Per Høvring - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Per Høvring

Research paper thumbnail of Thyrotrophin-releasing hormone receptor 1 and prothyrotrophin-releasing hormone mRNA expression in the central nervous system are regulated by suckling in lactating rats

European Journal of Endocrinology, 2005

Background: The accepted function of the hypothalamic peptide, thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TR... more Background: The accepted function of the hypothalamic peptide, thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH), is to initiate release of thyrotrophin (TSH) from the pituitary. A physiological role for TRH in lactating rats has not yet been established. Methods: Tissues were prepared from random-cycling and lactating rats and analysed using Northern blot, real time RT-PCR and quantitative in situ hybridisation. Results: This study demonstrates that TRH receptor 1 (TRHR1) mRNA expression is up-regulated in the pituitary and in discrete nuclei of the hypothalamus in lactating rats, while proTRH mRNA expression levels are increased only in the hypothalamus. The results were corroborated by quantitative in situ analysis of proTRH and TRHR1. Bromocriptine, which reduced prolactin (PRL) concentrations in plasma of lactating and nursing rats, also counteracted the suckling-induced increase in TRHR1 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus, but had an opposite effect in the pituitary. These changes were confined to the hypothalamus and the amygdala in the brain.

Research paper thumbnail of Structural and Functional Organization of the Gene Encoding the Human Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor

Journal of Neurochemistry, 2002

The thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor (TRHR) is widely distributed throughout the cent... more The thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor (TRHR) is widely distributed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. In addition to its role in controlling the synthesis and secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone and prolactin from the anterior pituitary, TRH is believed to act as a neurotransmitter as well as a neuromodulator. We have isolated genomic and P1derived artificial chromosome clones encoding the human TRHR. The gene was found to be 35 kb with three exons and two introns. A 541-bp intron 1 (Ϫ629 to Ϫ89 relative to the translation start site) is conserved between human and mouse. A large intron 2 of 31 kb disrupts the open reading frame (starting in position ϩ790) in the sequence encoding the supposed junction between the third intracellular loop and the putative sixth transmembrane domain. A similar intron was found in chimpanzee and sheep but not in rat and mouse. Promoter analysis of upstream regions demonstrated cell type-specific reporter activation, and sequencing of 2.5 kb of the promoter revealed putative cis-acting regulatory elements for several transcription factors that may contribute to the regulation of the TRHR gene expression. Functional analysis of potential response elements for the anterior pituitary-specific transcription factor Pit-1 revealed cell typespecific binding that was competed out with a Pit-1 response element from the GH gene promoter.

Research paper thumbnail of Developmental regulation of two isoforms of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase I β in rat brain

Brain Research, 2000

Subtractive hybridization analysis of region-specific gene expression in brain has demonstrated a... more Subtractive hybridization analysis of region-specific gene expression in brain has demonstrated a mRNA species enriched in rat hypothalamus [K.M. Gautvik, L. de Lecea, V.T. Gautvik, P.E. Danielson, P. Tranque, A. Dopazo, F.E. Bloom, J.G. Sutcliffe, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93 (1996) 8733-8738.]. We here show that this mRNA encodes a Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent (CaM) kinase belonging in the CaM kinase I beta subgroup. cDNA analysis showed that this enzyme was differentially spliced into two isoforms (designated beta1 and beta2) with distinct C-termini. The C-terminal of the translated CaM kinase I beta2 protein (38.5 kDa molecular size), contained 25 amino acid residues not present in the beta1 isoform. The two isoforms were differentially developmentally regulated, with the beta1 isoform being present in rat embryos from day 18 and the beta2 isoform being present from day 5 postnatally. In situ hybridization analysis of adult rat CNS showed CaM kinase I beta2 mRNA being enriched in the hypothalamus and the hippocampal formation. Expression was also observed in a number of ventral limbic structures and in the thalamus. Northern blot analysis showed additional expression of multiple beta2 isoforms in heart and skeletal muscle. The human mRNA showed a similar distribution. Our data suggest that the two isoforms of CaM kinase I beta, created by a splicing process occurring within a week around birth, may have distinct pre- and postnatal functions in a distinct set of CNS neurons and excitable tissues.

Research paper thumbnail of Eight genes are highly associated with BMD variation in postmenopausal Caucasian women

Bone, 2010

Low bone mineral density (BMD) is an important risk factor for skeletal fractures which occur in ... more Low bone mineral density (BMD) is an important risk factor for skeletal fractures which occur in about 40% of women >/=50 years in the western world. We describe the transcriptional changes in 84 trans-iliacal bone biopsies associated with BMD variations in postmenopausal females (50 to 86 years), aiming to identify genetic determinants of bone structure. The women were healthy or having a primary osteopenic or osteoporotic status with or without low energy fractures. The total cohort of 91 unrelated women representing a wide range of BMDs, were consecutively registered and submitted to global gene Affymetrix microarray expression analysis or histomorphometry. Among almost 23,000 expressed transcripts, a set represented by ACSL3 (acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 3), NIPSNAP3B (nipsnap homolog 3B), DLEU2 (Deleted in lymphocytic leukemia, 2), C1ORF61 (Chromosome 1 open reading frame 61), DKK1 (Dickkopf homolog 1), SOST (Sclerostin), ABCA8, (ATP-binding cassette, sub-family A, member 8), and uncharacterized (AFFX-M27830-M-at), was significantly correlated to total hip BMD (5% false discovery rate) explaining 62% of the BMD variation expressed as T-score, 53% when adjusting for the influence of age (Z-score) and 44% when further adjusting for body mass index (BMI). Only SOST was previously associated to BMD, and the majority of the genes have previously not been associated with a bone phenotype. In molecular network analyses, SOST shows a strong, positive correlation with DKK1, both being members of the Wnt signaling pathway. The results provide novel insight in the underlying biology of bone metabolism and osteoporosis which is the ultimate consequence of low BMD.

Research paper thumbnail of The human neuroendocrine thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor promoter is activated by the haematopoietic transcription factor c-Myb

Biochemical Journal, 2003

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor (TRHR) is a G-protein-coupled receptor playing a cru... more Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor (TRHR) is a G-protein-coupled receptor playing a crucial role in the anterior pituitary where it controls the synthesis and secretion of thyroidstimulating hormone and prolactin. Its widespread presence not only in the central nervous system, but also in peripheral tissues, including thymus, indicates other important, but unknown, functions. One hypothesis is that the neuropeptide TRH could play a role in the immune system. We report here that the human TRHR promoter contains 11 putative response elements for the haematopoietic transcription factor c-Myb and is highly Mybresponsive in transfection assays. Analysis of Myb binding to putative response elements revealed one preferred binding site in intron 1 of the receptor gene. Transfection studies of promoter deletions confirmed that this high-affinity element is necessary for efficient Myb-dependent transactivation of reporter plasmids in CV-1 cells. The Myb-dependent activation of the TRHR promoter was strongly suppressed by expression of a dominant negative Myb-Engrailed fusion. In line with these observations, reverse transcriptase PCR analysis of rat tissues showed that the TRHR gene is expressed both in thymocytes and bone marrow. Furthermore, specific, high-affinity TRH agonist binding to cell-surface receptors was demonstrated in thymocytes and a haematopoietic cell line. Our findings imply a novel functional link between the neuroendocrine and the immune systems at the level of promoter regulation.

Research paper thumbnail of Transcription of the Human Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Gene—Analysis of Basal Promoter Elements and Glucocorticoid Response Elements

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 1999

The gene for the human thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor (TRHR) spans 35 kb and contains thr... more The gene for the human thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor (TRHR) spans 35 kb and contains three exons and two introns (Matre et al. (1999) J. Neurochem. 72, 1-11). Despite a reported transcription start site (TSS) mapped to position ؊885 upstream of the translation initiation codon (Iwasaki et al. (1996) J. Biol. Chem.

Research paper thumbnail of Thyrotrophin-releasing hormone receptor 1 and prothyrotrophin-releasing hormone mRNA expression in the central nervous system are regulated by suckling in lactating rats

European Journal of Endocrinology, 2005

Background: The accepted function of the hypothalamic peptide, thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TR... more Background: The accepted function of the hypothalamic peptide, thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH), is to initiate release of thyrotrophin (TSH) from the pituitary. A physiological role for TRH in lactating rats has not yet been established. Methods: Tissues were prepared from random-cycling and lactating rats and analysed using Northern blot, real time RT-PCR and quantitative in situ hybridisation. Results: This study demonstrates that TRH receptor 1 (TRHR1) mRNA expression is up-regulated in the pituitary and in discrete nuclei of the hypothalamus in lactating rats, while proTRH mRNA expression levels are increased only in the hypothalamus. The results were corroborated by quantitative in situ analysis of proTRH and TRHR1. Bromocriptine, which reduced prolactin (PRL) concentrations in plasma of lactating and nursing rats, also counteracted the suckling-induced increase in TRHR1 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus, but had an opposite effect in the pituitary. These changes were confined to the hypothalamus and the amygdala in the brain.

Research paper thumbnail of Thyrotrophin-releasing hormone receptor 1 and prothyrotrophin-releasing hormone mRNA expression in the central nervous system are regulated by suckling in lactating rats

European Journal of Endocrinology, 2005

Background: The accepted function of the hypothalamic peptide, thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TR... more Background: The accepted function of the hypothalamic peptide, thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH), is to initiate release of thyrotrophin (TSH) from the pituitary. A physiological role for TRH in lactating rats has not yet been established. Methods: Tissues were prepared from random-cycling and lactating rats and analysed using Northern blot, real time RT-PCR and quantitative in situ hybridisation. Results: This study demonstrates that TRH receptor 1 (TRHR1) mRNA expression is up-regulated in the pituitary and in discrete nuclei of the hypothalamus in lactating rats, while proTRH mRNA expression levels are increased only in the hypothalamus. The results were corroborated by quantitative in situ analysis of proTRH and TRHR1. Bromocriptine, which reduced prolactin (PRL) concentrations in plasma of lactating and nursing rats, also counteracted the suckling-induced increase in TRHR1 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus, but had an opposite effect in the pituitary. These changes were confined to the hypothalamus and the amygdala in the brain.

Research paper thumbnail of Structural and Functional Organization of the Gene Encoding the Human Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor

Journal of Neurochemistry, 2002

The thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor (TRHR) is widely distributed throughout the cent... more The thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor (TRHR) is widely distributed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. In addition to its role in controlling the synthesis and secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone and prolactin from the anterior pituitary, TRH is believed to act as a neurotransmitter as well as a neuromodulator. We have isolated genomic and P1derived artificial chromosome clones encoding the human TRHR. The gene was found to be 35 kb with three exons and two introns. A 541-bp intron 1 (Ϫ629 to Ϫ89 relative to the translation start site) is conserved between human and mouse. A large intron 2 of 31 kb disrupts the open reading frame (starting in position ϩ790) in the sequence encoding the supposed junction between the third intracellular loop and the putative sixth transmembrane domain. A similar intron was found in chimpanzee and sheep but not in rat and mouse. Promoter analysis of upstream regions demonstrated cell type-specific reporter activation, and sequencing of 2.5 kb of the promoter revealed putative cis-acting regulatory elements for several transcription factors that may contribute to the regulation of the TRHR gene expression. Functional analysis of potential response elements for the anterior pituitary-specific transcription factor Pit-1 revealed cell typespecific binding that was competed out with a Pit-1 response element from the GH gene promoter.

Research paper thumbnail of Developmental regulation of two isoforms of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase I β in rat brain

Brain Research, 2000

Subtractive hybridization analysis of region-specific gene expression in brain has demonstrated a... more Subtractive hybridization analysis of region-specific gene expression in brain has demonstrated a mRNA species enriched in rat hypothalamus [K.M. Gautvik, L. de Lecea, V.T. Gautvik, P.E. Danielson, P. Tranque, A. Dopazo, F.E. Bloom, J.G. Sutcliffe, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93 (1996) 8733-8738.]. We here show that this mRNA encodes a Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent (CaM) kinase belonging in the CaM kinase I beta subgroup. cDNA analysis showed that this enzyme was differentially spliced into two isoforms (designated beta1 and beta2) with distinct C-termini. The C-terminal of the translated CaM kinase I beta2 protein (38.5 kDa molecular size), contained 25 amino acid residues not present in the beta1 isoform. The two isoforms were differentially developmentally regulated, with the beta1 isoform being present in rat embryos from day 18 and the beta2 isoform being present from day 5 postnatally. In situ hybridization analysis of adult rat CNS showed CaM kinase I beta2 mRNA being enriched in the hypothalamus and the hippocampal formation. Expression was also observed in a number of ventral limbic structures and in the thalamus. Northern blot analysis showed additional expression of multiple beta2 isoforms in heart and skeletal muscle. The human mRNA showed a similar distribution. Our data suggest that the two isoforms of CaM kinase I beta, created by a splicing process occurring within a week around birth, may have distinct pre- and postnatal functions in a distinct set of CNS neurons and excitable tissues.

Research paper thumbnail of Eight genes are highly associated with BMD variation in postmenopausal Caucasian women

Bone, 2010

Low bone mineral density (BMD) is an important risk factor for skeletal fractures which occur in ... more Low bone mineral density (BMD) is an important risk factor for skeletal fractures which occur in about 40% of women >/=50 years in the western world. We describe the transcriptional changes in 84 trans-iliacal bone biopsies associated with BMD variations in postmenopausal females (50 to 86 years), aiming to identify genetic determinants of bone structure. The women were healthy or having a primary osteopenic or osteoporotic status with or without low energy fractures. The total cohort of 91 unrelated women representing a wide range of BMDs, were consecutively registered and submitted to global gene Affymetrix microarray expression analysis or histomorphometry. Among almost 23,000 expressed transcripts, a set represented by ACSL3 (acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 3), NIPSNAP3B (nipsnap homolog 3B), DLEU2 (Deleted in lymphocytic leukemia, 2), C1ORF61 (Chromosome 1 open reading frame 61), DKK1 (Dickkopf homolog 1), SOST (Sclerostin), ABCA8, (ATP-binding cassette, sub-family A, member 8), and uncharacterized (AFFX-M27830-M-at), was significantly correlated to total hip BMD (5% false discovery rate) explaining 62% of the BMD variation expressed as T-score, 53% when adjusting for the influence of age (Z-score) and 44% when further adjusting for body mass index (BMI). Only SOST was previously associated to BMD, and the majority of the genes have previously not been associated with a bone phenotype. In molecular network analyses, SOST shows a strong, positive correlation with DKK1, both being members of the Wnt signaling pathway. The results provide novel insight in the underlying biology of bone metabolism and osteoporosis which is the ultimate consequence of low BMD.

Research paper thumbnail of The human neuroendocrine thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor promoter is activated by the haematopoietic transcription factor c-Myb

Biochemical Journal, 2003

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor (TRHR) is a G-protein-coupled receptor playing a cru... more Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor (TRHR) is a G-protein-coupled receptor playing a crucial role in the anterior pituitary where it controls the synthesis and secretion of thyroidstimulating hormone and prolactin. Its widespread presence not only in the central nervous system, but also in peripheral tissues, including thymus, indicates other important, but unknown, functions. One hypothesis is that the neuropeptide TRH could play a role in the immune system. We report here that the human TRHR promoter contains 11 putative response elements for the haematopoietic transcription factor c-Myb and is highly Mybresponsive in transfection assays. Analysis of Myb binding to putative response elements revealed one preferred binding site in intron 1 of the receptor gene. Transfection studies of promoter deletions confirmed that this high-affinity element is necessary for efficient Myb-dependent transactivation of reporter plasmids in CV-1 cells. The Myb-dependent activation of the TRHR promoter was strongly suppressed by expression of a dominant negative Myb-Engrailed fusion. In line with these observations, reverse transcriptase PCR analysis of rat tissues showed that the TRHR gene is expressed both in thymocytes and bone marrow. Furthermore, specific, high-affinity TRH agonist binding to cell-surface receptors was demonstrated in thymocytes and a haematopoietic cell line. Our findings imply a novel functional link between the neuroendocrine and the immune systems at the level of promoter regulation.

Research paper thumbnail of Transcription of the Human Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Gene—Analysis of Basal Promoter Elements and Glucocorticoid Response Elements

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 1999

The gene for the human thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor (TRHR) spans 35 kb and contains thr... more The gene for the human thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor (TRHR) spans 35 kb and contains three exons and two introns (Matre et al. (1999) J. Neurochem. 72, 1-11). Despite a reported transcription start site (TSS) mapped to position ؊885 upstream of the translation initiation codon (Iwasaki et al. (1996) J. Biol. Chem.

Research paper thumbnail of Thyrotrophin-releasing hormone receptor 1 and prothyrotrophin-releasing hormone mRNA expression in the central nervous system are regulated by suckling in lactating rats

European Journal of Endocrinology, 2005

Background: The accepted function of the hypothalamic peptide, thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TR... more Background: The accepted function of the hypothalamic peptide, thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH), is to initiate release of thyrotrophin (TSH) from the pituitary. A physiological role for TRH in lactating rats has not yet been established. Methods: Tissues were prepared from random-cycling and lactating rats and analysed using Northern blot, real time RT-PCR and quantitative in situ hybridisation. Results: This study demonstrates that TRH receptor 1 (TRHR1) mRNA expression is up-regulated in the pituitary and in discrete nuclei of the hypothalamus in lactating rats, while proTRH mRNA expression levels are increased only in the hypothalamus. The results were corroborated by quantitative in situ analysis of proTRH and TRHR1. Bromocriptine, which reduced prolactin (PRL) concentrations in plasma of lactating and nursing rats, also counteracted the suckling-induced increase in TRHR1 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus, but had an opposite effect in the pituitary. These changes were confined to the hypothalamus and the amygdala in the brain.