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Simitsidellis I, Esnal-Zuffiaure A, Kelepouri O, O’Flaherty E, Gibson DA, Saunders PTK. Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) have specific impacts on the mouse uterus. J Endocrinol 2019; 242:227-239. [PMID: 31319382 PMCID: PMC6690265 DOI: 10.1530/joe-19-0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) have been proposed as therapeutics for women suffering from breast cancer, muscle wasting or urinary incontinence. The androgen receptor (AR) is expressed in the uterus but the impact of SARMs on the function of this organ is unknown. We used a mouse model to compare the impact of SARMs (GTx-007/Andarine®, GTx-024/Enobosarm®), Danazol (a synthetic androstane steroid) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on tissue architecture, cell proliferation and gene expression. Ovariectomised mice were treated daily for 7 days with compound or vehicle control (VC). Uterine morphometric characteristics were quantified using high-throughput image analysis (StrataQuest; TissueGnostics), protein and gene expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR, respectively. Treatment with GTx-024, Danazol or DHT induced significant increases in body weight, uterine weight and the surface area of the endometrial stromal and epithelial compartments compared to VC. Treatment with GTx-007 had no impact on these parameters. GTx-024, Danazol and DHT all significantly increased the percentage of Ki67-positive cells in the stroma, but only GTx-024 had an impact on epithelial cell proliferation. GTx-007 significantly increased uterine expression of Wnt4 and Wnt7a, whereas GTx-024 and Danazol decreased their expression. In summary, the impact of GTx-024 and Danazol on uterine cells mirrored that of DHT, whereas GTx-007 had minimal impact on the tested parameters. This study has identified endpoints that have revealed differences in the effects of SARMs on uterine tissue and provides a template for preclinical studies comparing the impact of compounds targeting the AR on endometrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Simitsidellis
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Arantza Esnal-Zuffiaure
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Olympia Kelepouri
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Elisabeth O’Flaherty
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Douglas A Gibson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Philippa T K Saunders
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
- Correspondence should be addressed to P T K Saunders:
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Plourde KV, Labrie Y, Ouellette G, Pouliot MC, Durocher F. Genome-wide methylation analysis of DNMT3B gene isoforms revealed specific methylation profiles in breast cell lines. Epigenomics 2016; 8:1209-26. [PMID: 27586997 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The goal of this study is to characterize the specific methylation profile triggered by DNMT3B protein isoforms expressed at different levels in breast cell lines. MATERIALS & METHODS Microarray DNA methylation data were analyzed and associated with functional genome annotation data. RESULTS A large spectrum of DNMT3B3/DNMT3B2 expression ratio values was observed in parental breast cell lines. According to their methylation profiles, hierarchical clustering of untransfected cell lines revealed clustering based on their ER/PR status. Overexpression of DNMT3B3 triggered methylation changes of thousands of CpG sites in breast cells. Based on the trend of methylation changes, the results suggest an antiproliferative action of the DNMT3B3 isoform through a dominant negative effect on its wild-type counterpart DNMT3B2. CONCLUSION This study revealed specific pathways modulated by DNMT3B isoforms, which could regulate cell proliferation and other biological mechanisms. This illustrates the importance of multiple interactions between isoforms in the complexity of methylation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine V Plourde
- CHU de Québec Research Centre-Université Laval, Department of Molecular Medicine, Québec, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Yvan Labrie
- CHU de Québec Research Centre-Université Laval, Department of Molecular Medicine, Québec, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Geneviève Ouellette
- CHU de Québec Research Centre-Université Laval, Department of Molecular Medicine, Québec, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Marie-Christine Pouliot
- CHU de Québec Research Centre-Université Laval, Department of Molecular Medicine, Québec, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Francine Durocher
- CHU de Québec Research Centre-Université Laval, Department of Molecular Medicine, Québec, G1V 4G2, Canada
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Simitsidellis I, Gibson DA, Cousins FL, Esnal-Zufiaurre A, Saunders PTK. A Role for Androgens in Epithelial Proliferation and Formation of Glands in the Mouse Uterus. Endocrinology 2016; 157:2116-28. [PMID: 26963473 PMCID: PMC4870887 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-2032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The endometrium consists of stromal and epithelial compartments (luminal and glandular) with distinct functions in the regulation of uterine homeostasis. Ovarian sex steroids, namely 17β-estradiol and progesterone, play essential roles in modulating uterine cell proliferation, stromal-epithelial cross-talk and differentiation in preparation for pregnancy. The effect of androgens on uterine function remains poorly understood. The current study investigated the effect of the non-aromatizable androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on mouse endometrial function. Ovx female mice were given a single sc injection (short treatment) or 7 daily injections (long treatment) of vehicle alone (5% ethanol, 0.4% methylcellulose) or vehicle with the addition of 0.2 mg DHT (n=8/group) and a single injection of bromodeoxyuridine 2 hours prior to tissue recovery. Treatment with DHT increased uterine weight, the area of the endometrial compartment and immunoexpression of the androgen receptor in the luminal and glandular epithelium. Treatment-dependent proliferation of epithelial cells was identified by immunostaining for MKi67 and bromodeoxyuridine. Real-time PCR identified significant DHT-dependent changes in the concentrations of mRNAs encoded by genes implicated in the regulation of the cell cycle (Wee1, Ccnd1, Rb1) and stromal-epithelial interactions (Wnt4, Wnt5a, Wnt7a, Cdh1, Vcl, Igf1, Prl8, Prlr) as well as a striking effect on the number of endometrial glands. This study has revealed a novel role for androgens in regulating uterine function with an effect on the glandular compartment of the endometrium. This previously unrecognized role for androgens has implications for our understanding of the role of androgens in regulation of endometrial function and fertility in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Simitsidellis
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, EH16 4TJ, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas A Gibson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, EH16 4TJ, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona L Cousins
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, EH16 4TJ, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Arantza Esnal-Zufiaurre
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, EH16 4TJ, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Philippa T K Saunders
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, EH16 4TJ, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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MacKrell JG, Yaden BC, Bullock H, Chen K, Shetler P, Bryant HU, Krishnan V. Molecular targets of androgen signaling that characterize skeletal muscle recovery and regeneration. NUCLEAR RECEPTOR SIGNALING 2015; 13:e005. [PMID: 26457071 PMCID: PMC4599140 DOI: 10.1621/nrs.13005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The high regenerative capacity of adult skeletal muscle relies on a self-renewing depot of adult stem cells, termed muscle satellite cells (MSCs). Androgens, known mediators of overall body composition and specifically skeletal muscle mass, have been shown to regulate MSCs. The possible overlapping function of androgen regulation of muscle growth and MSC activation has not been carefully investigated with regards to muscle regeneration.Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine coinciding androgen-mediated genetic changes in an in vitro MSC model and clinically relevant in vivo models. A gene signature was established via microarray analysis for androgen-mediated MSC engagement and highlighted several markers including follistatin (FST), IGF-1, C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR). In an in vivo muscle atrophy model, androgen re-supplementation significantly increased muscle size and expression of IGF-1, FST, and HGF, while significantly decreasing expression of GR. Biphasic gene expression profiles over the 7-day re-supplementation period identified temporal androgen regulation of molecular targets involved in satellite cell engagement into myogenesis. In a muscle injury model, removal of androgens resulted in delayed muscle recovery and regeneration. Modifications in the androgen signaling gene signature, along with reduced Pax7 and MyoD expression, suggested that limited MSC activation and increased inflammation contributed to the delayed regeneration. However, enhanced MSC activation in the androgen-deplete mouse injury model was driven by an androgen receptor (AR) agonist. These results provide novel in vitro and in vivo evidence describing molecular targets of androgen signaling, while also increasing support for translational use of AR agonists in skeletal muscle recovery and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- James G MacKrell
- Musculoskeletal Research (JGM, BCY, HB, PS, HUB, VK), Lead Optimization Biology (KC), Lilly Research Labs, Eli Lilly & Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Benjamin C Yaden
- Musculoskeletal Research (JGM, BCY, HB, PS, HUB, VK), Lead Optimization Biology (KC), Lilly Research Labs, Eli Lilly & Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Heather Bullock
- Musculoskeletal Research (JGM, BCY, HB, PS, HUB, VK), Lead Optimization Biology (KC), Lilly Research Labs, Eli Lilly & Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Keyue Chen
- Musculoskeletal Research (JGM, BCY, HB, PS, HUB, VK), Lead Optimization Biology (KC), Lilly Research Labs, Eli Lilly & Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Pamela Shetler
- Musculoskeletal Research (JGM, BCY, HB, PS, HUB, VK), Lead Optimization Biology (KC), Lilly Research Labs, Eli Lilly & Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Henry U Bryant
- Musculoskeletal Research (JGM, BCY, HB, PS, HUB, VK), Lead Optimization Biology (KC), Lilly Research Labs, Eli Lilly & Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Venkatesh Krishnan
- Musculoskeletal Research (JGM, BCY, HB, PS, HUB, VK), Lead Optimization Biology (KC), Lilly Research Labs, Eli Lilly & Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Androgens regulate a wide array of physiological processes, including male sexual development, bone and muscle growth, and behavior and cognition. Because androgens play a vital role in so many tissues, changes in androgen signaling are associated with a plethora of diseases. How such varied responses are achieved by a single stimulus is not well understood. Androgens act primarily through the androgen receptor (AR), a hormone nuclear receptor that is expressed in a select variety of tissues. METHODS In order to gain a better understanding of how the tissue-selective effects of androgens are achieved, we performed a comparison of microarray data, using previously published datasets and several of our own microarray datasets. These datasets were derived from clinically relevant, AR-expressing tissues dissected from rodents treated with the full androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT). RESULTS We found that there is a diverse response to DHT, with very little overlap of androgen regulated genes in each tissue. Gene ontology analyses also indicated that, while several tissues regulate similar biological processes in response to DHT, most androgen regulated processes are specific to one or a few tissues. Thus, it appears that the disparate physiological effects mediated by androgens begin with widely varying effects on gene expression in different androgen-sensitive tissues. CONCLUSION The analysis completed in this study will lead to an improved understanding of how androgens mediate diverse, tissue-specific processes and better ways to assess the tissue-selective effects of AR modulators during drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Otto-Duessel
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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De Giorgio MR, Yoshioka M, St-Amand J. A single dose of dihydrotestosterone induced a myogenic transcriptional program in female intra-abdominal adipose tissue. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2010; 122:53-64. [PMID: 20206260 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2010.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2009] [Revised: 02/14/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2010] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Sex steroids are key regulators of adipose tissue (AT) mass, determining gender-specific differences in fat distribution and accumulation. With the aim of exploring the relevance and peculiarities of androgen action in female intra-abdominal AT, we used the serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) method to analyze the AT transcriptome in four groups of female mice: intact, ovariectomized (OVX), OVX plus dihydrotestosterone (DHT) injection at 3h or 24h before sacrifice (DHT3h, DHT24h). An average of 19555 transcript species was examined in retroperitoneal fat. We found a total of 321 transcripts differentially modulated by DHT and OVX, including 125 novel genes. Several genes involved in energy metabolism/ATP production were up-regulated by DHT, whereas important regulators of lipid metabolism were reduced. Transcripts involved in Ca(2+) uptake/release, cell signalling, cell defence and protein expression were differentially modulated by DHT. A surprising number of myogenic genes were up-regulated, including myosin light and heavy polypeptides, troponins, as well as several actin-binding proteins. These results suggest that DHT24h may have induced a myogenic-like transcriptional program in adipocytes. The present study sheds light on the distinctive female transcriptional pattern acutely induced by androgens in intra-abdominal fat, and may add new insights into the global understanding of menopausal endocrinology and its association to intra-abdominal obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rita De Giorgio
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology Research Center, Laval University Medical Center, Québec City, Canada
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Desjardins S, Beauparlant JC, Labrie Y, Ouellette G, Durocher F. Variations in the NBN/NBS1 gene and the risk of breast cancer in non-BRCA1/2 French Canadian families with high risk of breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2009; 9:181. [PMID: 19523210 PMCID: PMC2702391 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-9-181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2008] [Accepted: 06/12/2009] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome is a chromosomal instability disorder characterized by microcephaly, growth retardation, immunodeficiency, and increased frequency of cancers. Familial studies on relatives of these patients indicated that they also appear to be at increased risk of cancer. METHODS In a candidate gene study aiming at identifying genetic determinants of breast cancer susceptibility, we undertook the full sequencing of the NBN gene in our cohort of 97 high-risk non-BRCA1 and -BRCA2 breast cancer families, along with 74 healthy unrelated controls, also from the French Canadian population. In silico programs (ESEfinder, NNSplice, Splice Site Finder and MatInspector) were used to assess the putative impact of the variants identified. The effect of the promoter variant was further studied by luciferase gene reporter assay in MCF-7, HEK293, HeLa and LNCaP cell lines. RESULTS Twenty-four variants were identified in our case series and their frequency was further evaluated in healthy controls. The potentially deleterious p.Ile171Val variant was observed in one case only. The p.Arg215Trp variant, suggested to impair NBN binding to histone gamma-H2AX, was observed in one breast cancer case and one healthy control. A promoter variant c.-242-110delAGTA displayed a significant variation in frequency between both sample sets. Luciferase reporter gene assay of the promoter construct bearing this variant did not suggest a variation of expression in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, but indicated a reduction of luciferase expression in both the HEK293 and LNCaP cell lines. CONCLUSION Our analysis of NBN sequence variations indicated that potential NBN alterations are present, albeit at a low frequency, in our cohort of high-risk breast cancer cases. Further analyses will be needed to fully ascertain the exact impact of those variants on breast cancer susceptibility, in particular for variants located in NBN promoter region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Desjardins
- Cancer Genomics Laboratory, Oncology and Molecular Endocrinology Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec and Laval University, Québec, Canada.
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