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Villa PA, Ruggiero-Ruff RE, Jamieson BB, Campbell RE, Coss D. Obesity Alters POMC and Kisspeptin Neuron Cross Talk Leading to Reduced Luteinizing Hormone in Male Mice. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0222242024. [PMID: 38744532 PMCID: PMC11236585 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0222-24.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity is associated with hypogonadism in males, characterized by low testosterone and sperm number. Previous studies determined that these stem from dysregulation of hypothalamic circuitry that regulates reproduction, by unknown mechanisms. Herein, we used mice fed chronic high-fat diet, which mimics human obesity, to determine mechanisms of impairment at the level of the hypothalamus, in particular gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons that regulate luteinizing hormone (LH), which then regulates testosterone. Consistent with obese humans, we demonstrated lower LH, and lower pulse frequency of LH secretion, but unchanged pituitary responsiveness to GnRH. LH pulse frequency is regulated by pulsatile GnRH secretion, which is controlled by kisspeptin. Peripheral and central kisspeptin injections, and DREADD-mediated activation of kisspeptin neurons, demonstrated that kisspeptin neurons were suppressed in obese mice. Thus, we investigated regulators of kisspeptin secretion. We determined that the LH response to NMDA was lower in obese mice, corresponding to fewer glutamate receptors in kisspeptin neurons, which may be critical for kisspeptin synchronization. Given that kisspeptin neurons also interact with anorexigenic POMC neurons, which are affected by obesity, we examined their cross talk, and determined that the LH response to either DREADD-mediated activation of POMC neurons or central injection of αMSH, a product of POMC, is abolished in obese mice. This was accompanied by diminished levels of αMSH receptor, MC4R, in kisspeptin neurons. Together, our studies determined that obesity leads to the downregulation of receptors that regulate kisspeptin neurons, which is associated with lower LH pulse frequency, leading to lower LH and hypogonadism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro A Villa
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521
| | - Rebecca E Ruggiero-Ruff
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521
| | - Bradley B Jamieson
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca E Campbell
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Djurdjica Coss
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521
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Hess RA, Park CJ, Soto S, Reinacher L, Oh JE, Bunnell M, Ko CJ. Male animal sterilization: history, current practices, and potential methods for replacing castration. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1409386. [PMID: 39027909 PMCID: PMC11255590 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1409386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Sterilization and castration have been synonyms for thousands of years. Making an animal sterile meant to render them incapable of producing offspring. Castration or the physical removal of the testes was discovered to be the most simple but reliable method for managing reproduction and sexual behavior in the male. Today, there continues to be global utilization of castration in domestic animals. More than six hundred million pigs are castrated every year, and surgical removal of testes in dogs and cats is a routine practice in veterinary medicine. However, modern biological research has extended the meaning of sterilization to include methods that spare testis removal and involve a variety of options, from chemical castration and immunocastration to various methods of vasectomy. This review begins with the history of sterilization, showing a direct link between its practice in man and animals. Then, it traces the evolution of concepts for inducing sterility, where research has overlapped with basic studies of reproductive hormones and the discovery of testicular toxicants, some of which serve as sterilizing agents in rodent pests. Finally, the most recent efforts to use the immune system and gene editing to block hormonal stimulation of testis function are discussed. As we respond to the crisis of animal overpopulation and strive for better animal welfare, these novel methods provide optimism for replacing surgical castration in some species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex A. Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Chan Jin Park
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, United States
| | | | | | - Ji-Eun Oh
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Mary Bunnell
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - CheMyong J. Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, United States
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3
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Torres E, Pellegrino G, Granados-Rodríguez M, Fuentes-Fayos AC, Velasco I, Coutteau-Robles A, Legrand A, Shanabrough M, Perdices-Lopez C, Leon S, Yeo SH, Manchishi SM, Sánchez-Tapia MJ, Navarro VM, Pineda R, Roa J, Naftolin F, Argente J, Luque RM, Chowen JA, Horvath TL, Prevot V, Sharif A, Colledge WH, Tena-Sempere M, Romero-Ruiz A. Kisspeptin signaling in astrocytes modulates the reproductive axis. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e172908. [PMID: 38861336 PMCID: PMC11291270 DOI: 10.1172/jci172908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is safeguarded by multiple, often cooperative, regulatory networks. Kisspeptin signaling, via KISS1R, plays a fundamental role in reproductive control, primarily by regulation of hypothalamic GnRH neurons. We disclose herein a pathway for direct kisspeptin actions in astrocytes that contributes to central reproductive modulation. Protein-protein interaction and ontology analyses of hypothalamic proteomic profiles after kisspeptin stimulation revealed that glial/astrocyte markers are regulated by kisspeptin in mice. This glial-kisspeptin pathway was validated by the demonstrated expression of Kiss1r in mouse astrocytes in vivo and astrocyte cultures from humans, rats, and mice, where kisspeptin activated canonical intracellular signaling-pathways. Cellular coexpression of Kiss1r with the astrocyte markers GFAP and S100-β occurred in different brain regions, with higher percentage in Kiss1- and GnRH-enriched areas. Conditional ablation of Kiss1r in GFAP-positive cells in the G-KiR-KO mouse altered gene expression of key factors in PGE2 synthesis in astrocytes and perturbed astrocyte-GnRH neuronal appositions, as well as LH responses to kisspeptin and LH pulsatility, as surrogate marker of GnRH secretion. G-KiR-KO mice also displayed changes in reproductive responses to metabolic stress induced by high-fat diet, affecting female pubertal onset, estrous cyclicity, and LH-secretory profiles. Our data unveil a nonneuronal pathway for kisspeptin actions in astrocytes, which cooperates in fine-tuning the reproductive axis and its responses to metabolic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Encarnacion Torres
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Giuliana Pellegrino
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neurosciences & Cognition, UMR-S1172, Lille, France
| | - Melissa Granados-Rodríguez
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Antonio C. Fuentes-Fayos
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Velasco
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Adrian Coutteau-Robles
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neurosciences & Cognition, UMR-S1172, Lille, France
| | - Amandine Legrand
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neurosciences & Cognition, UMR-S1172, Lille, France
| | - Marya Shanabrough
- Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Cecilia Perdices-Lopez
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Silvia Leon
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Shel H. Yeo
- Reproductive Physiology Group, Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen M. Manchishi
- Reproductive Physiology Group, Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Maria J. Sánchez-Tapia
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Victor M. Navarro
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston,Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rafael Pineda
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Juan Roa
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Jesús Argente
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Instituto de Investigación La Princesa, and IMDEA-Food Institute, CEI-UAM+CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl M. Luque
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julie A. Chowen
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Instituto de Investigación La Princesa, and IMDEA-Food Institute, CEI-UAM+CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tamas L. Horvath
- Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Vincent Prevot
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neurosciences & Cognition, UMR-S1172, Lille, France
| | - Ariane Sharif
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neurosciences & Cognition, UMR-S1172, Lille, France
| | - William H. Colledge
- Reproductive Physiology Group, Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Romero-Ruiz
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
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4
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Patel B, Koysombat K, Mills EG, Tsoutsouki J, Comninos AN, Abbara A, Dhillo WS. The Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Kisspeptin and Neurokinin B. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:30-68. [PMID: 37467734 PMCID: PMC10765167 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Kisspeptin (KP) and neurokinin B (NKB) are neuropeptides that govern the reproductive endocrine axis through regulating hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal activity and pulsatile GnRH secretion. Their critical role in reproductive health was first identified after inactivating variants in genes encoding for KP or NKB signaling were shown to result in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and a failure of pubertal development. Over the past 2 decades since their discovery, a wealth of evidence from both basic and translational research has laid the foundation for potential therapeutic applications. Beyond KP's function in the hypothalamus, it is also expressed in the placenta, liver, pancreas, adipose tissue, bone, and limbic regions, giving rise to several avenues of research for use in the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy, metabolic, liver, bone, and behavioral disorders. The role played by NKB in stimulating the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center to mediate menopausal hot flashes has led to the development of medications that antagonize its action as a novel nonsteroidal therapeutic agent for this indication. Furthermore, the ability of NKB antagonism to partially suppress (but not abolish) the reproductive endocrine axis has supported its potential use for the treatment of various reproductive disorders including polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis. This review will provide a comprehensive up-to-date overview of the preclinical and clinical data that have paved the way for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic applications of KP and NKB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijal Patel
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Kanyada Koysombat
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Edouard G Mills
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Jovanna Tsoutsouki
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
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5
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Park CJ, Minabe S, Hess RA, Lin PCP, Zhou S, Bashir ST, Barakat R, Gal A, Ko CJ. Single neonatal estrogen implant sterilizes female animals by decreasing hypothalamic KISS1 expression. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9627. [PMID: 37316510 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36727-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive sterilization by surgical gonadectomy is strongly advocated to help manage animal populations, especially domesticated pets, and to prevent reproductive behaviors and diseases. This study explored the use of a single-injection method to induce sterility in female animals as an alternative to surgical ovariohysterectomy. The idea was based on our recent finding that repetitive daily injection of estrogen into neonatal rats disrupted hypothalamic expression of Kisspeptin (KISS1), the neuropeptide that triggers and regulates pulsatile secretion of GnRH. Neonatal female rats were dosed with estradiol benzoate (EB) either by daily injections for 11 days or by subcutaneous implantation of an EB-containing silicone capsule designed to release EB over 2-3 weeks. Rats treated by either method did not exhibit estrous cyclicity, were anovulatory, and became infertile. The EB-treated rats had fewer hypothalamic Kisspeptin neurons, but the GnRH-LH axis remained responsive to Kisspeptin stimulation. Because it would be desirable to use a biodegradable carrier that is also easier to handle, an injectable EB carrier was developed from PLGA microspheres to provide pharmacokinetics comparable to the EB-containing silicone capsule. A single neonatal injection of EB-microspheres at an equivalent dosage resulted in sterility in the female rat. In neonatal female Beagle dogs, implantation of an EB-containing silicone capsule also reduced ovarian follicle development and significantly inhibited KISS1 expression in the hypothalamus. None of the treatments produced any concerning health effects, other than infertility. Therefore, further development of this technology for sterilization in domestic female animals, such as dogs and cats is worthy of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Jin Park
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61802, USA
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA
| | - Shiori Minabe
- Iwate Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, 028-3694, Japan
| | - Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61802, USA
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA
| | - Po-Ching Patrick Lin
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61802, USA
| | | | - Shah Tauseef Bashir
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61802, USA
| | - Radwa Barakat
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61802, USA
- Department of Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Qalyubia, 13518, Egypt
| | - Arnon Gal
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61802, USA
| | - CheMyong Jay Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61802, USA.
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA.
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6
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Ozturk S. Genetic variants underlying spermatogenic arrests in men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:1021-1061. [PMID: 36740861 PMCID: PMC10081088 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2023.2171544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenic arrest is a severe form of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), which occurs in 10-15% of infertile men. Interruption in spermatogenic progression at premeiotic, meiotic, or postmeiotic stage can lead to arrest in men with NOA. Recent studies have intensively focused on defining genetic variants underlying these spermatogenic arrests by making genome/exome sequencing. A number of variants were discovered in the genes involving in mitosis, meiosis, germline differentiation and other basic cellular events. Herein, defined variants in NOA cases with spermatogenic arrests and created knockout mouse models for the related genes are comprehensively reviewed. Also, importance of gene panel-based screening for NOA cases was discussed. Screening common variants in these infertile men with spermatogenic arrests may contribute to elucidating the molecular background and designing novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
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7
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Gomes VCL, Beckers KF, Crissman KR, Landry CA, Flanagan JP, Awad RM, Piero FD, Liu CC, Sones JL. Sexually dimorphic pubertal development and adipose tissue kisspeptin dysregulation in the obese and preeclamptic-like BPH/5 mouse model offspring. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1070426. [PMID: 37035685 PMCID: PMC10076539 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1070426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a devastating hypertensive disorder of pregnancy closely linked to obesity. Long-term adverse outcomes may occur in offspring from preeclamptic pregnancies. Accordingly, sex-specific changes in pubertal development have been described in children from preeclamptic women, but the underlying mechanisms remain vastly unexplored. Features of PE are spontaneously recapitulated by the blood pressure high subline 5 (BPH/5) mouse model, including obesity and dyslipidemia in females before and throughout pregnancy, superimposed hypertension from late gestation to parturition and fetal growth restriction. A sexually dimorphic cardiometabolic phenotype has been described in BPH/5 offspring: while females are hyperphagic, hyperleptinemic, and overweight, with increased reproductive white adipose tissue (rWAT), males have similar food intake, serum leptin concentration, body weight and rWAT mass as controls. Herein, pubertal development and adiposity were further investigated in BPH/5 progeny. Precocious onset of puberty occurs in BPH/5 females, but not in male offspring. When reaching adulthood, the obese BPH/5 females display hypoestrogenism and hyperandrogenism. Kisspeptins, a family of peptides closely linked to reproduction and metabolism, have been previously shown to induce lipolysis and inhibit adipogenesis. Interestingly, expression of kisspeptins (Kiss1) and their cognate receptor (Kiss1r) in the adipose tissue seem to be modulated by the sex steroid hormone milieu. To further understand the metabolic-reproductive crosstalk in the BPH/5 offspring, Kiss1/Kiss1r expression in male and female rWAT were investigated. Downregulation of Kiss1/Kiss1r occurs in BPH/5 females when compared to males. Interestingly, dietary weight loss attenuated circulating testosterone concentration and rWAT Kiss1 downregulation in BPH/5 females. Altogether, the studies demonstrate reproductive abnormalities in offspring gestated in a PE-like uterus, which appear to be closely associated to the sexually dimorphic metabolic phenotype of the BPH/5 mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane C. L. Gomes
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Kalie F. Beckers
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Kassandra R. Crissman
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Camille A. Landry
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Juliet P. Flanagan
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Reham M. Awad
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Fabio Del Piero
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Chin-Chi Liu
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Jenny L. Sones
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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8
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Villa PA, Lainez NM, Jonak CR, Berlin SC, Ethell IM, Coss D. Altered GnRH neuron and ovarian innervation characterize reproductive dysfunction linked to the Fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein ( Fmr1) gene mutation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1129534. [PMID: 36909303 PMCID: PMC9992745 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1129534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mutations in the Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene cause Fragile X Syndrome, the most common monogenic cause of intellectual disability. Mutations of FMR1 are also associated with reproductive disorders, such as early cessation of reproductive function in females. While progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms of mental impairment, the causes of reproductive disorders are not clear. FMR1-associated reproductive disorders were studied exclusively from the endocrine perspective, while the FMR1 role in neurons that control reproduction was not addressed. Results Here, we demonstrate that similar to women with FMR1 mutations, female Fmr1 null mice stop reproducing early. However, young null females display larger litters, more corpora lutea in the ovaries, increased inhibin, progesterone, testosterone, and gonadotropin hormones in the circulation. Ovariectomy reveals both hypothalamic and ovarian contribution to elevated gonadotropins. Altered mRNA and protein levels of several synaptic molecules in the hypothalamus are identified, indicating reasons for hypothalamic dysregulation. Increased vascularization of corpora lutea, higher sympathetic innervation of growing follicles in the ovaries of Fmr1 nulls, and higher numbers of synaptic GABAA receptors in GnRH neurons, which are excitatory for GnRH neurons, contribute to increased FSH and LH, respectively. Unmodified and ovariectomized Fmr1 nulls have increased LH pulse frequency, suggesting that Fmr1 nulls exhibit hyperactive GnRH neurons, regardless of the ovarian feedback. Conclusion These results reveal Fmr1 function in the regulation of GnRH neuron secretion, and point to the role of GnRH neurons, in addition to the ovarian innervation, in the etiology of Fmr1-mediated reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Djurdjica Coss
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States
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9
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Kwon A, Eom JY, Lee WJ, Choi HS, Song K, Suh J, Chae HW, Kim HS. Serum kisspeptin levels mainly depend on ovarian expression of Kiss1 mRNA in female rats. Front Physiol 2022; 13:998446. [PMID: 36457308 PMCID: PMC9705754 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.998446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic kisspeptin/KISS1 receptor system is essential for puberty onset and reproductive development. Although serum kisspeptin might be associated with puberty, its levels, according to developmental stage, and its origin still remain unclear. This study evaluated the changes in serum kisspeptin levels during puberty and the corresponding Kiss1 mRNA and protein expression in various organs of female rats to identify the source of serum kisspeptin. Tissues from several organs, including the ovaries and anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) and arcuate nucleus (ARC) in the hypothalamus, were obtained for assessing Kiss1 mRNA and protein expressions. Serum kisspeptin levels progressively increased with developmental stages until the peripubertal stage. The ovaries showed the highest Kiss1 expression among the organs examined. Next, we explored the changes in serum kisspeptin levels and hypothalamic Kiss1 expression in ovariectomized and estradiol-treated ovariectomized rats. Serum kisspeptin levels decreased regardless of estradiol treatment; Kiss1 expression was enhanced by ovariectomy and estradiol treatment in the ARC, while it was decreased by ovariectomy and enhanced by estradiol in the AVPV, suggesting that serum kisspeptin may be associated with pubertal development and mainly depended on ovarian Kiss1 expression. Thus, serum kisspeptin levels are associated with puberty and may serve as a downstream marker of ovarian reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ho-Seong Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children’s Hospital, Endocrine Research Institute, College of Medicine Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
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10
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Wang C, Yang L, Xiao T, Li J, Liu Q, Xiong S. Identification and expression analysis of zebrafish gnaq in the hypothalamic–Pituitary–Gonadal axis. Front Genet 2022; 13:1015796. [DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1015796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The G proteins have emerged as essential molecular switches in a wide variety of signal transduction pathways. Gαq, encoded by G protein subunit alpha q (gnaq), is a member of the G proteins and participates in regulating important biological activities in mammals; however, its function and regulatory mechanism in teleost remain largely unclear. In the current study, we cloned the cDNA of gnaq from zebrafish (Danio rerio) and investigated the expression characteristics of Gαq/gnaq in reproductive tissues. RT-PCR and WISH analyses showed that gnaq was widely expressed in zebrafish tissues, with high expression in the brain, olfactory brain, and hypothalamus. During the embryonic development stage, the gnaq was mainly distributed in the hypothalamus after 72 h post-fertilization. In addition, immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that the Gαq protein was highly expressed in the diffuse nucleus of the inferior hypothalamic lobe (DIL), ventral zone of the periventricular hypothalamus (Hv), and caudal zone of the periventricular hypothalamus (Hc) in adult zebrafish. Furthermore, in the gonads, the Gαq protein was found in oocytes of all stages, except spermatids. Lastly, the gnaq mRNA exhibited relatively low expression in gonads on Day 4 during the reproductive cycle, while increasing drastically in the hypothalamus and pituitary afterward. Altogether, our results suggest that gnaq/Gαq might be important in fish reproduction.
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11
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Karigo T, Deutsch D. Flexibility of neural circuits regulating mating behaviors in mice and flies. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:949781. [PMID: 36426135 PMCID: PMC9679785 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.949781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mating is essential for the reproduction of animal species. As mating behaviors are high-risk and energy-consuming processes, it is critical for animals to make adaptive mating decisions. This includes not only finding a suitable mate, but also adapting mating behaviors to the animal's needs and environmental conditions. Internal needs include physical states (e.g., hunger) and emotional states (e.g., fear), while external conditions include both social cues (e.g., the existence of predators or rivals) and non-social factors (e.g., food availability). With recent advances in behavioral neuroscience, we are now beginning to understand the neural basis of mating behaviors, particularly in genetic model organisms such as mice and flies. However, how internal and external factors are integrated by the nervous system to enable adaptive mating-related decision-making in a state- and context-dependent manner is less well understood. In this article, we review recent knowledge regarding the neural basis of flexible mating behaviors from studies of flies and mice. By contrasting the knowledge derived from these two evolutionarily distant model organisms, we discuss potential conserved and divergent neural mechanisms involved in the control of flexible mating behaviors in invertebrate and vertebrate brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Karigo
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States,The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,*Correspondence: Tomomi Karigo,
| | - David Deutsch
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel,David Deutsch,
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12
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Park JS, Cheon YP, Choi D, Lee SH. Expression of Kisspeptin in the Adult Hamster Testis. Dev Reprod 2022; 26:107-115. [PMID: 36285151 PMCID: PMC9578319 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2022.26.3.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptins, products of KISS1 gene, are ligands of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPR54), and the kisspeptin-GPR54 signaling has an important role as an upstream regulator of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. Interestingly, extrahypothalamic expressions of kisspeptin/GPR-54 in gonads have been found in primates and experimental rodents such as rats and mice. Hamsters, another potent experimental rodent, also have a kisspeptin-GPR54 system in their ovaries. The presence of testicular kisspeptin-GPR54 system, however, remains to be solved. The present study was undertaken to determine whether the kisspeptin is expressed in hamster testis. To do this, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCRs) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were employed. After the nest PCR, two cDNA products (320 and 280 bp, respectively) were detected by 3% agarose gel electrophoresis, and sequencing analysis revealed that the 320 bp product was correctly amplified from hamster kisspeptin cDNA. Modest immunoreactive (IR) kisspeptins were detected in Leydig-interstitial cells, and the weak signals were detected in germ cells, mostly in round spermatids and residual bodies of elongated spermatids. In the present study, we found the kisspeptin expression in the testis of Syrian hamster. Further studies on the local role(s) of testicular kisspeptin are expected for a better understanding the physiology of hamster testis, including photoperiodic gonadal regression specifically occurred in hamster gonads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Soo Park
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung
University, Seoul 03016, Korea
| | - Yong-Pil Cheon
- Division of Developmental Biology and
Physiology, School of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Sungshin
University, Seoul 02844, Korea
| | - Donchan Choi
- Department of Life Science, College of
Environmental Sciences, Yong-In University, Yongin
17092, Korea
| | - Sung-Ho Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung
University, Seoul 03016, Korea,Corresponding author Sung-Ho
Lee, Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung, University, Seoul 03016, Korea,
Tel: +82-2-2287-5139, Fax:
+82-2-2287-0070, E-mail:
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13
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Masumi S, Lee EB, Dilower I, Upadhyaya S, Chakravarthi VP, Fields PE, Rumi MAK. The role of Kisspeptin signaling in Oocyte maturation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:917464. [PMID: 36072937 PMCID: PMC9441556 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.917464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptins (KPs) secreted from the hypothalamic KP neurons act on KP receptors (KPRs) in gonadotropin (GPN) releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons to produce GnRH. GnRH acts on pituitary gonadotrophs to induce secretion of GPNs, namely follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which are essential for ovarian follicle development, oocyte maturation and ovulation. Thus, hypothalamic KPs regulate oocyte maturation indirectly through GPNs. KPs and KPRs are also expressed in the ovarian follicles across species. Recent studies demonstrated that intraovarian KPs also act directly on the KPRs expressed in oocytes to promote oocyte maturation and ovulation. In this review article, we have summarized published reports on the role of hypothalamic and ovarian KP-signaling in oocyte maturation. Gonadal steroid hormones regulate KP secretion from hypothalamic KP neurons, which in turn induces GPN secretion from the hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) axis. On the other hand, GPNs secreted from the HP axis act on the granulosa cells (GCs) and upregulate the expression of ovarian KPs. While KPs are expressed predominantly in the GCs, the KPRs are in the oocytes. Expression of KPs in the ovaries increases with the progression of the estrous cycle and peaks during the preovulatory GPN surge. Intrafollicular KP levels in the ovaries rise with the advancement of developmental stages. Moreover, loss of KPRs in oocytes in mice leads to failure of oocyte maturation and ovulation similar to that of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). These findings suggest that GC-derived KPs may act on the KPRs in oocytes during their preovulatory maturation. In addition to the intraovarian role of KP-signaling in oocyte maturation, in vivo, a direct role of KP has been identified during in vitro maturation of sheep, porcine, and rat oocytes. KP-stimulation of rat oocytes, in vitro, resulted in Ca2+ release and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2. In vitro treatment of rat or porcine oocytes with KPs upregulated messenger RNA levels of the factors that favor oocyte maturation. In clinical trials, human KP-54 has also been administered successfully to patients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) for increasing oocyte maturation. Exogenous KPs can induce GPN secretion from hypothalamus; however, the possibility of direct KP action on the oocytes cannot be excluded. Understanding the direct in vivo and in vitro roles of KP-signaling in oocyte maturation will help in developing novel KP-based ARTs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - M. A. Karim Rumi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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14
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Carbamate Pesticides: Shedding Light on Their Impact on the Male Reproductive System. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158206. [PMID: 35897782 PMCID: PMC9332211 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbamates are widely used and known around the world as pesticides in spite of also having medical applications. This class of chemicals is classified as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, blocking acetylcholine hydrolyzation in a reversible manner. Their lack of species selectivity and their reported high toxicity can induce, upon exposure, adverse outcomes in male fertility that may lead to infertility. In addition, they are also considered endocrine-disrupting chemicals and can interfere with the hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular axis, essential for the normal function of the male reproductive system, thus being able to provoke male reproductive dysfunctions. Although the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood, various signaling pathways, such as those mediated by acetylcholine or kisspeptin, are affected by exposure to carbamates, thus compromising steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. Over the last decades, several studies, both in vitro and in vivo, have reported a myriad of negative effects of carbamates on the male reproductive system. In this review, an up-to-date overview of the impact of carbamates on the male reproductive system is discussed, with an emphasis on the role of these compounds on acetylcholine regulation and the male endocrine system.
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15
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Jamieson BB, Piet R. Kisspeptin neuron electrophysiology: Intrinsic properties, hormonal modulation, and regulation of homeostatic circuits. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:101006. [PMID: 35640722 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The obligatory role of kisspeptin (KISS1) and its receptor (KISS1R) in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, puberty and fertility was uncovered in 2003. In the few years that followed, an impressive body of work undertaken in many species established that neurons producing kisspeptin orchestrate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuron activity and subsequent GnRH and gonadotropin hormone secretory patterns, through kisspeptin-KISS1R signaling, and mediate many aspects of gonadal steroid hormone feedback regulation of GnRH neurons. Here, we review knowledge accrued over the past decade, mainly in genetically modified mouse models, of the electrophysiological properties of kisspeptin neurons and their regulation by hormonal feedback. We also discuss recent progress in our understanding of the role of these cells within neuronal circuits that control GnRH neuron activity and GnRH secretion, energy balance and, potentially, other homeostatic and reproductive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Piet
- Brain Health Research Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA.
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16
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Ma Y, Awe O, Radovick S, Yang X, Divall S, Wolfe A, Wu S. Lower FSH With Normal Fertility in Male Mice Lacking Gonadotroph Kisspeptin Receptor. Front Physiol 2022; 13:868593. [PMID: 35557961 PMCID: PMC9089166 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.868593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The kisspeptin receptor, crucial for hypothalamic control of puberty and reproduction, is also present in the pituitary gland. Its role in the pituitary gland is not defined. Kisspeptin signaling via the Kiss1r could potentially regulate reproductive function at the level of pituitary gonadotrope. Using Cre/Lox technology, we deleted the Kiss1r gene in pituitary gonadotropes (PKiRKO). PKiRKO males have normal genital development (anogenital distance WT: 19.1 ± 0.4 vs. PKiRKO: 18.5 ± 0.4 mm), puberty onset, testes cell structure on gross histology, normal testes size, and fertility. PKiRKO males showed significantly decreased serum FSH levels compared to WT males (5.6 ± 1.9 vs. 10.2 ± 1.8 ng/ml) with comparable LH (1.1 ± 0.2 vs. 1.8 ± 0.4 ng/ml) and testosterone levels (351.8 ± 213.0 vs. 342.2 ± 183.0 ng/dl). PKiRKO females have normal puberty onset, cyclicity, LH and FSH levels and fertility. Overall, these findings indicate that absence of pituitary Kiss1r reduces FSH levels in male mice without affecting testis function. PKiRKO mice have normal reproductive function in both males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Olubusayo Awe
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sally Radovick
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers University Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sara Divall
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle's Children's Hospital, Seattle, United States
| | - Andrew Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sheng Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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17
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Constantin S, Moenter SM, Piet R. The electrophysiologic properties of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13073. [PMID: 34939256 PMCID: PMC9163209 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
For about two decades, recordings of identified gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons have provided a wealth of information on their properties. We describe areas of consensus and debate the intrinsic electrophysiologic properties of these cells, their response to fast synaptic and neuromodulatory input, Ca2+ imaging correlates of action potential firing, and signaling pathways regulating these aspects. How steroid feedback and development change these properties, functions of GnRH neuron subcompartments and local networks, as revealed by chemo- and optogenetic approaches, are also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Constantin
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20892-3703, USA
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Suzanne M Moenter
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and the Reproductive Sciences Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Richard Piet
- Brain Health Research Institute & Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
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18
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Lee EB, Dilower I, Marsh CA, Wolfe MW, Masumi S, Upadhyaya S, Rumi MAK. Sexual Dimorphism in Kisspeptin Signaling. Cells 2022; 11:1146. [PMID: 35406710 PMCID: PMC8997554 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin (KP) and kisspeptin receptor (KPR) are essential for the onset of puberty, development of gonads, and maintenance of gonadal function in both males and females. Hypothalamic KPs and KPR display a high degree of sexual dimorphism in expression and function. KPs act on KPR in gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and induce distinct patterns of GnRH secretion in males and females. GnRH acts on the anterior pituitary to secrete gonadotropins, which are required for steroidogenesis and gametogenesis in testes and ovaries. Gonadal steroid hormones in turn regulate the KP neurons. Gonadal hormones inhibit the KP neurons within the arcuate nucleus and generate pulsatile GnRH mediated gonadotropin (GPN) secretion in both sexes. However, the numbers of KP neurons in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus and preoptic area are greater in females, which release a large amount of KPs in response to a high estrogen level and induce the preovulatory GPN surge. In addition to the hypothalamus, KPs and KPR are also expressed in various extrahypothalamic tissues including the liver, pancreas, fat, and gonads. There is a remarkable difference in circulating KP levels between males and females. An increased level of KPs in females can be linked to increased numbers of KP neurons in female hypothalamus and more KP production in the ovaries and adipose tissues. Although the sexually dimorphic features are well characterized for hypothalamic KPs, very little is known about the extrahypothalamic KPs. This review article summarizes current knowledge regarding the sexual dimorphism in hypothalamic as well as extrahypothalamic KP and KPR system in primates and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Bee Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (E.B.L.); (I.D.); (S.M.); (S.U.)
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (C.A.M.); (M.W.W.)
| | - Iman Dilower
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (E.B.L.); (I.D.); (S.M.); (S.U.)
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (C.A.M.); (M.W.W.)
| | - Courtney A. Marsh
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (C.A.M.); (M.W.W.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Michael W. Wolfe
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (C.A.M.); (M.W.W.)
| | - Saeed Masumi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (E.B.L.); (I.D.); (S.M.); (S.U.)
| | - Sameer Upadhyaya
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (E.B.L.); (I.D.); (S.M.); (S.U.)
| | - Mohammad A. Karim Rumi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (E.B.L.); (I.D.); (S.M.); (S.U.)
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Chemerinski A, Liu C, Morelli SS, Babwah AV, Douglas NC. Mouse Cre drivers: tools for studying disorders of the human female neuroendocrine-reproductive axis†. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:835-853. [PMID: 35084017 PMCID: PMC9113446 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Benign disorders of the human female reproductive system, such primary ovarian insufficiency and polycystic ovary syndrome are associated with infertility and recurrent miscarriage, as well as increased risk of adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. For many of these conditions, the contributing molecular and cellular processes are poorly understood. The overarching similarities between mice and humans have rendered mouse models irreplaceable in understanding normal physiology and elucidating pathological processes that underlie disorders of the female reproductive system. The utilization of Cre-LoxP recombination technology, which allows for spatial and temporal control of gene expression, has identified the role of numerous genes in development of the female reproductive system and in processes, such as ovulation and endometrial decidualization, that are required for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in mammals. In this comprehensive review, we provide a detailed overview of Cre drivers with activity in the neuroendocrine-reproductive axis that have been used to study disruptions in key intracellular signaling pathways. We first summarize normal development of the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, and uterus, highlighting similarities and differences between mice and humans. We then describe human conditions resulting from abnormal development and/or function of the organ. Finally, we describe loss-of-function models for each Cre driver that elegantly recapitulate some key features of the human condition and are associated with impaired fertility. The examples we provide illustrate use of each Cre driver as a tool for elucidating genetic and molecular underpinnings of reproductive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Chemerinski
- Correspondence: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB E561, Newark, NJ 07103, USA. Tel: 301-910-6800; Fax: 973-972-4574. E-mail:
| | | | - Sara S Morelli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Health, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ, USA
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20
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Tsukamura H. Kobayashi Award 2019: The neuroendocrine regulation of the mammalian reproduction. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 315:113755. [PMID: 33711315 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian reproductive function is a complex system of many players orchestrated by the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and the consequent pituitary gonadotropin release show two modes of secretory patterns, namely the surge and pulse modes. The surge mode is triggered by the positive feedback action of estrogen secreted from the mature ovarian follicle to induce ovulation in females of most mammalian species. The pulse mode of GnRH release is required for stimulating tonic gonadotropin secretion to drive folliculogenesis, spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis and is negatively fine-tuned by the sex steroids. Accumulating evidence suggests that hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons are the master regulator for animal reproduction to govern the HPG axis. Specifically, kisspeptin neurons located in the anterior hypothalamus, such as the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) in rodents and preoptic nucleus (POA) in ruminants, primates and others, and the neurons located in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) in posterior hypothalamus in most mammals are considered to play a key role in generating the surge and pulse modes of GnRH release, respectively. The present article focuses on the role of AVPV (or POA) kisspeptin neurons as a center for GnRH surge generation and of the ARC kisspeptin neurons as a center for GnRH pulse generation to mediate estrogen positive and negative feedback mechanisms, respectively, and discusses how the estrogen epigenetically regulates kisspeptin gene expression in these two populations of neurons. This article also provides the mechanism how malnutrition and lactation suppress GnRH/gonadotropin pulses through an inhibition of the ARC kisspeptin neurons. Further, the article discusses the programming effect of estrogen on kisspeptin neurons in the developmental brain to uncover the mechanism underlying the sex difference in GnRH/gonadotropin release as well as an irreversible infertility induced by supra-physiological estrogen exposure in rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Tsukamura
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan.
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21
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Ueta Y, Aso K, Haga Y, Takahashi H, Satoh M. Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism complicated by neuroblastoma. Clin Pediatr Endocrinol 2022; 31:159-162. [PMID: 35928379 PMCID: PMC9297168 DOI: 10.1297/cpe.2021-0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A 3-mo-old male infant was referred to our hospital with micropenis. Since his serum LH,
FSH, and testosterone levels were low (< 0.3 mIU/mL, 0.08 mIU/mL, and < 0.03 ng/mL,
respectively), Kallmann syndrome/normosmic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism was suspected. In
the process of searching for complications of Kallmann syndrome/normosmic hypogonadotropic
hypogonadism, a right adrenal gland tumor was incidentally discovered. The patient was
diagnosed with stage 1 neuroblastoma. A homozygous p.P147L (c.C440T) mutation in the
KISS1R gene was detected as a cause of the congenital hypogonadotropic
hypogonadism. KISS1-KISS1R signaling, which is essential for GnRH secretion, exhibits
anti-metastatic and/or anti-tumoral roles in numerous cancers. High KISS1
expression levels reportedly predict better survival outcomes than low
KISS1 expression levels in neuroblastoma. Therefore, decreased
KISS1-KISS1R signaling may have played a role in the neuroblastoma in this patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Ueta
- Department of Pediatrics, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiko Aso
- Department of Pediatrics, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Youichi Haga
- Department of Pediatrics, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Takahashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mari Satoh
- Department of Pediatrics, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
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22
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Schaefer J, Vilos AG, Vilos GA, Bhattacharya M, Babwah AV. Uterine kisspeptin receptor critically regulates epithelial estrogen receptor α transcriptional activity at the time of embryo implantation in a mouse model. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:gaab060. [PMID: 34524460 PMCID: PMC8786495 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation failure is a major cause of infertility in women of reproductive age and a better understanding of uterine factors that regulate implantation is required for developing effective treatments for female infertility. This study investigated the role of the uterine kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) in the molecular regulation of implantation in a mouse model. To conduct this study, a conditional uterine knockout (KO) of Kiss1r was created using the Pgr-Cre (progesterone receptor-CRE recombinase) driver. Reproductive profiling revealed that while KO females exhibited normal ovarian function and mated successfully to stud males, they exhibited significantly fewer implantation sites, reduced litter size and increased neonatal mortality demonstrating that uterine KISS1R is required for embryo implantation and a healthy pregnancy. Strikingly, in the uterus of Kiss1r KO mice on day 4 (D4) of pregnancy, the day of embryo implantation, KO females exhibited aberrantly elevated epithelial ERα (estrogen receptor α) transcriptional activity. This led to the temporal misexpression of several epithelial genes [Cftr (Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator), Aqp5 (aquaporin 5), Aqp8 (aquaporin 8) and Cldn7 (claudin 7)] that mediate luminal fluid secretion and luminal opening. As a result, on D4 of pregnancy, the lumen remained open disrupting the final acquisition of endometrial receptivity and likely accounting for the reduction in implantation events. Our data clearly show that uterine KISS1R negatively regulates ERα signaling at the time of implantation, in part by inhibiting ERα overexpression and preventing detrimentally high ERα activity. To date, there are no reports on the regulation of ERα by KISS1R; therefore, this study has uncovered an important and powerful regulator of uterine ERα during early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Schaefer
- Laboratory of Human Growth and Reproductive Development, Department of Pediatrics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- School of Graduate Studies, Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Angelos G Vilos
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - George A Vilos
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Moshmi Bhattacharya
- Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Andy V Babwah
- Laboratory of Human Growth and Reproductive Development, Department of Pediatrics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- School of Graduate Studies, Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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23
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Lee EB, Chakravarthi VP, Wolfe MW, Rumi MAK. ERβ Regulation of Gonadotropin Responses during Folliculogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910348. [PMID: 34638689 PMCID: PMC8508937 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropins are essential for regulating ovarian development, steroidogenesis, and gametogenesis. While follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) promotes the development of ovarian follicles, luteinizing hormone (LH) regulates preovulatory maturation of oocytes, ovulation, and formation of corpus luteum. Cognate receptors of FSH and LH are G-protein coupled receptors that predominantly signal through cAMP-dependent and cAMP-independent mechanisms that activate protein kinases. Subsequent vital steps in response to gonadotropins are mediated through activation or inhibition of transcription factors required for follicular gene expression. Estrogen receptors, classical ligand-activated transcriptional regulators, play crucial roles in regulating gonadotropin secretion from the hypothalamic-pituitary axis as well as gonadotropin function in the target organs. In this review, we discuss the role of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) regulating gonadotropin response during folliculogenesis. Ovarian follicles in Erβ knockout (ErβKO) mutant female mice and rats cannot develop beyond the antral state, lack oocyte maturation, and fail to ovulate. Theca cells (TCs) in ovarian follicles express LH receptor, whereas granulosa cells (GCs) express both FSH receptor (FSHR) and LH receptor (LHCGR). As oocytes do not express the gonadotropin receptors, the somatic cells play a crucial role during gonadotropin induced oocyte maturation. Somatic cells also express high levels of estrogen receptors; while TCs express ERα and are involved in steroidogenesis, GCs express ERβ and are involved in both steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis. GCs are the primary site of ERβ-regulated gene expression. We observed that a subset of gonadotropin-induced genes in GCs, which are essential for ovarian follicle development, oocyte maturation and ovulation, are dependent on ERβ. Thus, ERβ plays a vital role in regulating the gonadotropin responses in ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun B. Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (E.B.L.); (V.P.C.)
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| | - V. Praveen Chakravarthi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (E.B.L.); (V.P.C.)
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Michael W. Wolfe
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - M. A. Karim Rumi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (E.B.L.); (V.P.C.)
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-913-588-8059
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24
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Nandankar N, Negrón AL, Wolfe A, Levine JE, Radovick S. Deficiency of arcuate nucleus kisspeptin results in postpubertal central hypogonadism. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2021; 321:E264-E280. [PMID: 34181485 PMCID: PMC8410100 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00088.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin (encoded by Kiss1), a neuropeptide critically involved in neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction, is primarily synthesized in two hypothalamic nuclei: the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) and arcuate nucleus (ARC). AVPV kisspeptin is thought to regulate the estrogen-induced positive feedback control of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), and the preovulatory LH surge in females. In contrast, ARC kisspeptin neurons, which largely coexpress neurokinin B and dynorphin A (collectively named KNDy neurons), are thought to mediate estrogen-induced negative feedback control of GnRH/LH and be the major regulators of pulsatile GnRH/LH release. However, definitive data to delineate the specific roles of AVPV versus ARC kisspeptin neurons in the control of GnRH/LH release is lacking. Therefore, we generated a novel mouse model targeting deletion of Kiss1 to the ARC nucleus (Pdyn-Cre/Kiss1fl/fl KO) to determine the functional differences between ARC and AVPV kisspeptin neurons on the reproductive axis. The efficacy of the knockout was confirmed at both the mRNA and protein levels. Adult female Pdyn-Cre/Kiss1fl/fl KO mice exhibited persistent diestrus and significantly fewer LH pulses when compared with controls, resulting in arrested folliculogenesis, hypogonadism, and infertility. Pdyn-Cre/Kiss1fl/fl KO males also exhibited disrupted LH pulsatility, hypogonadism, and variable, defective spermatogenesis, and subfertility. The timing of pubertal onset in males and females was equivalent to controls. These findings add to the current body of evidence for the critical role of kisspeptin in ARC KNDy neurons in GnRH/LH pulsatility in both sexes, while directly establishing ARC kisspeptin's role in regulating estrous cyclicity in female mice, and gametogenesis in both sexes, and culminating in disrupted fertility. The Pdyn-Cre/Kiss1fl/fl KO mice present a novel mammalian model of postpubertal central hypogonadism.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate through a novel, conditional knockout mouse model of arcuate nucleus (ARC)-specific kisspeptin in the KNDy neuron that ARC kisspeptin is critical for estrous cyclicity in female mice and GnRH/LH pulsatility in both sexes. Our study reveals that ARC kisspeptin is essential for normal gametogenesis, and the loss of ARC kisspeptin results in significant hypogonadism, impacting fertility status. Our findings further confirm that normal puberty occurs despite a loss of ARC kisspeptin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimisha Nandankar
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Ariel L Negrón
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Andrew Wolfe
- Division of Physiological and Pathological Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jon E Levine
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Sally Radovick
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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25
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Lambrou GI, Bacopoulou F. Kisspeptin and the "Special Relationship" Between Reproduction and Metabolism: A Computational Approach. Med Chem 2021; 16:796-811. [PMID: 31291878 DOI: 10.2174/1573406415666190710182906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kisspeptin is one of the most potent stimulators of GnRH secretion and consequent gonadotropin release from the anterior pituitary. Kisspeptin is considered critical in regulating reproductive function in relation to metabolic cues. Reproductive function is gated by the energy reserves of the individual. Conditions of energy insufficiency, such as Anorexia Nervosa, often disturb reproductive function and fertility. OBJECTIVE The aim of this research was to investigate similar or comparable hormonal patterns in kisspeptin mechanics using computational methodology tools. METHODS Twenty-two females with typical or atypical anorexia nervosa and fifteen control females, were recruited from the Center for Adolescent Medicine of the University of Athens. Serum levels of Prolactin (PRL), 17-Hydroxy-Progesterone (17OHPR), Free Triiodothyronine (FT3), Triiodothyronine (T3), Free Thyroxine (FT4), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Estradiol (E2) were measured in patients and controls. Data were modelled computationally in order to find similar or comparable patterns between control and anorexic participants, with respect to kisspeptin. RESULTS Kisspeptin manifested symmetrical regression plots between controls and anorexics with respect to 17OHPR, LH and FSH, as well as a threshold pattern among controls, typical and atypical anorexics. CONCLUSION Kisspeptin seems to participate in the anorexic hormonal milieu through threshold or symmetrical mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- George I Lambrou
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Choremeio Research Laboratory, Thivon & Levadeias 8, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Flora Bacopoulou
- Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Choremeio Research Laboratory, Thivon & Levadeias 8, 11527 Athens, Greece
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26
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Hall JM, Korach KS. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and sex steroid receptors. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2021; 92:191-235. [PMID: 34452687 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sex-steroid receptors (SSRs) are essential mediators of estrogen, progestin, and androgen signaling that are critical in vast aspects of human development and multi-organ homeostasis. Dysregulation of SSR function has been implicated in numerous pathologies including cancers, obesity, Type II diabetes mellitus, neuroendocrine disorders, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, male and female infertility, and other reproductive disorders. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) modulate SSR function in a wide variety of cell and tissues. There exists strong experimental, clinical, and epidemiological evidence that engagement of EDCs with SSRs may disrupt endogenous hormone signaling leading to physiological abnormalities that may manifest in disease. In this chapter, we discuss the molecular mechanisms by which EDCs interact with estrogen, progestin, and androgen receptors and alter SSR functions in target cells. In addition, the pathological consequences of disruption of SSR action in reproductive and other organs by EDCs is described with an emphasis on underlying mechanisms of receptors dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianne M Hall
- Quinnipiac University Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, Hamden, CT, United States.
| | - Kenneth S Korach
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, United States
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27
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Ke R, Lok SIS, Singh K, Chow BKC, Janovjak H, Lee LTO. Formation of Kiss1R/GPER Heterocomplexes Negatively Regulates Kiss1R-mediated Signalling through Limiting Receptor Cell Surface Expression. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:166843. [PMID: 33539880 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.166843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin receptor (Kiss1R) is an important receptor that plays central regulatory roles in reproduction by regulating hormone release in the hypothalamus. We hypothesize that the formation of heterocomplexes between Kiss1R and other hypothalamus G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) affects their cellular signaling. Through screening of potential interactions between Kiss1R and hypothalamus GPCRs, we identified G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) as one interaction partner of Kiss1R. Based on the recognised function of kisspeptin and estrogen in regulating the reproductive system, we investigated the Kiss1R/GPER heterocomplex in more detail and revealed that complex formation significantly reduced Kiss1R-mediated signaling. GPER did not directly antagonize Kiss1R conformational changes upon ligand binding, but it rather reduced the cell surface expression of Kiss1R. These results therefore demonstrate a regulatory mechanism of hypothalamic hormone receptors via receptor cooperation in the reproductive system and modulation of receptor sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Ke
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau
| | - Samson Ian Sam Lok
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau
| | - Kailash Singh
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Billy Kwok Chong Chow
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Harald Janovjak
- EMBL Australia, Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton/Melbourne, Australia
| | - Leo Tsz On Lee
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau.
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28
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D’Occhio MJ, Campanile G, Baruselli PS. Peripheral action of kisspeptin at reproductive tissues-role in ovarian function and embryo implantation and relevance to assisted reproductive technology in livestock: a review. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:1157-1170. [PMID: 32776148 PMCID: PMC7711897 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin (KISS1) is encoded by the KISS1 gene and was initially found to be a repressor of metastasis. Natural mutations in the KISS1 receptor gene (KISS1R) were subsequently shown to be associated with idiopathic hypothalamic hypogonadism and impaired puberty. This led to interest in the role of KISS1 in reproduction. It was established that KISS1 had a fundamental role in the control of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. KISS1 neurons have receptors for leptin and estrogen receptor α (ERα), which places KISS1 at the gateway of metabolic (leptin) and gonadal (ERα) regulation of GnRH secretion. More recently, KISS1 has been shown to act at peripheral reproductive tissues. KISS1 and KISS1R genes are expressed in follicles (granulosa, theca, oocyte), trophoblast, and uterus. KISS1 and KISS1R proteins are found in the same tissues. KISS1 appears to have autocrine and paracrine actions in follicle and oocyte maturation, trophoblast development, and implantation and placentation. In some studies, KISS1 was beneficial to in vitro oocyte maturation and blastocyst development. The next phase of KISS1 research will explore potential benefits on embryo survival and pregnancy. This will likely involve longer-term KISS1 treatments during proestrus, early embryo development, trophoblast attachment, and implantation and pregnancy. A deeper understanding of the direct action of KISS1 at reproductive tissues could help to achieve the next step change in embryo survival and improvement in the efficiency of assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J D’Occhio
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Campanile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro S Baruselli
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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29
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Negrón AL, Radovick S. High-Fat Diet Alters LH Secretion and Pulse Frequency in Female Mice in an Estrous Cycle-Dependent Manner. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5897032. [PMID: 32841330 PMCID: PMC7486692 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive fitness in females is susceptible to obesogenic diets. Energy balance and reproduction are tightly regulated, in part, by hypothalamic neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), and high-fat diet (HFD) can steadily increase estradiol levels in rodents. Estradiol regulates the reproductive axis via negative feedback mechanisms in ARC neurons by modulating pulsatile release of the gonadotropin luteinizing hormone (LH). However, it is unclear how the circulating estradiol milieu of adult females interacts with a state of high-caloric fat intake to alter LH pulse dynamics. Here, we used serial tail-tip blood sampling to measure pulsatile LH release at different estrous cycle stages in mice fed a HFD. Starting at 21 days of age, female C57BL/6J mice were freely fed with either regular chow diet (RD) or 60% kcal HFD for 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected once at diestrus, and then again at estrus. LH was measured in 10-minute intervals for 3 hours and analyzed for pulse frequency, amplitude, and mean and basal LH levels. Compared with RD-fed controls, mice fed HFD displayed significantly increased pulse frequency at diestrus, but not at estrus. HFD-fed mice also had lower mean and basal LH levels compared with RD-fed controls, but only during estrus. These data suggest that circulating estradiol can variably contribute to the impact that HFD has on LH pulsatile release and also provide insight into how obesity impacts women's reproductive health when ovarian estradiol levels drastically change, such as during menopause or with hormone replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel L Negrón
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers University-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
- Correspondence: Ariel L. Negrón, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers–Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Clinical Academic Building, Room 7110, Lab A, 125 Paterson St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA. E-mail:
| | - Sally Radovick
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers University-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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30
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Wawrzkiewicz-Jałowiecka A, Kowalczyk K, Trybek P, Jarosz T, Radosz P, Setlak M, Madej P. In Search of New Therapeutics-Molecular Aspects of the PCOS Pathophysiology: Genetics, Hormones, Metabolism and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197054. [PMID: 32992734 PMCID: PMC7582580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In a healthy female reproductive system, a subtle hormonal and metabolic dance leads to repetitive cyclic changes in the ovaries and uterus, which make an effective ovulation and potential implantation of an embryo possible. However, that is not so in the case of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in which case the central mechanism responsible for entraining hormonal and metabolic rhythms during the menstrual cycle is notably disrupted. In this review we provide a detailed description of the possible scenario of PCOS pathogenesis. We begin from the analysis of how a set of genetic disorders related to PCOS leads to particular malfunctions at a molecular level (e.g., increased enzyme activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP) type 17A1 (17α-hydroxylase), 3β-HSD type II and CYP type 11A1 (side-chain cleavage enzyme) in theca cells, or changes in the expression of aquaporins in granulosa cells) and discuss further cellular- and tissue-level consequences (e.g., anovulation, elevated levels of the advanced glycation end products in ovaries), which in turn lead to the observed subsequent systemic symptoms. Since gene-editing therapy is currently out of reach, herein special emphasis is placed on discussing what kinds of drug targets and which potentially active substances seem promising for an effective medication, acting on the primary causes of PCOS on a molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Wawrzkiewicz-Jałowiecka
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-32-237-12-85
| | - Karolina Kowalczyk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (K.K.); (P.R.); (P.M.)
| | - Paulina Trybek
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-500 Chorzow, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Jarosz
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland;
| | - Patrycja Radosz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (K.K.); (P.R.); (P.M.)
| | - Marcin Setlak
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Paweł Madej
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (K.K.); (P.R.); (P.M.)
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31
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Lomet D, Robert V, Poissenot K, Beltramo M, Dardente H. No evidence that Spexin impacts LH release and seasonal breeding in the ewe. Theriogenology 2020; 158:1-7. [PMID: 32916519 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Spexin (SPX) is a recently identified peptide hormone of 14 amino acids. Interestingly, Spx and Kiss1 genes share a common ancestor gene. Considering that KISS1 peptides are key controllers of breeding in mammals and circumstantial evidence that SPX regulates gonadotropins in some fish species, we hypothesized that SPX may play a KISS1-related role in sheep. Here, we cloned the ovine Spx cDNA, performed in vivo injection and infusion of SPX (i.c.v. route, with or without concomittant KISS1 presence) and assessed a potential regulation of Spx expression by season, thyroid hormone and estradiol in the medio-basal hypothalamus of the ewe. Our data do not provide support for a role of SPX in the control of the gonadotropic axis in the ewe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Lomet
- PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Vincent Robert
- PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Kevin Poissenot
- PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Hugues Dardente
- PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380, Nouzilly, France.
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32
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Goto T, Hirabayashi M, Watanabe Y, Sanbo M, Tomita K, Inoue N, Tsukamura H, Uenoyama Y. Testosterone Supplementation Rescues Spermatogenesis and In Vitro Fertilizing Ability of Sperm in Kiss1 Knockout Mice. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5854806. [PMID: 32514526 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Restoration of spermatogenesis and fertility is a major issue to be solved in male mammals with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Kiss1 knockout (KO) male mice are postulated to be a suitable animal model to investigate if hormonal replacement rescues spermatogenesis in mammals with this severe reproductive hormone deficiency, because KO mice replicate the hypothalamic disorder causing hypogonadism. The present study investigated whether testosterone supplementation was able to restore spermatogenesis and in vitro fertilization ability in Kiss1 KO mice. To this end, spermatogenesis, in vitro fertilization ability of Kiss1 KO sperm, and preimplantation development of wild-type embryos inseminated with Kiss1 KO sperm, were examined. The newly generated Kiss1 KO male mice showed infertility with cryptorchidism. Subcutaneous testosterone supplementation for 6 weeks restored plasma and intratesticular testosterone levels, elicited testicular descent, and induced complete spermatogenesis from spermatocytes to elongated spermatids in the testis, resulting in an increase in epididymal sperm number in testosterone-supplemented Kiss1 KO male mice. Epididymal sperm derived from the testosterone-supplemented Kiss1 KO mice showed normal in vitro fertilization ability, and the fertilized eggs showed normal preimplantation development, while the males failed to impregnate females. These results suggest that the failure of spermatogenesis in Kiss1 KO mice is mainly due to a lack of testosterone production, and that Kiss1 KO sperm are capable of fertilizing eggs if the animals receive the appropriate testosterone supplementation without local kisspeptin signaling in the testis and epididymis. Thus, testosterone supplementation would restore spermatogenesis of male mammals showing hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with genetic inactivation of the KISS1/Kiss1 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teppei Goto
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
- Laboratory for Comparative Connectomics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Masumi Hirabayashi
- Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Youki Watanabe
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Makoto Sanbo
- Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Koichi Tomita
- Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Naoko Inoue
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroko Tsukamura
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Uenoyama
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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Sinchak K, Mohr MA, Micevych PE. Hypothalamic Astrocyte Development and Physiology for Neuroprogesterone Induction of the Luteinizing Hormone Surge. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:420. [PMID: 32670203 PMCID: PMC7333179 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural circuits in female rats sequentially exposed to estradiol and progesterone underlie so-called estrogen positive feedback that induce the surge release of pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) leading to ovulation and luteinization of the corpus hemorrhagicum. It is now well-established that gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons express neither the reproductively critical estrogen receptor-α (ERα) nor classical progesterone receptor (PGR). Estradiol from developing ovarian follicles acts on ERα-expressing kisspeptin neurons in the rostral periventricular region of the third ventricle (RP3V) to induce PGR expression, and kisspeptin release. Circulating estradiol levels that induce positive feedback also induce neuroprogesterone (neuroP) synthesis in hypothalamic astrocytes. This local neuroP acts on kisspeptin neurons that express PGR to augment kisspeptin expression and release needed to stimulate GnRH release, triggering the LH surge. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that neuroP signaling in kisspeptin neurons occurs through membrane PGR activation of Src family kinase (Src). This signaling cascade has been also implicated in PGR signaling in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, suggesting that Src may be a common mode of membrane PGR signaling. Sexual maturation requires that signaling between neuroP synthesizing astrocytes, kisspeptin and GnRH neurons be established. Prior to puberty, estradiol does not facilitate the synthesis of neuroP in hypothalamic astrocytes. During pubertal development, levels of membrane ERα increase in astrocytes coincident with an increase of PKA phosphorylation needed for neuroP synthesis. Currently, it is not clear whether these developmental changes occur in existing astrocytes or are due to a new population of astrocytes born during puberty. However, strong evidence suggests that it is the former. Blocking new cell addition during puberty attenuates the LH surge. Together these results demonstrate the importance of pubertal maturation involving hypothalamic astrocytes, estradiol-induced neuroP synthesis and membrane-initiated progesterone signaling for the CNS control of ovulation and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Sinchak
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, United States
| | - Margaret A Mohr
- The Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Paul E Micevych
- The Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Podratz PL, Merlo E, de Araújo JFP, Ayub JGM, Pereira AFZ, Freitas-Lima LC, da Costa MB, Miranda-Alves L, Cassa SGS, Carneiro MTWD, Fillmann G, Graceli JB. Disruption of fertility, placenta, pregnancy outcome, and multigenerational inheritance of hepatic steatosis by organotin exposure from contaminated seafood in rats. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 723:138000. [PMID: 32213410 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Early life exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is an emerging risk factor for development of complications later in life and in subsequent generations. We previously demonstrated that exposure to the EDC organotin (OT), which is present in contaminated seafood, resulted in reproductive abnormalities in female rats. However, few studies have explored the effect of OT accumulation in seafood on pregnancy outcomes. This led us to consider the potential effects of the OT present in seafood on fertility, pregnancy, the placenta, and the offspring. In this investigation, we assessed whether exposure to the OT in contaminated seafood resulted in abnormal fertility and pregnancy features and offspring complications. OT in contaminated seafood (LNI) was administered to female rats, and their fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and fetal liver morphology were assessed. LNI caused abnormal fertility, a reduction in the total number of pups, and an increase in serum testosterone levels compared to controls. Furthermore, LNI exposure caused irregular uterine morphology with inflammation and fibrosis and led to a reduction in embryonic implantation. In pregnant rats, LNI caused abnormal lipid profiles and livers with steatosis features. LNI exposure also causes placental morpho-physiology disruption, a high presence of glycogen and inflammatory cells, and irregular lipid profiles. In addition, LNI exposure caused an increase in large amounts of carbohydrate and lipid delivery to the fetus via an increase in placental nutrient sensor protein expressions (GLUT1, IRβ/mTOR and Akt). In both genders of offspring, LNI exposure led to an increase in body weights, liver megakaryocytes, lipid accumulation, and oxidative stress (OS) levels. Collectively, these data suggest that OT exposure from contaminated seafood in female rats leads to reduced fertility, uterine implantation failure, pregnancy and placental metabolic outcome irregularities, offspring adiposity, liver steatosis, and an increase in OS. Furthermore, some of the effects of OT may be the result of obesogenic and multigenerational effects of OT in adult female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila L Podratz
- Department of Morphology, Endocrinology and Cell Toxicology Laboratory, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Merlo
- Department of Morphology, Endocrinology and Cell Toxicology Laboratory, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Julia F P de Araújo
- Department of Morphology, Endocrinology and Cell Toxicology Laboratory, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Julia G M Ayub
- Department of Morphology, Endocrinology and Cell Toxicology Laboratory, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Amanda F Z Pereira
- Department of Morphology, Endocrinology and Cell Toxicology Laboratory, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Leandro C Freitas-Lima
- Department of Morphology, Endocrinology and Cell Toxicology Laboratory, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Mércia B da Costa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Leandro Miranda-Alves
- Experimental Endocrinology Research, Development and Innovation Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sonara G S Cassa
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Jones B Graceli
- Department of Morphology, Endocrinology and Cell Toxicology Laboratory, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Brazil.
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Cheng J, Qin WJ, Balsai N, Shang XJ, Zhang MT, Chen HQ. Transcriptional activity of FIGLA, NEUROG2, and EGR1 transcription factors associated with polymorphisms in the proximal regulatory region of GPR54 gene in cattle. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 218:106506. [PMID: 32507252 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Activity of transcription factors affect synthesis of G-protein coupled receptor 54 (GPR54), an important factor in regulation of initiation of puberty. Expression of the GPR54 gene in cattle is associated with polymorphisms in the proximal regulatory region (PRR) of the GPR54 gene. Transcription resulting in production of GPR54 mRNA transcript occurs as a result of transcription factor (TF) interactions in the PRR. Polymorphisms in the PRR may be associated with extent of activity of these TFs. Folliculogenesis-specific BHLH TF (FIGLA), neurogenin 2 (NEUROG2), and early growth response 1 (EGR1) are important in modulation of ovarian follicle development and neurons synthesizing GnRH, thus, regulating biosynthesis of luteinizing hormone. The aim of this study, therefore, was to assess the transcription-activating potential of binding sites for FIGLA, NEUROG2, and EGR1 TFs in the GPR54 promoter of cattle. Two luciferase-based promoters, ATC and CCT, which contain three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), A/C-794, T/C-663, and C/T-601, in the GPR54 PRR, were analyzed to evaluate gene expression and activation of different promoters by FIGLA, NEUROG2, and EGR1. The FIGLA induced GPR54 transcription through the CCT, whereas NEUROG2 and EGR1 induced GPR54 transcription through the ATC promoter-binding site. The CCT-activating effects of FIGLA were greater (2.56-fold) than the ATC-activating effects (P < 0.05). The ATC-activating effects of NEUROG2 and EGR1 were markedly greater (12.91- and 8.41-fold; P < 0.01) than CCT-activating effects. The polymorphisms, CCT and ATC, of the cattle GPR54 affect the activity of transcription factors, therefore, have an important effect on production of GPR54 mRNA transcript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Cheng
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Wen-Juan Qin
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China; Anhui Agricultural University International Immunization Center, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Nyamsuren Balsai
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Xuan-Jian Shang
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Meng-Ting Zhang
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Hong-Quan Chen
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources Conservation and Biobreeding of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230036, China; Anhui Agricultural University International Immunization Center, Hefei, 230036, China.
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36
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Ikegami K, Goto T, Nakamura S, Watanabe Y, Sugimoto A, Majarune S, Horihata K, Nagae M, Tomikawa J, Imamura T, Sanbo M, Hirabayashi M, Inoue N, Maeda KI, Tsukamura H, Uenoyama Y. Conditional kisspeptin neuron-specific Kiss1 knockout with newly generated Kiss1-floxed and Kiss1-Cre mice replicates a hypogonadal phenotype of global Kiss1 knockout mice. J Reprod Dev 2020; 66:359-367. [PMID: 32307336 PMCID: PMC7470906 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2020-026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate whether novel conditional kisspeptin neuron-specific Kiss1 knockout (KO) mice utilizing the Cre-loxP system could recapitulate
the infertility of global Kiss1 KO models, thereby providing further evidence for the fundamental role of hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons in regulating mammalian
reproduction. We generated Kiss1-floxed mice and hypothalamic kisspeptin neuron-specific Cre-expressing transgenic mice and then crossed these two
lines. The conditional Kiss1 KO mice showed pubertal failure along with a suppression of gonadotropin secretion and ovarian atrophy. These results indicate that
newly-created hypothalamic Kiss1 KO mice obtained by the Cre-loxP system recapitulated the infertility of global Kiss1 KO models, suggesting that
hypothalamic kisspeptin, but not peripheral kisspeptin, is critical for reproduction. Importantly, these Kiss1-floxed mice are now available and will be a valuable
tool for detailed analyses of roles of each population of kisspeptin neurons in the brain and peripheral kisspeptin-producing cells by the spatiotemporal-specific manipulation of
Cre expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kana Ikegami
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Teppei Goto
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan.,Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Sho Nakamura
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Youki Watanabe
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Arisa Sugimoto
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Sutisa Majarune
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Kei Horihata
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Mayuko Nagae
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Junko Tomikawa
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Takuya Imamura
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
| | - Makoto Sanbo
- Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Masumi Hirabayashi
- Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Naoko Inoue
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Kei-Ichiro Maeda
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Hiroko Tsukamura
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Uenoyama
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
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Abstract
The scientific community has searched for years for ways of examining neuronal tissue to track neural activity with reliable anatomical markers for stimulated neuronal activity. Existing studies that focused on hypothalamic systems offer a few options but do not always compare approaches or validate them for dependence on cell firing, leaving the reader uncertain of the benefits and limitations of each method. Thus, in this article, potential markers will be presented and, where possible, placed into perspective in terms of when and how these methods pertain to hypothalamic function. An example of each approach is included. In reviewing the approaches, one is guided through how neurons work, the consequences of their stimulation, and then the potential markers that could be applied to hypothalamic systems are discussed. Approaches will use features of neuronal glucose utilization, water/oxygen movement, changes in neuron-glial interactions, receptor translocation, cytoskeletal changes, stimulus-synthesis coupling that includes expression of the heteronuclear or mature mRNA for transmitters or the enzymes that make them, and changes in transcription factors (immediate early gene products, precursor buildup, use of promoter-driven surrogate proteins, and induced expression of added transmitters. This article includes discussion of methodological limitations and the power of combining approaches to understand neuronal function. © 2020 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 10:549-575, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria E. Hoffman
- Department of Biology, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Conde K, Roepke TA. 17β-Estradiol Increases Arcuate KNDy Neuronal Sensitivity to Ghrelin Inhibition of the M-Current in Female Mice. Neuroendocrinology 2020; 110:582-594. [PMID: 31484184 PMCID: PMC7056582 DOI: 10.1159/000503146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and anorexia result in dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, negatively impacting reproduction. Ghrelin, secreted from the stomach, potentially mediates negative energy states and neuroendocrine control of reproduction by acting through the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). GHSR is expressed in hypothalamic arcuate (ARC) Kisspeptin/Neurokinin B (Tac2)/Dynorphin (KNDy) neurons. Ghrelin is known to inhibit the M-current produced by KCNQ channels in other ARC neurons. In addition, we have shown 17β-estradiol (E2) increases Ghsr expression in KNDy neurons 6-fold and increases the M-current in NPY neurons. We hypothesize that E2 increases GHSR expression in KNDy neurons to increase ghrelin sensitivity during negative energy states. Furthermore, we suspect ghrelin targets the M-current in KNDy neurons to control reproduction and energy homeostasis. We utilized ovariectomized Tac2-EGFP adult female mice, pretreated with estradiol benzoate (EB) or oil vehicle and performed whole-cell-patch-clamp recordings to elicit the M-current in KNDy neurons using standard activation protocols in voltage-clamp. Using the selective KCNQ channel blocker XE-991 (40 µM) to target the M-current, oil- and EB-treated mice showed a decrease in the maximum peak current by 75.7 ± 13.8 pA (n = 10) and 68.0 ± 14.7 pA (n = 11), respectively. To determine the actions of ghrelin on the M-current, ghrelin was perfused (100 nM) in oil- and EB-treated mice resulting in the suppression of the maximum peak current by 58.5 ± 15.8 pA (n = 9) and 59.2 ± 11.9 pA (n = 9), respectively. KNDy neurons appeared more sensitive to ghrelin when pretreated with EB, revealing that ARC KNDy neurons are more sensitive to ghrelin during states of high E2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie Conde
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Troy A Roepke
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA,
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA,
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Hall JM, Greco CW. Perturbation of Nuclear Hormone Receptors by Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: Mechanisms and Pathological Consequences of Exposure. Cells 2019; 9:cells9010013. [PMID: 31861598 PMCID: PMC7016921 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Much of the early work on Nuclear Hormone Receptors (NHRs) focused on their essential roles as mediators of sex steroid hormone signaling in reproductive development and function, and thyroid hormone-dependent formation of the central nervous system. However, as NHRs display tissue-specific distributions and activities, it is not surprising that they are involved and vital in numerous aspects of human development and essential for homeostasis of all organ systems. Much attention has recently been focused on the role of NHRs in energy balance, metabolism, and lipid homeostasis. Dysregulation of NHR function has been implicated in numerous pathologies including cancers, metabolic obesity and syndrome, Type II diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, male and female infertility and other reproductive disorders. This review will discuss the dysregulation of NHR function by environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and the associated pathological consequences of exposure in numerous tissues and organ systems, as revealed by experimental, clinical, and epidemiological studies.
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40
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Tolson KP, Marooki N, Wolfe A, Smith JT, Kauffman AS. Cre/lox generation of a novel whole-body Kiss1r KO mouse line recapitulates a hypogonadal, obese, and metabolically-impaired phenotype. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 498:110559. [PMID: 31442544 PMCID: PMC6814569 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin and its receptor, Kiss1r, act centrally to stimulate reproduction. Recent evidence indicates that kisspeptin is also important for body weight and metabolism, as whole-body Kiss1r KO mice, developed with gene trap technology, display obesity and reduced metabolism. Kiss1r is expressed in brain and multiple peripheral tissues, but it is unknown which is responsible for the metabolic phenotype. Here, we sought to confirm that 1) the metabolic phenotype of the gene trap Kiss1r KOs is due to disruption of kisspeptin signaling and not off-target effects of viral mutagenesis, and 2) the Kiss1r flox line is suitable for creating conditional KOs to study the metabolic phenotype. We used Cre/lox technology (Zp3-Cre/Kiss1r flox) to develop a new global Kiss1r KO ("Kiss1r gKO") to compare with the original gene trap KO phenotype. We confirmed that deleting exon 2 of Kiss1r from the entire body induces hypogonadism in both sexes. Moreover, global deletion of Kiss1r induced obesity in females, but not males, along with increased adiposity and impaired glucose tolerance, similar to the gene trap Kiss1r KOs. Likewise, Kiss1r gKO females had decreased VO2 and VCO2, likely underlying their obesity. These findings support that our previous results in gene trap Kiss1r KOs are due to disrupted kisspeptin signaling, and further highlight a role for Kiss1r signaling in energy expenditure and metabolism besides controlling reproduction. Moreover, given Kiss1r expression in multiple cell-types, our findings indicate that the Kiss1r flox line is viable for future investigations to isolate specific target cells of kisspeptin's metabolic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen P Tolson
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nuha Marooki
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics and Physiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeremy T Smith
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Alexander S Kauffman
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Tolson KP, Marooki N, De Bond JAP, Walenta E, Stephens SBZ, Liaw RB, Savur R, Wolfe A, Oh DY, Smith JT, Kauffman AS. Conditional knockout of kisspeptin signaling in brown adipose tissue increases metabolic rate and body temperature and lowers body weight. FASEB J 2019; 34:107-121. [PMID: 31914628 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901600r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The peptide kisspeptin and its receptor, Kiss1r, act centrally to stimulate reproduction. Evidence indicates that kisspeptin signaling is also important for body weight (BW) and metabolism. We recently reported that Kiss1r KO mice develop obesity, along with reduced metabolism and energy expenditure, independent of estradiol levels. Outside the brain, Kiss1r is expressed in several metabolic tissues, including brown adipose tissue (BAT), but it is unknown which specific tissue is responsible for the metabolic phenotype in Kiss1r KOs. We first determined that global Kiss1r KO mice have significant alterations in body temperature and BAT thermogenic gene expression, perhaps contributing to their obesity. Next, to test whether kisspeptin signaling specifically in BAT influences BW, metabolism, or body temperature, we used Cre/lox technology to generate conditional Kiss1r knockout exclusively in BAT (BAT-Kiss1r KO). Unlike global Kiss1r KOs, BAT-Kiss1r KOs (lacking Kiss1r in just BAT) were not hypogonadal, as expected. Surprisingly, however, BAT-Kiss1r KOs of both sexes displayed significantly lower BW and adiposity than controls. This novel BAT-Kiss1r KO phenotype was of greater magnitude in females and was associated with improved glucose tolerance, increased metabolism, energy expenditure, and locomotor activity, along with increased body temperature and BAT gene expression, specifically Cox8b. Our findings suggest that the previously observed obesity and decreased metabolism in global Kiss1r KOs reflect impaired kisspeptin signaling in non-BAT tissues. However, the novel finding of increased metabolism and body temperature and lower BW in BAT-Kiss1r KOs reveal a previously unidentified role for endogenous kisspeptin signaling in BAT in modulating metabolic and thermogenic physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen P Tolson
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Nuha Marooki
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Julie-Ann P De Bond
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Evelyn Walenta
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Shannon B Z Stephens
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Reanna B Liaw
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Rishi Savur
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics and Physiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Da Young Oh
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jeremy T Smith
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Alexander S Kauffman
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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42
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The Homeodomain Transcription Factors Vax1 and Six6 Are Required for SCN Development and Function. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 57:1217-1232. [PMID: 31705443 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01781-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The brain's primary circadian pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), is required to translate day-length and circadian rhythms into neuronal, hormonal, and behavioral rhythms. Here, we identify the homeodomain transcription factor ventral anterior homeobox 1 (Vax1) as required for SCN development, vasoactive intestinal peptide expression, and SCN output. Previous work has shown that VAX1 is required for gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH/LHRH) neuron development, a neuronal population controlling reproductive status. Surprisingly, the ectopic expression of a Gnrh-Cre allele (Gnrhcre) in the SCN confirmed the requirement of both VAX1 (Vax1flox/flox:Gnrhcre, Vax1Gnrh-cre) and sine oculis homeobox protein 6 (Six6flox/flox:Gnrhcre, Six6Gnrh-cre) in SCN function in adulthood. To dissociate the role of Vax1 and Six6 in GnRH neuron and SCN function, we used another Gnrh-cre allele that targets GnRH neurons, but not the SCN (Lhrhcre). Both Six6Lhrh-cre and Vax1Lhrh-cre were infertile, and in contrast to Vax1Gnrh-cre and Six6Gnrh-cre mice, Six6Lhrh-cre and Vax1Lhrh-cre had normal circadian behavior. Unexpectedly, ~ 1/4 of the Six6Gnrh-cre mice were unable to entrain to light, showing that ectopic expression of Gnrhcre impaired function of the retino-hypothalamic tract that relays light information to the brain. This study identifies VAX1, and confirms SIX6, as transcription factors required for SCN development and function and demonstrates the importance of understanding how ectopic CRE expression can impact the results.
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Coutinho EA, Kauffman AS. The Role of the Brain in the Pathogenesis and Physiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Med Sci (Basel) 2019; 7:E84. [PMID: 31382541 PMCID: PMC6722593 DOI: 10.3390/medsci7080084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrine disorder, affecting at least 10% of women of reproductive age. PCOS is typically characterized by the presence of at least two of the three cardinal features of hyperandrogenemia (high circulating androgen levels), oligo- or anovulation, and cystic ovaries. Hyperandrogenemia increases the severity of the condition and is driven by increased luteinizing hormone (LH) pulse secretion from the pituitary. Indeed, PCOS women display both elevated mean LH levels, as well as an elevated frequency of LH pulsatile secretion. The abnormally high LH pulse frequency, reflective of a hyperactive gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neural circuit, suggests a neuroendocrine basis to either the etiology or phenotype of PCOS. Several studies in preclinical animal models of PCOS have demonstrated alterations in GnRH neurons and their upstream afferent neuronal circuits. Some rodent PCOS models have demonstrated an increase in GnRH neuron activity that correlates with an increase in stimulatory GABAergic innervation and postsynaptic currents onto GnRH neurons. Additional studies have identified robust increases in hypothalamic levels of kisspeptin, another potent stimulator of GnRH neurons. This review outlines the different brain and neuroendocrine changes in the reproductive axis observed in PCOS animal models, discusses how they might contribute to either the etiology or adult phenotype of PCOS, and considers parallel findings in PCOS women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eulalia A Coutinho
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alexander S Kauffman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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Tonsfeldt KJ, Schoeller EL, Brusman LE, Cui LJ, Lee J, Mellon PL. The Contribution of the Circadian Gene Bmal1 to Female Fertility and the Generation of the Preovulatory Luteinizing Hormone Surge. J Endocr Soc 2019; 3:716-733. [PMID: 30906911 PMCID: PMC6425515 DOI: 10.1210/js.2018-00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In rodents, the preovulatory LH surge is temporally gated, but the timing cue is unknown. Estrogen primes neurons in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) to secrete kisspeptin, which potently activates GnRH neurons to release GnRH, eliciting a surge of LH to induce ovulation. Deletion of the circadian clock gene Bmal1 results in infertility. Previous studies have found that Bmal1 knockout (KO) females do not display an LH surge at any time of day. We sought to determine whether neuroendocrine disruption contributes to the absence of the LH surge. Because Kiss1 expression in the AVPV is critical for regulating ovulation, we hypothesized that this population is disrupted in Bmal1 KO females. However, we found an appropriate rise in AVPV Kiss1 and Fos mRNA at the time of lights out in ovariectomized estrogen-treated animals, despite the absence of a measureable increase in LH. Furthermore, Bmal1 KO females have significantly increased LH response to kiss-10 administration, although the LH response to GnRH was unchanged. We then created Kiss1- and GnRH-specific Bmal1 KO mice to examine whether Bmal1 expression is necessary within either kisspeptin or GnRH neurons. We detected no significant differences in any measured reproductive parameter. Our results indicate that disruption of the hypothalamic regulation of fertility in the Bmal1 KO females is not dependent on endogenous clocks within either the GnRH or kisspeptin neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Tonsfeldt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Erica L Schoeller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Liza E Brusman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Laura J Cui
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Jinkwon Lee
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Pamela L Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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Li Z, Guo R, Gu Z, Wang X, Wang Y, Xu H, Wang C, Liu X. Identification of a promoter element mediating kisspeptin-induced increases in GnRH gene expression in sheep. Gene 2019; 699:1-7. [PMID: 30853631 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) plays an important role in regulating the activities of other components downstream of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and maintaining the normal reproductive cycle of animals. However, the molecular mechanisms by which GnRH synthesis and secretion are regulated in sheep remains unclear. In this study, a series of eight recombinant vectors with deletion fragments were constructed and cotransfected with pGL3-Basic and pRL-SV40 into sheep hypothalamic neuronal cells. After treatment with 1 nM kisspeptin, the core promoter of the sheep GnRH gene was identified to be in the region of -1912 bp to -1461 bp by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Bioinformatics analysis showed that there was a binding site for the transcription factor Otx-2 in the core promoter region (-1786 to -1770 bp) that was highly conserved among different species. The expression patterns of Kiss-1, Otx-2 and GnRH in the sheep hypothalamus were the same, and the expression of Kiss-1, Otx-2 and GnRH was significantly higher in the breeding season than in nonbreeding season (P < 0.01). In addition, when hypothalamic neurons were cultured in vitro with kisspeptin, kisspeptin induced the expression of GnRH and Otx-2. In conclusion, these results provide evidence that the core promoter region (-1786 to -1770 bp) of the GnRH gene is involved in the regulation of hypothalamic activity by kisspeptin and that binding of the transcription factor Otx-2 mediates this activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuanjian Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Ruoting Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, Xinjiang, China; Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Changji 831100, Xinjiang, China
| | - Zhenzhen Gu
- Key Laboratory of Genetics, Breeding & Reproduction of Grass-Feeding Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi 830026, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xiangnan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Yongcai Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Huifen Xu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Chunxiu Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, Xinjiang, China.
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Pantier LK, Li J, Christian CA. Estrous Cycle Monitoring in Mice with Rapid Data Visualization and Analysis. Bio Protoc 2019; 9:e3354. [PMID: 32695847 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The estrous cycle provides a readout of reproductive health in female laboratory rodents, and estrous cycle stage can be an important physiological variable. Accurate assessment of estrous cycle stage is also important in producing timed pregnancies for developmental studies. Here, we provide a protocol for evaluation of estrous cycle stage through a minimally invasive procedure of acquiring cells lining the vaginal cavity and immediate microscopic visual assessment of these cells without drying or staining. When performed over several consecutive days, the pattern of progression through the four main stages of the estrous cycle, and disruptions to this pattern, can be determined. We also present software that enables more efficient cycle stage data analysis and pattern visualization. These protocols and tools will thus facilitate the incorporation of female animals in laboratory experiments and enhance the assessment of relationships between the reproductive cycle and overall physiology and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanna K Pantier
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jiang Li
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Catherine A Christian
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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Boafo A, Greenham S, Alenezi S, Robillard R, Pajer K, Tavakoli P, De Koninck J. Could long-term administration of melatonin to prepubertal children affect timing of puberty? A clinician's perspective. Nat Sci Sleep 2019; 11:1-10. [PMID: 30774488 PMCID: PMC6362935 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s181365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Exogenous melatonin can be used to treat sleep disturbance in adults, children, and adolescents. While its short-term use is considered safe, there are some concerns that long-term use might delay children's sexual maturation, possibly by disrupting the decline in nocturnal melatonin levels that occur at the onset of puberty. This narrative review aimed to summarize some of the current knowledge about the potential effects of exogenous melatonin on puberty. We found no clinical studies that experimentally tested the effects of melatonin on pubertal timing in children, but we reviewed the small number of observational studies. We also drew on animal data to try to answer our question. The photoperiod and melatonin-mediated seasonal transitions in sexual activity and breeding in some mammals across the seasons have been used as a model of sexual development in mammals, including humans. The switch from non-sexual activity (in the non-breeding period) to sexual activity (in the breeding period) has been likened to the onset of puberty as there are similarities between the two. We conclude that to investigate an association between melatonin and pubertal timing, it will be important to conduct long-term randomized controlled trials of latency age children and also examine the cellular and systems-level interactions between melatonin and kisspeptin, a recently identified neuropeptide with a locus of action at the gonadotropin releasing hormone neurons that is important in contributing to the timing of puberty onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Addo Boafo
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada, .,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada,
| | - Stephanie Greenham
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada, .,School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Shuliweeh Alenezi
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada, .,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada,
| | - Rébecca Robillard
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Sleep Research Unit, Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kathleen Pajer
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada, .,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada,
| | - Paniz Tavakoli
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada,
| | - Joseph De Koninck
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Sleep Research Unit, Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Novaira HJ, Negron AL, Graceli JB, Capellino S, Schoeffield A, Hoffman GE, Levine JE, Wolfe A, Wondisford FE, Radovick S. Impairments in the reproductive axis of female mice lacking estrogen receptor β in GnRH neurons. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2018; 315:E1019-E1033. [PMID: 30040478 PMCID: PMC6293171 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00173.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The effect of estrogen on the differentiation and maintenance of reproductive tissues is mediated by two nuclear estrogen receptors (ERs), ERα, and ERβ. Lack of functional ERα and ERβ genes in vivo significantly affects reproductive function; however, the target tissues and signaling pathways in the hypothalamus are not clearly defined. Here, we describe the generation and reproductive characterization of a complete-ERβ KO (CERβKO) and a GnRH neuron-specific ERβKO (GERβKO) mouse models. Both ERβKO mouse models displayed a delay in vaginal opening and first estrus. Hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) mRNA expression levels in both ERβKO mice were similar to control mice; however female CERβKO and GERβKO mice had lower basal and surge serum gonadotropin levels. Although a GnRH stimulation test in both female ERβKO models showed preserved gonadotropic function in the same animals, a kisspeptin stimulation test revealed an attenuated response by GnRH neurons, suggesting a role for ERβ in normal GnRH neuron function. No alteration in estrogen-negative feedback was observed in either ERβKO mouse models after ovariectomy and estrogen replacement. Further, abnormal development of ovarian follicles with low serum estradiol levels and impairment of fertility were observed in both ERβKO mouse models. In male ERβKO mice, no differences in the timing of pubertal onset or serum luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were observed as compared with controls. Taken together, these data provide in vivo evidence for a role of ERβ in GnRH neurons in modulating puberty and reproduction, specifically through kisspeptin responsiveness in the female hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Horacio J Novaira
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School , New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Ariel L Negron
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School , New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Jones B Graceli
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Espirito Santo , Vitoria , Brazil
| | - Silvia Capellino
- IfADo-Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Department of Immunology , Dortmund , Germany
| | | | - Gloria E Hoffman
- Department of Biology, Morgan State University , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jon E Levine
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin , Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Andrew Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Fredric E Wondisford
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School , New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Sally Radovick
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School , New Brunswick, New Jersey
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49
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Wolfe A, Hussain MA. The Emerging Role(s) for Kisspeptin in Metabolism in Mammals. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:184. [PMID: 29740399 PMCID: PMC5928256 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin was initially identified as a metastasis suppressor. Shortly after the initial discovery, a key physiologic role for kisspeptin emerged in the regulation of fertility, with kisspeptin acting as a neurotransmitter via the kisspeptin receptor, its cognate receptor, to regulate hypothalamic GnRH neurons, thereby affecting pituitary-gonadal function. Recent work has demonstrated a more expansive role for kisspeptin signaling in a variety of organ systems. Kisspeptin has been revealed as a significant player in regulating glucose homeostasis, feeding behavior, body composition as well as cardiac function. The direct impact of kisspeptin on peripheral metabolic tissues has only recently been recognized. Here, we review the emerging endocrine role of kisspeptin in regulating metabolic function. Controversies and current limitations in the field as well as areas of future studies toward kisspeptin's diverse array of functions will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mehboob A. Hussain
- Department of Internal Medicine Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
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50
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Lehman MN, Coolen LM, Steiner RA, Neal-Perry G, Wang L, Moenter SM, Moore AM, Goodman RL, Hwa-Yeo S, Padilla SL, Kauffman AS, Garcia J, Kelly MJ, Clarkson J, Radovick S, Babwah AV, Leon S, Tena-Sempere M, Comninos A, Seminara S, Dhillo WS, Levine J, Terasawa E, Negron A, Herbison AE. The 3 rd World Conference on Kisspeptin, "Kisspeptin 2017: Brain and Beyond":Unresolved questions, challenges and future directions for the field. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30:e12600. [PMID: 29656508 PMCID: PMC6461527 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The 3rd World Conference on Kisspeptin, "Kisspeptin 2017: Brain and Beyond" was held March 30-31 at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida, providing an international forum for multidisciplinary scientists to meet and share cutting-edge research on kisspeptin biology and its relevance to human health and disease. The meeting built upon previous world conferences focused on the role of kisspeptin and associated peptides in the control of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion and reproduction. Based on recent discoveries, the scope of this meeting was expanded to include functions of kisspeptin and related peptides in other physiological systems including energy homeostasis, pregnancy, ovarian and uterine function, and thermoregulation. In addition, discussions addressed the translation of basic knowledge of kisspeptin biology to the treatment of disease, with the goal of seeking consensus about the best approaches to improve human health. The two-day meeting featured a non-traditional structure, with each day starting with poster sessions followed by lunch discussions and facilitated large-group sessions with short presentations to maximize the exchange of new, unpublished data. Topics were identified by a survey prior to the meeting, and focused on major unresolved questions, important controversies, and future directions in the field. Finally, career development activities provided mentoring for trainees and junior investigators, and networking opportunities for those individuals with established researchers in the field. Overall, the meeting was rated as a success by attendees and covered a wide range of lively and provocative discussion topics on the changing nature of the field of "kisspeptinology" and its future. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael N Lehman
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216-4505, USA
| | - Lique M Coolen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216-4505, USA
| | - Robert A Steiner
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Physiology & Biophysics, University of Washington, Box 357290 Seattle, WA 98195-7290, USA
| | - Genevieve Neal-Perry
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Physiology & Biophysics, University of Washington, Box 357290 Seattle, WA 98195-7290, USA
| | - Luhong Wang
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Suzanne M Moenter
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Aleisha M Moore
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216-4505, USA
| | - Robert L Goodman
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506, USA
| | - Shel Hwa-Yeo
- Reproductive Physiology Group, Department of Physiology, Development, Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stephanie L Padilla
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Alexander S Kauffman
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Obstetrics& Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - James Garcia
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Martin J Kelly
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239 and Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Jenny Clarkson
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, University of Otago School of Biomedical Science, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Sally Radovick
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers University - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Andy V Babwah
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers University - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Silvia Leon
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba; and Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 14004Córdoba, Spain
| | - Alex Comninos
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Stephanie Seminara
- Harvard Reproductive Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jon Levine
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Ei Terasawa
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Ariel Negron
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers University - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Allan E Herbison
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, University of Otago School of Biomedical Science, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
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