1
|
Blumstein DM, MacManes MD. When the tap runs dry: The multi-tissue gene expression and physiological responses of water deprived Peromyscus eremicus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.22.576658. [PMID: 38328088 PMCID: PMC10849551 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.22.576658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The harsh and dry conditions of desert environments have resulted in genomic adaptations, allowing for desert organisms to withstand prolonged drought, extreme temperatures, and limited food resources. Here, we present a comprehensive exploration of gene expression across five tissues (kidney, liver, lung, gastrointestinal tract, and hypothalamus) and 19 phenotypic measurements to explore the whole-organism physiological and genomic response to water deprivation in the desert-adapted cactus mouse (Peromyscus eremicus). The findings encompass the identification of differentially expressed genes and correlative analysis between phenotypes and gene expression patterns across multiple tissues. Specifically, we found robust activation of the vasopressin renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) pathways, whose primary function is to manage water and solute balance. Animals reduce food intake during water deprivation, and upregulation of PCK1 highlights the adaptive response to reduced oral intake via its actions aimed at maintained serum glucose levels. Even with such responses to maintain water balance, hemoconcentration still occurred, prompting a protective downregulation of genes responsible for the production of clotting factors while simultaneously enhancing angiogenesis which is thought to maintains tissue perfusion. In this study, we elucidate the complex mechanisms involved in water balance in the desert-adapted cactus mouse, P. eremicus. By prioritizing a comprehensive analysis of whole-organism physiology and multi-tissue gene expression in a simulated desert environment, we describe the complex and successful response of regulatory processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Blumstein
- University of New Hampshire, Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences Department, Durham, NH 03824
| | - Matthew D MacManes
- University of New Hampshire, Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences Department, Durham, NH 03824
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Blumstein DM, MacManes MD. When the tap runs dry: the physiological effects of acute experimental dehydration in Peromyscus eremicus. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb246386. [PMID: 37921453 PMCID: PMC10714145 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Desert organisms have evolved physiological, biochemical and genomic mechanisms to survive the extreme aridity of desert environments. Studying desert-adapted species provides a unique opportunity to investigate the survival strategies employed by organisms in some of the harshest habitats on Earth. Two of the primary challenges faced in desert environments are maintaining water balance and thermoregulation. We collected data in a simulated desert environment and a captive colony of cactus mice (Peromyscus eremicus) and used lab-based experiments with real time physiological measurements; energy expenditure, water loss rate and respiratory exchange rate, to characterize the response to water deprivation. Mice without access to water had significantly lower energy expenditures and in turn, reduced water loss compared to mice with access to water after the first 24 h of the experiment. Additionally, we observed significant mass loss that is probably due to dehydration-associated anorexia a response to limit fluid loss by reducing waste and the solute load as well as allowing water reabsorption from the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. Finally, we observed body temperature correlated with sex, with males without access to water maintaining body temperature when compared with hydrated males, whereas body temperature decreased for females without access to water, suggesting daily metabolic depression in females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M. Blumstein
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Matthew D. MacManes
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Blumstein DM, MacManes MD. When the tap runs dry: The physiological effects of acute experimental dehydration in Peromyscus eremicus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.03.547568. [PMID: 37461486 PMCID: PMC10349944 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.03.547568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Desert organisms have evolved physiological, biochemical, and genomic mechanisms to survive the extreme aridity of desert environments. Studying desert-adapted species provides a unique opportunity to investigate the survival strategies employed by organisms in some of the harshest habitats on Earth. Two of the primary challenges faced in desert environments are maintaining water balance and thermoregulation. We collected data in a simulated desert environment and a captive colony of cactus mice (Peromyscus eremicus) and used lab-based experiments with real time physiological measurements to characterize the response to water-deprivation. Mice without access to water had significantly lower energy expenditures and in turn, reduced water loss compared to mice with access to water after the first 24 hours of the experiment. Additionally, we observed significant weight loss likely related to dehydration-associated anorexia a response to limit fluid loss by reducing waste and the solute load as well as allowing water reabsorption from the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. Finally, we observed body temperature correlated with sex, with males without access to water maintaining body temperature when compared to hydrated males while body temperature decreased for females without access to water compared to hydrated, suggesting daily torpor in females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Blumstein
- University of New Hampshire, Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences Department, Durham, NH 03824
| | - Matthew D MacManes
- University of New Hampshire, Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences Department, Durham, NH 03824
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gaitonde KD, Andrabi M, Burger CA, D'Souza SP, Vemaraju S, Koritala BSC, Smith DF, Lang RA. Diurnal regulation of metabolism by Gs-alpha in hypothalamic QPLOT neurons. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284824. [PMID: 37141220 PMCID: PMC10159165 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons in the hypothalamic preoptic area (POA) regulate multiple homeostatic processes, including thermoregulation and sleep, by sensing afferent input and modulating sympathetic nervous system output. The POA has an autonomous circadian clock and may also receive circadian signals indirectly from the suprachiasmatic nucleus. We have previously defined a subset of neurons in the POA termed QPLOT neurons that are identified by the expression of molecular markers (Qrfp, Ptger3, LepR, Opn5, Tacr3) that suggest receptivity to multiple stimuli. Because Ptger3, Opn5, and Tacr3 encode G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), we hypothesized that elucidating the G-protein signaling in these neurons is essential to understanding the interplay of inputs in the regulation of metabolism. Here, we describe how the stimulatory Gs-alpha subunit (Gnas) in QPLOT neurons regulates metabolism in mice. We analyzed Opn5cre; Gnasfl/fl mice using indirect calorimetry at ambient temperatures of 22°C (a historical standard), 10°C (a cold challenge), and 28°C (thermoneutrality) to assess the ability of QPLOT neurons to regulate metabolism. We observed a marked decrease in nocturnal locomotion of Opn5cre; Gnasfl/fl mice at both 28°C and 22°C, but no overall differences in energy expenditure, respiratory exchange, or food and water consumption. To analyze daily rhythmic patterns of metabolism, we assessed circadian parameters including amplitude, phase, and MESOR. Loss-of-function GNAS in QPLOT neurons resulted in several subtle rhythmic changes in multiple metabolic parameters. We observed that Opn5cre; Gnasfl/fl mice show a higher rhythm-adjusted mean energy expenditure at 22°C and 10°C, and an exaggerated respiratory exchange shift with temperature. At 28°C, Opn5cre; Gnasfl/fl mice have a significant delay in the phase of energy expenditure and respiratory exchange. Rhythmic analysis also showed limited increases in rhythm-adjusted means of food and water intake at 22°C and 28°C. Together, these data advance our understanding of Gαs-signaling in preoptic QPLOT neurons in regulating daily patterns of metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Gaitonde
- Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute, Visual Systems Group, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Science of Light Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Molecular & Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Mutahar Andrabi
- Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute, Visual Systems Group, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Science of Light Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Courtney A Burger
- Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute, Visual Systems Group, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Science of Light Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Shane P D'Souza
- Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute, Visual Systems Group, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Science of Light Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Molecular & Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Shruti Vemaraju
- Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute, Visual Systems Group, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Science of Light Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Bala S C Koritala
- Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - David F Smith
- Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- The Center for Circadian Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Richard A Lang
- Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute, Visual Systems Group, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Science of Light Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|