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Banks CM, Trott JF, Hovey RC. The prolactin receptor: A cross-species comparison of gene structure, transcriptional regulation, tissue-specificity, and genetic variation. J Neuroendocrinol 2024:e13385. [PMID: 38586906 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The conserved and multifaceted functions of prolactin (PRL) are coordinated through varied distribution and expression of its cell-surface receptor (PRLR) across a range of tissues and physiological states. The resultant heterogeneous expression of PRLR mRNA and protein across different organs and cell types supports a wide range of PRL-regulated processes including reproduction, lactation, development, and homeostasis. Genetic variation within the PRLR gene also accounts for several phenotypes impacting agricultural production and human pathology. The goal of this review is to highlight the many elements that control differential expression of the PRLR across tissues, and the various phenotypes that exist across species due to variation in the PRLR gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen M Banks
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Josephine F Trott
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Russell C Hovey
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
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2
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Noorjahan N, Cattini PA. Neurogenesis in the Maternal Rodent Brain: Impacts of Gestation-Related Hormonal Regulation, Stress, and Obesity. Neuroendocrinology 2022; 112:702-722. [PMID: 34510034 DOI: 10.1159/000519415] [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: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In order to maintain maternal behavior, it is important that the maternal rodent brain promotes neurogenesis. Maternal neurogenesis is altered by the dynamic shifts in reproductive hormone levels during pregnancy. Thus, lifestyle events such as gestational stress and obesity that can affect hormone production will affect neuroendocrine control of maternal neurogenesis. However, there is a lack of information about the regulation of maternal neurogenesis by placental hormones, which are key components of the reproductive hormonal profile during pregnancy. There is also little known about how maternal neurogenesis can be affected by health concerns such as gestational stress and obesity, and its relationship to peripartum mental health disorders. This review summarizes the changing levels of neurogenesis in mice and rats during gestation and postpartum as well as regulation of neurogenesis by pregnancy-related hormones. The influence of neurogenesis on maternal behavior is also discussed while bringing attention to the effect of health-related concerns during gestation, such as stress and obesity on neuroendocrine control of maternal neurogenesis. In doing so, this review identifies the gaps in the literature and specifically emphasizes the importance of further research on maternal brain physiology to address them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noshin Noorjahan
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Peter A Cattini
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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3
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Lee J, Garcia V, Nambiar SM, Jiang H, Dai G. Activation of Proneuronal Transcription Factor Ascl1 in Maternal Liver Ensures a Healthy Pregnancy. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 13:35-55. [PMID: 34438112 PMCID: PMC8600092 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Maternal liver shows robust adaptations to pregnancy to accommodate the metabolic needs of the developing and growing placenta and fetus by largely unknown mechanisms. We found that Ascl1, a gene encoding a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor essential for neuronal development, is highly activated in maternal hepatocytes during the second half of gestation in mice. METHODS To investigate whether and how Ascl1 plays a pregnancy-dependent role, we deleted the Ascl1 gene specifically in maternal hepatocytes from midgestation until term. RESULTS As a result, we identified multiple Ascl1-dependent phenotypes. Maternal livers lacking Ascl1 showed aberrant hepatocyte structure, increased hepatocyte proliferation, enlarged hepatocyte size, reduced albumin production, and increased release of liver enzymes, indicating maternal liver dysfunction. Simultaneously, maternal pancreas and spleen and the placenta showed marked overgrowth; and the maternal ceca microbiome showed alterations in relative abundance of several bacterial subpopulations. Moreover, litters born from maternal hepatic Ascl1-deficient dams experienced abnormal postnatal growth after weaning, implying an adverse pregnancy outcome. Mechanistically, we found that maternal hepatocytes deficient for Ascl1 showed robust activation of insulin-like growth factor 2 expression, which may contribute to the Ascl1-dependent phenotypes widespread in maternal and uteroplacental compartments. CONCLUSIONS In summary, we show that maternal liver, via activating Ascl1 expression, modulates the adaptations of maternal organs and the growth of the placenta to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Our studies show that Ascl1 is a novel and critical regulator of the physiology of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joonyong Lee
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Veronica Garcia
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Shashank M Nambiar
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Huaizhou Jiang
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Guoli Dai
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Costa-Brito AR, Quintela T, Gonçalves I, Duarte AC, Costa AR, Arosa FA, Cavaco JE, Lemos MC, Santos CRA. The Choroid Plexus Is an Alternative Source of Prolactin to the Rat Brain. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:1846-1858. [PMID: 33409838 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02267-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Among the more than 300 functions attributed to prolactin (PRL), this hormone has been associated with the induction of neurogenesis and differentiation of olfactory neurons especially during pregnancy, which are essential for maternal behavior. Despite the original hypothesis that PRL enters the central nervous system through a process mediated by PRL receptors (PRLR) at the choroid plexus (CP), recent data suggested that PRL transport into the brain is independent of its receptors. Based on transcriptomic data suggesting that PRL could be expressed in the CP, this work aimed to confirm PRL synthesis and secretion by CP epithelial cells (CPEC). The secretion of PRL and the distribution of PRLR in CPEC were further characterized using an in vitro model of the rat blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. RT-PCR analysis of PRL transcripts showed its presence in pregnant rat CP, in CPEC, and in the rat immortalized CP cell line, Z310. These observations were reinforced by immunocytochemistry staining of PRL in CPEC and Z310 cell cytoplasm. A 63-kDa immunoreactive PRL protein was detected by Western blot in CP protein extracts as well as in culture medium incubated with rat pituitary and samples of rat cerebrospinal fluid and serum. Positive immunocytochemistry staining of PRLR was present throughout the CPEC cytoplasm and in the apical and basal membrane of these cells. Altogether, our evidences suggest that CP is an alternative source of PRL to the brain, which might impact neurogenesis of olfactory neurons at the subventricular zone, given its proximity to the CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana R Costa-Brito
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana C Duarte
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana R Costa
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Fernando A Arosa
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - José E Cavaco
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Manuel C Lemos
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Cecília R A Santos
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
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Patil M, Hovhannisyan AH, Wangzhou A, Mecklenburg J, Koek W, Goffin V, Grattan D, Boehm U, Dussor G, Price TJ, Akopian AN. Prolactin receptor expression in mouse dorsal root ganglia neuronal subtypes is sex-dependent. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12759. [PMID: 31231869 PMCID: PMC6939775 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Sensory neurones exhibit sex-dependent responsiveness to prolactin (PRL). This could contribute to sexual dimorphism in pathological pain conditions. The present study aimed to determine the mechanisms underlying sex-dependent PRL sensitivity in sensory neurones. A quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction shows that prolactin receptor (Prlr) long and short isoform mRNAs are expressed at comparable levels in female and male mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG). In Prlrcre/+ ;Rosa26LSL-tDTomato/+ reporter mice, percentages of Prlr+ sensory neurones in female and male DRG are also similar. Characterisation of Prlr+ DRG neurones using immunohistochemistry and electrophysiology revealed that Prlr+ DRG neurones are mainly peptidergic nociceptors in females and males. However, sensory neurone type-dependent expression of Prlr is sex dimorphic. Thus, Prlr+ populations fell into three small- and two medium-large-sized sensory neuronal groups. Prlr+ DRG neurones are predominantly medium-large sized in males and are proportionally more comprised of small-sized sensory neurones in females. Specifically, Prlr+ /IB4+ /CGRP+ neurones are four- to five-fold higher in numbers in female DRG. By contrast, Prlr+ /IB4- /CGRP+ /5HT3a+ /NPYR2- are predominant in male DRG. Prlr+ /IB4- /CGRP- , Prlr+ /IB4- /CGRP+ and Prlr+ /IB4- /CGRP+ /NPYR2+ neurones are evenly encountered in female and male DRG. These differences were confirmed using an independently generated single-cell sequencing dataset. Overall, we propose a novel mechanism by which sensory neurone type-dependent expression of Prlr could explain the unique sex dimorphism in responsiveness of nociceptors to PRL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayur Patil
- Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229
| | - Anahit H. Hovhannisyan
- Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229
| | - Andi Wangzhou
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080
| | - Jennifer Mecklenburg
- Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229
| | - Wouter Koek
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229
| | | | - David Grattan
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ulrich Boehm
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University School of Medicine, Homburg, Germany
| | - Gregory Dussor
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080
| | - Theodore J. Price
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080
- Corresponding authors:Armen N. Akopian, The School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center @ San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, Office: (210) 567-6668 Fax: (210) 567-3389 , Theodore J. Price School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Rd, Richardson TX 75080, Office: (972) 883-4311
| | - Armen N. Akopian
- Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229
- Corresponding authors:Armen N. Akopian, The School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center @ San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, Office: (210) 567-6668 Fax: (210) 567-3389 , Theodore J. Price School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Rd, Richardson TX 75080, Office: (972) 883-4311
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6
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Phillipps HR, Rand CJ, Brown RSE, Kokay IC, Stanton J, Grattan DR. Prolactin regulation of insulin‐like growth factor 2 gene expression in the adult mouse choroid plexus. FASEB J 2019; 33:6115-6128. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201802262r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hollian R. Phillipps
- Centre for NeuroendocrinologyUniversity of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
- Department of AnatomySchool of Medical SciencesUniversity of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
| | - Christy J. Rand
- Department of AnatomySchool of Medical SciencesUniversity of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
| | - Rosemary S. E. Brown
- Centre for NeuroendocrinologyUniversity of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
- Department of AnatomySchool of Medical SciencesUniversity of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
| | - Ilona C. Kokay
- Centre for NeuroendocrinologyUniversity of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
- Department of AnatomySchool of Medical SciencesUniversity of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
| | - Jo‐Ann Stanton
- Department of AnatomySchool of Medical SciencesUniversity of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
| | - David R. Grattan
- Centre for NeuroendocrinologyUniversity of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
- Department of AnatomySchool of Medical SciencesUniversity of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
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Voigt C, Bennett N. Reproductive status affects the expression of prolactin receptor mRNA in the brain of female Damaraland mole-rats. J Chem Neuroanat 2018; 94:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Kokay IC, Wyatt A, Phillipps HR, Aoki M, Ectors F, Boehm U, Grattan DR. Analysis of prolactin receptor expression in the murine brain using a novel prolactin receptor reporter mouse. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30:e12634. [PMID: 30040149 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Prolactin influences a wide range of physiological functions via actions within the central nervous system, as well as in peripheral tissues. A significant limitation in studies investigating these functions is the difficulty in identifying prolactin receptor (Prlr) expression, particularly in the brain. We have developed a novel mouse line using homologous recombination within mouse embryonic stem cells to produce a mouse in which an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) followed by Cre recombinase cDNA is inserted immediately after exon 10 in the Prlr gene, thereby targeting the long isoform of the Prlr. By crossing this Prlr-IRES-Cre mouse with a ROSA26-CAGS-tauGFP (τGFP) reporter mouse line, and using immunohistochemistry to detect τGFP, we were able to generate a detailed map of the distribution of individual Prlr-expressing neurones and fibres throughout the brain of adult mice without the need for amplification of the GFP signal. Because the τGFP is targeted to neurotubules, the labelling detected not only cell bodies, but also processes of prolactin-sensitive neurones. In both males and females, Cre-dependent τGFP expression was localised, with varying degrees of abundance, in a number of brain regions, including the lateral septal nucleus, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, preoptic and hypothalamic nuclei, medial habenula, posterodorsal medial amygdala, and brainstem regions such as the periaqueductal grey and parabrachial nucleus. The labelling was highly specific, occurring only in cells where we could also detect PrlrmRNA by in situ hybridisation. Apart from two brain areas, the anteroventral periventricular nucleus and the medial preoptic nucleus, the number and distribution of τGFP-immunopositive cells was similar in males and females, suggesting that prolactin may have many equivalent functions in both sexes. These mice provide a valuable tool for investigating the neural circuits underlying the actions of prolactin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona C Kokay
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Amanda Wyatt
- Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University School of Medicine, Homburg, Germany
| | - Hollian R Phillipps
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Mari Aoki
- Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University School of Medicine, Homburg, Germany
| | - Fabien Ectors
- Giga Transgenics Platform, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
| | - Ulrich Boehm
- Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University School of Medicine, Homburg, Germany
| | - David R Grattan
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
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Cabrera-Reyes EA, Limón-Morales O, Rivero-Segura NA, Camacho-Arroyo I, Cerbón M. Prolactin function and putative expression in the brain. Endocrine 2017. [PMID: 28634745 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-017-1346-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prolactin is a peptide hormone mainly synthetized and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, but also by extrapituitary tissues, such as mammary gland, decidua, prostate, skin, and possibly the brain. Similarly, prolactin receptor is expressed in the pituitary gland, many peripheral tissues, and in contrast to prolactin, its receptor has been consistently detected in several brain regions, such as cerebral cortex, olfactory bulb, hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, among others. Classically, prolactin function has been related to the stimulation of lactogenesis and galactopoiesis, however, it is well known that prolactin induces a wide range of functions in different brain areas. PURPOSE The aim of this review is to summarize recent reports on prolactin and prolactin receptor synthesis and localization, as well as recapitulate both the classic functions attributed to this hormone in the brain and the recently described functions such as neurogenesis, neurodevelopment, sleep, learning and memory, and neuroprotection. CONCLUSION The distribution and putative expression of prolactin and its receptors in several neuronal tissues suggests that this hormone has pleiotropic functions in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Alejandra Cabrera-Reyes
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. CDMX, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Ofelia Limón-Morales
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. CDMX, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Nadia Alejandra Rivero-Segura
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. CDMX, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Ignacio Camacho-Arroyo
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. CDMX, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Marco Cerbón
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. CDMX, Mexico, Mexico.
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Zhao D, Ma G, Zhang X, He Y, Li M, Han X, Fu L, Dong XY, Nagy T, Zhao Q, Fu L, Dong JT. Zinc Finger Homeodomain Factor Zfhx3 Is Essential for Mammary Lactogenic Differentiation by Maintaining Prolactin Signaling Activity. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:12809-12820. [PMID: 27129249 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.719377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The zinc finger homeobox 3 (ZFHX3, also named ATBF1 for AT motif binding factor 1) is a transcription factor that suppresses prostatic carcinogenesis and induces neuronal differentiation. It also interacts with estrogen receptor α to inhibit cell proliferation and regulate pubertal mammary gland development in mice. In the present study, we examined whether and how Zfhx3 regulates lactogenic differentiation in mouse mammary glands. At different stages of mammary gland development, Zfhx3 protein was expressed at varying levels, with the highest level at lactation. In the HC11 mouse mammary epithelial cell line, an in vitro model of lactogenesis, knockdown of Zfhx3 attenuated prolactin-induced β-casein expression and morphological changes, indicators of lactogenic differentiation. In mouse mammary tissue, knock-out of Zfhx3 interrupted lactogenesis, resulting in underdeveloped glands with much smaller and fewer alveoli, reduced β-casein expression, accumulation of large cytoplasmic lipid droplets in luminal cells after parturition, and failure in lactation. Mechanistically, Zfhx3 maintained the expression of Prlr (prolactin receptor) and Prlr-Jak2-Stat5 signaling activity, whereas knockdown and knock-out of Zfhx3 in HC11 cells and mammary tissues, respectively, decreased Prlr expression, Stat5 phosphorylation, and the expression of Prlr-Jak2-Stat5 target genes. These findings indicate that Zfhx3 plays an essential role in proper lactogenic development in mammary glands, at least in part by maintaining Prlr expression and Prlr-Jak2-Stat5 signaling activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhao
- From the Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Gui Ma
- From the Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhang
- From the Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yuan He
- From the Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Mei Li
- the Ningbo Institute of Medical Sciences, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Xueying Han
- From the Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Liya Fu
- From the Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xue-Yuan Dong
- the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Tamas Nagy
- the Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, and
| | - Qiang Zhao
- From the Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Li Fu
- the Cancer Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Jin-Tang Dong
- From the Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China,; the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322,.
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11
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Kaur C, Rathnasamy G, Ling EA. The Choroid Plexus in Healthy and Diseased Brain. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2016; 75:198-213. [DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlv030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
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12
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Prolactin mediates neuroprotection against excitotoxicity in primary cell cultures of hippocampal neurons via its receptor. Brain Res 2016; 1636:193-199. [PMID: 26874070 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Recently it has been reported that prolactin (PRL) exerts a neuroprotective effect against excitotoxicity in hippocampus in the rat in vivo models. However, the exact mechanism by which PRL mediates this effect is not completely understood. The aim of our study was to assess whether prolactin exerts neuroprotection against excitotoxicity in an in vitro model using primary cell cultures of hippocampal neurons, and to determine whether this effect is mediated via the prolactin receptor (PRLR). Primary cell cultures of rat hippocampal neurons were used in all experiments, gene expression was evaluated by RT-qPCR, and protein expression was assessed by Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry. Cell viability was assessed by using the MTT method. The results demonstrated that PRL treatment of neurons from primary cultures did not modify cell viability, but that it exerted a neuroprotective effect, with cells treated with PRL showing a significant increase of viability after glutamate (Glu)--induced excitotoxicity as compared with neurons treated with Glu alone. Cultured neurons expressed mRNA for both PRL and its receptor (PRLR), and both PRL and PRLR expression levels changed after the excitotoxic insult. Interestingly, the PRLR protein was detected as two main isoforms of 100 and 40 kDa as compared with that expressed in hypothalamic cells, which was present only as a 30 kDa variant. On the other hand, PRL was not detected in neuron cultures, either by western blot or by immunohistochemistry. Neuroprotection induced by PRL was significantly blocked by specific oligonucleotides against PRLR, thus suggesting that the PRL role is mediated by its receptor expressed in these neurons. The overall results indicated that PRL induces neuroprotection in neurons from primary cell cultures.
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13
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Brown RSE, Wyatt AK, Herbison RE, Knowles PJ, Ladyman SR, Binart N, Banks WA, Grattan DR. Prolactin transport into mouse brain is independent of prolactin receptor. FASEB J 2015; 30:1002-10. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.15-276519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary S. E. Brown
- Centre for NeurendocrinologyUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
- Department of AnatomyOtago School of Medical SciencesUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Amanda K. Wyatt
- Centre for NeurendocrinologyUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
- Department of AnatomyOtago School of Medical SciencesUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Ryan E. Herbison
- Centre for NeurendocrinologyUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
- Department of AnatomyOtago School of Medical SciencesUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Penelope J. Knowles
- Centre for NeurendocrinologyUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
- Department of AnatomyOtago School of Medical SciencesUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Sharon R. Ladyman
- Centre for NeurendocrinologyUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
- Department of AnatomyOtago School of Medical SciencesUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Nadine Binart
- INSERM U1185Faculté de Médecine Paris SudLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance
| | - William A. Banks
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical CenterVeterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric MedicineDepartment of MedicineUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - David R. Grattan
- Centre for NeurendocrinologyUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
- Department of AnatomyOtago School of Medical SciencesUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
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14
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Schennink A, Trott JF, Manjarin R, Lemay DG, Freking BA, Hovey RC. Comparative genomics reveals tissue-specific regulation of prolactin receptor gene expression. J Mol Endocrinol 2015; 54:1-15. [PMID: 25358647 DOI: 10.1530/jme-14-0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Prolactin (PRL), acting via the PRL receptor (PRLR), controls hundreds of biological processes across a range of species. Endocrine PRL elicits well-documented effects on target tissues such as the mammary glands and reproductive organs in addition to coordinating whole-body homeostasis during states such as lactation or adaptive responses to the environment. While changes in PRLR expression likely facilitates these tissue-specific responses to circulating PRL, the mechanisms regulating this regulation in non-rodent species has received limited attention. We performed a wide-scale analysis of PRLR 5' transcriptional regulation in pig tissues. Apart from the abundantly expressed and widely conserved exon 1, we identified alternative splicing of transcripts from an additional nine first exons of the porcine PRLR (pPRLR) gene. Notably, exon 1.5 transcripts were expressed most abundantly in the heart, while expression of exon 1.3-containing transcripts was greatest in the kidneys and small intestine. Expression of exon 1.3 mRNAs within the kidneys was most abundant in the renal cortex, and increased during gestation. A comparative analysis revealed a human homologue to exon 1.3, hE1N2, which was also principally transcribed in the kidneys and small intestines, and an exon hE1N3 was only expressed in the kidneys of humans. Promoter alignment revealed conserved motifs within the proximal promoter upstream of exon 1.3, including putative binding sites for hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 and Sp1. Together, these results highlight the diverse, conserved and tissue-specific regulation of PRLR expression in the targets for PRL, which may function to coordinate complex physiological states such as lactation and osmoregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Schennink
- Department of Animal ScienceGenome CenterUniversity of California Davis, 2335 Meyer Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, USABaylor College of MedicineUSDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, 1100 Bates Street, Room 9022, Houston, Texas, USAUSDAARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, PO Box 166, Clay Center, Nebraska 68933, USA
| | - Josephine F Trott
- Department of Animal ScienceGenome CenterUniversity of California Davis, 2335 Meyer Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, USABaylor College of MedicineUSDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, 1100 Bates Street, Room 9022, Houston, Texas, USAUSDAARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, PO Box 166, Clay Center, Nebraska 68933, USA
| | - Rodrigo Manjarin
- Department of Animal ScienceGenome CenterUniversity of California Davis, 2335 Meyer Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, USABaylor College of MedicineUSDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, 1100 Bates Street, Room 9022, Houston, Texas, USAUSDAARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, PO Box 166, Clay Center, Nebraska 68933, USA
| | - Danielle G Lemay
- Department of Animal ScienceGenome CenterUniversity of California Davis, 2335 Meyer Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, USABaylor College of MedicineUSDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, 1100 Bates Street, Room 9022, Houston, Texas, USAUSDAARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, PO Box 166, Clay Center, Nebraska 68933, USA
| | - Bradley A Freking
- Department of Animal ScienceGenome CenterUniversity of California Davis, 2335 Meyer Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, USABaylor College of MedicineUSDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, 1100 Bates Street, Room 9022, Houston, Texas, USAUSDAARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, PO Box 166, Clay Center, Nebraska 68933, USA
| | - Russell C Hovey
- Department of Animal ScienceGenome CenterUniversity of California Davis, 2335 Meyer Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, USABaylor College of MedicineUSDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, 1100 Bates Street, Room 9022, Houston, Texas, USAUSDAARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, PO Box 166, Clay Center, Nebraska 68933, USA
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15
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Involvement of prolactin and somatostatin in depression and the mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs. Pharmacol Rep 2014; 65:1640-6. [PMID: 24553012 DOI: 10.1016/s1734-1140(13)71525-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides have been implicated in the physiology and pathophysiology of stress responses and therefore may play an important role in the pathogenesis of affective disorders such as Major Depression Disorder (MDD). The data presented in this mini-review demonstrate the role of prolactin (PRL) and somatostatin (STT) in the pathology and pharmacotherapy of MDD, focusing particularly on the response to antidepressant treatment, and compare the available data with the results obtained in our laboratory using the well-validated chronic mild stress (CMS) animal model of MDD. Despite the availability of many pharmacological therapies for depression, ca. 35% patients remain treatment resistant. This clinical situation is also true for rats subjected to CMS; some animals do not respond to antidepressant therapy and are considered treatment resistant. The most interesting results presented in this mini-review concern the changes in PRL and SST receptors in the brains of rats subjected to the full CMS procedure and IMI treatment and demonstrate the role of these receptors in the mechanisms of antidepressant action. The possible interaction between SST and PRL, the involvement of the D2 dopamine receptor, and their direct protein-protein interactions are also discussed, with the conclusion that these two neurohormones play an important role in the mechanism of resilience after stress as well as in the mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs.
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16
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Furigo IC, Kim KW, Nagaishi VS, Ramos-Lobo AM, de Alencar A, Pedroso JAB, Metzger M, Donato J. Prolactin-sensitive neurons express estrogen receptor-α and depend on sex hormones for normal responsiveness to prolactin. Brain Res 2014; 1566:47-59. [PMID: 24751572 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens and prolactin share important target tissues, including the gonads, brain, liver, kidneys and some types of cancer cells. Herein, we sought anatomical and functional evidence of possible crosstalk between prolactin and estrogens in the mouse brain. First, we determined the distribution of prolactin-responsive neurons that express the estrogen receptor α (ERα). A large number of prolactin-induced pSTAT5-immunoreactive neurons expressing ERα mRNA were observed in several brain areas, including the anteroventral periventricular nucleus, medial preoptic nucleus, arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, ventrolateral subdivision of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH), medial nucleus of the amygdala and nucleus of the solitary tract. However, although the medial preoptic area, periventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, retrochiasmatic area, dorsomedial subdivision of the VMH, lateral hypothalamic area, dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus and ventral premammillary nucleus contained significant numbers of prolactin-responsive neurons, these areas showed very few pSTAT5-immunoreactive cells expressing ERα mRNA. Second, we evaluated prolactin sensitivity in ovariectomized mice and observed that sex hormones are required for a normal responsiveness to prolactin as ovariectomized mice showed a lower number of prolactin-induced pSTAT5 immunoreactive neurons in all analyzed brain nuclei compared to gonad-intact females. In addition, we performed hypothalamic gene expression analyses to determine possible post-ovariectomy changes in components of prolactin signaling. We observed no significant changes in the mRNA expression of prolactin receptor, STAT5a or STAT5b. In summary, sex hormones exert a permissive role in maintaining the brain's prolactin sensitivity, most likely through post-transcriptional mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora C Furigo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ki Woo Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Lifestyle Medicine, and Nuclear Receptor Research Consortium, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 220-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Vanessa S Nagaishi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Angela M Ramos-Lobo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Amanda de Alencar
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - João A B Pedroso
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Martin Metzger
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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17
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Faron-Górecka A, Kuśmider M, Kolasa M, Żurawek D, Gruca P, Papp M, Szafran K, Solich J, Pabian P, Romańska I, Antkiewicz-Michaluk L, Dziedzicka-Wasylewska M. Prolactin and its receptors in the chronic mild stress rat model of depression. Brain Res 2014; 1555:48-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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18
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Schennink A, Trott JF, Freking BA, Hovey RC. A novel first exon directs hormone-sensitive transcription of the pig prolactin receptor. J Mol Endocrinol 2013; 51:1-13. [PMID: 23576686 DOI: 10.1530/jme-12-0234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine prolactin (PRL) acts through its receptor (PRLR) to confer a wide range of biological functions, including its established role during lactation. We have identified a novel first exon of the porcine PRLR that gives rise to three different mRNA transcripts. Transcription of this first exon is tissue specific, where it increases during gestation in the adrenal glands and uterus. Within the mammary glands, its transcription is induced by estrogen and PRL, while in the uterus, its expression is downregulated by progestin. The promoter region has an enhancer element located between -453 and -424 bp and a putative repressor element between -648 and -596 bp. Estrogen, acting through the estrogen receptor, activates transcription from this promoter through both E-box and transcription factor AP-2 α binding sites. These findings support the concept that the multilevel hormonal regulation of PRLR transcription contributes to the various biological functions of PRL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Schennink
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA.
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