Targeted disruption of the mouse Mel(1b) melatonin receptor

Two high-affinity, G protein-coupled melatonin receptor subtypes have been identified in mammals. Targeted disruption of the Mel(1a) melatonin receptor prevents some, but not all, responses to the hormone, suggesting functional redundancy among receptor subtypes (Liu et al., Neuron 19:91-102, 1997). In the present work, the mouse Mel(1b) melatonin receptor cDNA was isolated and characterized, and the gene has been disrupted. The cDNA encodes a receptor with high affinity for melatonin and a pharmacological profile consistent with its assignment as encoding a melatonin receptor. Mice with targeted disruption of the Mel(1b) receptor have no obvious circadian phenotype. Melatonin suppressed multiunit electrical activity in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in Mel(1b) receptor-deficient mice as effectively as in wild-type controls. The neuropeptide, pituitary adenylyl cyclase activating peptide, increases the level of phosphorylated cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) in SCN slices, and melatonin reduces this effect. The Mel(1a) receptor subtype mediates this inhibitory response at moderate ligand concentrations (1 nM). A residual response apparent in Mel(1a) receptor-deficient C3H mice at higher melatonin concentrations (100 nM) is absent in Mel(1a)-Mel(1b) double-mutant mice, indicating that the Mel(1b) receptor mediates this effect of melatonin. These data indicate that there is a limited functional redundancy between the receptor subtypes in the SCN. Mice with targeted disruption of melatonin receptor subtypes will allow molecular dissection of other melatonin receptor-mediated responses.     

Molecular determinants for the differential coupling of Galpha(16) to the melatonin MT1, MT2 and Xenopus Mel1c receptors

The pineal neurohormone melatonin modulates a variety of physiological processes through different receptors. It has recently been reported that the cloned melatonin receptors (MT1, MT2 and Mel1c) exhibit differential abilities to stimulate phospholipase C (PLC) via G(16). Here we examined the molecular basis of such differences in melatonin receptor signaling. Coexpression of MT1 or MT2 with the alpha subunit of G(16) (Galpha(16) ) allowed COS-7 cells to accumulate inositol phosphates in response to 2-iodomelatonin. In contrast, Mel1c did not activate Galpha(16) even though its expression was demonstrated by radioligand binding and agonist-induced inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. As Mel1c possesses an exceptionally large C-terminal tail, we further asked if this structural feature prevented productive coupling to Galpha(16). Eleven chimeric melatonin or mutant receptors were constructed by swapping all or part of the C-terminal tail between MT1, MT2 and Mel1c. All chimeras were fully capable of binding 2-[(125) I]iodomelatonin and inhibiting adenylyl cyclase. Chimeras containing the full-length Mel1c tail were incapable of activating Galpha(16), while those that contained the complete C-terminal region of either MT1 or MT2 stimulated PLC. Incorporation of the extra portion of the C-terminal tail of Mel1c to either MT1 or MT2 completely abolished the chimeras' ability to stimulate PLC via Galpha(16). In contrast, truncation of the C-terminal tail of Mel1c allowed interaction with Galpha(16). Our results suggest that Galpha(16) can discern structural differences amid the three melatonin receptors and provide evidence for functional distinction of Mel1c from MT1 and MT2 receptors.     

The endogenous melatonin (MT) signal facilitates reentrainment of the circadian system to light-induced phase advances by acting upon MT2 receptors

The indolamine melatonin is an important rhythmic endocrine signal in the circadian system. Exogenous melatonin can entrain circadian rhythms in physiology and behavior, but the role of endogenous melatonin and the two membrane-bound melatonin receptor types, MT1 and MT2, in reentrainment of daily rhythms to light-induced phase shifts is not understood. The present study analyzed locomotor activity rhythms and clock protein levels in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of melatonin-deficient (C57BL/6J) and melatonin-proficient (C3H/HeN) mice, as well as in melatonin-proficient (C3H/HeN) mice with targeted deletion of the MT1, MT2, or both receptors, to determine effects associated with phase delays or phase advances of the light/dark (LD) cycle. In all mouse strains and genotypes, reentrainment of locomotor activity rhythms was significantly faster after a 6-h phase delay than a 6-h phase advance. Reentrainment after the phase advance was, however, significantly slower than in melatonin-deficient animals and in mice lacking functional MT2 receptors than melatonin-proficient animals with intact MT2 receptors. To investigate whether these behavioral differences coincide with differences in reentrainment of clock protein levels in the SCN, mPER1, mCRY1 immunoreactions were compared between control mice kept under the original LD cycle and killed at zeitgeber time 04 (ZT04) or at ZT10, respectively, and experimental mice subjected to a 6-h phase advance of the LD cycle and sacrificed at ZT10 on the third day after phase advance. This ZT corresponds to ZT04 of the original LD cycle. Under the original LD cycle, the numbers of mPER1- and mCRY1-immunoreactive cell nuclei were low at ZT04 and high at ZT10 in the SCN of all mouse strains and genotypes investigated. Notably, mouse strains with intact melatonin signaling and functional MT2 receptors showed a significant increase in the number of mPER1- and mCRY1-immunoreactive cell nuclei at the new ZT10 as compared to the former ZT04. These data suggest the endogenous melatonin signal facilitates reentrainment of the circadian system to phase advances on the level of the SCN molecular clockwork by acting upon MT2 receptors.     

The Endogenous Melatonin (MT) Signal Facilitates Reentrainment of the Circadian System to Light-Induced Phase Advances by Acting Upon MT2 Receptors

The indolamine melatonin is an important rhythmic endocrine signal in the circadian system. Exogenous melatonin can entrain circadian rhythms in physiology and behavior, but the role of endogenous melatonin and the two membrane-bound melatonin receptor types, MT1 and MT2, in reentrainment of daily rhythms to light-induced phase shifts is not understood. The present study analyzed locomotor activity rhythms and clock protein levels in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of melatonin-deficient (C57BL/6J) and melatonin-proficient (C3H/HeN) mice, as well as in melatonin-proficient (C3H/HeN) mice with targeted deletion of the MT1, MT2, or both receptors, to determine effects associated with phase delays or phase advances of the light/dark (LD) cycle. In all mouse strains and genotypes, reentrainment of locomotor activity rhythms was significantly faster after a 6-h phase delay than a 6-h phase advance. Reentrainment after the phase advance was, however, significantly slower than in melatonin-deficient animals and in mice lacking functional MT2 receptors than melatonin-proficient animals with intact MT2 receptors. To investigate whether these behavioral differences coincide with differences in reentrainment of clock protein levels in the SCN, mPER1, mCRY1 immunoreactions were compared between control mice kept under the original LD cycle and killed at zeitgeber time 04 (ZT04) or at ZT10, respectively, and experimental mice subjected to a 6-h phase advance of the LD cycle and sacrificed at ZT10 on the third day after phase advance. This ZT corresponds to ZT04 of the original LD cycle. Under the original LD cycle, the numbers of mPER1- and mCRY1-immunoreactive cell nuclei were low at ZT04 and high at ZT10 in the SCN of all mouse strains and genotypes investigated. Notably, mouse strains with intact melatonin signaling and functional MT2 receptors showed a significant increase in the number of mPER1- and mCRY1-immunoreactive cell nuclei at the new ZT10 as compared to the former ZT04. These data suggest the endogenous melatonin signal facilitates reentrainment of the circadian system to phase advances on the level of the SCN molecular clockwork by acting upon MT2 receptors. (Author correspondence: M.Pfeffer@em.uni-frankfurt.de)     

Differential coupling of the extreme C-terminus of G protein alpha subunits to the G protein-coupled melatonin receptors

Melatonin receptors interact with pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins to inhibit adenylate cyclase. However, the G protein coupling profiles of melatonin receptor subtypes have not been fully characterised and alternative G protein coupling is evident. The five C-terminal residues of Galpha subunits confer coupling specificity to G protein-coupled receptors. This report outlines the use of Galphas chimaeras to alter the signal output of human melatonin receptors and investigate their interaction with the C-termini of Galpha subunits. The Galphas portion of the chimaeras confers the ability to activate adenylate cyclase leading to cyclic AMP production. Co-transfection of HEK293 cells expressing MT(1) or MT(2) melatonin receptors with Galphas chimaeras and a cyclic AMP activated luciferase construct provided a convenient and sensitive assay system for identification of receptor recognition of Galpha C-termini. Luciferase assay sensitivity was compared with measurement of cyclic AMP elevations by radioimmunoassay. Differential interactions of the melatonin receptor subtypes with Galpha chimaeras were observed. Temporal and kinetic parameters of cyclic AMP responses measured by cyclic AMP radioimmunoassay varied depending on the Galphas chimaeras coupled. Recognition of the C-terminal five amino acids of the Galpha subunit is a requisite for coupling to a receptor, but it is not the sole determinant.     

The chronobiotic properties of melatonin

In mammals, the exact role of melatonin (Mel) in the circadian timing system remains to be determined. However, exogenously administered Mel, as reported in the present mini-review, has been shown to affect the circadian clock. The sites and mechanisms of action involved in this "chronobiotic" effect of Mel have begun to be characterized. The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) appear to be an important site for the entrainment effect of Mel and the presence of Mel receptors appears to be a prerequisite. However, the pharmacological dose of Mel needed to entrain circadian rhythms means that very probably other sites and mechanisms also play a role.     

Circadian rhythms of photorefractory siberian hamsters remain responsive to melatonin

Short day lengths increase the duration of nocturnal melatonin (Mel) secretion, which induces the winter phenotype in Siberian hamsters. After several months of continued exposure to short days, hamsters spontaneously revert to the spring-summer phenotype. This transition has been attributed to the development of refractoriness of Mel-binding tissues, including the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), to long-duration Mel signals. The SCN of Siberian hamsters is required for the seasonal response to winter-like Mel signals, and becomes refractory to previously effective long-duration Mel signals restricted to this area. Acute Mel treatment phase shifts circadian locomotor rhythms of photosensitive Siberian hamsters, presumably by affecting circadian oscillators in the SCN. We tested whether seasonal refractoriness of the SCN to long-duration Mel signals also renders the circadian system of Siberian hamsters unresponsive to Mel. Males manifesting free-running circadian rhythms in constant dim red light were injected with Mel or vehicle for 5 days on a 23.5-h T-cycle beginning at circadian time 10. Mel injections caused significantly larger phase advances in activity onset than did the saline vehicle, but the magnitude of phase shifts to Mel did not differ between photorefractory and photosensitive hamsters. Similarly, when entrained to a 16-h light/8-h dark photocycle, photorefractory and photosensitive hamsters did not differ in their response to Mel injected 4 h before the onset of the dark phase. Activity onset in Mel-injected hamsters was masked by light but was revealed to be significantly earlier than in vehicle-injected hamsters upon transfer to constant dim red light. The acute effects of melatonin on circadian behavioral rhythms are preserved in photorefractory hamsters.     

Dual signaling of human Mel1a melatonin receptors via G(i2), G(i3), and G(q/11) proteins

Mel 1a melatonin receptors belong to the super-family of guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein (G protein)-coupled receptors. So far, interest in Mel 1a receptor signaling has focused mainly on the modulation of the adenylyl cyclase pathway via pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G proteins. To further investigate signaling of the human Mel 1a receptor, we have developed an antibody directed against the C terminus of this receptor. This antibody detected the Mel 1a receptor as a protein with an apparent molecular mass of approximately 60 kDa in immunoblots after separation by SDS-PAGE. It also specifically precipitated the 2-[125I]iodomelatonin (125I-Mel)-labeled receptor from Mel 1a-transfected HEK 293 cells. Coprecipitation experiments showed that G(i2), G(i3), and G(q/11) proteins couple to the Mel 1a receptor in an agonist-dependent and guanine nucleotide-sensitive manner. Coupling was selective since other G proteins present in HEK 293 cells, (G(i1), G(o), G(s), G(z), and G12) were not detected in receptor complexes. Coupling of the Mel 1a receptor to G(i) and G(q) was confirmed by inhibition of high-affinity 125I-Mel binding to receptors with subtype-selective G protein alpha-subunit antibodies. G(i2) and/or G(i3) mediated adenylyl cyclase inhibition while G(q/11) induced a transient elevation in cytosolic calcium concentrations in HEK 293 cells stably expressing Mel 1a receptors. Melatonin-induced cytosolic calcium mobilization via PTX-insensitive G proteins was confirmed in primary cultures of ovine pars tuberalis cells endogenously expressing Mel 1a receptors. In conclusion, we report the development of the first antibody recognizing the cloned human Mel 1a melatonin receptor protein. We show that Mel 1a receptors functionally couple to both PTX-sensitive and PTX-insensitive G proteins. The previously unknown signaling of Mel 1a receptors through G(q/11) widens the spectrum of potential targets for melatonin.     

Activation of MT(2) melatonin receptors in rat suprachiasmatic nucleus phase advances the circadian clock

The aim of this study was to identify the melatonin receptor type(s) (MT(1) or MT(2)) mediating circadian clock resetting by melatonin in the mammalian suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Quantitative receptor autoradiography with 2-[(125)I]iodomelatonin and in situ hybridization histochemistry, with either (33)P- or digoxigenin-labeled antisense MT(1) and MT(2) melatonin receptor mRNA oligonucleotide probes, revealed specific expression of both melatonin receptor types in the SCN of inbred Long-Evans rats. The melatonin receptor type mediating phase advances of the circadian rhythm of neuronal firing rate in the SCN slice was assessed using competitive melatonin receptor antagonists, the MT(1)/MT(2) nonselective luzindole and the MT(2)-selective 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetraline (4P-PDOT). Luzindole and 4P-PDOT (1 nM-1 microM) did not affect circadian phase on their own; however, they blocked both the phase advances (approximately 4 h) in the neuronal firing rate induced by melatonin (3 pM) at temporally distinct times of day [i.e., subjective dusk, circadian time (CT) 10; and dawn, CT 23], as well as the associated increases in protein kinase C activity. We conclude that melatonin mediates phase advances of the SCN circadian clock at both dusk and dawn via activation of MT(2) melatonin receptor signaling.     

Photic regulation of mt(1) melatonin receptors and 2-iodomelatonin binding in the rat and Siberian hamster

We have investigated the photic regulation of melatonin receptors both at the level of binding capacity and mt(1) mRNA expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and the pars tuberalis (PT) of the pituitary of two species: a highly photoperiodic one, the Siberian hamster, and a nonphotoperiodic one, the Wistar rat. This study has been performed by looking at the effect of a light pulse applied during the night on the two receptor parameters. The results show that the photic regulations of mt(1) mRNA expression and receptor density are distinct from each other in both the SCN and PT of the two species studied. They also show that, depending on the species and the structure, this regulation may implicate either the circadian clock or melatonin.     

Neuropeptide signaling differentially affects phase maintenance and rhythm generation in SCN and extra-SCN circadian oscillators

Circadian rhythms in physiology and behavior are coordinated by the brain's dominant circadian pacemaker located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and its receptor, VPAC(2), play important roles in the functioning of the SCN pacemaker. Mice lacking VPAC(2) receptors (Vipr2(-/-)) express disrupted behavioral and metabolic rhythms and show altered SCN neuronal activity and clock gene expression. Within the brain, the SCN is not the only site containing endogenous circadian oscillators, nor is it the only site of VPAC(2) receptor expression; both VPAC(2) receptors and rhythmic clock gene/protein expression have been noted in the arcuate (Arc) and dorsomedial (DMH) nuclei of the mediobasal hypothalamus, and in the pituitary gland. The functional role of VPAC(2) receptors in rhythm generation and maintenance in these tissues is, however, unknown. We used wild type (WT) and Vipr2(-/-) mice expressing a luciferase reporter (PER2::LUC) to investigate whether circadian rhythms in the clock gene protein PER2 in these extra-SCN tissues were compromised by the absence of the VPAC(2) receptor. Vipr2(-/-) SCN cultures expressed significantly lower amplitude PER2::LUC oscillations than WT SCN. Surprisingly, in Vipr2(-/-) Arc/ME/PT complex (Arc, median eminence and pars tuberalis), DMH and pituitary, the period, amplitude and rate of damping of rhythms were not significantly different to WT. Intriguingly, while we found WT SCN and Arc/ME/PT tissues to maintain a consistent circadian phase when cultured, the phase of corresponding Vipr2(-/-) cultures was reset by cull/culture procedure. These data demonstrate that while the main rhythm parameters of extra-SCN circadian oscillations are maintained in Vipr2(-/-) mice, the ability of these oscillators to resist phase shifts is compromised. These deficiencies may contribute towards the aberrant behavior and metabolism associated with Vipr2(-/-) animals. Further, our data indicate a link between circadian rhythm strength and the ability of tissues to resist circadian phase resetting.     

Melatonin inhibits pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide-induced increase of cyclic AMP accumulation and [Ca2+]i in cultured cells of neonatal rat pituitary

The effects of melatonin on pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide-induced increase of cyclic AMP and [Ca2+]i were studied in neonatal rat pituitary cells. The polypeptide increased cyclic AMP accumulation. In the presence of melatonin the increase of cyclic AMP was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, the maximal inhibition was achieved with 1-10 nM melatonin. Pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide also increased [Ca2+]i in 30% of the pituitary cells and melatonin inhibited the effect. Most of the cells sensitive to adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide (77%) were also sensitive to GnRH, suggesting they are gonadotrophs. The remaining cells were not identified. The polypeptide-induced [Ca2+]i increase was inhibited in Ca2+-free medium in 2/3 of the cells indicating that Ca2+ influx was involved. To examine causal relationship between cyclic AMP and [Ca2+]i increase, we have studied the effect of adenylyl cyclase activation by forskolin on intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Forskolin had similar effects as adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide: it increased [Ca2+]i in the pituitary cells and the increase was dependent on presence of Ca2+ in the medium. Melatonin inhibited the forskolin induced [Ca2+]i increase. Our observations indicate that increase of cyclic AMP stimulates Ca2+ influx in the pituitary cells of neonatal rat and that this mechanism is involved in [Ca2+]i increase induced by the pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide. Because melatonin inhibits increase of cyclic AMP induced by pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide or forskolin, the inhibitory effect of melatonin on Ca2+-influx may be mediated by the decrease of cyclic AMP concentration. This mechanism of melatonin action has not been described previously. Because melatonin inhibits the polypeptide- or forskolin-induced [Ca2+]i also in the cells not sensitive to GnRH, melatonin receptors seem to be present on both gonadotrophs and non-gonadotrophic pituitary cells.     

Characterization of Melatonin-Induced FOS-Like Immunoreactivity in the Hypothalamic Suprachiasmatic Nucleus of the Rat

Abstract

The hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is primarily responsible for the regulation of circadian rhythmicity. Melatonin, the pineal-derived neurohormone, modulates the rhythmic output of the SCN. Properly timed exposure to melatonin is able to induce changes in rhythrnic function and thereby entrain circadian rhythms of activity.

c-fos is an immediate early gene that is transiently expressed in neurons in response to receptor activation. The ventrolateral portion of the SCN (vSCN) is activated in response to phase-shifting stimuli, an event which is marked by an increase in the expression of c-fos.

In the present study, rats systemically administered the melatonin agonist 2-iodomelatonin at CT 22 demonstrated significant dose-dependent Fos immunoreactivity within the vSCN, an effect which was significantly inhibited by the melatonin antagonist N-acetyltryptamine. The Fos expression observed in the vSCN was not affected by treatment with the serotonin antagonist ketanserin or the alpha-adrenergic antagonist phentolamine. Moreover, antisense oligonucleotides to c-fos, significantly blocked the ability of 2-iodomelatonin to induce Fos expression in the vSCN at CT 22.

These results pharmacologically characterize melatonin-induced c-fos expression in the rat vSCN and provide evidence to support a c-fos-mediated mechanism through which the activation of melatonin receptors may be linked to the long-term molecular regulation of circadian rhythms controlled by the SCN.     

Characterization of melatonin-induced fos-like immunoreactivity in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus of the rat.

The hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is primarily responsible for the regulation of circadian rhythmicity. Melatonin, the pineal-derived neurohormone, modulates the rhythmic output of the SCN. Property timed exposure to melatonin is able to induce changes in rhythmic function and thereby entrain circadian rhythms of activity. c-fos is an immediate early gene that is transiently expressed in neurons in response to receptor activation. The ventrolateral portion of the SCN (vSCN) is activated in response to phase-shifting stimuli, an event which is marked by an increase in the expression of c-fos.     

Physiological and metabolic functions of melatonin

Melatonin is a lipophilic hormone, mainly produced and secreted at night by the pineal gland. Melatonin synthesis is under the control of postganglionic sympathetic fibers that innervates the pineal gland. Melatonin acts via high affinity G protein-coupled membrane receptors. To date, three different receptor subtypes have been identified in mammals: MT1 (Mel 1a) and MT2 (Mel 1b) and a putative binding site called MT3. The chronobiotic properties of the hormone for resynchronization of sleep and circadian rhythms disturbances has been demonstrated both in animal models or in clinical trials. Several other physiological effects of melatonin in different peripheral tissues have been described in the past years. In this way, it has been demonstrated that the hormone is involved in the regulation of seasonal reproduction, body weight and energy balance. This contribution has been focused to review some of the physiological functions of melatonin as well as the role of the hormone in the regulation of energy balance and its possible involvement in the development of obesity.     

Circadian periods of sensitivity for ramelteon on the onset of running-wheel activity and the peak of suprachiasmatic nucleus neuronal firing rhythms in C3H/HeN mice

Ramelteon, an MT(1)/MT(2) melatonin receptor agonist, is used for the treatment of sleep-onset insomnia and circadian sleep disorders. Ramelteon phase shifts circadian rhythms in rodents and humans when given at the end of the subjective day; however, its efficacy at other circadian times is not known. Here, the authors determined in C3H/HeN mice the maximal circadian sensitivity for ramelteon in vivo on the onset of circadian running-wheel activity rhythms, and in vitro on the peak of circadian rhythm of neuronal firing in suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) brain slices. The phase response curve (PRC) for ramelteon (90?μg/mouse, subcutaneous [sc]) on circadian wheel-activity rhythms shows maximal sensitivity during the late mid to end of the subjective day, between CT8 and CT12 (phase advance), and late subjective night and early subjective day, between CT20 and CT2 (phase delay), using a 3-day-pulse treatment regimen in C3H/HeN mice. The PRC for ramelteon resembles that for melatonin in C3H/HeN mice, showing the same magnitude of maximal shifts at CT10 and CT2, except that the range of sensitivity for ramelteon (CT8-CT12) during the subjective day is broader. Furthermore, in SCN brain slices in vitro, ramelteon (10 pM) administered at CT10 phase advances (5.6?±?0.29?h, n?=?3) and at CT2 phase delays (-3.2?±?0.12?h, n?=?6) the peak of circadian rhythm of neuronal firing, with the shifts being significantly larger than those induced by melatonin (10 pM) at the same circadian times (CT10: 2.7?±?0.15?h, n?=?4, p?相似文献