1
|
Krizanac M, Mass Sanchez PB, Weiskirchen R, Schröder SK. Overview of the expression patterns and roles of Lipocalin 2 in the reproductive system. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1365602. [PMID: 38645429 PMCID: PMC11026566 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1365602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The 25 kDa-sized protein Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) was originally isolated from human neutrophil granulocytes more than 30 years ago. LCN2 is an emerging player in innate immune defense, as it reduces bacterial growth due to its ability to sequester iron-containing bacterial siderophores. On the other hand, LCN2 also serves as a transporter for various hydrophobic substances due to its β-barrel shaped structure. Over the years, LCN2 has been detected in many other cell types including epithelial cells, astrocytes, and hepatocytes. Studies have clearly shown that aberrant expression of LCN2 is associated with a variety of disorders and malignancies, including several diseases of the reproductive system. Furthermore, LCN2 was proposed as a non-invasive prognostic and/or diagnostic biomarker in this context. Although several studies have shed light on the role of LCN2 in various disorders of the female and male reproductive systems, including tumorigenesis, a comprehensive understanding of the physiological function of LCN2 in the reproductive tract is still lacking. However, there is evidence that LCN2 is directly related to fertility, as global depletion of Lcn2 in mice has a negative effect on their pregnancy rate. Since LCN2 expression can be regulated by steroid hormones, it is not surprising that its expression fluctuates greatly during remodeling processes in the female reproductive tract, especially in the uterus. Well-founded details about the expression and regulation of LCN2 in a healthy reproductive state and also about possible changes during reproductive aging could contribute to a better understanding of LCN2 as a target in various diseases. Therefore, the present review summarizes current knowledge about LCN2 in the reproductive system, including studies in rodents and humans, and discusses changes in LCN2 expression during pathological events. The limited data suggest that LCN2 is expressed and regulated differently in healthy male and female reproductive organs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sarah K. Schröder
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dai C, Hou M, Yang X, Wang Z, Sun C, Wu X, Wang S. Increased NAD + levels protect female mouse reproductive system against zearalenone-impaired glycolysis, lipid metabolism, antioxidant capacity and inflammation. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 124:108530. [PMID: 38159578 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The reproductive system is a primary target organ for zearalenone (ZEN, a widespread fusarium mycotoxin) to exert its toxic effects, including decreased antioxidant capacity and aggravated inflammatory response. These ZEN-induced reproductive abnormalities are partially caused by the declining levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), which results in an imbalance in lipid/glucose metabolism. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate whether supplements of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN, a NAD+ precursor) in female mice could protect against ZEN-induced reproductive toxicity. In this study, thirty female mice were randomly divided into three groups that were intragastrically administered with i) 0.5% DMSO (the Ctrl group), ii) 3 mg/(kg bw.d) ZEN (the ZEN group), or iii) ZEN + 500 mg/(kg bw.d) NMN (the ZEN/NMN group) for two weeks. The results revealed that, compared with the Ctrl group, animals exposed to ZEN exhibited reproductive toxicity, such as decreased antioxidant capacity and aggravated inflammatory response in reproductive tissues. These effects were strongly correlated with lower activities in key glycolytic enzymes (e.g., ALDOA and PGK), but increased expressions in key lipid-synthesis genes (e.g., LPIN1 and ATGL). These changes contribute to lipid accumulation, specifically for diacylglycerols (DAGs). Furthermore, these ZEN-induced changes were linked with disturbed NAD+ synthesis/degradation, and subsequently decreased NAD+ levels. Notably, NMN supplements in mice protected against these ZEN-induced reproductive abnormalities by boosting NAD+ levels. Herein, the present findings demonstrate that potential strategies to enhance NAD+ levels can protect against ZEN-induced reproductive toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Dai
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400032, China; College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mengqian Hou
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400032, China
| | - Xudong Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Breeding and Healthy Husbandry, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300392, China
| | - Zhefeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Changpo Sun
- Academy of National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, Beijing 100037, China; Standards and Quality Center of National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Xin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China.
| | - Shujin Wang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Haller M, Yin Y, Haller G, Li T, Li Q, Lamb LE, Ma L. Streamlined identification of clinically and functionally relevant genetic regulators of lower-tract urogenital development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2309466121. [PMID: 38300866 PMCID: PMC10861909 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309466121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Congenital anomalies of the lower genitourinary (LGU) tract are frequently comorbid due to genetically linked developmental pathways, and are among the most common yet most socially stigmatized congenital phenotypes. Genes involved in sexual differentiation are prime candidates for developmental anomalies of multiple LGU organs, but insufficient prospective screening tools have prevented the rapid identification of causative genes. Androgen signaling is among the most influential modulators of LGU development. The present study uses SpDamID technology in vivo to generate a comprehensive map of the pathways actively regulated by the androgen receptor (AR) in the genitalia in the presence of the p300 coactivator, identifying wingless/integrated (WNT) signaling as a highly enriched AR-regulated pathway in the genitalia. Transcription factor (TF) hits were then assayed for sexually dimorphic expression at two critical time points and also cross-referenced to a database of clinically relevant copy number variations to identify 252 TFs exhibiting copy variation in patients with LGU phenotypes. A subset of 54 TFs was identified for which LGU phenotypes are statistically overrepresented as a proportion of total observed phenotypes. The 252 TF hitlist was then subjected to a functional screen to identify hits whose silencing affects genital mesenchymal growth rates. Overlap of these datasets results in a refined list of 133 TFs of both functional and clinical relevance to LGU development, 31 of which are top priority candidates, including the well-documented renal progenitor regulator, Sall1. Loss of Sall1 was examined in vivo and confirmed to be a powerful regulator of LGU development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meade Haller
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Yan Yin
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Gabe Haller
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Tian Li
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Qiufang Li
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Laura E. Lamb
- Department of Urology, William Beaumont School of Medicine, Oakland University, Rochester, MI48309
| | - Liang Ma
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Aggarwal B, Karlowski WM, Nuc P, Jarmolowski A, Szweykowska-Kulinska Z, Pietrykowska H. MiRNAs differentially expressed in vegetative and reproductive organs of Marchantia polymorpha - insights into their expression pattern, gene structures and function. RNA Biol 2024; 21:1-12. [PMID: 38303117 PMCID: PMC10841014 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2024.2303555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs regulate gene expression affecting a variety of plant developmental processes. The evolutionary position of Marchantia polymorpha makes it a significant model to understand miRNA-mediated gene regulatory pathways in plants. Previous studies focused on conserved miRNA-target mRNA modules showed their critical role in Marchantia development. Here, we demonstrate that the differential expression of conserved miRNAs among land plants and their targets in selected organs of Marchantia additionally underlines their role in regulating fundamental developmental processes. The main aim of this study was to characterize selected liverwort-specific miRNAs, as there is a limited knowledge on their biogenesis, accumulation, targets, and function in Marchantia. We demonstrate their differential accumulation in vegetative and generative organs. We reveal that all liverwort-specific miRNAs examined are encoded by independent transcriptional units. MpmiR11737a, MpmiR11887 and MpmiR11796, annotated as being encoded within protein-encoding genes, have their own independent transcription start sites. The analysis of selected liverwort-specific miRNAs and their pri-miRNAs often reveal correlation in their levels, suggesting transcriptional regulation. However, MpmiR11796 shows a reverse correlation to its pri-miRNA level, suggesting post-transcriptional regulation. Moreover, we identify novel targets for selected liverwort-specific miRNAs and demonstrate an inverse correlation between their expression and miRNA accumulation. In the case of one miRNA precursor, we provide evidence that it encodes two functional miRNAs with two independent targets. Overall, our research sheds light on liverwort-specific miRNA gene structure, provides new data on their biogenesis and expression regulation. Furthermore, identifying their targets, we hypothesize the potential role of these miRNAs in early land plant development and functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bharti Aggarwal
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wojciech Maciej Karlowski
- Department of Computational Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Przemyslaw Nuc
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Artur Jarmolowski
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Zofia Szweykowska-Kulinska
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Halina Pietrykowska
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang M, Tian D, Li T, Pan J, Wang C, Wu L, Luo K, Mei Z, Liu J, Chen W, Yao J, Li Y, Wang F, Zhu S, Zhang Y. Comprehensive identification and functional characterization of GhpPLA gene family in reproductive organ development. BMC Plant Biol 2023; 23:599. [PMID: 38017370 PMCID: PMC10685517 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04590-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phospholipases As (PLAs) are acyl hydrolases that catalyze the release of free fatty acids in phospholipids and play multiple functions in plant growth and development. The three families of PLAs are: PLA1, PLA2 (sPLA), and patatin-related PLA (pPLA). The diverse functions that pPLAs play in the growth and development of a broad range of plants have been demonstrated by prior studies. METHODS Genome-wide analysis of the pPLA gene family and screening of genes for expression verification and gene silencing verification were conducted. Additionally, pollen vitality testing, analysis of the pollen expression pattern, and the detection of POD, SOD, CAT, MDA, and H2O2 were performed. RESULT In this study, 294 pPLAs were identified from 13 plant species, including 46 GhpPLAs that were divided into three subfamilies (I-III). Expression patterns showed that the majority of GhpPLAs were preferentially expressed in the petal, pistil, anther, and ovule, among other reproductive organs. Particularly, GhpPLA23 and GhpPLA44, were found to be potentially important for the reproductive development of G. hirsutum. Functional validation was demonstrated by VIGS which showed that reduced expression levels of GhpPLA23 and GhpPLA44 in the silenced plants were associated with a decrease in pollen activity. Moreover, a substantial shift in ROS and ROS scavengers and a considerable increase in POD, CAT, SOD, and other physiological parameters was found out in these silenced plants. Our results provide plausibility to the hypothesis that GhpPLA23 and GhpPLA44 had a major developmental impact on cotton reproductive systems. These results also suggest that pPLAs are important for G. hirsutum's reproductive development and suggest that they could be employed as potential genes for haploid induction. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the present research indicate that pPLA genes are essential for the development of floral organs and sperm cells in cotton. Consequently, this family might be important for the reproductive development of cotton and possibly for inducing the plant develop haploid progeny.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingyang Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Cotton Biology Breeding and Industrial Technology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China
| | - Dingyan Tian
- National Engineering Research Center of Cotton Biology Breeding and Industrial Technology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China
| | - Tengyu Li
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Jingwen Pan
- College of Agronomy, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, 843300, China
| | - Chenlei Wang
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Lanxin Wu
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Kun Luo
- College of Advanced Agricultural Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311300, China
| | - Zhenyu Mei
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Jinwei Liu
- College of Agronomy, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, 843300, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Jinbo Yao
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Yan Li
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Fuxin Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China.
| | - Shouhong Zhu
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China.
| | - Yongshan Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Cotton Biology Breeding and Industrial Technology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China.
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lien K, Mayer W, Herrera R, Padilla NT, Cai X, Lin V, Pholcharoenchit R, Palefsky J, Tugizov SM. HIV-1 Proteins gp120 and Tat Promote Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Invasiveness of HPV-Positive and HPV-Negative Neoplastic Genital and Oral Epithelial Cells. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0362222. [PMID: 36314970 PMCID: PMC9770004 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03622-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated anogenital and oropharyngeal cancer in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals is substantially higher than in HIV-uninfected individuals. HIV may also be a risk factor for the development of HPV-negative head and neck, liver, lung, and kidney cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying HIV-1-associated increase of epithelial malignancies are not fully understood. Here, we showed that HPV-16-immortalized anal AKC-2 and cervical CaSki epithelial cells that undergo prolonged exposure to cell-free HIV-1 virions or HIV-1 viral proteins gp120 and tat respond with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and increased invasiveness. Similar responses were observed in HPV-16-infected SCC-47 and HPV-16-negative HSC-3 oral epithelial cancer cells that were cultured with these viral proteins. EMT induced by gp120 and tat led to detachment of poorly adherent cells from the culture substratum; these cells remained capable of reattachment, upon which they coexpressed both E-cadherin and vimentin, indicative of an intermediate stage of EMT. The reattached cells also expressed stem cell markers CD133 and CD44, which may play a critical role in cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Inhibition of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and MAPK signaling and vimentin expression, and restoration of E-cadherin expression reduced HIV-induced EMT and the invasive activity of HPV-16-immortalized anal and cervical epithelial cells. Collectively, our results suggest that these approaches along with HIV viral suppression with antiretroviral therapy (ART) might be useful to limit the role of HIV-1 infection in the acceleration of HPV-associated or HPV-independent epithelial neoplasia. IMPORTANCE HPV-16-immortalized genital and oral epithelial cells and HPV-negative oral cancer cells that undergo prolonged contact with cell-free HIV-1 virions or with viral proteins gp120 and tat respond by becoming more invasive. EMT cells induced by HIV-1 in cultures of HPV-16-immortalized anal and cervical epithelial cells express the stem cell markers CD133 and CD44. These results suggest that the interaction of HIV-1 with neoplastic epithelial cells may lead to their de-differentiation into cancer stem cells that are resistant to apoptosis and anti-cancer drugs. Thus, this pathway may play a critical role in the development of invasive cancer. Inhibition of TGF-β1 and MAPK signaling and vimentin expression, and restoration of E-cadherin expression reduced HIV-induced EMT and the invasiveness of HPV-16-immortalized anal and cervical epithelial cells. Taken together, these results suggest that these approaches might be exploited to limit the role of HIV-1 infection in the acceleration of HPV-associated or HPV-independent epithelial neoplasia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Lien
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Wasima Mayer
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rossana Herrera
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nicole T. Padilla
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Xiaodan Cai
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Vicky Lin
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Joel Palefsky
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sharof M. Tugizov
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Qin X, Yin Q, Gao J, Shi X, Tang J, Hao L, Li P, Zhu J, Wang Y. Prognostic role of SPRY4-IT1 in female breast carcinoma and malignant tumors of the reproductive system: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e28969. [PMID: 35482980 PMCID: PMC9276090 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000028969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognostic value of SPRY4-Intronic transcript 1 (SPRY4-IT1) in women suffering from breast carcinoma and malignant tumors of the reproductive system remains to be ascertained. Therefore, this paper attempted to assess the relationship between SPRY4-IT1 with the clinicopathological indicators and survival analysis in women suffering from breast carcinoma and malignant tumors of their reproductive organs through meta-analysis. METHOD Related literature retrieved from Cochrane Library, Ovid, Embase, PubMed, the CNKI, and the Web of Science databases were reviewed. The latest article search was updated to September 1, 2021. The outcome indicators included as effective measures in the study were hazard ratio (HR), odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence interval (CI). The Stata 12.0 software was used to analyze the data. RESULTS The elevated SPRY4-IT1 levels were indicative of poor overall survival (OS) [HR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.35-4.43, P < .05], and were not related to Disease-Free Survival (DFS) [HR = 1.61, 95% CI = 0.50-5.18, P = .43] in female patients suffering from malignant tumors. In terms of lymph node metastasis (LNM) for the association between long noncoding RNA SPRY4-IT1(LncRNA SPRY4-IT1) and OS, elevated LncRNA SPRY4-IT1 implied poor OS with LNM [HR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.81-4.28, P < .001]. Based on the aspect of the LNM for the association between LncRNA SPRY4-IT1 and DFS, SPRY4-IT1 was not correlated with DFS [HR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.73-1.28, P = .81]. SPRY4-IT1 in the TNM stage was not related to OS [HR = 1.43, 95% CI: 0.55-3.70, P = .46]. In the TNM stage, SPRY4-IT1 was not related to DFS [HR = 1.68, 95% CI: 0.92-3.06, P = .09]. SPRY4-IT1 was found to be associated with lymph node metastasis (OR = 4.15, 95% CI: 2.75-6.25, P = .000) and TNM stage (OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.51-7.27 P = .02). No significant correlation was noted between SPRY4-IT1 and the age of the patients (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.61-1.29 P = .54). CONCLUSIONS Thus, this study provides evidence-based medical evidence for the target treatment of female breast carcinoma and malignant tumors of the reproductive system. The elevated level of SPRY4-IT1 was associated with poor prognosis of female breast cancer patients and of those having malignant tumors in their reproductive organs. In addition, the SPRY4-IT1 expression was also associated with the disease progression and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoru Qin
- Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Qifan Yin
- Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Jin Gao
- Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Xiaoming Shi
- Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Jiachen Tang
- Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
- North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, PR China
| | - Lingling Hao
- Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
- North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, PR China
| | - Pengfei Li
- Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
- North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, PR China
| | - Jia Zhu
- Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
- North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, PR China
| | - Yuexin Wang
- Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tsukahara S, Morishita M, Sasaki S, Wakayama K, Kobayashi K, Ohno K, Kawashima T. Sexually dimorphic expression of sexual differentiation genes in the internal genital organs of Japanese quail embryos. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 314:113917. [PMID: 34555414 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) is an avian model used to evaluate the reproductive and developmental toxicity of chemicals. The National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) of Japan established a strain of Japanese quail, NIES-L, which may be a better model because of its highly inbred characteristics. To understand sexual differentiation of the reproductive organs and the value of using NIES-L quails for avian toxicity assessment, we profiled estradiol and androgen plasma levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; the mRNA levels of estrogen receptor-α (ERα), ERβ, and androgen receptor (AR) in the gonads, Müllerian ducts, Wolffian ducts; and the mRNA levels of steroidogenic enzymes, cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), 17α-hydroxylase/C17-20 lyase (P45017α, lyase), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD), and aromatase (P450arom), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and AMH receptor type 2 (AMHR2) in the gonads of NIES-L Japanese quails on embryonic days 9, 12, and 15 using a real-time quantitative PCR method. The plasma estradiol concentration was higher in females than males on these embryonic days, but no sex difference was found in the plasma androgens. The mRNA levels of all examined steroidogenic enzymes were significantly higher in female than male embryos. In particular, the P450arom mRNA levels showed a striking sex difference: P450arom was expressed in female but not male gonads. In contrast, the AMH and AMHR2 mRNA levels in the gonads were higher in males than females. The ERα, ERβ, and AR mRNA levels increased in the left female gonad and peaked on embryonic day 15, but not in the left and right male gonads; therefore, there was a female-biased sex difference. The ERα, ERβ, and AR mRNA levels in the left Müllerian duct, but not in the right Müllerian duct, of females increased and peaked on embryonic day 15, which resulted in asymmetric mRNA levels. The Wolffian ducts expressed ERα, ERβ, and AR in both sexes, and no sex difference or asymmetry of mRNA levels was found. The information obtained from this study helps elucidate the molecular endocrinological basis of sexual dimorphism formation of reproductive organs and clarify the value of NIES-L quails for toxicity assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Tsukahara
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Morishita
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Shiho Sasaki
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Kanta Wakayama
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Kaito Kobayashi
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Koichi Ohno
- Research Office for Environmental Risk Science, Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
| | - Takaharu Kawashima
- Research Office for Environmental Risk Science, Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tassinari R, Cordelli E, Eleuteri P, Villani P, Pacchierotti F, Narciso L, Tait S, Valeri M, Martinelli A, Di Felice G, Butteroni C, Barletta B, Corinti S, Lori G, Maranghi F. Effects of sub-chronic oral exposure to pyrogenic synthetic amorphous silica (NM-203) in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats: focus on reproductive systems. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 105:17-24. [PMID: 34380069 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) consists of agglomerates and aggregates of primary particles in the nanorange (<100 nm) and it is the E551 authorized food additive. The potential risks for human health associated to dietary exposure to SAS are not completely assessed; in particular, data on male and female reproductive systems are lacking. A 90-day oral toxicity study with pyrogenic SAS nanomaterial NM-203 was carried out on the basis of the OECD test guideline 408 in the frame of the NANoREG project. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes were orally treated for 90 days with 0, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 mg SAS/kg bw per day. Dose levels were selected to be as close as possible to the expected human exposure to food additive E551. The present paper provides specific information on potential effects on male and female reproductive systems, through the evaluation of serum biomarkers, sperm count, histopathological analysis of testis, epididymis, ovary and uterus and real-time PCR on uterus; potential genotoxic alterations were evaluated by comet assay on testis, sperm and ovary. NM-203 did not induce histophatological and genotoxic effects in male reproductive system. In female rats, ovary is not target of NM-203 and only tissue-specific effects on uterus were recorded up to 10 mg/kg bw per day. To our best knowledge, this is the first study providing data on male and female reproductive systems after long-term, repeated oral exposure at dose levels close to dietary human exposure, which identifies a limited concern only for female reproductive health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Tassinari
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenia Cordelli
- Health Protection Technology Division, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Eleuteri
- Health Protection Technology Division, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Villani
- Health Protection Technology Division, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Pacchierotti
- Health Protection Technology Division, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Narciso
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, Italy; Environment and Health Department, Italy
| | - Sabrina Tait
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Gabriella Di Felice
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Butteroni
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, Italy
| | - Bianca Barletta
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Corinti
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Lori
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, Italy; Università Degli Studi di Roma Tre, Science Department, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Maranghi
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen YY, Hsiao YY, Li CI, Yeh CM, Mitsuda N, Yang HX, Chiu CC, Chang SB, Liu ZJ, Tsai WC. The ancestral duplicated DL/CRC orthologs, PeDL1 and PeDL2, function in orchid reproductive organ innovation. J Exp Bot 2021; 72:5442-5461. [PMID: 33963755 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Orchid gynostemium, the fused organ of the androecium and gynoecium, and ovule development are unique developmental processes. Two DROOPING LEAF/CRABS CLAW (DL/CRC) genes, PeDL1 and PeDL2, were identified from the Phalaenopsis orchid genome and functionally characterized. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the most recent common ancestor of orchids contained the duplicated DL/CRC-like genes. Temporal and spatial expression analysis indicated that PeDL genes are specifically expressed in the gynostemium and at the early stages of ovule development. Both PeDLs could partially complement an Arabidopsis crc-1 mutant. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of PeDL1 and PeDL2 affected the number of protuberant ovule initials differentiated from the placenta. Transient overexpression of PeDL1 in Phalaenopsis orchids caused abnormal development of ovule and stigmatic cavity of gynostemium. PeDL1, but not PeDL2, could form a heterodimer with Phalaenopsis equestris CINCINNATA 8 (PeCIN8). Paralogous retention and subsequent divergence of the gene sequences of PeDL1 and PeDL2 in P. equestris might result in the differentiation of function and protein behaviors. These results reveal that the ancestral duplicated DL/CRC-like genes play important roles in orchid reproductive organ innovation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- You-Yi Chen
- Department of Life Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Tropical Plant Sciences and Microbiology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Orchid Research and Development Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Yun Hsiao
- Orchid Research and Development Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-I Li
- Department of Statistics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Ming Yeh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Nobutaka Mitsuda
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hong-Xing Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Resources, Chenshan Plant Science Research Center, CAS, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai, China
| | - Chi-Chou Chiu
- Institute of Tropical Plant Sciences and Microbiology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Song-Bin Chang
- Department of Life Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Orchid Research and Development Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Zhong-Jian Liu
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration for Orchid Conservation and Utilization at College of Landscape Architecture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wen-Chieh Tsai
- Department of Life Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Tropical Plant Sciences and Microbiology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Orchid Research and Development Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pourbagher-Shahri AM, Farkhondeh T, Talebi M, Kopustinskiene DM, Samarghandian S, Bernatoniene J. An Overview of NO Signaling Pathways in Aging. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26154533. [PMID: 34361685 PMCID: PMC8348219 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26154533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitric Oxide (NO) is a potent signaling molecule involved in the regulation of various cellular mechanisms and pathways under normal and pathological conditions. NO production, its effects, and its efficacy, are extremely sensitive to aging-related changes in the cells. Herein, we review the mechanisms of NO signaling in the cardiovascular system, central nervous system (CNS), reproduction system, as well as its effects on skin, kidneys, thyroid, muscles, and on the immune system during aging. The aging-related decline in NO levels and bioavailability is also discussed in this review. The decreased NO production by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was revealed in the aged cardiovascular system. In the CNS, the decline of the neuronal (n)NOS production of NO was related to the impairment of memory, sleep, and cognition. NO played an important role in the aging of oocytes and aged-induced erectile dysfunction. Aging downregulated NO signaling pathways in endothelial cells resulting in skin, kidney, thyroid, and muscle disorders. Putative therapeutic agents (natural/synthetic) affecting NO signaling mechanisms in the aging process are discussed in the present study. In summary, all of the studies reviewed demonstrate that NO plays a crucial role in the cellular aging processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mohammad Pourbagher-Shahri
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand 9717853577, Iran;
| | - Tahereh Farkhondeh
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand 9717853577, Iran;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand 9717853577, Iran
| | - Marjan Talebi
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1991953381, Iran;
| | - Dalia M. Kopustinskiene
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Pr. 13, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur 9318614139, Iran
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (J.B.)
| | - Jurga Bernatoniene
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Pr. 13, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
- Department of Drug Technology and Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Pr. 13, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (J.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhang YJ, Jimenez L, Azova S, Kremen J, Chan YM, Elhusseiny AM, Saeed H, Goldsmith J, Al-Ibraheemi A, O'Connell AE, Kovbasnjuk O, Rodan L, Agrawal PB, Thiagarajah JR. Novel variants in the stem cell niche factor WNT2B define the disease phenotype as a congenital enteropathy with ocular dysgenesis. Eur J Hum Genet 2021; 29:998-1007. [PMID: 33526876 PMCID: PMC8187348 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-021-00812-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
WNT2B is a member of the Wnt family, a group of signal transduction proteins involved in embryologic development and stem cell renewal and maintenance. We recently reported homozygous nonsense variants in WNT2B in three individuals with severe, neonatal-onset diarrhea, and intestinal failure. Here we present a fourth case, from a separate family, with neonatal diarrhea associated with novel compound heterozygous WNT2B variants. One of the two variants was a frameshift variant (c.423del [p.Phe141fs]), while the other was a missense change (c.722 G > A [p.G241D]) that we predict through homology modeling to be deleterious, disrupting post-translational acylation. This patient presented as a neonate with severe diet-induced (osmotic) diarrhea and growth failure resulting in dependence on parenteral nutrition. Her gastrointestinal histology revealed abnormal cellular architecture particularly in the stomach and colon, including oxyntic atrophy, abnormal distribution of enteroendocrine cells, and a paucity of colonic crypt glands. In addition to her gastrointestinal findings, she had bilateral corneal clouding and atypical genital development later identified as a testicular 46,XX difference/disorder of sexual development. Upon review of the previously reported cases, two others also had anterior segment ocular anomalies though none had atypical genital development. This growing case series suggests that variants in WNT2B are associated with an oculo-intestinal (and possibly gonadal) syndrome, due to the protein's putative involvement in multiple developmental and stem cell maintenance pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanjia Jason Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lissette Jimenez
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Congenital Enteropathy Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Svetlana Azova
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica Kremen
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yee-Ming Chan
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Abdelrahman M Elhusseiny
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hajirah Saeed
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Goldsmith
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alyaa Al-Ibraheemi
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amy E O'Connell
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Olga Kovbasnjuk
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Lance Rodan
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pankaj B Agrawal
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jay R Thiagarajah
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Congenital Enteropathy Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sasaki K, Yoshioka S, Aida R, Ohtsubo N. Production of petaloid phenotype in the reproductive organs of compound flowerheads by the co-suppression of class-C genes in hexaploid Chrysanthemum morifolium. Planta 2021; 253:100. [PMID: 33847818 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-021-03605-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Functional suppression of two types of class-C genes caused transformation of pistils and stamens into petaloid organs that exhibit novel phenotypes, which gives a distinct gorgeous impression in the florets of chrysanthemum. The multiple-petal trait is a breeding objective for many horticultural plants. The loss of function of class-C genes causes the multiple-petal trait in several plant species. However, mechanisms involved in the generation of the multiple-petal trait are unknown in Chrysanthemum morifolium (chrysanthemum). Here, we isolated 14 class-C AGAMOUS (AG) genes, which were classified into two types of class-C genes, in chrysanthemum. Seven of these were categorized into CAG type 1 genes (CAG1s) and seven into CAG type 2 genes (CAG2s). Functions of class-C genes were co-suppressed by chimeric repressors and simultaneously knocked-down by RNAi to produce the multiple-petal phenotype in chrysanthemum. The expression of chimeric repressors of CAG1s and CAG2s caused morphological alteration of the pistils and stamens into petaloid organs in the ray and disk florets. Interestingly, the reproductive organs of the disk florets were transformed into petaloid organs similar to the petals of the disk florets, and those of the ray florets were transformed into petaloid organs such as the petals of the ray florets. Simultaneous knockdown of CAG1s and CAG2s expression by RNAi also exhibited a petaloid phenotype as observed in transgenic plants obtained by chimeric repressors. These results showed that CAG1s and CAG2s play important roles in the development of pistils and stamens, and the simultaneous repression of CAG1s and CAG2s resulted in a multiple-petal phenotype in chrysanthemum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katsutomo Sasaki
- Institute of Vegetable and Floriculture Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Fujimoto 2-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0852, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Yoshioka
- Institute of Vegetable and Floriculture Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Fujimoto 2-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0852, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Aida
- Institute of Vegetable and Floriculture Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Fujimoto 2-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0852, Japan
| | - Norihiro Ohtsubo
- Institute of Vegetable and Floriculture Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Fujimoto 2-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0852, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University, Hangi-cho, Shimogamo, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8522, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gebremedhn S, Ali A, Hossain M, Hoelker M, Salilew-Wondim D, Anthony RV, Tesfaye D. MicroRNA-Mediated Gene Regulatory Mechanisms in Mammalian Female Reproductive Health. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020938. [PMID: 33477832 PMCID: PMC7832875 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian reproductive health affects the entire reproductive cycle starting with the ovarian function through implantation and fetal growth. Various environmental and physiological factors contribute to disturbed reproductive health status leading to infertility problems in mammalian species. In the last couple of decades a significant number of studies have been conducted to investigate the transcriptome of reproductive tissues and organs in relation to the various reproductive health issues including endometritis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preeclampsia, and various age-associated reproductive disorders. Among others, the post-transcriptional regulation of genes by small noncoding miRNAs contributes to the observed transcriptome dysregulation associated with reproductive pathophysiological conditions. MicroRNAs as a class of non-coding RNAs are also known to be involved in various pathophysiological conditions either in cellular cytoplasm or they can be released to the extracellular fluid via membrane-bounded extracellular vesicles and proteins. The present review summarizes the cellular and extracellular miRNAs and their association with the etiology of major reproductive pathologies including PCOS, endometritis, IUGR and age-associated disorders in various mammalian species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Gebremedhn
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3051 Rampart Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (S.G.); (A.A.); (R.V.A.)
| | - Asghar Ali
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3051 Rampart Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (S.G.); (A.A.); (R.V.A.)
| | - Munir Hossain
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh;
| | - Michael Hoelker
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany; (M.H.); (D.S.-W.)
| | - Dessie Salilew-Wondim
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany; (M.H.); (D.S.-W.)
| | - Russell V. Anthony
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3051 Rampart Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (S.G.); (A.A.); (R.V.A.)
| | - Dawit Tesfaye
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3051 Rampart Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (S.G.); (A.A.); (R.V.A.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Holloway N, Riley B, MacKenzie DS. Expression of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) in reproductive and neural tissues of teleost fish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 300:113632. [PMID: 33002449 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Iodine, an essential component of thyroid hormones, can only be obtained through the diet. The sodium iodide symporter (NIS) transports iodide across mammalian intestinal and thyroid epithelia to deliver iodide for thyroid hormone production. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) we confirmed that mRNA for a homolog of mammalian NIS is expressed in comparable locations, both sub-pharyngeal thyroid tissue and intestine, in multiple teleost fish species, supporting a conserved mechanism for intestinal-thyroid iodine transport across vertebrates. To determine when in embryogenesis NIS expression is initiated we utilized in situ hybridization (ISH) during development of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. This revealed expression of nis as early as 2 days post fertilization (dpf) along the dorsal surface of the yolk sac, suggesting a function to import iodine from yolk. To evaluate the potential for maternal deposition of iodine in yolk, RT-PCR and further in situ staining of ovarian tissue in gravid female zebrafish confirmed NIS mRNA presence in the ooplasm and granulosa layer of early stage follicles. This further suggests that maternally-deposited NIS mRNA may be available for early embryogenesis. Unexpectedly, ISH in embryos revealed robust nis expression in the central nervous system throughout days 2-5 days post fertilization, with adult whole brain ISH localizing expression in the hypothalamus, cerebellum, and optic tectum. RT-PCR on whole brain tissue from five species of adult fish representing three taxonomic orders likewise revealed robust CNS expression. These unexpected locations of nis expression suggest novel, as yet undescribed reproductive and neural functions of NIS in teleost species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Holloway
- Department of Biology, 3258 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Bruce Riley
- Department of Biology, 3258 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Duncan S MacKenzie
- Department of Biology, 3258 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang T, Ma G, Nie S, Williamson NA, Reid GE, Gasser RB. Lipid composition and abundance in the reproductive and alimentary tracts of female Haemonchus contortus. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:338. [PMID: 32631412 PMCID: PMC7339462 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04208-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lipids play essential structural and functional roles in the biology of animals. Studying the composition and abundance of lipids in parasites should assist in gaining a better understanding of their molecular biology, biochemistry and host-parasite interactions. METHODS Here, we used a combination of high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometric analyses, combined with bioinformatics, to explore the lipid composition and abundance in the reproductive (Rt) and alimentary (At) tracts of Haemonchus contortus. RESULTS We identified and quantified 320 unique lipid species representing four categories: glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and steroid lipids. Glycerolipids (i.e. triradylglycerols) and glycerophospholipids (i.e. glycerophosphocholines) were the most commonly and abundant lipid classes identified and were significantly enriched in Rt and At, respectively. We propose that select parasite-derived lipids in Rt and At of adult female H. contortus are required as an energy source (i.e. triradylglycerol) or are involved in phospholipid biosynthesis (i.e. incorporated fatty acids) and host-parasite interactions (i.e. phospholipids and lysophospholipids). CONCLUSIONS This work provides a first foundation to explore lipids at the organ-specific and tissue-specific levels in nematodes, and to start to unravel aspects of lipid transport, synthesis and metabolism, with a perspective on discovering new intervention targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Guangxu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Shuai Nie
- Bio21 Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Nicholas A. Williamson
- Bio21 Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Gavin E. Reid
- School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhou Y, Zhang A, Gong M, Lu Y, Zhao C, Shen X, Zhang X, Wang L, Chen J, Ju R. Maternal Testosterone Excess Contributes to Reproductive System Dysfunction of Female Offspring Mice. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5611346. [PMID: 31680156 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqz011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hyperandrogenism is considered 1 of the most important characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome, which affects more than 10% of females of reproductive age and is a common cause of infertility. In addition to the effects on patients themselves, maternal androgen excess has also been reported to impair the growth and development of offspring. In our current study, we found that maternal testosterone (T) treatment during different gestational stages increased the percentage of atretic follicle and decreased corpus luteum formation in female offspring. In addition, decreased serum estradiol and increased T levels were also observed in female offspring of T-treated mice during late gestational stage. Further studies revealed that Forkhead box protein L2 (FOXL2) and Cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily a member 1 (CYP19A1) expression in granulosa cells of these female offspring mice were decreased. By using mouse primary granulosa cells and the KGN cell line, we demonstrated that decreasing FOXL2 and CYP19A1 levels in ovarian granulosa cells partially may contribute to disturbed sex hormone synthesis in female offspring of T-treated mice during the late gestational stage. Findings from our current study highlight a critical role of excess maternal T exposure, especially during the late gestational stage, which could further lead to aberrant ovary development and sex hormone synthesis in female offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Translational Medicine Research Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Anhong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yingfei Lu
- Central Laboratory, Translational Medicine Research Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Translational Medicine Research Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xia Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianquan Chen
- Central Laboratory, Translational Medicine Research Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong Ju
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Amândio AR, Lopez-Delisle L, Bolt CC, Mascrez B, Duboule D. A complex regulatory landscape involved in the development of mammalian external genitals. eLife 2020; 9:e52962. [PMID: 32301703 PMCID: PMC7185996 DOI: 10.7554/elife.52962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental genes are often controlled by large regulatory landscapes matching topologically associating domains (TADs). In various contexts, the associated chromatin backbone is modified by specific enhancer-enhancer and enhancer-promoter interactions. We used a TAD flanking the mouse HoxD cluster to study how these regulatory architectures are formed and deconstructed once their function achieved. We describe this TAD as a functional unit, with several regulatory sequences acting together to elicit a transcriptional response. With one exception, deletion of these sequences didn't modify the transcriptional outcome, a result at odds with a conventional view of enhancer function. The deletion and inversion of a CTCF site located near these regulatory sequences did not affect transcription of the target gene. Slight modifications were nevertheless observed, in agreement with the loop extrusion model. We discuss these unexpected results considering both conventional and alternative explanations relying on the accumulation of poorly specific factors within the TAD backbone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Amândio
- School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)LausanneSwitzerland
| | - Lucille Lopez-Delisle
- School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)LausanneSwitzerland
| | - Christopher Chase Bolt
- School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)LausanneSwitzerland
| | - Bénédicte Mascrez
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Denis Duboule
- School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)LausanneSwitzerland
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
- Collège de FranceParisFrance
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wang Y, Li J, Wan QX, Zhao Q, Wang KX, Zha XF. Spliceosomal Protein Gene BmSPX Regulates Reproductive Organ Development in Bombyx mori. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072579. [PMID: 32276369 PMCID: PMC7177926 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex determination and differentiation are nearly universal to all eukaryotic organisms, encompassing diverse systems and mechanisms. Here, we identified a spliceosomal protein gene BmSPX involved in sex determination of the lepidopeteran insect, Bombyx mori. In a transgenic silkworm line that overexpressed the BmSPX gene, transgenic silkworm males exhibited differences in their external genitalia compared to wild-type males, but normal internal genitalia. Additionally, transgenic silkworm females exhibited a developmental disorder of the reproductive organs. Upregulation of BmSPX significantly increased the expression levels of sex-determining genes (BmMasc and BmIMP) and reduced the female-type splice isoform of Bmdsx, which is a key switch gene downstream of the sex-determination pathway. Additionally, co-immunoprecipitation assays confirmed an interaction between the BmSPX protein and BmPSI, an upstream regulatory factor of Bmdsx. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that BmSPX over-expression upregulated the expression of the Hox gene abdominal-B (Adb-B), which is required for specification of the posterior abdomen, external genitalia, and gonads of insects, as well as the genes in the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK) signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study suggested the involvement of BmSPX, identified as a novel regulatory factor, in the sex-determination pathway and regulation of reproductive organ development in silkworms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; (Y.W.); (J.L.); (Q.-X.W.); (Q.Z.); (K.-X.W.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; (Y.W.); (J.L.); (Q.-X.W.); (Q.Z.); (K.-X.W.)
| | - Qiu-Xing Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; (Y.W.); (J.L.); (Q.-X.W.); (Q.Z.); (K.-X.W.)
| | - Qin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; (Y.W.); (J.L.); (Q.-X.W.); (Q.Z.); (K.-X.W.)
| | - Kai-Xuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; (Y.W.); (J.L.); (Q.-X.W.); (Q.Z.); (K.-X.W.)
| | - Xing-Fu Zha
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; (Y.W.); (J.L.); (Q.-X.W.); (Q.Z.); (K.-X.W.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-23-68251573; Fax: +86-23-68251128
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Grinspon RP, Freire AV, Rey RA. Hypogonadism in Pediatric Health: Adult Medicine Concepts Fail. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2019; 30:879-890. [PMID: 31471249 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The classical definition of hypogonadism, used in adult medicine, as gonadal failure resulting in deficient steroid and gamete production, and its classification into hypergonadotropic and hypogonadotropic refer to primary gonadal and hypothalamic-pituitary disorders respectively and may lead to under- or misdiagnosis in pediatrics. Indeed, in children with primary gonadal failure, gonadotropin levels may be within the reference range for age. Conversely, since gonadotropins and steroids are normally low during childhood, it may prove impossible to show the existence of a hypogonadotropic state before pubertal age. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B arise as more adequate biomarkers to assess gonadal function and increase the possibility of making an earlier diagnosis of hypogonadism in children, which may positively impact on timely management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romina P Grinspon
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas 'Dr. César Bergadá' (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Gallo 1330 - C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analía V Freire
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas 'Dr. César Bergadá' (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Gallo 1330 - C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rodolfo A Rey
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas 'Dr. César Bergadá' (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Gallo 1330 - C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Valer JA, Sánchez-de-Diego C, Pimenta-Lopes C, Rosa JL, Ventura F. ACVR1 Function in Health and Disease. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111366. [PMID: 31683698 PMCID: PMC6912516 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A receptor type I (ACVR1) encodes for a bone morphogenetic protein type I receptor of the TGFβ receptor superfamily. It is involved in a wide variety of biological processes, including bone, heart, cartilage, nervous, and reproductive system development and regulation. Moreover, ACVR1 has been extensively studied for its causal role in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), a rare genetic disorder characterised by progressive heterotopic ossification. ACVR1 is linked to different pathologies, including cardiac malformations and alterations in the reproductive system. More recently, ACVR1 has been experimentally validated as a cancer driver gene in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a malignant childhood brainstem glioma, and its function is being studied in other cancer types. Here, we review ACVR1 receptor function and signalling in physiological and pathological processes and its regulation according to cell type and mutational status. Learning from different functions and alterations linked to ACVR1 is a key step in the development of interdisciplinary research towards the identification of novel treatments for these pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Antonio Valer
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Universitat de Barcelona, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Cristina Sánchez-de-Diego
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Universitat de Barcelona, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Carolina Pimenta-Lopes
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Universitat de Barcelona, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Jose Luis Rosa
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Universitat de Barcelona, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Francesc Ventura
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Universitat de Barcelona, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Rhodes CS, Matsunobu T, Yamada Y. Analysis of a limb-specific regulatory element in the promoter of the link protein gene. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 518:672-677. [PMID: 31470976 PMCID: PMC10505274 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.08.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Link protein is encoded by the Hapln1 gene and is a prototypical protein found in the cartilage matrix. It acts as an important component of the endochondral skeleton during early development. To study its transcriptional regulation, promoter fragments derived from the link protein gene were coupled to the β-galactosidase reporter and used to study in vivo transgene expression in mice. In day 15.5 mouse embryos, a link promoter fragment spanning -1020 to +40 nucleotides demonstrated highly specific β-galactosidase staining of skeletal structures, including the appendicular and axial cartilaginous tissues. Two shorter promoter fragments, spanning -690 to +40 and -315 to +40 nucleotides, demonstrated limb- and genitalia-specific expression resembling that of homeodomain-regulated tissues. Bioinformatic analysis revealed a highly conserved, Hox-like binding site (HLBS) at approximately -220 bp of the promoter, shared by both constructs, which contained the Hox-core consensus sequence TAATTA. Electromobility shift assays demonstrated binding of Hox-B4 recombinant protein to the HLBS, which was eliminated with nucleotide substitutions within the core-binding element. Co-transfection analysis of the HLBS demonstrated a 22-fold transcriptional activation by HoxA9 expression, which was ablated with a substitution within the core HLBS element. Together these findings establish promoter regions within the link protein gene that are important for in vivo expression and identify the potential role of homeodomain-containing proteins in controlling cartilage and limb gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Craig S Rhodes
- Molecular Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Tomoya Matsunobu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kyushu Rosai Hospital, 1-1 Sonekitamachi, Kokuraminami-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, 800-0296, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Yamada
- Molecular Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rice GR, Barmina O, Luecke D, Hu K, Arbeitman M, Kopp A. Modular tissue-specific regulation of doublesex underpins sexually dimorphic development in Drosophila. Development 2019; 146:dev178285. [PMID: 31285355 PMCID: PMC6679366 DOI: 10.1242/dev.178285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The ability of a single genome to produce distinct and often dramatically different male and female forms is one of the wonders of animal development. In Drosophila melanogaster, most sexually dimorphic traits are controlled by sex-specific isoforms of the doublesex (dsx) transcription factor, and dsx expression is mostly limited to cells that give rise to sexually dimorphic traits. However, it is unknown how this mosaic of sexually dimorphic and monomorphic organs arises. Here, we characterize the cis-regulatory sequences that control dsx expression in the foreleg, which contains multiple types of sex-specific sensory organs. We find that separate modular enhancers are responsible for dsx expression in each sexually dimorphic organ. Expression of dsx in the sex comb is co-regulated by two enhancers with distinct spatial and temporal specificities that are separated by a genitalia-specific enhancer. The sex comb-specific enhancer from D. willistoni, a species that primitively lacks sex combs, is not active in the foreleg. Thus, the mosaic of sexually dimorphic and monomorphic organs depends on modular regulation of dsx transcription by dedicated cell type-specific enhancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gavin R Rice
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Olga Barmina
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - David Luecke
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kevin Hu
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Michelle Arbeitman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Artyom Kopp
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Chai C, Xu X, Sun W, Zhang F, Ye C, Ding G, Li J, Zhong G, Xiao W, Liu B, von Lintig J, Lu C. Characterization of the novel role of NinaB orthologs from Bombyx mori and Tribolium castaneum. Insect Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 109:106-115. [PMID: 30871993 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Carotenoids can be enzymatically converted to apocarotenoids by carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases. Insect genomes encode only one member of this ancestral enzyme family. We cloned and characterized the ninaB genes from the silk worm (Bombyx mori) and the flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum). We expressed BmNinaB and TcNinaB in E. coli and analyzed their biochemical properties. Both enzymes catalyzed a conversion of carotenoids into cis-retinoids. The enzymes catalyzed a combined trans to cis isomerization at the C11, C12 double bond and oxidative cleavage reaction at the C15, C15' bond of the carotenoid carbon backbone. Analyses of the spatial and temporal expression patterns revealed that ninaB genes were differentially expressed during the beetle and moth life cycles with high expression in reproductive organs. In Bombyx mori, ninaB was almost exclusively expressed in female reproductive organs of the pupa and adult. In Tribolium castaneum, low expression was found in reproductive organs of females but high expressions in male reproductive organs of the pupa and imagoes. We performed RNAi experiments to characterize the role of NinaB in insect reproduction. We observed that RNAi treatment significantly decreased the expression levels of BmninaB and TcninaB and reduced the egg laying capacity of both insects. Together, our study revealed that NinaB's unique enzymatic properties are well conserved among insects and implicate NinaB function in insect reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunli Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Weizhong Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Chuan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Guangshu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jiantao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Guoxuan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Life Sciences Institute and the Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Binbin Liu
- Sericulture Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Science, Chengdu 610066, China
| | - Johannes von Lintig
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Cheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Coelho A, Oliveira R, Antunes-Lopes T, Cruz CD. Partners in Crime: NGF and BDNF in Visceral Dysfunction. Curr Neuropharmacol 2019; 17:1021-1038. [PMID: 31204623 PMCID: PMC7052822 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x17666190617095844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTs), particularly Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), have attracted increasing attention in the context of visceral function for some years. Here, we examined the current literature and presented a thorough review of the subject. After initial studies linking of NGF to cystitis, it is now well-established that this neurotrophin (NT) is a key modulator of bladder pathologies, including Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis (BPS/IC) and Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS. NGF is upregulated in bladder tissue and its blockade results in major improvements on urodynamic parameters and pain. Further studies expanded showed that NGF is also an intervenient in other visceral dysfunctions such as endometriosis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). More recently, BDNF was also shown to play an important role in the same visceral dysfunctions, suggesting that both NTs are determinant factors in visceral pathophysiological mechanisms. Manipulation of NGF and BDNF improves visceral function and reduce pain, suggesting that clinical modulation of these NTs may be important; however, much is still to be investigated before this step is taken. Another active area of research is centered on urinary NGF and BDNF. Several studies show that both NTs can be found in the urine of patients with visceral dysfunction in much higher concentration than in healthy individuals, suggesting that they could be used as potential biomarkers. However, there are still technical difficulties to be overcome, including the lack of a large multicentre placebo-controlled studies to prove the relevance of urinary NTs as clinical biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Célia Duarte Cruz
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Experimental Biology, Experimental Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Alameda Hernâni Monteiro; Tel: 351 220426740; Fax: +351 225513655; E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Barnhart K, Giudice L, Young S, Thomas T, Diamond MP, Segars J, Youssef WA, Krawetz S, Santoro N, Eisenberg E, Zhang H. Evaluation, validation and refinement of noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers for endometriosis (ENDOmarker): A protocol to phenotype bio-specimens for discovery and validation. Contemp Clin Trials 2018; 68:1-6. [PMID: 29524590 PMCID: PMC5899676 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen dependent condition that affects 5-10% of reproductive aged women and is associated with pelvic pain and infertility. As the approach to therapy shifts from surgical ablation to pharmacological control, a non-surgical mode of diagnosis would be desirable. The ENDOmarker study was designed by the NICHD Reproductive Medicine Network (RMN) to obtain well characterized and phenotyped bio specimens in a standardized fashion from women with and without endometriosis. DESIGN Development of a diagnostic test. SETTING Academic medical centers. PATIENTS This study will enroll up to 500 participants, and follow them for up to 5 months. Included subjects are aged 18-44, scheduled to undergo gynecologic surgery (laparoscopy/laparotomy) for clinical reasons. INTERVENTIONS Presence and stage of endometriosis (or its absence) is characterized by visual examination at the time of surgery. Subjects will undergo extensive clinical evaluation pre-operatively and at visits one and four months postoperatively. Endometrial biopsy, blood, urine and disease specific questionnaires will be collected at each visit. MAIN OUTCOME Samples will be placed in a bio-repository to be used to validate and optimize the clinical use of genomic classifiers of the endometrium alone or in combination with serum cytokines as a non-surgical composite marker of endometriosis. CONCLUSION This protocol can serve as a reference for objective collection of high quality bio specimens for discovery or validation of potential nonsurgical diagnosis of presence or severity of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Barnhart
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| | - Linda Giudice
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Steve Young
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Tracey Thomas
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Michael P Diamond
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - James Segars
- Division of Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Wahid A Youssef
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Stephen Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Nanette Santoro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Denver, United States
| | - Esther Eisenberg
- Reproductive Sciences Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Heping Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Lorenzen M, Boisen IM, Mortensen LJ, Lanske B, Juul A, Blomberg Jensen M. Reproductive endocrinology of vitamin D. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 453:103-112. [PMID: 28342856 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin D is a versatile hormone with several functions beyond its well-established role in maintenance of skeletal health and calcium homeostasis. The effects of vitamin D are mediated by the vitamin D receptor, which is expressed together with the vitamin D metabolizing enzymes in the reproductive tissues. The reproductive organs are therefore responsive to and able to metabolize vitamin D locally. The exact role remains to be clarified but several studies have suggested a link between vitamin D and production/release of reproductive hormones into circulation, which will be the main focus of this review. Current evidence is primarily based on small human association studies and rodent models. This highlights the need for randomized clinical trials, but also functional animal and human in vitro studies, and larger, prospective cohort studies are warranted. Given the high number of men and women suffering from reproductive problems and abnormal endocrinology research addressing the role of vitamin D in reproductive endocrinology may be of clinical importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mette Lorenzen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ida Marie Boisen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Bone and Mineral Research, HSDM/HMS, Harvard University, 188 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Li Juel Mortensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Beate Lanske
- Division of Bone and Mineral Research, HSDM/HMS, Harvard University, 188 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anders Juul
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Blomberg Jensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Bone and Mineral Research, HSDM/HMS, Harvard University, 188 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Yeo S, Kyle V, Morris PG, Jackman S, Sinnett‐Smith LC, Schacker M, Chen C, Colledge WH. Visualisation of Kiss1 Neurone Distribution Using a Kiss1-CRE Transgenic Mouse. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28:10.1111/jne.12435. [PMID: 27663274 PMCID: PMC5091624 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin neuropeptides are encoded by the Kiss1 gene and play a critical role in the regulation of the mammalian reproductive axis. Kiss1 neurones are found in two locations in the rodent hypothalamus: one in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and another in the RP3V region, which includes the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV). Detailed mapping of the fibre distribution of Kiss1 neurones will help with our understanding of the action of these neurones in other regions of the brain. We have generated a transgenic mouse in which the Kiss1 coding region is disrupted by a CRE-GFP transgene so that expression of the CRE recombinase protein is driven from the Kiss1 promoter. As expected, mutant mice of both sexes are sterile with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism and do not show the normal rise in luteinising hormone after gonadectomy. Mutant female mice do not develop mature Graafian follicles or form corpora lutea consistent with ovulatory failure. Mutant male mice have low blood testosterone levels and impaired spermatogenesis beyond the meiosis stage. Breeding Kiss-CRE heterozygous mice with CRE-activated tdTomato reporter mice allows fluorescence visualisation of Kiss1 neurones in brain slices. Approximately 80-90% of tdTomato positive neurones in the ARC were co-labelled with kisspeptin and expression of tdTomato in the AVPV region was sexually dimorphic, with higher expression in females than males. A small number of tdTomato-labelled neurones was also found in other locations, including the lateral septum, the anterodorsal preoptic nucleus, the amygdala, the dorsomedial and ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei, the periaquaductal grey, and the mammillary nucleus. Three dimensional visualisation of Kiss1 neurones and fibres by CLARITY processing of whole brains showed an increase in ARC expression during puberty and higher numbers of Kiss1 neurones in the caudal region of the ARC compared to the rostral region. ARC Kiss1 neurones sent fibre projections to several hypothalamic regions, including rostrally to the periventricular and pre-optic areas and to the lateral hypothalamus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S.‐H. Yeo
- Reproductive Physiology GroupDepartment of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - V. Kyle
- Reproductive Physiology GroupDepartment of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - P. G. Morris
- Reproductive Physiology GroupDepartment of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - S. Jackman
- Reproductive Physiology GroupDepartment of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - L. C. Sinnett‐Smith
- Reproductive Physiology GroupDepartment of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - M. Schacker
- Reproductive Physiology GroupDepartment of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - C. Chen
- School of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of QueenslandSt LuciaAustralia
| | - W. H. Colledge
- Reproductive Physiology GroupDepartment of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Cornet V, Henry J, Corre E, Le Corguillé G, Zatylny-Gaudin C. The Toll/NF-κB pathway in cuttlefish symbiotic accessory nidamental gland. Dev Comp Immunol 2015; 53:42-46. [PMID: 26143243 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The female genital apparatus of decapod cephalopods contains a symbiotic accessory nidamental gland (ANG) that harbors bacterial symbionts. Although the ANG bacterial consortium is now well described, the impact of symbiosis on Sepia officinalis innate immunity pathways remains unknown. In silico analysis of the de novo transcriptome of ANG highlighted for the first time the existence of the NF-κB pathway in S. officinalis. Several signaling components were identified, i.e. five Toll-like receptors, eight signaling cascade features, and the immune response target gene iNOS, previously described as being involved in the initiation of bacterial symbiosis in a cephalopod gland. This work provides a first key for studying bacterial symbiosis and its impact on innate immunity in S. officinalis ANG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Cornet
- Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, F-14032 Caen, France; UMR 7208 BOREA CNRS INEE, F-14032 Caen, France
| | - Joël Henry
- Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, F-14032 Caen, France; UMR 7208 BOREA CNRS INEE, F-14032 Caen, France; Plateforme Post-génomique PROTEOGEN, F-14032 Caen, France
| | - Erwan Corre
- Plateforme ABiMS, Station biologique de Roscoff (UPMC-CNRS), F-29688 Roscoff, France
| | - Gildas Le Corguillé
- Plateforme ABiMS, Station biologique de Roscoff (UPMC-CNRS), F-29688 Roscoff, France
| | - Céline Zatylny-Gaudin
- Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, F-14032 Caen, France; UMR 7208 BOREA CNRS INEE, F-14032 Caen, France.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Infante CR, Mihala AG, Park S, Wang JS, Johnson KK, Lauderdale JD, Menke DB. Shared Enhancer Activity in the Limbs and Phallus and Functional Divergence of a Limb-Genital cis-Regulatory Element in Snakes. Dev Cell 2015; 35:107-19. [PMID: 26439399 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The amniote phallus and limbs differ dramatically in their morphologies but share patterns of signaling and gene expression in early development. Thus far, the extent to which genital and limb transcriptional networks also share cis-regulatory elements has remained unexplored. We show that many limb enhancers are retained in snake genomes, suggesting that these elements may function in non-limb tissues. Consistent with this, our analysis of cis-regulatory activity in mice and Anolis lizards reveals that patterns of enhancer activity in embryonic limbs and genitalia overlap heavily. In mice, deletion of HLEB, an enhancer of Tbx4, produces defects in hindlimbs and genitalia, establishing the importance of this limb-genital enhancer for development of these different appendages. Further analyses demonstrate that the HLEB of snakes has lost hindlimb enhancer function while retaining genital activity. Our findings identify roles for Tbx4 in genital development and highlight deep similarities in cis-regulatory activity between limbs and genitalia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos R Infante
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | | | - Sungdae Park
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Jialiang S Wang
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Kenji K Johnson
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - James D Lauderdale
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Douglas B Menke
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Tschopp P, Sherratt E, Sanger TJ, Groner AC, Aspiras AC, Hu JK, Pourquié O, Gros J, Tabin CJ. A relative shift in cloacal location repositions external genitalia in amniote evolution. Nature 2014; 516:391-4. [PMID: 25383527 PMCID: PMC4294627 DOI: 10.1038/nature13819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The move of vertebrates to a terrestrial lifestyle required major adaptations in their locomotory apparatus and reproductive organs. While the fin-to-limb transition has received considerable attention, little is known about the developmental and evolutionary origins of external genitalia. Similarities in gene expression have been interpreted as a potential evolutionary link between the limb and genitals; however, no underlying developmental mechanism has been identified. We re-examined this question using micro-computed tomography, lineage tracing in three amniote clades, and RNA-sequencing-based transcriptional profiling. Here we show that the developmental origin of external genitalia has shifted through evolution, and in some taxa limbs and genitals share a common primordium. In squamates, the genitalia develop directly from the budding hindlimbs, or the remnants thereof, whereas in mice the genital tubercle originates from the ventral and tail bud mesenchyme. The recruitment of different cell populations for genital outgrowth follows a change in the relative position of the cloaca, the genitalia organizing centre. Ectopic grafting of the cloaca demonstrates the conserved ability of different mesenchymal cells to respond to these genitalia-inducing signals. Our results support a limb-like developmental origin of external genitalia as the ancestral condition. Moreover, they suggest that a change in the relative position of the cloacal signalling centre during evolution has led to an altered developmental route for external genitalia in mammals, while preserving parts of the ancestral limb molecular circuitry owing to a common evolutionary origin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Tschopp
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Emma Sherratt
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Thomas J. Sanger
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Anna C. Groner
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Ariel C. Aspiras
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Jimmy K. Hu
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Olivier Pourquié
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 67400 Illkirch, France
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Jérôme Gros
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Department, Institut Pasteur, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Catak Z, Aydin S, Sahin I, Kuloglu T, Aksoy A, Dagli AF. Regulatory neuropeptides (ghrelin, obestatin and nesfatin-1) levels in serum and reproductive tissues of female and male rats with fructose-induced metabolic syndrome. Neuropeptides 2014; 48:167-77. [PMID: 24786976 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Although, the exact mechanisms underlying the development of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) are not still completely understood, obesity, circulated peptide hormone levels and their interaction with genetic factors are considered largely responsible. The purpose of this study is to explore how the levels of ghrelin, obestatin (OBS) and NUCB2/nesfatin-1 (NES)/NUCB2 change in serum and the reproductive tissues of female and male rats with fructose-induced metabolic syndrome, and whether the levels of each hormone is correlated with the hormones involved with fertility. Experiments were conducted on 5-week-old Sprague-Dawley male and female rats assigned to either a control group or a MetS group. Controls were fed standard rat food and water ad libitum, while the MetS group was fed standard food with 10% (v/v) fructose solution added to their drinking water for 12 weeks with a 12/12h photoperiod circle. Then, all animals were sacrificed after a one night fast. Peptides levels in the serum and reproductive tissues of rats were studied using the ELISA method while the immunoreactivity of reproductive system peptide hormones were shown by immunohistochemical staining method. Furthermore, the other biochemical parameters were measured using Konelab-60 equipment and infertility hormones were measured with Immulite2000. Fasting serum insulin, glucose, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and total cholesterol (TC) levels were statistically significantly higher, and the amount of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly lower, in the MetS groups. Serum and tissue supernatant NES levels were significantly higher in the rats with MetS than the control group. Ghrelin, OBS and NES were expressed in the cytoplasm, concentrated around the apical parts of the epithelial cells in the reproductive tissues of the rats. The amounts of ghrelin were lower in the reproductive tissues of the animals with MetS, while NES levels in the same tissues increased. Obestatin also decreased, though not in the seminal glands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zekiye Catak
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry (Firat Hormones Research Group), Medical School, Firat University, 23119 Elazig, Turkey
| | - Suleyman Aydin
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry (Firat Hormones Research Group), Medical School, Firat University, 23119 Elazig, Turkey.
| | - Ibrahim Sahin
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry (Firat Hormones Research Group), Medical School, Firat University, 23119 Elazig, Turkey; Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Erzincan University, 24030 Erzincan, Turkey
| | - Tuncay Kuloglu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Firat University, 23119 Elazig, Turkey
| | - Aziz Aksoy
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry (Firat Hormones Research Group), Medical School, Firat University, 23119 Elazig, Turkey; Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Bitlis Eren University, 13000 Bitlis, Turkey
| | - Adile Ferda Dagli
- Department of Medical Pathology, Medical School, Inonu University, 44280 Malatya, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Pérez-Ibave DC, Rodríguez-Sánchez IP, Garza-Rodríguez MDL, Barrera-Saldaña HA. Extrapituitary growth hormone synthesis in humans. Growth Horm IGF Res 2014; 24:47-53. [PMID: 24642386 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2014.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The gene for pituitary growth hormone (GH-N) in man belongs to a multigene locus located at chromosome 17q24.2, which also harbors four additional genes: one for a placental variant of GH-N (named GH-V) and three of chorionic somatommamotropin (CSH) type. Their tandem arrangement from 5' to 3' is: GH-N, CSH-L, CSH-1, GH-V and CSH-2. GH-N is mainly expressed in the pituitary from birth throughout life, while the remaining genes are expressed in the placenta of pregnant women. Pituitary somatotrophs secrete GH into the bloodstream to act at receptor sites in most tissues. GH participates in the regulation of several complex physiological processes, including growth and metabolism. Recently, the presence of GH has been described in several extrapituitary sites, such as neural, ocular, reproductive, immune, cardiovascular, muscular, dermal and skeletal tissues. It has been proposed that GH has an autocrine action in these tissues. While the body of evidence for its presence is constantly growing, research of its possible function and implications lag behind. In this review we highlight the evidence of extrapituitary synthesis of GH in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Cristina Pérez-Ibave
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Monterrey 64630, Mexico
| | - Iram Pablo Rodríguez-Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Monterrey 64630, Mexico
| | - María de Lourdes Garza-Rodríguez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Monterrey 64630, Mexico
| | - Hugo Alberto Barrera-Saldaña
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Monterrey 64630, Mexico; Vitaxentrum, Blvd. Puerta del Sol 1005, Colinas de San Jerónimo, Monterrey, Nuevo León, 64460 Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Mesjasz-Przybyłowicz J, Orłowska E, Augustyniak M, Nakonieczny M, Tarnawska M, Przybyłowicz W, Migula P. Elemental distribution in reproductive and neural organs of the Epilachna nylanderi (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a phytophage of nickel hyperaccumulator Berkheya coddii (Asterales: Asteraceae) by micro-PIXE. J Insect Sci 2014; 14:152. [PMID: 25399425 PMCID: PMC5634060 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieu014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The phenomenon of metal hyperaccumulation by plants is often explained by a pathogen or herbivore defense hypothesis. However, some insects feeding on metal hyperaccumulating plants are adapted to the high level of metals in plant tissues. Former studies on species that feed on the leaves of Berkheya coddii Roessler 1958 (Asteraceae), a nickel-hyperaccumulating plant, demonstrated several protective mechanisms involved in internal distribution, immobilization, and elimination of Ni from the midgut and Malpighian tubules. These species are mainly coleopterans, including the lady beetle, Epilachna nylanderi (Mulsant 1850) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), collected from the ultramafic ecosystem near Barberton in South Africa. By performing particle-induced X-ray emission microanalysis elemental microanalysis (PIXE), this study examined whether Ni may be harmful to internal body systems that decide on insect reactivity (central nervous system [CNS]), their reproduction, and the relationships between Ni and other micronutrients. Data on elemental distribution of nine selected elements in target organs of E. nylanderi were compared with the existing data for other insect species adapted to the excess of metals. Micro-PIXE maps of seven regions of the CNS showed Ni mainly in the neural connectives, while cerebral ganglia were better protected. Concentrations of other bivalent metals were lower than those of Ni. Testis, compared with other reproductive organs, showed low amounts of Ni. Zn was effectively regulated at physiological dietary levels. In insects exposed to excess dietary Zn, it was also accumulated in the reproductive organs. Comparison of E. nylanderii with other insects that ingest hyperaccumulating plants, especially chrysomelid Chrysolina clathrata (Clark) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), showed lower protection of the CNS and reproductive organs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Mesjasz-Przybyłowicz
- Materials Research Department, iThemba LABS, National Research Foundation, P.O. Box 722, Somerset West 7129, South Africa
| | - Elżbieta Orłowska
- Materials Research Department, iThemba LABS, National Research Foundation, P.O. Box 722, Somerset West 7129, South Africa Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Aarhus, Gustav Wieds Vej 10 C, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
| | - Maria Augustyniak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ecotoxicology, University of Silesia, Bankowa 9, Katowice 40-007, Poland
| | - Mirosław Nakonieczny
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ecotoxicology, University of Silesia, Bankowa 9, Katowice 40-007, Poland
| | - Monika Tarnawska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ecotoxicology, University of Silesia, Bankowa 9, Katowice 40-007, Poland
| | - Wojciech Przybyłowicz
- Materials Research Department, iThemba LABS, National Research Foundation, P.O. Box 722, Somerset West 7129, South Africa AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Physics & Applied Computer Science, al. A. Mickiewicza 30, Kraków 30-059, Poland
| | - Paweł Migula
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ecotoxicology, University of Silesia, Bankowa 9, Katowice 40-007, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Greene GL. In memoriam: Elwood Jensen (1920-2012). Endocrinology 2013; 154:3489-91. [PMID: 24058153 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
MESH Headings
- Androgen Antagonists/pharmacology
- Androgen Antagonists/therapeutic use
- Androgens/chemistry
- Androgens/metabolism
- Androgens/pharmacology
- Androgens/therapeutic use
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal/therapeutic use
- Chemistry, Organic/history
- Endocrinology/history
- Estrogen Antagonists/pharmacology
- Estrogen Antagonists/therapeutic use
- Estrogens/chemistry
- Estrogens/metabolism
- Estrogens/pharmacology
- Estrogens/therapeutic use
- Female
- Genitalia/drug effects
- Genitalia/metabolism
- History, 20th Century
- History, 21st Century
- Humans
- Male
- Neoplasm Proteins/agonists
- Neoplasm Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism
- Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent/diagnosis
- Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent/drug therapy
- Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent/history
- Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent/metabolism
- Receptors, Steroid/agonists
- Receptors, Steroid/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Steroid/metabolism
- United States
- Urogenital Neoplasms/diagnosis
- Urogenital Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Urogenital Neoplasms/history
- Urogenital Neoplasms/metabolism
Collapse
|
36
|
Lin C, Yin Y, Bell SM, Veith GM, Chen H, Huh SH, Ornitz DM, Ma L. Delineating a conserved genetic cassette promoting outgrowth of body appendages. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003231. [PMID: 23358455 PMCID: PMC3554569 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The acquisition of the external genitalia allowed mammals to cope with terrestrial-specific reproductive needs for internal fertilization, and thus it represents one of the most fundamental steps in evolution towards a life on land. How genitalia evolved remains obscure, and the key to understanding this process may lie in the developmental genetics that underpins the early establishment of the genital primordium, the genital tubercle (GT). Development of the GT is similar to that of the limb, which requires precise regulation from a distal signaling epithelium. However, whether outgrowth of the GT and limbs is mediated by common instructive signals remains unknown. In this study, we used comprehensive genetic approaches to interrogate the signaling cascade involved in GT formation in comparison with limb formation. We demonstrate that the FGF ligand responsible for GT development is FGF8 expressed in the cloacal endoderm. We further showed that forced Fgf8 expression can rescue limb and GT reduction in embryos deficient in WNT signaling activity. Our studies show that the regulation of Fgf8 by the canonical WNT signaling pathway is mediated in part by the transcription factor SP8. Sp8 mutants elicit appendage defects mirroring WNT and FGF mutants, and abolishing Sp8 attenuates ectopic appendage development caused by a gain-of-function β-catenin mutation. These observations indicate that a conserved WNT-SP8-FGF8 genetic cassette is employed by both appendages for promoting outgrowth, and suggest a deep homology shared by the limb and external genitalia. Mammalian limbs and external genitalia are body appendages specialized for locomotion and internal fertilization, respectively. Despite their marked anatomical and functional differences, development of the limb and external genitalia appears to involve similar genetic controls, and some have suggested that regulatory mechanisms common to both might be evolutionarily linked. One essential aspect for appendage development is the establishment and maintenance of a separated proximodistal developmental axis apart from the main body axis, which is often instructed by a distal signaling epithelium. Herein, we adopted comprehensive mouse genetic approaches to investigate regulatory mechanisms underlying the distal signaling center in the limb and the GT, and uncovered a conserved genetic cassette that is utilized by both paired and unpaired appendages to establish a distal signaling center in the epithelium that mediates subsequent proximodistal outgrowth. Our results further suggested that the evolution of the external genital organ involved co-option of the same genetic program underpinning limb development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Congxing Lin
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Yan Yin
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Sheila M. Bell
- Perinatal Institute of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Division of Neonatology-and Pulmonary Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - G. Michael Veith
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Hong Chen
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Sung-Ho Huh
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - David M. Ornitz
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Liang Ma
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
Mucus pathology in cystic fibrosis (CF) has been known for as long as the disease has been recognized and is sometimes called mucoviscidosis. The disease is marked by mucus hyperproduction and plugging in many organs, which are usually most fatal in the airways of CF patients, once the problem of meconium ileus at birth is resolved. After the CF gene, CFTR, was cloned and its protein product identified as a cAMP-regulated Cl(-) channel, causal mechanisms underlying the strong mucus phenotype of the disease became obscure. Here we focus on mucin genes and polymeric mucin glycoproteins, examining their regulation and potential relationships to a dysfunctional cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Detailed examination of CFTR expression in organs and different cell types indicates that changes in CFTR expression do not always correlate with the severity of CF disease or mucus accumulation. Thus, the mucus hyperproduction that typifies CF does not appear to be a direct cause of a defective CFTR but, rather, to be a downstream consequence. In organs like the lung, up-regulation of mucin gene expression by inflammation results from chronic infection; however, in other instances and organs, the inflammation may have a non-infectious origin. The mucus plugging phenotype of the β-subunit of the epithelial Na(+) channel (βENaC)-overexpressing mouse is proving to be an archetypal example of this kind of inflammation, with a dehydrated airway surface/concentrated mucus gel apparently providing the inflammatory stimulus. Data indicate that the luminal HCO(3)(-) deficiency recently described for CF epithelia may also provide such a stimulus, perhaps by causing a mal-maturation of mucins as they are released onto luminal surfaces. In any event, the path between CFTR dysfunction and mucus hyperproduction has proven tortuous, and its unraveling continues to offer its own twists and turns, along with fascinating glimpses into biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia M Kreda
- Cystic Fibrosis/Pulmonary Research and Treatment Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27517-7248, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Zheng H, Zhou L, Yang X, Wang D, Liu J. Cloning and characterization of a male-specific defensin-like antimicrobial peptide from the tick Haemaphysalis longicornis. Dev Comp Immunol 2012; 37:207-211. [PMID: 22033149 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2011.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Revised: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
A novel gene was identified from a cDNA library of the male accessory glands of Haemaphysalis longicornis. The full-length cDNA of the gene was 349bp, encoding a 79-amino acid defensin-like protein and therefore the protein was named HlMS-defensin. Reverse transcriptase-PCR results suggested that this gene was expressed exclusively in male ticks. The tissue expression pattern and the mRNA levels of HlMS-defensin during blood feeding were determined using real-time PCR. HlMS-defensin was expressed predominately in the male accessory gland and was up-regulated during blood feeding. The antimicrobial activity of a synthetic peptide based on the predicted mature portion of HlMS-defensin was examined against a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. It appears that ticks use the antimicrobial peptide to protect their reproductive tracts from microbial infections. The protective role of HlMS-defensin during mating was also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyuan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050016, Hebei, China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Sant'Anna BS, Santos DMD, Marchi MRRD, Zara FJ, Turra A. Effects of tributyltin exposure in hermit crabs: Clibanarius vittatus as a model. Environ Toxicol Chem 2012; 31:632-638. [PMID: 22189504 DOI: 10.1002/etc.1724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2011] [Revised: 10/04/2011] [Accepted: 10/30/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Tributyltin (TBT) contamination affects the reproductive system of many species of invertebrates worldwide. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of exposure to TBT pollution on the reproduction of the hermit crab Clibanarius vittatus. An orthogonal experiment was designed with two treatments: contamination (with or without TBT in the food) and crab sex (males and females). The animals were reared in the laboratory for nine months, and macroscopic and histological analyses of reproductive organs were carried out after the end of the experiment. Tributyltin was recorded in exposed crabs, but no morphological alterations were detected in the gonads of males, regardless of whether they were exposed to TBT. In contrast, females exposed to TBT displayed disorganization and atrophy of their ovaries, thus directly affecting reproduction in this hermit crab species. This effect observed in female hermit crabs may harm populations located in harbor regions, where TBT concentration is high, even after the worldwide TBT ban.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Sampaio Sant'Anna
- Zoology Section, Postgraduate Course in Biological Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rio Claro, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Back P, De Vos WH, Depuydt GG, Matthijssens F, Vanfleteren JR, Braeckman BP. Exploring real-time in vivo redox biology of developing and aging Caenorhabditis elegans. Free Radic Biol Med 2012; 52:850-9. [PMID: 22226831 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2011.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2011] [Revised: 11/09/2011] [Accepted: 11/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are no longer considered merely toxic by-products of the oxidative metabolism. Tightly controlled concentrations of ROS and fluctuations in redox potential may be important mediators of signaling processes. Understanding the role of ROS and redox status in physiology, stress response, development, and aging requires their nondisruptive, spatiotemporal, real-time quantification in a living organism. We established Caenorhabditis elegans strains bearing the genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors HyPer and Grx1-roGFP2 for the detection of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and the glutathione redox potential, respectively. Although, given its transparency and genetic tractability, C. elegans is perfectly suitable as a model organism for such approaches, they have never been tried before in this nematode. We found that H(2)O(2) treatment clearly induces a dose-dependent, reversible response of both biosensors in the living worms. The ratio of oxidized to reduced glutathione decreases during postembryonic development. H(2)O(2) levels increase with age and this effect is delayed when life span is extended by dietary restriction. In young adults, we detected several regions with distinct redox properties that may be linked to their biological function. Our findings demonstrate that genetically encoded biosensors can reveal previously unknown details of in vivo redox biology in multicellular organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Back
- Laboratory for Aging Physiology and Molecular Evolution, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
Circadian rhythms impact on a wide range of physiological systems and this impact extends to fertility, such that disruptions to timing systems can impact upon reproductive capacity. This is highlighted most obviously in mutant mouse models whereby deletion or mutation of single genes results not only in disrupted circadian rhythmicity, but also compromised male and female reproductive function. In this review, we discuss the presence of circadian clocks in female and male reproductive tissues and the role these clocks play in the generation of oestrus cycles, ovulation, sperm generation, implantation and the maintenance of pregnancy. Given the increased incidence of shiftwork and international travel which disrupt circadian rhythmicity, and the increasing prevalence of reproductive technologies whereby early embryo development occurs without external time cues, it is important for us to consider the role of circadian rhythms in fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J Kennaway
- Robinson Institute, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Gibson DA, Saunders PTK. Estrogen dependent signaling in reproductive tissues - a role for estrogen receptors and estrogen related receptors. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 348:361-72. [PMID: 21964318 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Revised: 09/03/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens play a fundamental role in the development and normal physiological function of multiple tissue systems and have been implicated in the ontogeny of cancers. The biological effects of estrogens are classically mediated via interaction with cognate nuclear receptors. The relative expression of ER subtypes/variants varies between cells within different tissues and this alters the response to natural and synthetic ligands. This review focuses on the role of estrogen and estrogen related receptors in reproductive tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas A Gibson
- MRC/UoE Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Ali BH, Al-Lawati I, Beegam S, Ziada A, Al Salam S, Nemmar A, Blunden G. Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa and its anthocyanins on some reproductive aspects in rats. Nat Prod Commun 2012; 7:41-44. [PMID: 22428240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
An aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. is a common beverage in many parts of the world. Reports on its effect on reproduction are conflicting, with anecdotal evidence that the plant is an aphrodisiac, while others report that it is estrogenic, and adversely affects spermatogenesis in rats. We have studied the effect of different concentrations of aqueous extracts of H. sabdariffa calyces (10%, 15% and 20%) used as drinking water for 10 consecutive weeks, and its anthocyanins (50, 100, 200 mg/kg for 5 days, orally) on the weight and histology of the testis, and on some biochemical constituents in testicular homogenates, in addition to the plasma concentrations of testosterone, luteinizing hormone and estradiol. The possible presence of an estrogenic effect of the extract and anthocyanins on the uteri of immature female rats was also tested. Neither the H. sabdariffa extract nor the anthocyanins significantly altered either testicular weight and histology, or uterus weight. Plasma concentrations of the three hormones studied, the testicular concentrations of protein, reduced glutathione and total cholesterol, and superoxide dismutase activity were all insignificantly affected by either the extract or the anthocyanins, except for a slight, but statistically significant, decrease in testicular protein concentration caused by the 15% aqueous extract when compared with controls. These results suggest that H. sabdariffa exerts no adverse effect on the male reproductive system. Consumption of H. sabdariffa aqueous extract inhibited the growth of the rats compared with the controls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Badreldin H Ali
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Al Khod, Oman.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
Reproductive dysfunction is associated with obesity. We previously showed that female mice with diet-induced obesity (DIO) exhibit infertility and thus serve as a model of human polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We postulated that differential insulin signaling of tissues leads to reproductive dysfunction; therefore, a comparison of insulin signaling in reproductive tissues and energy storage tissues was performed. Pituitary-specific insulin receptor knockout mice were used as controls. High-fat diet-induced stress, which leads to insulin resistance, was also investigated by assaying macrophage infiltration and phosphorylated Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (pJNK) signaling. In lean mice, reproductive tissues exhibited reduced sensitivity to insulin compared with peripheral metabolic tissues. However, in obese mice, where metabolic tissues exhibited insulin resistance, the pituitary and ovary maintained insulin sensitivity. Pituitaries responded to insulin through insulin receptor substrate (IRS)2 but not IRS1, whereas in the ovary, both IRS1 and IRS2 were activated by insulin. Macrophage infiltration and pJNK signaling were not increased in the pituitary or ovary of lean mice relative to DIO mice. The lack of inflammation and cytokine signaling in the pituitary and ovary in DIO mice compared with lean mice may be one of the reasons that these tissues remained insulin sensitive. Retained sensitivity of the pituitary and ovary to insulin may contribute to the pathophysiology of PCOS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Tang HY, Smith-Caldas MSB, Driscoll MV, Salhadar S, Shingleton AW. FOXO regulates organ-specific phenotypic plasticity in Drosophila. PLoS Genet 2011; 7:e1002373. [PMID: 22102829 PMCID: PMC3213149 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2011] [Accepted: 09/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity, the ability for a single genotype to generate different phenotypes in response to environmental conditions, is biologically ubiquitous, and yet almost nothing is known of the developmental mechanisms that regulate the extent of a plastic response. In particular, it is unclear why some traits or individuals are highly sensitive to an environmental variable while other traits or individuals are less so. Here we elucidate the developmental mechanisms that regulate the expression of a particularly important form of phenotypic plasticity: the effect of developmental nutrition on organ size. In all animals, developmental nutrition is signaled to growing organs via the insulin-signaling pathway. Drosophila organs differ in their size response to developmental nutrition and this reflects differences in organ-specific insulin-sensitivity. We show that this variation in insulin-sensitivity is regulated at the level of the forkhead transcription factor FOXO, a negative growth regulator that is activated when nutrition and insulin signaling are low. Individual organs appear to attenuate growth suppression in response to low nutrition through an organ-specific reduction in FOXO expression, thereby reducing their nutritional plasticity. We show that FOXO expression is necessary to maintain organ-specific differences in nutritional-plasticity and insulin-sensitivity, while organ-autonomous changes in FOXO expression are sufficient to autonomously alter an organ's nutritional-plasticity and insulin-sensitivity. These data identify a gene (FOXO) that modulates a plastic response through variation in its expression. FOXO is recognized as a key player in the response of size, immunity, and longevity to changes in developmental nutrition, stress, and oxygen levels. FOXO may therefore act as a more general regulator of plasticity. These data indicate that the extent of phenotypic plasticity may be modified by changes in the expression of genes involved in signaling environmental information to developmental processes. The ability of an organism to respond to its environment is a defining quality of life. However, why are some characteristics or individuals sensitive to environmental change while others are not? We identified the mechanism that controls the response of growing organs to a particularly important environmental factor—developmental nutrition. In all animals, a decrease in developmental nutrition reduces final body and organ size. However, the size of some organs is less responsive to changes in nutrition than others. In a male fruit fly, it is the size of the genitals that is resistant to dietary restriction. This is achieved by the male fruit fly reducing expression of a key gene in their genitalia. This gene, FOXO, forms part of the insulin signaling system, which signals food levels to tissues in all animals. By lowering the production of FOXO, the genitalia are able to “ignore” hormonal signals that tell the rest of the body to grow slowly due to limited food. The ability of tissues to become insensitive to nutritional information is a characteristic of many tumors and also underlies type 2 diabetes. Our data may therefore provide insight into the origin and treatment of both conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yuan Tang
- Department of Zoology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | | | - Michael V. Driscoll
- Department of Zoology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Samy Salhadar
- Department of Zoology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Alexander W. Shingleton
- Department of Zoology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Roselli CE, Estill CT, Stadelman HL, Meaker M, Stormshak F. Separate critical periods exist for testosterone-induced differentiation of the brain and genitals in sheep. Endocrinology 2011; 152:2409-15. [PMID: 21447635 PMCID: PMC3206706 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-1445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Accepted: 03/07/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Sheep exposed to testosterone during a critical period from gestational day (GD) 30 to GD 90 develop masculine genitals and an enlarged male-typical ovine sexually dimorphic nucleus of the preoptic area (oSDN). The present study tested the hypothesis that separate critical periods exist for masculinization of these two anatomical end points. Pregnant ewes were treated with testosterone propionate (TP) either from GD 30 to GD 60 (early TP) or GD 60 to GD 90 (late TP). Control (C) pregnant ewes were treated with corn oil. Fetuses were delivered at GD 135 and the volume of the oSDN was measured. Early TP females possessed a penis and a scrotum devoid of testes, whereas late TP and C females had normal female genitals. Neither period of TP exposure grossly affected the genitals of male fetuses. Despite masculinized genitals, the mean volume of the oSDN in early TP females (0.32 ± 0.06 mm³) was not different from C females (0.24 ± 0.02 mm³) but was significantly enlarged in late TP females (0.49 ± 0.04 mm³; P < 0.05 vs. C) when the genitals appeared normal. In contrast, the volume of the oSDN in late TP males (0.51 ± 0.02 mm³) was not different from C males (0.51 ± 0.04 mm³) but was significantly smaller in the early TP males (0.35 ± 0.04 mm³; P < 0.05 vs. C). These results demonstrate that the prenatal critical period for androgen-dependent differentiation of the oSDN occurs later than, and can be separated temporally from, the period for development of masculine genitals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles E Roselli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology L334, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Nawaratna SSK, McManus DP, Moertel L, Gobert GN, Jones MK. Gene Atlasing of digestive and reproductive tissues in Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2011; 5:e1043. [PMID: 21541360 PMCID: PMC3082511 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2010] [Accepted: 03/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While considerable genomic and transcriptomic data are available for
Schistosoma mansoni, many of its genes lack significant
annotation. A transcriptomic study of individual tissues and organs of
schistosomes could play an important role in functional annotation of the
unknown genes, particularly by providing rapid localisation data and thus
giving insight into the potential roles of these molecules in parasite
development, reproduction and homeostasis, and in the complex host-parasite
interaction. Methodology/Principal Findings Quantification of gene expression in tissues of S. mansoni
was achieved by a combination of laser microdissection microscopy (LMM) and
oligonucleotide microarray analysis. We compared the gene expression profile
of the adult female gastrodermis and male and female reproductive tissues
with whole worm controls. The results revealed a total of 393 genes
(contigs) that were up-regulated two-fold or more in the gastrodermis, 4,450
in the ovary, 384 in the vitelline tissues of female parasites, and 2,171 in
the testes. We have also supplemented these data with the identification of
highly expressed genes in different regions of manually dissected male and
female S. mansoni. Though relatively crude, this dissection
strategy provides low resolution localisation data for critical regions of
the adult parasites that are not amenable to LMM isolation. Conclusions This is the first detailed transcriptomic study of the reproductive tissues
and gastrodermis of S. mansoni. The results obtained will
help direct future research on the functional aspects of these tissues,
expediting the characterisation of currently unannotated gene products of
S. mansoni and the discovery of new drug and vaccine
targets. There is currently only one drug available for treatment of
schistosomiasis mansoni and no vaccine. The searches for
possible new drug and vaccine candidates remain two major areas of current
research in schistosomiasis. There are considerable amounts of data available on
the genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics of Schistosoma
mansoni from which useful candidates for future drug and vaccine
development can be identified. Arranging these data into a biologically relevant
context through the characterisation of gene expression profiles of the
different tissues of this complex metazoan parasite, is an essential step in
identifying molecules with potential therapeutic value. We have used laser
microdissection microscopy and microarray analysis to show that many
tissue-specific genes are up-regulated in the digestive and reproductive tissues
of S. mansoni. This new knowledge provides an avenue to
investigate the molecular components associated with fundamental aspects of
schistosome biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sujeevi S. K. Nawaratna
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston, Australia
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton,
Australia
| | | | - Luke Moertel
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N. Gobert
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston, Australia
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton,
Australia
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston, Australia
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton,
Australia
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Katakowski JA, Palliser D. Optimizing siRNA delivery to the genital mucosa. Discov Med 2011; 11:124-132. [PMID: 21356167 PMCID: PMC3282624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) describes a highly conserved pathway, present in eukaryotic cells, for regulating gene expression. Small stretches of double-stranded RNA, termed small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), utilize this pathway to bind homologous mRNA, resulting in site-specific mRNA cleavage and subsequent protein degradation. The ubiquitous presence of the RNAi machinery, combined with its specificity and efficacy, makes it an attractive mechanism for reducing aberrant gene expression in therapeutic settings. However, a major obstacle to utilizing RNAi in the clinic is siRNA delivery. Administered siRNAs must make contact with the appropriate cell types and, following internalization, gain access to the cytosol where the RNAi machinery resides. This must be achieved so that silencing is maximized, whilst minimizing any undesirable off-target effects. Recently, the utility of siRNAs as a microbicide, usually applied to the genital mucosa for preventing transmission of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV-1 and HSV-2, has been investigated. In this review we will describe these studies and discuss potential strategies for improving gene silencing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Katakowski
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, New York 10461, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Lima D, Reis-Henriques MA, Silva R, Santos AI, Castro LFC, Santos MM. Tributyltin-induced imposex in marine gastropods involves tissue-specific modulation of the retinoid X receptor. Aquat Toxicol 2011; 101:221-227. [PMID: 21036407 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2010.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2010] [Revised: 09/21/2010] [Accepted: 09/25/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Despite the large number of studies on the phenomenon of imposex, the mechanism underlying the abnormal growth of male sexual characters onto females in numerous gastropod species is yet to be fully elucidated. Although several hypotheses have been raised over the years, a convincing body of evidence indicates that tributyltin-induced imposex involves the abnormal modulation of the retinoid X receptor (RXR). Here, we investigate the RXR gene transcription at different timings and tissues upon exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of tributyltin (TBT) (100 ng Sn/L TBT) in both genders of the imposex susceptible gastropod Nucella lapillus. RXR gene transcription was determined at two time-points (i.e., before and after imposex initiation) by quantitative Real Time PCR in potential target tissues: the central nervous system (CNS), penis/penis forming area (PFA), gonads and digestive gland. TBT-exposure altered transcription of RXR gene in a tissue and sex specific manner. In the CNS, a significant down-regulation was observed in females both before and after imposex initiation (P≤0.01 and P≤0.05, respectively). A similar trend was observed in male CNS at the first time-point, although differences between control and the TBT-exposed group were just above significance (P=0.059). The penis/PFA showed no differences in transcription of RXR gene between control and TBT exposed female snails before imposex induction, or before and after imposex initiation for males. However, male penis showed higher transcription of RXR gene in comparison to the PFA of females. After imposex has been induced, a significant (P≤0.001) increase in transcription of RXR gene was observed in penis of females with vas deference sequence index (VDS) levels of 3-4 in comparison with the PFA of both control and imposex females with VDS 1-2. At advanced stages of imposex, females displayed RXR transcription patterns in penis identical to those of males, which points to a functional role of RXR in the penis of both genders. In the other tissues, gonads and digestive gland, RXR gene transcription was not affected by TBT, at any of the analysed time-points. These patterns of RXR gene transcription upon TBT exposure highlight the pivotal involvement of the CNS in the mechanism of imposex induction. We integrate the results in a conceptual model, and discuss the central role of RXR and the retinoic acid signalling pathways in imposex and male genitalia formation in gastropods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Lima
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Abstract
Pituitary somatotrophs secrete growth hormone (GH) into the bloodstream, to act as a hormone at receptor sites in most, if not all, tissues. These endocrine actions of circulating GH are abolished after pituitary ablation or hypophysectomy, indicating its pituitary source. GH gene expression is, however, not confined to the pituitary gland, as it occurs in neural, immune, reproductive, alimentary, and respiratory tissues and in the integumentary, muscular, skeletal, and cardiovascular systems, in which GH may act locally rather than as an endocrine. These actions are likely to be involved in the proliferation and differentiation of cells and tissues prior to the ontogeny of the pituitary gland. They are also likely to complement the endocrine actions of GH and are likely to maintain them after pituitary senescence and the somatopause. Autocrine or paracrine actions of GH are, however, sometimes mediated through different signaling mechanisms to those mediating its endocrine actions and these may promote oncogenesis. Extrapituitary GH may thus be of physiological and pathophysiological significance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Harvey
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, 7-41 Medical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada,
| |
Collapse
|