Seasonal reproductive state determines gene expression in the hypothalamus of a latitudinal migratory songbird during the spring and autumn migration. (15th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sharma, Aakansha; Das, Subhajit; Komal, Ruchi; Malik, Shalie; Rani, Sangeeta; Kumar, Vinod
• Is Part Of: Molecular and cellular endocrinology. Volume 508(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-05-15
• Subjects: Bird -- Hypothalamus -- Gene expression -- Migration -- Testes -- Transcriptome; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Hormones -- Periodicals; Endocrinologie -- Périodiques; Cytology; Endocrinology; Molecular biology; Periodicals; 573.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110794
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0303-7207

Abstract

Abstract: We investigated gonadal effects on hypothalamic transcription of genes in sham-operated and castrated redheaded buntings photostimulated into spring and autumn migratory states. RNA-Seq results showed testes-dependent differences between spring and autumn migratory states. In particular, differentially expressed genes enriched G-protein-coupled receptor and calcium-ion signaling pathways during spring and autumn states, respectively. qPCR assay showed attenuated gabra5, ttr, thra and thrb expressions, suggesting reduced GABA and thyroid hormone effects on photo-sexual response in spring. In spring castrates, reduced npy, tac1 and nrcam and increased ank3 expression suggested testicular effects on the appetite, prolactin release and neuronal functions, whereas in autumn castrates, reduced rasgrp1, grm5 and grin1, and increased mras expression suggested testicular effects on the ras, G-protein and glutamate signaling pathways. Castration-induced reciprocal switching of pomc and pdyn expressions suggested effects on the overall homeostasis in both seasons. These results demonstrate transcriptome-wide changes, with season-dependent roles of testes in songbird migration. Highlights: We investigated gonadal effects on hypothalamic gene transcription in a migrant. Seasonal differences of castration on transcriptome-wide changes in hypothalamus. Differentially expressed genes enriched different gene pathways between seasons. Differential testis-effect on hypothalamic pathways in spring and autumn migration. Demonstrate season-dependent roles of testes in molecular regulation of migration.