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Transactivation of miR-202-5p by Steroidogenic Factor 1 (SF1) Induces Apoptosis in Goat Granulosa Cells by Targeting TGFβR2. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020445. [PMID: 32075111 PMCID: PMC7072820 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs play key roles during ovary development, with emerging evidence suggesting that miR-202-5p is specifically expressed in female animal gonads. Granulosa cells (GCs) are somatic cells that are closely related to the development of female gametes in mammalian ovaries. However, the biological roles of miR-202-5p in GCs remain unknown. Here, we show that miR-202-5p is specifically expressed in GCs and accumulates in extracellular vesicles (EVs) from large growth follicles in goat ovaries. In vitro assays showed that miR-202-5p induced apoptosis and suppressed the proliferation of goat GCs. We further revealed that miR-202-5p is a functional miRNA that targets the transforming growth factor-beta type II receptor (TGFβR2). MiR-202-5p attenuated TGF-β/SMAD signaling through the degradation of TGFβR2 at both the mRNA and protein level, decreasing p-SMAD3 levels in GCs. Moreover, we verified that steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1) is a transcriptional factor that binds to the promoters of miR-202 and cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (CYP19A1) through luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. That contributed to positive correlation between miR-202-5p and CYP19A1 expression and estradiol (E2) release. Furthermore, SF1 repressed TGFβR2 and p-SMAD3 levels in GCs through the transactivation of miR-202-5p. Taken together, these results suggest a mechanism by which miR-202-5p regulates canonical TGF-β/SMAD signaling through targeting TGFβR2 in GCs. This provides insight into the transcriptional regulation of miR-202 and CYP19A1 during goat ovarian follicular development.
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Hobeika E, Armouti M, Kala H, Fierro MA, Winston NJ, Scoccia B, Zamah AM, Stocco C. Oocyte-Secreted Factors Synergize With FSH to Promote Aromatase Expression in Primary Human Cumulus Cells. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:1667-1676. [PMID: 30541132 PMCID: PMC6441017 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-01705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The role of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) on aromatase regulation is poorly understood in humans. OBJECTIVE Determine GDF9 and BMP15 effects on FSH stimulation of estradiol production in primary human cumulus granulosa cells (GCs). We hypothesized that the combination of GDF9 and BMP15 potentiates FSH-induced aromatase expression. DESIGN Primary human cumulus GCs in culture. SETTING University infertility center. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS GCs of 60 women undergoing in vitro fertilization were collected. INTERVENTIONS Cells were treated with GDF9 and/or BMP15 (GB) in the presence or absence of FSH, dibutyryl cAMP, or SMAD inhibitors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Promoter activity, mRNA, protein, and estradiol levels were quantified. RESULTS FSH and GB treatment increased CYP19A1 promoter activity, mRNA, and protein levels as well as estradiol when compared with cells treated with FSH only. GB treatment potentiated cAMP stimulation of aromatase and IGF2 stimulation by FSH. GB effects were inhibited by SMAD3 inhibitors and IGF1 receptor inhibitors. GB, but not FSH, stimulates SMAD3 phosphorylation. CONCLUSION The combination of GDF9 and BMP15 potently stimulates the effect of FSH and cAMP on CYP19a1 promoter activity and mRNA/protein levels. These effects translate into an increase in estradiol production. This potentiation seems to occur through activation of the SMAD2/3 and SMAD3 signaling pathway and involves, at least in part, the effect of the IGF system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elie Hobeika
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Marah Armouti
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Hamsini Kala
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Michele A Fierro
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Nicola J Winston
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Bert Scoccia
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Alberuni M Zamah
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Carlos Stocco
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Carlos Stocco, PhD, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, 835 South Wolcott Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60612. E-mail:
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3
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Li H, Guo S, Cai L, Ma W, Shi Z. Lipopolysaccharide and heat stress impair the estradiol biosynthesis in granulosa cells via increase of HSP70 and inhibition of smad3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Cell Signal 2017; 30:130-141. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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4
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Wang L, Li C, Li R, Deng Y, Tan Y, Tong C, Qi H. MicroRNA-764-3p regulates 17β-estradiol synthesis of mouse ovarian granulosa cells by targeting steroidogenic factor-1. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2015; 52:365-373. [PMID: 26676955 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-015-9977-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported that microRNA-764-3p (miR-764-3p) is one of the most up-regulated microRNAs (miRNAs) in TGF-β1-stimulated mouse ovarian granulosa cells. However, little is known about the roles and mechanisms of miR-764-3p in granulosa cell function during follicular development. In this study, we found that overexpression of miR-764-3p inhibited 17β-estradiol (E2) synthesis of granulosa cells through directly targeting steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1). MiR-764-3p inhibited SF-1 by affecting its messenger RNA (mRNA) stability, which subsequently suppressed the expression levels of Cyp19a1 gene (aromatase, a downstream target of SF-1). In addition, SF-1 was involved in regulation of miR-764-3p-mediated Cyp19a1 expression in granulosa cells which contributed, at least partially, to the effects of miR-764-3p on granulosa cell E2 release. These results suggest that miR-764-3p functions to decrease steroidogenesis by targeting SF-1, at least in part, through inactivation of Cyp19a1. Taken together, our data provide mechanistic insights into the roles of miR-764-3p on E2 synthesis. Understanding of potential miRNAs affecting estrogen synthesis will help to diagnose and treat steroid-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianlian Wang
- Department of Reproduction Health and Infertility, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China.,China-Canada-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong Li
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China.,China-Canada-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Youlin Deng
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Yixin Tan
- Department of Medical Records, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Tong
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China.,China-Canada-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbo Qi
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China. .,China-Canada-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Akther S, Huang Z, Liang M, Zhong J, Fakhrul AAKM, Yuhi T, Lopatina O, Salmina AB, Yokoyama S, Higashida C, Tsuji T, Matsuo M, Higashida H. Paternal Retrieval Behavior Regulated by Brain Estrogen Synthetase (Aromatase) in Mouse Sires that Engage in Communicative Interactions with Pairmates. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:450. [PMID: 26696812 PMCID: PMC4678232 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Parental behaviors involve complex social recognition and memory processes and interactive behavior with children that can greatly facilitate healthy human family life. Fathers play a substantial role in child care in a small but significant number of mammals, including humans. However, the brain mechanism that controls male parental behavior is much less understood than that controlling female parental behavior. Fathers of non-monogamous laboratory ICR mice are an interesting model for examining the factors that influence paternal responsiveness because sires can exhibit maternal-like parental care (retrieval of pups) when separated from their pups along with their pairmates because of olfactory and auditory signals from the dams. Here we tested whether paternal behavior is related to femininity by the aromatization of testosterone. For this purpose, we measured the immunoreactivity of aromatase [cytochrome P450 family 19 (CYP19)], which synthesizes estrogen from androgen, in nine brain regions of the sire. We observed higher levels of aromatase expression in these areas of the sire brain when they engaged in communicative interactions with dams in separate cages. Interestingly, the number of nuclei with aromatase immunoreactivity in sires left together with maternal mates in the home cage after pup-removing was significantly larger than that in sires housed with a whole family. The capacity of sires to retrieve pups was increased following a period of 5 days spent with the pups as a whole family after parturition, whereas the acquisition of this ability was suppressed in sires treated daily with an aromatase inhibitor. The results demonstrate that the dam significantly stimulates aromatase in the male brain and that the presence of the pups has an inhibitory effect on this increase. These results also suggest that brain aromatization regulates the initiation, development, and maintenance of paternal behavior in the ICR male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Akther
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition, Kanazawa University Research Center for Child Mental Development Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Zhiqi Huang
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition, Kanazawa University Research Center for Child Mental Development Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Mingkun Liang
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition, Kanazawa University Research Center for Child Mental Development Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Jing Zhong
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition, Kanazawa University Research Center for Child Mental Development Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Azam A K M Fakhrul
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition, Kanazawa University Research Center for Child Mental Development Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Teruko Yuhi
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition, Kanazawa University Research Center for Child Mental Development Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Olga Lopatina
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition, Kanazawa University Research Center for Child Mental Development Kanazawa, Japan ; Department of Biochemistry, Medical Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Alla B Salmina
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Shigeru Yokoyama
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition, Kanazawa University Research Center for Child Mental Development Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Chiharu Higashida
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition, Kanazawa University Research Center for Child Mental Development Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsuji
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition, Kanazawa University Research Center for Child Mental Development Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Mie Matsuo
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition, Kanazawa University Research Center for Child Mental Development Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Haruhiro Higashida
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition, Kanazawa University Research Center for Child Mental Development Kanazawa, Japan
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6
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To SQ, Knower KC, Cheung V, Simpson ER, Clyne CD. Transcriptional control of local estrogen formation by aromatase in the breast. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 145:179-86. [PMID: 24846828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aromatase is the critical enzyme that converts androgens to estrogens. It is frequently highly expressed in the tumour bearing breast of women diagnosed with estrogen receptor positive tumours, resulting in dramatically increased local estrogen production to drive tumour progression. Expression of aromatase is regulated primarily at the transcriptional level of its encoding gene CYP19A1, located on chromosome 15 of the human genome. A characteristic feature of CYP19A1 expression is its use of alternative promoters to regulate transcription in a tissue-specific manner. In breast cancer, the increase in aromatase expression is mediated via higher expression of the distal adipose-specific promoter I.4 and a switch to the preferential use of proximal promoters I.3 and II. This results in a net increase of CYP19A1 transcripts in tumour-bearing breast up to 3-4-fold higher than normal breast. Current aromatase inhibitors - whilst efficacious - exhibit significant side effects that reduce patient compliance. Understanding the transcription factors and signalling pathways that control aromatase expression will lead to opportunities to develop breast-specific inhibitors with an improved side-effects profile. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Essential role of DHEA'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Q To
- Cancer Drug Discovery Laboratory, MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia; Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
| | - Kevin C Knower
- Cancer Drug Discovery Laboratory, MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia; Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
| | - Vanessa Cheung
- Cancer Drug Discovery Laboratory, MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia; Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Evan R Simpson
- Metabolism and Cancer Laboratory, MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia; Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Colin D Clyne
- Cancer Drug Discovery Laboratory, MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia; Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
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7
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Chen XW, Jiang S, Gu YF, Shi ZY. Molecular characterization and expression of cyp19a gene in Carassius auratus. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2014; 85:516-522. [PMID: 24865234 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A cyp19a gene that contains nine exons and eight introns was identified from Carassius auratus and was mainly expressed in the ovary. The cyp19a mRNA level after hatching was initially low, but began to increase from 25 days after hatching. A number of cis-acting elements, such as the oestrogen receptor, steroidogenic factor 1 and SOX-5 recognition sites, were found in the promoter of the cyp19 gene, which possesses a promoter function confirmed by a recombination green fluorescent protein checking system in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- X W Chen
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 201306, China
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8
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Solak KA, Wijnolts FMJ, Nijmeijer SM, Blaauboer BJ, van den Berg M, van Duursen MBM. Excessive levels of diverse phytoestrogens can modulate steroidogenesis and cell migration of KGN human granulosa-derived tumor cells. Toxicol Rep 2014; 1:360-372. [PMID: 28962252 PMCID: PMC5598505 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2014.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2014] [Revised: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Phytoestrogens are plant-derived estrogen-like compounds that are increasingly used for their suggested health promoting properties, even by healthy, young women. However, scientific concerns exist regarding potential adverse effects on female reproduction. In this study, naringenin (NAR), 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), genistein (GEN), coumestrol (COU), quercetin (QUE) and resveratrol (RSV) up-regulated steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StaR) mRNA levels in KGN human granulosa-like tumor cells. Most of the phytoestrogens tested also increased CYP19A1 (aromatase) mRNA levels via activation of ovary-specific I.3 and II promoters. Yet, only NAR (3 and 10 μM), COU (10 and 30 μM) and QUE (10 μM) also statistically significantly induced aromatase activity in KGN cells after 24 h. 8-PN, aromatase inhibitor letrozole and estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 concentration-dependently inhibited aromatase activity with IC50 values of 8 nM, 10 nM and 72 nM, respectively. Co-exposure with ICI 182,780 (0.1 μM) statistically significantly attenuated the induction of aromatase activity by QUE and COU, but not NAR. Cell cycle status and proliferation of KGN cells were not affected by any of the phytoestrogens tested. Nonetheless, the migration of KGN cells was significantly reduced with approximately 30% by COU, RSV and QUE and 46% by GEN at 10 μM, but not NAR and 8-PN. Our results indicate that phytoestrogens can affect various pathways in granulosa-like cells in vitro at concentrations that can be found in plasma upon supplement intake. This implies that phytoestrogens may interfere with ovarian function and caution is in place regarding the use of supplements with high contents of phytoestrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila A Solak
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Fiona M J Wijnolts
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra M Nijmeijer
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bas J Blaauboer
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martin van den Berg
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Majorie B M van Duursen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Boley N, Stoiber MH, Booth BW, Wan KH, Hoskins RA, Bickel PJ, Celniker SE, Brown JB. Genome-guided transcript assembly by integrative analysis of RNA sequence data. Nat Biotechnol 2014; 32:341-6. [PMID: 24633242 PMCID: PMC4037530 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.2850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The identification of full length transcripts entirely from short-read RNA sequencing data (RNA-seq) remains a challenge in the annotation of genomes. Here we describe an automated pipeline for genome annotation that integrates RNA-seq and gene-boundary data sets, which we call Generalized RNA Integration Tool, or GRIT. Applying GRIT to Drosophila melanogaster short-read RNA-seq, cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE) and poly(A)-site-seq data collected for the modENCODE project, we recovered the vast majority of previously annotated transcripts and doubled the total number of transcripts cataloged. We found that 20% of protein coding genes encode multiple protein-localization signals and that, in 20-d-old adult fly heads, genes with multiple polyadenylation sites are more common than genes with alternative splicing or alternative promoters. GRIT demonstrates 30% higher precision and recall than the most widely used transcript assembly tools. GRIT will facilitate the automated generation of high-quality genome annotations without the need for extensive manual annotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Boley
- Department of Biostatistics, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Marcus H. Stoiber
- Department of Biostatistics, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin W. Booth
- Department of Genome Dynamics, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Kenneth H. Wan
- Department of Genome Dynamics, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Roger A. Hoskins
- Department of Genome Dynamics, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Peter J. Bickel
- Department of Statistics, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Susan E. Celniker
- Department of Genome Dynamics, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - James B. Brown
- Department of Genome Dynamics, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Statistics, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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10
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Tian XH, Hou WJ, Fang Y, Fan J, Tong H, Bai SL, Chen Q, Xu H, Li Y. XAV939, a tankyrase 1 inhibitior, promotes cell apoptosis in neuroblastoma cell lines by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2013; 32:100. [PMID: 24308762 PMCID: PMC3866601 DOI: 10.1186/1756-9966-32-100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood. The present treatment including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, which have only 40% long-term cure rates, and usually cause tumor recurrence. Thus, looking for new effective and less toxic therapies has important significance. XAV939 is a small molecule inhibitor of tankyrase 1(TNKS1). The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of XAV939 on the proliferation and apoptosis of NB cell lines, and the related mechanism. Methods In the present study, we used both XAV939 treatment and RNAi method to demonstrate that TNKS1 inhibition may be a potential mechanism to cure NB. MTT method was used for determining the cell viability and the appropriate concerntration for follow-up assays. The colony formation assay, Annexin V staining and cell cycle analysis were used for detecting colony forming ability, cell apoptosis and the percentage of different cell cycle. The Western blot was used for detecting the expression of key proteins of Wnt/ beta-catenin (Wnt/β-catenin) signaling pathway. Results The results showed that TNKS1 inhibition decreased the viability of SH-SY5Y, SK-N-SH and IMR-32 cells, induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y as well as SK-N-SH cells, and led to the accumulation of NB cells in the S and G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Moreover, we demonstrated TNKS1 inhibition may in part blocked Wnt/β-catenin signaling and reduced the expression of anti-apoptosis protein. Finally, we also demonstrated that TNKS1 inhibition decreased colony formation in vitro. Conclusions These findings suggested that TNKS1 may be a potential molecule target for the treatment of NB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Shu-Ling Bai
- Department of Tissue Engineering, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, PR China.
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To SQ, Knower KC, Clyne CD. Origins and actions of tumor necrosis factor α in postmenopausal breast cancer. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2013; 33:335-45. [PMID: 23472660 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2012.0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) has many roles in both physiological and pathological states. Initially thought to cause necrosis of tumors, research has shown that in many tumor types, including breast cancer, TNFα contributes to growth and proliferation. The presence of TNFα-derived from the tumor and infiltrating immune cells-within a breast tumor microenvironment has been correlated with a more aggressive phenotype, and the postmenopausal ER+ subtype of breast cancers appears to strongly respond to its many pro-growth signaling functions. We discuss how TNFα regulates estrogen biosynthesis within the breast, affecting the activity of the key estrogen-synthesizing enzymes aromatase, estrone sulfatase, and 17β-HSD type 1. Additionally, we describe the anti-adipogenic actions of TNFα that are critical in preventing adjacent estrogen-producing adipose fibroblasts from differentiating, ensuring that the tumor maintains a constant source of estrogen-producing cells. We examine how the increased risk of developing breast cancer in older and obese individuals may be linked to the levels of TNFα in the body. Finally, we evaluate the feasibility of targeting TNFα and its associated pathways as a novel approach to breast cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Q To
- Cancer Drug Discovery Laboratory, Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Australia
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12
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Strauss L, Rantakari P, Sjögren K, Salminen A, Lauren E, Kallio J, Damdimopoulou P, Boström M, Boström PJ, Pakarinen P, Zhang F, Kujala P, Ohlsson C, Mäkelä S, Poutanen M. Seminal vesicles and urinary bladder as sites of aromatization of androgens in men, evidenced by a CYP19A1‐driven luciferase reporter mouse and human tissue specimens. FASEB J 2012; 27:1342-50. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.12-219048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leena Strauss
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Institute of BiomedicineTurku Center for Disease ModelingUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Laboratory of Electron MicroscopyUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Pia Rantakari
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Institute of BiomedicineTurku Center for Disease ModelingUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Klara Sjögren
- Center for Bone and Arthritis ResearchInstitute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Anu Salminen
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Eve Lauren
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Jenny Kallio
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Institute of BiomedicineTurku Center for Disease ModelingUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Institute of BiomedicineTurku Center for Disease ModelingUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Functional Foods ForumUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Minna Boström
- Division of UrologyDepartment of SurgeryTurku University HospitalTurkuFinland
| | - Peter J. Boström
- Division of UrologyDepartment of SurgeryTurku University HospitalTurkuFinland
| | - Pirjo Pakarinen
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Institute of BiomedicineTurku Center for Disease ModelingUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - FuPing Zhang
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Institute of BiomedicineTurku Center for Disease ModelingUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Paula Kujala
- Department of PathologyTampere University HospitalTampereFinland
| | - Claes Ohlsson
- Center for Bone and Arthritis ResearchInstitute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Sari Mäkelä
- Institute of BiomedicineTurku Center for Disease ModelingUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Functional Foods ForumUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Institute of BiomedicineTurku Center for Disease ModelingUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Center for Bone and Arthritis ResearchInstitute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
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13
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Yin M, Lü M, Yao G, Tian H, Lian J, Liu L, Liang M, Wang Y, Sun F. Transactivation of microRNA-383 by steroidogenic factor-1 promotes estradiol release from mouse ovarian granulosa cells by targeting RBMS1. Mol Endocrinol 2012; 26:1129-43. [PMID: 22593182 DOI: 10.1210/me.2011-1341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous studies have shown that microRNA-383 (miR-383) is one of the most down-regulated miRNA in TGF-β1-treated mouse ovarian granulosa cells (GC). However, the roles and mechanisms of miR-383 in GC function during follicular development remain unknown. In this study, we found that miR-383 was mainly expressed in GC and oocytes of mouse ovarian follicles. Overexpression of miR-383 enhanced estradiol release from GC through targeting RNA binding motif, single stranded interacting protein 1 (RBMS1). miR-383 inhibited RBMS1 by affecting its mRNA stability, which subsequently suppressed the level of c-Myc (a downstream target of RBMS1). Forced expression of RBMS1 or c-Myc attenuated miR-383-mediated steroidogenesis-promoting effects. Knockdown of the transcription factor steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) significantly suppressed the expression of Sarcoglycan zeta (SGCZ) (miR-383 host gene), primary and mature miR-383 in GC, indicating that miR-383 was transcriptionally regulated by SF-1. Luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that SF-1 specifically bound to the promoter region of SGCZ and directly transactivated miR-383 in parallel with SGCZ. In addition, SF-1 was involved in regulation of miR-383- and RBMS1/c-Myc-mediated estradiol release from GC. These results suggest that miR-383 functions to promote steroidogenesis by targeting RBMS1, at least in part, through inactivation of c-Myc. SF-1 acts as a positive regulator of miR-383 processing and function in GC. Understanding of regulation of miRNA biogenesis and function in estrogen production will potentiate the usefulness of miRNA in the control of reproduction and treatment of some steroid-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mianmian Yin
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Zhang J, Liu L, Mu X, Jiang Z, Zhang L. Effect of triptolide on estradiol release from cultured rat granulosa cells. Endocr J 2012; 59:473-81. [PMID: 22447140 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej11-0407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Triptolide, a major active component of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TWHF), is known to have multiple pharmacological activities. However, studies have also shown that triptolide is highly toxic to the reproductive system by disrupting normal androgen and estrogen signaling. In the present study, we investigated the effect of triptolide (5, 10, or 20 nM for 24 h) on estradiol production by rat granulosa cells. Triptolide inhibited basal and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)- or 8-bromo-cAMP-stimulated estradiol production as revealed by RIA assay. Furthermore, the HCG-evoked increase in cellular cAMP content was also inhibited by triptolide, indicating that disruption of the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway may mediate the deleterious effects of triptolide on steroid hormone regulation. In addition, (3)H(2)O tests showed that aromatase activity was significantly inhibited by triptolide in granulosa cells. Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assays further revealed that triptolide decreased protein and mRNA expression of aromatase in granulosa cells. Moreover, mRNA expression of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) was induced by triptolide also using qRT-PCR method. In contrast, cell viability tests using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method indicated that triptolide did not cause measurable cell death at doses that suppressed steroidogenesis. The reproductive toxicity of triptolide may be mainly caused by disruption of cAMP/PKA-mediated expression of estrogen synthesis enzymes, leading to reduced estradiol synthesis and reproductive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zhang
- Jiangsu Center of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, PR China
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15
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Liang N, Xu Y, Yin Y, Yao G, Tian H, Wang G, Lian J, Wang Y, Sun F. Steroidogenic factor-1 is required for TGF-beta3-mediated 17beta-estradiol synthesis in mouse ovarian granulosa cells. Endocrinology 2011; 152:3213-25. [PMID: 21586554 DOI: 10.1210/en.2011-0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The TGF-β superfamily members are indicated to play key roles in ovarian follicular development, such as granulosa cell proliferation, estrogens, and progesterone production. However, little is known about the roles of TGF-β3 in follicular development. In this study, we found that TGF-β3 was predominantly expressed in granulosa cells of mouse ovarian follicles, and it significantly promoted 17β-estradiol (E(2)) release in a dose-dependent manner. The orphan nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) was required in TGF-β3-induced Cyp19a1 (a key rate-limiting enzyme for estrogen biosynthesis) expression and E(2) release. Additionally, TGF-β3 enhanced the binding of SF-1 to endogenous ovary-specific Cyp19a1 type II promoter, as evidenced by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. The enhanced effect of SF-1 by TGF-β3 may be mediated through functional interactions between SF-1 and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad)3 (a mediator of TGF-β signaling pathway), because disruption of the interaction abolished the synergistic effects of SF-1, Smad3, and TGF-β3 on Cyp19a1 mRNA expression. RNA interference and chromatin immunoprecipitation studies also demonstrated that Smad3 was required for SF-1 binding to Cyp19a1 type II promoter and activation of Cyp19a1. Smad3 thus acts as a point of convergence that involves integration of SF-1 and TGF-β signaling in affecting E(2) production. Taken together, our data provide mechanistic insights into the roles of SF-1 in TGF-β3-mediated E(2) synthesis. Understanding of potential cross-points between extracellular signals affecting estrogen production will help to discover new therapeutic targets in estrogen-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Liang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, People's Republic of China
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16
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Sharma D, Ghai S, Singh D. Different promoter usage for CYP19 gene expression in buffalo ovary and placenta. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2009; 162:319-28. [PMID: 19375426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2009.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2009] [Revised: 04/04/2009] [Accepted: 04/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Aromatase is the key enzyme for estrogen biosynthesis and is coded by CYP19 gene. The expression of CYP19 gene is regulated in tissue-specific manner by alternate use of different promoters. In this study, we have analyzed tissue-specific expression and their regulation of CYP19 gene in preovulatory and postovulatory stages of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) ovary and placenta. RT-PCR analysis showed that the CYP19 gene expression was significantly (p<0.05) higher in granulosa cells of large follicles as compared to the other tissues. The transcript analysis and transcriptional start site identified by 5'-RLM RACE for CYP19 expression indicated different transcriptional start sites within the different sized follicles during folliculogenesis. Sequence analysis showed that the transcription start site of transcript isolated from buffalo granulosa cells of small follicles was 37 bases upstream of the transcript isolated from granulosa cells of large follicles. However, both the transcripts were found to be derived from proximal promoter II. Difference in the transcriptional start site indicates the different promoter sequence usage in granulosa cells of different sized follicles. Further, in silico analysis of the difference in promoter sequence based on the 5'-UTRs isolated from granulosa cells of small follicles (151 bases) and large follicles (114 bases) showed that consensus sequence for certain important trans-elements (viz., TATA binding protein, E2F and CAAT binding protein) would lie in the promoter sequence isolated from the granulosa cells of large follicles. These transcription factors may be involved in regulation of CYP19 gene expression in ovary, either directly or indirectly. The difference in the size of 5'-UTR among the granulosa cells of ovary reflects the possible mechanism for the differential regulation of CYP19 gene during development. The transcripts isolated from buffalo corpus luteum and placental cotyledons were having same 5'-UTR comprises of 168 bases and found to be derived from PI.1. Estimates of CYP19 gene transcript concentration in the different tissues revealed that the CYP19 gene expression in granulosa cells is predominantly regulated by PII and to a minor extent by PI.1. However, PI.1 is almost exclusively responsible for CYP19 gene expression in placenta and residual expression in corpus luteum. In order to understand the complex CYP19 gene regulation in these tissues, further studies are needed to elucidate the activity of different promoters and define regulatory elements for binding of transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Sharma
- Molecular Endocrinology Lab, Animal Biochemistry Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132001, India
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17
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Li YF, Hu W, Fu SQ, Li JD, Liu JH, Kavanagh JJ. Aromatase inhibitors in ovarian cancer: is there a role? Int J Gynecol Cancer 2008; 18:600-14. [PMID: 17894799 DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-1438.2007.01075.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen plays a role in ovarian tumorigenesis. Aromatase is the enzyme required for the synthesis of estrogen via conversion of androgen to estrogen, which is the major source of estrogen in postmenopausal women. Aromatase is present in normal ovaries and other tissues (e.g., fat and muscle) as well as in 33-81% tumor tissues of ovarian cancer. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) block estrogen synthesis by inhibiting aromatase activity. In patients with recurrent ovarian cancer, single-agent AI therapy has been shown to elicit clinical response rates of up to 35.7% and stable disease rates of 20-42%. Given the limited treatment options for recurrent ovarian cancer and the favorable safety profile and convenient use, AI is a rational option for prolonging platinum-free interval in recurrent ovarian cancer. Further studies are required to determine the efficacy of combination treatment with AIs and biological agents, determine the benefit of AIs for treating special types of ovarian cancer (e.g., endometrioid type), and identify biomarkers for targeted patient selection. This review summarizes the current epidemiologic, preclinical, and clinical data regarding estrogen's role in ovarian cancer, the expression and regulation of aromatase in this disease, the development and characteristics of the three generations of AIs, and the preclinical and clinical studies of AIs in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y F Li
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77230, USA
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18
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Ohmuro-Matsuyama Y, Okubo K, Matsuda M, Ijiri S, Wang D, Guan G, Suzuki T, Matsuyama M, Morohashi KI, Nagahama Y. Liver receptor homologue-1 (LRH-1) activates the promoter of brain aromatase (cyp19a2) in a teleost fish, the medaka, Oryzias latipes. Mol Reprod Dev 2007; 74:1065-71. [PMID: 17394235 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The medaka, Oryzias latipes, like other fish, have two distinct aromatase genes, the ovarian (cyp19a1) and brain (cyp19a2) forms. We previously reported that Ad4BP/SF-1, a member of the NR5A subfamily, plays an important role in the regulation of cyp19a1 expression in medaka ovarian follicles during vitellogenesis. In the present study, we investigated whether liver receptor homologue-1 (LRH-1), another NR5A subfamily member, is involved in the regulation of cyp19a2 expression in the medaka brain. In situ hybridization analysis revealed that LRH-1 was expressed in the hypothalamus, where it colocalized with aromatase (cyp19a2). We then showed by transient transfection assays that LRH-1 was able to increase expression of a cyp19a2 reporter gene in various mammalian cell lines, and that mutation of a putative LRH-1 binding site within the cyp19a2 promoter abolished this effect. Taken together, these findings suggest that LRH-1 plays a role in regulating cyp19a2 expression in the medaka brain. This is the first to demonstrate in vitro the activation of brain aromatase by LRH-1 in the vertebrate brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Ohmuro-Matsuyama
- Department of Basic Biology, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Okazaki, Japan
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19
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Andrieu T, Féral C, Joubert M, Benhaim A, Mittre H. The absence of a functional nuclear receptor element A (NREA) in the promoter II of the aromatase P450 gene in rabbit granulosa cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2006; 101:127-35. [PMID: 16901689 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2006.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Aromatase protein is synthesized in response to gonadotropins that activate expression of their target genes via the cAMP second messenger system. The -882/+103 bp region of the rabbit ovarian promoter (PII) was ligated to a luciferase vector and transfected into granulosa cells to elucidated the mechanism by which cAMP stimulates transcription. Deletions and mutational experiments indicate that (i) a cAMP-response element-like sequence (CLS) present at -208 to -200 bp is the main element required for the activation of the rabbit PII by cAMP and that (ii) both nuclear receptor element sites; NREA (-133/-126 bp) and NREB (-188/-181 bp) do not participate to the cAMP-dependent activity of the PII. The replacement of the specific rabbit NREA site by the human NREA site increases two-fold the cAMP response and indicates that trans-activating factors are present in rabbit granulosa cells. This study shows for the first time an efficient aromatase transcription occurs in granulosa cells in absence of a consensus NREA site. In addition a comparative study has been performed on the sheep aromatase promoter where sites deviate from rabbit. Mutagenesis experiments suggest that some of them are involved in the cAMP-induced response of the rabbit PII.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Andrieu
- Laboratoire de Biochimie, EA 2608-USC INRA 2006, Université, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France.
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20
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Parakh TN, Hernandez JA, Grammer JC, Weck J, Hunzicker-Dunn M, Zeleznik AJ, Nilson JH. Follicle-stimulating hormone/cAMP regulation of aromatase gene expression requires beta-catenin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:12435-40. [PMID: 16895991 PMCID: PMC1533882 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0603006103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens profoundly influence the physiology and pathology of reproductive and other tissues. Consequently, emphasis has been placed on delineating the mechanisms underlying regulation of estrogen levels. Circulating levels of estradiol in women are controlled by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which regulates transcription of the aromatase gene (CYP19A1) in ovarian granulosa cells. Previous studies have focused on two downstream effectors of the FSH signal, cAMP and the orphan nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor-1 (NR5A1). In this report, we present evidence for beta-catenin (CTNNB1) as an essential transcriptional regulator of CYP19A1. FSH induction of select steroidogenic enzyme mRNAs, including Cyp19a1, is enhanced by beta-catenin. Additionally, beta-catenin is present in transcription complexes assembled on the endogenous gonad-specific CYP19A1 promoter, as evidenced by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Transient expression and RNAi studies demonstrate that FSH- and cAMP-dependent regulation of this promoter is sensitive to alterations in the level of beta-catenin. The stimulatory effect of beta-catenin is mediated through functional interactions with steroidogenic factor-1 that involve four acidic residues within its ligand-binding domain, mutation of which attenuates FSH/cAMP-induced Cyp19a1 mRNA accumulation. Together, these data demonstrate that beta-catenin is essential for FSH/cAMP-regulated gene expression in the ovary, identifying a central and previously unappreciated role for beta-catenin in estrogen biosynthesis, and a potential broader role in other aspects of follicular maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tehnaz N. Parakh
- *School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106; and
| | | | - Jean C. Grammer
- *School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164
| | - Jennifer Weck
- *School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164
| | - Mary Hunzicker-Dunn
- *School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164
| | - Anthony J. Zeleznik
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15621
| | - John H. Nilson
- *School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at:
School of Molecular Biosciences, Fulmer 639A, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4660. E-mail:
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21
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Shayu D, Rao AJ. Expression of functional aromatase in the epididymis: role of androgens and LH in modulation of expression and activity. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2006; 249:40-50. [PMID: 16569475 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2006.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2005] [Accepted: 01/18/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The primary source of 17beta-estradiol (E2) in the male is the testis, which expresses the enzyme complex aromatase that is involved in E2 biosynthesis. However, recent evidences suggest that the epididymis is also capable of E2 biosynthesis. Our results demonstrate the presence of cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450(AROM)) and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase I messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in the caput and cauda regions of rat epididymis. The androgenic substrates testosterone and androstenedione could be utilized by the rat epididymal aromatase for E2 biosynthesis as assessed by radioimmunoassay. P450(AROM) expression is transcriptionally regulated in a tissue-specific manner by various factors including androgens and luteinizing hormone (LH). Androgens could positively modulate epididymal P450(AROM) mRNA levels as assessed by castration studies, treatment with flutamide or in vitro incubation of tissue minces with 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Several extra-gonadal tissues including the epididymis are known to express LH receptors (LHR). Our study revealed a higher level of LHR mRNA expression in the cauda region compared to the caput. Caudal membrane extracts could bind human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which resulted in the production of cAMP. Interestingly, hCG could also regulate P450(AROM) mRNA expression in vitro and enhance E2 biosynthesis. Together our results highlight the presence of a functional aromatase in the epididymis that is subject to regulation by LH and androgens.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Shayu
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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22
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Simpson E, Jones M, Misso M, Hewitt K, Hill R, Maffei L, Carani C, Boon WC. Estrogen, a fundamental player in energy homeostasis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2005; 95:3-8. [PMID: 16054355 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2005.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Evan Simpson
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia.
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23
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Fan W, Yanase T, Morinaga H, Mu YM, Nomura M, Okabe T, Goto K, Harada N, Nawata H. Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma and retinoid X receptor inhibits aromatase transcription via nuclear factor-kappaB. Endocrinology 2005; 146:85-92. [PMID: 15459115 DOI: 10.1210/en.2004-1046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Our previous studies demonstrated that a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma ligand, troglitazone (TGZ),and/or a retinoid X receptor (RXR) ligand, LG100268 (LG), decreased the aromatase activity in both cultured human ovarian granulosa cells and human granulosa-like tumor KGN cells. In the present study, we further found that a combined treatment of TGZ+LG decreased aromatase promoter II (ArPII) activity in both ovarian KGN cells and fibroblast NIH-3T3 cells in a PPARgamma-dependent manner. Furthermore, the inhibition of both aromatase activity and the transcription of ArPII by TGZ+LG was completely eliminated when nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) signaling was blocked by specific inhibitors, suggesting NF-kappaB, which is endogenously expressed in both fibroblast and granulosa cells, might be a mediator of this inhibition. Interestingly, activation of NF-kappaB by either forced expression of the p65 subunit or NF-kappaB-inducing kinase up-regulated ArPII activity. Positive regulation of aromatase by endogenous NF-kappaB was also suggested by the fact that NF-kappaB-specific inhibitors suppress basal activity of the aromatase gene. A concomitant formation of high-order complex between NF-kappaB p65 and ArPII was also observed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Although activation of PPARgamma and RXR affected endogenous expression levels of neither inhibitory kappaBalpha nor p65, it impaired the interaction between NF-kappaB and ArPII and the p65 based transcription as well. Altogether, these results indicate that activation of a nuclear receptor system, constituted by PPARgamma and RXR, down-regulates aromatase expression through the suppression of NF-kappaB-dependent aromatase activation and thus provide a new insight in the mechanism of regulation of the aromatase gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- WuQiang Fan
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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24
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Abstract
Significant advances have taken place in our knowledge of the enzymes involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis since the last comprehensive review in 1988. Major developments include the cloning, identification, and characterization of multiple isoforms of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which play a critical role in the biosynthesis of all steroid hormones and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase where specific isoforms are essential for the final step in active steroid hormone biosynthesis. Advances have taken place in our understanding of the unique manner that determines tissue-specific expression of P450aromatase through the utilization of alternative promoters. In recent years, evidence has been obtained for the expression of steroidogenic enzymes in the nervous system and in cardiac tissue, indicating that these tissues may be involved in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones acting in an autocrine or paracrine manner. This review presents a detailed description of the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of active steroid hormones, with emphasis on the human and mouse enzymes and their expression in gonads, adrenal glands, and placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita H Payne
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, California 94305-5317, USA.
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25
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Goto-Kazeto R, Kight KE, Zohar Y, Place AR, Trant JM. Localization and expression of aromatase mRNA in adult zebrafish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2004; 139:72-84. [PMID: 15474538 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2004.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2004] [Revised: 06/15/2004] [Accepted: 07/06/2004] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol plays a key role in the control of many behavioral and physiological aspects of reproduction therefore the expression of cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19), the enzyme responsible for the conversion of androgens to estrogens, is of vital interest. The zebrafish, and many other teleosts, have two aromatase genes (CYP19A1 and CYP19A2) that are expressed predominantly in the ovary and brain, respectively, however, the physiological impact of extra-gonadal aromatase has been poorly described. In this study, in situ hybridizations of whole-mount and paraffin sections of adult zebrafish brains, pituitaries, and ovarian follicles showed that CYP19A2 was strongly expressed in the olfactory bulb (OB), ventral telencephalon (TEL), preoptic area (POA), and ventral/caudal hypothalamic zone (HT) of the brain, and in the anterior and posterior lobes of the pituitary. The regional distribution of the CYP19A2 mRNA did not vary with sex however transcript abundance varied within (male "high expressers" had much higher expression in the OB, TEL, and HT than in "low expressers") and between sexes (higher in OB, TEL, and HT of males than in females). In situ hybridizations of CYP19A1 failed to develop a signal in the brain or pituitary but were detectable by RT-PCR. CYP19A1 was highly expressed in Stage III B follicles (>500 nm) with significantly lower levels in the Stage IV follicles (>680 nm), Stage III A follicles (>350 nm), and Stage I and II follicles (350 microm) which were embedded in connective tissues. The differential expression of the aromatase genes, particularly CYP19A2 in the brain, suggests that the two aromatase genes play different roles in the reproductive behavior and/or physiology of bony fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie Goto-Kazeto
- Center of Marine Biotechnology, University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, Baltimore 21202, USA
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26
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Abstract
Cyp19 encodes P450 aromatase, the key enzyme catalyzing the conversion of androgens into estrogens. Estrogens play a crucial role in the anatomical, functional and behavioral characteristics of sexually dimorphic development. In zebrafish, two cyp19 genes, cyp19a and cyp19b, expressed in ovary and brain, respectively, were found. We have isolated the promoter regions of the zebrafish cyp19 genes from a bacterial artificial chromosome library to search for regulatory sequences that bind to transcription factors. Sequences like arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR) recognition site, estrogen receptor recognition half sites (1/2ERE) and c-AMP responsive elements were found in the 5'-flanking regions of both cyp19 genes. For ovarian-specific expression, we found binding sites for steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1), GATA transcription factor 4 (GATA-4) and Wilm tumor 1 (WT1-KTS) on the promoter region of cyp19a but not cyp19b. For brain-specific expression of the cyp19b gene, sequences for recognition of chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor (COUP) and Ptx-1 were detected in the promoter. The importance of these putative control elements in ovary and brain-specific promoter has been assessed by sequence comparison among various species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sok-Keng Tong
- Institute of Molecular Biology 48, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan, ROC
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27
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Girault I, Lerebours F, Tozlu S, Spyratos F, Tubiana-Hulin M, Lidereau R, Bièche I. Real-time reverse transcription PCR assay of CYP19 expression: application to a well-defined series of post-menopausal breast carcinomas. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2002; 82:323-32. [PMID: 12589939 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-0760(02)00190-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Aromatase, the product of the CYP19 gene, plays a key role in androgenic steroids transformation into estrogens from various hormonal sensitive tissues. Thus, in situ expression of CYP19 has been suggested to be involved in breast tumor growth especially in post-menopausal patients.We developed a real-time quantitative RT-PCR assay based on fluorescent TaqMan methodology to quantify total CYP19 gene expression at the mRNA level in breast tumors. This method, based on nucleic acid quantification in homogeneous solutions, has the potential to become a standard in terms of its sensitivity, wide dynamic range and high-throughput capacity. In a well-defined series of 107 post-menopausal breast tumor samples, relative CYP19 mRNA levels ranged from 1 to 131. Among the four major CYP19 exon I-spliced transcripts, designated I.a, I.b, I.c and I.d, mRNA levels of the latter three correlated positively with total CYP19 mRNA levels. In ER alpha-positive breast tumors, CYP19 and ER alpha mRNA levels correlated negatively with each other (P=0.0078, r=-0.266), while CYP19 and ER beta mRNA levels correlated positively (P=0.00012, r=+0.388). Patients with high CYP19 mRNA levels did not relapse more frequently or have shorter relapse-free survival than other patients. Finally, mRNA levels of IL6, a major CYP19 regulatory factor, were significantly higher in tumors strongly expressing CYP19 than in tumors weakly expressing CYP19 (P=0.018). In conclusion, CYP19 expression did not influence the outcome of post-menopausal patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Girault
- Laboratoire d'Oncogénétique, INSERM E0017, Centre René Huguenin, 35 rue Dailly, St-Cloud, F-92211 Paris, France
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Bouraïma H, Hanoux V, Mittre H, Féral C, Benhaïm A, Leymarie P. Quantification of cytochrome P450 aromatase transcripts before and during luteal phase in rabbit. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2002; 196:43-51. [PMID: 12385824 DOI: 10.1016/s0303-7207(02)00226-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to quantify the promoter II- and I.r-derived transcripts of p450 aromatase gene during follicular stages and during corpus luteum formation in the rabbit. An ovulatory dose of hCG induced, first the disappearance of 90% of aromatase transcripts since 6 h before ovulation, and second a gradual decrease during pseudopregnancy. Individual quantification of both the promoter-derived transcripts showed that promoter II-derived transcript was the main transcript expressed both during follicular phase and pseudopregnancy, but kinetics of disappearance were not similar between both the promoter-derived transcripts. Moreover, hCG up-regulates aromatase expression in vitro in luteal tissue but estradiol, which was without effect on aromatase expression in preovulatory granulosa cells, down-regulates this expression in luteal tissue. In conclusion, the regulation of P450 aromatase in rabbit is mainly under control of promoter II regardless of which cyclic stage is studied. Moreover, we reported an opposite effect of estradiol on aromatase expression in vitro between follicular and luteal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bouraïma
- Laboratoire de Biochimie, UPRES EA 2608-USC INRA, Esplanade de la paix, Université de Caen, 14032, Caen, France.
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29
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Rubin GL, Duong JH, Clyne CD, Speed CJ, Murata Y, Gong C, Simpson ER. Ligands for the peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma and the retinoid X receptor inhibit aromatase cytochrome P450 (CYP19) expression mediated by promoter II in human breast adipose. Endocrinology 2002; 143:2863-71. [PMID: 12130549 DOI: 10.1210/endo.143.8.8932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Local estrogen biosynthesis in breast adipose tissue, catalyzed by P450 aromatase, contributes to the growth of breast carcinomas. Aromatase expression is regulated by a number of alternative promoters, and in normal adipose tissue it is primarily regulated via the distal promoter I.4. However, in breast adipose containing a tumor, aromatase expression is regulated by the proximal promoter II in response to tumor-derived factors. Previously we have shown that peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) ligands inhibit aromatase expression in normal breast adipose tissue mediated by promoter I.4. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the PPARgamma ligand troglitazone and the retinoid X receptor (RXR) ligand LG101305 on aromatase expression mediated by promoter II. In cultured human breast adipose stromal cells, troglitazone or LG101305 alone inhibited aromatase activity and expression stimulated by inducers of promoter II, in a concentration-dependent manner, and this inhibition was greater in the presence of both ligands. Reporter gene assays showed that troglitazone and LG101305 inhibit transcription from promoter II of the CYP19 gene. However, EMSAs showed that PPARgamma and RXRalpha do not bind to promoter II of the CYP19 gene, indicating that PPARgamma- and RXR-mediated inhibition of aromatase expression via promoter II occurs through an indirect mechanism of action. Because ligands for PPARgamma and RXR inhibit aromatase expression in healthy breast adipose (via promoter I.4), as well as expression induced by tumor-derived factors (via promoter II), such compounds could find utility in the treatment of estrogen-dependent breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary L Rubin
- Victorian Breast Cancer Research Consortium Inc., Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
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30
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Abstract
Aromatase, the enzyme responsible for the conversion of androgens to estrogens, is present in the mouse gonads, brain, adipose tissue and bone. Depletion of endogenous estrogens in the aromatase deficient mouse (ArKO) caused by the targeted disruption of the Cyp19 gene resulted in an impairment of sexual behaviour and an age-dependent disruption of spermatogenesis. This disruption occurred during early spermiogenesis, due possibly to increased number of apoptotic round spermatids. Development of obesity was associated with ageing, decrease in lean mass, hypercholesterolemia, hyperleptinemia, and insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. However, it was not correlated with hyperphagia but to decreased physically-active behaviour. ArKO mice also developed osteoporosis. Thus, studies using the ArKO mice model has led to several insights into the multiple roles played by estrogens in the development and maintenance of fertility, sexual behaviour, lipid metabolism and bone remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Murata
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia.
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31
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Abstract
There is growing awareness that androgens and estrogens have general metabolic roles that are not directly involved in reproductive processes. These include actions on vascular function, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as bone mineralization and epiphyseal closure in both sexes. In postmenopausal women, as in men, estrogen is no longer solely an endocrine factor but instead is produced in a number of extragonadal sites and acts locally at these sites in a paracrine and intracrine fashion. These sites include breast, bone, vasculature, and brain. Within these sites, aromatase action can generate high levels of estradiol locally without significantly affecting circulating levels. Circulating C19 steroid precursors are essential substrates for extragonadal estrogen synthesis. The levels of these androgenic precursors decline markedly with advancing age in women, possible from the mid-to-late reproductive years. This may be a fundamental reason why women are at increased risk for bone mineral loss and fracture, and possibly decline of cognitive function, compared with men. Aromatase expression in these various sites is under the control of tissue-specific promotors regulated by different cohorts of transcription factors. Thus in principle, it should be possible to develop selective aromatase modulators (SAMs) that block aromatase expression, for example, in breast, but allow unimpaired estrogen synthesis in other tissues such as bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan R Simpson
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Yue W, Berstein LM, Wang JP, Clark GM, Hamilton CJ, Demers LM, Santen RJ. The potential role of estrogen in aromatase regulation in the breast. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2001; 79:157-64. [PMID: 11850220 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-0760(01)00154-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Aromatase is expressed in both normal and malignant breast tissues. Aromatase activity in the breast varies over a wide range. Our previous studies have demonstrated that in situ aromatization contributes to the estrogen content of breast tumors to a major extent. Consequently, alterations of aromatase activity could serve as a major determinant of tissue estradiol content. However, the mechanisms and extent of aromatase regulation in breast tissues have not been fully established. We have observed an inverse correlation between tumor aromatase activity and estrogen content in nude mice bearing xenografts of MCF-7 cells transfected with the aromatase gene. To investigate the potential role of estrogen in aromatase regulation in the breast, studies were carried out in an in vitro model. In this model, MCF-7 cells were cultured long term in estrogen-deprived medium and called by the acronym, LTED cells. We found that long-term estrogen deprivation enhanced aromatase activity by 3-4-fold when compared to the wild-type MCF-7 cells. Re-exposure of LTED cells to estrogen reduced aromatase activity to the levels of the wild-type MCF-7 cells. We also measured aromatase activity in 101 frozen breast carcinoma specimens and compared tumor aromatase activities in pre-menopausal patients versus post-menopausal patients and in post-menopausal patients with or without hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Although statistically not significant, there was a trend paralleling that observed in the in vitro studies. Aromatase activity was higher in breast cancer tissues from the patients with lower circulating estrogen levels. Our data suggest that estrogen may be involved in the regulation of aromatase activity in breast tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Yue
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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33
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Bouraïma H, Hanoux V, Mittre H, Féral C, Benhaïm A, Leymarie P. Expression of the rabbit cytochrome P450 aromatase encoding gene uses alternative tissue-specific promoters. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 2001; 268:4506-12. [PMID: 11502211 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1327.2001.02375.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to analyse the tissue-specific expression of various promoter-derived transcripts from the gene encoding rabbit aromatase cytochrome P450. A new promoter, named I.r, was identified, and promoters II and I.r were sequenced. Promoter I.r-derived transcripts were found in preovulatory granulosa cells, corpus luteum, placenta and adipose tissue. An alternative splice variant of this transcript was found with tissue-specific preference. Tissue-specific expression of promoter-derived variants was studied in the ovary before and after ovulation. While the level of promoter II-derived transcript decreased dramatically after ovulation, that of promoter I.r-derived transcript remained unchanged, indicating that promoter II and promoter I.r were not controlled by a single regulation system. The existence of this dual system of regulation suggests that the rabbit ovary could be a useful model to study the promoter-specific regulation of aromatase.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bouraïma
- Laboratoire de Biochimie, UPRES EA 2608, USC INRA, CHU Côte de Nacre, Université de Caen, France.
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34
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Abstract
Although it has been known for many years that estrogen administration has deleterious effects on male fertility, data from transgenic mice deficient in estrogen receptors or aromatase point to an essential physiological role for estrogen in male fertility. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the localization of estrogen receptors and aromatase in the testis in an effort to understand the likely sites of estrogen action. The review also discusses the many studies that have used models employing the administration of estrogenic substances to show that male fertility is responsive to estrogen, thus providing a mechanism by which inappropriate exposure to estrogenic substances may cause adverse effects on spermatogenesis and male fertility. The reproductive phenotypes of mice deficient in estrogen receptors alpha and/or beta and aromatase are also compared to evaluate the physiological role of estrogen in male fertility. The review focuses on the effects of estrogen administration or deprivation, primarily in rodents, on the hypothalamo-pituitary-testis axis, testicular function (including Leydig cell, Sertoli cell, and germ cell development and function), and in the development and function of the efferent ductules and epididymis. The requirement for estrogen in normal male sexual behavior is also reviewed, along with the somewhat limited data on the fertility of men who lack either the capacity to produce or respond to estrogen. This review highlights the ability of exogenous estrogen exposure to perturb spermatogenesis and male fertility, as well as the emerging physiological role of estrogens in male fertility, suggesting that, in this local context, estrogenic substances should also be considered "male hormones."
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Affiliation(s)
- L O'Donnell
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia.
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35
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Boerboom D, Kerban A, Sirois J. Dual regulation of promoter II- and promoter 1f-derived cytochrome P450 aromatase transcripts in equine granulosa cells during human chorionic gonadotropin-induced ovulation: a novel model for the study of aromatase promoter switching. Endocrinology 1999; 140:4133-41. [PMID: 10465286 DOI: 10.1210/endo.140.9.6951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol biosynthesis is a key biochemical trait of developing follicles. To study its regulation in equine follicles, the objectives of this study were to clone and determine the structure of equine cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450AROM), and characterize the regulation of P450AROM and P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/C17-20 lyase (P45017alpha) messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in vivo in equine preovulatory follicles isolated during hCG-induced ovulation. Two distinct P450AROM complementary DNAs (cDNAs) were isolated from an equine preovulatory follicle cDNA library. One clone was 2682 bp in length and included 115 bp of 5'-untranslated region (UTR), 1509 bp of open reading frame encoding a well conserved 503-amino acid protein, and 1058 bp of 3'-UTR. Its 5'-most region represented the equine homolog of exon 1f, previously designated brain specific. The other cDNA clone encoded a truncated protein and contained a distinct 5'-UTR characteristic of transcripts derived from promoter II, previously identified as the predominant ovarian mRNA. Northern blot analyses were performed using preovulatory follicles obtained during estrus between 0-39 h after the administration of hCG and with corpora lutea isolated on day 8 of the estrous cycle (day 0 = day of ovulation). The results showed a biphasic regulation of P450AROM mRNA expression: levels were highest in follicles at 0 h post-hCG, decreased significantly during the ovulatory process at 12 and 24 h (P < 0.05), and increased again between 30-39 h post-hCG and in corpora lutea. When oligonucleotides specific for P450AROM mRNA variants were used as probes, a novel switching phenomenon was observed. Promoter II-derived transcripts accounted for the message present in follicles at 0 h post-hCG and in corpora lutea, whereas promoter 1f-derived mRNA was expressed exclusively during the ovulatory process (30-39 h post-hCG). Levels of P45017alpha mRNA were high in follicles at 0 h, but significantly decreased after hCG treatment (P < 0.05), with lowest levels in follicles at 36 and 39 h post-hCG and in corpora lutea. Northern blots performed on isolated cellular preparations revealed that P450AROM and P45017alpha transcripts were localized exclusively in granulosa cells and theca interna, respectively. Equine aromatase promoters II and 1f were cloned from a genomic library, and putative transcription start sites were characterized by primer extension assays. Sequence analyses identified distinct potential regulatory elements in each promoter. Thus, this study identifies a novel aromatase promoter-switching phenomenon in equine granulosa cells during follicular luteinization and provides a new model in which aromatase promoter switching is induced in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Boerboom
- Département de Biomédecine Vétérinaire, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
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36
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Bréard E, Roussel H, Lindet Y, Mittre H, Leymarie P. Presence of exon I.4 mRNA from CYP19 gene in human granulosa cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 1999; 154:187-90. [PMID: 10509813 DOI: 10.1016/s0303-7207(99)00083-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens are synthesized from C19 steroids by a unique form of cytochrome P450 aromatase. Expression of the human CYP19 gene involves tissue specific use of alternative promoters. In the present study, an RT-PCR procedure was used to amplify and quantify various transcripts expressed in human granulosa cells. Cells were aspirated together with follicular fluid from Periovulatory ovarian follicles present in ovaries of 14 patients undergoing a treatment for in vitro fertilization. Sequencing of PCR products demonstrated the presence of exon I.4-specific transcripts in addition to exon P.II, exon I.3 and I.3-truncate transcripts. Quantitative results confirmed that exon P.II specific transcripts were largely predominant compared to other exon-specific transcripts, and that exon I.4-specific transcripts were the least abundant.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bréard
- Laboratoire de Biochimie, Université de Caen, France
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37
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Abstract
In human estrogen-dependent neoplasms such as breast, endometrioid endometrial, and surface epithelial-stromal ovarian carcinomas, intratumoral aromatase is considered to play important roles in converting circulating androgens derived from adrenal cortex and/or ovary to estrogens, possibly in association with 17 beta-HSD type 1 and estrogen sulfatase. Analysis of intratumoral aromatase in these estrogen-dependent neoplasms is important not only in understanding the development and biological behavior of these tumors, but also in the clinical management of these patients, because suppression of intratumoral aromatase by newly developed aromatase inhibitors may provide new potentials in endocrine therapy of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Sasano
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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38
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Sun T, Zhao Y, Mangelsdorf DJ, Simpson ER. Characterization of a region upstream of exon I.1 of the human CYP19 (aromatase) gene that mediates regulation by retinoids in human choriocarcinoma cells. Endocrinology 1998; 139:1684-91. [PMID: 9528950 DOI: 10.1210/endo.139.4.5959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The biosynthesis of estrogens is catalyzed by aromatase P450 (P450arom), the product of the CYP19 gene. The tissue-specific expression of the CYP19 gene is regulated by means of tissue-specific promoters through the use of alternative splicing mechanisms. Thus, transcripts containing various 5'-untranslated termini are present in ovary, brain, adipose stromal cells, and placenta. Sequence corresponding to untranslated exon I.1 is present uniquely in 5'-termini of transcripts expressed in human placenta and choriocarcinoma cells, as a consequence of expression driven by a distal promoter, I.1. The goal of the present study was the identification of regulatory elements in this promoter region. Various deletion mutations of the upstream flanking region of exon I.1 were constructed using the PCR or restriction enzyme digestion. The genomic fragments were fused upstream of the luciferase reporter gene. These constructs were transfected into human choriocarcinoma (JEG3) cells. The longest construct employed, -924/+10 bp, expressed the highest luciferase reporter gene activity. The -64/+10 bp and -125/+10 bp constructs showed no reporter gene expression. Transfection of the -201/+10 bp construct resulted in reporter gene expression, but at a lower level than that of the -924/+10 bp construct, and this expression was induced by serum as well as by LG69 and TTNPB, ligands specific for RXR and RAR respectively, as well as by vitamin D. These results parallel the actions of the ligands on aromatase activity. Mutation or deletion of an imperfect palindromic sequence (AGGTCATGCCCC) located at -183 to -172 bp upstream of the transcriptional start site of exon I.1 resulted in loss of basal- and retinoid-induced reporter gene expression. Gel retardation analysis using nuclear extracts of JEG3 cells treated with retinoids and the imperfect palindromic sequence as probe, showed that proteins present in the nuclear extracts bound to this sequence in a specific fashion. The binding activities were elevated by incubation of the cells with LG69 and TTNPB, ligands specific for RXR and RAR respectively. Binding of nuclear proteins to the palindromic sequence was displaced either by anti-RXR alpha serum or by anti-VDR serum, suggesting the formation of a heterodimer of RXR alpha and VDR. These results suggest that the imperfect palindromic sequence upstream of exon I.1 plays an important but novel role in the regulated expression of the CYP19 gene in choriocarcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sun
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, Dallas, Texas 75235-9051, USA
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Stratakis CA, Vottero A, Brodie A, Kirschner LS, DeAtkine D, Lu Q, Yue W, Mitsiades CS, Flor AW, Chrousos GP. The aromatase excess syndrome is associated with feminization of both sexes and autosomal dominant transmission of aberrant P450 aromatase gene transcription. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1998; 83:1348-57. [PMID: 9543166 DOI: 10.1210/jcem.83.4.4697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Increased extraglandular aromatization has been reported as the cause of familial gynecomastia. We studied a kindred with aromatase excess inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, in which affected males had heterosexual precocity and/or gynecomastia, and affected females had isosexual precocity and/or macromastia. The propositus was a 9-yr-old boy with gynecomastia. His 7.5-yr-old sister had precocious puberty, and their father and paternal grandmother had peripubertal gynecomastia and macromastia, respectively. Serum concentrations of gonadal and adrenal steroid hormones were determined before and after the administration of corticotropin and/or hCG. Aromatase activity was determined by [3H]delta4-androstenedione to [3H]estrone conversion by cultured skin fibroblasts and/or Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphocytes and was detected by immunohistochemistry and/or Western analysis. Linkage was examined with a polymorphism of the aromatase (P450arom) gene. The P450arom messenger ribonucleic acid was analyzed by rapid amplification of complementary DNA (cDNA) ends, ribonuclease protection assay, and RT-PCR. hCG testing demonstrated a high rate of conversion of delta4-androstenedione to estrone and of testosterone to estradiol in the propositus and his father. Treatment of the propositus and his sister was initiated with an aromatase inhibitor (testolactone) and a GnRH analog, which successfully delayed skeletal and pubertal development in both children. Markedly increased aromatase activity was found in the patients' fibroblasts and Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphocytes. The P450arom polymorphism segregated with the disease in the family. A new 5'-splice variant was present in the patients' P450arom messenger ribonucleic acid, thus identifying yet another first exon of this gene, which appears to be aberrantly expressed in this family. In conclusion, a family with the aromatase excess syndrome is described, in which the condition was inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, led to feminizing manifestations in both sexes, and was associated with the aberrant utilization of a novel transcript of the P450arom gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Stratakis
- Section on Pediatric Endocrinology, Developmental Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
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40
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Michael MD, Michael LF, Simpson ER. A CRE-like sequence that binds CREB and contributes to cAMP-dependent regulation of the proximal promoter of the human aromatase P450 (CYP19) gene. Mol Cell Endocrinol 1997; 134:147-56. [PMID: 9426158 DOI: 10.1016/s0303-7207(97)00178-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The major physiological regulator of human aromatase P450 gene expression in the ovary is follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which acts by increasing intracellular cAMP levels. This study describes the identification of an element in the aromatase proximal promoter that is critical for the full transcriptional response of this promoter to cAMP. The cAMP-responsive element (CRE)-like sequence (CLS) was originally identified by its sequence similarity to a palindromic CRE, from which it differs by the insertion of a single cytosine. Mutation of the CLS in the context of 278 bp of 5'-flanking DNA resulted in the loss of cAMP-induced reporter gene expression in transfected ovarian luteal cells. A cell line survey EMSA revealed that CLS binding factors are ubiquitously distributed, although the migration pattern of CLS-nuclear protein complexes varied among different nuclear extracts. An extended half-site for binding members of the basic-leucine zipper class of transcription factors was found to be responsible for ovarian luteal cell nuclear protein binding and cAMP-dependent transcriptional transactivation. Competition and supershift EMSAs revealed that the CLS-nuclear protein complexes that regulate cAMP-induced transcription were indistinguishable from homodimeric CREB bound to the CRE oligonucleotide, yet the interaction with the CLS was of lower affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Michael
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9051, USA
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41
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Abstract
The rat H540 Leydig cell tumor has been shown to express cholesterol side-chain cleavage and 17alpha-hydroxylase cytochrome P450s, 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta 5-delta 4 isomerase, and steroid 5alpha-reductase, making it a useful model in which to study steroidogenesis. In the current studies, we report that cultured H540 cells express high levels of aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom), which converts androgens to estrogens. Levels of aromatase activity varied from 9.4 to 51.7 pmol/h/mg protein and inhibition of 5alpha-reductase with finasteride did not significantly effect aromatase measurements, indicating that 5alpha-reductase is not competing for the substrate used in the aromatase assays. Aromatase activity was decreased 95% by preincubating the cells with 4-hydroxyandrostenedione, an aromatase inhibitor. Characterization of the aromatase mRNA expressed in the H540 cell line demonstrates that, like R2C cells and rat ovarian tissue, three distinct P450arom mRNA species are detected by Northern analysis, and that these transcripts are derived from the same site of transcription initiation. Despite these similarities, the regulation of aromatase activity by 8-bromo-cAMP in H540 cells differs from both R2C cells and rat ovarian tissue. As the H540 and R2C cell lines appear to have distinct origins, H540 is the second rat Leydig tumor cell line characterized that constitutively expresses high levels of aromatase.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Young
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 75235-8857, USA
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42
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Simpson
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235, USA
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43
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Zhao Y, Nichols JE, Bulun SE, Mendelson CR, Simpson ER. Aromatase P450 gene expression in human adipose tissue. Role of a Jak/STAT pathway in regulation of the adipose-specific promoter. J Biol Chem 1995; 270:16449-57. [PMID: 7608217 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.270.27.16449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present report we describe a heretofore unrecognized role for a Jak/STAT signaling pathway, namely the stimulation of expression of the aromatase P450 (CYP19) gene, and hence of estrogen biosynthesis, in human adipose tissue. Expression of this gene in adipose tissue as well as in adipose stromal cells maintained in the presence of serum and glucocorticoids is regulated by a distal TATA-less promoter, I.4, which contains a glucocorticoid response element, an Sp1 binding site, and an interferon-gamma activation site (GAS) element. The stimulatory action of serum (in the presence of dexamethasone) can be replaced by interleukin (IL)-11, leukemia inhibitory factor, and oncostatin-M, as well as by IL-6, providing the IL-6 soluble receptor is also present. Stimulation of the cells by these factors led to rapid phosphorylation of Jak1, but not Jak2 or Jak3, on tyrosine residues. STAT3 but not STAT1 was also phosphorylated and bound to the GAS element in the I.4 promoter region. When regions of this promoter were fused upstream of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene and transfected into the cells, mutagenesis or deletion of the GAS element led to complete loss of reporter gene expression. Since adipose tissue is the major site of estrogen biosynthesis in men and in postmenopausal women, this pathway involving a Jak/STAT signaling mechanism acting together with glucocorticoids and Sp1 appears to be the principal means whereby estrogen biosynthesis is regulated in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zhao
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9051, USA
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Michael MD, Kilgore MW, Morohashi K, Simpson ER. Ad4BP/SF-1 regulates cyclic AMP-induced transcription from the proximal promoter (PII) of the human aromatase P450 (CYP19) gene in the ovary. J Biol Chem 1995; 270:13561-6. [PMID: 7768959 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.270.22.13561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Aromatase P450, which is responsible for the metabolism of C19 steroids to estrogens, is expressed in the pre-ovulatory follicles and corpora lutea of ovulatory women by means of a promoter proximal to the start of translation (PII). To understand how this transcription is controlled by cAMP, we constructed chimeric constructs containing deletion mutations of the proximal promoter 5'-flanking DNA fused to the rabbit beta-globin reporter gene. Assay of reporter gene transcription in transfected bovine granulosa and luteal cells revealed that cAMP-stimulated transcription was lost upon deletion from -278 to -100 base pairs, indicating the presence of a functional cAMP-responsive element in this region; however, no classical cAMP-responsive element was found. Mutation of an AGGTCA motif located at -130 base pairs revealed that this element is crucial for cAMP-stimulated reporter gene transcription. When a single copy of this element was placed upstream of a heterologous promoter, it could act as a weak cAMP-response element. Supershift electrophoretic mobility shift assay and UV cross-linking established that Ad4BP/SF-1 binds to this hexameric element. Ad4BP/SF-1 mRNA and protein levels and DNA binding activity are increased in forskolin-treated luteal cells. We conclude that cAMP-stimulated transcription of human aromatase P450 in the ovary is due, at least in part, to increased levels and DNA binding activity of Ad4BP/SF-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Michael
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9051, USA
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Naville D, Barjhoux L, Jaillard C, Lebrethon MC, Saez JM, Bégeot M. Characterization of the transcription start site of the ACTH receptor gene: presence of an intronic sequence in the 5'-flanking region. Mol Cell Endocrinol 1994; 106:131-5. [PMID: 7895900 DOI: 10.1016/0303-7207(94)90194-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Corticotropin (ACTH) regulates glucocorticoid production through specific receptors on the adrenal cortex. Analysis of the ACTH receptor mRNA in human adrenal has revealed the presence of five transcripts ranging from 1.8 to 11 kilobases (kb). Characterization of the 5'-untranslated regions (UTRs) of the ACTH receptor mRNA demonstrated the presence of one major initiation site of transcription 177 bp away from the ATG codon. Analysis of this 5' sequence showed a perfect alignment with the previously described genomic sequence until position -128 bp from the ATG. The upstream 49-bp sequence was divergent, suggesting the occurrence of a splicing and indicating the presence of an intronic sequence in the UTRs, as well as the presence of an upstream exon containing this 49-bp sequence and located at least 1.8 kb away from the exon encoding the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Naville
- INSERM-INRA U307, Hôpital Debrousse, Lyon, France
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