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Tamburello M, Altieri B, Sbiera I, Sigala S, Berruti A, Fassnacht M, Sbiera S. FGF/FGFR signaling in adrenocortical development and tumorigenesis: novel potential therapeutic targets in adrenocortical carcinoma. Endocrine 2022; 77:411-418. [PMID: 35583844 PMCID: PMC9385797 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03074-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
FGF/FGFR signaling regulates embryogenesis, angiogenesis, tissue homeostasis and wound repair by modulating proliferation, differentiation, survival, migration and metabolism of target cells. Understandably, compelling evidence for deregulated FGF signaling in the development and progression of different types of tumors continue to emerge and FGFR inhibitors arise as potential targeted therapeutic agents, particularly in tumors harboring aberrant FGFR signaling. There is first evidence of a dual role of the FGF/FGFR system in both organogenesis and tumorigenesis, of which this review aims to provide an overview. FGF-1 and FGF-2 are expressed in the adrenal cortex and are the most powerful mitogens for adrenocortical cells. Physiologically, they are involved in development and maintenance of the adrenal gland and bind to a family of four tyrosine kinase receptors, among which FGFR1 and FGFR4 are the most strongly expressed in the adrenal cortex. The repeatedly proven overexpression of these two FGFRs also in adrenocortical cancer is thus likely a sign of their participation in proliferation and vascularization, though the exact downstream mechanisms are not yet elucidated. Thus, FGFRs potentially offer novel therapeutic targets also for adrenocortical carcinoma, a type of cancer resistant to conventional antimitotic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Tamburello
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Barbara Altieri
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Iuliu Sbiera
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Sigala
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehenssive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Silviu Sbiera
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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2
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Hasenmajer V, Bonaventura I, Minnetti M, Sada V, Sbardella E, Isidori AM. Non-Canonical Effects of ACTH: Insights Into Adrenal Insufficiency. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:701263. [PMID: 34489864 PMCID: PMC8416901 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.701263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is produced from proopiomelanocortin, which is predominantly synthetized in the corticotroph and melanotroph cells of the anterior and intermediate lobes of the pituitary gland and the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Although ACTH clearly has an effect on adrenal homeostasis and maintenance of steroid hormone production, it also has extra-adrenal effects that require further elucidation. Methods We comprehensively reviewed English language articles, regardless of whether they reported the presence or absence of adrenal and extra-adrenal ACTH effects. Results In the present review, we provide an overview on the current knowledge on adrenal and extra-adrenal effects of ACTH. In the section on adrenal ACTH effects, we focused on corticosteroid rhythmicity and effects on steroidogenesis, mineralocorticoids and adrenal growth. In the section on extra-adrenal effects, we have analyzed the effects of ACTH on the osteoarticular and reproductive systems, adipocytes, immune system, brain and skin. Finally, we focused on adrenal insufficiency. Conclusions The role of ACTH in maintaining the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is well known. Conversely, if we broaden our vision and analyze its role as a potential treatment strategy in other conditions, it will be evident in the literature that researchers seem to have abandoned this aspect in studies conducted several years ago. We believe it is worth re-evaluating the role of ACTH considering its noncanonical effects on the adrenal gland itself and on extra-adrenal organs and tissues; however, this would not have been possible without the recent advances in the pertinent technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrea M. Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome - Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Harno E, Gali Ramamoorthy T, Coll AP, White A. POMC: The Physiological Power of Hormone Processing. Physiol Rev 2019; 98:2381-2430. [PMID: 30156493 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00024.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) is the archetypal polypeptide precursor of hormones and neuropeptides. In this review, we examine the variability in the individual peptides produced in different tissues and the impact of the simultaneous presence of their precursors or fragments. We also discuss the problems inherent in accurately measuring which of the precursors and their derived peptides are present in biological samples. We address how not being able to measure all the combinations of precursors and fragments quantitatively has affected our understanding of the pathophysiology associated with POMC processing. To understand how different ratios of peptides arise, we describe the role of the pro-hormone convertases (PCs) and their tissue specificities and consider the cellular processing pathways which enable regulated secretion of different peptides that play crucial roles in integrating a range of vital physiological functions. In the pituitary, correct processing of POMC peptides is essential to maintain the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and this processing can be disrupted in POMC-expressing tumors. In hypothalamic neurons expressing POMC, abnormalities in processing critically impact on the regulation of appetite, energy homeostasis, and body composition. More work is needed to understand whether expression of the POMC gene in a tissue equates to release of bioactive peptides. We suggest that this comprehensive view of POMC processing, with a focus on gaining a better understanding of the combination of peptides produced and their relative bioactivity, is a necessity for all involved in studying this fascinating physiological regulatory phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Harno
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastrointestinal Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science , Cambridge , United Kingdom
| | - Thanuja Gali Ramamoorthy
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastrointestinal Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science , Cambridge , United Kingdom
| | - Anthony P Coll
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastrointestinal Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science , Cambridge , United Kingdom
| | - Anne White
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastrointestinal Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science , Cambridge , United Kingdom
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4
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Lotfi CFP, Kremer JL, dos Santos Passaia B, Cavalcante IP. The human adrenal cortex: growth control and disorders. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2018; 73:e473s. [PMID: 30208164 PMCID: PMC6113920 DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2018/e473s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes key knowledge regarding the development, growth, and growth disorders of the adrenal cortex from a molecular perspective. The adrenal gland consists of two distinct regions: the cortex and the medulla. During embryological development and transition to the adult adrenal gland, the adrenal cortex acquires three different structural and functional zones. Significant progress has been made in understanding the signaling and molecules involved during adrenal cortex zonation. Equally significant is the knowledge obtained regarding the action of peptide factors involved in the maintenance of zonation of the adrenal cortex, such as peptides derived from proopiomelanocortin processing, adrenocorticotropin and N-terminal proopiomelanocortin. Findings regarding the development, maintenance and growth of the adrenal cortex and the molecular factors involved has improved the scientific understanding of disorders that affect adrenal cortex growth. Hypoplasia, hyperplasia and adrenocortical tumors, including adult and pediatric adrenocortical adenomas and carcinomas, are described together with findings regarding molecular and pathway alterations. Comprehensive genomic analyses of adrenocortical tumors have shown gene expression profiles associated with malignancy as well as methylation alterations and the involvement of miRNAs. These findings provide a new perspective on the diagnosis, therapeutic possibilities and prognosis of adrenocortical disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudimara Ferini Pacicco Lotfi
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
- *Corresponding author. E-mail:
| | - Jean Lucas Kremer
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Barbara dos Santos Passaia
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Isadora Pontes Cavalcante
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
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5
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Silveira E, Cavalcante IP, Kremer JL, de Mendonça POR, Lotfi CFP. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor nilotinib is more efficient than mitotane in decreasing cell viability in spheroids prepared from adrenocortical carcinoma cells. Cancer Cell Int 2018; 18:29. [PMID: 29507530 PMCID: PMC5831608 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-018-0527-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background New drugs for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) are needed because most patients undergo rapid disease progression despite surgery and adjuvant therapy with mitotane. In this study, we aimed to investigate the in vitro effects of different chemotherapy drugs, alone or combined with mitotane, on the viability of adrenocortical carcinoma cells. Methods Everolimus, sunitinib, zoledronic acid, imatinib and nilotinib cytotoxicity, alone or combined with mitotane were tested on ACC H295R cells in monolayer or spheroid cultures using MTS assays and confocal microscopy. Moreover, the nilotinib effects were investigated in spheroids cultured from patient tumor-derived ACC-T36 cells. Results Morphological characterization of H295R cell spheroids using histochemistry was performed and showed that dense, homogenously sized, multicellular spheroids were obtained. We observed that sunitinib and nilotinib alone were equally effective in a monolayer preparation, whereas mitotane was the most effective even at a low dose. A combination of sunitinib and mitotane was the most effective treatment, with only 23.8% of cells in the monolayer remaining viable. Spheroid preparations showed resistance to different drugs, although the poor effect produced by mitotane alone was surprising, with a cell viability of 84.6% in comparison with 13.1% in monolayer cells. The most ineffective drugs in spheroid preparations were everolimus, zoledronic acid and imatinib. In both cell types, nilotinib, either alone or in combination with mitotane induced more significant cell viability inhibition in monolayer and spheroid preparations. In addition, the mechanism of nilotinib activity involves the ERK1/2 pathway. Conclusion Taken together, our data identified nilotinib as a cytotoxic drug that combined with ERK inhibitors deserves to be tested as a novel therapy for adrenocortical carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Silveira
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - Isadora Pontes Cavalcante
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - Jean Lucas Kremer
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP Brazil
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Cavalcante IP, Nishi M, Zerbini MCN, Almeida MQ, Brondani VB, Botelho MLADA, Tanno FY, Srougi V, Chambo JL, Mendonca BB, Bertherat J, Lotfi CFP, Fragoso MCBV. The role of ARMC5 in human cell cultures from nodules of primary macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia (PMAH). Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 460:36-46. [PMID: 28676429 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The participation of aberrant receptors and intra-adrenal ACTH in hyperplastic tissue are considered mechanisms that regulate hypercortisolism in PMAH. Additionally, germline ARMC5 mutations have been described as the most frequent genetic abnormality found in patients diagnosed with PMAH. Previous functional studies analyzed ARMC5 role using H295R cells. Therefore, we investigated the role of ARMC5 in cell cultures obtained from PMAH nodules containing steroidogenic cells, aberrant receptors and intra-adrenal ACTH. ARMC5 silencing in non-mutated PMAH cell cultures decreased steroidogenesis-related genes and increased CCNE1 mRNA expression and proliferative capacity without affecting cell viability. Additionally, ARMC5 overexpression induced cell death in PMAH mutated cell cultures, thereby decreasing cell viability. We confirmed the role of ARMC5 as an important pro-apoptotic protein involved in PMAH-related steroidogenesis. We also report for the first time the involvement of ARMC5 in controlling proliferation and regulating cell cycle in PMAH cell cultures; these effects need to be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora P Cavalcante
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Anatomy, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mirian Nishi
- Laboratory of Hormone and Molecular Genetic LIM/42, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Madson Q Almeida
- Laboratory of Hormone and Molecular Genetic LIM/42, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Adrenal Unit, Discipline of Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Vania B Brondani
- Laboratory of Hormone and Molecular Genetic LIM/42, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Adrenal Unit, Discipline of Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Fabio Y Tanno
- Department of Urology, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Victor Srougi
- Department of Urology, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Berenice B Mendonca
- Laboratory of Hormone and Molecular Genetic LIM/42, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Adrenal Unit, Discipline of Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jérôme Bertherat
- Service d'Endocrinologie, Hôpital Cochin, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares de la Surrénale, Institut Cochin, INSERM U 1016, CNRS 8104, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Claudimara F P Lotfi
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Anatomy, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Maria Candida B V Fragoso
- Laboratory of Hormone and Molecular Genetic LIM/42, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Adrenal Unit, Discipline of Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Abstract
Somatic mutations in PRKACA, coding for the catalytic α subunit of protein kinase A (PKA), have been recently identified as the most frequent genetic alteration in cortisol-secreting adrenocortical adenomas, which are responsible for adrenal Cushing's syndrome. The mutations identified so far lie at the interface between the catalytic (C) and regulatory (R) subunit of PKA. Detailed functional studies of the most frequent of these mutations (L206R) as well as of another one in the same region of the C subunit (199_200insW) have revealed that these mutations cause constitutive activation of PKA and lack of regulation by cAMP. This is due to interference with the binding of the R subunit, which keeps the C subunit inactive in the absence of cyclic AMP. Here, we review these recent findings, with a particular focus on the mechanisms of action of PRKACA mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Calebiro
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - K Bathon
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - I Weigand
- Department of Medicine I, Endocrine and Diabetes Unit, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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8
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Vinson GP. Functional Zonation of the Adult Mammalian Adrenal Cortex. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:238. [PMID: 27378832 PMCID: PMC4908136 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The standard model of adrenocortical zonation holds that the three main zones, glomerulosa, fasciculata, and reticularis each have a distinct function, producing mineralocorticoids (in fact just aldosterone), glucocorticoids, and androgens respectively. Moreover, each zone has its specific mechanism of regulation, though ACTH has actions throughout. Finally, the cells of the cortex originate from a stem cell population in the outer cortex or capsule, and migrate centripetally, changing their phenotype as they progress through the zones. Recent progress in understanding the development of the gland and the distribution of steroidogenic enzymes, trophic hormone receptors, and other factors suggests that this model needs refinement. Firstly, proliferation can take place throughout the gland, and although the stem cells are certainly located in the periphery, zonal replenishment can take place within zones. Perhaps more importantly, neither the distribution of enzymes nor receptors suggest that the individual zones are necessarily autonomous in their production of steroid. This is particularly true of the glomerulosa, which does not seem to have the full suite of enzymes required for aldosterone biosynthesis. Nor, in the rat anyway, does it express MC2R to account for the response of aldosterone to ACTH. It is known that in development, recruitment of stem cells is stimulated by signals from within the glomerulosa. Furthermore, throughout the cortex local regulatory factors, including cytokines, catecholamines and the tissue renin-angiotensin system, modify and refine the effects of the systemic trophic factors. In these and other ways it more and more appears that the functions of the gland should be viewed as an integrated whole, greater than the sum of its component parts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin P Vinson
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
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9
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Bicknell AB. 60 YEARS OF POMC: N-terminal POMC peptides and adrenal growth. J Mol Endocrinol 2016; 56:T39-48. [PMID: 26759392 DOI: 10.1530/jme-15-0269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The peptide hormones contained within the sequence of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) have diverse roles ranging from pigmentation to regulation of adrenal function to control of our appetite. It is generally acknowledged to be the archetypal hormone precursor, and as its biology has been unravelled, so too have many of the basic principles of hormone biosynthesis and processing. This short review focuses on one group of its peptide products, namely, those derived from the N-terminal of POMC and their role in the regulation of adrenal growth. From a historical and a personal perspective, it describes how their role in regulating proliferation of the adrenal cortex was identified and also highlights the key questions that remain to be answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew B Bicknell
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, UK
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10
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Gallo-Payet N. 60 YEARS OF POMC: Adrenal and extra-adrenal functions of ACTH. J Mol Endocrinol 2016; 56:T135-56. [PMID: 26793988 DOI: 10.1530/jme-15-0257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) plays a pivotal role in homeostasis and stress response and is thus the major component of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. After a brief summary of ACTH production from proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and on ACTH receptor properties, the first part of the review covers the role of ACTH in steroidogenesis and steroid secretion. We highlight the mechanisms explaining the differential acute vs chronic effects of ACTH on aldosterone and glucocorticoid secretion. The second part summarizes the effects of ACTH on adrenal growth, addressing its role as either a mitogenic or a differentiating factor. We then review the mechanisms involved in steroid secretion, from the classical Cyclic adenosine monophosphate second messenger system to various signaling cascades. We also consider how the interaction between the extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton may trigger activation of signaling platforms potentially stimulating or repressing the steroidogenic potency of ACTH. Finally, we consider the extra-adrenal actions of ACTH, in particular its role in differentiation in a variety of cell types, in addition to its known lipolytic effects on adipocytes. In each section, we endeavor to correlate basic mechanisms of ACTH function with the pathological consequences of ACTH signaling deficiency and of overproduction of ACTH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Gallo-Payet
- Division of EndocrinologyDepartment of Medicine, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada Division of EndocrinologyDepartment of Medicine, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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11
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Lotfi CFP, de Mendonca POR. Comparative Effect of ACTH and Related Peptides on Proliferation and Growth of Rat Adrenal Gland. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:39. [PMID: 27242663 PMCID: PMC4860745 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) is a polypeptide precursor known to yield biologically active peptides related to a range of functions. These active peptides include the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which is essential for maintenance of adrenal growth and steroidogenesis, and the alpha-melanocyte stimulation hormone, which plays a key role in energy homeostasis. However, the role of the highly conserved N-terminal region of POMC peptide fragments has begun to be unraveled only recently. Here, we review the cascade of events involved in regulation of proliferation and growth of murine adrenal cortex triggered by ACTH and other POMC-derived peptides. Key findings regarding signaling pathways and modulation of genes and proteins required for the regulation of adrenal growth are summarized. We have outlined the known mechanisms as well as future challenges for research on the regulation of adrenal proliferation and growth triggered by these peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudimara Ferini Pacicco Lotfi
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Claudimara Ferini Pacicco Lotfi,
| | - Pedro O. R. de Mendonca
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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12
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França MM, Abreu NP, Vrechi TAM, Lotfi CF. POD-1/Tcf21 overexpression reduces endogenous SF-1 and StAR expression in rat adrenal cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 48:1087-94. [PMID: 26421867 PMCID: PMC4661024 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20154748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
During gonad and adrenal development, the POD-1/capsulin/TCF21transcription factor negatively regulates SF-1/NR5A1expression, with higher SF-1 levels being associated with increased adrenal cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. In adrenocortical tumor cells, POD-1 binds to the SF-1 E-box promoter region, decreasing SF-1 expression. However, the modulation of SF-1 expression by POD-1 has not previously been described in normal adrenal cells. Here, we analyzed the basal expression of Pod-1 and Sf-1 in primary cultures of glomerulosa (G) and fasciculata/reticularis (F/R) cells isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats, and investigated whether POD-1 overexpression modulates the expression of endogenous Sf-1 and its target genes in these cells. POD-1 overexpression, following the transfection of pCMVMycPod-1, significantly decreased the endogenous levels of Sf-1 mRNA and protein in F/R cells, but not in G cells, and also decreased the expression of the SF-1 target StAR in F/R cells. In G cells overexpressing POD-1, no modulation of the expression of SF-1 targets, StAR and CYP11B2, was observed. Our data showing that G and F/R cells respond differently to ectopic POD-1 expression emphasize the functional differences between the outer and inner zones of the adrenal cortex, and support the hypothesis that SF-1 is regulated by POD-1/Tcf21 in normal adrenocortical cells lacking the alterations in cellular physiology found in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M França
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - N P Abreu
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - T A M Vrechi
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - C F Lotfi
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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13
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Abstract
The purpose of this article is to review fundamentals in adrenal gland histophysiology. Key findings regarding the important signaling pathways involved in the regulation of steroidogenesis and adrenal growth are summarized. We illustrate how adrenal gland morphology and function are deeply interconnected in which novel signaling pathways (Wnt, Sonic hedgehog, Notch, β-catenin) or ionic channels are required for their integrity. Emphasis is given to exploring the mechanisms and challenges underlying the regulation of proliferation, growth, and functionality. Also addressed is the fact that while it is now well-accepted that steroidogenesis results from an enzymatic shuttle between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, key questions still remain on the various aspects related to cellular uptake and delivery of free cholesterol. The significant progress achieved over the past decade regarding the precise molecular mechanisms by which the two main regulators of adrenal cortex, adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and angiotensin II act on their receptors is reviewed, including structure-activity relationships and their potential applications. Particular attention has been given to crucial second messengers and how various kinases, phosphatases, and cytoskeleton-associated proteins interact to ensure homeostasis and/or meet physiological demands. References to animal studies are also made in an attempt to unravel associated clinical conditions. Many of the aspects addressed in this article still represent a challenge for future studies, their outcome aimed at providing evidence that the adrenal gland, through its steroid hormones, occupies a central position in many situations where homeostasis is disrupted, thus highlighting the relevance of exploring and understanding how this key organ is regulated. © 2014 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 4:889-964, 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Gallo-Payet
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, and Centre de Recherche Clinique Étienne-Le Bel of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS), Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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de Mendonca POR, Costa IC, Lotfi CFP. The involvement of Nek2 and Notch in the proliferation of rat adrenal cortex triggered by POMC-derived peptides. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108657. [PMID: 25279464 PMCID: PMC4184836 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The adrenal gland is a dynamic organ that undergoes constant cell turnover. This allows for rapid organ remodeling in response to the physiological demands of the HPA axis, which is controlled by proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides, such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and N-Terminal peptides (N-POMC). In the rat adrenal cortex, POMC-derived peptides trigger a mitogenic effect, and this process increases cyclins D and E, while inhibiting p27Kip1. The goal of the present study was to further explore the mitogenic effect of ACTH and synthetic N-POMC1–28 peptides by investigating the differences in the expression of key genes involved in the cell cycle of the rat adrenal cortex, following inhibition of the HPA axis. Moreover, we evaluated the differences between the inner and outer fractions of the adrenal cortex (ZF-fraction and ZG-fraction) in terms of their response patterns to different stimuli. In the current study, the inhibition of the HPA axis repressed the expression of Ccnb2, Camk2a, and Nek2 genes throughout the adrenal cortex, while treatments with POMC-derived peptides stimulated Nek2, gene and protein expression, and Notch2 gene expression. Furthermore, Notch1 protein expression was restricted to the subcapsular region of the cortex, an area of the adrenal cortex that is well-known for proliferation. We also showed that different regions of the adrenal cortex respond to HPA-axis inhibition and to induction with POMC-derived peptides at different times. These results suggest that cells in the ZG and ZF fractions could be at different phases of the cell cycle. Our results contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms involved in cell cycle regulation in adrenocortical cells triggered by N-POMC peptides and ACTH, and highlight the involvement of genes such as Nek2 and Notch.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ismael Cabral Costa
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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de Mendonca POR, Liria CW, Machini MT, Lotfi CFP. N-POMC1-28 increases cyclin D expression and inhibits P27(kip1) in the adrenal cortex. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 371:166-73. [PMID: 23219869 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2012.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2012] [Revised: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and Pro-opimelanocortin (POMC) 1-28N-terminal peptide (N-POMC(1-28)) have been shown to act as an adrenal mitogen in vivo. A possible role for cyclin E in the zona glomerulosa (ZG) proliferation, following ACTH and/or N-POMC(1-28) administration, has been previously demonstrated. In this study, we investigated the effect of ACTH and N-POMC(1-28) on the expression of adrenal cortex proteins related to cell cycle control such as cyclins D and P27(kip1). The administration of N-POMC upregulated cyclin D1 and D2 expression in the outer zone of the adrenal cortex; cyclin D3 expression was upregulated in the cortex inner zone even after administration of ACTH. Both ACTH and N-POMC peptides induced a decrease in the P27(kip1) expression in the ZG. These novel findings suggest that the POMC-derivate peptides, ACTH and N-POMC, promote proliferation in the adrenal cortex by upregulating the D2 and D3 cyclins and downregulating the P27(kip1) expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro O R de Mendonca
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil
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Drelon C, Berthon A, Ragazzon B, Tissier F, Bandiera R, Sahut-Barnola I, de Joussineau C, Batisse-Lignier M, Lefrançois-Martinez AM, Bertherat J, Martinez A, Val P. Analysis of the role of Igf2 in adrenal tumour development in transgenic mouse models. PLoS One 2012; 7:e44171. [PMID: 22952916 PMCID: PMC3429465 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2012] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Adrenal cortical carcinomas (ACC) are rare but aggressive tumours associated with poor prognosis. The two most frequent alterations in ACC in patients are overexpression of the growth factor IGF2 and constitutive activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Using a transgenic mouse model, we have previously shown that constitutive active β-catenin is a bona fide adrenal oncogene. However, although all these mice developed benign adrenal hyperplasia, malignant progression was infrequent, suggesting that secondary genetic events were required for aggressive tumour development. In the present paper, we have tested IGF2 oncogenic properties by developing two distinct transgenic mouse models of Igf2 overexpression in the adrenal cortex. Our analysis shows that despite overexpression levels ranging from 7 (basal) to 87 (ACTH-induced) fold, Igf2 has no tumour initiating potential in the adrenal cortex. However, it induces aberrant accumulation of Gli1 and Pod1-positive progenitor cells, in a hedgehog-independent manner. We have also tested the hypothesis that Igf2 may cooperate with Wnt signalling by mating Igf2 overexpressing lines with mice that express constitutive active β-catenin in the adrenal cortex. We show that the combination of both alterations has no effect on tumour phenotype at stages when β-catenin-induced tumours are benign. However, there is a mild promoting effect at later stages, characterised by increased Weiss score and proliferation. Formation of malignant tumours is nonetheless a rare event, even when Igf2 expression is further increased by ACTH treatment. Altogether these experiments suggest that the growth factor IGF2 is a mild contributor to malignant adrenocortical tumourigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coralie Drelon
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, GReD, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS UMR 6293, GReD, Aubière, France
- Inserm U1103, GReD, Aubière, France
| | - Annabel Berthon
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, GReD, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS UMR 6293, GReD, Aubière, France
- Inserm U1103, GReD, Aubière, France
| | - Bruno Ragazzon
- Institut Cochin, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France
- Inserm U1016, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Cochin, Department of Endocrinology, Reference Center for Rare Adrenal Diseases, Paris, France
| | - Frédérique Tissier
- Institut Cochin, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France
- Inserm U1016, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Cochin, Department of Endocrinology, Reference Center for Rare Adrenal Diseases, Paris, France
| | | | - Isabelle Sahut-Barnola
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, GReD, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS UMR 6293, GReD, Aubière, France
- Inserm U1103, GReD, Aubière, France
| | - Cyrille de Joussineau
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, GReD, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS UMR 6293, GReD, Aubière, France
- Inserm U1103, GReD, Aubière, France
| | - Marie Batisse-Lignier
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, GReD, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS UMR 6293, GReD, Aubière, France
- Inserm U1103, GReD, Aubière, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Service d'Endocrinologie, Faculté de Médecine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Anne-Marie Lefrançois-Martinez
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, GReD, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS UMR 6293, GReD, Aubière, France
- Inserm U1103, GReD, Aubière, France
| | - Jérôme Bertherat
- Institut Cochin, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France
- Inserm U1016, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Cochin, Department of Endocrinology, Reference Center for Rare Adrenal Diseases, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Martinez
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, GReD, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS UMR 6293, GReD, Aubière, France
- Inserm U1103, GReD, Aubière, France
| | - Pierre Val
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, GReD, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS UMR 6293, GReD, Aubière, France
- Inserm U1103, GReD, Aubière, France
- * E-mail:
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