Adult neural stem cell activation in mice is regulated by the day/night cycle and intracellular calcium dynamics.

Neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult brain transit from the quiescent state to proliferation to produce new neurons. The mechanisms regulating this transition in freely behaving animals are, however, poorly understood. We customized in vivo imaging protocols to follow NSCs for several days up to months, observing their activation kinetics in freely behaving mice. Strikingly, NSC division is more frequent during daylight and is inhibited by darkness-induced melatonin signaling. The inhibition of melatonin receptors affected intracellular Ca2+ dynamics and promoted NSC activation. We further discovered a Ca2+ signature of quiescent versus activated NSCs and showed that several microenvironmental signals converge on intracellular Ca2+ pathways to regulate NSC quiescence and activation. In vivo NSC-specific optogenetic modulation of Ca2+ fluxes to mimic quiescent-state-like Ca2+ dynamics in freely behaving mice blocked NSC activation and maintained their quiescence, pointing to the regulatory mechanisms mediating NSC activation in freely behaving animals.

Melatonin Lulling Th17 Cells to Sleep.

In this issue, Farez et al. report that the circadian hormone melatonin, whose levels vary with seasonal changes in night length, shifts the immune response toward an anti-inflammatory state that may explain the seasonal variability of multiple sclerosis disease activity.

Melatonin Contributes to the Seasonality of Multiple Sclerosis Relapses.

Seasonal changes in disease activity have been observed in multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disorder that affects the CNS. These epidemiological observations suggest that environmental factors influence the disease course. Here, we report that melatonin levels, whose production is modulated by seasonal variations in night length, negatively correlate with multiple sclerosis activity in humans. Treatment with melatonin ameliorates disease in an experimental model of multiple sclerosis and directly interferes with the differentiation of human and mouse T cells. Melatonin induces the expression of the repressor transcription factor Nfil3, blocking the differentiation of pathogenic Th17 cells and boosts the generation of protective Tr1 cells via Erk1/2 and the transactivation of the IL-10 promoter by ROR-α. These results suggest that melatonin is another example of how environmental-driven cues can impact T cell differentiation and have implications for autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis.

Deep, dark secrets of melatonin in animal evolution.

Tosches et al. show that melatonin signaling regulates circadian swimming in annelid worms by rhythmically activating cholinergic neurons. This suggests an evolutionary connection between melatonin signaling in invertebrates and sleep regulation in vertebrates.

Melatonin signaling controls circadian swimming behavior in marine zooplankton.

Melatonin, the "hormone of darkness," is a key regulator of vertebrate circadian physiology and behavior. Despite its ubiquitous presence in Metazoa, the function of melatonin signaling outside vertebrates is poorly understood. Here, we investigate the effect of melatonin signaling on circadian swimming behavior in a zooplankton model, the marine annelid Platynereis dumerilii. We find that melatonin is produced in brain photoreceptors with a vertebrate-type opsin-based phototransduction cascade and a light-entrained clock. Melatonin released at night induces rhythmic burst firing of cholinergic neurons that innervate locomotor-ciliated cells. This establishes a nocturnal behavioral state by modulating the length and the frequency of ciliary arrests. Based on our findings, we propose that melatonin signaling plays a role in the circadian control of ciliary swimming to adjust the vertical position of zooplankton in response to ambient light.

The metastatic spread of breast cancer accelerates during sleep.

The metastatic spread of cancer is achieved by the haematogenous dissemination of circulating tumour cells (CTCs). Generally, however, the temporal dynamics that dictate the generation of metastasis-competent CTCs are largely uncharacterized, and it is often assumed that CTCs are constantly shed from growing tumours or are shed as a consequence of mechanical insults1. Here we observe a striking and unexpected pattern of CTC generation dynamics in both patients with breast cancer and mouse models, highlighting that most spontaneous CTC intravasation events occur during sleep. Further, we demonstrate that rest-phase CTCs are highly prone to metastasize, whereas CTCs generated during the active phase are devoid of metastatic ability. Mechanistically, single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of CTCs reveals a marked upregulation of mitotic genes exclusively during the rest phase in both patients and mouse models, enabling metastasis proficiency. Systemically, we find that key circadian rhythm hormones such as melatonin, testosterone and glucocorticoids dictate CTC generation dynamics, and as a consequence, that insulin directly promotes tumour cell proliferation in vivo, yet in a time-dependent manner. Thus, the spontaneous generation of CTCs with a high proclivity to metastasize does not occur continuously, but it is concentrated within the rest phase of the affected individual, providing a new rationale for time-controlled interrogation and treatment of metastasis-prone cancers.

Nomo1 deficiency causes autism-like behavior in zebrafish.

Patients with neuropsychiatric disorders often exhibit a combination of clinical symptoms such as autism, epilepsy, or schizophrenia, complicating diagnosis and development of therapeutic strategies. Functional studies of novel genes associated with co-morbidities can provide clues to understand the pathogenic mechanisms and interventions. NOMO1 is one of the candidate genes located at 16p13.11, a hotspot of neuropsychiatric diseases. Here, we generate nomo1-/- zebrafish to get further insight into the function of NOMO1. Nomo1 mutants show abnormal brain and neuronal development and activation of apoptosis and inflammation-related pathways in the brain. Adult Nomo1-deficient zebrafish exhibit multiple neuropsychiatric behaviors such as hyperactive locomotor activity, social deficits, and repetitive stereotypic behaviors. The Habenular nucleus and the pineal gland in the telencephalon are affected, and the melatonin level of nomo1-/- is reduced. Melatonin treatment restores locomotor activity, reduces repetitive stereotypic behaviors, and rescues the noninfectious brain inflammatory responses caused by nomo1 deficiency. These results suggest melatonin supplementation as a potential therapeutic regimen for neuropsychiatric disorders caused by NOMO1 deficiency.

Machine learning estimation of human body time using metabolomic profiling.

Circadian rhythms influence physiology, metabolism, and molecular processes in the human body. Estimation of individual body time (circadian phase) is therefore highly relevant for individual optimization of behavior (sleep, meals, sports), diagnostic sampling, medical treatment, and for treatment of circadian rhythm disorders. Here, we provide a partial least squares regression (PLSR) machine learning approach that uses plasma-derived metabolomics data in one or more samples to estimate dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) as a proxy for circadian phase of the human body. For this purpose, our protocol was aimed to stay close to real-life conditions. We found that a metabolomics approach optimized for either women or men under entrained conditions performed equally well or better than existing approaches using more labor-intensive RNA sequencing-based methods. Although estimation of circadian body time using blood-targeted metabolomics requires further validation in shift work and other real-world conditions, it currently may offer a robust, feasible technique with relatively high accuracy to aid personalized optimization of behavior and clinical treatment after appropriate validation in patient populations.

Melatonin and vitamin D, two sides of the same coin, better to land on its edge to improve multiple sclerosis.

Previous studies revealed a latitudinal gradient of multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence, increasing by moving from the equator to the poles. The duration and quality of an individual's exposure to sunlight vary with latitude. Skin exposure to sunlight activates vitamin D synthesis, while light absence, as perceived by the eyes, activates melatonin synthesis in the pineal gland. Vitamin D or melatonin deficiency/insufficiency or overdose can occur at any latitude due to specific lifestyles and diets. Moving away from the equator, especially beyond 37°, decreases vitamin D while raising melatonin. Furthermore, melatonin synthesis increases in cold habitats like northern countries. Since melatonin's beneficial role was shown in MS, it is expected that northern countries whose individuals have higher endogenous melatonin should show a lower MS prevalence; however, these are ranked with the highest scores. In addition, countries like the United States and Canada have uncontrolled over-the-counter usage. In high latitudes, vitamin D deficiency and a higher MS prevalence persist even though vitamin D is typically compensated for by supplementation and not sunlight. Recently, we found that prolonged darkness increased MS melatonin levels, mimicking the long-term increase in northern countries. This caused a reduction in cortisol and increased infiltration, inflammation, and demyelination, which were all rescued by constant light therapy. In this review, we explain melatonin and vitamin D's possible roles in MS prevalence. The possible causes in northern countries are then discussed. Finally, we suggest strategies to treat MS by manipulating vitamin D and melatonin, preferably with sunlight or darkness, not supplements.

Associations between light exposure and sleep timing and sleepiness while awake in a sample of UK adults in everyday life.

Experimental and interventional studies show that light can regulate sleep timing and sleepiness while awake by setting the phase of circadian rhythms and supporting alertness. The extent to which differences in light exposure explain variations in sleep and sleepiness within and between individuals in everyday life remains less clear. Here, we establish a method to address this deficit, incorporating an open-source wearable wrist-worn light logger (SpectraWear) and smartphone-based online data collection. We use it to simultaneously record longitudinal light exposure (in melanopic equivalent daylight illuminance), sleep timing, and subjective alertness over seven days in a convenience sample of 59 UK adults without externally imposed circadian challenge (e.g., shift work or jetlag). Participants reliably had strong daily rhythms in light exposure but frequently were exposed to less light during the daytime and more light in pre-bedtime and sleep episodes than recommended [T. M. Brown et al., PLoS Biol. 20, e3001571 (2022)]. Prior light exposure over several hours was associated with lower subjective sleepiness with, in particular, brighter light in the late sleep episode and after wake linked to reduced early morning sleepiness (sleep inertia). Higher pre-bedtime light exposure was associated with longer sleep onset latency. Early sleep timing was correlated with more reproducible and robust daily patterns of light exposure and higher daytime/lower night-time light exposure. Our study establishes a method for collecting longitudinal sleep and health/performance data in everyday life and provides evidence of associations between light exposure and important determinants of sleep health and performance.

Melatonin confers tolerance to nitrogen deficiency through regulating MdHY5 in apple plants.

Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient for crop growth and development, significantly influencing both yield and quality. Melatonin (MT), a known enhancer of abiotic stress tolerance, has been extensively studied. However, its relationship with nutrient stress, particularly N deficiency, and the underlying regulatory mechanisms of MT on N absorption remain unclear. In this study, exogenous MT treatment was found to improve the tolerance of apple plants to N deficiency. Apple plants overexpressing the MT biosynthetic gene N-acetylserotonin methyltransferase 9 (MdASMT9) were used to further investigate the effects of endogenous MT on low-N stress. Overexpression of MdASMT9 improved the light harvesting and heat transfer capability of apple plants, thereby mitigating the detrimental effects of N deficiency on the photosynthetic system. Proteomic and physiological data analyses indicated that MdASMT9 overexpression enhanced the trichloroacetic acid cycle and positively modulated amino acid metabolism to counteract N-deficiency stress. Additionally, both exogenous and endogenous MT promoted the transcription of MdHY5, which in turn bound to the MdNRT2.1 and MdNRT2.4 promoters and activated their expression. Notably, MT-mediated promotion of MdNRT2.1 and MdNRT2.4 expression through regulating MdHY5, ultimately enhancing N absorption. Taken together, these findings shed light on the association between MdASMT9-mediated MT biosynthesis and N absorption in apple plants under N-deficiency conditions.

Melatonin alleviates lung injury in H1N1-infected mice by mast cell inactivation and cytokine storm suppression.

Influenza A virus (IAV) H1N1 infection is a constant threat to human health and it remains so due to the lack of an effective treatment. Since melatonin is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule with anti-viral action, in the present study we used melatonin to protect against H1N1 infection under in vitro and in vivo conditions. The death rate of the H1N1-infected mice was negatively associated with the nose and lung tissue local melatonin levels but not with serum melatonin concentrations. The H1N1-infected AANAT-/- melatonin-deficient mice had a significantly higher death rate than that of the WT mice and melatonin administration significantly reduced the death rate. All evidence confirmed the protective effects of melatonin against H1N1 infection. Further study identified that the mast cells were the primary targets of melatonin action, i.e., melatonin suppresses the mast cell activation caused by H1N1 infection. The molecular mechanisms involved melatonin down-regulation of gene expression for the HIF-1 pathway and inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine release from mast cells; this resulted in a reduction in the migration and activation of the macrophages and neutrophils in the lung tissue. This pathway was mediated by melatonin receptor 2 (MT2) since the MT2 specific antagonist 4P-PDOT significantly blocked the effects of melatonin on mast cell activation. Via targeting mast cells, melatonin suppressed apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells and the lung injury caused by H1N1 infection. The findings provide a novel mechanism to protect against the H1N1-induced pulmonary injury, which may better facilitate the progress of new strategies to fight H1N1 infection or other IAV viral infections.

Sleep Deprivation Impairs Intestinal Mucosal Barrier by Activating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Goblet Cells.

Sleep deficiency is associated with intestinal inflammatory conditions and is increasingly recognized as a public health concern worldwide. However, the effects of sleep deficiency on intestinal goblet cells (GCs), which play a major role in intestinal barrier formation, remain elusive. Herein, the effects of sleep deprivation on intestinal GCs were determined using a sleep-deprivation mouse model. Sleep deprivation impaired the intestinal mucosal barrier and decreased the expression of tight junction proteins. According to single-cell RNA sequencing and histologic assessments, sleep deprivation significantly reduced GC numbers and mucin protein levels in intestinal tissues. Furthermore, sleep deprivation initiated endoplasmic reticulum stress by activating transcription factor 6 and binding Ig protein. Treatment with melatonin, an endoplasmic reticulum stress regulator, significantly alleviated endoplasmic reticulum stress responses in intestinal GCs. In addition, melatonin increased the villus length, reduced the crypt depth, and restored intestinal barrier function in mice with sleep deprivation. Overall, the findings revealed that sleep deprivation could impair intestinal mucosal barrier integrity and GC function. Targeting endoplasmic reticulum stress could represent an ideal strategy for treating sleep deficiency-induced gastrointestinal disorders.

Coat protein of cassava common mosaic virus targets RAV1 and RAV2 transcription factors to subvert immunity in cassava.

Cassava common mosaic virus (CsCMV, genus Potexvirus) is a prevalent virus associated with cassava mosaic disease, so it is essential to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of the coevolutionary arms race between viral pathogenesis and the cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) defense response. However, the molecular mechanism underlying CsCMV infection is largely unclear. Here, we revealed that coat protein (CP) acts as a major pathogenicity determinant of CsCMV via a mutant infectious clone. Moreover, we identified the target proteins of CP-related to abscisic acid insensitive3 (ABI3)/viviparous1 (VP1) (MeRAV1) and MeRAV2 transcription factors, which positively regulated disease resistance against CsCMV via transcriptional activation of melatonin biosynthetic genes (tryptophan decarboxylase 2 (MeTDC2), tryptamine 5-hydroxylase (MeT5H), N-aceylserotonin O-methyltransferase 1 (MeASMT1)) and MeCatalase6 (MeCAT6) and MeCAT7. Notably, the interaction between CP, MeRAV1, and MeRAV2 interfered with the protein phosphorylation of MeRAV1 and MeRAV2 individually at Ser45 and Ser44 by the protein kinase, thereby weakening the transcriptional activation activity of MeRAV1 and MeRAV2 on melatonin biosynthetic genes, MeCAT6 and MeCAT7 dependent on the protein phosphorylation of MeRAV1 and MeRAV2. Taken together, the identification of the CP-MeRAV1 and CP-MeRAV2 interaction module not only illustrates a molecular mechanism by which CsCMV orchestrates the host defense system to benefit its infection and development but also provides a gene network with potential value for the genetic improvement of cassava disease resistance.

Hydroxytryptophan biosynthesis by a family of heme-dependent enzymes in bacteria.

Hydroxytryptophan serves as a chemical precursor to a variety of bioactive specialized metabolites, including the human neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin. Although the human and animal routes to hydroxytryptophan have been known for decades, how bacteria catalyze tryptophan indole hydroxylation remains a mystery. Here we report a class of tryptophan hydroxylases that are involved in various bacterial metabolic pathways. These enzymes utilize a histidine-ligated heme cofactor and molecular oxygen or hydrogen peroxide to catalyze regioselective hydroxylation on the tryptophan indole moiety, which is mechanistically distinct from their animal counterparts from the nonheme iron enzyme family. Through genome mining, we also identify members that can hydroxylate the tryptophan indole ring at alternative positions. Our results not only reveal a conserved way to synthesize hydroxytryptophans in bacteria but also provide a valuable enzyme toolbox for biocatalysis. As proof of concept, we assemble a highly efficient pathway for melatonin in a bacterial host.

Melatonin facilitates oocyte growth in goats and mice through increased nutrient reserves and enhanced mitochondrial function.

Oogenesis involves two phases: initial volumetric growth driven by nutrient accumulation and subsequent nuclear maturation. While melatonin (MLT) has been employed as a supplement to enhance the quality of fully grown oocytes during nuclear maturation phase, its impact on oocyte growth remains poorly studied. Here, we provide in vivo evidence demonstrating that follicle-stimulating hormone increases MLT content in ovary. Administration of MLT improves oocyte growth and quality in mice and goats by enhancing nutrient reserves and mitochondrial function. Conversely, MLT-deficient mice have smaller oocytes and dysfunctional mitochondria. Exploring the clinical implications of MLT in promoting oocyte growth, we observe that a brief 2-day MLT treatment enhances oocyte quality and reproductive performance in older mice. These findings highlight the role of MLT in regulating oocyte growth and provide a specific treatment window for optimizing oocyte quality and reproductive performance in female animals.

Disruption of central and peripheral circadian clocks and circadian controlled estrogen receptor rhythms in night shift nurses in working environments.

Chronic disruption of circadian rhythms by night shift work is associated with an increased breast cancer risk. However, little is known about the impact of night shift on peripheral circadian genes (CGs) and circadian-controlled genes (CCGs) associated with breast cancer. Hence, we assessed central clock markers (melatonin and cortisol) in plasma, and peripheral CGs (PER1, PER2, PER3, and BMAL1) and CCGs (ESR1 and ESR2) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In day shift nurses (n = 12), 24-h rhythms of cortisol and melatonin were aligned with day shift-oriented light/dark schedules. The mRNA expression of PER2, PER3, BMAL1, and ESR2 showed 24-h rhythms with peak values in the morning. In contrast, night shift nurses (n = 10) lost 24-h rhythmicity of cortisol with a suppressed morning surge but retained normal rhythmic patterns of melatonin, leading to misalignment between cortisol and melatonin. Moreover, night shift nurses showed disruption of rhythmic expressions of PER2, PER3, BMAL1, and ESR2 genes, resulting in an impaired inverse correlation between PER2 and BMAL1 compared to day shift nurses. The observed trends of disrupted circadian markers were recapitulated in additional day (n = 20) and night (n = 19) shift nurses by measurement at early night and midnight time points. Taken together, this study demonstrated the misalignment of cortisol and melatonin, associated disruption of PER2 and ESR2 circadian expressions, and internal misalignment in peripheral circadian network in night shift nurses. Morning plasma cortisol and PER2, BMAL1, and ESR2 expressions in PBMCs may therefore be useful biomarkers of circadian disruption in shift workers.

Melatonin alleviates hyperoxia-induced lung injury through elevating MSC exosomal miR-18a-5p expression to repress PUM2 signaling.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC)-derived exosomes (Exo) are a possible option for hyperoxia-induced lung injury (HLI). We wanted to see if melatonin (MT)-pretreated MSC-derived exosomes (MT-Exo) were more effective against HLI, and we also tried to figure out the underlying mechanism. HLI models were established by hyperoxia exposure. HE staining was adopted to analyze lung pathological changes. MTT and flow cytometry were used to determine cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was analyzed using the JC-1 probe. LDH, ROS, SOD, and GSH-Px levels were examined by the corresponding kits. The interactions between miR-18a-5p, PUM2, and DUB3 were analyzed by molecular interaction experiments. MT-Exo could effectively inhibit hyperoxia-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory injury, and apoptosis in lung epithelial cells, while these effects of MT-Exo were weakened by miR-18a-5p knockdown in MSCs. miR-18a-5p reduced PUM2 expression in MLE-12 cells by directly targeting PUM2. In addition, PUM2 inactivated the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway by promoting DUB3 mRNA decay post-transcriptionally. As expected, PUM2 overexpression or DUB3 knockdown abolished the protective effect of MT-Exo on hyperoxia-induced lung epithelial cell injury. MT-Exo carrying miR-18a-5p reduced hyperoxia-mediated lung injury in mice through activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. MT reduced PUM2 expression and subsequently activated the DUB3/Nrf2/HO-1 signal axis by increasing miR-18a-5p expression in MSC-derived exosomes to alleviate HLI.

Melatonin suppresses atherosclerosis by ferroptosis inhibition via activating NRF2 pathway.

Melatonin (MLT), a conserved small indole compound, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, contributing to its cardioprotective effects. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is associated with atherosclerosis disease risk, and is known as an atherosclerosis risk biomarker. This study aimed to investigate the impact of MLT on Lp-PLA2 expression in the atherosclerotic process and explore the underlying mechanisms involved. In vivo, ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet, with or without MLT administration, after which the plaque area and collagen content were assessed. Macrophages were pretreated with MLT combined with ox-LDL, and the levels of ferroptosis-related proteins, NRF2 activation, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress were measured. MLT administration significantly attenuated atherosclerotic plaque progression, as evidenced by decreased plaque area and increased collagen. Compared with those in the high-fat diet (HD) group, the levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and SLC7A11 (xCT, a cystine/glutamate transporter) in atherosclerotic root macrophages were significantly increased in the MLT group. In vitro, MLT activated the nuclear factor-E2-related Factor 2 (NRF2)/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway, enhancing antioxidant capacity while reducing lipid peroxidation and suppressing Lp-PLA2 expression in macrophages. Moreover, MLT reversed ox-LDL-induced ferroptosis, through the use of ferrostatin-1 (a ferroptosis inhibitor) and/or erastin (a ferroptosis activator). Furthermore, the protective effects of MLT on Lp-PLA2 expression, antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation, and ferroptosis were decreased in ML385 (a specific NRF2 inhibitor)-treated macrophages and in AAV-sh-NRF2 treated ApoE-/- mice. MLT suppresses Lp-PLA2 expression and atherosclerosis processes by inhibiting macrophage ferroptosis and partially activating the NRF2 pathway.

Assessing the antiviral potential of melatonin: A comprehensive systematic review.

This review assesses the antiviral potential of melatonin through comprehensive analysis of studies across human subjects, animal models, cell cultures, and in-silico simulations. The search strategy targeted relevant research until 22 June 2023, resulting in 20 primary studies after screening and deduplication. The findings highlight strong evidence supporting antiviral properties of melatonin. In silico studies identify melatonin as a candidate against SARS-CoV-2, reducing cytokine storm-related respiratory responses. Cell culture experiments reveal its multifaceted effects on different viruses including respiratory syncytial virus, anti-dengue virus, transmissible gastroenteritis virus, and encephalomyocarditis virus. Animal studies show melatonin reduces mortality and viral replication in various infections such as Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis and COVID-19. Clinical trials show how it could be evaluated, but with no conclusive evidence of efficacy and safety so far from large, double-blind placebo-controlled trials. These insights showcase the potential of melatonin as a versatile antiviral agent with immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. In summary, our review highlights melatonin's promising antiviral properties across diverse settings. Melatonin's immunomodulatory and antiviral potential makes it a compelling candidate for further investigation, emphasising the need for rigorous clinical trials to establish its safety and efficacy against viral infections.