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Alves MBR, Girardet L, Augière C, Moon KH, Lavoie-Ouellet C, Bernet A, Soulet D, Calvo E, Teves ME, Beauparlant CJ, Droit A, Bastien A, Robert C, Bok J, Hinton BT, Belleannée C. Hedgehog signaling regulates Wolffian duct development through the primary cilium†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:241-257. [PMID: 36525341 PMCID: PMC9930401 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary cilia play pivotal roles in embryonic patterning and organogenesis through transduction of the Hedgehog signaling pathway (Hh). Although mutations in Hh morphogens impair the development of the gonads and trigger male infertility, the contribution of Hh and primary cilia in the development of male reproductive ductules, including the epididymis, remains unknown. From a Pax2Cre; IFT88fl/fl knock-out mouse model, we found that primary cilia deletion is associated with imbalanced Hh signaling and morphometric changes in the Wolffian duct (WD), the embryonic precursor of the epididymis. Similar effects were observed following pharmacological blockade of primary cilia formation and Hh modulation on WD organotypic cultures. The expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix, mesenchymal-epithelial transition, canonical Hh and WD development was significantly altered after treatments. Altogether, we identified the primary cilia-dependent Hh signaling as a master regulator of genes involved in WD development. This provides new insights regarding the etiology of sexual differentiation and male infertility issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maíra Bianchi Rodrigues Alves
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Laura Girardet
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Céline Augière
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Kyeong Hye Moon
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Camille Lavoie-Ouellet
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Agathe Bernet
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Denis Soulet
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Neurosciences, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Ezequiel Calvo
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Maria E Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Charles Joly Beauparlant
- Computational Biology Laboratory Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Arnaud Droit
- Computational Biology Laboratory Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Bastien
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Department of Animal Sciences—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Claude Robert
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Department of Animal Sciences—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jinwoong Bok
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Barry T Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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Megalin and Vitamin D Metabolism—Implications in Non-Renal Tissues and Kidney Disease. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14183690. [PMID: 36145066 PMCID: PMC9506339 DOI: 10.3390/nu14183690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Megalin is an endocytic receptor abundantly expressed in proximal tubular epithelial cells and other calciotropic extrarenal cells expressing vitamin D metabolizing enzymes, such as bone and parathyroid cells. The receptor functions in the uptake of the vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) complexed to 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), facilitating the intracellular conversion of precursor 25(OH)D3 to the active 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3). The significance of renal megalin-mediated reabsorption of 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 has been well established experimentally, and other studies have demonstrated relevant roles of extrarenal megalin in regulating vitamin D homeostasis in mammary cells, fat, muscle, bone, and mesenchymal stem cells. Parathyroid gland megalin may regulate calcium signaling, suggesting intriguing possibilities for megalin-mediated cross-talk between calcium and vitamin D regulation in the parathyroid; however, parathyroid megalin functionality has not been assessed in the context of vitamin D. Within various models of chronic kidney disease (CKD), megalin expression appears to be downregulated; however, contradictory results have been observed between human and rodent models. This review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge of megalin function in the context of vitamin D metabolism, with an emphasis on extrarenal megalin, an area that clearly requires further investigation.
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Cabezas F, Farfán P, Marzolo MP. Participation of the SMAD2/3 signalling pathway in the down regulation of megalin/LRP2 by transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß1). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213127. [PMID: 31120873 PMCID: PMC6532859 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Megalin/LRP2 is a receptor that plays important roles in the physiology of several organs, such as kidney, lung, intestine, and gallbladder and also in the physiology of the nervous system. Megalin expression is reduced in diseases associated with fibrosis, including diabetic nephropathy, hepatic fibrosis and cholelithiasis, as well as in some breast and prostate cancers. One of the hallmarks of these conditions is the presence of the cytokine transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß). Although TGF-ß has been implicated in the reduction of megalin levels, the molecular mechanism underlying this regulation is not well understood. Here, we show that treatment of two epithelial cell lines (from kidney and gallbladder) with TGF-ß1 is associated with decreased megalin mRNA and protein levels, and that these effects are reversed by inhibiting the TGF-ß1 type I receptor (TGF-ßRI). Based on in silico analyses, the two SMAD-binding elements (SBEs) in the megalin promoter are located at positions -57 and -605. Site-directed mutagenesis of the SBEs and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments revealed that SMAD2/3 transcription factors interact with SBEs. Both the presence of SMAD2/3 and intact SBEs were associated with repression of the megalin promoter, in the absence as well in the presence of TGF-ß1. Also, reduced megalin expression and promoter activation triggered by high concentration of albumin are dependent on the expression of SMAD2/3. Interestingly, the histone deacetylase inhibitor Trichostatin A (TSA), which induces megalin expression, reduced the effects of TGF-ß1 on megalin mRNA levels. These data show the significance of TGF-ß and the SMAD2/3 signalling pathway in the regulation of megalin and explain the decreased megalin levels observed under conditions in which TGF-ß is upregulated, including fibrosis-associated diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Cabezas
- Laboratorio de Tráfico Intracelular y Señalización, Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pamela Farfán
- Laboratorio de Tráfico Intracelular y Señalización, Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - María-Paz Marzolo
- Laboratorio de Tráfico Intracelular y Señalización, Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- * E-mail:
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Sun Z, Li S, Yu Y, Chen H, Ommati MM, Manthari RK, Niu R, Wang J. Alterations in epididymal proteomics and antioxidant activity of mice exposed to fluoride. Arch Toxicol 2017; 92:169-180. [PMID: 28918527 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-017-2054-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that high fluoride results in low fertility. Epididymis is the important place for spermatozoa maturation, which is essential for successful fertilization. In the previous studies, fluoride was reported to damage the epididymal structure of mouse and rabbit. However, the mechanism underlying sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced epididymal toxicity has not yet been well elucidated. The aim of this study is to explore the global protein alterations in epididymis of mice exposed to NaF using the iTRAQ technique. Results showed that 211 proteins were differentially expressed in both 25 and 100 mg/L NaF groups. Some of them have been proved to be important for reproduction, such as low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 2 (Lrp2), cytochrome c, testis-specific (Cyct), sorbitol dehydrogenase (Sord), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), acrosin, beta-defensin 126, cysteine-rich secretory protein (Crisp) 1, and Crisp2. Gene ontology (GO) analysis suggested cellular process, organelle and catalytic activity account for high percent and number of differentially expressed proteins. 171 pathways were found after the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, among which the representative maps, such as ribosome, focal adhesion, and phagosome, were involved. Different functional categories post-translational modification, protein turnover, chaperones; translation, ribosomal structure and biogenesis; cytoskeleton; energy production and conversion are implicated in the Cluster of Orthologous Groups (COG) of proteins analysis. Subsequently, the effect of NaF on the antioxidant activity in epididymis, especially glutathione and glutathione-related enzymes, was evaluated. Results exhibited high fluoride caused low total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), high methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA), decreased reduced glutathione (GSH), and the glutathione-related enzymes [GSH peroxidase (GPx), GSH reductase (GR), and GSH S-transferase (GST)] changes in activity, protein, and mRNA expressions. In summary, NaF decreased the antioxidant activity of epididymis, especially glutathione and glutathione-related enzymes, as well as iTRAQ results, providing new explanations for the low sperm quality induced by fluoride.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Sun
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China.,Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Sujuan Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Yuxiang Yu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Department of Food Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Ommati
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China.,Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 71441-65186, Iran
| | - Ram Kumar Manthari
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Ruiyan Niu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China.,Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Jundong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China. .,Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China.
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Alexander AG, Marfil V, Li C. Use of Caenorhabditis elegans as a model to study Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Front Genet 2014; 5:279. [PMID: 25250042 PMCID: PMC4155875 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in research and technology has increased our quality of life, allowed us to combat diseases, and achieve increased longevity. Unfortunately, increased longevity is accompanied by a rise in the incidences of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is the sixth leading cause of death, and one of the leading causes of dementia amongst the aged population in the USA. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the prevalence of extracellular Aβ plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, derived from the proteolysis of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the hyperphosphorylation of microtubule-associated protein tau, respectively. Despite years of extensive research, the molecular mechanisms that underlie the pathology of AD remain unclear. Model organisms, such as the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, present a complementary approach to addressing these questions. C. elegans has many advantages as a model system to study AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Like their mammalian counterparts, they have complex biochemical pathways, most of which are conserved. Genes in which mutations are correlated with AD have counterparts in C. elegans, including an APP-related gene, apl-1, a tau homolog, ptl-1, and presenilin homologs, such as sel-12 and hop-1. Since the neuronal connectivity in C. elegans has already been established, C. elegans is also advantageous in modeling learning and memory impairments seen during AD. This article addresses the insights C. elegans provide in studying AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, we explore the advantages and drawbacks associated with using this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adanna G Alexander
- Department of Biology, City College of New York New York, NY, USA ; Department of Biology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York New York, NY, USA
| | - Vanessa Marfil
- Department of Biology, City College of New York New York, NY, USA
| | - Chris Li
- Department of Biology, City College of New York New York, NY, USA ; Department of Biology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York New York, NY, USA
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Novel aspects of the apolipoprotein-E receptor family: regulation and functional role of their proteolytic processing. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s11515-011-1186-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Ammar H, Closset JL. Clusterin Activates Survival through the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt Pathway. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:12851-61. [DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m800403200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
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Lorenzana MG, López-Wilchis R, Gómez CS, Aranzabal MCU. A light and scanning electron microscopic study of the epididymis active state of the endemic Mexican rodent Peromyscus winkelmanni (Carleton) (Rodentia: Muridae). Anat Histol Embryol 2007; 36:230-40. [PMID: 17535358 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2006.00752.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of the epididymis of the sexually mature Peromyscus winkelmanni (carleton) was examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. The epididymis was divided into three regions: caput, corpus and cauda. The epididymal duct was lined with columnar and cubic epithelium with stereocilia and covered by a muscular connective tissue sheath. Capillaries appear to penetrate directly into the epithelium from the underlying connective tissue in the initial segment. The epididymal epithelium presents four cell types: principal, basal, apical and clear cells. Based on morphological differences (height of epithelial cells, length of the stereocilia, luminal area, larger diameter and spermatic index), the epididymis of P. winkelmanni, presents seven zones. The stereocilia of the epididymal ducts of zones I, II, IV and V are thick and tall, while in zone III they are thin and short. The stereocilia in zone VI are thin, while in zone VII they are short but thick. The secretory products observed in the lumen of the epididymal ducts have vesicular, granular and fibrous form in the seven zones. This study contributes to an understanding of the morphofunctional features of the epididymis in sperm maturation in a species that shows seasonal reproductive activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Lorenzana
- Departamento Biología de la Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, 09340 México.
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Rowling MJ, Kemmis CM, Taffany DA, Welsh J. Megalin-mediated endocytosis of vitamin D binding protein correlates with 25-hydroxycholecalciferol actions in human mammary cells. J Nutr 2006; 136:2754-9. [PMID: 17056796 PMCID: PMC1950671 DOI: 10.1093/jn/136.11.2754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The major circulating form of vitamin D is 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25(OH)D3], which is delivered to target tissues in complex with the serum vitamin D binding protein (DBP). We recently observed that mammary cells can metabolize 25(OH)D3 to 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)(2)D3], the vitamin D receptor (VDR) ligand, and the objective of our study was to elucidate the mechanisms by which the 25(OH)D3-DBP complex is internalized by mammary cells prior to metabolism. Using fluorescent microscopy and temperature-shift techniques, we found that T-47D breast cancer cells rapidly internalize DBP via endocytosis, which is blunted by receptor-associated protein, a specific inhibitor of megalin-mediated endocytosis. Endocytosis of DBP was associated with activation of VDR by 25(OH)D3 but not 1,25(OH)(2)D3 (as measured by induction of the VDR target gene, CYP24). We also found that megalin and its endocytic partner, cubilin, are coexpressed in normal murine mammary tissue, in nontransformed human mammary epithelial cell lines, and in some established human breast cancer cell lines. To our knowledge, our studies are the first to demonstrate that mammary-derived cells express megalin and cubilin, which contribute to the endocytic uptake of 25(OH)D3-DBP and activation of the VDR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - JoEllen Welsh
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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Fisher CE, Howie SEM. The role of megalin (LRP-2/Gp330) during development. Dev Biol 2006; 296:279-97. [PMID: 16828734 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2006.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2005] [Revised: 04/21/2006] [Accepted: 06/05/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Megalin (LRP-2/GP330), a member of the LDL receptor family, is an endocytic receptor expressed mainly in polarised epithelial cells. Identified as the pathogenic autoantigen of Heymann nephritis in rats, its functions have been studied in greatest detail in adult mammalian kidney, but there is increasing recognition of its involvement in embryonic development. The megalin homologue LRP-1 is essential for growth and development in Caenorhabditis elegans and megalin plays a role in CNS development in zebrafish. There is now also evidence for a homologue in Drosophila. However, most research concerns mammalian embryogenesis; it is widely accepted to be important during forebrain development and the developing renal proximal tubule. Megalin is also expressed in lung, eye, intestine, uterus, oviduct, and male reproductive tract. It is found in yolk sacs and the outer cells of pre-implantation mouse embryos, where interactions with cubilin result in nutrient endocytosis, and it may be important during implantation. Models for megalin interaction(s) with Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) have been proposed. The importance of Shh signalling during embryogenesis is well established; how and when megalin interacts with Shh is becoming a pertinent question in developmental biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn E Fisher
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH 16 4JT, Scotland, UK.
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Morales CR, Zeng J, Alfy ME, Barth JL, Chintalapudi MR, McCarthy RA, Incardona JP, Argraves WS. Epithelial trafficking of Sonic hedgehog by megalin. J Histochem Cytochem 2006; 54:1115-27. [PMID: 16801528 PMCID: PMC3957805 DOI: 10.1369/jhc.5a6899.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We present here evidence of in vivo epithelial endocytosis and trafficking of non-lipid-modified Sonic hedgehog (ShhN) when infused into rat efferent ducts via microinjection. Initially, exogenous ShhN is detected in endocytic vesicles and early endosomes located near the apical plasma membrane of non-ciliated cells. Within 30-60 min following infusion, ShhN can be detected in lysosomes and at basolateral regions of non-ciliated cells. Basolaterally, ShhN was observed along the extracellular surfaces of interdigitated plasma membranes of adjacent cells and in the extracellular compartment underlying the efferent duct epithelium. Uptake and subcellular trafficking of infused ShhN by non-ciliated cells could be blocked by either anti-megalin IgG or the megalin antagonist, RAP. Ciliated cells, which do not express megalin, displayed little if any apical internalization of ShhN even though they were found to express Patched-1. However, ShhN was found in coated pits of lateral plasma membranes of ciliated cells as well as in underlying endocytic vesicles. We conclude that megalin-mediated endocytosis of ShhN can occur in megalin-expressing epithelia in vivo, and that the internalized ShhN can be targeted to the lysosome or transcytosed in the plane of the epithelium or across the epithelium. These findings highlight the multiple mechanisms by which megalin may influence Shh morphogen gradients in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos R. Morales
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jibin Zeng
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mohamed El Alfy
- Oncology and Molecular Endocrinology Research Center, Laval University Medical Center, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jeremy L. Barth
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Mastan Rao Chintalapudi
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Robert A. McCarthy
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - John P. Incardona
- Ecotoxicology and Environmental Fish Health Program, Environmental Conservation Division, NOAA/Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - W. Scott Argraves
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
- Correspondence to: W. Scott Argraves, Department of Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425. E-mail:
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Chen XD, Bian X, Teslovich TM, Stephan DA, Young MF. Dissection of the sets of genes that control the behavior of biglycan-deficient pre-osteoblasts using oligonucleotide microarrays. Bone 2005; 37:192-203. [PMID: 15922682 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2005.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2004] [Revised: 03/04/2005] [Accepted: 04/05/2005] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Biglycan (bgn) is a small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLPR) that is enriched in the extracellular matrix of skeletal tissues. Bgn-deficient mice develop age-related osteopenia with a phenotype that resembles osteoporosis. In order to identify sets of genes that play a key role in the skeletal abnormality, we determined the global gene expression patterns in bgn-deficient (bgn-KO) pre-osteoblasts using oligonucleotide microarray technology. Calvarial cells were harvested from newborn mice and cultured in the presence or absence of BMP-4 for 7 days. The total RNA was purified, labeled and hybridized to Affymetrix chips (U74A), and analyzed with a software program called GeneSpring. Our data suggested that biglycan regulates the activity of osteoblastic progenitors through sets of genes associated with cell cycle, cell growth, and differentiation. The biological outcome from the altered expression of these genes could cause a defect in the quantity and quality of osteoblastic progenitors, which could contribute to the development of age-related osteopenia in bgn-KO mice. Moreover, the data from this approach also revealed that biglycan deficiency affected the genes that control inflammation, immune response, and growth of tumor cells. These are new and unexpected findings that lead to the formation of new paradigms for biglycan function. Based on these findings, we propose that the reduction of this small proteoglycan with aging may increase the risk of infection and autoimmune diseases, impair wound healing, and cause higher incidences of malignancy. This study provides a broad and deep foundation for understanding SLRP function at a more complex level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Dong Chen
- Craniofacial and Skeletal Diseases Branch, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Korah N, Smith CE, D'Azzo A, Mui J, Hermo L. Characterization of cell- and region-specific abnormalities in the epididymis of cathepsin a deficient mice. Mol Reprod Dev 2003; 66:358-73. [PMID: 14579412 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.10359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Cathepsin A (PPCA), a lysosomal carboxypeptidase that functions as a protective protein for alpha-neuraminidase and beta-galactosidase in a multi-enzyme complex, has been shown to be expressed in the epithelial cells of the epididymis. In the present study, the epididymis of PPCA-/- mice from 2 to 10 months of age was compared with those of their wild-type counterparts. Major accumulations of pale vacuoles, corresponding to lysosomes, were noted in principal and narrow/apical cells in PPCA-/- mice, and clear cells also appearing highly vacuolated, were grossly enlarged in size. This was especially evident in the caput and corpus regions, where quantitative analyses confirmed that the epithelium of the tubules in these regions was expanding in profile area. In addition, the base of the epithelium in these regions was often greatly vacuolated, corresponding to cells that presented no identifiable features and appeared to be degenerating. Halo cells dispersed at various levels in the epithelium also appeared to be abnormal, accumulating pale lysosomes. Furthermore, numerous macrophages were observed in the intertubular space of the entire duct, presenting a large size and plethora of pale lysosomes. Taken together, the present data indicate major lysosomal abnormalities in the epididymis of PPCA-/- mice in a cell type and region specific manner. In addition, it is suggested that the compromised halo cells, due to PPCA deficiency within their lysosomes, cannot function properly and as a result there is a recruitment of macrophages in the intertubular space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Korah
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Andersen OM, Yeung CH, Vorum H, Wellner M, Andreassen TK, Erdmann B, Mueller EC, Herz J, Otto A, Cooper TG, Willnow TE. Essential role of the apolipoprotein E receptor-2 in sperm development. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:23989-95. [PMID: 12695510 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m302157200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The apolipoprotein (apo) E receptor-2 (apoER2) is a member of the low density lipoprotein receptor gene family and an important regulator of neuronal migration. It acts as a receptor for the signaling factor Reelin and provides positional cues to neurons that migrate to their proper position in the developing brain. Besides brain formation defects, apoER2-deficient mice also exhibit male infertility. The role of the receptor in male reproduction, however, remained unclear. Here we demonstrate that apoER2 is highly expressed in the initial segment of the epididymis, where it affects the functional expression of clusterin and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx), two proteins required for sperm maturation. Reduced PHGPx expression in apoER2 knockout mice results in the inability of the sperm to regulate the cell volume and in abnormal sperm morphology and immotility. Because insufficient expression of PHGPx is a major cause of infertility in men, these findings not only highlight an important new function for apoER2 that is unrelated to neuronal migration, but they also suggest a possible role for apoER2 in human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olav M Andersen
- Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine and Medical Faculty of the Free University, D-13125 Berlin, Germany
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15
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Luedtke CC, McKee MD, Cyr DG, Gregory M, Kaartinen MT, Mui J, Hermo L. Osteopontin expression and regulation in the testis, efferent ducts, and epididymis of rats during postnatal development through to adulthood. Biol Reprod 2002; 66:1437-48. [PMID: 11967208 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod66.5.1437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteopontin (OPN), a multifunctional phosphoprotein found in both hard and soft tissues, was examined in the male reproductive tract. The expression and regulation of OPN in the rat testis, efferent ducts, and epididymis was examined during postnatal development through to adulthood using immunocytochemistry at the light- and electron-microscopic level. Immunoblot analysis revealed a major 30-kDa band for epididymal tissue and a major 60-kDa band for the testis. In the testis, immunostaining of OPN was noted in early germ cells from spermatogonia to early pachytene spermatocytes, suggesting a role for OPN as an adhesive protein binding these cells to the basement membrane and adjacent Sertoli cells. Nonciliated cells of the efferent ducts expressed OPN, whereas a cell- and region-specific distribution of OPN was observed in the epididymis. Reactivity of OPN in the apical region of the cell corresponded to labeling of microvilli, small endocytic vesicles, and endosomes, where OPN may serve to remove calcium from the epididymal lumen and, thus, prevent mineral accumulation and subsequent decrease in sperm fertility. Regulation and postnatal studies revealed that circulating androgens regulate OPN expression in principal cells of the epididymis only. Taken together, the data reveal cell- and region-specific expression and regulation of OPN in the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad C Luedtke
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, 3640 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B2
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16
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Posse De Chaves EI, Vance DE, Campenot RB, Kiss RS, Vance JE. Uptake of lipoproteins for axonal growth of sympathetic neurons. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:19883-90. [PMID: 10867025 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.275.26.19883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipoproteins originating from axon and myelin breakdown in injured peripheral nerves are believed to supply cholesterol to regenerating axons. We have used compartmented cultures of rat sympathetic neurons to investigate the utilization of lipids from lipoproteins for axon elongation. Lipids and proteins from human low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL) were taken up by distal axons and transported to cell bodies, whereas cell bodies/proximal axons internalized these components from only LDL, not HDL. Consistent with these observations, the impairment of axonal growth, induced by inhibition of cholesterol synthesis, was reversed when LDL or HDL were added to distal axons or when LDL, but not HDL, were added to cell bodies. LDL receptors (LDLRs) and LR7/8B (apoER2) were present in cell bodies/proximal axons and distal axons, with LDLRs being more abundant in the former. Inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis increased LDLR expression in cell bodies/proximal axons but not distal axons. LR11 (SorLA) was restricted to cell bodies/proximal axons and was undetectable in distal axons. Neither the LDL receptor-related protein nor the HDL receptor, SR-B1, was detected in sympathetic neurons. These studies demonstrate for the first time that lipids are taken up from lipoproteins by sympathetic neurons for use in axonal regeneration.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Anticholesteremic Agents/pharmacology
- Axons/metabolism
- Axons/physiology
- Brain/metabolism
- CD36 Antigens/biosynthesis
- Cell Division
- Cells, Cultured
- Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
- Humans
- Immunoblotting
- LDL-Receptor Related Proteins
- Lipoproteins/pharmacokinetics
- Lipoproteins, HDL/pharmacokinetics
- Lipoproteins, LDL/pharmacokinetics
- Liver/metabolism
- Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-1
- Membrane Proteins
- Membrane Transport Proteins
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Models, Biological
- Neurons/cytology
- Neurons/metabolism
- Pravastatin/pharmacology
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Immunologic/biosynthesis
- Receptors, LDL/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Lipoprotein/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Scavenger
- Scavenger Receptors, Class B
- Sympathetic Nervous System/metabolism
- Tissue Distribution
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Affiliation(s)
- E I Posse De Chaves
- Departments of Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2S2, Canada
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