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Mohammadzadeh P, Roueinfar M, Amberg GC. AXL receptor tyrosine kinase modulates gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor signaling. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:284. [PMID: 37828510 PMCID: PMC10568877 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01313-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptors are essential for reproduction and are expressed in numerous urogenital, reproductive, and non-reproductive cancers. In addition to canonical G protein-coupled receptor signaling, GnRH receptors functionally interact with several receptor tyrosine kinases. AXL is a receptor tyrosine kinase expressed in numerous tissues as well as multiple tumors. Here we tested the hypothesis that AXL, along with its endogenous ligand Gas6, impacts GnRH receptor signaling. METHODS We used clonal murine pituitary αT3-1 and LβT2 gonadotrope cell lines to examine the effect of AXL activation on GnRH receptor-dependent signaling outcomes. ELISA and immunofluorescence were used to observe AXL and GnRH receptor expression in αT3-1 and LβT2 cells, as well as in murine and human pituitary sections. We also used ELISA to measure changes in ERK phosphorylation, pro-MMP9 production, and release of LHβ. Digital droplet PCR was used to measure the abundance of Egr-1 transcripts. A transwell migration assay was used to measure αT3-1 and LβT2 migration responses to GnRH and AXL. RESULTS We observed AXL, along with the GnRH receptor, expression in αT3-1 and LβT2 gonadotrope cell lines, as well as in murine and human pituitary sections. Consistent with a potentiating role of AXL, Gas6 enhanced GnRH-dependent ERK phosphorylation in αT3-1 and LβT2 cells. Further, and consistent with enhanced post-transcriptional GnRH receptor responses, we found that Gas6 increased the abundance of Egr-1 transcripts. Suggesting functional significance, in LβT2 cells, Gas6/AXL signaling stimulated LHβ production and enhanced GnRH receptor-dependent generation of pro-MMP9 protein and promoted cell migration. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, these data describe a novel role for AXL as a modulator of GnRH receptor signaling. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pardis Mohammadzadeh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 1617 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Mina Roueinfar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 1617 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Gregory C Amberg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 1617 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
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2
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Wang T, Wang HQ, Yuan B, Zhao GK, Ma YR, Zhao PS, Xie WY, Gao F, Gao W, Ren WZ. Integrative Proteomics and Phosphoproteomics Analysis of the Rat Adenohypophysis after GnRH Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043339. [PMID: 36834752 PMCID: PMC9961725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The regulation of mammalian reproductive activity is tightly dependent on the HPG axis crosstalk, in which several reproductive hormones play important roles. Among them, the physiological functions of gonadotropins are gradually being uncovered. However, the mechanisms by which GnRH regulates FSH synthesis and secretion still need to be more extensively and deeply explored. With the gradual completion of the human genome project, proteomes have become extremely important in the fields of human disease and biological process research. To explore the changes of protein and protein phosphorylation modifications in the adenohypophysis after GnRH stimulation, proteomics and phosphoproteomics analyses of rat adenohypophysis after GnRH treatment were performed by using TMT markers, HPLC classification, LC/MS, and bioinformatics analysis in this study. A total of 6762 proteins and 15,379 phosphorylation sites contained quantitative information. Twenty-eight upregulated proteins and fifty-three downregulated proteins were obtained in the rat adenohypophysis after GnRH treatment. The 323 upregulated phosphorylation sites and 677 downregulated phosphorylation sites found in the phosphoproteomics implied that a large number of phosphorylation modifications were regulated by GnRH and were involved in FSH synthesis and secretion. These data constitute a protein-protein phosphorylation map in the regulatory mechanism of "GnRH-FSH," which provides a basis for future studies on the complex molecular mechanisms of FSH synthesis and secretion. The results will be helpful for understanding the role of GnRH in the development and reproduction regulated by the pituitary proteome in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Wei Gao
- Correspondence: (W.G.); (W.-Z.R.)
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3
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Wang HQ, Zhang JB, Zheng Y, Zhang WD, Guo HX, Cong S, Ding Y, Yuan B. Comprehensive analysis of differences in N6-methyladenosine RNA methylomes in the rat adenohypophysis after GnRH treatment. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22204. [PMID: 35147984 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101608r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine is considered to be the most common and abundant internal chemical modification among the more than 150 identified chemical RNA modifications. It is involved in most biological processes and actively participates in the regulation of animal reproduction. However, the potential function of m6 A in the pituitaries of mammals is not yet clear. It is also unknown whether m6 A is involved in the secretion and regulation of FSH by GnRH, which in turn affects mammalian reproduction. In this study, rats were treated with gonadorelin to simulate physiological GnRH-mediated regulation of FSH synthesis and secretion, and m6 A-seq was used to analyze the differential m6 A modification of the rat pituitary after gonadorelin treatment. A whole-transcriptome map of m6 A in the rat pituitary gland before and after gonadorelin treatment was successfully created. A total of 6413 differential peaks were identified, of which 3764 m6 A peaks were upregulated and 2649 m6 A peaks were downregulated. Among the 709 differentially expressed genes, 250 genes were discovered with differential methylation modifications. Intriguingly, the altered m6 A peaks within mRNAs were enriched in steroid biosynthetic processes and responses to cAMP. The results of the study will lay a foundation for further exploration of the potential role of m6 A modification in the regulation of reproductive hormone secretion and provide a theoretical basis for the application of GnRH analogs in mammalian artificial reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Qi Wang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Bao Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Di Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Xiang Guo
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Shuai Cong
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Yu Ding
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Bao Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
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4
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Stamatiades GA, Toufaily C, Kim HK, Zhou X, Thompson IR, Carroll RS, Chen M, Weinstein LS, Offermanns S, Boehm U, Bernard DJ, Kaiser UB. Deletion of Gαq/11 or Gαs Proteins in Gonadotropes Differentially Affects Gonadotropin Production and Secretion in Mice. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6453384. [PMID: 34864945 PMCID: PMC8711759 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab247] [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: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) regulates gonadal function via its stimulatory effects on gonadotropin production by pituitary gonadotrope cells. GnRH is released from the hypothalamus in pulses and GnRH pulse frequency differentially regulates follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) synthesis and secretion. The GnRH receptor (GnRHR) is a G protein-coupled receptor that canonically activates Gα q/11-dependent signaling on ligand binding. However, the receptor can also couple to Gα s and in vitro data suggest that toggling between different G proteins may contribute to GnRH pulse frequency decoding. For example, as we show here, knockdown of Gα s impairs GnRH-stimulated FSH synthesis at low- but not high-pulse frequency in a model gonadotrope-derived cell line. We next used a Cre-lox conditional knockout approach to interrogate the relative roles of Gα q/11 and Gα s proteins in gonadotrope function in mice. Gonadotrope-specific Gα q/11 knockouts exhibit hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and infertility, akin to the phenotypes seen in GnRH- or GnRHR-deficient mice. In contrast, under standard conditions, gonadotrope-specific Gα s knockouts produce gonadotropins at normal levels and are fertile. However, the LH surge amplitude is blunted in Gα s knockout females and postgonadectomy increases in FSH and LH are reduced both in males and females. These data suggest that GnRH may signal principally via Gα q/11 to stimulate gonadotropin production, but that Gα s plays important roles in gonadotrope function in vivo when GnRH secretion is enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Stamatiades
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- University of Crete, School of Medicine, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Chirine Toufaily
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, H3G 1Y6 Québec, Canada
| | - Han Kyeol Kim
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, H3G 1Y6 Québec, Canada
| | - Iain R Thompson
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Rona S Carroll
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Min Chen
- Metabolic Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - Lee S Weinstein
- Metabolic Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - Stefan Offermanns
- Department of Pharmacology, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Ulrich Boehm
- Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University School of Medicine, 66424 Homburg, Germany
| | - Daniel J Bernard
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, H3G 1Y6 Québec, Canada
| | - Ursula B Kaiser
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Correspondence: Ursula B. Kaiser, MD, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 221 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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5
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Panknin O, Wagenfeld A, Bone W, Bender E, Nowak-Reppel K, Fernández-Montalván AE, Nubbemeyer R, Bäurle S, Ring S, Schmees N, Prien O, Schäfer M, Friedrich C, Zollner TM, Steinmeyer A, Mueller T, Langer G. Discovery and Characterization of BAY 1214784, an Orally Available Spiroindoline Derivative Acting as a Potent and Selective Antagonist of the Human Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor as Proven in a First-In-Human Study in Postmenopausal Women. J Med Chem 2020; 63:11854-11881. [PMID: 32960053 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The growth of uterine fibroids is sex hormone-dependent and commonly associated with highly incapacitating symptoms. Most treatment options consist of the control of these hormonal effects, ultimately blocking proliferative estrogen signaling (i.e., oral contraceptives/antagonization of human gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor [hGnRH-R] activity). Full hGnRH-R blockade, however, results in menopausal symptoms and affects bone mineralization, thus limiting treatment duration or demanding estrogen add-back approaches. To overcome such issues, we aimed to identify novel, small-molecule hGnRH-R antagonists. This led to the discovery of compound BAY 1214784, an orally available, potent, and selective hGnRH-R antagonist. Altering the geminal dimethylindoline core of the initial hit compound to a spiroindoline system significantly improved GnRH-R antagonist potencies across several species, mandatory for a successful compound optimization in vivo. In a first-in-human study in postmenopausal women, once daily treatment with BAY 1214784 effectively lowered plasma luteinizing hormone levels by up to 49%, at the same time being associated with low pharmacokinetic variability and good tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaf Panknin
- Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Müllerstrasse 170, 13342 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Wagenfeld
- Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Müllerstrasse 170, 13342 Berlin, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Bone
- Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Müllerstrasse 170, 13342 Berlin, Germany
| | - Eckhard Bender
- Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Katrin Nowak-Reppel
- Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Müllerstrasse 170, 13342 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Reinhard Nubbemeyer
- Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Müllerstrasse 170, 13342 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Bäurle
- Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Müllerstrasse 170, 13342 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Ring
- Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Müllerstrasse 170, 13342 Berlin, Germany
| | - Norbert Schmees
- Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Müllerstrasse 170, 13342 Berlin, Germany
| | - Olaf Prien
- Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Müllerstrasse 170, 13342 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Schäfer
- Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Müllerstrasse 170, 13342 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Friedrich
- Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Müllerstrasse 170, 13342 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas M Zollner
- Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Müllerstrasse 170, 13342 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Steinmeyer
- Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Müllerstrasse 170, 13342 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Mueller
- Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Gernot Langer
- Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Müllerstrasse 170, 13342 Berlin, Germany
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6
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Terashima R, Saigo T, Laoharatchatathanin T, Kurusu S, Brachvogel B, Pöschl E, Kawaminami M. Augmentation of Nr4a3 and Suppression of Fshb Expression in the Pituitary Gland of Female Annexin A5 Null Mouse. J Endocr Soc 2020; 4:bvaa096. [PMID: 32864544 PMCID: PMC7448937 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
GnRH enhances the expression of annexin A5 (ANXA5) in pituitary gonadotropes, and ANXA5 enhances gonadotropin secretion. However, the impact of ANXA5 regulation on the expression of pituitary hormone genes remains unclear. Here, using quantitative PCR, we demonstrated that ANXA5 deficiency in female mice reduced the expression of Fshb and Gh in their pituitary glands. Transcriptome analysis confirmed a specific increase in Nr4a3 mRNA expression in addition to lower levels of Fshb expression in ANXA5-deficient female pituitary glands. This gene was then found to be a GnRH-inducible immediate early gene, and its increased expression caused protein to accumulate in the nucleus after administration of a GnRH agonist in LβT2 cells, which are an in vitro pituitary gonadotrope model. The increase in ANXA5 protein levels in LβT2 cells clearly suppressed Nr4a3 expression. siRNA-mediated inhibition of Nr4a3 expression increased Fshb expression. The results revealed that GnRH stimulates Nr4a3 and Anxa5 sequentially. NR4A3 suppression of Fshb may be necessary for later massive secretion of FSH by GnRH in gonadotropes, and Nr4a3 would be negatively regulated by ANXA5 to increase FSH secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Terashima
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Tomotaka Saigo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Titaree Laoharatchatathanin
- Clinic for Small Domestic Animals and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mahanakorn University of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Shiro Kurusu
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Bent Brachvogel
- Experimental Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Center for Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ernst Pöschl
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Mitsumori Kawaminami
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan.,Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari, Ehime, Japan
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7
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GnRH Antagonists Produce Differential Modulation of the Signaling Pathways Mediated by GnRH Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225548. [PMID: 31703269 PMCID: PMC6888270 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Commercial gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists differ by 1-2 amino acids and are used to inhibit gonadotropin production during assisted reproduction technologies (ART). In this study, potencies of three GnRH antagonists, Cetrorelix, Ganirelix and Teverelix, in inhibiting GnRH-mediated intracellular signaling, were compared in vitro. GnRH receptor (GnRHR)-transfected HEK293 and neuroblastoma-derived SH-SY5Y cell lines, as well as mouse pituitary LβT2 cells endogenously expressing the murine GnRHR, were treated with GnRH in the presence or absence of the antagonist. We evaluated intracellular calcium (Ca2+) and cAMP increases, cAMP-responsive element binding-protein (CREB) and extracellular-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, β-catenin activation and mouse luteinizing-hormone β-encoding gene (Lhb) transcription by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), Western blotting, immunostaining and real-time PCR as appropriate. The kinetics of GnRH-induced Ca2+ rapid increase revealed dose-response accumulation with potency (EC50) of 23 nM in transfected HEK293 cells, transfected SH-SY5Y and LβT2 cells. Cetrorelix inhibited the 3 × EC50 GnRH-activated calcium signaling at concentrations of 1 nM-1 µM, demonstrating higher potency than Ganirelix and Teverelix, whose inhibitory doses fell within the 100 nM-1 µM range in both transfected HEK293 and SH-SY5Y cells in vitro. In transfected SH-SY5Y, Cetrorelix was also significantly more potent than other antagonists in reducing GnRH-mediated cAMP accumulation. All antagonists inhibited pERK1/2 and pCREB activation at similar doses, in LβT2 and transfected HEK293 cells treated with 100 nM GnRH. Although immunostainings suggested that Teverelix could be less effective than Cetrorelix and Ganirelix in inhibiting 1 µM GnRH-induced β-catenin activation, Lhb gene expression increase occurring upon LβT2 cell treatment by 1 µM GnRH was similarly inhibited by all antagonists. To conclude, this study has demonstrated Cetrorelix-, Ganirelix- and Teverelix-specific biased effects at the intracellular level, not affecting the efficacy of antagonists in inhibiting Lhb gene transcription.
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8
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Mirczuk SM, Lessey AJ, Catterick AR, Perrett RM, Scudder CJ, Read JE, Lipscomb VJ, Niessen SJ, Childs AJ, McArdle CA, McGonnell IM, Fowkes RC. Regulation and Function of C-Type Natriuretic Peptide (CNP) in Gonadotrope-Derived Cell Lines. Cells 2019; 8:cells8091086. [PMID: 31540096 PMCID: PMC6769446 DOI: 10.3390/cells8091086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is the most conserved member of the mammalian natriuretic peptide family, and is implicated in the endocrine regulation of growth, metabolism and reproduction. CNP is expressed throughout the body, but is particularly abundant in the central nervous system and anterior pituitary gland. Pituitary gonadotropes are regulated by pulsatile release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus, to control reproductive function. GnRH and CNP reciprocally regulate their respective signalling pathways in αT3-1 gonadotrope cells, but effects of pulsatile GnRH stimulation on CNP expression has not been explored. Here, we examine the sensitivity of the natriuretic peptide system in LβT2 and αT3-1 gonadotrope cell lines to continuous and pulsatile GnRH stimulation, and investigate putative CNP target genes in gonadotropes. Multiplex RT-qPCR assays confirmed that primary mouse pituitary tissue express Nppc,Npr2 (encoding CNP and guanylyl cyclase B (GC-B), respectively) and Furin (a CNP processing enzyme), but failed to express transcripts for Nppa or Nppb (encoding ANP and BNP, respectively). Pulsatile, but not continuous, GnRH stimulation of LβT2 cells caused significant increases in Nppc and Npr2 expression within 4 h, but failed to alter natriuretic peptide gene expression in αT3-1 cells. CNP enhanced expression of cJun, Egr1, Nr5a1 and Nr0b1, within 8 h in LβT2 cells, but inhibited Nr5a1 expression in αT3-1 cells. Collectively, these data show the gonadotrope natriuretic peptide system is sensitive to pulsatile GnRH signalling, and gonadotrope transcription factors are putative CNP-target genes. Such findings represent additional mechanisms by which CNP may regulate reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Mirczuk
- Endocrine Signalling Group, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Royal College Street, NW1 0TU London, UK.
| | - Andrew J Lessey
- Endocrine Signalling Group, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Royal College Street, NW1 0TU London, UK.
| | - Alice R Catterick
- Endocrine Signalling Group, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Royal College Street, NW1 0TU London, UK.
| | - Rebecca M Perrett
- Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Sciences at South Bristol, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS13NY, UK.
| | - Christopher J Scudder
- Endocrine Signalling Group, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Royal College Street, NW1 0TU London, UK.
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Royal College Street, NW1 0TU London, UK.
| | - Jordan E Read
- Endocrine Signalling Group, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Royal College Street, NW1 0TU London, UK.
| | - Victoria J Lipscomb
- Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, AL9 7TA Hertfordshire, UK.
| | - Stijn J Niessen
- Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, AL9 7TA Hertfordshire, UK.
| | - Andrew J Childs
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Royal College Street, NW1 0TU London, UK.
| | - Craig A McArdle
- Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Sciences at South Bristol, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS13NY, UK.
| | - Imelda M McGonnell
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Royal College Street, NW1 0TU London, UK.
| | - Robert C Fowkes
- Endocrine Signalling Group, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Royal College Street, NW1 0TU London, UK.
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Royal College Street, NW1 0TU London, UK.
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9
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Abstract
The hypothalamic decapeptide, GnRH, is the gatekeeper of mammalian reproductive development and function. Activation of specific, high-affinity cell surface receptors (GnRH receptors) on gonadotropes by GnRH triggers signal transduction cascades to stimulate the coordinated synthesis and secretion of the pituitary gonadotropins FSH and LH. These hormones direct gonadal steroidogenesis and gametogenesis, making their tightly regulated production and secretion essential for normal sexual maturation and reproductive health. FSH and LH are glycoprotein heterodimers comprised of a common α-subunit and a unique β-subunit (FSHβ and LHβ, respectively), which determines the biological specificity of the gonadotropins. The unique β-subunit is the rate-limiting step for the production of the mature gonadotropins. Therefore, FSH synthesis is regulated at the transcriptional level by Fshb gene expression. The overarching goal of this review is to expand our understanding of the mechanisms and pathways underlying the carefully orchestrated control of FSH synthesis and secretion by GnRH, focusing on the transcriptional regulation of the Fshb gene. Identification of these regulatory mechanisms is not only fundamental to our understanding of normal reproductive function but will also provide a context for the elucidation of the pathophysiology of reproductive disorders and infertility to lead to potential new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Stamatiades
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Yale New Haven Health, Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, Connecticut
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Rona S Carroll
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ursula B Kaiser
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Correspondence: Ursula B. Kaiser, MD, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 221 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115. E-mail:
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10
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Das N, Kumar TR. Molecular regulation of follicle-stimulating hormone synthesis, secretion and action. J Mol Endocrinol 2018; 60:R131-R155. [PMID: 29437880 PMCID: PMC5851872 DOI: 10.1530/jme-17-0308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plays fundamental roles in male and female fertility. FSH is a heterodimeric glycoprotein expressed by gonadotrophs in the anterior pituitary. The hormone-specific FSHβ-subunit is non-covalently associated with the common α-subunit that is also present in the luteinizing hormone (LH), another gonadotrophic hormone secreted by gonadotrophs and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secreted by thyrotrophs. Several decades of research led to the purification, structural characterization and physiological regulation of FSH in a variety of species including humans. With the advent of molecular tools, availability of immortalized gonadotroph cell lines and genetically modified mouse models, our knowledge on molecular mechanisms of FSH regulation has tremendously expanded. Several key players that regulate FSH synthesis, sorting, secretion and action in gonads and extragonadal tissues have been identified in a physiological setting. Novel post-transcriptional and post-translational regulatory mechanisms have also been identified that provide additional layers of regulation mediating FSH homeostasis. Recombinant human FSH analogs hold promise for a variety of clinical applications, whereas blocking antibodies against FSH may prove efficacious for preventing age-dependent bone loss and adiposity. It is anticipated that several exciting new discoveries uncovering all aspects of FSH biology will soon be forthcoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandana Das
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, U.S.A
| | - T. Rajendra Kumar
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, U.S.A
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, U.S.A
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, U.S.A
- Author for Correspondence: T. Rajendra Kumar, PhD, Edgar L. and Patricia M. Makowski Professor, Associate Vice-Chair of Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop 8613, Research Complex 2, Room # 15-3000B, 12700 E. 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA, Tel: 303-724-8689,
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11
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Chang JP, Pemberton JG. Comparative aspects of GnRH-Stimulated signal transduction in the vertebrate pituitary - Contributions from teleost model systems. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 463:142-167. [PMID: 28587765 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a major regulator of reproduction through actions on pituitary gonadotropin release and synthesis. Although it is often thought that pituitary cells are exposed to only one GnRH, multiple GnRH forms are delivered to the pituitary of teleost fishes; interestingly this can include the cGnRH-II form usually thought to be non-hypophysiotropic. GnRHs can regulate other pituitary cell-types, both directly as well as indirectly, and multiple GnRH receptors (GnRHRs) may also be expressed in the pituitary, and even within a single pituitary cell-type. Literature on the differential actions of native GnRH isoforms in primary pituitary cells is largely derived from teleost fishes. This review will outline the diversity and complexity of GnRH-GnRHR signal transduction found within vertebrate gonadotropes as well as extra-gonadotropic sites with special emphasis on comparative studies from fish models. The implications that GnRHR transduction mechanisms are GnRH isoform-, function-, and cell-specific are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Chang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Joshua G Pemberton
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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12
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Stamatiades GA, Kaiser UB. Gonadotropin regulation by pulsatile GnRH: Signaling and gene expression. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 463:131-141. [PMID: 29102564 PMCID: PMC5812824 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The precise orchestration of hormonal regulation at all levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is essential for normal reproductive function and fertility. The pulsatile secretion of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates the synthesis and release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) by pituitary gonadotropes. GnRH acts by binding to its high affinity seven-transmembrane receptor (GnRHR) on the cell surface of anterior pituitary gonadotropes. Different signaling cascades and transcriptional mechanisms are activated, depending on the variation in GnRH pulse frequency, to stimulate the synthesis and release of FSH and LH. While changes in GnRH pulse frequency may explain some of the differential regulation of FSH and LH, other factors, such as activin, inhibin and sex steroids, also contribute to gonadotropin production. In this review, we focus on the transcriptional regulation of the gonadotropin subunit genes and the signaling pathways activated by pulsatile GnRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Stamatiades
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Ursula B Kaiser
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
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13
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Mugami S, Dobkin-Bekman M, Rahamim-Ben Navi L, Naor Z. Differential roles of PKC isoforms (PKCs) in GnRH stimulation of MAPK phosphorylation in gonadotrope derived cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 463:97-105. [PMID: 28392410 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The role of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms (PKCs) in GnRH-stimulated MAPK [ERK1/2, JNK1/2 and p38) phosphorylation was examined in gonadotrope derived cells. GnRH induced a protracted activation of ERK1/2 and a slower and more transient activation of JNK1/2 and p38MAPK. Gonadotropes express conventional PKCα and PKCβII, novel PKCδ, PKCε and PKCθ, and atypical PKC-ι/λ. The use of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-PKCs constructs revealed that GnRH induced rapid translocation of PKCα and PKCβII to the plasma membrane, followed by their redistribution to the cytosol. PKCδ and PKCε localized to the cytoplasm and Golgi, followed by the rapid redistribution by GnRH of PKCδ to the perinuclear zone and of PKCε to the plasma membrane. The use of dominant negatives for PKCs and peptide inhibitors for the receptors for activated C kinase (RACKs) has revealed differential role for PKCα, PKCβII, PKCδ and PKCε in ERK1/2, JNK1/2 and p38MAPK phosphorylation in a ligand-and cell context-dependent manner. The paradoxical findings that PKCs activated by GnRH and PMA play a differential role in MAPKs phosphorylation may be explained by persistent vs. transient redistribution of selected PKCs or redistribution of a given PKC to the perinuclear zone vs. the plasma membrane. Thus, we have identified the PKCs involved in GnRH stimulated MAPKs phosphorylation in gonadotrope derived cells. Once activated, the MAPKs will mediate the transcription of the gonadotropin subunits and GnRH receptor genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shany Mugami
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Masha Dobkin-Bekman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Liat Rahamim-Ben Navi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Zvi Naor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel.
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14
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Li S, Mbong EF, John DT, Terasaka T, Li D, Lawson MA. Induction of Stress Signaling In Vitro and Suppression of Gonadotropin Secretion by Free Fatty Acids in Female Mouse Gonadotropes. Endocrinology 2018; 159:1074-1087. [PMID: 29315384 PMCID: PMC5793794 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
An emerging body of evidence supports the concept that the pituitary is a site for integration of multiple physiological and metabolic signals that inform and modulate endocrine pathways. Multiple endocrine mediators of energy balance and adiposity are known to impinge on the neuroendocrine axis regulating reproduction. Observations in humans show that obesity is correlated with decreased gonadotropin secretion, and studies have also suggested that pituitary sensitivity to stimulation by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is decreased in obese individuals. Free fatty acids are a potential mediator of adiposity and energy balance, but their impact as an endocrine modulator of pituitary function has not been closely examined. We evaluated the impact of free fatty acids on a pituitary gonadotrope cell line and in primary pituitary cultures of female mice. We show that increasing physiologically relevant doses of the monounsaturated ω-9 fatty acid oleate induces cellular stress and increases production of reactive oxygen species in a mouse gonadotrope cell line. In contrast, the unsaturated ω-3 α-linolenic and ω-6 linoleic fatty acids do not have this effect. Additionally, oleate can activate immediate-early gene expression independent of GnRH stimulation but has a negative impact on GnRH induction and expression of the gonadotropin subunit gene Lhb. Further, oleate suppresses gonadotropin secretion in response to pulsatile stimulation by GnRH. These results indicate that free fatty acids can directly alter gonadotropin gene expression and secretion in response to GnRH and may provide a link between energy sensing and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Dongguan Eighth People’s Hospital, Dongguan 523000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ekaette F. Mbong
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Denise T. John
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Tomohiro Terasaka
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Danmei Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Mark A. Lawson
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
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15
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Xiang W, Zhang B, Lv F, Feng G, Chen L, Yang F, Zhang K, Cao C, Wang P, Chu M. The potential regulatory mechanisms of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone in gonadotropin transcriptions identified with bioinformatics analyses. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2017; 15:46. [PMID: 28623929 PMCID: PMC5474292 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-017-0264-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The regulation of gonadotropin synthesis and release by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) plays an essential role in the neuroendocrine control of reproduction. However, the mechanisms underlying gonadotropin regulation by GnRH pulse frequency and amplitude are still ambiguous. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms and biological pathways associated with gonadotropin synthesis by GnRH pulse frequencies and amplitudes. METHODS Using GSE63251 datasets downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by comparing the RNA expression from the GnRH pulse group, the GnRH tonic group and the control group. Pathway enrichment analyses of DEGs was performed, followed by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction. Furthermore, sub-network modules were constructed by ClusterONE and GO function and pathways analysed by DAVID. In addition, the relationship between the metabolic pathways and the GnRH pathway was verified in vitro. RESULTS In total, 531 common DEGs were identified in GnRH groups, including 290 up-regulated and 241 down-regulated genes. DEGs predominantly enriched in 16 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, including 11 up-regulated pathways (signallingsignallingmetabolic pathways, signallingand GnRH signalling pathway) and 5 down-regulated pathways (type II diabetes mellitus). Moreover, FBJ osteosarcoma oncogene (FOS) and jun proto-oncogene (JUN) had higher connectivity degrees in the PPI network. Three modules in the PPI were identified with ClusterONE. The genes in module 1 were significantly enriched in five pathways, including signallingthe insulin resistance and GnRH signalling pathway. The genes in modules 2 and 3 were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways and steroid hormone biosynthesis, respectively. Finally, knockdown leptin receptor (LEPR) and insulin receptor (INSR) reversed the GnRH-modulated metabolic related-gene expression. CONCLUSIONS The present study revealed the involvement of GnRH in the regulation of gonadotropin biosynthesis and metabolism in the maintenance of reproduction, achieved by bioinformatics analyses. This, indicates that the GnRH signalling pathway played a central linkings role in reproductive function and metabolic balance. In addition, the present study identified the difference response between GnRH pulse and GnRH tone, indicated that abnormal GnRH pulse and amplitude may cause disease, which may provide an improved understanding of the GnRH pathway and a new insight for disease diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xiang
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030 China
| | - Baoyun Zhang
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030 China
| | - Fenglin Lv
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030 China
| | - Guangde Feng
- Sichuan TQLS Animal Husbandry Science and Technology Co.,LTD, City, Mianyang, Sichuan 621000 China
| | - Long Chen
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030 China
| | - Fang Yang
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030 China
| | - Ke Zhang
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030 China
| | - Chunyu Cao
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030 China
| | - Pingqing Wang
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030 China
| | - Mingxing Chu
- Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Genetic Resources and Germplasm Innovation of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 China
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