Structural and Functional Evolution of Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-activating Polypeptide (PACAP) in Chordates

Structural and Functional Evolution of Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-activating Polypeptide (PACAP) in Chordates PDF Author: Bruce Alexander Adams
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Chordata
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Neuropeptide hormones arose early in evolution. Multigene families in vertebrates are proposed to have arisen initially in early vertebrates by genome duplication events. In its simplest form, the theory suggests that the copy of a duplicated, ancestral single gene diverged in sequence, and possibly function, from its original match. My goal was to understand the structural and functional evolution of two neuropeptides, gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH), a member of a single gene family, and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a member of a multigene superfamily of hormones. GnRH is the primary regulator of reproduction in vertebrates, but the evolutionary origin of GnRH is not clear. In the protochordate tunicate Ciona intestinalis, I found there are two genes that encode GnRH peptides, however each gene encodes different GnRH peptides. Furthermore, these peptides are novel structures for GnRH and quickly induce spawning in Ciona, suggesting a novel and direct action for GnRH in the control of reproduction. In studies of the novel form of GnRH in lake whitefish, wfGnRH, I provide proof wfGnRH is a gonadotropin-releasing form in whitefish by showing it to be an activator of pituitary gonadotropin and growth hormone gene expression, and is colocalized in the forebrain region. PACAP is a hormone structurally related to glucagon and has been tightly conserved in structure during evolution. PACAP is produced as either a 27 or a 38 amino acid form in vertebrates, whereas in one tunicate studied to date, PACAP is produced from each of two genes as a 27 amino acid form. PACAP regulates several endocrine systems and has direct and indirect actions on metabolism, growth, and reproduction, and is well-known for its ability to potently secrete insulin in laboratory testing. I studied a number of species to increase our understanding of PACAP gene diversity in evolution. I was unable to identify a PACAP-like gene in the tunicate species, C. intestinalis. However, I identified a number of novel PACAP peptide structures in nine fish species by molecular biological and bioinformatic approaches. I was able to identify a second copy of a PACAP gene in five of the nine species. Using these data, I constructed a phylogenetic relationship for prohormones for PACAP in chordates and propose a updated explanation for the evolution of the PACAPfglucagon superfamily of genes in vertebrates. Using morpholino-based knockdown of the PACAP peptides in zebrafish early development, I showed that each copy of these two genes is functional and important in normal development in zebrafish, suggesting that divergence in function of the two different PACAP genes coincided with divergence in sequence. I also studied mice to determine the proposed role for PACAP in themogulation. Recently, the pups born to a new model of mouse with a targeted disruption of the PACAP gene (PACAP-null) have been found to have disruption of normal lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and die early in the second postnatal week ...

Structural and Functional Evolution of Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-activating Polypeptide (PACAP) in Chordates

Structural and Functional Evolution of Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-activating Polypeptide (PACAP) in Chordates PDF Author: Bruce Alexander Adams
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Chordata
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Neuropeptide hormones arose early in evolution. Multigene families in vertebrates are proposed to have arisen initially in early vertebrates by genome duplication events. In its simplest form, the theory suggests that the copy of a duplicated, ancestral single gene diverged in sequence, and possibly function, from its original match. My goal was to understand the structural and functional evolution of two neuropeptides, gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH), a member of a single gene family, and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a member of a multigene superfamily of hormones. GnRH is the primary regulator of reproduction in vertebrates, but the evolutionary origin of GnRH is not clear. In the protochordate tunicate Ciona intestinalis, I found there are two genes that encode GnRH peptides, however each gene encodes different GnRH peptides. Furthermore, these peptides are novel structures for GnRH and quickly induce spawning in Ciona, suggesting a novel and direct action for GnRH in the control of reproduction. In studies of the novel form of GnRH in lake whitefish, wfGnRH, I provide proof wfGnRH is a gonadotropin-releasing form in whitefish by showing it to be an activator of pituitary gonadotropin and growth hormone gene expression, and is colocalized in the forebrain region. PACAP is a hormone structurally related to glucagon and has been tightly conserved in structure during evolution. PACAP is produced as either a 27 or a 38 amino acid form in vertebrates, whereas in one tunicate studied to date, PACAP is produced from each of two genes as a 27 amino acid form. PACAP regulates several endocrine systems and has direct and indirect actions on metabolism, growth, and reproduction, and is well-known for its ability to potently secrete insulin in laboratory testing. I studied a number of species to increase our understanding of PACAP gene diversity in evolution. I was unable to identify a PACAP-like gene in the tunicate species, C. intestinalis. However, I identified a number of novel PACAP peptide structures in nine fish species by molecular biological and bioinformatic approaches. I was able to identify a second copy of a PACAP gene in five of the nine species. Using these data, I constructed a phylogenetic relationship for prohormones for PACAP in chordates and propose a updated explanation for the evolution of the PACAPfglucagon superfamily of genes in vertebrates. Using morpholino-based knockdown of the PACAP peptides in zebrafish early development, I showed that each copy of these two genes is functional and important in normal development in zebrafish, suggesting that divergence in function of the two different PACAP genes coincided with divergence in sequence. I also studied mice to determine the proposed role for PACAP in themogulation. Recently, the pups born to a new model of mouse with a targeted disruption of the PACAP gene (PACAP-null) have been found to have disruption of normal lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and die early in the second postnatal week ...

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Signaling and Functions

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Signaling and Functions PDF Author: Ivana Bjelobaba
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889454797
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 170

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Book Description
This eBook provides a comprehensive overview of our current knowledge on Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor evolution, structure, signaling and functions. Apart from review articles, it comprises exciting new research, as well as hypotheses and perspectives, all of which are valuable in guiding our further research in this field.

Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide

Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide PDF Author: Hubert Vaudry
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461502438
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 432

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Book Description
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide is the first volume to be written on the neuropeptide PACAP. It covers all domains of PACAP from molecular and cellular aspects to physiological activities and promises for new therapeutic strategies. Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide is the twentieth volume published in the Endocrine Updates book series under the Series Editorship of Shlomo Melmed, MD.

Evolution of gonadotropin-releasing hormone structure and function

Evolution of gonadotropin-releasing hormone structure and function PDF Author: Ruth Cynthia Powell
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone: Molecules and Receptors

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone: Molecules and Receptors PDF Author: I.S. Parhar
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080524761
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 345

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Book Description
This volume summarizes the evolution and physiology of GnRH molecules and receptors, and provides insight as to how social behavior influences cellular and molecular events in the brain from a comparative perspective. The chapters in this volume are divided into three major sections: Development and Cell Migration, GnRH Receptors, Physiology and Regulation. The review papers arose primarily from presentations made at the Second International Symposium on the Comparative Biology of GnRH, held in Penang, Malaysia, June 2-4, 2001; a satellite symposium in conjunction with the XIV International Congress of Comparative Endocrinology, Sorrento, Italy. In addition, leading neuroscientists doing cutting-edge research in the field of GnRH were invited as authors to make this volume a valuable reference.

Structural and Functional Evolution of GnRH and Its Receptors in Three Chordate Models

Structural and Functional Evolution of GnRH and Its Receptors in Three Chordate Models PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Neural control of reproduction in vertebrates and invertebrates has generated considerable interest due to the presence of common neuropeptides. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), a neuropeptide, is the final integrator of neural regulation governing reproduction in vertebrates by controlling the release of gonadotropins. Little is known about GnRH before the origin of vertebrates or about the biological significance of multiple GnRH forms in a single species. To understand the role of GnRH in invertebrates, I selected a tunicate, Ciona intestinalis, the sister group to vertebrates and amphioxus, Branchiostoina floridae, a group more basal than tunicates. Neural control of reproduction in these chordates was compared with that in the zebrafish, Danio rerio. From the zebrafish, I isolated four GnRH receptor cDNAs that each map to a distinct chromosome and are expressed in a variety of tissues. Each receptor was functional, as shown by its response to physiological doses of native GnRH peptides. Also, two receptors showed selectivity between GnRH1 and GnRH2. Protein localization of each zebrafish GnRH receptor with specific antisera showed that all four receptors are present in the pituitary. However, the most striking localization revealed the presence of GnRH networks in a major motor control centre and fibre tract system in the hindbrain and spinal cord. Both structures are major components in the control of motor movements, such as swimming. Phylogenetic and synteny analysis segregates the four zebrafish GnRH receptors into two distinct phylogenetic groups that are separate gene lineages conserved throughout vertebrate evolution. In Ciona intestinalis, we found two GnRH genes that each encode three GnRH decapeptides in tandem, for six unique GnRH forms from this species. These genes are expressed throughout development. With an immunocytochemical approach, at least one peptide was found in the dorsal strand nerve plexus adjacent to the gonads in adults. Inject.

Dissertation Abstracts International

Dissertation Abstracts International PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Dissertations, Academic
Languages : en
Pages : 768

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The Role of Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-activating Polypeptide (PACAP) in Cell Cycle Exit, Differentiation and Apoptosis During Early Chick Brain Development

The Role of Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-activating Polypeptide (PACAP) in Cell Cycle Exit, Differentiation and Apoptosis During Early Chick Brain Development PDF Author: Nola Marlene Erhardt
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Regulated survival, proliferation and differentiation of cells in the nervous system is crucial for development. Much of regulation is controlled by hormones. There is abundant evidence that a member of the glucagon superfamily, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), is important in this process. PACAP functions have been described in the peripheral and central nervous systems of many species. Although the primary function of PACAP is not known, its high conservation and presence in all species examined to date suggest it is vital to normal development. My thesis objective was to determine the response of early CNS neuroblasts to PACAP, in conjunction with another glucagon superfamily member, growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH). GHRH is best known for causing release of growth hormone from the pituitary, but it also has functions in nervous system development. Because PACAP and GHRH are encoded on the same gene in non-mammalian vertebrates, it is possible that they have similar or coordinated functions. PACAP affects development by altering levels of proliferation and differentiation and decreasing apoptosis. For these reasons, I focused my research in these areas. Using neuroblast-enriched cultures from embryonic day 3.5 chick, my first goal was to show that PACAP and GHRH affected these cells. Radioimmunoassays for cAMP revealed that all but one form of PACAP, and only one form of GHRH, caused an increase in cAMP relative to controls. As to the former, comparison of differing PACAP structures suggested that conservation at the amino terminus was important in binding the hormone to the receptor. The fact that PACAP, but not GHRH, increased cAMP, indicated that evolution of PACAP and GHRH had altered their functions. Chick neuroblasts were also shown to produce PACAP and its primary receptor, suggesting an autocrine/paracrine role for PACAP. My next goal was to examine the nature of the downstream effects of increased cAMP. To study cell cycle, I developed a protocol using proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and propidium iodide (PI), in fixed cell populations. PCNA is present in low amounts in non-cycling cells, but rises sharply in actively proliferating cells. The PI helped delineate cell cycle compartments, because in permeabilized cells it binds to and quantifies DNA. Changes in G0, G1, S and G2/M were recorded using flow cytometry. Because the cells were producing PACAP and most were cycling, rather than add more PACAP I chose to block the PACAP receptor. This caused cell cycle exit. I also blocked the cell cycle at two points, and showed that exogenous PACAP could release some cells from the block, and return them to cycling. PACAP affected apoptosis also, but because the protocol was not designed to measure this, I adopted another protocol using flow cytometry. With live cells, and fluorescein diacetate, which is retained and fluoresces in healthy cells, and PI, which enters only cells with damaged membranes, I used the characteristic of apoptotic cells to die with membranes intact to confirm increased apoptosis when the PACAP receptor was blocked. This left the question of whether PACAP affected differentiation. The cell cycle protocol had shown some cells were still quiescent, not dying, at 24 h, so I hypothesized that they might be differentiating. I used proteomics to test this. With isotope-coded affinity tagged (ICAT) analysis, I measured changes in protein content in cells that had been treated with the receptor blocker, compared to control. This confirmed previous work and my hypothesis that some cells were differentiating. Because this technique is not commonly used in molecular biology, I also evaluated the effectiveness of the technique. My work showed that endogenous PACAP keeps chick neuroblasts alive and cycling, but will allow some to differentiate rather than die, when the hormone is withdrawn. Obviously, PACAP plays a crucial role in early chick brain development.

Evolution of the Structure and Function of Vertebrate Brain Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone

Evolution of the Structure and Function of Vertebrate Brain Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone PDF Author: R. C. Powell
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Brain chemistry
Languages : en
Pages : 220

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Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Signaling and Functions

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Signaling and Functions PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
This eBook provides a comprehensive overview of our current knowledge on Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor evolution, structure, signaling and functions. Apart from review articles, it comprises exciting new research, as well as hypotheses and perspectives, all of which are valuable in guiding our further research in this field.