Dimorphic Regulation of the MafB Gene by Sex Steroids in Hamsters, Mesocricetus auratus

MafB is a transcription factor that regulates macrophage differentiation. Macrophages are a traditional feature of the hamster Harderian gland (HG); however, studies pertaining to MafB expression in the HG are scant. Here, the full-length cDNA of the gene in hamsters was cloned and sequenced. Molecu...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Animals (Basel) 2024-06, Vol.14 (12), p.1728
Main Author: Ramos, Luis
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amino acids
Androgens
Animals
Cloning
DNA binding proteins
Experiments
Females
Genes
Hamsters
Harderian gland
Hormones, Sex
Macrophages
MafB
Males
Messenger RNA
Mutation
Phylogeny
Proteins
sex steroids
sexual dimorphism
Steroids
Thermal cycling
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:MafB is a transcription factor that regulates macrophage differentiation. Macrophages are a traditional feature of the hamster Harderian gland (HG); however, studies pertaining to MafB expression in the HG are scant. Here, the full-length cDNA of the gene in hamsters was cloned and sequenced. Molecular characterization revealed that MafB encodes a protein containing 323 amino acids with a DNA-binding domain, a transactivation domain, and a leucine zipper domain. qPCR assays indicated that MafB was expressed in different tissues of both sexes. The highest relative expression levels in endocrine tissues were identified in the pancreas. Gonadectomy in male hamsters was associated with significantly higher mRNA levels in the HG; replacement with dihydrotestosterone restored mRNA expression. The HG in male hamsters contained twofold more MafB mRNA than the HG of female hamsters. Adrenals revealed similar mRNA relative expression levels during the estrous cycle. The estrous phase was associated with higher mRNA levels in the ovary. A significantly up-regulated expression and sexual dimorphism of MafB was found in the pancreas. Therefore, MafB in the HG may play an active role in the macrophage differentiation required for phagocytosis activity and intraocular repair. Additionally, sex steroids appear to strongly influence the MafB expression in the HG and pancreas. These studies highlight the probable biological importance of MafB in immunological defense and pancreatic β cell regulation.
ISSN:2076-2615
2076-2615
DOI:10.3390/ani14121728