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Lettieri A, Oleari R, van den Munkhof MH, van Battum EY, Verhagen MG, Tacconi C, Spreafico M, Paganoni AJJ, Azzarelli R, Andre' V, Amoruso F, Palazzolo L, Eberini I, Dunkel L, Howard SR, Fantin A, Pasterkamp RJ, Cariboni A. SEMA6A drives GnRH neuron-dependent puberty onset by tuning median eminence vascular permeability. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8097. [PMID: 38062045 PMCID: PMC10703890 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43820-z] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Innervation of the hypothalamic median eminence by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) neurons is vital to ensure puberty onset and successful reproduction. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying median eminence development and pubertal timing are incompletely understood. Here we show that Semaphorin-6A is strongly expressed by median eminence-resident oligodendrocytes positioned adjacent to GnRH neuron projections and fenestrated capillaries, and that Semaphorin-6A is required for GnRH neuron innervation and puberty onset. In vitro and in vivo experiments reveal an unexpected function for Semaphorin-6A, via its receptor Plexin-A2, in the control of median eminence vascular permeability to maintain neuroendocrine homeostasis. To support the significance of these findings in humans, we identify patients with delayed puberty carrying a novel pathogenic variant of SEMA6A. In all, our data reveal a role for Semaphorin-6A in regulating GnRH neuron patterning by tuning the median eminence vascular barrier and thereby controlling puberty onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Lettieri
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Oleari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marleen Hester van den Munkhof
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eljo Yvette van Battum
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Geerte Verhagen
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- VIB-KU Leuven, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carlotta Tacconi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Spreafico
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Azzarelli
- Wellcome - Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Valentina Andre'
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Amoruso
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Palazzolo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Ivano Eberini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Leo Dunkel
- Centre for Endocrinology William Harvey Research Institute Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Sasha Rose Howard
- Centre for Endocrinology William Harvey Research Institute Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, E1 1FR, UK
| | - Alessandro Fantin
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Ronald Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Anna Cariboni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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Maes ME, Colombo G, Schoot Uiterkamp FE, Sternberg F, Venturino A, Pohl EE, Siegert S. Mitochondrial network adaptations of microglia reveal sex-specific stress response after injury and UCP2 knockout. iScience 2023; 26:107780. [PMID: 37731609 PMCID: PMC10507162 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial networks remodel their connectivity, content, and subcellular localization to support optimized energy production in conditions of increased environmental or cellular stress. Microglia rely on mitochondria to respond to these stressors, however our knowledge about mitochondrial networks and their adaptations in microglia in vivo is limited. Here, we generate a mouse model that selectively labels mitochondria in microglia. We identify that mitochondrial networks are more fragmented with increased content and perinuclear localization in vitro vs. in vivo. Mitochondrial networks adapt similarly in microglia closest to the injury site after optic nerve crush. Preventing microglial UCP2 increase after injury by selective knockout induces cellular stress. This results in mitochondrial hyperfusion in male microglia, a phenotype absent in females due to circulating estrogens. Our results establish the foundation for mitochondrial network analysis of microglia in vivo, emphasizing the importance of mitochondrial-based sex effects of microglia in other pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E. Maes
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Gloria Colombo
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | | | - Felix Sternberg
- Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessandro Venturino
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Elena E. Pohl
- Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Siegert
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
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Quignon C. Collection and Analysis of Vaginal Smears to Assess Reproductive Stage in Mice. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e887. [PMID: 37725703 PMCID: PMC10516510 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of scientific studies include female mice to assess possible sex differences. As such, for reproducibility by others, it is important to consider hormonal levels, i.e., report the reproductive status of the female mice used. The mouse estrous cycle can be divided in 4 stages, all characterized by a different proportion of 3 cell types found in vaginal secretions. Observation of the mouse vaginal opening and collection of vaginal smears for analysis of cytology can be done in order to determine puberty onset and estrus stage. This protocol describes the characteristics of each estrus stage and details a quick and low-invasive method for collection of vaginal secretions. Examples of estrous cycle stages are included to help the investigator visualize patterns of cyclicity, which can provide important information about the reproductive health of the mice. Published 2023. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Basic Protocol 1: Visual assessment of vaginal opening Basic Protocol 2: Collection of vaginal secretion (smears).
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse Quignon
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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Karigo T, Deutsch D. Flexibility of neural circuits regulating mating behaviors in mice and flies. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:949781. [PMID: 36426135 PMCID: PMC9679785 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.949781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mating is essential for the reproduction of animal species. As mating behaviors are high-risk and energy-consuming processes, it is critical for animals to make adaptive mating decisions. This includes not only finding a suitable mate, but also adapting mating behaviors to the animal's needs and environmental conditions. Internal needs include physical states (e.g., hunger) and emotional states (e.g., fear), while external conditions include both social cues (e.g., the existence of predators or rivals) and non-social factors (e.g., food availability). With recent advances in behavioral neuroscience, we are now beginning to understand the neural basis of mating behaviors, particularly in genetic model organisms such as mice and flies. However, how internal and external factors are integrated by the nervous system to enable adaptive mating-related decision-making in a state- and context-dependent manner is less well understood. In this article, we review recent knowledge regarding the neural basis of flexible mating behaviors from studies of flies and mice. By contrasting the knowledge derived from these two evolutionarily distant model organisms, we discuss potential conserved and divergent neural mechanisms involved in the control of flexible mating behaviors in invertebrate and vertebrate brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Karigo
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States,The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,*Correspondence: Tomomi Karigo,
| | - David Deutsch
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel,David Deutsch,
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Sams KL, Mukai C, Marks BA, Mittal C, Demeter EA, Nelissen S, Grenier JK, Tate AE, Ahmed F, Coonrod SA. Delayed puberty, gonadotropin abnormalities and subfertility in male Padi2/Padi4 double knockout mice. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:150. [PMID: 36224627 PMCID: PMC9555066 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-01018-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peptidylarginine deiminase enzymes (PADs) convert arginine residues to citrulline in a process called citrullination or deimination. Recently, two PADs, PAD2 and PAD4, have been linked to hormone signaling in vitro and the goal of this study was to test for links between PAD2/PAD4 and hormone signaling in vivo. METHODS Preliminary analysis of Padi2 and Padi4 single knockout (SKO) mice did not find any overt reproductive defects and we predicted that this was likely due to genetic compensation. To test this hypothesis, we created a Padi2/Padi4 double knockout (DKO) mouse model and tested these mice along with wild-type FVB/NJ (WT) and both strains of SKO mice for a range of reproductive defects. RESULTS Controlled breeding trials found that male DKO mice appeared to take longer to have their first litter than WT controls. This tendency was maintained when these mice were mated to either DKO or WT females. Additionally, unsexed 2-day old DKO pups and male DKO weanlings both weighed significantly less than their WT counterparts, took significantly longer than WT males to reach puberty, and had consistently lower serum testosterone levels. Furthermore, 90-day old adult DKO males had smaller testes than WT males with increased rates of germ cell apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS The Padi2/Padi4 DKO mouse model provides a new tool for investigating PAD function and outcomes from our studies provide the first in vivo evidence linking PADs with hormone signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L Sams
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Chinatsu Mukai
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Brooke A Marks
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Chitvan Mittal
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Elena Alina Demeter
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Sophie Nelissen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer K Grenier
- Transcriptional Regulation and Expression Facility, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Ann E Tate
- Transcriptional Regulation and Expression Facility, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Faraz Ahmed
- Transcriptional Regulation and Expression Facility, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Scott A Coonrod
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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Bo T, Liu M, Tang L, Lv J, Wen J, Wang D. Effects of High-Fat Diet During Childhood on Precocious Puberty and Gut Microbiota in Mice. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:930747. [PMID: 35910597 PMCID: PMC9329965 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.930747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Precocious puberty mostly stems from endocrine disorders. However, more and more studies show that a high-fat diet (HFD) is closely related to precocious puberty, but its mechanism is unknown. Since gut microbiota is associated with hormone secretion and obesity, it inspires us to detect the mechanism of gut microbiota in triggering precocious puberty. The model of precocious puberty was established by feeding female mice with an HFD from 21 days old. After puberty, the serum hormone levels, gut microbiome sequencing, and metabolomics were collected. DNA was extracted from feces, and the V3–V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was amplified, followed by microbial composition analysis. Subsequently, associations between precocious puberty and the microbiota were determined. We found that (1) HFD after weaning caused precocious puberty, increased serum estradiol, leptin, deoxycholic acid (DCA), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the hypothalamus; (2) Through correlation analysis, we found that GnRH was positively correlated with Desulfovibrio, Lachnoclostridium, GCA-900066575, Streptococcus, Anaerotruncus, and Bifidobacterium, suggesting that these bacteria may have a role in promoting sexual development. (3) “HFD-microbiota” transplantation promoted the precocious puberty of mice. (4) Estrogen changes the composition and proportion of gut microbiota and promotes precocious puberty. Therefore, the effect of HFD on precocious puberty is regulated by the interaction of gut microbiota and hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingbei Bo
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liqiu Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinzhen Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wen
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dehua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Dehua Wang, ;
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Lavalle SN, Chou T, Hernandez J, Naing NCP, He MY, Tonsfeldt KJ, Mellon PL. Deletion of the homeodomain gene Six3 from kisspeptin neurons causes subfertility in female mice. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 546:111577. [PMID: 35121076 PMCID: PMC8934285 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111577] [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: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The homeodomain transcription factor SIX3 is a known regulator of eye, nose, and forebrain development, and has recently been implicated in female reproduction. Germline heterozygosity of SIX3 is sufficient to cause subfertility, but the cell populations that mediate this role are unknown. The neuropeptide kisspeptin is a critical component of the reproductive axis and plays roles in sexual maturation, ovulation, and the maintenance of gonadotropin secretion. We used Cre-Lox technology to remove Six3 specifically from kisspeptin neurons in mice to test the hypothesis that SIX3 in kisspeptin neurons is required for reproduction. We found that loss of Six3 in kisspeptin neurons causes subfertility and estrous cycle irregularities in females, but no effect in males. Overall, we find that SIX3 expression in kisspeptin neurons is an important contributor to female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanna N Lavalle
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, And Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Teresa Chou
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, And Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Jacqueline Hernandez
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, And Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Nay Chi P Naing
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, And Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Michelle Y He
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, And Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Karen J Tonsfeldt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, And Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Pamela L Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, And Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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Mimouni NEH, Giacobini P. Polycystic ovary syndrome mouse model by prenatal exposure to high anti-Müllerian hormone. STAR Protoc 2021; 2:100684. [PMID: 34401772 PMCID: PMC8348292 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2021.100684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we describe a protocol that provides the steps required for the generation of a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by exposing dams to elevated levels of anti-Müllerian hormone during late gestation. This protocol also describes the steps required to assess the PCOS-like equivalents of the Rotterdam PCOS diagnostic criteria in mice. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Tata et al. (2018) and Mimouni et al. (2021). Protocol to induce PCOS traits in offspring using prenatal exposure to high AMH Procedure describing key steps for reliable assessment of PCOS-like reproductive traits Applicable to other established animal models of PCOS
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour El Houda Mimouni
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Postnatal Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S1172, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Paolo Giacobini
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Postnatal Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S1172, 59000 Lille, France
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9
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Rafi MA, Luzi P, Wenger DA. Can early treatment of twitcher mice with high dose AAVrh10-GALC eliminate the need for BMT? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 11:135-146. [PMID: 33842284 PMCID: PMC8022232 DOI: 10.34172/bi.2021.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
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Introduction: Krabbe disease (KD) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the galactocerebrosidase (GALC) gene resulting in neuro-inflammation and defective myelination in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Most infantile patients present with clinical features before six months of age and die before two years of age. The only treatment available for pre-symptomatic or mildly affected individuals is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In the animal models, combining bone marrow transplantation (BMT) with gene therapy has shown the best results in disease outcome. In this study, we examine the outcome of gene therapy alone. Methods: Twitcher (twi) mice used in the study, have a W339X mutation in the GALC gene. Genotype identification of the mice was performed shortly after birth or post-natal day 1 (PND1), using polymerase chain reaction on the toe clips followed by restriction enzyme digestion and electrophoresis. Eight or nine-day-old affected mice were used for gene therapy treatment alone or combined with BMT. While iv injection of 4 × 1013 gc/kg of body weight of viral vector was used originally, different viral titers were also used without BMT to evaluate their outcomes. Results: When the standard viral dose was increased four- and ten-fold (4X and 10X) without BMT, the lifespans were increased significantly. Without BMT the affected mice were fertile, had the same weight and appearance as wild type mice and had normal strength and gait. The brains showed no staining for CD68, a marker for activated microglia/macrophages, and less astrogliosis than untreated twi mice. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that, it may be possible to treat human KD patients with high dose AAVrh10 without blood stem cell transplantation which would eliminate the side effects of HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad A Rafi
- Department of Neurology, Sidney Kimmel College of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Paola Luzi
- Department of Neurology, Sidney Kimmel College of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - David A Wenger
- Department of Neurology, Sidney Kimmel College of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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10
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Yaw AM, Duong TV, Nguyen D, Hoffmann HM. Circadian rhythms in the mouse reproductive axis during the estrous cycle and pregnancy. J Neurosci Res 2020; 99:294-308. [PMID: 32128870 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Molecular and behavioral timekeeping is regulated by the circadian system which includes the brain's suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) that translates environmental light information into neuronal and endocrine signals aligning peripheral tissue rhythms to the time of day. Despite the critical role of circadian rhythms in fertility, it remains unexplored how circadian rhythms change within reproductive tissues during pregnancy. To determine how estrous cycle and pregnancy impact phase relationships of reproductive tissues, we used PER2::Luciferase (PER2::LUC) circadian reporter mice and determined the time of day of PER2::LUC peak (phase) in the SCN, pituitary, uterus, and ovary. The relationships between reproductive tissue PER2::LUC phases changed throughout the estrous cycle and late pregnancy and were accompanied by changes to PER2::LUC period in the SCN, uterus, and ovary. To determine if the phase relationship adaptations were driven by sex steroids, we asked if progesterone, a hormone involved in estrous cyclicity and pregnancy, could regulate Per2-luciferase expression. Using an in vitro transfection assay, we found that progesterone increased Per2-luciferase expression in immortalized SCN (SCN2.2) and arcuate nucleus (KTAR) cells. In addition, progesterone shortened PER2::LUC period in ex vivo uterine tissue recordings collected during pregnancy. As progesterone dramatically increases during pregnancy, we evaluated wheel-running patterns in PER2::LUC mice. We confirmed that activity levels decrease during pregnancy and found that activity onset was delayed. Although SCN, but not arcuate nucleus, PER2::LUC period changed during late pregnancy, onset of locomotor activity did not correlate with SCN or arcuate nucleus PER2::LUC period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Yaw
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Science Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Thu V Duong
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Science Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Duong Nguyen
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Science Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Hanne M Hoffmann
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Science Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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11
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The Homeodomain Transcription Factors Vax1 and Six6 Are Required for SCN Development and Function. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 57:1217-1232. [PMID: 31705443 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01781-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The brain's primary circadian pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), is required to translate day-length and circadian rhythms into neuronal, hormonal, and behavioral rhythms. Here, we identify the homeodomain transcription factor ventral anterior homeobox 1 (Vax1) as required for SCN development, vasoactive intestinal peptide expression, and SCN output. Previous work has shown that VAX1 is required for gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH/LHRH) neuron development, a neuronal population controlling reproductive status. Surprisingly, the ectopic expression of a Gnrh-Cre allele (Gnrhcre) in the SCN confirmed the requirement of both VAX1 (Vax1flox/flox:Gnrhcre, Vax1Gnrh-cre) and sine oculis homeobox protein 6 (Six6flox/flox:Gnrhcre, Six6Gnrh-cre) in SCN function in adulthood. To dissociate the role of Vax1 and Six6 in GnRH neuron and SCN function, we used another Gnrh-cre allele that targets GnRH neurons, but not the SCN (Lhrhcre). Both Six6Lhrh-cre and Vax1Lhrh-cre were infertile, and in contrast to Vax1Gnrh-cre and Six6Gnrh-cre mice, Six6Lhrh-cre and Vax1Lhrh-cre had normal circadian behavior. Unexpectedly, ~ 1/4 of the Six6Gnrh-cre mice were unable to entrain to light, showing that ectopic expression of Gnrhcre impaired function of the retino-hypothalamic tract that relays light information to the brain. This study identifies VAX1, and confirms SIX6, as transcription factors required for SCN development and function and demonstrates the importance of understanding how ectopic CRE expression can impact the results.
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Pandolfi EC, Tonsfeldt KJ, Hoffmann HM, Mellon PL. Deletion of the Homeodomain Protein Six6 From GnRH Neurons Decreases GnRH Gene Expression, Resulting in Infertility. Endocrinology 2019; 160:2151-2164. [PMID: 31211355 PMCID: PMC6821215 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic GnRH (luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone) neurons are crucial for the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which regulates mammalian fertility. Insufficient GnRH disrupts the HPG axis and is often associated with the genetic condition idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH). The homeodomain protein sine oculis-related homeobox 6 (Six6) is required for the development of GnRH neurons. Although it is known that Six6 is specifically expressed within a more mature GnRH neuronal cell line and that overexpression of Six6 induces GnRH transcription in these cells, the direct role of Six6 within the GnRH neuron in vivo is unknown. Here we find that global Six6 knockout (KO) embryos show apoptosis of GnRH neurons beginning at embryonic day 14.5 with 90% loss of GnRH neurons by postnatal day 1. We sought to determine whether the hypogonadism and infertility reported in the Six6KO mice are generated via actions within the GnRH neuron in vivo by creating a Six6-flox mouse and crossing it with the LHRHcre mouse. Loss of Six6 specifically within the GnRH neuron abolished GnRH expression in ∼0% of GnRH neurons. We further demonstrated that deletion of Six6 only within the GnRH neuron leads to infertility, hypogonadism, hypogonadotropism, and delayed puberty. We conclude that Six6 plays distinct roles in maintaining fertility in the GnRH neuron vs in the migratory environment of the GnRH neuron by maintaining expression of GnRH and survival of GnRH neurons, respectively. These results increase knowledge of the role of Six6 in the brain and may offer insight into the mechanism of IHH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica C Pandolfi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Karen J Tonsfeldt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Hanne M Hoffmann
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Pamela L Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
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Hoffmann HM, Larder R, Lee JS, Hu RJ, Trang C, Devries BM, Clark DD, Mellon PL. Differential CRE Expression in Lhrh-cre and GnRH-cre Alleles and the Impact on Fertility in Otx2-Flox Mice. Neuroendocrinology 2019; 108:328-342. [PMID: 30739114 PMCID: PMC6753941 DOI: 10.1159/000497791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There is an increasing trend in studies utilizing cell-specific deletion of genes through conditional gene deletion by CRE recombination. Despite numerous advantages, this strategy also has limitations such as ectopic CRE-expression and germline recombination. Two commonly used gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gnrh)-driven CRE-expressing mice both target GnRH neurons. However, a direct comparison of the cells targeted and their phenotypic outcome have not yet been presented. To compare where recombination takes place, we crossed the Gnrh-cre and Lhrh-cre lines with the Rosa26-LacZ reporter mouse. Lhrh-cre allowed recombination of the Rosa26-LacZ gene in ∼700 cells, which is comparable to the GnRH neuronal population. Surprisingly, there were > 20 times more LacZ expressing cells in the adult Gnrh-cre:Rosa26-LacZ than the Lhrh-cre:Rosa26-LacZ brain. The greatest differences in targeting of the Gnrh-cre and Lhrh-cre lines were found in the septum, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and the septohypothalamic area. This difference in cells targeted was present from embryonic day 12. A prior study using the Gnrh-cre to delete the transcription factor Otx2 found fewer GnRH neurons, leading to male and female subfertility. To recapitulate this study, we performed a fertility assay in Otx2:Lhrh-cre mice. We confirmed the requirement for Otx2 in GnRH neuron development, fertility and correct gonadotropin hormone release in Otx2:Lhrh-cre males, but the subfertility was more modest than in Otx2:Gnrh-cre and absent in female Otx2:Lhrh-cre. This suggests that ectopic expression of Gnrh-cre contributes to the reproductive phenotype observed. Finally, the Cre alleles caused germline recombination of the flox allele when transmitted from either parent, generating embryonic lethal knock-out offspring, producing smaller live litters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne M Hoffmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Rachel Larder
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jessica S Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Rachael J Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Crystal Trang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Brooke M Devries
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Daniel D Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Pamela L Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA,
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