Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 60
Filter
Add more filters

Country/Region as subject
Publication year range
1.
PLoS Genet ; 18(7): e1010305, 2022 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35789210

ABSTRACT

Circadian clocks enable organisms to predict and align their behaviors and physiologies to constant daily day-night environmental cycle. Because the ubiquitin ligase Siah2 has been identified as a potential regulator of circadian clock function in cultured cells, we have used SIAH2-deficient mice to examine its function in vivo. Our experiments demonstrate a striking and unexpected sexually dimorphic effect of SIAH2-deficiency on the regulation of rhythmically expressed genes in the liver. The absence of SIAH2 in females, but not in males, altered the expression of core circadian clock genes and drastically remodeled the rhythmic transcriptome in the liver by increasing the number of day-time expressed genes, and flipping the rhythmic expression from nighttime expressed genes to the daytime. These effects are not readily explained by effects on known sexually dimorphic pathways in females. Moreover, loss of SIAH2 in females, not males, preferentially altered the expression of transcription factors and genes involved in regulating lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. Consequently, SIAH2-deficient females, but not males, displayed disrupted daily lipid and lipoprotein patterns, increased adiposity and impaired metabolic homeostasis. Overall, these data suggest that SIAH2 may be a key component of a female-specific circadian transcriptional output circuit that directs the circadian timing of gene expression to regulate physiological rhythms, at least in the liver. In turn, our findings imply that sex-specific transcriptional mechanisms may closely interact with the circadian clock to tailor overt rhythms for sex-specific needs.


Subject(s)
Circadian Clocks , Circadian Rhythm , Animals , Circadian Clocks/genetics , Circadian Rhythm/genetics , Female , Lipids , Lipoproteins , Male , Mice , Ubiquitin , Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics
2.
Int J Mol Sci ; 23(5)2022 Feb 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35269840

ABSTRACT

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a single layer of cells located between the choriocapillaris vessels and the light-sensitive photoreceptors in the outer retina. The RPE performs physiological processes necessary for the maintenance and support of photoreceptors and visual function. Among the many functions performed by the RPE, the timing of the peak in phagocytic activity by the RPE of the photoreceptor outer segments that occurs 1-2 h. after the onset of light has captured the interest of many investigators and has thus been intensively studied. Several studies have shown that this burst in phagocytic activity by the RPE is under circadian control and is present in nocturnal and diurnal species and rod and cone photoreceptors. Previous investigations have demonstrated that a functional circadian clock exists within multiple retinal cell types and RPE cells. However, the anatomical location of the circadian controlling this activity is not clear. Experimental evidence indicates that the circadian clock, melatonin, dopamine, and integrin signaling play a key role in controlling this rhythm. A series of very recent studies report that the circadian clock in the RPE controls the daily peak in phagocytic activity. However, the loss of the burst in phagocytic activity after light onset does not result in photoreceptor or RPE deterioration during aging. In the current review, we summarized the current knowledge on the mechanism controlling this phenomenon and the physiological role of this peak.


Subject(s)
Circadian Clocks , Retinal Pigment Epithelium , Circadian Clocks/physiology , Circadian Rhythm/physiology , Phagocytosis/physiology , Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells , Retinal Pigment Epithelium/metabolism
3.
Int J Mol Sci ; 23(10)2022 May 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35628111

ABSTRACT

The diurnal peak of phagocytosis by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of photoreceptor outer segments (POS) is under circadian control and believed that this process involves interactions from the retina and RPE. Previous studies have demonstrated that a functional circadian clock exists within multiple retinal cell types and RPE. Thereby, the aim of this study was to determine whether the clock in the retina or RPE controls the diurnal phagocytic peak and whether disruption of the circadian clock in the RPE would affect cellular function and the viability during aging. To that, we generated and validated an RPE tissue-specific KO of the essential clock gene, Bmal1, and then determined the daily rhythm in phagocytic activity by the RPE in mice lacking a functional circadian clock in the retina or RPE. Then, using electroretinography, spectral domain-optical coherence tomography, and optomotor response of visual function we determined the effect of Bmal1 removal in young (6 months) and old (18 months) mice. RPE morphology and lipofuscin accumulation was determined in young and old mice. Our data shows that the clock in the RPE, rather than the retina clock, controls the diurnal phagocytic peak. Surprisingly, absence of a functional RPE clock and phagocytic peak does not result in any detectable age-related degenerative phenotype in the retina or RPE. Thus, our results demonstrate that the circadian clock in the RPE controls the daily peak of phagocytic activity. However, the absence of the clock in the RPE does not result in deterioration of photoreceptors or the RPE during aging.


Subject(s)
Circadian Clocks , ARNTL Transcription Factors/genetics , ARNTL Transcription Factors/metabolism , Animals , Circadian Rhythm/physiology , Mice , Phagocytes , Retinal Pigment Epithelium/metabolism
4.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 115(51): 13099-13104, 2018 12 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30498030

ABSTRACT

The mammalian retina contains an autonomous circadian clock system that controls many physiological functions within this tissue. Previous studies on young mice have reported that removal of the key circadian clock gene Bmal1 from the retina affects the circadian regulation of visual function, but does not affect photoreceptor viability. Because dysfunction in the circadian system is known to affect cell viability during aging in other systems, we compared the effect of Bmal1 removal from the retina on visual function, inner retinal structure, and photoreceptor viability in young (1 to 3 months) and aged (24 to 26 months) mice. We found that removal of Bmal1 from the retina significantly affects visual information processing in both rod and cone pathways, reduces the thickness of inner retinal nuclear and plexiform layers, accelerates the decline of visual functions during aging, and reduces the viability of cone photoreceptors. Our results thus suggest that circadian clock dysfunction, caused by genetic or other means, may contribute to the decline of visual function during development and aging.


Subject(s)
ARNTL Transcription Factors/physiology , Aging/pathology , Circadian Rhythm , Retina/pathology , Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells/pathology , Vision, Ocular , Aging/metabolism , Animals , Circadian Clocks , Gene Expression Regulation , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Knockout , Retina/metabolism , Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells/metabolism
5.
Mol Vis ; 25: 791-799, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31819341

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Melatonin signaling plays an important role in the modulation of retinal physiology and photoreceptor viability during aging. In this study, we investigated whether 661W cells-a photoreceptor-like cell that endogenously expresses melatonin receptor type 1 (MT1) and melatonin receptor type 2 (MT2) receptors-represent a useful model for studying the biology of heterodimerization and signaling of MT1/2 receptors. Methods: 661W cells were cultured, and MT1/MT2 heterodimerization in 661W cells was assessed with proximity ligation assay. MT2 was removed from the 661W cells using the MT2-CRISPR/Cas9 system. Melatonin receptor signaling was investigated by measuring cAMP levels and activation of the AKT-FoxO1 pathway. Results: The results demonstrated that heterodimerization of MT1 and MT2 receptors occurs in 661W cells. The pathways activated by MT1/MT2 heterodimer (MT1/2h) in 661W cells are similar to those previously reported in mouse photoreceptors. Disruption of the heterodimer formation by genetically ablating MT2 from 661W cells abolished the activation of melatonin signaling in these cells. Conclusions: The data indicated that in 661W cells, MT1 and MT2 receptors are functional only when they are associated in a heteromeric complex, as occurs in mouse photoreceptors. 661W cells represent a useful model for studying the mechanism underlying MT1/MT2 heterodimerization.


Subject(s)
Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate/cytology , Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate/metabolism , Protein Multimerization , Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/metabolism , Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/metabolism , Animals , Cell Line , Cyclic AMP/metabolism , Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism , Melatonin/administration & dosage , Melatonin/pharmacology , Mice , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism , Signal Transduction/drug effects
6.
J Pineal Res ; 67(2): e12580, 2019 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30968433

ABSTRACT

Recent studies have highlighted the involvement of melatonin in the regulation of energy homeostasis. In this study, we report that mice lacking melatonin receptor 1 (MT1 KO) gained more weight, had a higher cumulative food intake, and were more hyperphagic after fasting compared to controls (WT). In response to a leptin injection, MT1 KO mice showed a diminished reduction in body weight and food intake. To evaluate hypothalamic leptin signaling, we tested leptin-induced phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Leptin failed to induce STAT3 phosphorylation in MT1 KO mice beyond levels observed in mice injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Furthermore, STAT3 phosphorylation within the arcuate nucleus (ARH) was decreased in MT1 KO mice. Leptin receptor mRNA levels in the hypothalamus of MT1 KO were significantly reduced (about 50%) compared to WT. This study shows that: (a) MT1 deficiency causes weight gain and increased food intake; (b) a lack of MT1 signaling induces leptin resistance; (c) leptin resistance is ARH region-specific; and (d) leptin resistance is likely due to down-regulation of the leptin receptor. Our data demonstrate that MT1 signaling is an important modulator of leptin signaling.


Subject(s)
Arcuate Nucleus of Hypothalamus/metabolism , Leptin/metabolism , Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/deficiency , Signal Transduction , Animals , Gene Deletion , Leptin/genetics , Male , Mice , Mice, Knockout , Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/metabolism
7.
Yale J Biol Med ; 92(2): 233-240, 2019 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31249484

ABSTRACT

Circadian rhythms control many biochemical and physiological functions within the body of an organism. These circadian rhythms are generated by a molecular clock that is located in almost every cell of the body. Accumulating data indicate that dysfunction of the circadian clock negatively affects the health status of the tissue in which the circadian clock has been disabled. The eye also contains a complex circadian system that regulates many important functions such as the processing of light information, the release of neurotransmitters, and phagocytic activity by the retinal pigment epithelium, to name just a few. Emerging experimental evidence indicates that dysfunction of the circadian clock within the retina has severe consequence for retinal function and photoreceptor viability. The aim of this review is to provide the reader with a summary of current knowledge about the eye circadian system and what effects emerge with a disruption of this system.


Subject(s)
Circadian Clocks/physiology , Circadian Rhythm/physiology , Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate/physiology , Retina/physiology , Animals , CLOCK Proteins/genetics , CLOCK Proteins/metabolism , Gene Expression Regulation , Humans , Models, Biological
8.
Exp Eye Res ; 177: 50-54, 2018 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30059666

ABSTRACT

Melatonin plays an important role in the regulation of retinal functions, and previous studies have also reported that the action of melatonin on photoreceptors is mediated by melatonin receptor heterodimers. Furthermore, it has been reported that the melatonin-induced increase in the amplitude of the a- and b-wave is significantly blunted by inhibition of PKC. Previous work has also shown that PKCζ is present in the photoreceptors, thus suggesting that PCKζ may be implicated in the modulation of melatonin signaling in photoreceptors. To investigate the role PKCζ plays in the modulation of the melatonin effect on the scotopic ERG, mice were injected with melatonin and with specific inhibitors of different PKC isoforms. PKCζ knockout mice were also used in this study. PKCζ activation in photoreceptors following melatonin injection was also investigated with immunocytochemistry. Inhibition of PKCζ by PKCζ-pseudosubstrate inhibitor (20 µM) significantly reduced the melatonin-induced increase in the amplitude of the a- and b-wave. To further investigate the role of different PKCs in the modulation of the ERGs, we tested whether intra-vitreal injection of Enzastaurin (a potent inhibitor of PCKα, PKCß, PKCγ, and PKCε) has any effect on the melatonin-induced increase in the a- and b-wave of the scotopic ERGs. Enzastaurin (100 nM) did not prevent the melatonin-induced increase in the amplitude of the a-wave, thus suggesting that PCKα, PKCß, PKCγ, and PKCε are not involved in this phenomenon. Finally, our data indicated that, in mice lacking PKCζ, melatonin injection failed to increase the amplitude of the a- and b-waves of the scotopic ERGs. An increase in PKCζ phosphorylation in the photoreceptors was also observed by immunocytochemistry. Our data indicate that melatonin signaling does indeed use the PKCζ pathway to increase the amplitude of the a- and b-wave of the scotopic ERG.


Subject(s)
Dark Adaptation/physiology , Isoenzymes/physiology , Melatonin/pharmacology , Photoreceptor Cells/drug effects , Protein Kinase C/physiology , Receptors, Melatonin/physiology , Retina/drug effects , Analysis of Variance , Animals , Dark Adaptation/drug effects , Electroretinography , Isoenzymes/antagonists & inhibitors , Male , Mice , Mice, Knockout , Protein Kinase C/antagonists & inhibitors , Signal Transduction/drug effects
9.
J Pineal Res ; 64(3)2018 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29247541

ABSTRACT

Recent genetic studies have highlighted the potential involvement of melatonin receptor 1 (MT1 ) and melatonin receptor 2 (MT2 ) in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Here, we report that mice lacking MT1 (MT1 KO) tend to accumulate more fat mass than WT mice and exhibit marked systemic insulin resistance. Additional experiments revealed that the main insulin signaling pathway affected by the loss of MT1 was the activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K). Transcripts of both catalytic and regulatory subunits of PI3K were strongly downregulated within MT1 KO mice. Moreover, the suppression of nocturnal melatonin levels within WT mice, by exposing mice to constant light, resulted in impaired PI3K activity and insulin resistance during the day, similar to what was observed in MT1 KO mice. Inversely, administration of melatonin to WT mice exposed to constant light was sufficient and necessary to restore insulin-mediated PI3K activity and insulin sensitivity. Hence, our data demonstrate that the activation of MT1 signaling at night modulates insulin sensitivity during the day via the regulation of the PI3K transcription and activity. Lastly, we provide evidence that decreased expression of MTNR1A (MT1 ) in the liver of diabetic individuals is associated with poorly controlled diabetes.


Subject(s)
Circadian Rhythm/physiology , Insulin Resistance/physiology , Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism , Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/metabolism , Animals , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism , Humans , Male , Mice , Mice, Knockout
10.
Adv Exp Med Biol ; 1074: 345-350, 2018.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29721962

ABSTRACT

Circadian rhythms are present in most living organisms, and these rhythms are not just a consequence of the day/night fluctuation, but rather they are generated by endogenous biological clocks with a periodicity of about 24 h. In mammals, the master pacemaker of circadian rhythms is localized in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus. The SCN controls circadian rhythms in peripheral organs. The retina also contains circadian clocks which regulate many aspects of retinal physiology, independently of the SCN. Emerging experimental evidence indicates that the retinal circadian clocks also affect ocular health, and a few studies have now demonstrated that disruption of retinal clocks may contribute to the development of retinal diseases. Our study indicates that in mice lacking the clock gene Bmal1, photoreceptor viability during aging is significantly reduced. Bmal1 knockout mice at 8-9 months of age have 20-30% less nuclei in the outer nuclear layer. No differences were observed in the other retinal layers. Our study suggests that the retinal circadian clock is an important modulator of photoreceptor health.


Subject(s)
Aging/physiology , Circadian Clocks/physiology , Circadian Rhythm/physiology , Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate/cytology , Retina/physiology , ARNTL Transcription Factors/deficiency , ARNTL Transcription Factors/genetics , Aging, Premature/genetics , Aging, Premature/pathology , Aging, Premature/physiopathology , Animals , Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/deficiency , CLOCK Proteins/deficiency , Cell Survival , Circadian Clocks/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation , Humans , Mice , Mice, Knockout , Nerve Tissue Proteins/deficiency , Retinal Degeneration/physiopathology , Suprachiasmatic Nucleus/physiology
11.
Hell J Nucl Med ; 21(1): 15-23, 2018.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29550842

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the palliative and tumoricidal effects of concurrent therapy of strontium-89 chloride (89SrCl2) and zoledronic acid (ZA) for painful bone metastases. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty-one patients with painful bone metastases prostate cancer (n=17), lung cancer (n=13), breast cancer (n=12), other cancers (n=9) were treated. Bone metastases was confirmed in all patients by technetium-99m hydroxymethylene diphosphonate (99mTc-HMDP) bone scintigraphy. The numeric rating scale (NRS) and performance status (PS) were used to assess the degree of pain and patients' physical condition. The extent of bone metastases was assessed with imaging modalities including CT, MRI and/or 99mTc bone scintigraphy before treatment and 2 or 3 months after. RESULTS: The pain relief response of 89SrCl2 with ZA for bone metastases was 94% (48/51) from 1 to 3 months after treatment. The tumoricidal effect of concurrent therapy by 89SrCl2 with ZA for painful bone metastases was 8/22 as shown by imaging modalities and the rate of non-progressive disease (non-PD) was 19/22. Pain due to bone metastases assessed with the NRS was significantly improved (P<0.001) in many types of primary cancer, including prostate, breast and lung cancers. CONCLUSION: Concurrent therapy of 89SrCl2 with ZA may offer not only pain relief, but also a tumoricidal effect for painful bone metastases.


Subject(s)
Bone Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Bone Neoplasms/secondary , Cancer Pain/radiotherapy , Diphosphonates/therapeutic use , Imidazoles/therapeutic use , Strontium Radioisotopes/therapeutic use , Strontium/therapeutic use , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Bone Neoplasms/complications , Bone Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Cancer Pain/diagnostic imaging , Combined Modality Therapy , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Treatment Outcome , Zoledronic Acid
12.
Mol Vis ; 23: 844-852, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29259391

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Previous studies have shown that melatonin (MEL) signaling is involved in the modulation of photoreceptor viability during aging. Recent work by our laboratory suggested that MEL may protect cones by modulating the Fas/FasL-caspase-3 pathway. In this study, we first investigated the presence of MEL receptors (MT1 and MT2) in 661W cells, then whether MEL can prevent H2O2-induced cell death, and last, through which pathway MEL confers protection. Methods: The mRNA and proteins of the MEL receptors were detected with quantitative PCR (q-PCR) and immunocytochemistry, respectively. To test the protective effect of MEL, 661W cells were treated with H2O2 for 2 h in the presence or absence of MEL, a MEL agonist, and an antagonist. To study the pathways involved in H2O2-mediated cell death, a Fas/FasL antagonist was used before the exposure to H2O2. Finally, Fas/FasL and caspase-3 mRNA was analyzed with q-PCR and immunocytochemistry in cells treated with H2O2 and/or MEL. Cell viability was analyzed by using Trypan Blue. Results: Both MEL receptors (MT1 and MT2) were detected at the mRNA and protein levels in 661W cells. MEL partially prevented H2O2-mediated cell death (20-25%). This effect was replicated with IIK7 (a melatonin receptor agonist) when used at a concentration of 1 µM. Preincubation with luzindole (a melatonin receptor antagonist) blocked MEL protection. Kp7-6, an antagonist of Fas/FasL, blocked cell death caused by H2O2 similarly to what was observed for MEL. Fas, FasL, and caspase-3 expression was increased in cells treated with H2O2, and this effect was prevented by MEL. Finally, MEL treatment partially prevented the activation of caspase-3 caused by H2O2. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that MEL receptors are present and functional in 661W cells. MEL can prevent photoreceptor cell death induced by H2O2 via the inhibition of the proapoptotic pathway Fas/FasL-caspase-3.


Subject(s)
Antioxidants/pharmacology , Caspase 3/metabolism , Fas Ligand Protein/antagonists & inhibitors , Hydrogen Peroxide/toxicity , Melatonin/pharmacology , Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells/drug effects , fas Receptor/antagonists & inhibitors , Animals , Caspase 3/genetics , Cell Line , Cell Survival/drug effects , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Fas Ligand Protein/genetics , Fas Ligand Protein/metabolism , Immunohistochemistry , Mice , Microscopy, Confocal , Oxidants/toxicity , RNA, Messenger/genetics , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction , Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/genetics , Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/metabolism , Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/genetics , Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/metabolism , Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells/metabolism , Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells/pathology , fas Receptor/genetics , fas Receptor/metabolism
13.
BMC Biol ; 13: 43, 2015 Jun 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26099272

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Daily rhythms in mammals are programmed by a master clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN contains two main compartments (shell and core), but the role of each region in system-level coordination remains ill defined. Herein, we use a functional assay to investigate how downstream tissues interpret region-specific outputs by using in vivo exposure to long day photoperiods to temporally dissociate the SCN. We then analyze resulting changes in the rhythms of clocks located throughout the brain and body to examine whether they maintain phase synchrony with the SCN shell or core. RESULTS: Nearly all of the 17 tissues examined in the brain and body maintain phase synchrony with the SCN shell, but not the SCN core, which indicates that downstream oscillators are set by cues controlled specifically by the SCN shell. Interestingly, we also found that SCN dissociation diminished the amplitude of rhythms in core clock gene and protein expression in brain tissues by 50-75 %, which suggests that light-driven changes in the functional organization of the SCN markedly influence the strength of rhythms in downstream tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our results reveal that body clocks receive time-of-day cues specifically from the SCN shell, which may be an adaptive design principle that serves to maintain system-level phase relationships in a changing environment. Further, we demonstrate that lighting conditions alter the amplitude of the molecular clock in downstream tissues, which uncovers a new form of plasticity that may contribute to seasonal changes in physiology and behavior.


Subject(s)
Brain/physiology , Circadian Clocks , Neurons/cytology , Suprachiasmatic Nucleus/cytology , Animals , Brain/cytology , Circadian Rhythm , Light , Male , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Neurons/physiology , Photoperiod
14.
Am J Hum Genet ; 90(2): 331-9, 2012 Feb 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22325362

ABSTRACT

Complete congenital stationary night blindness (cCSNB) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of retinal disorders characterized by nonprogressive impairment of night vision, absence of the electroretinogram (ERG) b-wave, and variable degrees of involvement of other visual functions. We report here that mutations in GPR179, encoding an orphan G protein receptor, underlie a form of autosomal-recessive cCSNB. The Gpr179(nob5/nob5) mouse model was initially discovered by the absence of the ERG b-wave, a component that reflects depolarizing bipolar cell (DBC) function. We performed genetic mapping, followed by next-generation sequencing of the critical region and detected a large transposon-like DNA insertion in Gpr179. The involvement of GPR179 in DBC function was confirmed in zebrafish and humans. Functional knockdown of gpr179 in zebrafish led to a marked reduction in the amplitude of the ERG b-wave. Candidate gene analysis of GPR179 in DNA extracted from patients with cCSNB identified GPR179-inactivating mutations in two patients. We developed an antibody against mouse GPR179, which robustly labeled DBC dendritic terminals in wild-type mice. This labeling colocalized with the expression of GRM6 and was absent in Gpr179(nob5/nob5) mutant mice. Our results demonstrate that GPR179 plays a critical role in DBC signal transduction and expands our understanding of the mechanisms that mediate normal rod vision.


Subject(s)
Mutation , Myopia/genetics , Myopia/physiopathology , Night Blindness/genetics , Night Blindness/physiopathology , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics , Retinal Bipolar Cells/metabolism , Retinal Bipolar Cells/physiology , Animals , Chromosome Mapping/methods , Dark Adaptation/genetics , Electroretinography/methods , Eye Diseases, Hereditary , Gene Knockdown Techniques/methods , Genetic Diseases, X-Linked , Heterozygote , Humans , Mice , Mice, Inbred C3H , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Myopia/metabolism , Night Blindness/metabolism , Pedigree , Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate/genetics , Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells/metabolism , Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells/physiology , Signal Transduction , Zebrafish
15.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 108(21): 8844-9, 2011 May 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21555574

ABSTRACT

N-acetylserotonin (NAS), the immediate precursor of melatonin, the pineal gland indole, is regulated in a circadian rhythm. NAS swiftly activates TrkB in a circadian manner and exhibits antidepressant effect in a TrkB-dependent manner. Here we show that NAS regulates an early event of neurogenesis by increasing neuronal progenitor cell (NPC) proliferation. Subchronic and chronic NAS administration induces NPC proliferation in adult mice. Chronic NAS treatment triggers TrkB receptor activation and its downstream signaling in NPCs. Blockade of TrkB abolishes NAS-elicited neurogenesis in TrkBF616A knockin mice, suggesting that TrkB activation is essential for the effect of NAS-induced NPC proliferation. Moreover, NAS induces NPC proliferation in both active and sleeping phases of the mice. Strikingly, NAS significantly enhances NPC proliferation in sleep-deprived mice. Thus, our finding demonstrates a unique function of NAS in promoting robust NPC proliferation, which may contribute to hippocampal plasticity during sleeping period.


Subject(s)
Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Hippocampus/cytology , Neural Stem Cells/cytology , Serotonin/analogs & derivatives , Sleep Deprivation/pathology , Animals , Antidepressive Agents/pharmacology , Membrane Glycoproteins , Mice , Neural Stem Cells/drug effects , Neurogenesis , Protein-Tyrosine Kinases , Serotonin/administration & dosage , Serotonin/pharmacology
16.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 5537, 2024 Jul 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38956413

ABSTRACT

Circadian gene expression is fundamental to the establishment and functions of the circadian clock, a cell-autonomous and evolutionary-conserved timing system. Yet, how it is affected by environmental-circadian disruption (ECD) such as shiftwork and jetlag are ill-defined. Here, we provided a comprehensive and comparative description of male liver circadian gene expression, encompassing transcriptomes, whole-cell proteomes and nuclear proteomes, under normal and after ECD conditions. Under both conditions, post-translation, rather than transcription, is the dominant contributor to circadian functional outputs. After ECD, post-transcriptional and post-translational processes are the major contributors to whole-cell or nuclear circadian proteome, respectively. Furthermore, ECD re-writes the rhythmicity of 64% transcriptome, 98% whole-cell proteome and 95% nuclear proteome. The re-writing, which is associated with changes of circadian regulatory cis-elements, RNA-processing and protein localization, diminishes circadian regulation of fat and carbohydrate metabolism and persists after one week of ECD-recovery.


Subject(s)
Circadian Clocks , Circadian Rhythm , Liver , Proteome , Animals , Liver/metabolism , Proteome/metabolism , Male , Circadian Rhythm/physiology , Circadian Rhythm/genetics , Circadian Clocks/genetics , Circadian Clocks/physiology , Transcriptome , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Gene Expression Regulation , Jet Lag Syndrome/metabolism , Shift Work Schedule
17.
bioRxiv ; 2023 Aug 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37693605

ABSTRACT

Circadian gene expression is fundamental to the establishment and functions of the circadian clock, a cell-autonomous and evolutionary-conserved timing system. Yet, how it is affected by environmental-circadian disruption (ECD) such as shiftwork and jetlag, which impact millions of people worldwide, are ill-defined. Here, we provided the first comprehensive description of liver circadian gene expression under normal and after ECD conditions. We found that post-transcription and post-translation processes are dominant contributors to whole-cell or nuclear circadian proteome, respectively. Furthermore, rhythmicity of 64% transcriptome, 98% whole-cell proteome and 95% nuclear proteome is re-written by ECD. The re-writing, which is associated with changes of circadian cis-regulatory elements, RNA-processing and protein trafficking, diminishes circadian regulation of fat and carbohydrate metabolism and persists after one week of ECD-recovery.

18.
Exp Eye Res ; 103: 82-9, 2012 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22960156

ABSTRACT

In the vertebrate retina, melatonin is synthesized by the photoreceptors with high levels of melatonin at night and lower levels during the day. Melatonin exerts its influence by interacting with a family of G-protein-coupled receptors that are negatively coupled with adenylyl cyclase. Melatonin receptors belonging to the subtypes MT(1) and MT(2) have been identified in the mammalian retina. MT(1) and MT(2) receptors are found in all layers of the neural retina and in the retinal pigmented epithelium. Melatonin in the eye is believed to be involved in the modulation of many important retinal functions; it can modulate the electroretinogram (ERG), and administration of exogenous melatonin increases light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. Melatonin may also have protective effects on retinal pigment epithelial cells, photoreceptors and ganglion cells. A series of studies have implicated melatonin in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration, and melatonin administration may represent a useful approach to prevent and treat glaucoma. Melatonin is used by millions of people around the world to retard aging, improve sleep performance, mitigate jet lag symptoms, and treat depression. Administration of exogenous melatonin at night may also be beneficial for ocular health, but additional investigation is needed to establish its potential.


Subject(s)
Melatonin/physiology , Retina/physiology , Retina/physiopathology , Circadian Rhythm/physiology , Humans , Receptors, Melatonin/metabolism , Retinal Degeneration/physiopathology
19.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 106(35): 15043-8, 2009 Sep 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19706469

ABSTRACT

A clear demonstration of the role of melatonin and its receptors in specific retinal functions is lacking. The present study investigated the distribution of MT1 receptors within the retina, and the scotopic and photopic electroretinograms (ERG) and retinal morphology in wild-type (WT) and MT1 receptor-deficient mice. MT1 receptor transcripts were localized in photoreceptor cells and in some inner retinal neurons. A diurnal rhythm in the dark-adapted ERG responses was observed in WT mice, with higher a- and b-wave amplitudes at night, but this rhythm was absent in mice lacking MT1 receptors. Injection of melatonin during the day decreased the scotopic response threshold and the amplitude of the a- and b-waves in the WT mice, but not in the MT1(-/-) mice. The effects of MT1 receptor deficiency on retinal morphology was investigated at three different ages (3, 12, and 18 months). No differences between MT1(-/-) and WT mice were observed at 3 months of age, whereas at 12 months MT1(-/-) mice have a significant reduction in the number of photoreceptor nuclei in the outer nuclear layer compared with WT controls. No differences were observed in the number of cells in inner nuclear layer or in ganglion cells at 12 months of age. At 18 months, the loss of photoreceptor nuclei in the outer nuclear layer was further accentuated and the number of ganglion cells was also significantly lower than that of controls. These data demonstrate the functional significance of melatonin and MT1 receptors in the mammalian retina and create the basis for future studies on the therapeutic use of melatonin in retinal degeneration.


Subject(s)
Melatonin/metabolism , Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/metabolism , Retina/cytology , Retina/metabolism , Vision, Ocular , Adaptation, Biological , Aging , Animals , Cell Survival , Darkness , Electroretinography , Gene Expression Regulation , Mice , Mice, Knockout , RNA, Messenger/genetics , Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/deficiency , Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/genetics , Retinal Degeneration/metabolism , Retinal Degeneration/therapy
20.
Methods Mol Biol ; 2550: 367-375, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36180706

ABSTRACT

The mammalian eye harbors a full circadian system that controls several physiologically relevant functions within this organ. During the last two decades a few laboratories have developed transgenic animal models in which circadian rhythms can be monitored in real time using luciferase activity. The most famous transgenic mouse to record bioluminescence rhythms from different tissues and organs is the PERIOD2::LUCIFERASE (PER2::LUC) mouse developed by the Takahashi laboratory in early 2000. Since then, several studies have used this mouse model to dissect the mammalian circadian system by monitoring the circadian rhythm in the brain, the eye, and in many other peripheral organs and tissues. This chapter describes the methodology to record and analyze bioluminescence rhythms from the retina, retinal pigment epithelium, and cornea of PER2::LUC mice.


Subject(s)
Circadian Clocks , Circadian Rhythm , Animals , Circadian Rhythm/physiology , Luciferases/genetics , Luciferases/metabolism , Mammals/metabolism , Mice , Mice, Transgenic , Period Circadian Proteins/metabolism , Retina/metabolism , Retinal Pigment Epithelium/metabolism
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL