharmacological antagonism or genetic depletion of NK-1 receptors results in the anxiolytic response making them a suitable therapeutic target for the treatment of stress and anxiety related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanwal Iftikhar
- Hussain Ebrahim Jamal Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Afshan Siddiq
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Sadia Ghousia Baig
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Sumbul Zehra
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
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16
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Smith LIF, Huang V, Olah M, Trinh L, Liu Y, Hazell G, Conway-Campbell B, Zhao Z, Martinez A, Lefrançois-Martinez AM, Lightman S, Spiga F, Aguilera G. Involvement of CREB-regulated transcription coactivators (CRTC) in transcriptional activation of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (Star) by ACTH. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 499:110612. [PMID: 31604124 PMCID: PMC6899503 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Studies in vivo have suggested the involvement of CREB-regulated transcription coactivator (CRTC)2 on ACTH-induced transcription of the key steroidogenic protein, Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory (StAR). The present study uses two ACTH-responsive adrenocortical cell lines, to examine the role of CRTC on Star transcription. Here we show that ACTH-induced Star primary transcript, or heteronuclear RNA (hnRNA), parallels rapid increases in nuclear levels of the 3 isoforms of CRTC; CRTC1, CRTC2 and CRTC3. Furthermore, ACTH promotes recruitment of CRTC2 and CRTC3 by the Star promoter and siRNA knockdown of either CRTC3 or CRTC2 attenuates the increases in ACTH-induced Star hnRNA. Using pharmacological inhibitors of PKA, MAP kinase and calcineurin, we show that the effects of ACTH on Star transcription and CRTC nuclear translocation depend predominantly on the PKA pathway. The data provides evidence that CRTC2 and CRTC3, contribute to activation of Star transcription by ACTH, and that PKA/CRTC-dependent pathways are part of the multifactorial mechanisms regulating Star transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna I F Smith
- Section on Endocrine Physiology, Program on Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA; Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Victoria Huang
- Section on Endocrine Physiology, Program on Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mark Olah
- Section on Endocrine Physiology, Program on Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Loc Trinh
- Section on Endocrine Physiology, Program on Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ying Liu
- Section on Endocrine Physiology, Program on Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Georgina Hazell
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Becky Conway-Campbell
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Zidong Zhao
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Antoine Martinez
- Génétique Reproduction & Développement, CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Anne-Marie Lefrançois-Martinez
- Génétique Reproduction & Développement, CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Stafford Lightman
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Francesca Spiga
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Greti Aguilera
- Section on Endocrine Physiology, Program on Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
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17
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Bu G, Fan J, Yang M, Lv C, Lin Y, Li J, Meng F, Du X, Zeng X, Zhang J, Li J, Wang Y. Identification of a Novel Functional Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH2) in Chickens and Its Roles in Stimulating Pituitary TSHβ Expression and ACTH Secretion. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:595. [PMID: 31555213 PMCID: PMC6727040 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), together with its structurally and functionally related neuropeptides, constitute the CRH family and play critical roles in multiple physiological processes. Recently, a novel member of this family, namely CRH2, was identified in vertebrates, however, its functionality and physiological roles remain an open question. In this study, using chicken (c-) as the animal model, we characterized the expression and functionality of CRH2 and investigated its roles in anterior pituitary. Our results showed that (1) cCRH2 cDNA is predicted to encode a 40-aa mature peptide, which shares a higher amino acid sequence identity to cCRH (63%) than to other CRH family peptides (23-38%); (2) Using pGL3-CRE-luciferase reporter system, we demonstrated that cCRH2 is ~15 fold more potent in activating cCRH receptor 2 (CRHR2) than cCRHR1 when expressed in CHO cells, indicating that cCRH2 is bioactive and its action is mainly mediated by CRHR2; (3) Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that cCRH2 is widely expressed in chicken tissues including the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary, and its transcription is likely controlled by promoters near exon 1, which display strong promoter activity in cultured DF-1 and HEK293 cells; (4) In cultured chick pituitary cells, cCRH2 potently stimulates TSHβ expression and shows a lower potency in inducing ACTH secretion, indicating that pituitary/hypothalamic CRH2 can regulate pituitary functions. Collectively, our data provides the first piece of evidence to suggest that CRH2 play roles similar, but non-identical, to those of CRH, such as its differential actions on pituitary, and this helps to elucidate the roles of CRH2 in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guixian Bu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Fan
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China
| | - Ming Yang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China
| | - Can Lv
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Lin
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China
| | - Jinxuan Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China
| | - Fengyan Meng
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaogang Du
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China
| | - Xianyin Zeng
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China
- Xianyin Zeng
| | - Jiannan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yajun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yajun Wang
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18
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Itoi K, Motoike I, Liu Y, Clokie S, Iwasaki Y, Uchida K, Sato T, Aguilera G. Genome-Wide Analysis of Glucocorticoid-Responsive Transcripts in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Region of Male Rats. Endocrinology 2019; 160:38-54. [PMID: 30364965 PMCID: PMC6302960 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are essential for stress adaptation, acting centrally and in the periphery. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a major regulator of adrenal GC synthesis, is produced in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH), which contains multiple neuroendocrine and preautonomic neurons. GCs may be involved in diverse regulatory mechanisms in the PVH, but the target genes of GCs are largely unexplored except for the CRF gene (Crh), a well-known target for GC negative feedback. Using a genome-wide RNA-sequencing analysis, we identified transcripts that changed in response to either high-dose corticosterone (Cort) exposure for 12 days (12-day high Cort), corticoid deprivation for 7 days (7-day ADX), or acute Cort administration. Among others, canonical GC target genes were upregulated prominently by 12-day high Cort. Crh was upregulated or downregulated most prominently by either 7-day ADX or 12-day high Cort, emphasizing the recognized feedback effects of GC on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Concomitant changes in vasopressin and apelin receptor gene expression are likely to contribute to HPA repression. In keeping with the pleotropic cellular actions of GCs, 7-day ADX downregulated numerous genes of a broad functional spectrum. The transcriptome response signature differed markedly between acute Cort injection and 12-day high Cort. Remarkably, six immediate early genes were upregulated 1 hour after Cort injection, which was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR and semiquantitative in situ hybridization. This study may provide a useful database for studying the regulatory mechanisms of GC-dependent gene expression and repression in the PVH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichi Itoi
- Laboratory of Information Biology, Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Correspondence: Keiichi Itoi, MD, PhD, Graduate School of Information Biology, Tohoku University, 6-3-09, Aramaki-aza Aoba, Sendai 980-8579, Japan. E-mail:
| | - Ikuko Motoike
- Department of Integrative Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ying Liu
- Section on Endocrine Physiology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sam Clokie
- Section of Neuroendocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Katsuya Uchida
- Laboratory of Information Biology, Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Sato
- Laboratory of Information Biology, Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Greti Aguilera
- Section on Endocrine Physiology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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19
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Deussing JM, Chen A. The Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Family: Physiology of the Stress Response. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:2225-2286. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00042.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological stress response is responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis in the presence of real or perceived challenges. In this function, the brain activates adaptive responses that involve numerous neural circuits and effector molecules to adapt to the current and future demands. A maladaptive stress response has been linked to the etiology of a variety of disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders, eating disorders, and the metabolic syndrome. The neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and its relatives, the urocortins 1–3, in concert with their receptors (CRFR1, CRFR2), have emerged as central components of the physiological stress response. This central peptidergic system impinges on a broad spectrum of physiological processes that are the basis for successful adaptation and concomitantly integrate autonomic, neuroendocrine, and behavioral stress responses. This review focuses on the physiology of CRF-related peptides and their cognate receptors with the aim of providing a comprehensive up-to-date overview of the field. We describe the major molecular features covering aspects of gene expression and regulation, structural properties, and molecular interactions, as well as mechanisms of signal transduction and their surveillance. In addition, we discuss the large body of published experimental studies focusing on state-of-the-art genetic approaches with high temporal and spatial precision, which collectively aimed to dissect the contribution of CRF-related ligands and receptors to different levels of the stress response. We discuss the controversies in the field and unravel knowledge gaps that might pave the way for future research directions and open up novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan M. Deussing
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany; and Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Alon Chen
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany; and Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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20
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Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is the major neuroendocrine axis regulating homeostasis in mammals. Glucocorticoid hormones are rapidly synthesized and secreted from the adrenal gland in response to stress. In addition, under basal conditions glucocorticoids are released rhythmically with both a circadian and an ultradian (pulsatile) pattern. These rhythms are important not only for normal function of glucocorticoid target organs, but also for the HPA axis responses to stress. Several studies have shown that disruption of glucocorticoid rhythms is associated with disease both in humans and in rodents. In this review, we will discuss our knowledge of the negative feedback mechanisms that regulate basal ultradian synthesis and secretion of glucocorticoids, including the role of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors and their chaperone protein FKBP51. Moreover, in light of recent findings, we will also discuss the importance of intra-adrenal glucocorticoid receptor signaling in regulating glucocorticoid synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia K Gjerstad
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Stafford L Lightman
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Francesca Spiga
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- CONTACT Francesca SpigaUniversity of Bristol, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, BristolBS1 3NY, UK
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21
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Tang Y, Cai X, Zhang H, Shen H, Wang W, Shen Z, Gu W, Ling C, Li M. miR-212 mediates counter-regulation on CRH expression and HPA axis activity in male mice. J Mol Endocrinol 2017; 59:365-375. [PMID: 28912247 DOI: 10.1530/jme-17-0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation have been studied persistently but still are not elucidated. Considering the emerging roles of microRNA in stress response, we conducted a microRNA microarray in mice hypothalamus to identify the potential role of microRNAs in regulating the HPA axis. In total, 41 microRNAs changed during heat stress in which we found that miR-212 contains a binding sequence with corticotropin-releasing hormone (Crh) 3'UTR according to a sequence analysis. We observed that miR-212 expression in the hypothalamus was escalated by repeated heat and restraint stress. By overexpression or inhibition of miR-212 and the dual-luciferase reporter assay, we proved that miR-212 could bind with Crh 3'UTR to regulate its expression in mice hypothalamus primary cells and in the hippocampus neuron cell line HT-22. In addition, we injected miR-212 agomir or antagomir in mice hypothalamus to overexpress or inhibit miR-212, which leads to alterations of CRH expression and HPA axis activity in vivo Furthermore, miR-212 and CRH were both transcribed by the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Overexpression and inhibition of miR-212 affect CREB-dependent CRH expression. Taken together, our results suggest an inhibitory role of miR-212 on the HPA axis, which acts in a counter-regulatory manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiao Tang
- Military Hygiene DepartmentFaculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingjian Cai
- Military Hygiene DepartmentFaculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Military Hygiene DepartmentFaculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Shen
- Military Hygiene DepartmentFaculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanyin Wang
- Military Hygiene DepartmentFaculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhilei Shen
- Military Hygiene DepartmentFaculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Gu
- Department of Traditional Chinese MedicineChanghai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changquan Ling
- Department of Traditional Chinese MedicineChanghai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Li
- Military Hygiene DepartmentFaculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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22
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nr3c1 null mutant zebrafish are viable and reveal DNA-binding-independent activities of the glucocorticoid receptor. Sci Rep 2017; 7:4371. [PMID: 28663543 PMCID: PMC5491532 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04535-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) play important roles in developmental and physiological processes through the transcriptional activity of their cognate receptor (Gr). Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we established a zebrafish null Gr mutant line and compared its phenotypes with wild type and a zebrafish line with partially silenced gr (grs357/s357). Homozygous gr−/− larvae are morphologically inconspicuous and, in contrast to GR−/− knockout mice, viable through adulthood, although with reduced fitness and early life survival. Mutants gr−/− are fertile, but their reproductive capabilities fall at around 10 months of age, when, together with cardiac and intestinal abnormalities already visible at earlier stages, increased fat deposits are also observed. Mutants show higher levels of whole-body cortisol associated with overstimulated basal levels of crh and pomca transcripts along the HPI axis, which is unresponsive to a mechanical stressor. Transcriptional activity linked to immune response is also hampered in the gr−/− line: after intestinal damage by dextran sodium sulphate exposure, there are neither inflammatory nor anti-inflammatory cytokine gene responses, substantiating the hypothesis of a dual-action of the GC-GR complex on the immune system. Hence, the zebrafish gr mutant line appears as a useful tool to investigate Gr functions in an integrated in vivo model.
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23
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Grafe LA, Cornfeld A, Luz S, Valentino R, Bhatnagar S. Orexins Mediate Sex Differences in the Stress Response and in Cognitive Flexibility. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 81:683-692. [PMID: 27955897 PMCID: PMC5359079 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women are twice as likely as men to experience stress-related psychiatric disorders. The biological basis of these sex differences is poorly understood. Orexins are altered in anxious and depressed patients. Using a rat model of repeated stress, we examined whether orexins contribute to sex differences in outcomes relevant to stress-related psychiatric diseases. METHODS Behavioral, neural, and endocrine habituation to repeated restraint stress and subsequent cognitive flexibility was examined in adult male and female rats. In parallel, orexin expression and activation were determined in both sexes, and chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to determine transcription factors acting at the orexin promoter. Designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs were used to inhibit orexin activation throughout repeated restraint to determine if the stress-related impairments in female rats could be reduced. RESULTS Female rats exhibited impaired habituation to repeated restraint with subsequent deficits in cognitive flexibility compared with male rats. Increased orexin expression and activation were observed in female rats compared with male rats. The higher expression of orexin messenger RNA in female rats was due to actions of glucocorticoid receptors on the orexin promoter, as determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Inhibition of orexins using designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs in female rats throughout repeated restraint abolished their heightened hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal responsivity and reduced stress-induced cognitive impairments. CONCLUSIONS Orexins mediate the impairments in adaptations to repeated stress and in subsequent cognitive flexibility exhibited by female rats and provide evidence for a broader role for orexins in mediating functions relevant to stress-related psychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A. Grafe
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s
Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Amanda Cornfeld
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Sandra Luz
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s
Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Rita Valentino
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s
Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104,University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Seema Bhatnagar
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Sotelo-Rivera I, Cote-Vélez A, Uribe RM, Charli JL, Joseph-Bravo P. Glucocorticoids curtail stimuli-induced CREB phosphorylation in TRH neurons through interaction of the glucocorticoid receptor with the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A. Endocrine 2017; 55:861-871. [PMID: 28063130 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-016-1223-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 10/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Corticosterone prevents cold-induced stimulation of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (Trh) expression in rats, and the stimulatory effect of dibutyryl cyclic-adenosine monophosphate (dB-cAMP) on Trh transcription in hypothalamic cultures. We searched for the mechanism of this interference. METHODS Immunohistochemical analyses of phosphorylated cAMP-response element binding protein (pCREB) were performed in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of Wistar rats, and in cell cultures of 17-day old rat hypothalami, or neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Cultures were incubated 1h with dB-cAMP, dexamethasone and both drugs combined; their nuclear extracts were used for chromatin immunoprecipitation; cytosolic or nuclear extracts for coimmunoprecipitation analyses of catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PKAc) and of glucocorticoid receptor (GR); their subcellular distribution was analyzed by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS Cold exposure increased pCREB in TRH neurons of rats PVN, effect blunted by corticosterone previous injection. Dexamethasone interfered with forskolin increase in nuclear pCREB and its binding to Trh promoter; antibodies against histone deacetylase-3 precipitated chromatin from nuclear extracts of hypothalamic cells treated with tri-iodothyronine but not with dB-cAMP + dexamethasone, discarding chromatin compaction as responsible mechanism. Co-immunoprecipitation analyses of cytosolic or nuclear extracts showed protein:protein interactions between activated GR and PKAc. Immunocytochemical analyses of hypothalamic or SH-SY5Y cells revealed diminished nuclear translocation of PKAc and GR in cells incubated with forskolin + dexamethasone, compared to either forskolin or dexamethasone alone. CONCLUSIONS Glucocorticoids and cAMP exert mutual inhibition of Trh transcription through interaction of activated glucocorticoid receptor with protein kinase A catalytic subunit, reducing their nuclear translocation, limiting cAMP-response element binding protein phosphorylation and its binding to Trh promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israim Sotelo-Rivera
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), UNAM, A.P. 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62271, Mexico
| | - Antonieta Cote-Vélez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), UNAM, A.P. 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62271, Mexico
| | - Rosa-María Uribe
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), UNAM, A.P. 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62271, Mexico
| | - Jean-Louis Charli
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), UNAM, A.P. 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62271, Mexico
| | - Patricia Joseph-Bravo
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), UNAM, A.P. 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62271, Mexico.
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Lee J, Yamazaki T, Dong H, Jefcoate C. A single cell level measurement of StAR expression and activity in adrenal cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 441:22-30. [PMID: 27521960 PMCID: PMC5896326 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) directs mitochondrial cholesterol uptake through a C-terminal cholesterol binding domain (CBD) and a 62 amino acid N-terminal regulatory domain (NTD) that contains an import sequence and conserved sites for inner membrane metalloproteases. Deletion of the NTD prevents mitochondrial import while maintaining steroidogenesis but with compromised cholesterol homeostasis. The rapid StAR-mediated cholesterol transfer in adrenal cells depends on concerted mRNA translation, p37 StAR phosphorylation and controlled NTD cleavage. The NTD controls this process with two cAMP-inducible modulators of, respectively, transcription and translation SIK1 and TIS11b/Znf36l1. High-resolution fluorescence in situ hybridization (HR-FISH) of StAR RNA resolves slow RNA splicing at the gene loci in cAMP-induced Y-1 cells and transfer of individual 3.5 kB mRNA molecules to mitochondria. StAR transcription depends on the CREB coactivator CRTC2 and PKA inhibition of the highly inducible suppressor kinase SIK1 and a basal counterpart SIK2. PKA-inducible TIS11b/Znf36l1 binds specifically to highly conserved elements in exon 7 thereby suppressing formation of mRNA and subsequent translation. Co-expression of SIK1, Znf36l1 with 3.5 kB StAR mRNA may limit responses to pulsatile signaling by ACTH while regulating the transition to more prolonged stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwoo Lee
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Takeshi Yamazaki
- Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States
| | - Colin Jefcoate
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States; Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States.
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Osterlund CD, Rodriguez-Santiago M, Woodruff ER, Newsom RJ, Chadayammuri AP, Spencer RL. Glucocorticoid Fast Feedback Inhibition of Stress-Induced ACTH Secretion in the Male Rat: Rate Independence and Stress-State Resistance. Endocrinology 2016; 157:2785-98. [PMID: 27145013 PMCID: PMC4929554 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Normal glucocorticoid secretion is critical for physiological and mental health. Glucocorticoid secretion is dynamically regulated by glucocorticoid-negative feedback; however, the mechanisms of that feedback process are poorly understood. We assessed the temporal characteristics of glucocorticoid-negative feedback in vivo using a procedure for drug infusions and serial blood collection in unanesthetized rats that produced a minimal disruption of basal ACTH plasma levels. We compared the negative feedback effectiveness present when stress onset coincides with corticosterone's (CORT) rapidly rising phase (30 sec pretreatment), high plateau phase (15 min pretreatment), or restored basal phase (60 min pretreatment) as well as effectiveness when CORT infusion occurs after the onset of stress (5 min poststress onset). CORT treatment prior to stress onset acted remarkably fast (within 30 sec) to suppress stress-induced ACTH secretion. Furthermore, fast feedback induction did not require rapid increases in CORT at the time of stress onset (hormone rate independent), and those feedback actions were relatively long lasting (≥15 min). In contrast, CORT elevation after stress onset produced limited and delayed ACTH suppression (stress state resistance). There was a parallel stress-state resistance for CORT inhibition of stress-induced Crh heteronuclear RNA in the paraventricular nucleus but not Pomc heteronuclear RNA in the anterior pituitary. CORT treatment did not suppress stress-induced prolactin secretion, suggesting that CORT feedback is restricted to the control of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis elements of a stress response. These temporal, stress-state, and system-level features of in vivo CORT feedback provide an important physiological context for ex vivo studies of molecular and cellular mechanisms of CORT-negative feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad D Osterlund
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309
| | | | - Elizabeth R Woodruff
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309
| | - Ryan J Newsom
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309
| | - Anjali P Chadayammuri
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309
| | - Robert L Spencer
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309
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Liu L, Xu S, Wang X, Jiao H, Zhao J, Lin H. Effect of dexamethasone on hypothalamic expression of appetite-related genes in chickens under different diet and feeding conditions. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2016; 7:23. [PMID: 27073616 PMCID: PMC4828879 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-016-0084-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucocorticoids (GCs) are involved in the control of appetite in birds and mammals. The effect of GCs on feed intake in birds depends on their dietary energy level. But the regulation mechanism of GCs on appetite is still unclear in chickens facing to different energy level. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dexamethasone (DEX) on hypothalamic expression of appetite-related peptides in chickens fed high/low fat diet and under fasting/feeding condition. RESULTS An interaction between DEX injection and dietary energy level was found on hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) gene expression in fasted chickens (P < 0.05). The chickens, given a DEX injection and a low fat diet treatment, had the highest CRH mRNA levels than any of the fasted chickens given treatments (P < 0.05). Under fasting conditions, the DEX treatment significantly increased hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) and GC receptors mRNA levels (P < 0.05). Under re-feeding conditions, DEX treatment significantly decreased hypothalamic expression levels of NPY and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) but significantly increased the level of hypothalamic CRH expression (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION A regulatory network formed by NPY, AgRP and CRH is associated with the appetite-control by GCs. The result suggests that the regulation of GCs on orexigenic neuropeptides expression is dependent at least partially on dietary energy level and feeding state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Shandong Key Lab for Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control, Taian, Shandong 271018 China
| | - Shaohua Xu
- Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Shandong Key Lab for Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control, Taian, Shandong 271018 China
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Shandong Key Lab for Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control, Taian, Shandong 271018 China
| | - Hongchao Jiao
- Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Shandong Key Lab for Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control, Taian, Shandong 271018 China
| | - Jingpeng Zhao
- Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Shandong Key Lab for Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control, Taian, Shandong 271018 China
| | - Hai Lin
- Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Shandong Key Lab for Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control, Taian, Shandong 271018 China
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Kanczkowski W, Sue M, Bornstein SR. Adrenal Gland Microenvironment and Its Involvement in the Regulation of Stress-Induced Hormone Secretion during Sepsis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:156. [PMID: 28018291 PMCID: PMC5155014 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Survival of all living organisms depends on maintenance of a steady state of homeostasis, which process relies on its ability to react and adapt to various physical and emotional threats. The defense against stress is executed by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic-adrenal medullary system. Adrenal gland is a major effector organ of stress system. During stress, adrenal gland rapidly responds with increased secretion of glucocorticoids (GCs) and catecholamines into circulation, which hormones, in turn, affect metabolism, to provide acutely energy, vasculature to increase blood pressure, and the immune system to prevent it from extensive activation. Sepsis resulting from microbial infections is a sustained and extreme example of stress situation. In many critical ill patients, levels of both corticotropin-releasing hormone and adrenocorticotropin, the two major regulators of adrenal hormone production, are suppressed. Levels of GCs, however, remain normal or are elevated in these patients, suggesting a shift from central to local intra-adrenal regulation of adrenal stress response. Among many mechanisms potentially involved in this process, reduced GC metabolism and activation of intra-adrenal cellular systems composed of adrenocortical and adrenomedullary cells, endothelial cells, and resident and recruited immune cells play a key role. Hence, dysregulated function of any of these cells and cellular compartments can ultimately affect adrenal stress response. The purpose of this mini review is to highlight recent insights into our understanding of the adrenal gland microenvironment and its role in coordination of stress-induced hormone secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waldemar Kanczkowski
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- *Correspondence: Waldemar Kanczkowski,
| | - Mariko Sue
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan R. Bornstein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, King’s College London, London, UK
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29
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Lee J, Tong T, Duan H, Foong YH, Musaitif I, Yamazaki T, Jefcoate C. Regulation of StAR by the N-terminal Domain and Coinduction of SIK1 and TIS11b/Znf36l1 in Single Cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:107. [PMID: 27531991 PMCID: PMC4969582 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The cholesterol transfer function of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) is uniquely integrated into adrenal cells, with mRNA translation and protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation occurring at the mitochondrial outer membrane (OMM). The StAR C-terminal cholesterol-binding domain (CBD) initiates mitochondrial intermembrane contacts to rapidly direct cholesterol to Cyp11a1 in the inner membrane (IMM). The conserved StAR N-terminal regulatory domain (NTD) includes a leader sequence targeting the CBD to OMM complexes that initiate cholesterol transfer. Here, we show how the NTD functions to enhance CBD activity delivers more efficiently from StAR mRNA in adrenal cells, and then how two factors hormonally restrain this process. NTD processing at two conserved sequence sites is selectively affected by StAR PKA phosphorylation. The CBD functions as a receptor to stimulate the OMM/IMM contacts that mediate transfer. The NTD controls the transit time that integrates extramitochondrial StAR effects on cholesterol homeostasis with other mitochondrial functions, including ATP generation, inter-organelle fusion, and the major permeability transition pore in partnership with other OMM proteins. PKA also rapidly induces two additional StAR modulators: salt-inducible kinase 1 (SIK1) and Znf36l1/Tis11b. Induced SIK1 attenuates the activity of CRTC2, a key mediator of StAR transcription and splicing, but only as cAMP levels decline. TIS11b inhibits translation and directs the endonuclease-mediated removal of the 3.5-kb StAR mRNA. Removal of either of these functions individually enhances cAMP-mediated induction of StAR. High-resolution fluorescence in situ hybridization (HR-FISH) of StAR RNA reveals asymmetric transcription at the gene locus and slow RNA splicing that delays mRNA formation, potentially to synchronize with cholesterol import. Adrenal cells may retain slow transcription to integrate with intermembrane NTD activation. HR-FISH resolves individual 3.5-kb StAR mRNA molecules via dual hybridization at the 3'- and 5'-ends and reveals an unexpectedly high frequency of 1:1 pairing with mitochondria marked by the matrix StAR protein. This pairing may be central to translation-coupled cholesterol transfer. Altogether, our results show that adrenal cells exhibit high-efficiency StAR activity that needs to integrate rapid cholesterol transfer with homeostasis and pulsatile hormonal stimulation. StAR NBD, the extended 3.5-kb mRNA, SIK1, and Tis11b play important roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwoo Lee
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Tiegang Tong
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Haichuan Duan
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Yee Hoon Foong
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ibrahim Musaitif
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Takeshi Yamazaki
- Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Colin Jefcoate
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- *Correspondence: Colin Jefcoate,
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Bockmühl Y, Patchev AV, Madejska A, Hoffmann A, Sousa JC, Sousa N, Holsboer F, Almeida OFX, Spengler D. Methylation at the CpG island shore region upregulates Nr3c1 promoter activity after early-life stress. Epigenetics 2015; 10:247-57. [PMID: 25793778 PMCID: PMC4622987 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2015.1017199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Early-life stress (ELS) induces long-lasting changes in gene expression conferring an increased risk for the development of stress-related mental disorders. Glucocorticoid receptors (GR) mediate the negative feedback actions of glucocorticoids (GC) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary and therefore play a key role in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the endocrine response to stress. We here show that ELS programs the expression of the GR gene (Nr3c1) by site-specific hypermethylation at the CpG island (CGI) shore in hypothalamic neurons that produce corticotropin-releasing hormone (Crh), thus preventing Crh upregulation under conditions of chronic stress. CpGs mapping to the Nr3c1 CGI shore region are dynamically regulated by ELS and underpin methylation-sensitive control of this region's insulation-like function via Ying Yang 1 (YY1) binding. Our results provide new insight into how a genomic element integrates experience-dependent epigenetic programming of the composite proximal Nr3c1 promoter, and assigns an insulating role to the CGI shore.
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Key Words
- Avp, arginine vasopressin
- BPD, borderline personal disorder
- CGI, CpG island
- CUS, chronic unpredictable stress
- ChIP, chromatin immunoprecipitation
- CpG island shore
- Crh, corticotropin releasing hormone
- DNA methylation
- Dusp1, dual specificity phosphatase 1
- ELS, early-life stress
- EMSA, electrophoretic mobility shift assay
- Fkbp5, FK506 binding protein 51
- GC, glucocorticoid
- GR, glucocorticoid receptor
- GRE, glucocorticoid response element
- HPA, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal
- MDD, major depressive disorder
- PTSD, posttraumatic stress disorder
- PVN, paraventricular nucleus
- Pomc, pro-opiomelanocortin
- Sgk1, serum glucocorticoid kinase 1
- YY1, Yin Yang
- Yin Yang
- early-life stress
- glucocorticoid receptor
- insulator
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Abstract
The endocrine hypothalamus constitutes those cells which project to the median eminence and secrete neurohormones into the hypophysial portal blood to act on cells of the anterior pituitary gland. The entire endocrine system is controlled by these peptides. In turn, the hypothalamic neuroendocrine cells are regulated by feedback signals from the endocrine glands and other circulating factors. The neuroendocrine cells are found in specific regions of the hypothalamus and are regulated by afferents from higher brain centers. Integrated function is clearly complex and the networks between and amongst the neuroendocrine cells allows fine control to achieve homeostasis. The entry of hormones and other factors into the brain, either via the cerebrospinal fluid or through fenestrated capillaries (in the basal hypothalamus) is important because it influences the extent to which feedback regulation may be imposed. Recent evidence of the passage of factors from the pars tuberalis and the median eminence casts a new layer in our understanding of neuroendocrine regulation. The function of neuroendocrine cells and the means by which pulsatile secretion is achieved is best understood for the close relationship between gonadotropin releasing hormone and luteinizing hormone, which is reviewed in detail. The secretion of other neurohormones is less rigid, so the relationship between hypothalamic secretion and the relevant pituitary hormones is more complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- I J Clarke
- Monash University, Department of Physiology, Clayton, Australia
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32
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Kanczkowski W, Sue M, Zacharowski K, Reincke M, Bornstein SR. The role of adrenal gland microenvironment in the HPA axis function and dysfunction during sepsis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 408:241-8. [PMID: 25543020 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Revised: 12/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Sepsis and septic shock in response to bacterial or viral infections remain the major health problem worldwide. Despite decades of intensive research and improvements in medical care, severe sepsis is associated with high mortality. Rapid activation of the adrenal gland glucocorticoid and catecholamine production is a fundamental component of the stress response and is essential for survival of the host. However, in many critically ill patients this homeostatic function of the adrenal gland is often impaired. In these patients, plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol are often dissociated. This has been attributed to the stimulatory action of non-ACTH factors within the adrenal gland such as cytokines, and recently with decreased cortisol metabolism and suppressed ACTH synthesis. Regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function during sepsis is a complex process which involves various immune and neuroendocrine interactions occurring at the levels of the central nervous system (CNS) and the adrenal gland. A coordinated interaction of numerous cell types and systems within the adrenal gland is involved in the sustained adrenal glucocorticoid production. This review article describes and discusses recent experimental findings regarding the role of adrenal gland microenvironment including the adrenal vasculature and the immune-adrenal crosstalk in the disregulated HPA axis during sepsis conditions. In summary, in addition to the reduced cortisol breakdown and related ACTH suppression, sepsis-mediated chronic activation of the immune-adrenal crosstalk and vascular dysfunction may contribute to the HPA axis dysregulation found in septic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waldemar Kanczkowski
- Department of Medicine III, Faculty of Medicine of the Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Mariko Sue
- Department of Medicine III, Faculty of Medicine of the Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Kai Zacharowski
- Clinic of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy, 60595 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Stefan R Bornstein
- Department of Medicine III, Faculty of Medicine of the Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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Laryea G, Muglia L, Arnett M, Muglia LJ. Dissection of glucocorticoid receptor-mediated inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis by gene targeting in mice. Front Neuroendocrinol 2015; 36:150-64. [PMID: 25256348 PMCID: PMC4342273 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Revised: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Negative feedback regulation of glucocorticoid (GC) synthesis and secretion occurs through the function of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) at sites in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, as well as in brain regions such as the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and sympathetic nervous system. This function of GRs in negative feedback coordinates basal glucocorticoid secretion and stress-induced increases in secretion that integrate GC production with the magnitude and duration of the stressor. This review describes the effects of GR loss along major sites of negative feedback including the entire brain, the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), and the pituitary. In genetic mouse models, we evaluate circadian regulation of the HPA axis, stress-stimulated neuroendocrine response and behavioral activity, as well as the integrated response of organism metabolism. Our analysis provides information on contributions of region-specific GR-mediated negative feedback to provide insight in understanding HPA axis dysregulation and the pathogenesis of psychiatric and metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Laryea
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States; Center for Preterm Birth Research, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, ML 7009, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States.
| | - Lisa Muglia
- Center for Preterm Birth Research, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, ML 7009, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States.
| | - Melinda Arnett
- Center for Preterm Birth Research, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, ML 7009, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States.
| | - Louis J Muglia
- Center for Preterm Birth Research, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, ML 7009, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, ML 7009, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States.
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Uchoa ET, Aguilera G, Herman JP, Fiedler JL, Deak T, Cordeiro de Sousa MB. Novel aspects of glucocorticoid actions. J Neuroendocrinol 2014; 26:557-72. [PMID: 24724595 PMCID: PMC4161987 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Revised: 04/06/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Normal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity leading to the rhythmic and episodic release of adrenal glucocorticoids (GCs) is essential for body homeostasis and survival during stress. Acting through specific intracellular receptors in the brain and periphery, GCs regulate behaviour, as well as metabolic, cardiovascular, immune and neuroendocrine activities. By contrast to chronic elevated levels, circadian and acute stress-induced increases in GCs are necessary for hippocampal neuronal survival and memory acquisition and consolidation, as a result of the inhibition of apoptosis, the facilitation of glutamatergic neurotransmission and the formation of excitatory synapses, and the induction of immediate early genes and dendritic spine formation. In addition to metabolic actions leading to increased energy availability, GCs have profound effects on feeding behaviour, mainly via the modulation of orexigenic and anorixegenic neuropeptides. Evidence is also emerging that, in addition to the recognised immune suppressive actions of GCs by counteracting adrenergic pro-inflammatory actions, circadian elevations have priming effects in the immune system, potentiating acute defensive responses. In addition, negative-feedback by GCs involves multiple mechanisms leading to limited HPA axis activation and prevention of the deleterious effects of excessive GC production. Adequate GC secretion to meet body demands is tightly regulated by a complex neural circuitry controlling hypothalamic corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and vasopressin secretion, which are the main regulators of pituitary adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). Rapid feedback mechanisms, likely involving nongenomic actions of GCs, mediate the immediate inhibition of hypothalamic CRH and ACTH secretion, whereas intermediate and delayed mechanisms mediated by genomic actions involve the modulation of limbic circuitry and peripheral metabolic messengers. Consistent with their key adaptive roles, HPA axis components are evolutionarily conserved, being present in the earliest vertebrates. An understanding of these basic mechanisms may lead to novel approaches for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools for disorders related to stress and alterations of GC secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernane Torres Uchoa
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Greti Aguilera
- Section on Endocrine Physiology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James P. Herman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Metabolic Diseases Institute, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jenny L. Fiedler
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Terrence Deak
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA
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Serova LI, Laukova M, Alaluf LG, Sabban EL. Blockage of melanocortin-4 receptors by intranasal HS014 attenuates single prolonged stress-triggered changes in several brain regions. J Neurochem 2014; 131:825-35. [PMID: 25087915 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Revised: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortin receptor four (MC4R) is implicated in regulation of stress-related functions. We previously demonstrated that intranasal infusion of MC4R antagonist HS014, shortly before single prolonged stress (SPS) animal model of post-traumatic stress disorder, lessened the development of anxiety- and depression-like behavior depending on the dose. Here, we evaluated effects of HS014 on SPS-elicited changes in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and expression of several genes of interest in mediobasal hypothalamus, hippocampus, and locus coeruleus. Rats were given intranasal infusion of HS014 (3.5 ng or 100 μg) and 30 min later subjected to SPS stressors. Short-term responses of HS014 rats in comparison with vehicle-treated, evident 30 min following SPS stressors, included smaller rise in plasma corticosterone (100 μg HS014), absence of induction of corticotrophin-releasing hormone mRNA in mediobasal hypothalamus and of mRNA for tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine-β hydroxylase in locus coeruleus. Long-term responses found 7 days after SPS stressors, included lower induction corticotrophin-releasing hormone mRNA levels in the mediobasal hypothalamus without effect on mRNAs for the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP5), a component of GR co-chaperone complex; and no induction of GR protein in ventral hippocampus. Thus, antagonism of MC4R prior to SPS attenuates development of several abnormalities in gene expression in regions implicated in post-traumatic stress disorder. Blockade of brain melanocortine receptor 4 (MC4R) with intranasal infusion of the MC4R antagonist HS014 to rats prior to single prolonged stress (SPS) leads to faster termination of stress responses (30 min later) and prevents or attenuates SPS-triggered abnormal gene expression related to post-traumatic stress disorder (7 days later). Targeting of brain MC4R is a promising strategy to protect HPA axis, LC-NE (locus coeruleus-norepinephrine) systems and hippocampus from overstimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia I Serova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
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Abstract
Corticosteroids secreted as end product of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis act like a double-edged sword in the brain. The hormones coordinate appraisal processes and decision making during the initial phase of a stressful experience and promote subsequently cognitive performance underlying the management of stress adaptation. This action exerted by the steroids on the initiation and termination of the stress response is mediated by 2 related receptor systems: mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs). The receptor types are unevenly distributed but colocalized in abundance in neurons of the limbic brain to enable these complementary hormone actions. This contribution starts from a historical perspective with the observation that phasic occupancy of GR during ultradian rhythmicity is needed to maintain responsiveness to corticosteroids. Then, during stress, initially MR activation enhances excitability of limbic networks that are engaged in appraisal and emotion regulation. Next, the rising hormone concentration occupies GR, resulting in reallocation of energy to limbic-cortical circuits with a role in behavioral adaptation and memory storage. Upon MR:GR imbalance, dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis occurs, which can enhance an individual's vulnerability. Imbalance is characteristic for chronic stress experience and depression but also occurs during exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids. Hence, glucocorticoid psychopathology may develop in susceptible individuals because of suppression of ultradian/circadian rhythmicity and depletion of endogenous corticosterone from brain MR. This knowledge generated from testing the balance hypothesis can be translated to a rational glucocorticoid therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ron de Kloet
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
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Lee RS, Sawa A. Environmental stressors and epigenetic control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Neuroendocrinology 2014; 100:278-87. [PMID: 25427939 PMCID: PMC4428760 DOI: 10.1159/000369585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [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: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we provide a brief summary of several key studies that broaden our understanding of stress and its epigenetic control of the function and behavior of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Clinical and animal studies suggest a link among exposure to stress, dysregulation of the HPA axis, and susceptibility to neuropsychiatric illnesses. Recent studies have supported the notion that exposure to glucocorticoids and stress in various forms, durations, and intensities during different periods of development leads to long-lasting maladaptive HPA axis response in the brain. They demonstrate that this maladaptive response is comprised of persistent epigenetic changes in the function of HPA axis-associated genes that govern homeostatic levels of glucocorticoids. Stressors and/or disruption of glucocorticoid dynamics also target genes such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) and tyrosine hydroxylase(TH) that are important for neuronal function and behavior. While a definitive role for epigenetic mechanisms remains unclear, these emerging studies implicate glucocorticoid signaling and its ability to alter the epigenetic landscape as one of the key mechanisms that alter the function of the HPA axis and its associated cascades. We also suggest some of the requisite studies and techniques that are important, such as additional candidate gene approaches, genome-wide epigenomic screens, and innovative functional and behavioral studies, in order to further explore and define the relationship between epigenetics and HPA axis biology. Additional studies examining stress-induced epigenetic changes of HPA axis genes, aided by innovative techniques and methodologies, are needed to advance our understanding of this relationship and lead to better preventive, diagnostic, and corrective measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
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