Project description:Nutritional intake is closely linked to gonadal development, although the mechanisms by which food intake affects gonadal development are not fully understood. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a satiety neuropeptide derived from the hypothalamus, and the present study observed that hypothalamic CCK expression is significantly influenced by food intake, which is mediated through blood glucose levels. Interestingly, CCK and its receptors were observed to exhibit a high expression in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus), suggesting that CCK is potentially involved in regulating fish reproduction through the HPG axis. Further investigations revealed that CCK could significantly stimulate the expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-3 (GnRH3) in the hypothalamus. In addition, single-cell RNA sequencing showed that cckrb was highly enriched in pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) cells. Further study confirmed that CCK can significantly induce FSH synthesis and secretion in primary cultured pituitary cells. Additionally, with primary cultured ovary cells as a model, the in vitro experiment demonstrated that CCK directly induces the expression of lhr, fshr, and cyp19a1a mRNA. This indicates that hypothalamic CCK may act as a nutrient sensor involved in regulating gonadal development in teleosts.
Project description:Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a satiety hormone produced by discrete enteroendocrine cells scattered among absorptive cells of the small intestine. CCK is released into blood following a meal; however, the mechanisms inducing hormone secretion are largely unknown. Ingested fat is the major stimulant of CCK secretion. We recently identified a novel member of the lipoprotein remnant receptor family known as immunoglobulin-like domain containing receptor 1 (ILDR1) in intestinal CCK cells and postulated that this receptor conveyed the signal for fat-stimulated CCK secretion. In the intestine, ILDR1 is expressed exclusively in CCK cells. Orogastric administration of fatty acids elevated blood levels of CCK in wild type but not ILDR1-deficient mice, although the CCK secretory response to trypsin inhibitor was retained. The uptake of fluorescently labeled lipoproteins in ILDR1-transfected CHO cells and release of CCK from isolated intestinal cells required a unique combination of fatty acid plus HDL. CCK secretion secondary to ILDR1 activation is associated with increased [Ca2+]i consistent with regulated hormone release. These findings demonstrate that ILDR1 regulates CCK release through a mechanism dependent on fatty acids and lipoproteins and that absorbed fatty acids regulate gastrointestinal hormone secretion. GFP positive cells from CCK-EGFP transgenic mice were isolated by FACS and the expression profile was compared with an equal number of non-fluorescent intestinal cells.
Project description:At high altitude, hypoxic atmosphere decreases the oxygen partial pressure (pO2) in the body, inducing several metabolic changes in tissues and cells. Furthermore, it exerts potent anorectic effects, thus causing energy deficit. Two decades ago, a marked increase in the level of resting plasma cholecystokinin (CCK) was observed at Mt. Kanchenjunga basecamp (BC) located at 5,100 m above the sea level, compared to sea-level control values. Interestingly, acute exercise also raises plasma CCK and exerts potent anorectic effects under normoxic conditions. However, the molecular mechanism underlying these effects has not yet been established. We employed acute electrical pulse stimulation (EPS), followed by a microarray analysis, to discover novel myokines in 3D engineered muscle. Acute EPS efficiently affects the contractile function, inducing a decline of the contractile force. Surprisingly, microarray analysis revealed an EPS-induced activation of the cholecystokinin receptor (CCKR)-mediated signaling. Furthermore, Cck was constitutively expressed in 3D engineered muscle, and was upregulated by hypoxic conditions. Notably, a hypoxia responsive element (HRE) was detected in the Cck promoter of mice and humans. Our results suggested that, under hypoxic conditions, Hif-1a binding to HRE transactivated Cck expression in mice and humans. Furthermore, the plasma CCK elevation after acute exercise or at high altitude might be partly attributed to myogenic cells.
Project description:Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a satiety hormone produced by discrete enteroendocrine cells scattered among absorptive cells of the small intestine. CCK is released into blood following a meal; however, the mechanisms inducing hormone secretion are largely unknown. Ingested fat is the major stimulant of CCK secretion. We recently identified a novel member of the lipoprotein remnant receptor family known as immunoglobulin-like domain containing receptor 1 (ILDR1) in intestinal CCK cells and postulated that this receptor conveyed the signal for fat-stimulated CCK secretion. In the intestine, ILDR1 is expressed exclusively in CCK cells. Orogastric administration of fatty acids elevated blood levels of CCK in wild type but not ILDR1-deficient mice, although the CCK secretory response to trypsin inhibitor was retained. The uptake of fluorescently labeled lipoproteins in ILDR1-transfected CHO cells and release of CCK from isolated intestinal cells required a unique combination of fatty acid plus HDL. CCK secretion secondary to ILDR1 activation is associated with increased [Ca2+]i consistent with regulated hormone release. These findings demonstrate that ILDR1 regulates CCK release through a mechanism dependent on fatty acids and lipoproteins and that absorbed fatty acids regulate gastrointestinal hormone secretion.