Photoperiodic regulation in a wild-derived mouse strain.
Cristina Sáenz de Miera1,2, Matthew Beymer1, Kevin Routledge2
1Institute for Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, University of Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
The Journal of Experimental Biology
|May 18, 2021
Summary
Wild-derived mice exposed to long daylight (LP) show altered gene expression and increased body/reproductive mass compared to short daylight (SP). Gestational photoperiod also impacts offspring, revealing transgenerational effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Mammalian Physiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mus musculus molossinus (MSM) mice synthesize melatonin, reflecting ambient photoperiod.
- Photoperiod influences seasonal biology in many rodent species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate photoperiod's effects on MSM mice's metabolic and reproductive traits.
- To analyze changes in pituitary-hypothalamic gene expression due to photoperiod.
- To determine if gestational photoperiod influences offspring gene expression.
Main Methods:
- MSM mice were housed in long (LP) or short (SP) photoperiods for 6 weeks.
- Gene expression analysis focused on thyrotropin (TSH), deiodinases (dio2, dio3), and RFamide-related peptide (RFRP3).
- Offspring of dams housed in LP or SP during gestation were studied.
Main Results:
- LP conditions led to higher TSH, dio2, and RFRP3 expression, and lower dio3 expression compared to SP.
- Mice in LP exhibited larger body and reproductive organ mass.
- Gestational photoperiod similarly affected the TSH/dio pathway in newborn offspring, indicating transgenerational effects.
Conclusions:
- Photoperiod influences neuroendocrine regulation in melatonin-proficient MSM mice.
- MSM mice serve as a valuable model for studying the molecular basis of photoperiodism.
- Transgenerational effects of photoperiod from mother to fetus were observed.
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