1
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Evidence for existence of insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) hormone-receptor system in the ovarian corpus luteum and extra-ovarian reproductive organs during pregnancy in goats. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 385:173-189. [PMID: 33590284 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03410-1] [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: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3), initially described as a male hormone, is expressed in female reproductive organs during the estrous cycle and pregnancy but its function has not yet been established. This study explores the function of INSL3 in pregnant Saanen goats by characterizing the expression dynamics of INSL3 and its receptor, relaxin family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2) and by demonstrating specific INSL3 binding in reproductive organs, using molecular and immunological approaches and ligand-receptor interaction assays. We demonstrate that the corpus luteum (CL) acts as both a source and target of INSL3 in pregnant goats, while extra-ovarian reproductive organs serve as additional INSL3 targets. The expression of INSL3 and RXFP2 in the CL reached maximum levels in middle pregnancy, followed by a decrease in late pregnancy; in contrast, RXFP2 expression levels in extra-ovarian reproductive organs were higher in the mammary glands but lower in the uterus, cervix and placenta and did not significantly change during pregnancy. The functional RXFP2 enabling INSL3 to bind was identified as an ~ 85 kDa protein in both the CL and mammary glands and localized in large and small luteal cells in the CL and in tubuloalveolar and ductal epithelial cells in the mammary glands. Additionally, INSL3 also bound to multiple cell types expressing RXFP2 in the uterus, cervix and placenta in a hormone-specific and saturable manner. These results provide evidence that an active intra- and extra-ovarian INSL3 hormone-receptor system operates during pregnancy in goats.
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2
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Ivell R, Alhujaili W, Kohsaka T, Anand-Ivell R. Physiology and evolution of the INSL3/RXFP2 hormone/receptor system in higher vertebrates. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 299:113583. [PMID: 32800774 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although the insulin-like peptide hormone INSL3 and its cognate receptor RXFP2 (relaxin-family peptide receptor 2) have existed throughout chordate evolution, their physiological diversification appears to be linked closely with mammalian emergence and radiation. In contrast, they have been lost in birds and reptiles. Both hormone and receptor are expressed from autosomal genes which have maintained their synteny across vertebrate evolution. Whereas the INSL3 gene comprises only two exons closely linked to the JAK3 gene, RXFP2 is normally encoded by 18 exons. Both genes, however, are subject to alternative splicing to yield a variety of possibly inactive or antagonistic molecules. In mammals, the INSL3-RXFP2 dyad has maintained a probably primitive association with gametogenesis, seen also in fish, whereby INSL3 promotes the survival, growth and differentiation of male germ cells in the testis and follicle development in the ovary. In addition, however, the INSL3/RXFP2 system has adopted a typical 'neohormone' profile, essential for the promotion of internal fertilisation and viviparity; fetal INSL3 is essential for the first phase of testicular descent into a scrotum, and also appears to be associated with male phenotype, in particular horn and skeletal growth. Circulating INSL3 is produced exclusively by the mature testicular Leydig cells in male mammals and acts as a potent biomarker for testis development during fetal and pubertal development as well as in ageing. As such it can be used also to monitor seasonally breeding animals as well as to investigate environmental or lifestyle conditions affecting development. Nevertheless, most information about INSL3 and RXFP2 comes from a very limited selection of species; it will be especially useful to gain further information from a more diverse range of animals, especially those whose evolution has led them to express unusual reproductive phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ivell
- School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, LE2 5RD, UK; School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, LE2 5RD, UK.
| | - Waleed Alhujaili
- School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, LE2 5RD, UK
| | - Tetsuya Kohsaka
- Dept. of Applied Life Science, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan
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3
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Albrethsen J, Juul A, Andersson AM. Mass Spectrometry Supports That the Structure of Circulating Human Insulin-Like Factor 3 Is a Heterodimer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:552. [PMID: 32982964 PMCID: PMC7484738 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The structure of the testicular peptide hormone insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) has been the subject of discussion for more than a decade. Some studies support that the central C-domain of INSL3 is proteolytically removed and that INSL3 is secreted by the testicular Leydig cells into circulation as a small heterodimer consisting of an A- and a B-chain linked by two disulfide bridges. Other studies support that the INSL3 peptide remains uncleaved and that the predominant structure of circulating INSL3 is the larger pro-form. Furthermore, the structure of INSL3 could differ between species, and both structural forms of INSL3 could, in principle, be present in circulation. Recently, we have developed a mass spectrometry (MS)-based method for INSL3 in human serum that provides new information about the structure of circulating INSL3. Based on recent and newly presented data, we argue that in healthy men, the common, and probably the only, form of circulating INSL3 is the smaller AB heterodimer. For the first time, we demonstrate that the same analytical principle, with slight modifications, can also be applied to sera from other species, and we show that the INSL3 AB heterodimer is also present in serum from rodents. Improved understanding of the structure and biochemistry of circulating INSL3 could be valuable for the interpretation of INSL3 as a marker for reproductive and developmental disorders in humans and domesticated animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Albrethsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Jakob Albrethsen
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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4
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Minagawa I, Murata Y, Terada K, Shibata M, Park EY, Sasada H, Kohsaka T. Evidence for the role of INSL3 on sperm production in boars by passive immunisation. Andrologia 2018; 50:e13010. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- I. Minagawa
- Department of Applied Life Science; Faculty of Agriculture; Shizuoka University; Shizuoka Japan
| | - Y. Murata
- Department of Agriculture; Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology; Shizuoka University; Shizuoka Japan
| | - K. Terada
- Shizuoka Swine and Poultry Experimental Station; Kikugawa Japan
| | - M. Shibata
- Shizuoka Swine and Poultry Experimental Station; Kikugawa Japan
| | - E. Y. Park
- Research Institute of Green Science and Technology; Shizuoka University; Shizuoka Japan
- Department of Bioscience; Graduate School of Science and Technology; Shizuoka University; Shizuoka Japan
| | - H. Sasada
- School of Veterinary Science; Kitasato University; Towada Japan
| | - T. Kohsaka
- Department of Applied Life Science; Faculty of Agriculture; Shizuoka University; Shizuoka Japan
- Department of Agriculture; Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology; Shizuoka University; Shizuoka Japan
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5
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Miyazaki T, Ishizaki M, Dohra H, Park S, Terzic A, Kato T, Kohsaka T, Park EY. Insulin-like peptide 3 expressed in the silkworm possesses intrinsic disulfide bonds and full biological activity. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17339. [PMID: 29229959 PMCID: PMC5725452 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17707-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a member of the relaxin/insulin superfamily and is expressed in testicular Leydig cells. Essential for fetal testis descent, INSL3 has been implicated in testicular and sperm function in adult males via interaction with relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2). The INSL3 is typically prepared using chemical synthesis or overexpression in Escherichia coli followed by oxidative refolding and proteolysis. Here, we expressed and purified full-length porcine INSL3 (pINSL3) using a silkworm-based Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus bacmid expression system. Biophysical measurements and proteomic analysis revealed that this recombinant pINSL3 exhibited the correct conformation, with the three critical disulfide bonds observed in native pINSL3, although partial cleavage occurred. In cAMP stimulation assays using RXFP2-expressing HEK293 cells, the recombinant pINSL3 possessed full biological activity. This is the first report concerning the production of fully active pINSL3 without post-expression treatments and provides an efficient production platform for expressing relaxin/insulin superfamily peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takatsugu Miyazaki
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan.,Laboratory of Biotechnology, Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Masaaki Ishizaki
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Hideo Dohra
- Instrumental Research Support Office, Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Sungjo Park
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases and Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Andre Terzic
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases and Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Tatsuya Kato
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan.,Laboratory of Biotechnology, Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Kohsaka
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Physiology, Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Enoch Y Park
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan. .,Laboratory of Biotechnology, Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan.
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6
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Hannan MA, Kawate N, Fukami Y, Weerakoon WWPN, Büllesbach EE, Inaba T, Tamada H. Effects of long-acting GnRH antagonist, degarelix acetate, on plasma insulin-like peptide 3, testosterone and luteinizing hormone concentrations, and scrotal circumference in male goats. Theriogenology 2016; 88:228-235. [PMID: 27793455 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
We recently reported that plasma insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) concentrations increased soon after endogenous and exogenous stimulations of LH in male goats and bulls. However, the effects of LH suppression on INSL3 secretion are unknown in domestic animals. Here, we examined the effects of a long-acting GnRH antagonist (degarelix acetate; 4 mg/kg) on the secretions of plasma INSL3 and testosterone in two phases, an immediate and a long-term phase in male goats (n = 6; aged, 13-16 months). During the immediate phase, blood was taken at 15-minute intervals for 8 hours on Days -5, 0, and 3. The GnRH antagonist was administered after 2-hour sampling of Day 0. Moreover, a daily blood sample was taken from Day 0 to Day 7, followed by twice a week until 9 weeks and finally at week 10. The scrotal circumference was recorded before treatment and continued biweekly until week 10. Concentrations of LH, INSL3, and testosterone in plasma were determined by EIA and the pulsatile nature of secretion analyzed using pulse XP software. The mean concentrations, pulse frequency (per hour), and pulse amplitude (peak-nadir) of plasma LH and testosterone reduced from pretreatment to posttreatment Day 0 and Day 3 (P < 0.05). A decline in mean concentrations, pulse frequency, and pulse amplitude of INSL3 was exhibited on posttreatment Day 3 compared with pretreatment (P < 0.01). During long-term sampling, a decline (P < 0.01) in plasma testosterone and INSL3 concentrations was observed 1 day after treatment and remained lower until 8.5 weeks after treatment, and thereafter returned to pretreatment levels. A reduction in scrotal circumference was recorded 4 weeks after treatment and remained lower until 10 weeks after treatment (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the acute regulation of INSL3 by LH was confirmed by reduction of plasma INSL3 levels within 3 days after GnRH antagonist treatment in male goats. Although the onset of suppression of testosterone was more rapid than that of INSL3, the low levels persisted for 8.5 weeks for both hormones, and subsequently the concentrations returned to pretreatment levels. A significant reduction in testicular size was also observed. The quick, long-lasting, and transient suppression of testosterone and INSL3 after a single injection implies a potential application of this antagonist in reversible long-term chemical castration in male goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Hannan
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
| | - N Kawate
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Y Fukami
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
| | - W W P N Weerakoon
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
| | - E E Büllesbach
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - T Inaba
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
| | - H Tamada
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
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7
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Pitia AM, Uchiyama K, Sano H, Kinukawa M, Minato Y, Sasada H, Kohsaka T. Functional insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) hormone-receptor system in the testes and spermatozoa of domestic ruminants and its potential as a predictor of sire fertility. Anim Sci J 2016; 88:678-690. [PMID: 27592693 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) is essential for fetal testis descent, and has been implicated in the testicular and sperm functions in adult males; however, similar functions in domestic ruminants remain largely unknown. This study investigated the functional INSL3 hormone-receptor system in adult ruminant testes and spermatozoa, and explored its potential to diagnose the fertility of sires. Testes and spermatozoa were obtained from fertile bulls, rams and he-goats, whereas subfertile testes and spermatozoa were obtained only from bulls. As expected, INSL3 was visualized in Leydig cells, while we clearly demonstrated that the functional receptor, relaxin family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2), enabling INSL3 to bind was identified in testicular germ cells and in the sperm equatorial segment of bulls, rams and he-goats. In comparison to fertile bulls, the percentage of INSL3- and RXFP2-expressing cells and their expression levels per cell were significantly reduced in the testes of subfertile bulls. In addition, the population of INSL3-binding spermatozoa was also significantly reduced in the semen of subfertile bulls. These results provide evidence for a functional INSL3 hormone-receptor system operating in ruminant testes and spermatozoa, and its potential to predict subfertility in sires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali M Pitia
- Division of Animal Resource Production, United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.,Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kyoko Uchiyama
- Division of Animal Reproduction, Maebashi Institute of Animal Science, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan (LIAJ), Maebashi, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Sano
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Masashi Kinukawa
- Division of Animal Reproduction, Maebashi Institute of Animal Science, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan (LIAJ), Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Minato
- Division of Animal Reproduction, Maebashi Institute of Animal Science, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan (LIAJ), Maebashi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sasada
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Kohsaka
- Division of Animal Resource Production, United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.,Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
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8
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Acute regulation of plasma insulin-like peptide 3 concentrations by luteinizing hormone in male goats. Theriogenology 2016; 86:749-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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9
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Halls ML, Bathgate RAD, Sutton SW, Dschietzig TB, Summers RJ. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. XCV. Recent advances in the understanding of the pharmacology and biological roles of relaxin family peptide receptors 1-4, the receptors for relaxin family peptides. Pharmacol Rev 2015; 67:389-440. [PMID: 25761609 DOI: 10.1124/pr.114.009472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Relaxin, insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), relaxin-3, and INSL5 are the cognate ligands for the relaxin family peptide (RXFP) receptors 1-4, respectively. RXFP1 activates pleiotropic signaling pathways including the signalosome protein complex that facilitates high-sensitivity signaling; coupling to Gα(s), Gα(i), and Gα(o) proteins; interaction with glucocorticoid receptors; and the formation of hetero-oligomers with distinctive pharmacological properties. In addition to relaxin-related ligands, RXFP1 is activated by Clq-tumor necrosis factor-related protein 8 and by small-molecular-weight agonists, such as ML290 [2-isopropoxy-N-(2-(3-(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)phenylcarbamoyl)phenyl)benzamide], that act allosterically. RXFP2 activates only the Gα(s)- and Gα(o)-coupled pathways. Relaxin-3 is primarily a neuropeptide, and its cognate receptor RXFP3 is a target for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and autism. A variety of peptide agonists, antagonists, biased agonists, and an allosteric modulator target RXFP3. Both RXFP3 and the related RXFP4 couple to Gα(i)/Gα(o) proteins. INSL5 has the properties of an incretin; it is secreted from the gut and is orexigenic. The expression of RXFP4 in gut, adipose tissue, and β-islets together with compromised glucose tolerance in INSL5 or RXFP4 knockout mice suggests a metabolic role. This review focuses on the many advances in our understanding of RXFP receptors in the last 5 years, their signal transduction mechanisms, the development of novel compounds that target RXFP1-4, the challenges facing the field, and current prospects for new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Halls
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.L.H., R.J.S.); Neuropeptides Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (R.A.D.B.); Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (S.W.S.); Immundiagnostik AG, Bensheim, Germany (T.B.D.); and Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Campus Mitte, Medical Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology, Berlin, Germany (T.B.D.)
| | - Ross A D Bathgate
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.L.H., R.J.S.); Neuropeptides Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (R.A.D.B.); Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (S.W.S.); Immundiagnostik AG, Bensheim, Germany (T.B.D.); and Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Campus Mitte, Medical Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology, Berlin, Germany (T.B.D.)
| | - Steve W Sutton
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.L.H., R.J.S.); Neuropeptides Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (R.A.D.B.); Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (S.W.S.); Immundiagnostik AG, Bensheim, Germany (T.B.D.); and Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Campus Mitte, Medical Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology, Berlin, Germany (T.B.D.)
| | - Thomas B Dschietzig
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.L.H., R.J.S.); Neuropeptides Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (R.A.D.B.); Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (S.W.S.); Immundiagnostik AG, Bensheim, Germany (T.B.D.); and Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Campus Mitte, Medical Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology, Berlin, Germany (T.B.D.)
| | - Roger J Summers
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.L.H., R.J.S.); Neuropeptides Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (R.A.D.B.); Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (S.W.S.); Immundiagnostik AG, Bensheim, Germany (T.B.D.); and Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Campus Mitte, Medical Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology, Berlin, Germany (T.B.D.)
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10
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Expression of insulin-like factor 3 hormone-receptor system in the reproductive organs of male goats. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 362:407-20. [PMID: 26017634 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2206-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Relaxin-like factor (RLF), generally known as insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3), is essential for testis descent during fetal development. However, its role in adult males is not fully understood. We investigate the function of INSL3 in male Saanen goats by identifying cell types expressing its receptor, relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor (RXFP)2 and by characterizing the developmental expression pattern of INSL3 and RXFP2 and the binding of INSL3 to target cells in the male reproductive system. A highly specific RXFP2 antibody that co-localizes with an anti-FLAG antibody in HEK-293 cells recognizes RXFP2-transcript-expressing cells in the testis. INSL3 and RXFP2 mRNA expression is upregulated in the testis, starting from puberty. INSL3 mRNA and protein expression has been detected in Leydig cells, whereas RXFP2 mRNA and protein localize to Leydig cells, to meiotic and post-meiotic germ cells and to the epithelium and smooth muscle of the cauda epididymis and vas deferens. INSL3 binds to all of these tissues and cell types, with the exception of Leydig cells, in a hormone-specific and saturable manner. These results provide evidence for a functional intra- and extra-testicular INSL3 ligand-receptor system in adult male goats.
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11
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Anand-Ivell R, Ivell R. Regulation of the reproductive cycle and early pregnancy by relaxin family peptides. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 382:472-479. [PMID: 23994019 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Revised: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 08/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The relaxin family of peptide hormones are structurally closely related to one another sharing a heterodimeric A-B structure, like that of insulin. They may also be active as unprocessed B-C-A pro-forms. Relaxin has been shown to pay a key role within the ovary, being involved in follicle growth, and ovulation. Relaxin is produced in large amounts also by the corpus luteum where it acts as an endocrine hormone positively affecting implantation, placentation and vascularization during the all-important first trimester phase of pregnancy establishment. Relaxin exerts its functions via the receptor RXFP1. Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) in contrast acts through the related receptor RXFP2, and plays an essential role in the production of androgens within growing antral follicles. INSL3 is also produced in large amounts by the male fetus shortly after sex determination, where it controls the first transabdominal phase of testicular descent. However, this fetal INSL3 is also able to influence placental and maternal physiology, indicating associations with later preeclampsia and/or fetal growth restriction. Other members of this relaxin-like family of peptides, such as INSL4, INSL5 and INSL6 are less well studied, though all suggest modulatory roles in ovarian and/or placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Ivell
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany.
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12
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Ivell R, Heng K, Anand-Ivell R. Insulin-Like Factor 3 and the HPG Axis in the Male. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:6. [PMID: 24478759 PMCID: PMC3902607 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis comprises pulsatile GnRH from the hypothalamus impacting on the anterior pituitary to induce expression and release of both LH and FSH into the circulation. These in turn stimulate receptors on testicular Leydig and Sertoli cells, respectively, to promote steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. Both Leydig and Sertoli cells exhibit negative feedback to the pituitary and/or hypothalamus via their products testosterone and inhibin B, respectively, thereby allowing tight regulation of the HPG axis. In particular, LH exerts both acute control on Leydig cells by influencing steroidogenic enzyme activity, as well as chronic control by impacting on Leydig cell differentiation and gene expression. Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) represents an additional and different endpoint of the HPG axis. This Leydig cell hormone interacts with specific receptors, called RXFP2, on Leydig cells themselves to modulate steroidogenesis, and on male germ cells, probably to synergize with androgen-dependent Sertoli cell products to support spermatogenesis. Unlike testosterone, INSL3 is not acutely regulated by the HPG axis, but is a constitutive product of Leydig cells, which reflects their number and/or differentiation status and their ability therefore to produce various factors including steroids, together this is referred to as Leydig cell functional capacity. Because INSL3 is not subject to the acute episodic fluctuations inherent in the HPG axis itself, it serves as an excellent marker for Leydig cell differentiation and functional capacity, as in puberty, or in monitoring the treatment of hypogonadal patients, and at the same time buffering the HPG output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ivell
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide , Adelaide, SA , Australia ; Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology , Dummerstorf , Germany
| | - Kee Heng
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide , Adelaide, SA , Australia
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