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Ortiz-Leal I, Torres MV, Barreiro-Vázquez JD, López-Beceiro A, Fidalgo L, Shin T, Sanchez-Quinteiro P. The vomeronasal system of the wolf (Canis lupus signatus): The singularities of a wild canid. J Anat 2024; 245:109-136. [PMID: 38366249 DOI: 10.1111/joa.14024] [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] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Wolves, akin to their fellow canids, extensively employ chemical signals for various aspects of communication, including territory maintenance, reproductive synchronisation and social hierarchy signalling. Pheromone-mediated chemical communication operates unconsciously among individuals, serving as an innate sensory modality that regulates both their physiology and behaviour. Despite its crucial role in the life of the wolf, there is a lacuna in comprehensive research on the neuroanatomical and physiological underpinnings of chemical communication within this species. This study investigates the vomeronasal system (VNS) of the Iberian wolf, simultaneously probing potential alterations brought about by dog domestication. Our findings demonstrate the presence of a fully functional VNS, vital for pheromone-mediated communication, in the Iberian wolf. While macroscopic similarities between the VNS of the wolf and the domestic dog are discernible, notable microscopic differences emerge. These distinctions include the presence of neuronal clusters associated with the sensory epithelium of the vomeronasal organ (VNO) and a heightened degree of differentiation of the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB). Immunohistochemical analyses reveal the expression of the two primary families of vomeronasal receptors (V1R and V2R) within the VNO. However, only the V1R family is expressed in the AOB. These findings not only yield profound insights into the VNS of the wolf but also hint at how domestication might have altered neural configurations that underpin species-specific behaviours. This understanding holds implications for the development of innovative strategies, such as the application of semiochemicals for wolf population management, aligning with contemporary conservation goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ortiz-Leal
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Mateo V Torres
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - José-Daniel Barreiro-Vázquez
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Ana López-Beceiro
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Luis Fidalgo
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Taekyun Shin
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Pablo Sanchez-Quinteiro
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
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2
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Murata K, Itakura T, Touhara K. Neural basis for pheromone signal transduction in mice. Front Neural Circuits 2024; 18:1409994. [PMID: 38742089 PMCID: PMC11089125 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2024.1409994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Pheromones are specialized chemical messengers used for inter-individual communication within the same species, playing crucial roles in modulating behaviors and physiological states. The detection mechanisms of these signals at the peripheral organ and their transduction to the brain have been unclear. However, recent identification of pheromone molecules, their corresponding receptors, and advancements in neuroscientific technology have started to elucidate these processes. In mammals, the detection and interpretation of pheromone signals are primarily attributed to the vomeronasal system, which is a specialized olfactory apparatus predominantly dedicated to decoding socio-chemical cues. In this mini-review, we aim to delineate the vomeronasal signal transduction pathway initiated by specific vomeronasal receptor-ligand interactions in mice. First, we catalog the previously identified pheromone ligands and their corresponding receptor pairs, providing a foundational understanding of the specificity inherent in pheromonal communication. Subsequently, we examine the neural circuits involved in processing each pheromone signal. We focus on the anatomical pathways, the sexually dimorphic and physiological state-dependent aspects of signal transduction, and the neural coding strategies underlying behavioral responses to pheromonal cues. These insights provide further critical questions regarding the development of innate circuit formation and plasticity within these circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Murata
- Laboratory of Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takumi Itakura
- Laboratory of Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, TianQiao and Chrissy Chen Institute for Neuroscience, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Kazushige Touhara
- Laboratory of Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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3
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Niimura Y, Biswa BB, Kishida T, Toyoda A, Fujiwara K, Ito M, Touhara K, Inoue-Murayama M, Jenkins SH, Adenyo C, Kayang BB, Koide T. Synchronized Expansion and Contraction of Olfactory, Vomeronasal, and Taste Receptor Gene Families in Hystricomorph Rodents. Mol Biol Evol 2024; 41:msae071. [PMID: 38649162 PMCID: PMC11035023 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msae071] [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] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemical senses, including olfaction, pheromones, and taste, are crucial for the survival of most animals. There has long been a debate about whether different types of senses might influence each other. For instance, primates with a strong sense of vision are thought to have weakened olfactory abilities, although the oversimplified trade-off theory is now being questioned. It is uncertain whether such interactions between different chemical senses occur during evolution. To address this question, we examined four receptor gene families related to olfaction, pheromones, and taste: olfactory receptor (OR), vomeronasal receptor type 1 and type 2 (V1R and V2R), and bitter taste receptor (T2R) genes in Hystricomorpha, which is morphologically and ecologically the most diverse group of rodents. We also sequenced and assembled the genome of the grasscutter, Thryonomys swinderianus. By examining 16 available genome assemblies alongside the grasscutter genome, we identified orthologous gene groups among hystricomorph rodents for these gene families to separate the gene gain and loss events in each phylogenetic branch of the Hystricomorpha evolutionary tree. Our analysis revealed that the expansion or contraction of the four gene families occurred synchronously, indicating that when one chemical sense develops or deteriorates, the others follow suit. The results also showed that V1R/V2R genes underwent the fastest evolution, followed by OR genes, and T2R genes were the most evolutionarily stable. This variation likely reflects the difference in ligands of V1R/V2Rs, ORs, and T2Rs: species-specific pheromones, environment-based scents, and toxic substances common to many animals, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihito Niimura
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Bhim B Biswa
- Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Takushi Kishida
- Curatorial Division, Museum of Natural and Environmental History, Shizuoka, Japan
- Present address: College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Atsushi Toyoda
- Comparative Genomics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kazumichi Fujiwara
- Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Masato Ito
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazushige Touhara
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Scott H Jenkins
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Present address: Biosphere Informatics Laboratory, Department of Social Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Christopher Adenyo
- Livestock and Poultry Research Centre, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Boniface B Kayang
- Department of Animal Science, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Tsuyoshi Koide
- Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Shizuoka, Japan
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4
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Rocha A, Nguyen QAT, Haga-Yamanaka S. Type 2 vomeronasal receptor-A4 subfamily: Potential predator sensors in mice. Genesis 2024; 62:e23597. [PMID: 38590121 PMCID: PMC11018355 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23597] [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] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Sensory signals detected by olfactory sensory organs are critical regulators of animal behavior. An accessory olfactory organ, the vomeronasal organ, detects cues from other animals and plays a pivotal role in intra- and inter-species interactions in mice. However, how ethologically relevant cues control mouse behavior through approximately 350 vomeronasal sensory receptor proteins largely remains elusive. The type 2 vomeronasal receptor-A4 (V2R-A4) subfamily members have been repeatedly detected from vomeronasal sensory neurons responsive to predator cues, suggesting a potential role of this receptor subfamily as a sensor for predators. This review focuses on this intriguing subfamily, delving into its receptor functions and genetic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Rocha
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside
| | | | - Sachiko Haga-Yamanaka
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside
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5
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Park SJ, Greer PL, Lee N. From odor to oncology: non-canonical odorant receptors in cancer. Oncogene 2024; 43:304-318. [PMID: 38087050 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02908-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Odorant receptors, traditionally associated with olfaction as chemoreceptors, have been increasingly recognized for their presence and diverse functions in various non-nasal tissues throughout the body. Beyond their roles in sensory perception, emerging evidence suggests a compelling interplay between odorant receptors and cancer progression as well. Alongside the canonical GPCR odorant receptors, dysregulation of non-canonical odorant receptors such as trace amine-associated receptors (TAARs), formyl peptide receptors (FPRs), and membrane-spanning 4A family (MS4As) has been observed in various cancer types, suggesting their contributions to cancer progression. The roles of these non-canonical chemoreceptors in cancer are complex, with some receptors promoting tumorigenesis and others acting as tumor-suppressing factors upon activation, depending on the cancer type. These findings shed light on the potential of non-canonical odorant receptors as therapeutic targets and prognostic markers in cancer, inviting further exploration to unravel their precise mechanisms of action and implications in cancer biology. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the intricate relationships between these chemoreceptors and various types of cancer, potentially paving the way for innovative odor-based therapeutics. Ultimately, this review discusses the potential development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting these non-canonical chemoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Jin Park
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Paul L Greer
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Namgyu Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Bini de Lima AC, Sebastião da Fé VC, Palermo Hernandes MS, Oliveira dos Santos VM. Olfactory Stimulation as Environmental Enrichment for Domestic Horses-A Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3180. [PMID: 37893904 PMCID: PMC10603683 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203180] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Horses constantly face several challenges inherent to the domestic environment, and it is common for the expression of their natural behavior to be drastically limited. Environmental enrichment has been suggested as an alternative to improve the captive situation of domestic horses. Among the recently proposed enrichment strategies, olfactory stimulation has emerged as a method for improving several aspects related to animal behavior. Olfaction is a sensory modality that plays a significant role in the expression of equine behavior, and in recent years, studies have shown that olfactory stimulation can influence the physiological and behavioral parameters of horses. This review provides current information on the anatomical particularities of the equine olfactory system, presents the physiological mechanisms involved in the odor detection process, and demonstrates how stress can interfere with this process. Finally, the use of olfactory stimulation as an environmental enrichment for domestic horses (Equus ferus caballus) is explored. The need for new studies that answer pertinent questions related to this topic is discussed throughout the manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Caroline Bini de Lima
- Nucleus of Studies in Ambience, Bioclimatology, Welfare and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil; (V.C.S.d.F.); (M.S.P.H.); (V.M.O.d.S.)
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Torres MV, Ortiz-Leal I, Ferreiro A, Rois JL, Sanchez-Quinteiro P. Immunohistological study of the unexplored vomeronasal organ of an endangered mammal, the dama gazelle (Nanger dama). Microsc Res Tech 2023; 86:1206-1233. [PMID: 37494657 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Dama gazelle is a threatened and rarely studied species found primarily in northern Africa. Human pressure has depleted the dama gazelle population from tens of thousands to a few hundred individuals. Since 1970, a founder population consisting of the last 17 surviving individuals in Western Sahara has been maintained in captivity, reproducing naturally. In preparation for the future implementation of assisted reproductive technology, certain aspects of dama gazelle reproductive biology have been established. However, the role played by semiochemical-mediated communications in the sexual behavior of dama gazelle remains unknown due partially to a lack of a neuroanatomical or morphofunctional characterization of the dama gazelle vomeronasal organ (VNO), which is the sensory organ responsible for pheromone processing. The present study characterized the dama gazelle VNO, which appears fully equipped to perform neurosensory functions, contributing to current understanding of interspecies VNO variability among ruminants. By employing histological, lectin-histochemical, and immunohistochemical techniques, we conducted a detailed morphofunctional evaluation of the dama gazelle VNO along its entire longitudinal axis. Our findings of significant structural and neurochemical transformation along the entire VNO suggest that future studies of the VNO should take a similar approach. The present study contributes to current understanding of dama gazelle VNO, providing a basis for future studies of semiochemical-mediated communications and reproductive management in this species. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: This exhaustive immunohistological study of the vomeronasal organ (VNO) of the dama gazelle provides the first evidence of notable differences in the expression of neuronal markers along the rostrocaudal axis of the VNO. This provides a morphological basis for the implementation of pheromones in captive populations of dama gazelle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateo V Torres
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Irene Ortiz-Leal
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | | | | | - Pablo Sanchez-Quinteiro
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
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Mechin V, Asproni P, Bienboire-Frosini C, Cozzi A, Chabaud C, Arroub S, Mainau E, Nagnan-Le Meillour P, Pageat P. Inflammation interferes with chemoreception in pigs by altering the neuronal layout of the vomeronasal sensory epithelium. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:936838. [PMID: 36172609 PMCID: PMC9510685 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.936838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical communication is widely used by animals to exchange information in their environment, through the emission and detection of semiochemicals to maintain social organization and hierarchical rules in groups. The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is one of the main detectors of these messages, and its inflammation has been linked to behavioral changes because it potentially prevents molecule detection and, consequently, the translation of the signal into action. Our previous study highlighted the link between the intensity of vomeronasal sensory epithelium (VNSE) inflammation, probably induced by farm contaminant exposure, and intraspecific aggression in pigs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cellular and molecular changes that occur during vomeronasalitis in 76 vomeronasal sensorial epithelia from 38 intensive-farmed pigs. Histology was used to evaluate the condition of each VNO and classify inflammation as healthy, weak, moderate, or strong. These data were compared to the thickness of the sensorial epithelium and the number of type 1 vomeronasal receptor cells using anti-Gαi2 protein immunohistochemistry (IHC) and analysis. The presence of odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) in the areas surrounding the VNO was also analyzed by IHC and compared to inflammation intensity since its role as a molecule transporter to sensory neurons has been well-established. Of the 76 samples, 13 (17%) were healthy, 31 (41%) presented with weak inflammation, and 32 (42%) presented with moderate inflammation. No severe inflammation was observed. Epithelial thickness and the number of Gαi2+ cells were inversely correlated with inflammation intensity (Kruskal–Wallis and ANOVA tests, p < 0.0001), while OBP expression in areas around the VNO was increased in inflamed VNO (Kruskal–Wallis test, p = 0.0094), regardless of intensity. This study showed that inflammation was associated with a reduction in the thickness of the sensory epithelium and Gαi2+ cell number, suggesting that this condition can induce different degrees of neuronal loss. This finding could explain how vomeronasalitis may prevent the correct functioning of chemical communication, leading to social conflict with a potential negative impact on welfare, which is one of the most important challenges in pig farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violaine Mechin
- Tissue Biology and Chemical Communication Department, IRSEA, Institute of Research in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology, Apt, France
- *Correspondence: Violaine Mechin
| | - Pietro Asproni
- Tissue Biology and Chemical Communication Department, IRSEA, Institute of Research in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology, Apt, France
| | - Cécile Bienboire-Frosini
- Molecular Biology and Chemical Communication Department, IRSEA, Institute of Research in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology, Apt, France
| | - Alessandro Cozzi
- Research and Education Board, IRSEA, Institute of Research in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology, Apt, France
| | - Camille Chabaud
- Molecular Biology and Chemical Communication Department, IRSEA, Institute of Research in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology, Apt, France
| | - Sana Arroub
- Statistics and Data Management Service, IRSEA, Institute of Research in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology, Apt, France
| | - Eva Mainau
- Department of Animal and Food Science, School of Veterinary Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Patrick Pageat
- Research and Education Board, IRSEA, Institute of Research in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology, Apt, France
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Katreddi RR, Taroc EZM, Hicks SM, Lin JM, Liu S, Xiang M, Forni PE. Notch signaling determines cell-fate specification of the two main types of vomeronasal neurons of rodents. Development 2022; 149:dev200448. [PMID: 35781337 PMCID: PMC9340558 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The ability of terrestrial vertebrates to find food and mating partners, and to avoid predators, relies on the detection of chemosensory information. Semiochemicals responsible for social and sexual behaviors are detected by chemosensory neurons of the vomeronasal organ (VNO), which transmits information to the accessory olfactory bulb. The vomeronasal sensory epithelium of most mammalian species contains a uniform vomeronasal system; however, rodents and marsupials have developed a more complex binary vomeronasal system, containing vomeronasal sensory neurons (VSNs) expressing receptors of either the V1R or V2R family. In rodents, V1R/apical and V2R/basal VSNs originate from a common pool of progenitors. Using single cell RNA-sequencing, we identified differential expression of Notch1 receptor and Dll4 ligand between the neuronal precursors at the VSN differentiation dichotomy. Our experiments show that Notch signaling is required for effective differentiation of V2R/basal VSNs. In fact, Notch1 loss of function in neuronal progenitors diverts them to the V1R/apical fate, whereas Notch1 gain of function redirects precursors to V2R/basal. Our results indicate that Notch signaling plays a pivotal role in triggering the binary differentiation dichotomy in the VNO of rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghu Ram Katreddi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- The Center for Neuroscience Research, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Ed Zandro M. Taroc
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- The Center for Neuroscience Research, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Sawyer M. Hicks
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Jennifer M. Lin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- The Center for Neuroscience Research, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Shuting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Mengqing Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Paolo E. Forni
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- The Center for Neuroscience Research, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
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10
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Ortiz-Leal I, Torres MV, Villamayor PR, Fidalgo LE, López-Beceiro A, Sanchez-Quinteiro P. Can domestication shape Canidae brain morphology? The accessory olfactory bulb of the red fox as a case in point. Ann Anat 2021; 240:151881. [PMID: 34896556 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2021.151881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) is the first integrative center of the vomeronasal system (VNS), and the general macroscopic, microscopic, and neurochemical organizational patterns of the AOB differ fundamentally among species. Therefore, the low degree of differentiation observed for the dog AOB is surprising. As the artificial selection pressure exerted on domestic dogs has been suggested to play a key role in the involution of the dog VNS, a wild canid, such as the fox, represents a useful model for studying the hypothetical effects of domestication on the AOB morphology. METHODS A comprehensive histological, lectin-histochemical, and immunohistochemical study of the fox AOB was performed. Anti-Gαo and anti-Gαi2 antibodies were particularly useful, as they label the transduction cascade of the vomeronasal receptor types 1 (V1R) and 2 (V2R), respectively. Other employed antibodies included those against proteins such as microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2), tubulin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43), olfactory marker protein (OMP), calbindin, and calretinin. RESULTS The cytoarchitecture of the fox AOB showed a clear lamination, with neatly differentiated layers; a highly developed glomerular layer, rich in periglomerular cells; and large inner cell and granular layers. The immunolabeling of Gαi2, OMP, and GAP-43 delineated the outer layers, whereas Gαo and MAP-2 immunolabeling defined the inner layers. MAP-2 characterized the somas of AOB principal cells and their dendritic trees. Anti-calbindin and anti-calretinin antibodies discriminated neural subpopulations in both the mitral-plexiform layer and the granular cell layer, and the lectin Ulex europeus agglutinin I (UEA-I) showed selectivity for the AOB and the vomeronasal nerves. CONCLUSION The fox AOB presents unique characteristics and a higher degree of morphological development compared with the dog AOB. The comparatively complex neural basis for semiochemical information processing in the fox compared with that observed in dogs suggests loss of AOB anatomical complexity during the evolutionary history of dogs and opens a new avenue of research for studying the effects of domestication on brain structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ortiz-Leal
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Mateo V Torres
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Paula R Villamayor
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Luis Eusebio Fidalgo
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Ana López-Beceiro
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Pablo Sanchez-Quinteiro
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain.
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11
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Kokocińska-Kusiak A, Woszczyło M, Zybala M, Maciocha J, Barłowska K, Dzięcioł M. Canine Olfaction: Physiology, Behavior, and Possibilities for Practical Applications. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082463. [PMID: 34438920 PMCID: PMC8388720 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Dogs have an extraordinary olfactory capability, which far exceeds that of humans. Dogs’ sense of smell seems to be the main sense, allowing them to not only gather both current and historical information about their surrounding environment, but also to find the source of the smell, which is crucial for locating food, danger, or partners for reproduction. Dogs can be trained by humans to use their olfactory abilities in a variety of fields, with a detection limit often much lower than that of sophisticated laboratory instruments. The specific anatomical and physiological features of dog olfaction allow humans to achieve outstanding results in the detection of drugs, explosives, and different illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, or infectious disease. This article provides an overview of the anatomical features and physiological mechanisms involved in the process of odor detection and identification, as well as behavioral aspects of canine olfaction and its use in the service of humans in many fields. Abstract Olfaction in dogs is crucial for gathering important information about the environment, recognizing individuals, making decisions, and learning. It is far more specialized and sensitive than humans’ sense of smell. Using the strength of dogs’ sense of smell, humans work with dogs for the recognition of different odors, with a precision far exceeding the analytical capabilities of most modern instruments. Due to their extremely sensitive sense of smell, dogs could be used as modern, super-sensitive mobile area scanners, detecting specific chemical signals in real time in various environments outside the laboratory, and then tracking the odor of dynamic targets to their source, also in crowded places. Recent studies show that dogs can detect not only specific scents of drugs or explosives, but also changes in emotions as well as in human cell metabolism during various illnesses, including COVID-19 infection. Here, we provide an overview of canine olfaction, discussing aspects connected with anatomy, physiology, behavioral aspects of sniffing, and factors influencing the olfactory abilities of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris).
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Kokocińska-Kusiak
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, ul. Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warszawa, Poland; (A.K.-K.); (J.M.)
| | - Martyna Woszczyło
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Plac Grunwaldzki 49, 50-366 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Mikołaj Zybala
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Doctoral School, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, ul. Konarskiego 2, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland;
| | - Julia Maciocha
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, ul. Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warszawa, Poland; (A.K.-K.); (J.M.)
| | - Katarzyna Barłowska
- Department of Biotechnology and Nutrigenomics, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland;
| | - Michał Dzięcioł
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Plac Grunwaldzki 49, 50-366 Wrocław, Poland;
- Correspondence:
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Camperio Ciani AS. The Genetic Inactivation of the Vomero-Nasal Organ in Primates Allows the Evolution of Same-Sex Sexual Behavior But Does Not Explain Homosexual Orientation in Humans. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:2277-2281. [PMID: 32333128 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01708-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea S Camperio Ciani
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Learning and Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 12, 35131, Padua, Italy.
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13
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Pfau D, Jordan CL, Breedlove SM. The De-Scent of Sexuality: Did Loss of a Pheromone Signaling Protein Permit the Evolution of Same-Sex Sexual Behavior in Primates? ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:2267-2276. [PMID: 31016493 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1377-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Primate same-sex sexual behavior (SSSB) is rarely observed in strepsirrhine species, and only somewhat more common in platyrrhines, but is observed in nearly all catarrhine species, including humans, suggesting the common catarrhine ancestor as the origin of routine SSSB. In mice, disruption of the transient receptor potential cation channel 2 (TRPC2) gene, which is crucial for transducing chemosensory signals from pheromones in the vomeronasal organ, greatly increased the likelihood of SSSB. We note that catarrhine primates share a common deleterious mutation in this gene, indicating that the protein was dysfunctional in the common catarrhine ancestral primate approximately 25 mya (million years ago). We hypothesize that the loss of this protein for processing pheromonal signals in males and females made SSSB more likely in a primate ancestral species by effectively lifting a pheromonally mediated barrier to SSSB and that this was an important precursor to the evolution of such behavior in humans. Additional comparisons between SSSB and the functional status of the TRPC2 gene or related proteins across primate species could lend support to or falsify this hypothesis. Our current research indicates that loss of TRPC2 function in developing mice leads to the loss or attenuation of sexually dimorphisms in the adult brain, which may help us to understand the biological underpinnings of SSSB. Our hypothesis offers an ultimate evolutionary explanation for SSSB in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pfau
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, Giltner Hall, 293 Farm Lane, Room 108, East Lansing, MI, 48824-1101, USA.
| | - Cynthia L Jordan
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, Giltner Hall, 293 Farm Lane, Room 108, East Lansing, MI, 48824-1101, USA
| | - S Marc Breedlove
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, Giltner Hall, 293 Farm Lane, Room 108, East Lansing, MI, 48824-1101, USA
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14
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Mughal MN, Ye Q, Zhao L, Grevelding CG, Li Y, Di W, He X, Li X, Gasser RB, Hu M. First Evidence of Function for Schistosoma japonicumriok-1 and RIOK-1. Pathogens 2021; 10:862. [PMID: 34358012 PMCID: PMC8308690 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases are known as key molecules that regulate many biological processes in animals. The right open reading frame protein kinase (riok) genes are known to be essential regulators in model organisms such as the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. However, very little is known about their function in parasitic trematodes (flukes). In the present study, we characterized the riok-1 gene (Sj-riok-1) and the inferred protein (Sj-RIOK-1) in the parasitic blood fluke, Schistosoma japonicum. We gained a first insight into function of this gene/protein through double-stranded RNA interference (RNAi) and chemical inhibition. RNAi significantly reduced Sj-riok-1 transcription in both female and male worms compared with untreated control worms, and subtle morphological alterations were detected in the ovaries of female worms. Chemical knockdown of Sj-RIOK-1 with toyocamycin (a specific RIOK-1 inhibitor/probe) caused a substantial reduction in worm viability and a major accumulation of mature oocytes in the seminal receptacle (female worms), and of spermatozoa in the sperm vesicle (male worms). These phenotypic alterations indicate that the function of Sj-riok-1 is linked to developmental and/or reproductive processes in S. japonicum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudassar N. Mughal
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.N.M.); (Q.Y.); (L.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Qing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.N.M.); (Q.Y.); (L.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Lu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.N.M.); (Q.Y.); (L.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Christoph G. Grevelding
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.N.M.); (Q.Y.); (L.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Wenda Di
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China;
| | - Xin He
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.N.M.); (Q.Y.); (L.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Xuesong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.N.M.); (Q.Y.); (L.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Min Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.N.M.); (Q.Y.); (L.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
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15
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Villamayor PR, Robledo D, Fernández C, Gullón J, Quintela L, Sánchez-Quinteiro P, Martínez P. Analysis of the vomeronasal organ transcriptome reveals variable gene expression depending on age and function in rabbits. Genomics 2021; 113:2240-2252. [PMID: 34015461 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is a chemosensory organ specialized in pheromone detection that shows a broad morphofunctional and genomic diversity among mammals. However, its expression patterns have only been well-characterized in mice. Here, we provide the first comprehensive RNA sequencing study of the rabbit VNO across gender and sexual maturation stages. We characterized the VNO transcriptome, updating the number and expression of the two main vomeronasal receptor families, including 128 V1Rs and 67 V2Rs. Further, we defined the expression of formyl-peptide receptor and transient receptor potential channel families, both known to have specific roles in the VNO. Several sex hormone-related pathways were consistently enriched in the VNO, highlighting the relevance of this organ in reproduction. Moreover, whereas juvenile and adult VNOs showed significant transcriptome differences, male and female did not. Overall, these results contribute to understand the genomic basis of behavioural responses mediated by the VNO in a non-rodent model.
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Affiliation(s)
- P R Villamayor
- Department of Zoology Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain; Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - D Robledo
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - C Fernández
- Department of Zoology Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - J Gullón
- Conejos Gallegos, COGAL SL, Rodeiro, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - L Quintela
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - P Sánchez-Quinteiro
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain.
| | - P Martínez
- Department of Zoology Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
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16
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Mizuno T, Hirabayashi K, Miyazawa S, Kobayashi Y, Shoji K, Kobayashi M, Hanaoka F, Imamoto N, Torigoe H. The intrinsically disordered N-terminal region of mouse DNA polymerase alpha mediates its interaction with POT1a/b at telomeres. Genes Cells 2021; 26:360-380. [PMID: 33711210 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Mouse telomerase and the DNA polymerase alpha-primase complex elongate the leading and lagging strands of telomeres, respectively. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of lagging strand synthesis, we investigated the interaction between DNA polymerase alpha and two paralogs of the mouse POT1 telomere-binding protein (POT1a and POT1b). Yeast two-hybrid analysis and a glutathione S-transferase pull-down assay indicated that the C-terminal region of POT1a/b binds to the intrinsically disordered N-terminal region of p180, the catalytic subunit of mouse DNA polymerase alpha. Subcellular distribution analyses showed that although POT1a, POT1b, and TPP1 were localized to the cytoplasm, POT1a-TPP1 and POT1b-TPP1 coexpressed with TIN2 localized to the nucleus in a TIN2 dose-dependent manner. Coimmunoprecipitation and cell cycle synchronization experiments indicated that POT1b-TPP1-TIN2 was more strongly associated with p180 than POT1a-TPP1-TIN2, and this complex accumulated during the S phase. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and proximity ligation assays showed that POT1a and POT1b interacted with p180 and TIN2 on telomeric chromatin. Based on the present study and a previous study, we propose a model in which POT1a/b-TPP1-TIN2 translocates into the nucleus in a TIN2 dose-dependent manner to target the telomere, where POT1a/b interacts with DNA polymerase alpha for recruitment at the telomere for lagging strand synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kei Hirabayashi
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sae Miyazawa
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yurika Kobayashi
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenta Shoji
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masakazu Kobayashi
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Naoko Imamoto
- Cellular Dynamics Laboratory, CPR, RIKEN, Wako, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Torigoe
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
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Layton ED, Barman S, Wilburn DB, Yu KKQ, Smith MT, Altman JD, Scriba TJ, Tahiri N, Minnaard AJ, Roederer M, Seder RA, Darrah PA, Seshadri C. T Cells Specific for a Mycobacterial Glycolipid Expand after Intravenous Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Vaccination. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 206:1240-1250. [PMID: 33536255 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2001065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Intradermal vaccination with Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) protects infants from disseminated tuberculosis, and i.v. BCG protects nonhuman primates (NHP) against pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis. In humans and NHP, protection is thought to be mediated by T cells, which typically recognize bacterial peptide Ags bound to MHC proteins. However, during vertebrate evolution, T cells acquired the capacity to recognize lipid Ags bound to CD1a, CD1b, and CD1c proteins expressed on APCs. It is unknown whether BCG induces T cell immunity to mycobacterial lipids and whether CD1-restricted T cells are resident in the lung. In this study, we developed and validated Macaca mulatta (Mamu) CD1b and CD1c tetramers to probe ex vivo phenotypes and functions of T cells specific for glucose monomycolate (GMM), an immunodominant mycobacterial lipid Ag. We discovered that CD1b and CD1c present GMM to T cells in both humans and NHP. We show that GMM-specific T cells are expanded in rhesus macaque blood 4 wk after i.v. BCG, which has been shown to protect NHP with near-sterilizing efficacy upon M. tuberculosis challenge. After vaccination, these T cells are detected at high frequency within bronchoalveolar fluid and express CD69 and CD103, markers associated with resident memory T cells. Thus, our data expand the repertoire of T cells known to be induced by whole cell mycobacterial vaccines, such as BCG, and show that lipid Ag-specific T cells are resident in the lungs, where they may contribute to protective immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik D Layton
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Soumik Barman
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Damien B Wilburn
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Krystle K Q Yu
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Malisa T Smith
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - John D Altman
- National Institutes of Health Tetramer Core Facility, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329
| | - Thomas J Scriba
- South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 9747, South Africa
| | - Nabil Tahiri
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen 7925, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Adriaan J Minnaard
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen 7925, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mario Roederer
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892; and
| | - Robert A Seder
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892; and
| | - Patricia A Darrah
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892; and
| | - Chetan Seshadri
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109; .,Tuberculosis Research and Training Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
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Abstract
The incidence of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is approximately 1-10 in 100,000 live births. Known syndromes, such as Kallman syndrome, caused by a mutation in the KAL-1 gene, and other genes listed in the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database, account for 2/3 of the cases. The rest of these cases where there is no known genetic cause for HH are termed idiopathic. In this editorial, I describe each of the articles in the Special Issue on Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism, with a focus on new genes that might be included in future screens of idiopathic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah J Good
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, 1981 Kraft Drive (0913), Integrated Life Sciences Building, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA.
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19
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Tirindelli R. Coding of pheromones by vomeronasal receptors. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 383:367-386. [PMID: 33433690 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03376-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Communication between individuals is critical for species survival, reproduction, and expansion. Most terrestrial species, with the exception of humans who predominantly use vision and phonation to create their social network, rely on the detection and decoding of olfactory signals, which are widely known as pheromones. These chemosensory cues originate from bodily fluids, causing attractive or avoidance behaviors in subjects of the same species. Intraspecific pheromone signaling is then crucial to identify sex, social ranking, individuality, and health status, thus establishing hierarchies and finalizing the most efficient reproductive strategies. Indeed, all these features require fine tuning of the olfactory systems to detect molecules containing this information. To cope with this complexity of signals, tetrapods have developed dedicated olfactory subsystems that refer to distinct peripheral sensory detectors, called the main olfactory and the vomeronasal organ, and two minor structures, namely the septal organ of Masera and the Grueneberg ganglion. Among these, the vomeronasal organ plays the most remarkable role in pheromone coding by mediating several behavioral outcomes that are critical for species conservation and amplification. In rodents, this organ is organized into two segregated neuronal subsets that express different receptor families. To some extent, this dichotomic organization is preserved in higher projection areas of the central nervous system, suggesting, at first glance, distinct functions for these two neuronal pathways. Here, I will specifically focus on this issue and discuss the role of vomeronasal receptors in mediating important innate behavioral effects through the recognition of pheromones and other biological chemosignals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Tirindelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Volturno, 39, 43125, Parma, Italy.
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Nguyen QAT, Hillis D, Katada S, Harris T, Pontrello C, Garland T, Haga-Yamanaka S. Coadaptation of the chemosensory system with voluntary exercise behavior in mice. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241758. [PMID: 33237909 PMCID: PMC7688120 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethologically relevant chemical senses and behavioral habits are likely to coadapt in response to selection. As olfaction is involved in intrinsically motivated behaviors in mice, we hypothesized that selective breeding for a voluntary behavior would enable us to identify novel roles of the chemosensory system. Voluntary wheel running (VWR) is an intrinsically motivated and naturally rewarding behavior, and even wild mice run on a wheel placed in nature. We have established 4 independent, artificially evolved mouse lines by selectively breeding individuals showing high VWR activity (High Runners; HRs), together with 4 non-selected Control lines, over 88 generations. We found that several sensory receptors in specific receptor clusters were differentially expressed between the vomeronasal organ (VNO) of HRs and Controls. Moreover, one of those clusters contains multiple single-nucleotide polymorphism loci for which the allele frequencies were significantly divergent between the HR and Control lines, i.e., loci that were affected by the selective breeding protocol. These results indicate that the VNO has become genetically differentiated between HR and Control lines during the selective breeding process. Although the role of the vomeronasal chemosensory receptors in VWR activity remains to be determined, the current results suggest that these vomeronasal chemosensory receptors are important quantitative trait loci for voluntary exercise in mice. We propose that olfaction may play an important role in motivation for voluntary exercise in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quynh Anh Thi Nguyen
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - David Hillis
- Graduate Program in Genetics, Genomics & Bioinformatics, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Sayako Katada
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Timothy Harris
- Graduate Program in Genetics, Genomics & Bioinformatics, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Crystal Pontrello
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Theodore Garland
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Genetics, Genomics & Bioinformatics, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Sachiko Haga-Yamanaka
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Genetics, Genomics & Bioinformatics, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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21
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Baldwin MW, Ko MC. Functional evolution of vertebrate sensory receptors. Horm Behav 2020; 124:104771. [PMID: 32437717 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104771] [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: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sensory receptors enable animals to perceive their external world, and functional properties of receptors evolve to detect the specific cues relevant for an organism's survival. Changes in sensory receptor function or tuning can directly impact an organism's behavior. Functional tests of receptors from multiple species and the generation of chimeric receptors between orthologs with different properties allow for the dissection of the molecular basis of receptor function and identification of the key residues that impart functional changes in different species. Knowledge of these functionally important sites facilitates investigation into questions regarding the role of epistasis and the extent of convergence, as well as the timing of sensory shifts relative to other phenotypic changes. However, as receptors can also play roles in non-sensory tissues, and receptor responses can be modulated by numerous other factors including varying expression levels, alternative splicing, and morphological features of the sensory cell, behavioral validation can be instrumental in confirming that responses observed in heterologous systems play a sensory role. Expression profiling of sensory cells and comparative genomics approaches can shed light on cell-type specific modifications and identify other proteins that may affect receptor function and can provide insight into the correlated evolution of complex suites of traits. Here we review the evolutionary history and diversity of functional responses of the major classes of sensory receptors in vertebrates, including opsins, chemosensory receptors, and ion channels involved in temperature-sensing, mechanosensation and electroreception.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meng-Ching Ko
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
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Ortiz-Leal I, Torres MV, Villamayor PR, López-Beceiro A, Sanchez-Quinteiro P. The vomeronasal organ of wild canids: the fox (Vulpes vulpes) as a model. J Anat 2020; 237:890-906. [PMID: 32584430 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The vomeronasal system (VNS) has been extensively studied within specific animal families, such as Rodentia. However, the study of the VNS in other families, such as Canidae, has long been neglected. Among canids, the vomeronasal organ (VNO) has only been studied in detail in the dog, and no studies have examined the morphofunctional or immunohistochemical characteristics of the VNS in wild canids, which is surprising, given the well-known importance of chemical senses for the dog and fox and the likelihood that the VNS plays roles in the socio-reproductive physiology and behaviours of these species. In addition, characterising the fox VNS could contribute to a better understanding of the domestication process that occurred in the dog, as the fox would represent the first wild canid to be studied in depth. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of the fox VNO. Tissue dissection and microdissection techniques were employed, followed by general and specific histological staining techniques, including with immunohistochemical and lectin-histochemical labelling strategies, using antibodies against olfactory marker protein (OMP), growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43), calbindin (CB), calretinin (CR), α-tubulin, Gαo, and Gαi2 proteins, to highlight the specific features of the VNO in the fox. This study found significant differences in the VNS between the fox and the dog, particularly concerning the expression of Gαi2 and Gαo proteins, which were associated with the expression of the type 1 vomeronasal receptors (V1R) and type 2 vomeronasal receptors (V2R), respectively, in the vomeronasal epithelium. Both are immunopositive in foxes, as opposed to the dog, which only expresses Gαi2. This finding suggests that the fox possesses a well-developed VNO and supports the hypothesis that a profound transformation in the VNS is associated with domestication in the canid family. Furthermore, the unique features identified in the fox VNO confirm the necessity of studying the VNS system in different species to better comprehend specific phylogenetic aspects of the VNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ortiz-Leal
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Mateo V Torres
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Paula R Villamayor
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Ana López-Beceiro
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Pablo Sanchez-Quinteiro
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
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Abstract
Nervous systems allow animals to acutely respond and behaviorally adapt to changes and recurring patterns in their environment at multiple timescales-from milliseconds to years. Behavior is further shaped at intergenerational timescales by genetic variation, drift, and selection. This sophistication and flexibility of behavior makes it challenging to measure behavior consistently in individual subjects and to compare it across individuals. In spite of these challenges, careful behavioral observations in nature and controlled measurements in the laboratory, combined with modern technologies and powerful genetic approaches, have led to important discoveries about the way genetic variation shapes behavior. A critical mass of genes whose variation is known to modulate behavior in nature is finally accumulating, allowing us to recognize emerging patterns. In this review, we first discuss genetic mapping approaches useful for studying behavior. We then survey how variation acts at different levels-in environmental sensation, in internal neuronal circuits, and outside the nervous system altogether-and then discuss the sources and types of molecular variation linked to behavior and the mechanisms that shape such variation. We end by discussing remaining questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Niepoth
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute and Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; ,
| | - Andres Bendesky
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute and Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; ,
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24
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Renninger SL. Cell types exposed by social scent. Science 2019; 366:1311-1312. [PMID: 31831656 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaz8969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sabine L Renninger
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal.
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25
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Liu Q, Zhang Y, Wang P, Guo X, Wu Y, Zhang JX, Huang L. Two Preputial Gland-Secreted Pheromones Evoke Sexually Dimorphic Neural Pathways in the Mouse Vomeronasal System. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:455. [PMID: 31632243 PMCID: PMC6783556 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hexadecanol (16OH) and hexadecyl acetate (16Ac) are two pheromones secreted in a large quantity by mouse preputial glands and act on male and female mice differentially. Yet the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, we examined the activation of vomeronasal sensory neurons (VSNs) by these two pheromones and mapped the downstream neural circuits that process and relay their chemosignals. Using the calcium imaging method and immunohistochemistry, we found that a small number of VSNs were activated by 16OH, 16AC, or both in the male and female mice, most of which were located apically in the vomeronasal epithelium, and their numbers did not increase when the concentrations of 16OH and 16Ac were raised by 10,000-fold except that of female VSNs in response to 16OH. In the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), the two pheromones evoked more c-Fos+ neurons in the anterior AOB (aAOB) than in the posterior AOB (pAOB); and the increases in the number of c-Fos+ neurons in both aAOB and pAOB were dose-dependent; and between sexes, the female AOB responded more strongly to 16OH than to 16Ac whereas the male AOB had the opposite response pattern. This sexual dimorphism was largely retained in the downstream brain regions, including the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), the medial amygdaloid nucleus (MeA), the posteromedial cortical amygdaloid nucleus (PMCo), the medial preoptic area (MPA), and the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VmH). Taken together, out data indicate that there is one V1r receptor each for 16OH, 16Ac, or both, and that activation of these receptors evokes sexually dimorphic neural circuits, directing different behavioral outputs and possibly modulating other pheromone-induced responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yaohua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yijun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Xu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liquan Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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26
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A purely bioinformatic pipeline for the prediction of mammalian odorant receptor gene enhancers. BMC Bioinformatics 2019; 20:474. [PMID: 31521109 PMCID: PMC6744719 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-019-3012-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In most mammals, a vast array of genes coding for chemosensory receptors mediates olfaction. Odorant receptor (OR) genes generally constitute the largest multifamily (> 1100 intact members in the mouse). From the whole pool, each olfactory neuron expresses a single OR allele following poorly characterized mechanisms termed OR gene choice. OR genes are found in genomic aggregations known as clusters. Nearby enhancers, named elements, are crucial regulators of OR gene choice. Despite their importance, searching for new elements is burdensome. Other chemosensory receptor genes responsible for smell adhere to expression modalities resembling OR gene choice, and are arranged in genomic clusters — often with chromosomal linkage to OR genes. Still, no elements are known for them. Results Here we present an inexpensive framework aimed at predicting elements. We redefine cluster identity by focusing on multiple receptor gene families at once, and exemplify thirty — not necessarily OR-exclusive — novel candidate enhancers. Conclusions The pipeline we introduce could guide future in vivo work aimed at discovering/validating new elements. In addition, our study provides an updated and comprehensive classification of all genomic loci responsible for the transduction of olfactory signals in mammals. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12859-019-3012-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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27
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GC × GC-MS-Based Volatile Profiling of Male Domestic Cat Urine and the Olfactory Abilities of Cats to Discriminate Temporal Changes and Individual Differences in Urine. J Chem Ecol 2019; 45:579-587. [DOI: 10.1007/s10886-019-01083-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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28
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Mohrhardt J, Nagel M, Fleck D, Ben-Shaul Y, Spehr M. Signal Detection and Coding in the Accessory Olfactory System. Chem Senses 2019; 43:667-695. [PMID: 30256909 PMCID: PMC6211456 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjy061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In many mammalian species, the accessory olfactory system plays a central role in guiding behavioral and physiological responses to social and reproductive interactions. Because of its relatively compact structure and its direct access to amygdalar and hypothalamic nuclei, the accessory olfactory pathway provides an ideal system to study sensory control of complex mammalian behavior. During the last several years, many studies employing molecular, behavioral, and physiological approaches have significantly expanded and enhanced our understanding of this system. The purpose of the current review is to integrate older and newer studies to present an updated and comprehensive picture of vomeronasal signaling and coding with an emphasis on early accessory olfactory system processing stages. These include vomeronasal sensory neurons in the vomeronasal organ, and the circuitry of the accessory olfactory bulb. Because the overwhelming majority of studies on accessory olfactory system function employ rodents, this review is largely focused on this phylogenetic order, and on mice in particular. Taken together, the emerging view from both older literature and more recent studies is that the molecular, cellular, and circuit properties of chemosensory signaling along the accessory olfactory pathway are in many ways unique. Yet, it has also become evident that, like the main olfactory system, the accessory olfactory system also has the capacity for adaptive learning, experience, and state-dependent plasticity. In addition to describing what is currently known about accessory olfactory system function and physiology, we highlight what we believe are important gaps in our knowledge, which thus define exciting directions for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Mohrhardt
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Nagel
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - David Fleck
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yoram Ben-Shaul
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, School of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Marc Spehr
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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29
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Charkoftaki G, Wang Y, McAndrews M, Bruford EA, Thompson DC, Vasiliou V, Nebert DW. Update on the human and mouse lipocalin (LCN) gene family, including evidence the mouse Mup cluster is result of an "evolutionary bloom". Hum Genomics 2019; 13:11. [PMID: 30782214 PMCID: PMC6381713 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-019-0191-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipocalins (LCNs) are members of a family of evolutionarily conserved genes present in all kingdoms of life. There are 19 LCN-like genes in the human genome, and 45 Lcn-like genes in the mouse genome, which include 22 major urinary protein (Mup) genes. The Mup genes, plus 29 of 30 Mup-ps pseudogenes, are all located together on chromosome (Chr) 4; evidence points to an “evolutionary bloom” that resulted in this Mup cluster in mouse, syntenic to the human Chr 9q32 locus at which a single MUPP pseudogene is located. LCNs play important roles in physiological processes by binding and transporting small hydrophobic molecules —such as steroid hormones, odorants, retinoids, and lipids—in plasma and other body fluids. LCNs are extensively used in clinical practice as biochemical markers. LCN-like proteins (18–40 kDa) have the characteristic eight β-strands creating a barrel structure that houses the binding-site; LCNs are synthesized in the liver as well as various secretory tissues. In rodents, MUPs are involved in communication of information in urine-derived scent marks, serving as signatures of individual identity, or as kairomones (to elicit fear behavior). MUPs also participate in regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism via a mechanism not well understood. Although much has been learned about LCNs and MUPs in recent years, more research is necessary to allow better understanding of their physiological functions, as well as their involvement in clinical disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Charkoftaki
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520-8034, USA
| | - Yewei Wang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520-8034, USA
| | - Monica McAndrews
- Mouse Genome Informatics, The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA
| | - Elspeth A Bruford
- HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, UK
| | - David C Thompson
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Vasilis Vasiliou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520-8034, USA.
| | - Daniel W Nebert
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics; Department of Pediatrics and Molecular and Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Research Center, University Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
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30
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Sharma K, Syed AS, Ferrando S, Mazan S, Korsching SI. The Chemosensory Receptor Repertoire of a True Shark Is Dominated by a Single Olfactory Receptor Family. Genome Biol Evol 2019; 11:398-405. [PMID: 30649300 PMCID: PMC6368271 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evz002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout the animal kingdom chemical senses are one of the primary means by which organisms make sense of their environment. To achieve perception of complex chemosensory stimuli large repertoires of olfactory and gustatory receptors are employed in bony vertebrates, which are characterized by high evolutionary dynamics in receptor repertoire size and composition. However, little is known about their evolution in earlier diverging vertebrates such as cartilaginous fish, which include sharks, skates, rays, and chimeras. Recently, the olfactory repertoire of a chimera, elephant shark, was found to be curiously reduced in odorant receptor number. Elephant sharks rely heavily on electroreception to localize prey; thus, it is unclear how representative their chemosensory receptor repertoire sizes would be for cartilaginous fishes in general. Here, we have mined the genome of a true shark, Scyliorhinus canicula (catshark) for olfactory and gustatory receptors, and have performed a thorough phylogenetic study to shed light on the evolution of chemosensory receptors in cartilaginous fish. We report the presence of several gustatory receptors of the TAS1R family in catshark and elephant shark, whereas TAS2R receptors are absent. The catshark olfactory repertoire is dominated by V2R receptors, with 5–8 receptors in the other three families (OR, ORA, TAAR). Species-specific expansions are mostly limited to the V2R family. Overall, the catshark chemosensory receptor repertoires are generally similar in size to those of elephant shark, if somewhat larger, showing similar evolutionary tendencies across over 400 Myr of separate evolution between catshark and elephant shark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanika Sharma
- Department of Biology, Institute of Genetics, Biocenter, University at Cologne, Zülpicherstrasse 47a, 50674, Cologne, Germany
| | - Adnan S Syed
- Department of Biology, Institute of Genetics, Biocenter, University at Cologne, Zülpicherstrasse 47a, 50674, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sara Ferrando
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Sylvie Mazan
- CNRS-UPMC-Sorbonne Universités, UMR 7232, Banyuls sur Mer, France
| | - Sigrun I Korsching
- Department of Biology, Institute of Genetics, Biocenter, University at Cologne, Zülpicherstrasse 47a, 50674, Cologne, Germany
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31
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Sharma A, Kumar R, Aier I, Semwal R, Tyagi P, Varadwaj P. Sense of Smell: Structural, Functional, Mechanistic Advancements and Challenges in Human Olfactory Research. Curr Neuropharmacol 2019; 17:891-911. [PMID: 30520376 PMCID: PMC7052838 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x17666181206095626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Olfaction, the sense of smell detects and discriminate odors as well as social cues which influence our innate responses. The olfactory system in human beings is found to be weak as compared to other animals; however, it seems to be very precise. It can detect and discriminate millions of chemical moieties (odorants) even in minuscule quantities. The process initiates with the binding of odorants to specialized olfactory receptors, encoded by a large family of Olfactory Receptor (OR) genes belonging to the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily. Stimulation of ORs converts the chemical information encoded in the odorants, into respective neuronal action-potentials which causes depolarization of olfactory sensory neurons. The olfactory bulb relays this signal to different parts of the brain for processing. Odors are encrypted using a combinatorial approach to detect a variety of chemicals and encode their unique identity. The discovery of functional OR genes and proteins provided an important information to decipher the genomic, structural and functional basis of olfaction. ORs constitute 17 gene families, out of which 4 families were reported to contain more than hundred members each. The olfactory machinery is not limited to GPCRs; a number of non- GPCRs is also employed to detect chemosensory stimuli. The article provides detailed information about such olfaction machinery, structures, transduction mechanism, theories of odor perception, and challenges in the olfaction research. It covers the structural, functional and computational studies carried out in the olfaction research in the recent past.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Pritish Varadwaj
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Applied Science, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India; E-mail:
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32
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Holy TE. The Accessory Olfactory System: Innately Specialized or Microcosm of Mammalian Circuitry? Annu Rev Neurosci 2018; 41:501-525. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-080317-061916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, the accessory olfactory system is a distinct circuit that has received attention for its role in detecting and responding to pheromones. While the neuroscientific investigation of this system is comparatively new, recent advances and its compact size have made it an attractive model for developing an end-to-end understanding of such questions as regulation of essential behaviors, plasticity, and individual recognition. Recent discoveries have indicated a need to reevaluate our conception of this system, suggesting that ( a) physical principles—rather than biological necessity—play an underappreciated role in its raison d'être and that ( b) the anatomy of downstream projections is not dominated by unique specializations but instead consists of an abbreviated cortical/basal ganglia motif reminiscent of other sensorimotor systems. These observations suggest that the accessory olfactory system distinguishes itself primarily by the physicochemical properties of its ligands, but its architecture is otherwise a microcosm of mammalian neurocircuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy E. Holy
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63132, USA
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33
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Identification of an Intra- and Inter-specific Tear Protein Signal in Rodents. Curr Biol 2018; 28:1213-1223.e6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.02.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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34
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Akiyoshi S, Ishii T, Bai Z, Mombaerts P. Subpopulations of vomeronasal sensory neurons with coordinated coexpression of type 2 vomeronasal receptor genes are differentially dependent on Vmn2r1. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 47:887-900. [PMID: 29465786 PMCID: PMC5947554 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The mouse vomeronasal organ is specialized in the detection of pheromones. Vomeronasal sensory neurons (VSNs) express chemosensory receptors of two large gene repertoires, V1R and V2R, which encode G‐protein‐coupled receptors. Phylogenetically, four families of V2R genes can be discerned as follows: A, B, C, and D. VSNs located in the basal layer of the vomeronasal epithelium coordinately coexpress V2R genes from two families: Approximately half of basal VSNs coexpress Vmn2r1 of family C with a single V2R gene of family A8‐10, B, or D (‘C1 type of V2Rs’), and the other half coexpress Vmn2r2 through Vmn2r7 of family C with a single V2R gene of family A1‐6 (‘C2 type V2Rs’). The regulatory mechanisms of the coordinated coexpression of V2Rs from two families remain poorly understood. Here, we have generated two mouse strains carrying a knockout mutation in Vmn2r1 by gene targeting in embryonic stem cells. These mutations cause a differential decrease in the numbers of VSNs expressing a given C1 type of V2R. There is no compensatory expression of Vmn2r2 through Vmn2r7. VSN axons coalesce into glomeruli in the appropriate region of the accessory olfactory bulb in the absence of Vmn2r1. Gene expression profiling by NanoString reveals a differential and graded decrease in the expression levels across C1 type of V2Rs. There is no change in the expression levels of C2 type of V2Rs, with two exceptions that we reclassified as C1 type. Thus, there appears to be a fixed probability of gene choice for a given C2 type of V2R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Akiyoshi
- Max Planck Research Unit for Neurogenetics, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 4, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Tomohiro Ishii
- Max Planck Research Unit for Neurogenetics, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 4, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Zhaodai Bai
- Max Planck Research Unit for Neurogenetics, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 4, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Peter Mombaerts
- Max Planck Research Unit for Neurogenetics, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 4, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
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35
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Duyck K, DuTell V, Ma L, Paulson A, Yu CR. Pronounced strain-specific chemosensory receptor gene expression in the mouse vomeronasal organ. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:965. [PMID: 29233099 PMCID: PMC5727874 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-4364-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The chemosensory system plays an important role in orchestrating sexual behaviors in mammals. Pheromones trigger sexually dimorphic behaviors and different mouse strains exhibit differential responses to pheromone stimuli. It has been speculated that differential gene expression in the sensory organs that detect pheromones may underlie sexually-dimorphic and strain-specific responses to pheromone cues. Results We have performed transcriptome analyses of the mouse vomeronasal organ, a sensory organ recognizing pheromones and interspecies cues. We find little evidence of sexual dimorphism in gene expression except for Xist, an essential gene for X-linked gene inactivation. Variations in gene expression are found mainly among strains, with genes from immune response and chemosensory receptor classes dominating the list. Differentially expressed genes are concentrated in genomic hotspots enriched in these families of genes. Some chemosensory receptors show exclusive patterns of expression in different strains. We find high levels of single nucleotide polymorphism in chemosensory receptor pseudogenes, some of which lead to functionalized receptors. Moreover, we identify a number of differentially expressed long noncoding RNA species showing strong correlation or anti-correlation with chemoreceptor genes. Conclusions Our analyses provide little evidence supporting sexually dimorphic gene expression in the vomeronasal organ that may underlie dimorphic pheromone responses. In contrast, we find pronounced variations in the expression of immune response related genes, vomeronasal and G-protein coupled receptor genes among different mouse strains. These findings raised the possibility that diverse strains of mouse perceive pheromone cues differently and behavioral difference among strains in response to pheromone may first arise from differential detection of pheromones. On the other hand, sexually dimorphic responses to pheromones more likely originate from dimorphic neural circuits in the brain than from differential detection. Moreover, noncoding RNA may offer a potential regulatory mechanism controlling the differential expression patterns. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-017-4364-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Duyck
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Vasha DuTell
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA.,Redwood Center for Theoretical Neuroscience, University of California, 567 Evans Hall, Berkeley, 94720, USA
| | - Limei Ma
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Ariel Paulson
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - C Ron Yu
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA. .,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
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36
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Muroi Y, Nishimura M, Ishii T. The Accessory Olfactory System Facilitates the Recovery of the Attraction to Familiar Volatile Female Odors in Male Mice. Chem Senses 2017; 42:737-745. [PMID: 28968801 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjx045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Odors in female mice induce sexual arousal in male mice. Repeated exposure to female odors attenuates male attraction, which recovers when the odors are removed. The neuronal mechanisms for the recovery of male attraction have not been clarified. In this study, we examined how olfactory systems are involved in the recovery of male attraction to female odors following habituation in mice. Presentation with volatile female odors for 5 min induced habituation in males. To evaluate male attraction to familiar volatile female odors, we measured the duration for investigating volatile female odors from the same female mouse, which was presented twice for 5 min with 1-, 3-, or 5-min interval. Intranasal irrigation with ZnSO4 solution almost completely suppressed investigating behavior, indicating that the main olfactory system is indispensable for inducing the attraction to volatile female odors. In contrast, removal of the vomeronasal organ, bilateral lesions of the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), or pharmacological blockage of neurotransmission in the AOB did not affect the investigation time at the first odor presentation. However, each one of the treatments decreased the investigation time in the second presentation, compared to that in the first presentation, at longer intervals than control treatment, indicating that the disturbance of neurotransmission in the accessory olfactory system delayed the recovery of the attraction attenuated by the first presentation. These results suggest that the accessory olfactory system facilitates the recovery of the attraction to familiar volatile female odors in male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshikage Muroi
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Masakazu Nishimura
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Ishii
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
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Moriya-Ito K, Hayakawa T, Suzuki H, Hagino-Yamagishi K, Nikaido M. Evolution of vomeronasal receptor 1 (V1R) genes in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Gene 2017; 642:343-353. [PMID: 29155331 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.11.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Pheromones are crucial for eliciting innate responses and inducing social and sexual behaviors in mammals. The vomeronasal receptor 1 genes, V1Rs, encode members of a pheromone receptor family that are mainly expressed in the vomeronasal organ (VNO). The V1R family shows extraordinary variety in gene number among vertebrates owing to successive gene gains and losses during evolution. Such diversity is believed to reflect a degree of dependence on the VNO. We investigated V1R evolution in primate lineages closely related to humans because these VNOs show a trend toward degeneration. We performed extensive phylogenetic analyses for V1Rs from a broad range of primate species. Although the decline of intact genes was evident in anthropoids (hominoids, Old World monkeys and New World monkeys), we found that a certain number of intact genes persist in New World monkeys. In one New World monkey species, the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), we examined seven putatively functional V1Rs using in situ hybridization and reverse transcription-PCR. Based on their mRNA expression patterns in the VNO and other organs, two types of V1Rs emerged: the canonical class with VNO-specific expression, and a second group having more ubiquitous expression in various organs as well as VNO. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis revealed that the class with the more widespread expression had been retained longer in evolution than the VNO-specific type. We propose that the acquisition of a novel non-VNO-related function(s) may have led to the survival of a small but persistent number of V1Rs in anthropoid primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Moriya-Ito
- Department of Brain Development and Neural Regeneration, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan.
| | - Takashi Hayakawa
- Department of Wildlife Science (Nagoya Railroad Co., Ltd.), Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi 484-8506, Japan; Japan Monkey Centre, Inuyama, Aichi 484-0081, Japan
| | - Hikoyu Suzuki
- Nihon BioData Corporation, 3-2-1 Sakado, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 213-0012, Japan.; School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Kimiko Hagino-Yamagishi
- Department of Brain Development and Neural Regeneration, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Masato Nikaido
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan.
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Tomiyasu J, Kondoh D, Sakamoto H, Matsumoto N, Sasaki M, Kitamura N, Haneda S, Matsui M. Morphological and histological features of the vomeronasal organ in the brown bear. J Anat 2017; 231:749-757. [PMID: 28786107 PMCID: PMC5643918 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is a peripheral receptor structure that is involved in reproductive behavior and is part of the vomeronasal system. Male bears exhibit flehmen behavior that is regarded as the uptake of pheromones into the VNO to detect estrus in females. However, the morphological and histological features of the VNO in bears have not been comprehensively studied. The present study investigated the properties and degree of development of the VNO of the brown bear by histological, histochemical and ultrastructural methods. The VNO of bears was located at the same position as that of many other mammals, and it opened to the mouth like the VNO of most carnivores. The shape of the vomeronasal cartilages and the histological features of the sensory epithelium in the bear VNO were essentially similar to those of dogs. Receptor cells in the VNO of the bear possessed both cilia and microvilli like those of dogs. The dendritic knobs of receptor cells were positive for anti-G protein alpha-i2 subunit (Gαi2 ) but negative for anti-G protein alpha-o subunit, indicating preferential use of the V1R-Gαi2 pathway in the vomeronasal system of bears, as in other carnivores. The VNO of the bear possessed three types of secretory cells (secretory cells of the vomeronasal gland, multicellular intraepithelial gland cells and goblet cells), and the present findings showed that the secretory granules in these cells also had various properties. The vomeronasal lumen at the middle region of the VNO invaginated toward the ventral region, and this invagination contained tightly packed multicellular intraepithelial gland cells. To our knowledge, this invagination and intraepithelial gland masses in the VNO are unique features of brown bears. The VNO in the brown bear, especially the secretory system, is morphologically well-developed, suggesting that this organ is significant for information transmission in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumpei Tomiyasu
- Laboratory of TheriogenologyDepartment of Applied Veterinary MedicineObihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary MedicineObihiroHokkaidoJapan
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary SciencesGifu UniversityGifuJapan
| | - Daisuke Kondoh
- Laboratory of Veterinary AnatomyDepartment of Basic Veterinary MedicineObihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary MedicineObihiroHokkaidoJapan
| | | | | | - Motoki Sasaki
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary SciencesGifu UniversityGifuJapan
- Laboratory of Veterinary AnatomyDepartment of Basic Veterinary MedicineObihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary MedicineObihiroHokkaidoJapan
| | - Nobuo Kitamura
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary SciencesGifu UniversityGifuJapan
- Laboratory of Veterinary AnatomyDepartment of Basic Veterinary MedicineObihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary MedicineObihiroHokkaidoJapan
| | - Shingo Haneda
- Laboratory of TheriogenologyDepartment of Applied Veterinary MedicineObihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary MedicineObihiroHokkaidoJapan
| | - Motozumi Matsui
- Laboratory of TheriogenologyDepartment of Applied Veterinary MedicineObihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary MedicineObihiroHokkaidoJapan
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary SciencesGifu UniversityGifuJapan
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Silva L, Antunes A. Vomeronasal Receptors in Vertebrates and the Evolution of Pheromone Detection. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2017; 5:353-370. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-022516-022801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Silva
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, 4050-208 Porto, Portugal
| | - Agostinho Antunes
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, 4050-208 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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Brignall AC, Cloutier JF. Neural map formation and sensory coding in the vomeronasal system. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:4697-709. [PMID: 26329476 PMCID: PMC11113928 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-2029-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Sensory systems enable us to encode a clear representation of our environment in the nervous system by spatially organizing sensory stimuli being received. The organization of neural circuitry to form a map of sensory activation is critical for the interpretation of these sensory stimuli. In rodents, social communication relies strongly on the detection of chemosignals by the vomeronasal system, which regulates a wide array of behaviours, including mate recognition, reproduction, and aggression. The binding of these chemosignals to receptors on vomeronasal sensory neurons leads to activation of second-order neurons within glomeruli of the accessory olfactory bulb. Here, vomeronasal receptor activation by a stimulus is organized into maps of glomerular activation that represent phenotypic qualities of the stimuli detected. Genetic, electrophysiological and imaging studies have shed light on the principles underlying cell connectivity and sensory map formation in the vomeronasal system, and have revealed important differences in sensory coding between the vomeronasal and main olfactory system. In this review, we summarize the key factors and mechanisms that dictate circuit formation and sensory coding logic in the vomeronasal system, emphasizing differences with the main olfactory system. Furthermore, we discuss how detection of chemosignals by the vomeronasal system regulates social behaviour in mice, specifically aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C Brignall
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Centre for Neuronal Survival, 3801 University, Room MP105, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Jean-François Cloutier
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Centre for Neuronal Survival, 3801 University, Room MP105, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada.
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Canada.
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Canada.
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Dinka H, Le MT, Ha H, Cho H, Choi MK, Choi H, Kim JH, Soundarajan N, Park JK, Park C. Analysis of the vomeronasal receptor repertoire, expression and allelic diversity in swine. Genomics 2015; 107:208-15. [PMID: 26482471 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2015.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Here we report a comprehensive analysis of the vomeronasal receptor repertoire in pigs. We identified a total of 25 V1R sequences consisting of 10 functional genes, 3 pseudogenes, and 12 partial genes, while functional V2R and FPR genes were not present in the pig genome. Pig V1Rs were classified into three subfamilies, D, F, and J. Using direct high resolution sequencing-based typing of all functional V1Rs from 10 individuals of 5 different breeds, a total of 24 SNPs were identified, indicating that the allelic diversity of V1Rs is much lower than that of the olfactory receptors. A high expression level of V1Rs was detected in the vomeronasal organ (VNO) and testes, while a low expression level of V1Rs was observed in all other tissues examined. Our results showed that pigs could serve as an interesting large animal model system to study pheromone-related neurobiology because of their genetic simplicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunduma Dinka
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minh Thong Le
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Heekyun Ha
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyesun Cho
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Min-Kyeung Choi
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hojun Choi
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin-Hoi Kim
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Jin-Ki Park
- Department of Swine and Poultry Science, Korea National College of Agriculture and Fisheries, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
| | - Chankyu Park
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
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Kubo H, Otsuka M, Kadokawa H. Sexual polymorphisms of vomeronasal 1 receptor family gene expression in bulls, steers, and estrous and early luteal-phase heifers. J Vet Med Sci 2015; 78:271-9. [PMID: 26477467 PMCID: PMC4785117 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.15-0300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vomeronasal 1 receptors (V1R) are a family of receptors for intraspecies chemosignals, including pheromones,
and are expressed in the olfactory epithelium (OE) and vomeronasal organ (VO). Even in the well-studied
rodents, it is unclear which members of the V1R family cause sexual polymorphisms, as there are numerous genes
and it is difficult to quantify their expressions individually. Bovine species carry only 34 V1R homologs, and
the OE and VOs are large enough to sample. Here, V1R expression was quantified in the OE and VOs of individual
bovines. Based on the 34 gene sequences, we obtained a molecular dendrogram consisting of four clusters and
six independent branches. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to obtain gene expression profiles in the VOs and
OE of 5 Japanese Black bulls, 5 steers, 7 estrous heifers and 6 early luteal-phase heifers. Ten genes showed
significant between-group differences, and 22 showed high expression in VOs than in OE. The bulls showed
higher expression of one gene more in OE and another in VOs (both P<0.05) than did steers;
both genes belonged to the first cluster. No genes were expressed more abundantly in steers than in bulls. The
estrous heifers showed higher expression of a gene of the second cluster in OE, and a gene of the third
cluster in VOs (both P<0.05) than did early luteal-phase heifers. These results suggest
V1R expression exhibits sexual polymorphisms in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruna Kubo
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1, Yamaguchi-shi, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
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43
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Haga-Yamanaka S, Ma L, Yu CR. Tuning properties and dynamic range of type 1 vomeronasal receptors. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:244. [PMID: 26236183 PMCID: PMC4501179 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The mouse vomeronasal organ (VNO) expresses chemosensory receptors that detect intra-species as well as inter-species cues. The vomeronasal neurons are thought to be highly selective in their responses. The tuning properties of individual receptors remain difficult to characterize due to the lack of a robust heterologous expression system. Here, we take a transgenic approach to ectopically express two type 1 vomeronasal receptors in the mouse VNO and characterize their responses to steroid compounds. We find that V1rj2 and V1rj3 are sensitive to two sulfated estrogens (SEs) and can be activated by a broad variety of sulfated and glucuronidated steroids at high concentrations. Individual neurons exhibit narrow range of concentration-dependent activation. Collectively, a neuronal population expressing the same receptor covers a wide dynamic range in their responses to SEs. These properties recapitulate the response profiles of endogenous neurons to SEs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Limei Ma
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - C Ron Yu
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research Kansas City, MO, USA ; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS, USA
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Kishida T, Thewissen JGM, Hayakawa T, Imai H, Agata K. Aquatic adaptation and the evolution of smell and taste in whales. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2015; 1:9. [PMID: 26605054 PMCID: PMC4604112 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-014-0002-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While olfaction is one of the most important senses in most terrestrial mammals, it is absent in modern toothed whales (Odontoceti, Cetacea). Furthermore, behavioral evidence suggests that gustation is very limited. In contrast, their aquatic sistergroup, baleen whales (Mysticeti) retain small but functional olfactory organs, and nothing is known about their gustation. It is difficult to investigate mysticete chemosensory abilities because experiments in a controlled setting are impossible. RESULTS Here, we use the functional regionalization of the olfactory bulb (OB) to identify the loss of specific olfactory functions in mysticetes. We provide the whole-genome sequence of a mysticete and show that mysticetes lack the dorsal domain of the OB, an area known to induce innate avoidance behavior against odors of predators and spoiled foods. Genomic and fossil data suggest that mysticetes lost the dorsal domain of the OB before the Odontoceti-Mysticeti split. Furthermore, we found that all modern cetaceans are revealed to have lost the functional taste receptors. CONCLUSION These results strongly indicate that profound changes in the chemosensory capabilities had occurred in the cetacean lineage during the period when ancestral whales migrated from land to water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takushi Kishida
- />Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwake-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502 Japan
- />Present affiliation: Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, 2-24 Tanaka Sekiden-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8203 Japan
| | - JGM Thewissen
- />Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, 4209 State Route 44, Rootstown, OH 44272 USA
| | - Takashi Hayakawa
- />Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Kanrin, Inuyama, Aichi 484-8506 Japan
- />Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Kojimachi, Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-0083 Japan
| | - Hiroo Imai
- />Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Kanrin, Inuyama, Aichi 484-8506 Japan
| | - Kiyokazu Agata
- />Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwake-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502 Japan
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Apps PJ, Weldon PJ, Kramer M. Chemical signals in terrestrial vertebrates: search for design features. Nat Prod Rep 2015; 32:1131-53. [DOI: 10.1039/c5np00029g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We review current information on intraspecific chemical signals and search for patterns in signal chemistry among modern terrestrial vertebrates (Amniota), including tortoises, squamate reptiles (amphisbaenians, lizards, and snakes), birds, and mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Apps
- Paul G. Allen Family Foundation Laboratory for Wildlife Chemistry
- Botswana Predator Conservation Trust
- Maun
- Botswana
| | - Paul J. Weldon
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
- National Zoological Park
- Front Royal
- USA
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Francia S, Silvotti L, Ghirardi F, Catzeflis F, Percudani R, Tirindelli R. Evolution of spatially coexpressed families of type-2 vomeronasal receptors in rodents. Genome Biol Evol 2014; 7:272-85. [PMID: 25539725 PMCID: PMC4316634 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evu283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is an olfactory structure for the detection of pheromones. VNO neurons express three groups of unrelated G-protein-coupled receptors. Type-2 vomeronasal receptors (V2Rs) are specifically localized in the basal neurons of the VNO and are believed to sense protein pheromones eliciting specific reproductive behaviors. In murine species, V2Rs are organized into four families. Family-ABD V2Rs are expressed monogenically and coexpress with family-C V2Rs of either subfamily C1 (V2RC1) or subfamily C2 (V2RC2), according to a coordinate temporal diagram. Neurons expressing the phylogenetically ancient V2RC1 coexpress family-BD V2Rs or a specific group of subfamily-A V2Rs (V2RA8-10), whereas a second neuronal subset (V2RC2-positive) coexpresses a recently expanded group of five subfamily-A V2Rs (V2RA1-5) along with vomeronasal-specific Major Histocompatibility Complex molecules (H2-Mv). Through database mining and Sanger sequencing, we have analyzed the onset, diversification, and expansion of the V2R-families throughout the phylogeny of Rodentia. Our results suggest that the separation of V2RC1 and V2RC2 occurred in a Cricetidae ancestor in coincidence with the evolution of the H2-Mv genes; this phylogenetic event did not correspond with the origin of the coexpressing V2RA1-5 genes, which dates back to an ancestral myomorphan lineage. Interestingly, the evolution of receptors within the V2RA1-5 group may be implicated in the origin and diversification of some of the V2R putative cognate ligands, the exocrine secreting peptides. The establishment of V2RC2, which probably reflects the complex expansion and diversification of family-A V2Rs, generated receptors that have probably acquired a more subtle functional specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - François Catzeflis
- Laboratoire de Paleontologie, Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, UMR 5554 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier 2, France
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Yoder AD, Larsen PA. The molecular evolutionary dynamics of the vomeronasal receptor (class 1) genes in primates: a gene family on the verge of a functional breakdown. Front Neuroanat 2014; 8:153. [PMID: 25565978 PMCID: PMC4264469 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2014.00153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Olfaction plays a critical role in both survival of the individual and in the propagation of species. Studies from across the mammalian clade have found a remarkable correlation between organismal lifestyle and molecular evolutionary properties of receptor genes in both the main olfactory system (MOS) and the vomeronasal system (VNS). When a large proportion of intact (and putatively functional) copies is observed, the inference is made that a particular mode of chemoreception is critical for an organism’s fit to its environment and is thus under strong positive selection. Conversely, when the receptors in question show a disproportionately large number of pseudogene copies, this contraction is interpreted as evidence of relaxed selection potentially leading to gene family extinction. Notably, it appears that a risk factor for gene family extinction is a high rate of nonsynonymous substitution. A survey of intact vs. pseudogene copies among primate vomeronasal receptor Class one genes (V1Rs) appears to substantiate this hypothesis. Molecular evolutionary complexities in the V1R gene family combine rapid rates of gene duplication, gene conversion, lineage-specific expansions, deletions, and/or pseudogenization. An intricate mix of phylogenetic footprints and current adaptive landscapes have left their mark on primate V1Rs suggesting that the primate clade offers an ideal model system for exploring the molecular evolutionary and functional properties of the VNS of mammals. Primate V1Rs tell a story of ancestral function and divergent selection as species have moved into ever diversifying adaptive regimes. The sensitivity to functional collapse in these genes, consequent to their precariously high rates of nonsynonymous substitution, confer a remarkable capacity to reveal the lifestyles of the genomes that they presently occupy as well as those of their ancestors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne D Yoder
- Department of Biology, Duke University Durham, NC, USA
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48
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Pérez-Gómez A, Stein B, Leinders-Zufall T, Chamero P. Signaling mechanisms and behavioral function of the mouse basal vomeronasal neuroepithelium. Front Neuroanat 2014; 8:135. [PMID: 25505388 PMCID: PMC4244706 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2014.00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is a sensory organ that is found in most terrestrial vertebrates and that is principally implicated in the detection of pheromones. The VNO contains specialized sensory neurons organized in a pseudostratified neuroepithelium that recognize chemical signals involved in initiating innate behavioral responses. In rodents, the VNO neuroepithelium is segregated into two distinct zones, apical and basal. The molecular mechanisms involved in ligand detection by apical and basal VNO sensory neurons differ extensively. These two VNO subsystems express different subfamilies of vomeronasal receptors and signaling molecules, detect distinct chemosignals, and project to separate regions of the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB). The roles that these olfactory subdivisions play in the control of specific olfactory-mediated behaviors are largely unclear. However, analysis of mutant mouse lines for signal transduction components together with identification of defined chemosensory ligands has revealed a fundamental role of the basal part of the mouse VNO in mediating a wide range of instinctive behaviors, such as aggression, predator avoidance, and sexual attraction. Here we will compare the divergent functions and synergies between the olfactory subsystems and consider new insights in how higher neural circuits are defined for the initiation of instinctive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabel Pérez-Gómez
- Department of Physiology, University of Saarland School of Medicine Homburg, Saarland, Germany
| | - Benjamin Stein
- Department of Physiology, University of Saarland School of Medicine Homburg, Saarland, Germany
| | - Trese Leinders-Zufall
- Department of Physiology, University of Saarland School of Medicine Homburg, Saarland, Germany
| | - Pablo Chamero
- Department of Physiology, University of Saarland School of Medicine Homburg, Saarland, Germany
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Barrios AW, Sánchez-Quinteiro P, Salazar I. Dog and mouse: toward a balanced view of the mammalian olfactory system. Front Neuroanat 2014; 8:106. [PMID: 25309347 PMCID: PMC4174761 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2014.00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the most intensively studied mammalian olfactory system is that of the mouse, in which olfactory chemical cues of one kind or another are detected in four different nasal areas [the main olfactory epithelium (MOE), the septal organ (SO), Grüneberg's ganglion, and the sensory epithelium of the vomeronasal organ (VNO)], the extraordinarily sensitive olfactory system of the dog is also an important model that is increasingly used, for example in genomic studies of species evolution. Here we describe the topography and extent of the main olfactory and vomeronasal sensory epithelia of the dog, and we report finding no structures equivalent to the Grüneberg ganglion and SO of the mouse. Since we examined adults, newborns, and fetuses we conclude that these latter structures are absent in dogs, possibly as the result of regression or involution. The absence of a vomeronasal component based on VR2 receptors suggests that the VNO may be undergoing a similar involutionary process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ignacio Salazar
- Unit of Anatomy and Embryology, Department of Anatomy and Animal Production, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de CompostelaLugo, Spain
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Hohenbrink P, Dempewolf S, Zimmermann E, Mundy NI, Radespiel U. Functional promiscuity in a mammalian chemosensory system: extensive expression of vomeronasal receptors in the main olfactory epithelium of mouse lemurs. Front Neuroanat 2014; 8:102. [PMID: 25309343 PMCID: PMC4173931 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2014.00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is functional in most terrestrial mammals, though progressively reduced in the primate lineage, and is used for intraspecific communication and predator recognition. Vomeronasal receptor (VR) genes comprise two families of chemosensory genes (V1R and V2R) that have been considered to be specific for the VNO. However, recently a large number of VRs were reported to be expressed in the main olfactory epithelium (MOE) of mice, but there is little knowledge of the expression of these genes outside of rodents. To explore the function of VR genes in mammalian evolution, we analyzed and compared the expression of 64 V1R and 2 V2R genes in the VNO and the MOE of the gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus), the primate with the largest known VR repertoire. We furthermore compared expression patterns in adults of both sexes and seasons, and in an infant. A large proportion (83-97%) of the VR loci was expressed in the VNO of all individuals. The repertoire in the infant was as rich as in adults, indicating reliance on olfactory communication from early postnatal development onwards. In concordance with mice, we also detected extensive expression of VRs in the MOE, with proportions of expressed loci in individuals ranging from 29 to 45%. TRPC2, which encodes a channel protein crucial for signal transduction via VRs, was co-expressed in the MOE in all individuals indicating likely functionality of expressed VR genes in the MOE. In summary, the large VR repertoire in mouse lemurs seems to be highly functional. Given the differences in the neural pathways of MOE and VNO signals, which project to higher cortical brain centers or the limbic system, respectively, this raises the intriguing possibility that the evolution of MOE-expression of VRs enabled mouse lemurs to adaptively diversify the processing of VR-encoded olfactory information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Hohenbrink
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Hannover, Germany ; Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge Cambridge, UK
| | - Silke Dempewolf
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Hannover, Germany
| | - Elke Zimmermann
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Ute Radespiel
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Hannover, Germany
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