Maternal thyroid hormone is required for parvalbumin neurone development in the anterior hypothalamic area

Thyroid hormone (TH) is crucial for brain development and function. This becomes most evident in untreated congenital hypothyroidism, leading to irreversible mental retardation. Likewise, maternal hypothyroxinaemia, a lack of TH during pregnancy, is associated with neurological dysfunction in the offspring, such as autism and reduced intellectual capacity. In the brain, TH acts mainly through TH receptor α1 (TRα1). Consequently, mice heterozygous for a dominant-negative mutation in TRα1 display profound neuroanatomical abnormalities including deranged development of parvalbumin neurones. However, the exact timing and orchestration of TH signalling during parvalbumin neurone development remains elusive. In the present study, we dissect the development of parvalbumin neurones in the anterior hypothalamic area (AHA) in male mice using different mouse models with impaired pre- and postnatal TH signalling in combination with bromodeoxyuridine birth dating and immunohistochemistry. Our data reveal that hypothalamic parvalbumin neurones are born at embryonic day 12 and are first detected in the AHA at postnatal day 8, reaching their full population number at P13. Interestingly, they do not require TH postnatally because their development is not impaired in mice with impaired TH signalling after birth. By contrast, however, these neurones crucially depend on TH through TRα1 signalling in the second half of pregnancy, when the hormone is almost exclusively provided by the mother. For the first time, our findings directly link a maternal hormone to a neuroanatomical substrate in the foetal brain, and underline the importance of proper TH signalling during pregnancy for offspring mental health. Given the role of hypothalamic parvalbumin neurones in the central control of blood pressure, the present study advocates the inclusion of cardiovascular parameters in the current discussion on possible TH substitution in maternal hypothyroxinaemia.

Thermoregulatory and Cardiovascular Consequences of a Transient Thyrotoxicosis and Recovery in Male Mice

Thyroid hormones play a major role in body homeostasis, regulating energy expenditure and cardiovascular function. Given that obese people or athletes might consider rapid weight loss as beneficial, voluntary intoxication with T4 preparations is a growing cause for thyrotoxicosis. However, the long-lasting effects of transient thyrotoxicosis are poorly understood. Here we examined metabolic, thermoregulatory, and cardiovascular function upon induction and recovery from a 2-week thyrotoxicosis in male C57BL/6J mice. Our results showed that T4 treatment caused tachycardia, decreased hepatic glycogen stores, and higher body temperature as expected; however, we did not observe an increase in brown fat thermogenesis or decreased tail heat loss, suggesting that these tissues do not contribute to the hyperthermia induced by thyroid hormone. Most interestingly, when the T4 treatment was ended, a pronounced bradycardia was observed in the animals, which was likely caused by a rapid decline of T3 even below baseline levels. On the molecular level, this was accompanied by an overexpression of cardiac phospholamban and Serca2a mRNA, supporting the hypothesis that the heart depends more on T3 than T4. Our findings therefore demonstrate that a transient thyrotoxicosis can have pathological effects that even persist beyond the recovery of serum T4 levels, and in particular the observed bradycardia could be of clinical relevance when treating hyperthyroid patients.

Thyroid hormone drives the expression of mouse carbonic anhydrase Car4 in kidney, lung and brain

Thyroid hormone is a well-known regulator of brain, lung and kidney development and function. However, the molecular mechanisms by which the hormone exerts its function have remained largely enigmatic, and only a limited set of target genes have been identified in these tissues. Using a mouse model with a mutation in thyroid hormone receptor α1 (TRα1), we here demonstrate that the expression of carbonic anhydrase 4 in lung and brain of the adult animal depends on intact TRα1 signaling. In the kidney, carbonic anhydrase 4 mRNA and protein are not affected by the mutant TRα1, but are acutely repressed by thyroid hormone. However, neither lung function--as measured by respiration rate and oxygen saturation--nor urine pH levels were affected by altered carbonic anhydrase 4 levels, suggesting that other carbonic anhydrases are likely to compensate. Taken together, our findings identify a previously unknown marker of TRα1 action in brain and lung, and provide a novel negatively regulated target gene to assess renal thyroid hormone status.

3-Iodothyroacetic acid lacks thermoregulatory and cardiovascular effects in vivo

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

3-Iodothyronamine (3-T1 AM) is an endogenous thyroid hormone derivative reported to induce strong hypothermia and bradycardia within minutes upon injection in rodents. Although 3-T1 AM is rapidly converted to several other metabolites in vivo, these strong pharmacological responses were solely attributed to 3-T1 AM, leaving potential contributions of downstream products untested. We therefore examined the cardiometabolic effects of 3-iodothyroacetic acid (TA1 ), the main degradation product of 3-T1 AM.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We used a sensitive implantable radiotelemetry system in C57/Bl6J mice to study the effects of TA1 on body temperature and heart rate, as well as other metabolic parameters.

KEY RESULTS

Interestingly, despite using pharmacological TA1 doses, we observed no effects on heart rate or body temperature after a single TA1 injection (50 mg·kg(-1) , i.p.) compared to sham-injected controls. Repeated administration of TA1 (5 mg·kg(-1) , i.p. for 7 days) likewise did not alter body weight, food and water intake, heart rate, blood pressure, brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis or body temperature. Moreover, mRNA expression of tissue specific genes in heart, kidney, liver, BAT and lung was also not altered by TA1 compared to sham-injected controls.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our data therefore conclusively demonstrate that TA1 does not contribute to the cardiovascular or thermoregulatory effects observed after 3-T1 AM administration in mice, suggesting that the oxidative deamination constitutes an important deactivation mechanism for 3-T1 AM with possible implications for cardiovascular and thermoregulatory functions.

Thyroid hormone is required for hypothalamic neurons regulating cardiovascular functions

Thyroid hormone is well known for its profound direct effects on cardiovascular function and metabolism. Recent evidence, however, suggests that the hormone also regulates these systems indirectly through the central nervous system. While some of the molecular mechanisms underlying the hormone's central control of metabolism have been identified, its actions in the central cardiovascular control have remained enigmatic. Here, we describe a previously unknown population of parvalbuminergic neurons in the anterior hypothalamus that requires thyroid hormone receptor signaling for proper development. Specific stereotaxic ablation of these cells in the mouse resulted in hypertension and temperature-dependent tachycardia, indicating a role in the central autonomic control of blood pressure and heart rate. Moreover, the neurons exhibited intrinsic temperature sensitivity in patch-clamping experiments, providing a new connection between cardiovascular function and core temperature. Thus, the data identify what we believe to be a novel hypothalamic cell population potentially important for understanding hypertension and indicate developmental hypothyroidism as an epigenetic risk factor for cardiovascular disorders. Furthermore, the findings may be beneficial for treatment of the recently identified patients that have a mutation in thyroid hormone receptor α1.

Multiple phenotypes in adult mice following inactivation of the Coxsackievirus and Adenovirus Receptor (Car) gene

To determine the normal function of the Coxsackievirus and Adenovirus Receptor (CAR), a protein found in tight junctions and other intercellular complexes, we constructed a mouse line in which the CAR gene could be disrupted at any chosen time point in a broad spectrum of cell types and tissues. All knockouts examined displayed a dilated intestinal tract and atrophy of the exocrine pancreas with appearance of tubular complexes characteristic of acinar-to-ductal metaplasia. The mice also exhibited a complete atrio-ventricular block and abnormal thymopoiesis. These results demonstrate that CAR exerts important functions in the physiology of several organs in vivo.

Thyroid hormones regulate selenoprotein expression and selenium status in mice

Impaired expression of selenium-containing proteins leads to perturbed thyroid hormone (TH) levels, indicating the central importance of selenium for TH homeostasis. Moreover, critically ill patients with declining serum selenium develop a syndrome of low circulating TH and a central downregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis. This prompted us to test the reciprocal effect, i.e., if TH status would also regulate selenoprotein expression and selenium levels. To investigate the TH dependency of selenium metabolism, we analyzed mice expressing a mutant TH receptor α1 (TRα1+m) that confers a receptor-mediated hypothyroidism. Serum selenium was reduced in these animals, which was a direct consequence of the mutant TRα1 and not related to their metabolic alterations. Accordingly, hyperthyroidism, genetically caused by the inactivation of TRβ or by oral TH treatment of adult mice, increased serum selenium levels in TRα1+m and controls, thus demonstrating a novel and specific role for TRα1 in selenium metabolism. Furthermore, TH affected the mRNA levels for several enzymes involved in selenoprotein biosynthesis as well as serum selenoprotein P concentrations and the expression of other antioxidative selenoproteins. Taken together, our results show that TH positively affects the serum selenium status and regulates the expression of several selenoproteins. This demonstrates that selenium and TH metabolism are interconnected through a feed-forward regulation, which can in part explain the rapid parallel downregulation of both systems in critical illness.

The thyroid hormone receptor alpha1 protein is expressed in embryonic postmitotic neurons and persists in most adult neurons

Thyroid hormone is essential for brain development where it acts mainly through the thyroid hormone receptor α1 (TRα1) isoform. However, the potential for the hormone to act in adult neurons has remained undefined due to difficulties in reliably determining the expression pattern of TR proteins in vivo. We therefore created a mouse strain that expresses TRα1 and green fluorescent protein as a chimeric protein from the Thra locus, allowing examination of TRα1 expression during fetal and postnatal development and in the adult. Furthermore, the use of antibodies against other markers enabled identification of TRα1 expression in subtypes of neurons and during specific stages of their maturation. TRα1 expression was first detected in postmitotic cells of the cortical plate in the embryonic telencephalon and preceded the expression of the mature neuronal protein NeuN. In the cerebellum, TRα1 expression was absent in proliferating cells of the external granular layer, but switched on as the cells migrated towards the internal granular layer. In addition, TRα1 was expressed transiently in developing Purkinje cells, but not in mature cells. Glial expression was found in tanycytes in the hypothalamus and in the cerebellum. In the adult brain, TRα1 expression was detected in essentially all neurons. Our data demonstrate that thyroid hormone, unexpectedly, has the capacity to play an important role in virtually all developing and adult neurons. Because the role of TRα1 in most neuronal cell types in vivo is largely unknown, our findings suggest that novel functions for thyroid hormone remain to be identified in the brain.

Enlarged lateral ventricles and aberrant behavior in mice overexpressing PDGF-B in embryonic neural stem cells

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is important in central nervous system (CNS) development, and aberrant expression of PDGF and its receptors has been linked to developmental defects and brain tumorigenesis. We previously found that neural stem and progenitor cells in culture produce PDGF and respond to it by autocrine and/or paracrine signaling. We therefore aimed to examine CNS development after PDGF overexpression in neural stem cells in vivo. Transgenic mice were generated with PDGF-B under control of a minimal nestin enhancer element, which is specific for embryonic expression and will not drive adult expression in mice. The resulting mouse showed increased apoptosis in the developing striatum, which suggests a disturbed regulation of progenitor cells. Later in neurodevelopment, in early postnatal life, mice displayed enlarged lateral ventricles. This enlargement remained into adulthood and it was more pronounced in male mice than in transgenic female mice. Nevertheless, there was an overall normal composition of cell types and numbers in the brain and the transgenic mice were viable and fertile. Adult transgenic males, however, showed behavioral aberrations and locomotor dysfunction. Thus, a tightly regulated expression of PDGF during embryogenesis is required for normal brain development and function in mice.

A mutant thyroid hormone receptor alpha1 alters hippocampal circuitry and reduces seizure susceptibility in mice

Thyroid hormone deficiency during early developmental stages causes a multitude of functional and morphological deficits in the brain. In the present study we investigate the effects of a mutated thyroid hormone receptor TR alpha 1 and the resulting receptor-mediated hypothyroidism on the development of GABAergic neurotransmission and seizure susceptibility of neuronal networks. We show that mutant mice have a strong resistance to seizures induced by antagonizing the GABA(A) receptor complex. Likewise the hippocampal network of mutant mice shows a decreased likelihood to transform physiological into pathological rhythmic network activity such as seizure-like interictal waves. As we demonstrate the cellular basis for this behavior is formed by the excitatory nature of GABAergic neurotransmission in the mutant mice, possibly caused by altered Cl(-) homeostasis, and/or the altered patterning of calretinin-positive cells in the hippocampal hilus. This study is, to our knowledge, the first to show an effect of maternal and early postnatal hypothyroidism via TR alpha 1 on the development of GABAergic neurotransmission and susceptibility to epileptic seizures.

Increased depressive behaviour in mice harboring the mutant thyroid hormone receptor alpha 1

Clinical evidence indicates that hypothyroidism contributes to mood disorders. The present study tested if the mutant thyroid hormone receptor alpha 1 (TRalpha1) that causes a receptor-mediated hypothyroidism in the brain affects depressive and anxious behaviour in mice. Mice heterozygous for the TRalpha1 allele (TRalpha1+/m), yielding a receptor protein with a 10-fold reduced affinity to triiodothyronine (T3), and wildtype (wt) mice were subjected to several paradigms specifically testing depressive and anxious behaviour. Mutant and wt mice were either treated with T3 or vehicle. Untreated TRalpha1+/m animals displayed reduced locomotion, higher rates of helplessness in the shuttle box-, greater levels of anxiety in the startle response- and dark light box behavioural paradigms when compared to wt mice. Continuous T3-substitution therapy was effective in alleviating anxious and depressive behaviour without affecting locomotion in mutant mice. Notably, continuous T3-substitution reduced overall locomotion and increased helpless behaviour in wt mice when compared to untreated wt mice. The data suggest that receptor-mediated hypothyroidism caused by an unliganded thyroid hormone receptor alpha 1 leads to a depressive and anxious phenotype in mice, which is responsive to continuous T3-substitution and that an iatrogeneously induced hyperthyreoidism by continuous T3-administration leads to a hypolocomotive and depressive phenotype.

Adaptations of the autonomous nervous system controlling heart rate are impaired by a mutant thyroid hormone receptor-alpha1

Thyroid hormone has profound direct effects on cardiac function, but the hormonal interactions with the autonomic control of heart rate are unclear. Because thyroid hormone receptor (TR)-alpha1 has been implicated in the autonomic control of brown adipose energy metabolism, it might also play an important role in the central autonomic control of heart rate. Thus, we aimed to analyze the role of TRalpha1 signaling in the autonomic control of heart rate using an implantable radio telemetry system. We identified that mice expressing the mutant TRalpha1R384C (TRalpha1+m mice) displayed a mild bradycardia, which becomes more pronounced during night activity or on stress and is accompanied by a reduced expression of nucleotide-gated potassium channel 2 mRNA in the heart. Pharmacological blockage with scopolamine and the beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist timolol revealed that the autonomic control of cardiac activity was similar to that in wild-type mice at room temperature. However, at thermoneutrality, in which the regulation of heart rate switches from sympathetic to parasympathetic in wild-type mice, TRalpha1+m mice maintained sympathetic stimulation and failed to activate parasympathetic signaling. Our findings demonstrate a novel role for TRalpha1 in the adaptation of cardiac activity by the autonomic nervous system and suggest that human patients with a similar mutation in TRalpha1 might exhibit a deficit in cardiac adaptation to stress or physical activity and an increased sensitivity to beta-blockers.

Thyroid hormone receptor alpha can control action potential duration in mouse ventricular myocytes through the KCNE1 ion channel subunit

AIMS

The reduced heart rate and prolonged QT(end) duration in mice deficient in thyroid hormone receptor (TR) alpha1 may involve aberrant expression of the K(+) channel alpha-subunit KCNQ1 and its regulatory beta-subunit KCNE1. Here we focus on KCNE1 and study whether increased KCNE1 expression can explain changes in cardiac function observed in TRalpha1-deficient mice.

METHODS

TR-deficient, KCNE1-overexpressing and their respective wildtype (wt) mice were used. mRNA and protein expression were assessed with Northern and Western blot respectively. Telemetry was used to record electrocardiogram and temperature in freely moving mice. Patch-clamp was used to measure action potentials (APs) in isolated cardiomyocytes and ion currents in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells.

RESULTS

KCNE1 was four to 10-fold overexpressed in mice deficient in TRalpha1. Overexpression of KCNE1 with a heart-specific promoter in transgenic mice resulted in a cardiac phenotype similar to that in TRalpha1-deficient mice, including a lower heart rate and prolonged QT(end) time. Cardiomyocytes from KCNE1-overexpressing mice displayed increased AP duration. CHO cells transfected with expression plasmids for KCNQ1 and KCNE1 showed an outward rectifying current that was maximal at equimolar plasmids for KCNQ1-KCNE1 and decreased at higher KCNE1 levels.

CONCLUSION

The bradycardia and prolonged QT(end) time in hypothyroid states can be explained by altered K(+) channel function due to decreased TRalpha1-dependent repression of KCNE1 expression.

Interference of a mutant thyroid hormone receptor alpha1 with hepatic glucose metabolism

Mice expressing the mutant thyroid hormone receptor TRalpha1R384C, which has a 10-fold reduced affinity to the ligand T(3), exhibit hypermetabolism due to an overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system. To define the consequences in the liver, we analyzed hepatic metabolism and the regulation of liver genes in the mutant mice. Our results showed that hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate-carboxykinase was up-regulated and pyruvate kinase mRNA down-regulated, contrary to what observed after T(3) treatment. In contrast, mice expressing a mutant TRalpha1L400R specifically in the liver did not show a dysregulation of these genes; however, when the TRalpha1L400R was expressed ubiquitously, the hepatic phenotype differed from TRalpha1R384C animals, suggesting that the localization of the mutation plays an important role for its consequences on glucose metabolism. Furthermore, we observed that glycogen stores were completely depleted in TRalpha1R384C animals, despite increased gluconeogenesis and decreased glycolysis. Exposure of the mutant mice to high maternal levels of thyroid hormone during fetal development leads to a normal liver phenotype in the adult. Our results show how genetic and maternal factors interact to determine the metabolic setpoint of the offspring and indicate an important role for maternal thyroid hormone in the susceptibility to metabolic disorders in adulthood.

Severe psychomotor and metabolic damages caused by a mutant thyroid hormone receptor alpha 1 in mice: can patients with a similar mutation be found and treated?

Individuals suffering from the resistance to thyroid hormone syndrome (RTH) have a mutation in thyroid hormone receptor (TR) beta. Surprisingly, no patient with a mutation in TRalpha1 has been found. To facilitate their identification, animal models with a RTH-like mutation in TRalpha1 have been generated. The mutations introduced into the mouse decrease affinity to ligand, resulting in a 'receptor-mediated hypothyroidism' in tissues expressing the mutant receptor: brain, heart and bone. The mice present minor perturbances in thyroid hormone homeostasis, but show major aberrancies in postnatal development, psychomotor behaviour and metabolism. These parameters are akin to those seen in endemic cretinism and untreated congenital hypothyroidism. Treatment of the mice with high doses of triiodothyronine leads to normalization or amelioration of the dysfunctions when applied at adequate developmental periods.

CONCLUSION

Our studies on mice suggest the existence of a potentially debilitating disease caused by a mutant TRalpha1, and provide insights for identification and treatment of corresponding patients.

Physiological consequences of the TRalpha1 aporeceptor state

Many patients have been characterized harboring a mutation in thyroid hormone receptor (TR) beta. Surprisingly none has yet been identified carrying a mutation in TRalpha1. To facilitate the identification of such patients, several animal models with a mutant TRalpha1 have been generated. While some phenotypic characteristics, such as an adult euthyroidism, are similar in the mutant mice, other aspects such as metabolism are quite variable. This review summarizes the most important consequences of a mutation in TRalpha1 in mice focusing on the TRalpha1-R384C mutation, and projects the insights from the animal models to a putative phenotype of patients with a mutated TRalpha1.

Regulation of bile acid synthesis by the nuclear receptor Rev-erbalpha

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Conversion into bile acids represents an important route to remove excess cholesterol from the body. Rev-erbalpha is a nuclear receptor that participates as one of the clock genes in the control of circadian rhythmicity and plays a regulatory role in lipid metabolism and adipogenesis. Here, we investigate a potential role for Rev-erbalpha in the control of bile acid metabolism via the regulation of the neutral bile acid synthesis pathway.

METHODS

Bile acid synthesis and CYP7A1 gene expression were studied in vitro and in vivo in mice deficient for or over expressing Rev-erbalpha.

RESULTS

Rev-erbalpha-deficient mice display a lower synthesis rate and an impaired excretion of bile acids into the bile and feces. Expression of CYP7A1, the rate-limiting enzyme of the neutral pathway, is decreased in livers of Rev-erbalpha-deficient mice, whereas adenovirus-mediated hepatic Rev-erbalpha overexpression induces its expression. Moreover, bile acid feeding resulted in a more pronounced suppression of hepatic CYP7A1 expression in Rev-erbalpha-deficient mice. Hepatic expression of E4BP4 and the orphan nuclear receptor small heterodimer partner (SHP), both negative regulators of CYP7A1 expression, is increased in Rev-erbalpha-deficient mice. Promoter analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that SHP and E4BP4 are direct Rev-erbalpha target genes. Finally, the circadian rhythms of liver CYP7A1, SHP, and E4BP4 messenger RNA levels were perturbed in Rev-erbalpha-deficient mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These data identify a role for Rev-erbalpha in the regulatory loop of bile acid synthesis, likely acting by regulating both hepatic SHP and E4BP4 expression.

Locomotor deficiencies and aberrant development of subtype-specific GABAergic interneurons caused by an unliganded thyroid hormone receptor alpha1

Thyroid hormone (TH) deficiency during development causes severe and permanent neuronal damage, but the primary insult at the tissue level has remained unsolved. We have defined locomotor deficiencies in mice caused by a mutant thyroid hormone receptor alpha1 (TR alpha1) with potent aporeceptor activity attributable to reduced affinity to TH. This allowed identification of distinct functions that required either maternal supply of TH during early embryonic development or sufficient innate levels of hormone during late fetal development. In both instances, continued exposure to high levels of TH after birth and throughout life was needed. The hormonal dependencies correlated with severely delayed appearance of parvalbumin-immunoreactive GABAergic interneurons and increased numbers of calretinin-immunoreactive cells in the neocortex. This resulted in reduced numbers of fast spiking interneurons and defects in cortical network activity. The identification of locomotor deficiencies caused by insufficient supply of TH during fetal/perinatal development and their correlation with subtype-specific interneurons suggest a previously unknown basis for the neuronal consequences of endemic cretinism and untreated congenital hypothyroidism, and specifies TR alpha1 as the receptor isoform mediating these effects.

Hypermetabolism in mice caused by the central action of an unliganded thyroid hormone receptor alpha1

Thyroid hormone, via its nuclear receptors TRalpha and TRbeta, controls metabolism by acting locally in peripheral tissues and centrally by regulating sympathetic signaling. We have defined aporeceptor regulation of metabolism by using mice heterozygous for a mutant TRalpha1 with low affinity to T3. The animals were hypermetabolic, showing strongly reduced fat depots, hyperphagia and resistance to diet-induced obesity accompanied by induction of genes involved in glucose handling and fatty acid metabolism in liver and adipose tissues. Increased lipid mobilization and beta-oxidation occurred in adipose tissues, whereas blockade of sympathetic signaling to brown adipose tissue normalized the metabolic phenotype despite a continued perturbed hormone signaling in this cell type. The results define a novel and important role for the TRalpha1 aporeceptor in governing metabolic homeostasis. Furthermore, the data demonstrate that a nuclear hormone receptor affecting sympathetic signaling can override its autonomous effects in peripheral tissues.

Thyroid Status during Skeletal Development Determines Adult Bone Structure and Mineralization

Childhood hypothyroidism delays ossification and bone mineralization, whereas adult thyrotoxicosis causes osteoporosis. To determine how effects of thyroid hormone (T3) during development manifest in adult bone, we characterized TRalpha1(+/m)beta(+/-) mice, which express a mutant T3 receptor (TR) alpha1 with dominant-negative properties due to reduced ligand-binding affinity. Remarkably, adult TRalpha1(+/m)beta(+/-) mice had osteosclerosis with increased bone mineralization even though juveniles had delayed ossification. This phenotype was partially normalized by transient T3 treatment of juveniles and fully reversed in compound TRalpha1(+/m)beta(-/-) mutant mice due to 10-fold elevated hormone levels that allow the mutant TRalpha1 to bind T3. By contrast, deletion of TRbeta in TRalpha1(+/+)beta(-/ -) mice, which causes a 3-fold increase of hormone levels, led to osteoporosis in adults but advanced ossification in juveniles. T3-target gene analysis revealed skeletal hypothyroidism in TRalpha1(m/+)beta(+/-) mice, thyrotoxicosis in TRalpha1(+/+)beta(-/-) mice, and euthyroidism in TRalpha1(+/)beta(-/-) double mutants. Thus, TRalpha1 regulates both skeletal development and adult bone maintenance, with euthyroid status during development being essential to establish normal adult bone structure and mineralization.

Impaired Ca2+ handling and contraction in cardiomyocytes from mice with a dominant negative thyroid hormone receptor alpha1

The profound effects of thyroid hormone (TH) on heart development and function are mediated by the thyroid hormone receptors (TR) alpha(1) and beta(1). While numerous patients with TRbeta(1) mutations have been identified, patients with similar mutations in TRalpha(1) are yet to be discovered. Recently generated heterozygous mice with a dominant negative mutation in TRalpha(1) (TRalpha(1)+/m mice) have normal TH levels, which may have hampered the discovery of patients with such mutations. We now measure intracellular Ca(2+) and contraction in cardiomyocytes isolated from TRalpha(1)+/m mice and wildtype littermates (WT). TRalpha(1)+/m cardiomyocytes showed a phenotype similar to that in hypothyroidism with significant slowing of voltage-activated Ca(2+) transients and contractions. Increased stimulation frequency (from 0.5 to 3 Hz) or beta-adrenergic stimulation reduced the differences between TRalpha(1)+/m and WT cardiomyocytes. However, in TRalpha(1)+/m cells stimulation at 3 Hz gave a marked increase in diastolic Ca(2+) and beta-adrenergic stimulation triggered spontaneous Ca(2+) release events during relaxation. Both TRalpha(1)+/m and WT cardiomyocytes responded to TH treatment by displaying a "hyperthyroid" phenotype with faster and larger Ca(2+) transients and contractions. Excised TRalpha(1)+/m hearts showed an increased expression of phospholamban (PLB). In conclusion, isolated TRalpha(1)+/m cardiomyocytes display major dysfunctions with marked slowing of the Ca(2+) transients and contractions.

Anxiety, memory impairment, and locomotor dysfunction caused by a mutant thyroid hormone receptor alpha1 can be ameliorated by T3 treatment

The transcriptional properties of unliganded thyroid hormone receptors are thought to cause the misdevelopment during hypothyroidism of several functions essential for adult life. To specifically determine the role of unliganded thyroid hormone receptor alpha1 (TRalpha1) in neuronal tissues, we introduced a mutation into the mouse TRalpha1 gene that lowers affinity to thyroid hormone (TH) 10-fold. The resulting heterozygous mice exhibit several distinct neurological abnormalities: extreme anxiety, reduced recognition memory, and locomotor dysfunction. The anxiety and memory deficiencies were relieved by treatment with high levels of TH in adulthood, an effect that correlated with a normalization of GABAergic inhibitory interneurons in the hippocampal CA1 region. In contrast, a post-natal TH treatment was necessary and sufficient for ameliorating the adult locomotor dysfunction. Here, the hormone treatment normalized the otherwise delayed cerebellar development. The data thus identify two novel and distinct functions of an unliganded TRalpha1 during development and adulthood, respectively.

Increased adipogenesis in bone marrow but decreased bone mineral density in mice devoid of thyroid hormone receptors

Mice deficient for all known thyroid hormone receptors, TRalpha1-/-beta-/- mice, display a clear skeletal phenotype characterized by growth retardation, delayed maturation of long bones and decreased trabecular and total bone mineral density (BMD; -14.6 +/- 2.8%, -14.4 +/- 1.5%). The aim of the present study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind the skeletal phenotype in TRalpha1-/-beta-/- mice. Global gene expression analysis was performed on total vertebrae from wild-type (WT) and TRalpha1-/-beta-/- mice using DNA microarray and the results were verified by real-time PCR. The mRNA levels of six genes (AdipoQ, Adipsin, Fat-Specific Protein 27 (FSP 27), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), retinol-binding protein (RBP) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK)) expressed by mature adipocytes were increased in TRalpha1-/-beta-/- compared with WT mice. An increased amount of fat (225% over WT) due to an increased number but unchanged mean size of adipocytes in the bone marrow of TRalpha1-/-beta-/- mice was revealed. Interestingly, the mRNA levels of the key regulator of osteoclastogenesis, receptor activator of NF-varkappab ligand (RANKL), were dramatically decreased in TRalpha1-/-beta-/- mice. In conclusion, TRalpha1-/-beta-/- mice demonstrated increased expression of adipocyte specific genes and an increased amount of bone marrow fat. Thus, these mice have increased adipogenesis in bone marrow associated with decreased trabecular bone mineral density (BMD). One may speculate that these effects either could be caused by an imbalance in the differentiation of the osteoblast and the adipocyte lineages at the expense of osteoblastogenesis, or by independent effects on the regulation of both osteoblastogenesis and adipogenesis.

Thyroid hormone receptor expression in the human hypothalamus and anterior pituitary

In the present study, we describe for the first time the distribution of thyroid hormone receptor (TR) isoforms in the human postmortem hypothalamus and anterior pituitary using immunocytochemistry. We used a set of polyclonal antisera raised against the specific isoforms of the human TR. The distribution of TR alpha 1, alpha 2, beta 1, and beta 2 was studied in consecutive sections of six hypothalami and pituitaries. Staining intensity showed strong interindividual variation but was consistently present in the infundibular nucleus, paraventricular nucleus, and supraoptic nucleus. In addition, strong TR immunoreactivity was observed in the anterior pituitary. Neuropeptide Y and proopiomelanocortin mRNA-positive cells in the infundibular nucleus, which were studied in three other hypothalami, appeared not to express TRs, and thus, the neurons expressing TRs in the human mediobasal hypothalamus remain to be characterized.

Aberrant expression of myosin isoforms in skeletal muscles from mice lacking the rev-erbAalpha orphan receptor gene

The rev-erbAalpha orphan protein belongs to the steroid nuclear receptor superfamily. No ligand has been identified for this protein, and little is known of its function in development or physiology. In this study, we focus on 1) the distribution of the rev-erbAalpha protein in adult fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscles and muscle fibers and 2) how the rev-erbAalpha protein influences myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform expression in mice heterozygous (+/-) and homozygous (-/-) for a rev-erbAalpha protein null allele. In the fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus muscle, rev-erbAalpha protein expression was linked to muscle fiber type; however, MyHC isoform expression did not differ between wild-type, +/-, or -/- mice. In the slow-twitch soleus muscle, the link between rev-erbAalpha protein and MyHC isoform expression was more complex than in the extensor digitorum longus. Here, a significantly higher relative amount of the beta/slow (type I) MyHC isoform was observed in both rev-erbAalpha -/- and +/- mice vs. that shown in wild-type controls. A role for the ratio of thyroid hormone receptor proteins alpha1 to alpha2 in modulating MyHC isoform expression can be ruled out because no differences were seen in MyHC isoform expression between thyroid hormone receptor alpha2-deficient mice (heterozygous and homozygous) and wild-type mice. Therefore, our data are compatible with the rev-erbAalpha protein playing an important role in the regulation of skeletal muscle MyHC isoform expression.

Aberrant maturation of astrocytes in thyroid hormone receptor alpha 1 knockout mice reveals an interplay between thyroid hormone receptor isoforms

Although the effects of thyroid hormones on the development of neurons and oligodendrocytes are well documented, less is known about the hormonal effects on astrocytes. Our analyses of cerebellar slices from 2-month-old T(3) receptor protein (TR)alpha1-deficient mice show that mature astrocytes, Golgi epithelial cells, and their Bergmann processes had strongly reduced glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and nestin immunoreactivity, in contrast to wild-type mice. Furthermore, the Bergmann processes exhibited an irregular GFAP staining. A similar expression of nestin and GFAP was observed in 11-d-old (P11) mutant pups. Surprisingly, however, hypothyroidism normalized the appearance of these markers in the P11 mutants, suggesting that liganded TR beta is detrimental to astroglial cell differentiation in the absence of TR alpha 1. To test this hypothesis, hypothyroid mice were treated from birth until P11 with the TR beta-selective ligand GC-1. This treatment was devastating in the TR alpha 1(-/-) mice, causing little if any nestin or GFAP immunoreactivity, whereas the wild-type mice were normal. The results thus indicate an important interplay between thyroid hormone receptor isoforms in astroglial cell maturation.

Zonal expression of the thyroid hormone receptor alpha isoforms in rodent liver

Many metabolic processes occur simultaneously in the liver in different locations along the porto-central axis of the liver units. These processes are often regulated by hormones, one of which is thyroid hormone which for its action depends on the presence of the different isoforms of the thyroid hormone receptor (TR). These are encoded by two genes: c-erbA-alpha encoding TRalpha1 and TRalpha2 and their respective Delta isoforms, and c-erbA-beta which encodes TRbeta1, TRbeta2 and TRbeta3. We recently found a zonal (pericentral) expression of and a diurnal variation in the TRbeta1 isoform in rat liver. We were therefore also interested to see whether TRalpha1 and TRalpha2 expression showed similar characteristics. For this reason we raised both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against TRalpha1 and TRalpha2 isoforms and characterised these. Antibody specificity was tested using Western blots and immunohistochemistry in liver of TR isoform-specific knockout animals. Using these antibodies we found that the TRalpha1 and TRalpha2 isoforms are zonally expressed around the central vein in rat liver. The experiments show that the portal to central gradient of TRalpha1 is broader than that of TRbeta1. Moreover, the expression of the TRalpha2 protein showed a diurnal variation with a peak in the afternoon when the animals are least active whereas no such variation was found for the TRalpha1 protein. From our data it appears that both the TRalpha1 and TRalpha2 isoforms show a zonal distribution in liver. This finding, together with the observed diurnal rhythm, has major implications for interpreting and timing experiments concerning the TR and its downstream actions in liver.

Depressed thermogenesis but competent brown adipose tissue recruitment in mice devoid of all hormone-binding thyroid hormone receptors

We have examined the metabolic role of hormone-binding nuclear thyroid hormone receptors (TRs). Mice devoid of all hormone-binding TRs [TR alpha 1(-/-)beta(-/-) (TR-ablated mice)] had slightly decreased body temperature and much decreased basal metabolic rate, were still able to markedly increase metabolic rate in the cold, but were cold intolerant due to inadequate total heat production at low temperatures. A standard norepinephrine test showed that adrenergically induced thermogenesis could not be activated normally in the TR-ablated mice. This was not due to inadequate recruitment of brown adipose tissue, nor to the absence, decreased recruitment or dysfunction of the uncoupling protein-1. However, isolated brown fat cells were 10-fold desensitized, explaining the lack of response to standard adrenergic stimuli; cell culture experiments demonstrated that this desensitization was not an innate effect. Thus, the cold intolerance was probably not due to inadequate sympathetically induced nonshivering thermogenesis. Additionally, the results indicated that no metabolic effects of thyroid hormones could become manifest in the absence of nuclear TRs, that ligand-bound TRs were needed for euthermia and eumetabolism, but that TRs per se were not required for brown adipose tissue recruitment and uncoupling protein-1 gene expression.

Selective thyroid hormone receptor-beta activation: a strategy for reduction of weight, cholesterol, and lipoprotein (a) with reduced cardiovascular liability

Few treatments for obesity exist and, whereas efficacious therapeutics for hyperlipidemia are available, further improvements are desirable. Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) regulate both body weight and cholesterol levels. However, thyroid hormones also have deleterious effects, particularly on the heart. The TR beta subtype is involved in cholesterol lowering and possibly elevating metabolic rate, whereas TR alpha appears to be more important for control of heart rate (HR). In the current studies, we examined the effect of TR beta activation on metabolic rate and HR with either TR alpha 1-/- mice or the selective TR beta agonist KB-141 in mice, rats, and monkeys. 3,5,3'-triiodi-l-thyronine (T3) had a greater effect on increasing HR in WT than in TR alpha-/- mice (ED15 values of 34 and 469 nmol/kg/day, respectively). T3 increased metabolic rate [whole body oxygen consumption (MVO2)] in both WT and TR alpha-/- mice, but the effect in the TR alpha 1-/- mice at the highest dose was half that of the WT mice. Thus, stimulation of MVO2 is likely due to both TR alpha and -beta. T3 had equivalent potency for cholesterol reduction in WT and TR alpha-/- mice. KB-141 increased MVO2 with selectivities of 16.5- and 11.2-fold vs. HR in WT and TR alpha 1-/- mice, respectively. KB-141 also increased MVO2 with a 10-fold selectivity and lowered cholesterol with a 27-fold selectivity vs. HR in rats. In primates, KB-141 caused significant cholesterol, lipoprotein (a), and body-weight reduction (up to 7% after 1 wk) with no effect on HR. TR beta-selective agonists may constitute a previously uncharacterized class of drugs to treat obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and elevated lipoprotein (a).

Effective generation of transgenic mice by Bovine papillomavirus type 1 based self-replicating plasmid that is maintained as extrachromosomal genetic element in three generations of animals

The objective of our study was to analyze the efficiency and the properties of the inheritance of the Bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV1) replicator-based plasmid used as vector system for generation of transgenic animals. Previously, we have characterized a series of self-replicating plasmid vectors containing all viral factors necessary and sufficient for stable extrachromosomal replication of the BPV1 genome in the tissue culture system. We also demonstrated that the designed replicating vector system has a considerable benefit in the transgene expression, if compared to the regular expression vector. The vector, which showed the highest stability and maintenance function in the tissue culture was chosen for generation of the transgenic mice by pronuclear injections of the circular supercoiled plasmid. This method resulted in successful production of transgenic animals. Transmission efficiency of the vectors into the F(1) generation of animals varied between 0 and 48%, whereas transmission into the F(2) generation was uniformly near 50%. The maintenance of the vector-plasmids in the F(2) generation of transgenic animals as extrachromosomal genetic element was demonstrated by rescue of the plasmid into the Escherichia coli.

Patterns of liver gene expression governed by TRbeta

Several metabolic processes in the liver are regulated by thyroid hormone (T3). Gene expression profiles of livers from normal and TRbeta-deficient mouse strains should allow the classification of rapid and sustained effects of T3, as well as identification of target genes that are dependent on TRbeta. The immediate and long-term T3 regulation of about 4000 genes in livers from hypo- and hyperthyroid wild-type and TRbeta-deficient mice was analyzed using cDNA microarrays. T3 was found to regulate more than 200 genes, and among these, more than 100 were previously not described. Sixty percent of all these genes show dependence on the TRbeta gene for T3 regulation, indicating that TRalpha1 may have previously unknown functions in the liver. Analysis of the gene expression patterns showed a clear functional distinction between rapid (2 h) actions of T3 and late effects, seen after 5 d of sustained T3 treatment. Many metabolic actions were rapidly executed, whereas effects on mitochondrial function, for example, were seen after the sustained T3 treatment. As compared with wild-type controls, TRbeta-/-mice exhibited elevated expression of some target genes and reduced levels of others, indicating that both direct and indirect gene regulation by TRs in liver is complex and involves both ligand-dependent and -independent actions by the major TR isoforms.

Lack of thyroid hormone receptor alpha1 is associated with selective alterations in behavior and hippocampal circuits

Brain development and function are dependent on thyroid hormone (T3), which acts through nuclear hormone receptors. T3 receptors (TRs) are transcription factors that activate or suppress target gene expression in a hormone-dependent or -independent fashion. Two distinct genes, TRalpha and TRbeta, encode several receptor isoforms with specific functions defined in many tissues but not in the brain. Mutations in the TRbeta gene cause the syndrome of peripheral resistance to thyroid hormone; however, no alterations of the TRalpha gene have been described in humans. Here we demonstrate that mice lacking the TRalpha1 isoform display behavioral abnormalities of hippocampal origin, as shown by the open field and fear conditioning tests. In the open field test mutant mice revealed less exploratory behavior than wild-type mice. In the contextual fear conditioning test mutant mice showed a significantly higher freezing response than wild-type controls when tested 1 week after training. These findings correlated with fewer GABAergic terminals on the CA1 pyramidal neurons in the mutant mice. Our results indicate that TRalpha1 is involved in the regulation of hippocampal structure and function, and raise the possibility that deletions or mutations of this receptor isoform may lead to behavioral changes or even psychiatric syndromes in humans.

Normal timing of oligodendrocyte development depends on thyroid hormone receptor alpha 1 (TRalpha1)

The timing of oligodendrocyte development is regulated by thyroid hormone (TH) in vitro and in vivo, but it is still uncertain which TH receptors mediate this regulation. TH acts through nuclear receptors that are encoded by two genes, TRalpha and TRbeta. Here, we provide direct evidence for the involvement of the TRalpha1 receptor isoform in vivo, by showing that the number of oligodendrocytes in the postnatal day 7 (P7) and P14 optic nerve of TRalpha1-/- mice is decreased compared with normal. We demonstrate that TRalpha1 mediates the normal differentiation-promoting effect of TH on oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs): unlike wild-type OPCs, postnatal TRalpha1-/- OPCs fail to stop dividing and differentiate in response to TH in culture. We also show that overexpression of TRalpha1 accelerates oligodendrocyte differentiation in culture, suggesting that the level of TRalpha1 expression is normally limiting for TH-dependent OPC differentiation. Finally, we provide evidence that the inhibitory isoforms of TRalpha are unlikely to play a part in the timing of OPC differentiation.

Retardation of post-natal development caused by a negatively acting thyroid hormone receptor alpha1

Most patients with the syndrome resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) express a mutant thyroid hormone receptor beta (TRbeta) with transdominant negative transcriptional effects. Since no patient with a mutant TRalpha has been identified, we introduced a point mutation into the mouse thyroid hormone receptor (TRalpha1) locus originally found in the TRbeta gene, that reduces ligand binding 10-fold. Heterozygous 2- to 3-week- old mice exhibit a severe retardation of post-natal development and growth, but only a minor reduction in serum thyroxine levels. Homozygous mice died before 3 weeks of age. Adult heterozygotes overcome most of these defects except for cardiac function abnormalities, suggesting that other factors compensate for the receptor defect. However, the additional deletion of the TRbeta gene in this mouse strain caused a 10-fold increase in serum thyroxine, restored hormonal regulation of target genes for TRs, and rescued the growth retardation. The data demonstrate a novel array of effects mediated by a dominant negative TRalpha1, and may provide important clues for identification of a potentially unrecognized human disorder and its treatment.

Requirement for thyroid hormone receptor beta in T3 regulation of cholesterol metabolism in mice

T3 potently influences cholesterol metabolism through the nuclear thyroid hormone receptor beta (TRbeta), the most abundant TR isoform in rodent liver. Here, we have tested if TRalpha1, when expressed at increased levels from its normal locus, can replace TRbeta in regulation of cholesterol metabolism. By the use of TRalpha2-/-beta-/- animals that overexpress hepatic TRalpha1 6-fold, a near normalization of the total amount of T3 binding receptors was achieved. These mice are similar to TRbeta-/- and TRalpha1-/-beta-/- mice in that they fail to regulate cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase expression properly, and that their serum cholesterol levels are unaffected by T3. Thus, hepatic overexpression of TRalpha1 cannot substitute for absence of TRbeta, suggesting that the TRbeta gene has a unique role in T3 regulation of cholesterol metabolism in mice. However, examination of T3 regulation of hepatic target genes revealed that dependence on TRbeta is not general: T3 regulation of type I iodothyronine deiodinase and the low density lipoprotein receptor were partially rescued by TRalpha1 overexpression. These in vivo data show that TRbeta is necessary for the effects of T3 on cholesterol metabolism. That TRalpha1 only in some instances can substitute for TRbeta indicates that T3 regulation of physiological and molecular processes in the liver occurs in an isoform-specific fashion.

Patterns of liver gene expression governed by TRbeta

Several metabolic processes in the liver are regulated by thyroid hormone (T3). Gene expression profiles of livers from normal and TRbeta-deficient mouse strains should allow the classification of rapid and sustained effects of T3, as well as identification of target genes that are dependent on TRbeta. The immediate and long-term T3 regulation of about 4000 genes in livers from hypo- and hyperthyroid wild-type and TRbeta-deficient mice was analyzed using cDNA microarrays. T3 was found to regulate more than 200 genes, and among these, more than 100 were previously not described. Sixty percent of all these genes show dependence on the TRbeta gene for T3 regulation, indicating that TRalpha1 may have previously unknown functions in the liver. Analysis of the gene expression patterns showed a clear functional distinction between rapid (2 h) actions of T3 and late effects, seen after 5 d of sustained T3 treatment. Many metabolic actions were rapidly executed, whereas effects on mitochondrial function, for example, were seen after the sustained T3 treatment. As compared with wild-type controls, TRbeta-/-mice exhibited elevated expression of some target genes and reduced levels of others, indicating that both direct and indirect gene regulation by TRs in liver is complex and involves both ligand-dependent and -independent actions by the major TR isoforms.

Deletion of the thyroid hormone receptor alpha 1 prevents the structural alterations of the cerebellum induced by hypothyroidism

Thyroid hormone (T3) controls critical aspects of cerebellar development, such as migration of postmitotic granule cells and terminal differentiation of Purkinje cells. T3 acts through nuclear receptors (TR) of two types, TRalpha1 and TRbeta, that either repress or activate gene expression. We have analyzed the cerebellar structure of developing mice lacking the TRalpha1 isoform, which normally accounts for about 80% of T3 receptors in the cerebellum. Contrary to what was expected, granule cell migration and Purkinje cell differentiation were normal in the mutant mice. Even more striking was the fact that when neonatal hypothyroidism was induced, no alterations in cerebellar structure were observed in the mutant mice, whereas the wild-type mice showed delayed granule cell migration and arrested Purkinje cell growth. The results support the idea that repression by the TRalpha1 aporeceptor, and not the lack of thyroid hormone, is responsible for the hypothyroid phenotype. This conclusion was supported by experiments with the TRbeta-selective compound GC-1. Treatment of hypothyroid animals with T3, which binds to TRalpha1 and TRbeta, prevents any defect in cerebellar structure. In contrast, treatment with GC-1, which binds to TRbeta but not TRalpha1, partially corrects Purkinje cell differentiation but has no effect on granule cell migration. Our data indicate that thyroid hormone has a permissive effect on cerebellar granule cell migration through derepression by the TRalpha1 isoform.

Accelerated inactivation of voltage-dependent K+ outward current in cardiomyocytes from thyroid hormone receptor alpha1-deficient mice

INTRODUCTION

Thyroid hormone affects the electrophysiologic properties of the heart. It is not known which of the different subtypes of thyroid hormone receptors mediate these effects.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using standard patch-clamp techniques, we studied time- and voltage-dependent properties of depolarization-activated K+ currents in ventricular heart cells isolated from mice lacking the thyroid hormone receptor alpha1 (TR alpha1) and compared these currents with those in respective wild-type cells. In both groups of cells, the time course of current decay could be described by two inactivating exponential components and a sustained current component. In TR alpha1-deficient cells, the total inactivation time course was accelerated due to both increase of the relative contribution of the fast component and shortening of the slow time constant. The peak amplitude of the total current was not altered. The main component of steady-state inactivation of the voltage-dependent K+ outward current was shifted to more hyperpolarized voltages by 7 mV in TR alpha1-deficient cells compared with that in wild-type cells. Under current-clamp conditions, action potential duration at 90% repolarization was prolonged in TR alpha1-deficient cells compared with that in wild-type cells by 3.6 msec.

CONCLUSION

The resulting acceleration of the total inactivation time course is proposed to contribute to action potential prolongation and thus to the increased QTend-time observed previously on ECG of TR alpha1-deficient mice.

Ablation of TRalpha2 and a concomitant overexpression of alpha1 yields a mixed hypo- and hyperthyroid phenotype in mice

Thyroid hormone governs a diverse repertoire of physiological functions through receptors encoded in the receptor genes alpha and beta, which each generate variant proteins. In mammals, the alpha gene generates, in addition to the normal receptor TRalpha1, a non-hormone-binding variant TRalpha2 whose exact function is unclear. Here, we present the phenotype associated with the targeted ablation of TRalpha2 expression. Selective ablation of TRalpha2 resulted in an inevitable, concomitant overexpression of TRalpha1. Both TRalpha2 +/- and -/- mice show a complex phenotype with low levels of free T3 and free T4, and have inappropriately normal levels of TSH. The thyroid glands exhibit mild morphological signs of dysfunction and respond poorly to TSH, suggesting that the genetic changes affect the ability of the gland to release thyroid hormones. However, the phenotype of the mutant mice also has features of hyperthyroidism, including decreased body weight, elevated heart rate, and a raised body temperature. Furthermore, TRalpha2-/- and TRalpha2+/- mice are obese and exhibit skeletal alterations, associated with a late-onset growth retardation. The results thus suggest that the overexpression of TRalpha1 and the concomitant decrease in TRalpha2 expression lead to a mixed hyper- and hypothyroid phenotype, dependent on the tissue studied. The phenotypes suggest that the balance of TRalpha1:TRalpha2 expressed from the TRalpha gene provides an additional level of tuning the control of growth and homeostasis in mammalian species.

TRs have common and isoform-specific functions in regulation of the cardiac myosin heavy chain genes

TRalpha1 and TRbeta mediate the regulatory effects of T3 and have profound effects on the cardiovascular system. We have analyzed the expression of the cardiac myosin heavy chain (MyHC) genes alpha and beta in mouse strains deficient for one or several TR genes to identify specific regulatory functions of TRalpha1 and TRbeta. The results show that TRalpha1 deficiency, which slows the heart rate, causes chronic overexpression of MyHCbeta. However, MyHCbeta was still suppressible by T3 in both TRalpha1- and TRbeta-deficient mice, indicating that either receptor can mediate repression of MyHCbeta. T3-dependent induction of the positively regulated MyHCalpha gene was similar in both TRalpha1- and TRbeta-deficient mice. The data identify a specific role for TRalpha1 in the negative regulation of MyHCbeta, whereas TRalpha1 and TRbeta appear interchangeable for hormone-dependent induction of MyHCalpha. This suggests that TR isoforms exhibit distinct specificities in the genes that they regulate within a given tissue type. Thus, dysregulation of MyHCbeta is likely to contribute to the critical role of TRalpha1 in cardiac function.

Suppression of the deafness and thyroid dysfunction in Thrb-null mice by an independent mutation in the Thra thyroid hormone receptor alpha gene

Deletion of thyroid hormone receptor beta (TR beta), a ligand-dependent transcription factor encoded by the Thrb gene, causes deafness and thyroid hyperactivity in Thrb-null (Thrb(tm1/tm1)) mice and in a recessive form of the human syndrome of resistance to thyroid hormone. Here, we have determined that a targeted mutation (Thra(tm2)) in the related Thra gene, encoding thyroid hormone receptor alpha suppresses these phenotypes in mice. Thra encodes a TR alpha 1 receptor which is non-essential for hearing and a TR alpha 2 splice variant of unknown function that neither binds thyroid hormone nor transactivates. The Thra(tm2) mutation deletes TR alpha 2 and concomitantly causes overexpression of TR alpha 1 as a consequence of the exon structure of the gene. Thra(tm2/tm2) mice have normal auditory thresholds indicating that TR alpha 2 is dispensable for hearing, and have only marginally reduced thyroid activity. However, a potent function for the Thra(tm2) allele is revealed upon its introduction into Thrb(tm1/tm1) mice, where it suppresses the auditory and thyroid phenotypes caused by loss of TR beta. These findings reveal a novel modifying function for a Thra allele and suggest that increased expression of TR alpha 1 may substitute for the absence of TR beta. The TR isotypes generated by the distinct Thrb and Thra genes represent a small family of receptors that have diverged to mediate different physiological roles; however, the ability of changes in Thra expression to compensate for loss of Thrb indicates that many functions of these genes remain closely related.

GH substitution reverses the growth phenotype but not the defective ossification in thyroid hormone receptor alpha 1-/-beta-/- mice

Thyroid hormone receptor alpha 1, beta 1 and beta 2-deficient mice (TR alpha 1-/-beta-/- mice) demonstrate growth retardation and defective ossification in the epiphyses associated with an inhibition of the GH/IGF-I axis. There are differences between TR alpha 1-/-beta-/- mice (receptor deficient) and the hypothyroid animal model (ligand deficient). Such differences include possible repressive actions exerted by unliganded receptors in the ligand-deficient (hypothyroid) model but not in the receptor-deficient model. In the present study we have investigated whether or not GH substitution rescues the skeletal phenotype of TR alpha 1-/-beta-/- mice. TR alpha 1-/-beta-/- and wild-type (WT) mice were treated with GH from day 18 until 10 weeks of age. GH substitution of mutant mice resulted in a significant and sustained stimulatory effect on the body weight that was not seen in WT mice. GH-treated mutant mice but not GH-treated WT mice demonstrated increased length and periosteal circumference of the femur. However, GH substitution did not reverse the defective ossification seen in TR alpha 1-/-beta-/- mice. TR alpha 1-/-beta-/- mice displayed increased width of the proximal tibial growth plate, which was caused by increased width of the proliferative but not the hypertrophic layer. GH substitution did not restore the disturbed morphology of the growth plate in TR alpha 1-/-beta-/- mice. In summary, GH substitution reverses the growth phenotype but not the defective ossification in TR alpha 1-/-beta-/- mice. Our data suggest that TRs are of importance both for the regulation of the GH/IGF-I axis and for direct effects on cartilage.

Audiogenic seizure susceptibility in thyroid hormone receptor beta-deficient mice

As early-onset hypothyroidism produces audiogenic seizure susceptibility (AGS) in rodents, the role of TR alpha 1 and TR beta thyroid hormone receptors in AGS was investigated. AGS occurs in mice lacking specifically TR beta (Thrb(tm1/tm1)) and is marked by early onset and persistence, thereby differing from mouse strains where AGS is age-restricted. Thrb(tm1/tm1) mice display AGS whether on a mixed 129/Sv x C57BL/6J or congenic C57BL/6J background. 27% of wild-type mice on the mixed and 0% on the congenic background exhibited AGS. The inability of Thrb(tm1/tm1) mice to downregulate the response to sustained acoustic stimulation may reside in the brain or in the auditory system itself as Thrb(tm1/tm1) mice also display auditory deficits. The AGS phenotype identifies a novel neurological role for TR beta.

Thyroid hormone receptor beta-deficient mice show complete loss of the normal cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A) response to thyroid hormone but display enhanced resistance to dietary cholesterol

Thyroid hormone (T3) influences hepatic cholesterol metabolism, and previous studies have established an important role of this hormone in the regulation of cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A), the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of bile acids. To evaluate the respective contribution of thyroid hormone receptors (TR) alpha1 and beta in this regulation, the responses to 2% dietary cholesterol and T3 were studied in TRalpha1 and TRbeta knockout mice under hypo- and hyperthyroid conditions. Our experiments show that the normal stimulation in CYP7A activity and mRNA level by T3 is lost in TRbeta-/- but not in TRalpha1-/-mice, identifying TRbeta as the mediator of T3 action on CYP7A and, consequently, as a major regulator of cholesterol metabolism in vivo. Somewhat unexpectedly, T3-deficient TRbeta-/- mice showed an augmented CYP7A response after challenge with dietary cholesterol, and these animals did not develop hypercholesterolemia to the extent as did wild-type (wt) controls. The latter results lend strong support to the concept that TRs may exert regulatory effects in vivo independent of T3.

Expression of peptides and other neurochemical markers in hypothalamus and olfactory bulb of mice devoid of all known thyroid hormone receptors

We have investigated with histochemical techniques the expression of peptides and other neurochemical markers in the hypothalamus and olfactory bulb of male mice, in which the genes encoding the alpha and beta thyroid hormone receptors (TRalpha1, TRbeta1 and TRbeta2) have been deleted. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone messenger RNA levels were increased in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and in the medullary raphe nuclei of mutant mice lacking the thyroid hormone receptors alpha1 and beta (alpha1(-/-)beta(-/-)), as compared to wild-type mice. In contrast, galanin messenger RNA levels were lower in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of mutant animals, as was galanin-like immunoreactivity in the internal layer of the median eminence. Substance P messenger RNA levels were unchanged in the medullary raphe nuclei. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor messenger RNA levels were increased in motoneurons, unchanged in the subiculum, and lower in the amygdala of mutant animals. Galanin messenger RNA levels were unchanged in the hypothalamic dorsomedial and arcuate nuclei of the thyroid hormone receptor alpha1(-/-)beta(-/-) mice, as was the immunocytochemistry for oxytocin and for vasopressin in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. A reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase messenger RNA levels was found in the arcuate nucleus of mutant mice. In the olfactory bulb, immunohistochemistry for calbindin and for tyrosine hydroxylase revealed a reduction in the intensity of labeling of nerve processes in the glomerular layer of thyroid hormone receptor alpha1(-/-)beta(-/-) mice. The tyrosine hydroxylase messenger RNA levels were also slightly reduced. In contrast, the levels of galanin and neuropeptide Y messenger RNA in this region were unchanged in thyroid hormone receptor alpha1(-/-)beta(-/-) mice as compared to wild-type mice. Together these studies reveal many regional and neurochemically selective alterations in neuronal phenotype of mice devoid of all known thyroid hormone receptors.

Distinct tissue-specific roles for thyroid hormone receptors beta and alpha1 in regulation of type 1 deiodinase expression

Type 1 deiodinase (D1) metabolizes different forms of thyroid hormones to control levels of T3, the active ligand for thyroid hormone receptors (TR). The D1 gene is itself T3-inducible and here, the regulation of D1 expression by TRalpha1 and TRbeta, which act as T3-dependent transcription factors, was investigated in receptor-deficient mice. Liver and kidney D1 mRNA and activity levels were reduced in TRbeta(-/-) but not TRalpha1(-/-) mice. Liver D1 remained weakly T3 inducible in TRbeta(-/-) mice whereas induction was abolished in double mutant TRalpha1(-/-)TRbeta(-/-) mice. This indicates that TRbeta is primarily responsible for regulating D1 expression whereas TRalpha1 has only a minor role. In kidney, despite the expression of both TRalpha1 and TRbeta, regulation relied solely on TRbeta, thus revealing a marked tissue restriction in TR isotype utilization. Although TRbeta and TRalpha1 mediate similar functions in vitro, these results demonstrate differential roles in regulating D1 expression in vivo and suggest that tissue-specific factors and structural distinctions between TR isotypes contribute to functional specificity. Remarkably, there was an obligatory requirement for a TR, whether TRbeta or TRalpha1, for any detectable D1 expression in liver. This suggests a novel paradigm of gene regulation in which the TR sets both basal expression and the spectrum of induced states. Physiologically, these findings suggest a critical role for TRbeta in regulating the thyroid hormone status through D1-mediated metabolism.

A thyroid hormone receptor that is required for the development of green cone photoreceptors

Color vision is facilitated by distinct populations of cone photoreceptors in the retina. In rodents, cones expressing different opsin photopigments are sensitive to middle (M, 'green') and short (S, 'blue') wavelengths, and are differentially distributed across the retina. The mechanisms that control which opsin is expressed in a particular cone are poorly understood, but previous in vitro studies implicated thyroid hormone in cone differentiation. Thyroid hormone receptor beta 2 (TR beta 2) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is expressed in the outer nuclear layer of the embryonic retina. Here we delete Thrb (encoding Tr beta 2) in mice, causing the selective loss of M-cones and a concomitant increase in S-opsin immunoreactive cones. Moreover, the gradient of cone distribution is disturbed, with S-cones becoming widespread across the retina. The results indicate that cone photoreceptors throughout the retina have the potential to follow a default S-cone pathway and reveal an essential role for Tr beta 2 in the commitment to an M-cone identity. Our findings raise the possibility that Thrb mutations may be associated with human cone disorders.

Thyroid hormone receptor beta-deficient mice show complete loss of the normal cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A) response to thyroid hormone but display enhanced resistance to dietary cholesterol

Thyroid hormone (T3) influences hepatic cholesterol metabolism, and previous studies have established an important role of this hormone in the regulation of cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A), the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of bile acids. To evaluate the respective contribution of thyroid hormone receptors (TR) alpha1 and beta in this regulation, the responses to 2% dietary cholesterol and T3 were studied in TRalpha1 and TRbeta knockout mice under hypo- and hyperthyroid conditions. Our experiments show that the normal stimulation in CYP7A activity and mRNA level by T3 is lost in TRbeta-/- but not in TRalpha1-/-mice, identifying TRbeta as the mediator of T3 action on CYP7A and, consequently, as a major regulator of cholesterol metabolism in vivo. Somewhat unexpectedly, T3-deficient TRbeta-/- mice showed an augmented CYP7A response after challenge with dietary cholesterol, and these animals did not develop hypercholesterolemia to the extent as did wild-type (wt) controls. The latter results lend strong support to the concept that TRs may exert regulatory effects in vivo independent of T3.

A choice between transcriptional enhancement and repression by the v-erbA oncoprotein governed by one nucleotide in a thyroid hormone responsive half site

The v-erbA oncoprotein (P75gag-v-erbA) can repress thyroid hormone receptor induced transcriptional activation of target genes. A central question is how hormone responsive elements in a target gene determine the transcriptional regulation mediated by P75gag-v-erbA. We addressed this with receptors chimeric between P75gag-v-erbA and thyroid hormone receptor (TR) by testing their regulatory activities on thyroid hormone response elements (TREs) differing in the sequence of the consensus core recognition motif AGGTCA. We report here that enhances, TR dependent transcriptional activation is conferred by P75gag-v-erbA when the thymidine in the half site recognition motif is exchanged for an adenosine. The enhancement was independent of the DNA binding region of P75gag-v-erbA, whereas increased expression of corepressor abolished the enhancing effect. The data indicate that the enhancement results from an impaired DNA binding by the oncoprotein combined with an effective scavenging of corepressors. Our data thus suggest the P75gag-v-erbA indirectly can contribute to enhancement of thyroid hormone induced gene expression.