Dense-core vesicle proteins IA-2 and IA-2{beta} affect renin synthesis and secretion through the {beta}-adrenergic pathway

Common and female-specific roles of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptors N and N2 in mice reproduction

Simultaneous knockout of the neuroendocrine marker genes Ptprn and Ptprn2, which encode the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptors N and N2, causes infertility in female mice while males are fertile. To elucidate the mechanism of the sex-specific roles of Ptprn and Ptprn2 in mouse reproduction, we analyzed the effects of their double knockout (DKO) on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In DKO females, delayed puberty and lack of ovulation were observed, complemented by changes in ovarian gene expression and steroidogenesis. In contrast, testicular gene expression, steroidogenesis, and reproductive organs development were not significantly affected in DKO males. However, in both sexes, pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) beta gene expression and LH levels were reduced, as well as follicle-stimulating hormone beta gene and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) gene, while the calcium-mobilizing and LH secretory actions of GnRH were preserved. Hypothalamic Gnrh1 and Kiss1 gene expression was also reduced in DKO females and males. In parallel, a significant decrease in the density of immunoreactive GnRH and kisspeptin fibers was detected in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus of DKO females and males. The female-specific kisspeptin immunoreactivity in the rostral periventricular region of the third ventricle was also reduced in DKO females, but not in DKO males. These data indicate a critical role of Ptprn and Ptprn2 in kisspeptin-GnRH neuronal function and sexual dimorphism in the threshold levels of GnRH required to preserve reproductive functions.

Genome-wide meta-analysis and omics integration identifies novel genes associated with diabetic kidney disease

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of kidney failure and has a substantial genetic component. Our aim was to identify novel genetic factors and genes contributing to DKD by performing meta-analysis of previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on DKD and by integrating the results with renal transcriptomics datasets.

METHODS

We performed GWAS meta-analyses using ten phenotypic definitions of DKD, including nearly 27,000 individuals with diabetes. Meta-analysis results were integrated with estimated quantitative trait locus data from human glomerular (N=119) and tubular (N=121) samples to perform transcriptome-wide association study. We also performed gene aggregate tests to jointly test all available common genetic markers within a gene, and combined the results with various kidney omics datasets.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis identified a novel intronic variant (rs72831309) in the TENM2 gene associated with a lower risk of the combined chronic kidney disease (eGFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) and DKD (microalbuminuria or worse) phenotype (p=9.8×10-9; although not withstanding correction for multiple testing, p>9.3×10-9). Gene-level analysis identified ten genes associated with DKD (COL20A1, DCLK1, EIF4E, PTPRN-RESP18, GPR158, INIP-SNX30, LSM14A and MFF; p<2.7×10-6). Integration of GWAS with human glomerular and tubular expression data demonstrated higher tubular AKIRIN2 gene expression in individuals with vs without DKD (p=1.1×10-6). The lead SNPs within six loci significantly altered DNA methylation of a nearby CpG site in kidneys (p<1.5×10-11). Expression of lead genes in kidney tubules or glomeruli correlated with relevant pathological phenotypes (e.g. TENM2 expression correlated positively with eGFR [p=1.6×10-8] and negatively with tubulointerstitial fibrosis [p=2.0×10-9], tubular DCLK1 expression correlated positively with fibrosis [p=7.4×10-16], and SNX30 expression correlated positively with eGFR [p=5.8×10-14] and negatively with fibrosis [p<2.0×10-16]).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Altogether, the results point to novel genes contributing to the pathogenesis of DKD.

DATA AVAILABILITY

The GWAS meta-analysis results can be accessed via the type 1 and type 2 diabetes (T1D and T2D, respectively) and Common Metabolic Diseases (CMD) Knowledge Portals, and downloaded on their respective download pages ( https://t1d.hugeamp.org/downloads.html ; https://t2d.hugeamp.org/downloads.html ; https://hugeamp.org/downloads.html ).

Knockdown of Ptprn-2 delays the onset of puberty in female rats

In the present study, we evaluated how Ptprn-2 (encoding tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type, N2 polypeptide protein) affects the onset of puberty in female rats. We evaluated the expression of Ptprn-2 mRNA and protein in the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis of female rats using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunofluorescence at infancy, prepuberty, puberty, peripuberty, and adulthood. We evaluated the effects of Ptprn-2 gene knockdown on different aspects of reproduction-related biology in female rats, including the expression levels of puberty-related genes in vivo and in vitro, the time to onset of puberty, the concentration of serum reproductive hormones, the morphology of ovaries, and the ultrastructure of pituitary gonadotropin cells. Our results demonstrated that PTPRN-2 was primarily distributed in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), periventricular nucleus (PeN), adenohypophysis, and the ovarian follicular theca, stroma, and granulosa cells of female rats at various stages. Ptprn-2 mRNA levels significantly varied between peripuberty and puberty (P < 0.05) in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. In hypothalamic cells, Ptprn-2 knockdown decreased the expression of Ptprn-2 and Rfrp-3 mRNA (P < 0.05) and increased the levels of Gnrh and Kiss-1 mRNA (P < 0.05). Ptprn-2 knockdown in the hypothalamus resulted in delayed vaginal opening compared to the control group (n = 12, P < 0.01), and Ptprn-2, Gnrh, and Kiss-1 mRNA levels (P < 0.05) all decreased, while the expression of Igf-1 (P < 0.05) and Rfrp-3 mRNA (P < 0.01) increased. The concentrations of FSH and P₄ in the serum of Ptprn-2 knockdown rats were lower than in control animals (P < 0.05). Large transverse perimeters and longitudinal perimeters (P < 0.05) were found in the ovaries of Ptprn-2 knockdown rats. There were fewer large secretory particles from gonadotropin cells in adenohypophysis tissue of the Ptprn-2 knockdown group compared to the control group. This indicates that Ptprn-2 knockdown can regulate levels of Gnrh, Kiss-1, and Rfrp-3 mRNA in the hypothalamus, regulate the concentration of serum FSH and P₄, and alter the morphology of ovarian and gonadotropin cells, delaying the onset of puberty in female rats.

Small cell lung cancer growth is inhibited by miR-342 through its effect of the target gene IA-2

Background

Small cell lung cancers (SCLC) are tumors of neuroendocrine origin. Previous in vitro studies from our laboratory showed that SCLC expresses high levels of the transmembrane dense core vesicle protein IA-2 (islet cell antigen-2) as compared to normal lung cells. IA-2, through its effect on dense core vesicles (DCVs), is known to be involved in the secretion of hormones and neurotransmitters. It is believed that the dysregulated release of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine (ACh) by DCVs has an autocrine effect on SCLC cell growth. Recently, we found that IA-2 is a target of the microRNA miR-342 and that miR-342 mimics suppress the expression of IA-2. The present experiments were initiated to see whether IA-2 and/or miR-342 affect the growth of SCLC.

Methods

SCLC cell growth was evaluated following the knockdown of endogenous IA-2 with RNAi or by overexpressing miR-342 with a mimic. The secretion and content of ACh in SCLC cells was analyzed using a human acetylcholine ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) kit.

Results

The knockdown of endogenous IA-2 by RNAi reduced SCLC cell growth within 4 days by 40 % or more. Similar results were obtained when these cell lines were transfected with a miR-342 mimic. The knockdown of IA-2 by RNAi or miR-342 with a mimic also resulted in a significant decrease in the secretion of ACh, one of the autocrine hormones secreted by SCLC. Further studies revealed that the growth of SCLC cell lines that had been treated with the miR-342 mimic was restored to nearly normal levels by treatment with ACh.

Conclusion

Our studies show for the first time that both miR-342 and its target gene IA-2 are involved in the growth process of SCLC cells and act by their effect on autocrine secretion. These findings point to possible new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of autocrine-induced tumor proliferation.

Determination of catecholamines and related compounds in mouse urine using column-switching HPLC

We have developed an analytical method for the determination of catecholamines and related compounds in mouse urine by column-switching HPLC. Selective extraction of the catechol compounds was performed using a precolumn modified with phenylboronic acid, which has a pH dependent affinity for the catechol structures. The pretreatment buffer, which facilitated binding of the catechols to the precolumn, was optimized to ensure high analyte recoveries and good peak shapes. We found that using the same acetonitrile content in the pretreatment buffer and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography mobile phase was necessary to improve peak shapes. Eight catechol compounds were selectively extracted and separated using 100 mmol L(-1) ammonium formate/acetonitrile (20/80 v/v, pH 8.0) for the extraction step, and 20 mmol L(-1) ammonium formate (pH 2.5)/acetonitrile (20/80 v/v) for elution and separation. Native fluorescence of the separated catechol compounds was monitored, and the limits of detection, corresponding to a signal to noise ratio of 3, were 9-58 nmol L(-1). Five catechol compounds (dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol, and 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid) were successfully quantified in mouse urine. Intra- and inter-day precisions were less than 10%, and performance was superior to that afforded by manual sample pretreatment.

Pathophysiologic changes in IA-2/IA-2β null mice are secondary to alterations in the secretion of hormones and neurotransmitters

IA-2 and IA-2β are transmembrane proteins of dense-core vesicles (DCV). The deletion of these proteins results in a reduction in the number of DCV and the secretion of hormones and neurotransmitters. As a result, this leads to a variety of pathophysiologic changes. The purpose of this review is to describe these changes, which are characterized by glucose intolerance, female infertility, behavior and learning abnormalities and alterations in the diurnal circadian rhythms of blood pressure, heart rate, spontaneous physical activity and body temperature. These findings show that the deletion of IA-2 and IA-2β results in multiple pathophysiologic changes and represents a unique in vivo model for studying the effect of hormone and neurotransmitter reduction on known and still unrecognized targets.

The Ia-2β intronic miRNA, miR-153, is a negative regulator of insulin and dopamine secretion through its effect on the Cacna1c gene in mice

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

miR-153 is an intronic miRNA embedded in the genes that encode IA-2 (also known as PTPRN) and IA-2β (also known as PTPRN2). Islet antigen (IA)-2 and IA-2β are major autoantigens in type 1 diabetes and are important transmembrane proteins in dense core and synaptic vesicles. miR-153 and its host genes are co-regulated in pancreas and brain. The present experiments were initiated to decipher the regulatory network between miR-153 and its host gene Ia-2β (also known as Ptprn2).

METHODS

Insulin secretion was determined by ELISA. Identification of miRNA targets was assessed using luciferase assays and by quantitative real-time PCR and western blots in vitro and in vivo. Target protector was also employed to evaluate miRNA target function.

RESULTS

Functional studies revealed that miR-153 mimic suppresses both glucose- and potassium-induced insulin secretion (GSIS and PSIS, respectively), whereas miR-153 inhibitor enhances both GSIS and PSIS. A similar effect on dopamine secretion also was observed. Using miRNA target prediction software, we found that miR-153 is predicted to target the 3'UTR region of the calcium channel gene, Cacna1c. Further studies confirmed that Cacna1c mRNA and protein are downregulated by miR-153 mimics and upregulated by miR-153 inhibitors in insulin-secreting freshly isolated mouse islets, in the insulin-secreting mouse cell line MIN6 and in the dopamine-secreting cell line PC12.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

miR-153 is a negative regulator of both insulin and dopamine secretion through its effect on Cacna1c expression, which suggests that IA-2β and miR-153 have opposite functional effects on the secretory pathway.

The water channel aquaporin-1 contributes to renin cell recruitment during chronic stimulation of renin production

Both the processing and release of secretory granules involve water movement across granule membranes. It was hypothesized that the water channel aquaporin (AQP)1 directly contributes to the recruitment of renin-positive cells in the afferent arteriole. AQP1−/− and AQP1+/+ mice were fed a low-salt (LS) diet [0.004% (wt/wt) NaCl] for 7 days and given enalapril [angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), 0.1 mg/ml] in drinking water for 3 days. There were no differences in plasma renin concentration at baseline. After LS-ACEI, plasma renin concentrations increased markedly in both genotypes but was significantly lower in AQP1−/− mice compared with AQP1+/+ mice. Tissue renin concentrations were higher in AQP1−/− mice, and renin mRNA levels were not different between genotypes. Mean arterial blood pressure was not different at baseline and during LS diet but decreased significantly in both genotypes after the addition of ACEI; the response was faster in AQP1−/− mice but then stabilized at a similar level. Renin release after 200 μl blood withdrawal was not different. Isoprenaline-stimulated renin release from isolated perfused kidneys did not differ between genotypes. Cortical tissue norepinephrine concentrations were lower after LS-ACEI compared with baseline with no difference between genotypes. Plasma nitrite/nitrate concentrations were unaffected by genotype and LS-ACEI. In AQP1−/− mice, the number of afferent arterioles with recruitment was significantly lower compared with AQP1+/+ mice after LS-ACEI. We conclude that AQP1 is not necessary for acutely stimulated renin secretion in vivo and from isolated perfused kidneys, whereas recruitment of renin-positive cells in response to chronic stimulation is attenuated or delayed in AQP1−/− mice.

Disruption of gene expression rhythms in mice lacking secretory vesicle proteins IA-2 and IA-2β

Insulinoma-associated protein (IA)-2 and IA-2β are transmembrane proteins involved in neurotransmitter secretion. Mice with targeted disruption of both IA-2 and IA-2β (double-knockout, or DKO mice) have numerous endocrine and physiological disruptions, including disruption of circadian and diurnal rhythms. In the present study, we have assessed the impact of disruption of IA-2 and IA-2β on molecular rhythms in the brain and peripheral oscillators. We used in situ hybridization to assess molecular rhythms in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of wild-type (WT) and DKO mice. The results indicate significant disruption of molecular rhythmicity in the SCN, which serves as the central pacemaker regulating circadian behavior. We also used quantitative PCR to assess gene expression rhythms in peripheral tissues of DKO, single-knockout, and WT mice. The results indicate significant attenuation of gene expression rhythms in several peripheral tissues of DKO mice but not in either single knockout. To distinguish whether this reduction in rhythmicity reflects defective oscillatory function in peripheral tissues or lack of entrainment of peripheral tissues, animals were injected with dexamethasone daily for 15 days, and then molecular rhythms were assessed throughout the day after discontinuation of injections. Dexamethasone injections improved gene expression rhythms in liver and heart of DKO mice. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that peripheral tissues of DKO mice have a functioning circadian clockwork, but rhythmicity is greatly reduced in the absence of robust, rhythmic physiological signals originating from the SCN. Thus, IA-2 and IA-2β play an important role in the regulation of circadian rhythms, likely through their participation in neurochemical communication among SCN neurons.

Synthesis and secretion of renin in mice with induced genetic mutations

The juxtaglomerular (JG) cell product renin is rate limiting in the generation of the bioactive octapeptide angiotensin II. Rates of synthesis and secretion of the aspartyl protease renin by JG cells are controlled by multiple afferent and efferent pathways originating in the CNS, cardiovascular system, and kidneys, and making critical contributions to the maintenance of extracellular fluid volume and arterial blood pressure. Since both excesses and deficits of angiotensin II have deleterious effects, it is not surprising that control of renin is secured by a complex system of feedforward and feedback relationships. Mice with genetic alterations have contributed to a better understanding of the networks controlling renin synthesis and secretion. Essential input for the setting of basal renin generation rates is provided by β-adrenergic receptors acting through cyclic adenosine monophosphate, the primary intracellular activation mechanism for renin mRNA generation. Other major control mechanisms include COX-2 and nNOS affecting renin through PGE2, PGI2, and nitric oxide. Angiotensin II provides strong negative feedback inhibition of renin synthesis, largely an indirect effect mediated by baroreceptor and macula densa inputs. Adenosine appears to be a dominant factor in the inhibitory arms of the baroreceptor and macula densa mechanisms. Targeted gene mutations have also shed light on a number of novel aspects related to renin processing and the regulation of renin synthesis and secretion.

A transcription factor map as revealed by a genome-wide gene expression analysis of whole-blood mRNA transcriptome in multiple sclerosis

Background

Several lines of evidence suggest that transcription factors are involved in the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) but complete mapping of the whole network has been elusive. One of the reasons is that there are several clinical subtypes of MS and transcription factors that may be involved in one subtype may not be in others. We investigate the possibility that this network could be mapped using microarray technologies and contemporary bioinformatics methods on a dataset derived from whole blood in 99 untreated MS patients (36 Relapse Remitting MS, 43 Primary Progressive MS, and 20 Secondary Progressive MS) and 45 age-matched healthy controls.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We have used two different analytical methodologies: a non-standard differential expression analysis and a differential co-expression analysis, which have converged on a significant number of regulatory motifs that are statistically overrepresented in genes that are either differentially expressed (or differentially co-expressed) in cases and controls (e.g., V$KROX_Q6, p-value <3.31E-6; V$CREBP1_Q2, p-value <9.93E-6, V$YY1_02, p-value <1.65E-5).

Conclusions/Significance

Our analysis uncovered a network of transcription factors that potentially dysregulate several genes in MS or one or more of its disease subtypes. The most significant transcription factor motifs were for the Early Growth Response EGR/KROX family, ATF2, YY1 (Yin and Yang 1), E2F-1/DP-1 and E2F-4/DP-2 heterodimers, SOX5, and CREB and ATF families. These transcription factors are involved in early T-lymphocyte specification and commitment as well as in oligodendrocyte dedifferentiation and development, both pathways that have significant biological plausibility in MS causation.

Aspartyl aminopeptidase, encoded by an evolutionarily conserved syntenic gene, is colocalized with its cluster in secretory granules of pancreatic islet cells

Aspartyl aminopeptidase (DAP), encoded by the DNPEP gene, is believed to be a cytosolic protein with high enzymatic activity in the neuroendocrine tissues. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the genomic segment spanning the DNPEP gene is evolutionarily conserved from Caenorhabditis elegans to humans. In the present study, we sought to determine whether the expression of DAP is associated with its clustered genes when expressed in pancreatic islet cells. Using anti-DAP specific antibody in immunofluorescent stainings, we found that DAP was specifically expressed in islet alpha cells but not in exocrine acinar cells. Moreover, using electron microscopy, we found that DAP was associated with a lysosomal-like structure and secretory granules, suggesting that it plays an important role in post-translational processing and the secretion of hormones in islet cells. The identification and characterization of DNPEP syntenic genes confirm that conserved clustered genes can preferentially be expressed in the same signaling pathway.

Effect of low sodium intake and β-blockade on renin synthesis and secretion in mice with unilateral ureteral ligation

We previously reported that sodium depletion increased renin secretion from the normal kidney in mice. We postulated that the combined procedures of sodium depletion and β-adrenoceptor blockade would affect the activity of the renin-angiotensin system. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the interaction of low sodium intake (LSI) and propranolol (PRO) on renin synthesis and secretion. To prevent the influence of tubule flow on renin secretion, mice with a left hydronephrotic kidney were used. LSI increased plasma renin concentration (PRC) 5.6-fold in the right renal vein (P<0.01). There was no net increase of PRC in the left renal vein. Tissue renin concentration (TRC) was elevated 3.6-fold and 1.3-fold in the right and left kidneys (P<0.01), respectively. After administration of PRO, PRC decreased by 34% in the right renal vein and 47% in the aorta (P<0.05); TRC was reduced by 37.5% in the right and 29.3% in the hydronephrotic kidneys (P<0.05). The combination of LSI and PRO increased PRC 3.4-fold and 1.8-fold in the right (P<0.01) and left renal veins (P<0.05), respectively. TRC increased 3.4-fold in the right (P<0.01) but only 61% in the left kidneys (P<0.05). The pattern in change of renin mRNA levels was similar to TRC but the absolute amount was smaller. There were correlations between PRC and renin mRNA, and between TRC and renin mRNA in both kidneys (P<0.001). Thus, LSI increased renin synthesis in both kidneys. However, there was no apparent renin secretion in the hydronephrotic kidney. PRO treatment suppressed renin synthesis and renin secretion, irrespective of hydronephrosis and LSI. The macula densa is critical for renin secretion under all of the circumstances studied.

Expression and function of IA-2 family proteins, unique neuroendocrine-specific protein-tyrosine phosphatases

IA-2 (also known as islet cell antigen ICA-512) and IA-2 beta (also known as phogrin, phosphatase homologue in granules of insulinoma) are major autoantigens in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Autoantibodies against both proteins are expressed years before clinical onset, and they become predictive markers for high-risk subjects. However, the role of these genes in the IDDM pathogenesis has been reported fairly negative by recent studies. IA-2 and IA-2 beta are type I transmembrane proteins that possess one inactive protein-tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) domain in the cytoplasmic region, and act as one of the constituents of regulated secretory pathways in various neuroendocrine cell types including pancreatic beta-cells. Existence of IA-2 homologues in different species suggests a fundamental role in neuroendocrine function. Studies of knockout animals have shown their involvement in maintaining hormone content, however, their specific steps in the secretory pathway IA-2 functions as well as their molecular mechanisms in the hormone content regulation are still unknown. More recent studies have suggested a novel function showing that they contribute to pancreatic beta-cell growth. This review attempts to show the possible biological functions of IA-2 family, focusing on their expression and localization in the neuroendocrine cells.