1
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Laseca N, Cánovas Á, Valera M, Id-Lahoucine S, Perdomo-González DI, Fonseca PAS, Demyda-Peyrás S, Molina A. Genomic screening of allelic and genotypic transmission ratio distortion in horse. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289066. [PMID: 37556504 PMCID: PMC10411798 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The phenomenon in which the expected Mendelian inheritance is altered is known as transmission ratio distortion (TRD). The TRD analysis relies on the study of the transmission of one of the two alleles from a heterozygous parent to the offspring. These distortions are due to biological mechanisms affecting gametogenesis, embryo development and/or postnatal viability, among others. In this study, TRD phenomenon was characterized in horses using SNP-by-SNP model by TRDscan v.2.0 software. A total of 1,041 Pura Raza Español breed horses were genotyped with 554,634 SNPs. Among them, 277 horses genotyped in trios (stallion-mare-offspring) were used to perform the TRD analysis. Our results revealed 140 and 42 SNPs with allelic and genotypic patterns, respectively. Among them, 63 displayed stallion-TRD and 41 exhibited mare-TRD, while 36 SNPs showed overall TRD. In addition, 42 SNPs exhibited heterosis pattern. Functional analyses revealed that the annotated genes located within the TRD regions identified were associated with biological processes and molecular functions related to spermatogenesis, oocyte division, embryonic development, and hormonal activity. A total of 10 functional candidate genes related to fertility were found. To our knowledge, this is the most extensive study performed to evaluate the presence of alleles and functional candidate genes with transmission ratio distortion affecting reproductive performance in the domestic horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Laseca
- Department of Genetics, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ángela Cánovas
- Center of Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mercedes Valera
- Department of Agronomy, School of Agronomy Engineering, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Samir Id-Lahoucine
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, Scotland’s Rural College, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Antonio Molina
- Department of Genetics, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
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2
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Chung WCJ, Tsai PS. The initiation and maintenance of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuron identity in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1166132. [PMID: 37181038 PMCID: PMC10173152 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1166132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons that secrete gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) drive vertebrate reproduction. Genetic lesions that disrupt these neurons in humans lead to congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) and reproductive failure. Studies on CHH have largely focused on the disruption of prenatal GnRH neuronal migration and postnatal GnRH secretory activity. However, recent evidence suggests a need to also focus on how GnRH neurons initiate and maintain their identity during prenatal and postnatal periods. This review will provide a brief overview of what is known about these processes and several gaps in our knowledge, with an emphasis on how disruption of GnRH neuronal identity can lead to CHH phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson CJ Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Pei-San Tsai
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States
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3
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Vezzoli V, Hrvat F, Goggi G, Federici S, Cangiano B, Quinton R, Persani L, Bonomi M. Genetic architecture of self-limited delayed puberty and congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 13:1069741. [PMID: 36726466 PMCID: PMC9884699 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1069741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Distinguishing between self limited delayed puberty (SLDP) and congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) may be tricky as they share clinical and biochemical characteristics. and appear to lie within the same clinical spectrum. However, one is classically transient (SDLP) while the second is typically a lifetime condition (CHH). The natural history and long-term outcomes of these two conditions differ significantly and thus command distinctive approaches and management. Because the first presentation of SDLP and CHH is very similar (delayed puberty with low LH and FSH and low sex hormones), the scientific community is scrambling to identify diagnostic tests that can allow a correct differential diagnosis among these two conditions, without having to rely on the presence or absence of phenotypic red flags for CHH that clinicians anyway seem to find hard to process. Despite the heterogeneity of genetic defects so far reported in DP, genetic analysis through next-generation sequencing technology (NGS) had the potential to contribute to the differential diagnostic process between SLDP and CHH. In this review we will provide an up-to-date overview of the genetic architecture of these two conditions and debate the benefits and the bias of performing genetic analysis seeking to effectively differentiate between these two conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Vezzoli
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Lab of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Faris Hrvat
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Goggi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Federici
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Biagio Cangiano
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Lab of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Richard Quinton
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
- Translational & Clinical Research Institute, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Luca Persani
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Lab of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Bonomi
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Lab of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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4
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Yellapragada V, Eskici N, Wang Y, Madhusudan S, Vaaralahti K, Tuuri T, Raivio T. Time and dose-dependent effects of FGF8-FGFR1 signaling in GnRH neurons derived from human pluripotent stem cells. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:276003. [PMID: 35833364 PMCID: PMC9403748 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8), acting through the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), has an important role in the development of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-expressing neurons (GnRH neurons). We hypothesized that FGF8 regulates differentiation of human GnRH neurons in a time- and dose-dependent manner via FGFR1. To investigate this further, human pluripotent stem cells were differentiated during 10 days of dual-SMAD inhibition into neural progenitor cells, followed either by treatment with FGF8 at different concentrations (25 ng/ml, 50 ng/ml or 100 ng/ml) for 10 days or by treatment with 100 ng/ml FGF8 for different durations (2, 4, 6 or 10 days); cells were then matured through DAPT-induced inhibition of Notch signaling for 5 days into GnRH neurons. FGF8 induced expression of GNRH1 in a dose-dependent fashion and the duration of FGF8 exposure correlated positively with gene expression of GNRH1 (P<0.05, Rs=0.49). However, cells treated with 100 ng/ml FGF8 for 2 days induced the expression of genes, such as FOXG1, ETV5 and SPRY2, and continued FGF8 treatment induced the dynamic expression of several other genes. Moreover, during exposure to FGF8, FGFR1 localized to the cell surface and its specific inhibition with the FGFR1 inhibitor PD166866 reduced expression of GNRH1 (P<0.05). In neurons, FGFR1 also localized to the nucleus. Our results suggest that dose- and time-dependent FGF8 signaling via FGFR1 is indispensable for human GnRH neuron ontogeny. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: This article demonstrates the essential role FGF8–FGFR1 signaling has in the development of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-expressing neurons by using a human stem cell model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatram Yellapragada
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program (STEMM), Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nazli Eskici
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program (STEMM), Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yafei Wang
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program (STEMM), Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Shrinidhi Madhusudan
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program (STEMM), Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kirsi Vaaralahti
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program (STEMM), Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timo Tuuri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 00029 Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taneli Raivio
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program (STEMM), Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,New Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, 00029 Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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5
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Chen H, Cui Y, Zhang D, Xie J, Zhou X. The role of fibroblast growth factor 8 in cartilage development and disease. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:990-999. [PMID: 35001536 PMCID: PMC8831980 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF‐8), also known as androgen‐induced growth factor (AIGF), is presumed to be a potent mitogenic cytokine that plays important roles in early embryonic development, brain formation and limb development. In the bone environment, FGF‐8 produced or received by chondrocyte precursor cells binds to fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), causing different levels of activation of downstream signalling pathways, such as phospholipase C gamma (PLCγ)/Ca2+, RAS/mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐extracellular regulated protein kinases (RAS/MAPK‐MEK‐ERK), and Wnt‐β‐catenin‐Axin2 signalling, and ultimately controlling chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, cell survival and migration. However, the molecular mechanism of FGF‐8 in normal or pathological cartilage remains unclear, and thus, FGF‐8 represents a novel exploratory target for studies of chondrocyte development and cartilage disease progression. In this review, studies assessing the relationship between FGF‐8 and chondrocytes that have been published in the past 5 years are systematically summarized to determine the probable mechanism and physiological effect of FGF‐8 on chondrocytes. Based on the existing research results, a therapeutic regimen targeting FGF‐8 is proposed to explore the possibility of treating chondrocyte‐related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujia Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Demao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuedong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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6
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Fontana L, Garzia E, Marfia G, Galiano V, Miozzo M. Epigenetics of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:953431. [PMID: 36034425 PMCID: PMC9415998 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.953431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is a temporary infertility characterized by the suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, induced by the inhibition of the hypothalamic pulsatile secretion of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), in the presence of stressors, including eating disorders, excessive exercise, and psychological distress. Although the stressful factors that may lead to FHA are well-established, little is known about the inter-individual variability in response to stress and the consequent inhibition of the HPG axis. Not all women, indeed, manifest FHA in presence of stressful conditions. Recent studies highlighted a genetic contribution to FHA. Rare or polymorphic variants in genes that control the development and/or function of GnRH neurons may contribute, indeed, to the adaptability of the reproductive axis to stress factors. Also epigenetic changes have been associated with different pathways involved in the HPG axis and therefore, take part in FHA and confer a personal predisposition to anovulation consequent to a stressful event, or represent biological markers of response to stress. This review summarizes recent advances in the identification of the contribution of (epi)genetics to FHA and to long-term complications of functional amenorrhea, and reports insights into the involvement of additional genetic loci in FHA development on the bases of the clinical and molecular overlap with other gynecological and/or psychological conditions. Finally, we describe the promising application of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a new approach to investigate the molecular pathways involved in FHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Fontana
- Medical Genetics, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Medical Genetics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - E. Garzia
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Mother and Child, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
- Aerospace Medicine Institute “A. Mosso”, Italian Air Force, Milan, Italy
| | - G. Marfia
- Aerospace Medicine Institute “A. Mosso”, Italian Air Force, Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - V. Galiano
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Mother and Child, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - M. Miozzo
- Medical Genetics, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Medical Genetics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: M. Miozzo,
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7
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Faienza MF, Urbano F, Moscogiuri LA, Chiarito M, De Santis S, Giordano P. Genetic, epigenetic and enviromental influencing factors on the regulation of precocious and delayed puberty. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1019468. [PMID: 36619551 PMCID: PMC9813382 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1019468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The pubertal development onset is controlled by a network of genes that regulate the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) pulsatile release and the subsequent increase of the circulating levels of pituitary gonadotropins that activate the gonadal function. Although the transition from pre-pubertal condition to puberty occurs physiologically in a delimited age-range, the inception of pubertal development can be anticipated or delayed due to genetic and epigenetic changes or environmental conditions. Most of the genetic and epigenetic alterations concern genes which encode for kisspeptin, GnRH, LH, FSH and their receptor, which represent crucial factors of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Recent data indicate a central role of the epigenome in the regulation of genes in the hypothalamus and pituitary that could mediate the flexibility of pubertal timing. Identification of epigenetically regulated genes, such as Makorin ring finger 3 (MKRN3) and Delta-like 1 homologue (DLK1), respectively responsible for the repression and the activation of pubertal development, provides additional evidence of how epigenetic variations affect pubertal timing. This review aims to investigate genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors responsible for the regulation of precocious and delayed puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Felicia Faienza
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
- Giovanni XXIII Pediatric Hospital, Bari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Maria Felicia Faienza,
| | | | | | | | - Stefania De Santis
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Science, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Giordano
- Giovanni XXIII Pediatric Hospital, Bari, Italy
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
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Linscott ML, Chung WCJ. Epigenomic control of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone neurone development and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12860. [PMID: 32452569 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian reproductive success depends on gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones to stimulate gonadotrophin secretion from the anterior pituitary and activate gonadal steroidogenesis and gametogenesis. Genetic screening studies in patients diagnosed with Kallmann syndrome (KS), a congenital form of hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (CHH), identified several causal mutations, including those in the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) system. This signalling pathway regulates neuroendocrine progenitor cell proliferation, fate specification and cell survival. Indeed, the GnRH neurone system was absent or abrogated in transgenic mice with reduced (ie, hypomorphic) Fgf8 and/or Fgf receptor (Fgfr) 1 expression, respectively. Moreover, we found that GnRH neurones were absent in the embryonic olfactory placode of Fgf8 hypomorphic mice, the putative birthplace of GnRH neurones. These observations, together with those made in human KS/CHH patients, indicate that the FGF8/FGFR1 signalling system is a requirement for the ontogenesis of the GnRH neuronal system and function. In this review, we discuss how epigenetic factors control the expression of genes such as Fgf8 that are known to be critical for GnRH neurone ontogenesis, fate specification, and the pathogenesis of KS/CHH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Linscott
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Wilson C J Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
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