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Barrett A, Horkeby K, Corciulo C, Carlsten H, Lagerquist MK, Scheffler JM, Islander U. Role of estrogen signaling in fibroblastic reticular cells for innate and adaptive immune responses in antigen-induced arthritis. Immunol Cell Biol 2024; 102:578-592. [PMID: 38726582 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Women are more prone to develop rheumatoid arthritis, with peak incidence occurring around menopause. Estrogen has major effects on the immune system and is protective against arthritis. We have previously shown that treatment with estrogen inhibits inflammation and joint destruction in murine models of arthritis, although the mechanisms involved remain unclear. Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are specialized stromal cells that generate the three-dimensional structure of lymph nodes (LNs). FRCs are vital for coordinating immune responses from within LNs and are characterized by the expression of the chemokine CCL19, which attracts immune cells. The aim of this study was to determine whether the influence of estrogen on innate and adaptive immune cells in arthritis is mediated by estrogen signaling in FRCs. Conditional knockout mice lacking estrogen receptor α (ERα) in CCL19-expressing cells (Ccl19-CreERαfl/fl) were generated and tested. Ccl19-CreERαfl/fl mice and littermate controls were ovariectomized, treated with vehicle or estradiol and subjected to the 28-day-long antigen-induced arthritis model to enable analyses of differentiated T- and B-cell populations and innate cells in LNs by flow cytometry. The results reveal that while the response to estradiol treatment in numbers of FRCs per LN is significantly reduced in mice lacking ERα in FRCs, estrogen does not inhibit joint inflammation or markedly affect immune responses in this arthritis model. Thus, this study validates the Ccl19-CreERαfl/fl strain for studying estrogen signaling in FRCs within inflammatory diseases, although the chosen arthritis model is deemed unsuitable for addressing this question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Barrett
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karin Horkeby
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Osteoporosis Center, Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carmen Corciulo
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hans Carlsten
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie K Lagerquist
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Osteoporosis Center, Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Julia M Scheffler
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Islander
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- SciLifeLab, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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2
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Torres T, Adam N, Mhaouty-Kodja S, Naulé L. Reproductive function and behaviors: an update on the role of neural estrogen receptors alpha and beta. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1408677. [PMID: 38978624 PMCID: PMC11228153 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1408677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility is becoming a major public health problem, with increasing frequency due to medical, environmental and societal causes. The increasingly late age of childbearing, growing exposure to endocrine disruptors and other reprotoxic products, and increasing number of medical reproductive dysfunctions (endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc.) are among the most common causes. Fertility relies on fine-tuned control of both neuroendocrine function and reproductive behaviors, those are critically regulated by sex steroid hormones. Testosterone and estradiol exert organizational and activational effects throughout life to establish and activate the neural circuits underlying reproductive function. This regulation is mediated through estrogen receptors (ERs) and androgen receptor (AR). Estradiol acts mainly via nuclear estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ. The aim of this review is to summarize the genetic studies that have been undertaken to comprehend the specific contribution of ERα and ERβ in the neural circuits underlying the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and the expression of reproductive behaviors, including sexual and parental behavior. Particular emphasis will be placed on the neural role of these receptors and the underlying sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lydie Naulé
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR8246, INSERM U1130, Neuroscience Paris Seine – Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
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3
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Ammari R, Monaca F, Cao M, Nassar E, Wai P, Del Grosso NA, Lee M, Borak N, Schneider-Luftman D, Kohl J. Hormone-mediated neural remodeling orchestrates parenting onset during pregnancy. Science 2023; 382:76-81. [PMID: 37797007 PMCID: PMC7615220 DOI: 10.1126/science.adi0576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
During pregnancy, physiological adaptations prepare the female body for the challenges of motherhood. Becoming a parent also requires behavioral adaptations. Such adaptations can occur as early as during pregnancy, but how pregnancy hormones remodel parenting circuits to instruct preparatory behavioral changes remains unknown. We found that action of estradiol and progesterone on galanin (Gal)-expressing neurons in the mouse medial preoptic area (MPOA) is critical for pregnancy-induced parental behavior. Whereas estradiol silences MPOAGal neurons and paradoxically increases their excitability, progesterone permanently rewires this circuit node by promoting dendritic spine formation and recruitment of excitatory synaptic inputs. This MPOAGal-specific neural remodeling sparsens population activity in vivo and results in persistently stronger, more selective responses to pup stimuli. Pregnancy hormones thus remodel parenting circuits in anticipation of future behavioral need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachida Ammari
- State-dependent Neural Processing Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Francesco Monaca
- State-dependent Neural Processing Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Mingran Cao
- State-dependent Neural Processing Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Estelle Nassar
- State-dependent Neural Processing Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Patty Wai
- State-dependent Neural Processing Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Nicholas A. Del Grosso
- State-dependent Neural Processing Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Matthew Lee
- State-dependent Neural Processing Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Neven Borak
- State-dependent Neural Processing Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Deborah Schneider-Luftman
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Johannes Kohl
- State-dependent Neural Processing Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd, London NW1 1AT, UK
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4
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Zheng D, Bashir M, Li Z. ERα prevents tumorigenesis of both liver and breast cancer cells through CCN5. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 672:103-112. [PMID: 37343316 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-mediated estrogen signaling has also shown to prevent hepatic tumorigenesis in mice. Consistent with this, hormone replacement therapy with estrogen supplementation dramatically reduced the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Silencing of ERα is also a key event for the transformation of ERα-positive breast cancer cells into malignant triple-negative breast cancer cells. However, the mechanisms underlying ERα-mediated prevention of both hepatic and mammary tumorigenesis in humans are still unclear. Here, we present a functional genomics study of ERα targeting by comparing human liver cancer cells with human breast cancer cells using "loss or gain of function" genetic assays of ERα in vitro and in vivo. We discover that cellular communication network factor 5 (CCN5) is a direct downstream target of ERα; ERα suppresses growth and prevents tumorigenesis and malignant transformation of both liver and breast cancer cells through CCN5 in humans. The ERα-CCN5 regulatory axis functions as suppressors for both hepatic and mammary tumors, which is a common mechanism of preventing tumorigenesis for both liver cancer and breast cancer in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoshan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, No. 1 Xuefu North Road, University Town, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350112, China
| | - Muniba Bashir
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, QE II, M Block 225C, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Zhaoyu Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, QE II, M Block 225C, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.
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5
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Immunohistochemical Detection of Estrogen Receptor-Beta (ERβ) with PPZ0506 Antibody in Murine Tissue: From Pitfalls to Optimization. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123100. [PMID: 36551855 PMCID: PMC9775465 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) is physiologically essential for reproductive biology and is implicated in various diseases. However, despite more than 20 years of intensive research on ERβ, there are still uncertainties about its distribution in tissues and cellular expression. Several studies show contrasts between mRNA and protein levels, and the use of knockout strategies revealed that many commercially available antibodies gave false-positive expression results. Recently, a specific monoclonal antibody against human ERβ (PPZ0506) showed cross-reactivity with rodents and was optimized for the detection of rat ERβ. Herein, we established an immunohistochemical detection protocol for ERβ protein in mouse tissue. Staining was optimized on murine ovaries, as granulosa cells are known to strongly express ERβ. The staining results were confirmed by western blot analysis and RT-PCR. To obtain accurate and reliable staining results, different staining conditions were tested in paraffin-embedded tissues. Different pitfalls were encountered in immunohistochemical detection. Strong heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) and appropriate antibody dilution were required to visualize specific nuclear expression of ERβ. Finally, the specificity of the antibody was confirmed by using ovaries from Esr2-depleted mice. However, in some animals, strong (non-specific) background staining appeared. These signals could not be significantly alleviated with commercially available additional blocking solutions and are most likely due to estrus-dependent expression of endogenous immunoglobulins. In summary, our study showed that the antibody PPZ0506, originally directed against human ERβ, is also suitable for reliable detection of murine ERβ. An established staining protocol mitigated ambiguities regarding the expression and distribution of ERβ in different tissues and will contribute to an improved understanding of its role and functions in murine tissues in the future.
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6
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Saito K, Dickey JE, Rodeghiero SR, Toth BA, Kelly MJ, Deng Y, Singh U, Deng G, Jiang J, Cui H. Hypomorphism of a Novel Long ERα Isoform Causes Severe Reproductive Dysfunctions in Female Mice. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6742225. [PMID: 36181426 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-mediated estrogen signaling plays a pivotal role in both reproductive and nonreproductive functions. Transcriptional regulation of the ERα gene is highly complex, with multiple transcript variants being differentially produced across the tissues. However, tissue-specific variation and physiological specificity of the ERα variants are not yet fully understood. In an attempt to generate a Cre-dependently restorable ERα-null mouse for functional genetic studies, we unexpectedly produced ERα hypomorphic mice with biased downregulation of a previously unappreciated long ERα isoform that is enriched in the female reproductive organs (uterus and ovaries) and the pituitary but minimally expressed in the brain. Female homozygous mutant mice were capable of pregnancy but displayed irregular estrus cycle and rarely kept newborn pups alive. No significant morphological and pathological changes in reproductive system or disruption of body weight homeostasis were seen in female homozygous mutant mice. Collectively, our results define a tissue-specific enriched long ERα isoform and its preferential role in female reproductive function rather than body weight homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Saito
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52241, USA
| | - Jacob E Dickey
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52241, USA
| | - Samuel R Rodeghiero
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52241, USA
| | - Brandon A Toth
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52241, USA
| | - Matthew J Kelly
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52241, USA
| | - Yue Deng
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52241, USA
| | - Uday Singh
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52241, USA
| | - Guorui Deng
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52241, USA
| | - Jingwei Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52241, USA
| | - Huxing Cui
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52241, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52241, USA
- F.O.E. Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52241, USA
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7
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Kim NR, David K, Sommers V, Schollaert D, Deboel L, Ohlsson C, Gustafsson JÅ, Antonio L, Decallonne B, Claessens F, Vanderschueren D, Dubois V. Inactivation of AR or ERα in Extrahypothalamic Neurons Does not Affect Osteogenic Response to Loading in Male Mice. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6594680. [PMID: 35640239 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Failure of bone mass maintenance in spite of functional loading is an important contributor to osteoporosis and related fractures. While the link between sex steroids and the osteogenic response to loading is well established, the underlying mechanisms are unknown, hampering clinical relevance. Androgens inhibit mechanoresponsiveness in male mice, but the cell type mediating this effect remains unidentified. To evaluate the role of neuronal sex steroid receptor signaling in the male bone's adaptive capacity, we subjected adult male mice with an extrahypothalamic neuron-specific knockout of the androgen receptor (N-ARKO) or the estrogen receptor alpha (N-ERαKO) to in vivo mechanical stimulation of the tibia. Loading increased cortical thickness in the control animals mainly through periosteal expansion, as total cross-sectional tissue area and cortical bone area but not medullary area were higher in the loaded than the unloaded tibia. Trabecular bone volume fraction also increased upon loading in the control group, mostly due to trabecular thickening. N-ARKO and N-ERαKO males displayed a loading response at both the cortical and trabecular bone compartments that was not different from their control littermates. In conclusion, we show that the presence of androgen receptor or estrogen receptor alpha in extrahypothalamic neurons is dispensable for the osteogenic response to mechanical loading in male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Ri Kim
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karel David
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vera Sommers
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dieter Schollaert
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Deboel
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Claes Ohlsson
- Sahlgrenska Osteoporosis Centre, Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jan-Åke Gustafsson
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-5056, USA
| | - Leen Antonio
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Brigitte Decallonne
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frank Claessens
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vanessa Dubois
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Basic and Translational Endocrinology, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Scheffler JM, Gustafsson KL, Barrett A, Corciulo C, Drevinge C, Del Carpio Pons AM, Humeniuk P, Engdahl C, Gustafsson J, Ohlsson C, Carlsten H, Lagerquist MK, Islander U. ERα signaling in a subset of CXCL12‐abundant reticular cells regulates trabecular bone in mice. JBMR Plus 2022; 6:e10657. [PMID: 35991530 PMCID: PMC9382863 DOI: 10.1002/jbm4.10657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen has pronounced effects on the immune system, which also influences bone homeostasis. In recent years, stromal cells in lymphoid organs have gained increasing attention as they not only support the regulation of immune responses but also affect bone remodeling. A conditional knockout mouse model where estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is deleted in CCL19‐expressing stromal cells (Ccl19‐Cre ERαfl/fl mice) was generated and bone densitometry was performed to analyze the importance of stromal cell–specific ERα signaling on the skeleton. Results showed that female Ccl19‐Cre ERαfl/fl mice display reduced total bone mineral density and detailed X‐ray analyses revealed that ERα expression in CCL19‐expressing stromal cells is important for trabecular but not cortical bone homeostasis. Further analysis showed that the trabecular bone loss is caused by increased osteoclastogenesis. Additionally, the bone formation rate was reduced; however, the expression of osteoprogenitor genes was not altered. Analysis of the bone marrow stromal cell compartment revealed a deletion of ERα in a subgroup of CXCL12‐abundant reticular (CAR) cells resulting in increased secretion of the pro‐osteoclastogenic chemokine CXCL12. In conclusion, this study reveals the importance of ERα signaling in CAR cells for bone health. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M. Scheffler
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Karin L. Gustafsson
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Aidan Barrett
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Carmen Corciulo
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Christina Drevinge
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Alicia M. Del Carpio Pons
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Piotr Humeniuk
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Cecilia Engdahl
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Jan‐Åke Gustafsson
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry University of Houston Houston Texas USA
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition Karolinska Institute Huddinge Sweden
| | - Claes Ohlsson
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Sweden
- Department of Drug Treatment Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Hans Carlsten
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Marie Kristina Lagerquist
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Ulrika Islander
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Sweden
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9
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Šućurović S, Nikolić T, Brosens JJ, Mulac-Jeričević B. Analysis of heart and neural crest derivatives-expressed protein 2 (HAND2)-progesterone interactions in peri-implantation endometrium†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:1111-1121. [PMID: 31982918 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Implantation is restricted to a narrow window when the local endometrial microenvironment is supportive of the invading embryo. The ovarian steroid hormones estrogen (E) and progesterone (P) are principal regulators of uterine receptivity. Suppression of E-dependent proliferation of luminal epithelium (LE) by P is mandatory for embryo implantation. Here, we report that the balance of E receptor α (ERα) and P receptors (PR) activity controls HAND2 expression, a key transcription factor that determines the fate of the implanting embryo and thereby pregnancy outcome. As a model, we used wild-type mice as well as mice in which either both PR isoforms or the A-isoform was genetically ablated (PRKO and PRAKO, respectively). Detailed spatiotemporal analyses of PR, HAND2, and ERα expression at implantation site demonstrated co-expression of HAND2 and PR but not ERα. Furthermore, in hormonally treated ovariectomized WT, PRAKO and PRKO mice, E suppresses endometrial HAND2 expression. Adding P together with E partially rescues HAND2 expression in WT, but not PRAKO and PRKO animals. Therefore, infertility in PRAKO mice is at least in part associated with the loss of PR-A-regulated HAND2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Šućurović
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia and
| | - Tamara Nikolić
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia and
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Biserka Mulac-Jeričević
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia and
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10
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Hess RA, Sharpe RM, Hinton BT. Estrogens and development of the rete testis, efferent ductules, epididymis and vas deferens. Differentiation 2021; 118:41-71. [PMID: 33441255 PMCID: PMC8026493 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2020.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen has always been considered the female hormone and testosterone the male hormone. However, estrogen's presence in the testis and deleterious effects of estrogen treatment during development have been known for nearly 90 years, long before estrogen receptors (ESRs) were discovered. Eventually it was learned that testes actually synthesize high levels of estradiol (E2) and sequester high concentrations in the reproductive tract lumen, which seems contradictory to the overwhelming number of studies showing reproductive pathology following exogenous estrogen exposures. For too long, the developmental pathology of estrogen has dominated our thinking, even resulting in the "estrogen hypothesis" as related to the testicular dysgenesis syndrome. However, these early studies and the development of an Esr1 knockout mouse led to a deluge of research into estrogen's potential role in and disruption of development and function of the male reproductive system. What is new is that estrogen action in the male cannot be divorced from that of androgen. This paper presents what is known about components of the estrogen pathway, including its synthesis and target receptors, and the need to achieve a balance between androgen- and estrogen-action in male reproductive tract differentiation and adult functions. The review focuses on what is known regarding development of the male reproductive tract, from the rete testis to the vas deferens, and examines the expression of estrogen receptors and presence of aromatase in the male reproductive system, traces the evidence provided by estrogen-associated knockout and transgenic animal models and discusses the effects of fetal and postnatal exposures to estrogens. Hopefully, there will be enough here to stimulate discussions and new investigations of the androgen:estrogen balance that seems to be essential for development of the male reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL, 61802 USA and Epivara, Inc., Research Park, 60 Hazelwood Dr., Suite 230G, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA.
| | - Richard M Sharpe
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
| | - Barry T Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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11
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Yu K, He Y, Hyseni I, Pei Z, Yang Y, Xu P, Cai X, Liu H, Qu N, Liu H, He Y, Yu M, Liang C, Yang T, Wang J, Gourdy P, Arnal JF, Lenfant F, Xu Y, Wang C. 17β-estradiol promotes acute refeeding in hungry mice via membrane-initiated ERα signaling. Mol Metab 2020; 42:101053. [PMID: 32712433 PMCID: PMC7484552 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2020.101053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Estrogen protects animals from obesity through estrogen receptor α (ERα), partially by inhibiting overeating in animals fed ad libitum. However, the effects of estrogen on feeding behavior in hungry animals remain unclear. In this study, we examined the roles of 17β-estradiol (E2) and ERα in the regulation of feeding in hungry female animals and explored the underlying mechanisms. Methods Wild-type female mice with surgical depletion of endogenous estrogens were used to examine the effects of E2 supplementation on acute refeeding behavior after starvation. ERα-C451A mutant mice deficient in membrane-bound ERα activity and ERα-AF20 mutant mice lacking ERα transcriptional activity were used to further examine mechanisms underlying acute feeding triggered by either fasting or central glucopenia (induced by intracerebroventricular injections of 2-deoxy-D-glucose). We also used electrophysiology to explore the impact of these ERα mutations on the neural activities of ERα neurons in the hypothalamus. Results In the wild-type female mice, ovariectomy reduced fasting-induced refeeding, which was restored by E2 supplementation. The ERα-C451A mutation, but not the ERα-AF20 mutation, attenuated acute feeding induced by either fasting or central glucopenia. The ERα-C451A mutation consistently impaired the neural responses of hypothalamic ERα neurons to hypoglycemia. Conclusion In addition to previous evidence that estrogen reduces deviations in energy balance by inhibiting eating at a satiated state, our findings demonstrate the unexpected role of E2 that promotes eating in hungry mice, also contributing to the stability of energy homeostasis. This latter effect specifically requires membrane-bound ERα activity. Endogenous E2 is required to maintain acute refeeding in hungry female mice after starvation. Membrane-bound ERα activity in female mice is required for efficient refeeding after starvation. Membrane-bound ERα activity is required for hypothalamic ERα neurons to respond to hypoglycemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaifan Yu
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - Yanlin He
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Brain Glycemic and Metabolism Control Department, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, USA
| | - Ilirjana Hyseni
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zhou Pei
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yongjie Yang
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Pingwen Xu
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xing Cai
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hesong Liu
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Na Qu
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hailan Liu
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yang He
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Meng Yu
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Chen Liang
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Tingting Yang
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Julia Wang
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Pierre Gourdy
- I2MC, Inserm U1048, CHU de Toulouse and Université de Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Francois Arnal
- I2MC, Inserm U1048, CHU de Toulouse and Université de Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Francoise Lenfant
- I2MC, Inserm U1048, CHU de Toulouse and Université de Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Yong Xu
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Chunmei Wang
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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12
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Antonson P, Apolinário LM, Shamekh MM, Humire P, Poutanen M, Ohlsson C, Nalvarte I, Gustafsson JÅ. Generation of an all-exon Esr2 deleted mouse line: Effects on fertility. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 529:231-237. [PMID: 32703416 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.06.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), encoded by the Esr2 gene, is one of two nuclear receptors that mediate the functions of the steroid hormone estradiol. The binding of estradiol to the receptor results in enhanced transcription of many genes that have estrogen response elements in promoter or enhancer regions. Several genetically modified mouse lines with mutations or deletions of exons in the Esr2 gene have been developed and results from analysis of these are not completely consistent, especially regarding ERβ's role in fertility. To address these controversies, we have used the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system to make a deletion of the entire Esr2 gene in the mouse genome and determined the effect of this mutation on fertility. We show that female Esr2 deleted mice, Esr2ΔE1-10, are subfertile at young age, with fewer litters and smaller litter size, and that they become infertile/have severely reduced fertility at around six months of age, while the male Esr2ΔE1-10 mice are fertile. Ovaries from Esr2ΔE1-10 mice are smaller than those from wild-type littermates and the morphology of the ovary displays very few corpora lutea, indicating a defect in ovulation. We also show that the estradiol levels are reduced at diestrus, the phase in the estrous cycle when levels are expected to start to increase before ovulation. Our results verify that ERβ has an important function in female reproduction, likely as a regulator of serum estradiol levels, and that its loss does not affect male reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Antonson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Neo, SE 14157, Huddinge, Sweden.
| | | | - Mohamed M Shamekh
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Neo, SE 14157, Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Patricia Humire
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Neo, SE 14157, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Center for Bone and Arthritis Research, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Claes Ohlsson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Center for Bone and Arthritis Research, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Drug Treatment, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ivan Nalvarte
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Neo, SE 14157, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Jan-Åke Gustafsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Neo, SE 14157, Huddinge, Sweden; Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, TX, USA
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13
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Ohlsson C, Farman HH, Gustafsson KL, Wu J, Henning P, Windahl SH, Sjögren K, Gustafsson JÅ, Movérare-Skrtic S, Lagerquist MK. The effects of estradiol are modulated in a tissue-specific manner in mice with inducible inactivation of ERα after sexual maturation. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2020; 318:E646-E654. [PMID: 32125882 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00018.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Mouse models with lifelong inactivation of estrogen receptor-α (ERα) show that ERα is the main mediator of estrogenic effects in bone, thymus, uterus, and fat. However, ERα inactivation early in life may cause developmental effects that confound the adult phenotypes. To address the specific role of adult ERα expression for estrogenic effects in bone and other nonskeletal tissues, we established a tamoxifen-inducible ERα-inactivated model by crossing CAGG-Cre-ER and ERαflox/flox mice. Tamoxifen-induced ERα inactivation after sexual maturation substantially reduced ERα mRNA levels in cortical bone, trabecular bone, thymus, uterus, gonadal fat, and hypothalamus, in CAGG-Cre-ERαflox/flox (inducible ERαKO) compared with ERαflox/flox (control) mice. 17β-estradiol (E2) treatment increased trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV), cortical bone area, and uterine weight, while it reduced thymus weight and fat mass in ovariectomized control mice. The estrogenic responses were substantially reduced in inducible ERαKO mice compared with control mice on BV/TV (-67%), uterine weight (-94%), thymus weight (-70%), and gonadal fat mass (-94%). In contrast, the estrogenic response on cortical bone area was unaffected in inducible ERαKO compared with control mice. In conclusion, using an inducible ERαKO model, not confounded by lack of ERα during development, we demonstrate that ERα expression in sexually mature female mice is required for normal E2 responses in most, but not all, tissues. The finding that cortical, but not trabecular bone, responds normally to E2 treatment in inducible ERαKO mice strengthens the idea of cortical and trabecular bone being regulated by estrogen via different mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claes Ohlsson
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research at Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helen H Farman
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research at Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karin L Gustafsson
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research at Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jianyao Wu
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research at Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Petra Henning
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research at Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sara H Windahl
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research at Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Klara Sjögren
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research at Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jan-Åke Gustafsson
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Novum, Sweden
| | - Sofia Movérare-Skrtic
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research at Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie K Lagerquist
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research at Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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14
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Kim NR, Jardí F, Khalil R, Antonio L, Schollaert D, Deboel L, van Lenthe GH, Decallonne B, Carmeliet G, Gustafsson JÅ, Claessens F, Ohlsson C, Lagerquist MK, Dubois V, Vanderschueren D. Estrogen receptor alpha signaling in extrahypothalamic neurons during late puberty decreases bone size and strength in female but not in male mice. FASEB J 2020; 34:7118-7126. [PMID: 32239553 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000272r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Sexually dimorphic bone structure emerges largely during puberty. Sex steroids are critical for peak bone mass acquisition in both genders. In particular, the biphasic effects of estrogens mediate the skeletal sexual dimorphism. However, so far the stimulatory vs inhibitory actions of estrogens on bone mass are not fully explained by direct effects on bone cells. Recently, it has become evident that there is possible neuroendocrine action of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) on the skeleton. Based on these considerations, we hypothesized that neuronal ERα-signaling may contribute to the skeletal growth during puberty. Here, we generated mice with tamoxifen-inducible Thy1-Cre mediated ERα inactivation during late puberty specifically in extrahypothalamic neurons (N-ERαKO). Inactivation of neuronal ERα did not alter the body weight in males, whereas N-ERαKO females exhibited a higher body weight and increased body and bone length compared to their control littermates at 16 weeks of age. Ex vivo microCT analysis showed increased radial bone expansion of the midshaft femur in female N-ERαKO along with higher serum levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 as well as IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-3. Furthermore, the 3-point bending test revealed increased bone strength in female N-ERαKO. In contrast, inactivation of neuronal ERα had no major effect on bone growth in males. In conclusion, we demonstrate that central ERα-signaling limits longitudinal bone growth and radial bone expansion specifically in females potentially by interacting with the GH/IGF-1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Ri Kim
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism, and Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ferran Jardí
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism, and Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rougin Khalil
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism, and Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leen Antonio
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism, and Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dieter Schollaert
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism, and Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Deboel
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism, and Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - G Harry van Lenthe
- Biomechanics Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Brigitte Decallonne
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism, and Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Carmeliet
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism, and Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan-Åke Gustafsson
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Frank Claessens
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Claes Ohlsson
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie K Lagerquist
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Vanessa Dubois
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism, and Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism, and Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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15
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Casali P, Shen T, Xu Y, Qiu Z, Chupp DP, Im J, Xu Z, Zan H. Estrogen Reverses HDAC Inhibitor-Mediated Repression of Aicda and Class-Switching in Antibody and Autoantibody Responses by Downregulation of miR-26a. Front Immunol 2020; 11:491. [PMID: 32265934 PMCID: PMC7105609 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen contributes to females' strong antibody response to microbial vaccines and proneness to autoimmunity, particularly antibody-mediated systemic autoimmunity, in females. We have hypothesized that this is due to estrogen-mediated potentiation of class switch DNA recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutation (SHM). As we have shown, estrogen boosts AID expression, which is critical for both CSR and SHM, through upregulation of HoxC4, which together with NF-κB critically mediates Aicda (AID gene) promoter activation. We contend here that additional regulation of Aicda expression by estrogen occurs through epigenetic mechanisms. As we have shown, histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDIs) short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) butyrate and propionate as well as the pharmacologic HDI valproic acid upregulate miRNAs that silence AID expression, thereby modulating specific antibody responses in C57BL/6 mice and autoantibody responses in lupus-prone MRL/Faslpr/lpr mice. Here, using constitutive knockout Esr1-/- mice and B cells as well as conditional knockout Aicdacre/creEsr1flox/flox mice and B cells, we showed that the HDI-mediated downregulation of Aicda expression as well as the maturation of antibody and autoantibody responses is reversed by estrogen and enhanced by deletion of ERα or E2 inhibition. Estrogen's reversion of HDI-mediated inhibition of Aicda and CSR in antibody and autoantibody responses occurred through downregulation of B cell miR-26a, which, as we showed, targets Aicda mRNA 3'UTR. miR-26a was significantly upregulated by HDIs. Accordingly, enforced expression of miR-26a reduced Aicda expression and CSR, while miR-26a-sponges (competitive inhibitors of miR-26a) increased Aicda expression and CSR. Thus, our findings show that estrogen reverses the HDI-mediated downregulation of AID expression and CSR through selective modulation of miR-26a. They also provide mechanistic insights into the immunomodulatory activity of this hormone and a proof-of-principle for using combined ER inhibitor-HDI as a potential therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Casali
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hong Zan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
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16
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Hess RA, Cooke PS. Estrogen in the male: a historical perspective. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:27-44. [PMID: 29438493 PMCID: PMC6044326 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens have traditionally been considered female hormones. Nevertheless, the presence of estrogen in males has been known for over 90 years. Initial studies suggested that estrogen was deleterious to male reproduction because exogenous treatments induced developmental abnormalities. However, demonstrations of estrogen synthesis in the testis and high concentrations of 17β-estradiol in rete testis fluid suggested that the female hormone might have a function in normal male reproduction. Identification of estrogen receptors and development of biological radioisotope methods to assess estradiol binding revealed that the male reproductive tract expresses estrogen receptor extensively from the neonatal period to adulthood. This indicated a role for estrogens in normal development, especially in efferent ductules, whose epithelium is the first in the male reproductive tract to express estrogen receptor during development and a site of exceedingly high expression. In the 1990s, a paradigm shift occurred in our understanding of estrogen function in the male, ushered in by knockout mouse models where estrogen production or expression of its receptors was not present. These knockout animals revealed that estrogen's main receptor (estrogen receptor 1 [ESR1]) is essential for male fertility and development of efferent ductules, epididymis, and prostate, and that loss of only the membrane fraction of ESR1 was sufficient to induce extensive male reproductive abnormalities and infertility. This review provides perspectives on the major discoveries and developments that led to our current knowledge of estrogen's importance in the male reproductive tract and shaped our evolving concept of estrogen's physiological role in the male.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Paul S Cooke
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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17
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González-Granillo M, Helguero LA, Alves E, Archer A, Savva C, Pedrelli M, Ahmed O, Li X, Domingues MR, Parini P, Gustafsson JÅ, Korach-André M. Sex-specific lipid molecular signatures in obesity-associated metabolic dysfunctions revealed by lipidomic characterization in ob/ob mouse. Biol Sex Differ 2019; 10:11. [PMID: 30808418 PMCID: PMC6390380 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-019-0225-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The response to overfeeding is sex dependent, and metabolic syndrome is more likely associated to obesity in men or postmenopausal women than in young fertile women. We hypothesized that obesity-induced metabolic syndrome is sex dependent due to a sex-specific regulation of the fatty acid (FA) synthesis pathways in liver and white adipose depots. We aimed to identify distinctive molecular signatures between sexes using a lipidomics approach to characterize lipid species in liver, perigonadal adipose tissue, and inguinal adipose tissue and correlate them to the physiopathological responses observed. Males had less total fat but lower subcutaneous on visceral fat ratio together with higher liver weight and higher liver and serum triglyceride (TG) levels. Males were insulin resistant compared to females. Fatty acid (FA) and TG profiles differed between sexes in both fat pads, with longer chain FAs and TGs in males compared to that in females. Remarkably, hepatic phospholipid composition was sex dependent with more abundant lipotoxic FAs in males than in females. This may contribute to the sexual dimorphism in response to obesity towards more metaflammation in males. Our work presents an exhaustive novel description of a sex-specific lipid signature in the pathophysiology of metabolic disorders associated with obesity in ob/ob mice. These data could settle the basis for future pharmacological treatment in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela González-Granillo
- Department of Medicine, Metabolism and Molecular Nutrition Unit, Center for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Karolinska Institutet, S-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet/AstraZeneca Integrated Cardio Metabolic Center, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, C2-94, S-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Luisa A Helguero
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute for Biomedicine, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Eliana Alves
- Mass spectrometry Centre, Department of Chemistry (QOPNA, CESAM & ECOMARE), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amena Archer
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Proteomics, Science for Life Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, KTH, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christina Savva
- Department of Medicine, Metabolism and Molecular Nutrition Unit, Center for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Karolinska Institutet, S-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet/AstraZeneca Integrated Cardio Metabolic Center, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, C2-94, S-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matteo Pedrelli
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Osman Ahmed
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Xidan Li
- Department of Medicine, Metabolism and Molecular Nutrition Unit, Center for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Karolinska Institutet, S-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet/AstraZeneca Integrated Cardio Metabolic Center, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, C2-94, S-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Rosário Domingues
- Mass spectrometry Centre, Department of Chemistry (QOPNA, CESAM & ECOMARE), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Paolo Parini
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Jan-Åke Gustafsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signalling, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marion Korach-André
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden. .,Department of Medicine, Metabolism and Molecular Nutrition Unit, Center for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Karolinska Institutet, S-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet/AstraZeneca Integrated Cardio Metabolic Center, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, C2-94, S-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.
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18
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Hewitt SC, Korach KS. Estrogen Receptors: New Directions in the New Millennium. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:664-675. [PMID: 29901737 PMCID: PMC6173474 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Nineteen years have passed since our previous review in this journal in 1999 regarding estrogen receptors. At that time, we described the current assessments of the physiological activities of estrogen and estrogen receptors. Since that time there has been an explosion of progress in our understanding of details of estrogen receptor-mediated processes from the molecular and cellular level to the whole organism. In this review we discuss the basic understanding of estrogen signaling and then elaborate on the progress and current understanding of estrogen receptor actions that have developed using new models and continuing clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia C Hewitt
- Receptor Biology Section, Reproductive and Developmental Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Kenneth S Korach
- Receptor Biology Section, Reproductive and Developmental Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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19
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Gustafsson KL, Nilsson KH, Farman HH, Andersson A, Lionikaite V, Henning P, Wu J, Windahl SH, Islander U, Movérare-Skrtic S, Sjögren K, Carlsten H, Gustafsson JÅ, Ohlsson C, Lagerquist MK. ERα expression in T lymphocytes is dispensable for estrogenic effects in bone. J Endocrinol 2018; 238:129-136. [PMID: 29848607 PMCID: PMC6026922 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen treatment has positive effects on the skeleton, and we have shown that estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) expression in cells of hematopoietic origin contributes to a normal estrogen treatment response in bone tissue. T lymphocytes are implicated in the estrogenic regulation of bone mass, but it is not known whether T lymphocytes are direct estrogen target cells. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the importance of ERα expression in T lymphocytes for the estrogenic regulation of the skeleton using female mice lacking ERα expression specifically in T lymphocytes (Lck-ERα-/-) and ERαflox/flox littermate (control) mice. Deletion of ERα expression in T lymphocytes did not affect bone mineral density (BMD) in sham-operated Lck-ERα-/- compared to control mice, and ovariectomy (ovx) resulted in a similar decrease in BMD in control and Lck-ERα-/- mice compared to sham-operated mice. Furthermore, estrogen treatment of ovx Lck-ERα-/- led to an increased BMD that was indistinguishable from the increase seen after estrogen treatment of ovx control mice. Detailed analysis of both the appendicular (femur) and axial (vertebrae) skeleton showed that both trabecular and cortical bone parameters responded to a similar extent regardless of the presence of ERα in T lymphocytes. In conclusion, ERα expression in T lymphocytes is dispensable for normal estrogenic regulation of bone mass in female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Gustafsson
- Center for Bone and Arthritis ResearchDepartment of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - K H Nilsson
- Center for Bone and Arthritis ResearchDepartment of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - H H Farman
- Center for Bone and Arthritis ResearchDepartment of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - A Andersson
- Center for Bone and Arthritis ResearchDepartment of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - V Lionikaite
- Center for Bone and Arthritis ResearchDepartment of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - P Henning
- Center for Bone and Arthritis ResearchDepartment of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - J Wu
- Center for Bone and Arthritis ResearchDepartment of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - S H Windahl
- Center for Bone and Arthritis ResearchDepartment of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - U Islander
- Center for Bone and Arthritis ResearchDepartment of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - S Movérare-Skrtic
- Center for Bone and Arthritis ResearchDepartment of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - K Sjögren
- Center for Bone and Arthritis ResearchDepartment of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - H Carlsten
- Center for Bone and Arthritis ResearchDepartment of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - J-Å Gustafsson
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell SignalingDepartment of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - C Ohlsson
- Center for Bone and Arthritis ResearchDepartment of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - M K Lagerquist
- Center for Bone and Arthritis ResearchDepartment of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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20
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Gavin KM, Sullivan TM, Kohrt WM, Majka SM, Klemm DJ. Ovarian Hormones Regulate the Production of Adipocytes From Bone Marrow-Derived Cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:276. [PMID: 29892267 PMCID: PMC5985395 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in body fat distribution and menopause-associated shifts in regional adiposity suggest that sex hormones play an important role in regulating the differentiation and distribution of adipocytes, but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully explained. The aim of this study was to determine whether ovarian hormone status influences the production and distribution of adipocytes in adipose tissue arising from bone marrow-derived cells. Nine- to ten-week-old ovariectomized (OVX), surgery naïve (WT), and estrogen receptor alpha knockout (αERKO) mice underwent bone marrow transplantation from luciferase or green fluorescent protein expressing donors. A subset of OVX animals had estradiol (E2) added back. Eight-weeks posttransplant, whole body and gonadal fat BM-derived adipocyte production was highest in OVX and αERKO mice, which was attenuated in OVX mice by E2 add-back. All groups demonstrated the highest bone marrow derived adipocyte (BMDA) production in the gonadal adipose depot, a visceral fat depot in mice. Taken together, the loss of ovarian hormones increases the production of BMDAs. If translatable across species, production of BMDA may be a mechanism by which visceral adiposity increases in estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M. Gavin
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Eastern Colorado Heath Care System, Denver, CO, United States
- *Correspondence: Kathleen M. Gavin,
| | - Timothy M. Sullivan
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Eastern Colorado Heath Care System, Denver, CO, United States
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Wendy M. Kohrt
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Eastern Colorado Heath Care System, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Susan M. Majka
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Dwight J. Klemm
- Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Eastern Colorado Heath Care System, Denver, CO, United States
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
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21
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Cooke PS, Nanjappa MK, Ko C, Prins GS, Hess RA. Estrogens in Male Physiology. Physiol Rev 2017; 97:995-1043. [PMID: 28539434 PMCID: PMC6151497 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00018.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 283] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens have historically been associated with female reproduction, but work over the last two decades established that estrogens and their main nuclear receptors (ESR1 and ESR2) and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) also regulate male reproductive and nonreproductive organs. 17β-Estradiol (E2) is measureable in blood of men and males of other species, but in rete testis fluids, E2 reaches concentrations normally found only in females and in some species nanomolar concentrations of estrone sulfate are found in semen. Aromatase, which converts androgens to estrogens, is expressed in Leydig cells, seminiferous epithelium, and other male organs. Early studies showed E2 binding in numerous male tissues, and ESR1 and ESR2 each show unique distributions and actions in males. Exogenous estrogen treatment produced male reproductive pathologies in laboratory animals and men, especially during development, and studies with transgenic mice with compromised estrogen signaling demonstrated an E2 role in normal male physiology. Efferent ductules and epididymal functions are dependent on estrogen signaling through ESR1, whose loss impaired ion transport and water reabsorption, resulting in abnormal sperm. Loss of ESR1 or aromatase also produces effects on nonreproductive targets such as brain, adipose, skeletal muscle, bone, cardiovascular, and immune tissues. Expression of GPER is extensive in male tracts, suggesting a possible role for E2 signaling through this receptor in male reproduction. Recent evidence also indicates that membrane ESR1 has critical roles in male reproduction. Thus estrogens are important physiological regulators in males, and future studies may reveal additional roles for estrogen signaling in various target tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul S Cooke
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Manjunatha K Nanjappa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - CheMyong Ko
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Gail S Prins
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rex A Hess
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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22
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Abstract
The hormone estrogen is involved in both female and male reproduction, as well as numerous other biological systems including the neuroendocrine, vascular, skeletal, and immune systems. Therefore, it is also implicated in many different diseases and conditions such as infertility, obesity, osteoporosis, endometriosis, and a variety of cancers. Estrogen works through its two distinct nuclear receptors, estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ). Various transcriptional regulation mechanisms have been identified as the mode of action for estrogen, mainly the classical mechanism with direct DNA binding but also a nongenomic mode of action and one using tethered or indirect binding. The expression profiles of ERα and ERβ are unique with the primary sites of ERα expression being the uterus and pituitary gland and the main site of ERβ expression being the granulosa cells of the ovary. Mouse models with knockout or mutation of Esr1 and Esr2 have furthered our understanding of the role of each individual receptor plays in physiology. From these studies, it is known that the primary roles for ERα are in the uterus and neuroendocrine system, as female mice lacking ERα are infertile due to impaired ovarian and uterine function, whereas female mice lacking ERβ are subfertile due to ovarian defects. The development of effective therapies for estrogen-related diseases has relied on an understanding of the physiological roles and mechanistic functionalities of ERα and ERβ in human health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J Hamilton
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Sylvia C Hewitt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Yukitomo Arao
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Kenneth S Korach
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States.
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23
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Borrow AP, Handa RJ. Estrogen Receptors Modulation of Anxiety-Like Behavior. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2016; 103:27-52. [PMID: 28061972 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Estrogens exert profound effects on the expression of anxiety in humans and rodents; however, the directionality of these effects varies considerably within both clinical and preclinical literature. It is believed that discrepancies regarding the nature of estrogens' effects on anxiety are attributable to the differential effects of specific estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes. In this chapter we will discuss the relative impact on anxiety and anxiety-like behavior of each of the three main ERs: ERα, which has a generally anxiogenic effect, ERβ, which has a generally anxiolytic effect, and the G-protein-coupled ER known as GPR30, which has been found to both increase and decrease anxiety-like behavior. In addition, we will describe the known mechanisms by which these receptor subtypes exert their influence on emotional responses, focusing on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the oxytocinergic and serotonergic systems. The impact of estrogens on the expression of anxiety is likely the result of their combined effects on all of these neurobiological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Borrow
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - R J Handa
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States.
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24
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Abstract
Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is a critical player in development and function of the female reproductive system. Perturbations in ERα response can affect wide-ranging aspects of health in humans as well as in livestock and wildlife. Because of its long-known and broad impact, ERα mechanisms of action continue to be the focus on cutting-edge research efforts. Consequently, novel insights have greatly advanced understanding of every aspect of estrogen signaling. In this review, we attempt to briefly outline the current understanding of ERα mediated mechanisms in the context of the female reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia C Hewitt
- Receptor Biology GroupReproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USASchool of Molecular BiosciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA
| | - Wipawee Winuthayanon
- Receptor Biology GroupReproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USASchool of Molecular BiosciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA
| | - Kenneth S Korach
- Receptor Biology GroupReproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USASchool of Molecular BiosciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA
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25
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Abstract
Tissue specific knockout mice are valuable tools to study gene function in vivo. The method uses the Cre/loxP system in which loxP sites are cloned into the genome surrounding one or more exons of a gene and the targeted exon(s) are deleted when the Cre enzyme is expressed. Mouse lines that are prepared for the generation of knockout ERα mice have been developed independently by many research groups and the number of available transgenic mouse lines that express Cre under tissue specific promoters is large. Here, we describe how tissue specific ERα knockout mice are generated.
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26
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Antonson P, Nalvarte I, Varshney M, Xu L, Windahl SH, Humire P, Ohlsson C, Gustafsson JÅ, Dahlman-Wright K. Identification of proteins highly expressed in uterine fluid from mice with hydrometra. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 466:650-5. [PMID: 26393907 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.09.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is an important regulator of the estrous cycle and mice with global ERα deletion, as well as some conditional knockout mouse lines, have an interruption in the estrous cycle. In this study we observed that conditional ERα knockout mice where the Cre gene is regulated by the rat insulin promoter (RIP), RIP-Cre/ERα(KO) mice, have a 3.7-fold increase in serum 17β-estradiol levels, blocked estrous cycle, and develop a fluid-filled uterus (hydrometra). Using a proteomics approach, we identified three proteins, lactoferrin, complement C3 and chitinase 3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1), as highly expressed proteins in hydrometra fluid. The mRNA levels of the corresponding genes were more than 50-fold higher in RIP-Cre/ERα(KO) uterus compared to controls. High expression of CHI3L1 in the uterine fluid was not reflected as elevated levels in the serum. The high expression of lactoferrin, complement C3 and CHI3L1 in the uterine fluid, in association with elevated estrogen levels, prompted us to address if the expression of these genes is related to reproduction. However, gonadotropin treatment of mice reduced the uterine expression of these genes in a model of in vitro fertilization. Our findings identify lactoferrin, complement C3 and CHI3L1 as highly expressed proteins in hydrometra fluid in association with chronically elevated serum estradiol levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Antonson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, SE-141 83, Huddinge, Sweden.
| | - Ivan Nalvarte
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, SE-141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Mukesh Varshney
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, SE-141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, SE-141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Sara H Windahl
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Patricia Humire
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, SE-141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Claes Ohlsson
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jan-Åke Gustafsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, SE-141 83, Huddinge, Sweden; Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Karin Dahlman-Wright
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, SE-141 83, Huddinge, Sweden; SciLifeLab, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, S-171 21, Solna, Sweden
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27
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Estrogen receptor β exon 3-deleted mouse: The importance of non-ERE pathways in ERβ signaling. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:5135-40. [PMID: 25848008 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1504944112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In 1998, an estrogen receptor β (ERβ) knockout (KO) mouse was created by interrupting the gene at the DNA binding domain (DBD) with a neocassette. The mutant females were subfertile and there were abnormalities in the brain, prostate, lung, colon, and immune system. In 2008, another ERβ mutant mouse was generated by deleting ERβ exon 3 which encodes the first zinc finger in the DBD. The female mice of this strain were unable to ovulate but were otherwise normal. The differences in the phenotypes of the two KO strains, have led to questions about the physiological function of ERβ. In the present study, we created an ERβ exon 3-deleted mouse (ERβ-Δex3) and confirmed that the only observable defect was anovulation. Despite the two in-frame stop codons introduced by splicing between exons 2 and 4, an ERβ protein was expressed in nuclei of prostate epithelial cells. Using two different anti-ERβ antibodies, we showed that an in-frame ligand binding domain and C terminus were present in the ERβ-Δex3 protein. Moreover, with nuclear extracts from ERβ-Δex3 prostates, there was an ERβ-dependent retardation of migration of activator protein-1 response elements in EMSA. Unlike the original knockout mouse, expression of Ki67, androgen receptor, and Dachshund-1 in prostate epithelium was not altered in the ERβ-Δex3 mouse. We conclude that very little of ERβ transcriptional activity depends on binding to classical estrogen response elements (EREs).
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28
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Xue B, Zhang Z, Beltz TG, Guo F, Hay M, Johnson AK. Genetic knockdown of estrogen receptor-alpha in the subfornical organ augments ANG II-induced hypertension in female mice. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2014; 308:R507-16. [PMID: 25552661 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00406.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study tested the hypotheses that 1) ERα in the brain plays a key role in the estrogen-protective effects against ANG II-induced hypertension, and 2) that the subfornical organ (SFO) is a key site where ERα mediates these protective actions. In this study, a "floxed" ERα transgenic mouse line (ERα(flox)) was used to create models in which ERα was knocked down in the brain or just in the SFO. Female mice with ERα ablated in the nervous system (Nestin-ERα(-) mice) showed greater increases in blood pressure (BP) in response to ANG II. Furthermore, females with ERα knockdown specifically in the SFO [SFO adenovirus-Cre (Ad-Cre) injected ERα(flox) mice] also showed an enhanced pressor response to ANG II. Immunohistochemical (IHC), RT-PCR, and Western blot analyses revealed a marked reduction in the expression of ERα in nervous tissues and, in particular, in the SFO. These changes were not present in peripheral tissues in Nestin-ERα(-) mice or Ad-Cre-injected ERα(flox) mice. mRNA expression of components of the renin-angiotensin system in the lamina terminalis were upregulated in Nestin-ERα(-) mice. Moreover, ganglionic blockade on day 7 after ANG II infusions resulted in a greater reduction of BP in Nestin-ERα(-) mice or SFO Ad-Cre-injected mice, suggesting that knockdown of ERα in the nervous system or the SFO alone augments central ANG II-induced increase in sympathetic tone. The results indicate that interfering with the action of estrogen on SFO ERα is sufficient to abolish the protective effects of estrogen against ANG II-induced hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baojian Xue
- Departments of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; and
| | - Zhongming Zhang
- Zhang Zhongjing College of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Henan, China
| | - Terry G Beltz
- Departments of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; and
| | - Fang Guo
- Departments of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; and
| | - Meredith Hay
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona; Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, Tucson, Arizona; and
| | - Alan Kim Johnson
- Departments of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; and Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; François M. Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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29
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Rumi MAK, Dhakal P, Kubota K, Chakraborty D, Lei T, Larson MA, Wolfe MW, Roby KF, Vivian JL, Soares MJ. Generation of Esr1-knockout rats using zinc finger nuclease-mediated genome editing. Endocrinology 2014; 155:1991-9. [PMID: 24506075 PMCID: PMC3990838 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-2150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens play pivotal roles in development and function of many organ systems, including the reproductive system. We have generated estrogen receptor 1 (Esr1)-knockout rats using zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) genome targeting. mRNAs encoding ZFNs targeted to exon 3 of Esr1 were microinjected into single-cell rat embryos and transferred to pseudopregnant recipients. Of 17 live births, 5 had biallelic and 1 had monoallelic Esr1 mutations. A founder with monoallelic mutations was backcrossed to a wild-type rat. Offspring possessed only wild-type Esr1 alleles or wild-type alleles and Esr1 alleles containing either 482 bp (Δ482) or 223 bp (Δ223) deletions, indicating mosaicism in the founder. These heterozygous mutants were bred for colony expansion, generation of homozygous mutants, and phenotypic characterization. The Δ482 Esr1 allele yielded altered transcript processing, including the absence of exon 3, aberrant splicing of exon 2 and 4, and a frameshift that generated premature stop codons located immediately after the codon for Thr157. ESR1 protein was not detected in homozygous Δ482 mutant uteri. ESR1 disruption affected sexually dimorphic postnatal growth patterns and serum levels of gonadotropins and sex steroid hormones. Both male and female Esr1-null rats were infertile. Esr1-null males had small testes with distended and dysplastic seminiferous tubules, whereas Esr1-null females possessed large polycystic ovaries, thread-like uteri, and poorly developed mammary glands. In addition, uteri of Esr1-null rats did not effectively respond to 17β-estradiol treatment, further demonstrating that the Δ482 Esr1 mutation created a null allele. This rat model provides a new experimental tool for investigating the pathophysiology of estrogen action.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Codon, Nonsense
- Crosses, Genetic
- Deoxyribonucleases/chemistry
- Deoxyribonucleases/genetics
- Deoxyribonucleases/metabolism
- Estrogen Receptor alpha/chemistry
- Estrogen Receptor alpha/genetics
- Estrogen Receptor alpha/metabolism
- Exons
- Female
- Gene Knockout Techniques
- Infertility, Female/blood
- Infertility, Female/metabolism
- Infertility, Female/pathology
- Infertility, Male/blood
- Infertility, Male/metabolism
- Infertility, Male/pathology
- Male
- Microinjections
- Protein Engineering
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Mutant Strains
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Rats, Transgenic
- Zinc Fingers
- Zygote/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Karim Rumi
- Institute for Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine; Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (M.A.K.R., P.D., K.K., D.C., T.L., J.L.V., M.J.S.), Molecular and Integrative Physiology (M.A.L., M.W.W.), and Anatomy and Cell Biology (K.F.R.), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
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30
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Lizcano F, Guzmán G. Estrogen Deficiency and the Origin of Obesity during Menopause. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:757461. [PMID: 24734243 PMCID: PMC3964739 DOI: 10.1155/2014/757461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 302] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2013] [Revised: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sex hormones strongly influence body fat distribution and adipocyte differentiation. Estrogens and testosterone differentially affect adipocyte physiology, but the importance of estrogens in the development of metabolic diseases during menopause is disputed. Estrogens and estrogen receptors regulate various aspects of glucose and lipid metabolism. Disturbances of this metabolic signal lead to the development of metabolic syndrome and a higher cardiovascular risk in women. The absence of estrogens is a clue factor in the onset of cardiovascular disease during the menopausal period, which is characterized by lipid profile variations and predominant abdominal fat accumulation. However, influence of the absence of these hormones and its relationship to higher obesity in women during menopause are not clear. This systematic review discusses of the role of estrogens and estrogen receptors in adipocyte differentiation, and its control by the central nervous systemn and the possible role of estrogen-like compounds and endocrine disruptors chemicals are discussed. Finally, the interaction between the decrease in estrogen secretion and the prevalence of obesity in menopausal women is examined. We will consider if the absence of estrogens have a significant effect of obesity in menopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Lizcano
- Biomedical Research Center, Universidad de La Sabana (CIBUS), km 7, Autopista Norte de Bogota, Chia, Colombia ; Fundacion Cardio-Infantil Instituto de Cardiologia, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Guillermo Guzmán
- Biomedical Research Center, Universidad de La Sabana (CIBUS), km 7, Autopista Norte de Bogota, Chia, Colombia
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Kondoh S, Inoue K, Igarashi K, Sugizaki H, Shirode-Fukuda Y, Inoue E, Yu T, Takeuchi JK, Kanno J, Bonewald LF, Imai Y. Estrogen receptor α in osteocytes regulates trabecular bone formation in female mice. Bone 2014; 60:68-77. [PMID: 24333171 PMCID: PMC3944732 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2013.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Revised: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens are well known steroid hormones necessary to maintain bone health. In addition, mechanical loading, in which estrogen signaling may intersect with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, is essential for bone maintenance. As osteocytes are known as the major mechanosensory cells embedded in mineralized bone matrix, osteocyte ERα deletion mice (ERα(ΔOcy/ΔOcy)) were generated by mating ERα floxed mice with Dmp1-Cre mice to determine the role of ERα in osteocytes. Trabecular bone mineral density of female, but not male ERα(ΔOcy/ΔOcy) mice was significantly decreased. Bone formation parameters in ERα(ΔOcy/ΔOcy) were significantly decreased while osteoclast parameters were unchanged. This suggests that ERα in osteocytes exerts osteoprotective function by positively controlling bone formation. To identify potential targets of ERα, gene array analysis of Dmp1-GFP osteocytes sorted by FACS from ERα(ΔOcy/ΔOcy) and control mice was performed. Gene expression microarray followed by gene ontology analyses revealed that osteocytes from ERα(ΔOcy/ΔOcy) highly expressed genes categorized in 'Secreted' when compared to control osteocytes. Among them, expression of Mdk and Sostdc1, both of which are Wnt inhibitors, was significantly increased without alteration of expression of the mature osteocyte markers such as Sost and β-catenin. Moreover, hindlimb suspension experiments showed that trabecular bone loss due to unloading was greater in ERα(ΔOcy/ΔOcy) mice without cortical bone loss. These data suggest that ERα in osteocytes has osteoprotective functions in trabecular bone formation through regulating expression of Wnt antagonists, but conversely plays a negative role in cortical bone loss due to unloading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shino Kondoh
- Laboratory of Epigenetic Skeletal Diseases, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuki Inoue
- Laboratory of Epigenetic Skeletal Diseases, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Integrative Pathophysiology, Proteo-Science Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Ehime, Japan; Department of Biological Resources, Integrated Center for Science, Ehime University, Ehime, Japan
| | - Katsuhide Igarashi
- Division of Cellular & Molecular Toxicology, Biological Safety Research Center, National Institute of Health Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroe Sugizaki
- Division of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Shirode-Fukuda
- Laboratory of Epigenetic Skeletal Diseases, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Erina Inoue
- Laboratory of Epigenetic Skeletal Diseases, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taiyong Yu
- Laboratory of Epigenetic Skeletal Diseases, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Integrative Pathophysiology, Proteo-Science Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Ehime, Japan
| | - Jun K Takeuchi
- Division of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; JST PRESTO, Japan
| | - Jun Kanno
- Division of Cellular & Molecular Toxicology, Biological Safety Research Center, National Institute of Health Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Lynda F Bonewald
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Missouri at Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Yuuki Imai
- Laboratory of Epigenetic Skeletal Diseases, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Integrative Pathophysiology, Proteo-Science Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Ehime, Japan.
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Antonson P, Matic M, Portwood N, Kuiper RV, Bryzgalova G, Gao H, Windahl SH, Humire P, Ohlsson C, Berggren PO, Gustafsson JÅ, Dahlman-Wright K. aP2-Cre-mediated inactivation of estrogen receptor alpha causes hydrometra. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85581. [PMID: 24416430 PMCID: PMC3885723 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 11/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study we describe the reproductive phenotypes of a novel mouse model in which Cre-mediated deletion of ERα is regulated by the aP2 (fatty acid binding protein 4) promoter. ERα-floxed mice were crossed with transgenic mice expressing Cre-recombinase under the control of the aP2 promoter to generate aP2-Cre/ERα(flox/flox) mice. As expected, ERα mRNA levels were reduced in adipose tissue, but in addition we also detected an 80% reduction of ERα levels in the hypothalamus of aP2-Cre/ERα(flox/flox) mice. Phenotypic analysis revealed that aP2-Cre/ERα(flox/flox) female mice were infertile. In line with this, aP2-Cre/ERα(flox/flox) female mice did not cycle and presented 3.8-fold elevated estrogen levels. That elevated estrogen levels were associated with increased estrogen signaling was evidenced by increased mRNA levels of the estrogen-regulated genes lactoferrin and aquaporin 5 in the uterus. Furthermore, aP2-Cre/ERα(flox/flox) female mice showed an accumulation of intra-uterine fluid, hydrometra, without overt indications for causative anatomical anomalies. However, the vagina and cervix displayed advanced keratosis with abnormal quantities of accumulating squamous epithelial cells suggesting functional obstruction by keratin plugs. Importantly, treatment of aP2-Cre/ERα(flox/flox) mice with the aromatase inhibitor Letrozole caused regression of the hydrometra phenotype linking increased estrogen levels to the observed phenotype. We propose that in aP2-Cre/ERα(flox/flox) mice, increased serum estrogen levels cause over-stimulation in the uterus and genital tracts resulting in hydrometra and vaginal obstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Antonson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Marko Matic
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Neil Portwood
- The Rolf Luft Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital L1, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Raoul V Kuiper
- Karolinska Institute Phenotyping Core Facility, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Galyna Bryzgalova
- The Rolf Luft Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital L1, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hui Gao
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Sara H Windahl
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Patricia Humire
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Claes Ohlsson
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Per-Olof Berggren
- The Rolf Luft Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital L1, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan-Åke Gustafsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, Huddinge, Sweden ; Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Karin Dahlman-Wright
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, Huddinge, Sweden
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Ervin KSJ, Phan A, Gabor CS, Choleris E. Rapid oestrogenic regulation of social and nonsocial learning. J Neuroendocrinol 2013; 25:1116-32. [PMID: 23876061 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [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: 04/24/2013] [Revised: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Much research on oestrogens has focused on their long-term action, exerting behavioural effects within hours to days through gene transcription. Oestrogens also affect behaviour on a much shorter time scale. These rapid effects are assumed to occur through cell signalling and can elicit a behavioural effect as early as 15 min after treatment. These effects on behaviour have primarily been explored through the action of oestradiol at three well-known oestrogen receptors (ERs): ERα, ERβ and the more recently described G protein-coupled ER1 (GPER1). The rapid effects of oestradiol and ER agonists have been tested on both social and nonsocial learning paradigms. Social learning refers to a paradigm in which an animal acquires information and modifies its behaviour based on observation of another animal, commonly studied using the social transmission of food preferences paradigm. When administered shortly before testing, oestradiol rapidly improves social learning on this task, although no ER agonist has definitive, comparable improving effects. Some evidence points to GPER1, whereas ERα impairs, and ERβ activation has no effect on social learning. Conversely, ERα and GPER1 play a larger role than ERβ in the rapid improving effect of oestrogens on nonsocial learning, including social and object recognition. In addition, when administered immediately post-acquisition, oestrogens also rapidly improve memory consolidation in a variety of learning paradigms: object recognition, object placement, inhibitory avoidance and the Morris water maze, indicating that oestradiol affects the consolidation of multiple types of memory. Evidence suggests that these improvements are the result of oestrogens acting in the dorsal hippocampus where selective activation of all three ERs shows rapid improving effects on spatial learning comparable to oestradiol. However, the hippocampus is not necessary for rapid oestradiol improvements on social recognition. Although acute treatment with oestradiol enhances learning and memory on various social and nonsocial learning paradigms, the specific ERs play different roles in each type of learning. Future research should aim to further determine the roles of ERs with respect to the enhancing effects of oestradiol on learning and memory, and also determine where in the brain oestradiol acts to affect social and nonsocial learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S J Ervin
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
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Estrogen signalling and the metabolic syndrome: targeting the hepatic estrogen receptor alpha action. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57458. [PMID: 23451233 PMCID: PMC3581463 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing body of evidence now links estrogenic signalling with the metabolic syndrome (MS). Despite the beneficial estrogenic effects in reversing some of the MS symptoms, the underlying mechanisms remain largely undiscovered. We have previously shown that total estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) knockout (KO) mice exhibit hepatic insulin resistance. To determine whether liver-selective ablation of ERα recapitulates metabolic phenotypes of ERKO mice we generated a liver-selective ERαKO mouse model, LERKO. We demonstrate that LERKO mice have efficient reduction of ERα selectively within the liver. However, LERKO and wild type control mice do not differ in body weight, and have a comparable hormone profile as well as insulin and glucose response, even when challenged with a high fat diet. Furthermore, LERKO mice display very minor changes in their hepatic transcript profile. Collectively, our findings indicate that hepatic ERα action may not be the responsible factor for the previously identified hepatic insulin resistance in ERαKO mice.
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Xu J, Gridley T. Notch2 is required in somatic cells for breakdown of ovarian germ-cell nests and formation of primordial follicles. BMC Biol 2013; 11:13. [PMID: 23406467 PMCID: PMC3606475 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7007-11-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the mouse ovary, oocytes initially develop in clusters termed germ-cell nests. Shortly after birth, these germ-cell nests break apart, and the oocytes individually become surrounded by somatic granulosa cells to form primordial follicles. Notch signaling plays essential roles during oogenesis in Drosophila, and recent studies have suggested that Notch signaling also plays an essential role during oogenesis and ovary development in mammals. However, no in vivo loss-of-function studies have been performed to establish whether Notch family receptors have an essential physiological role during normal ovarian development in mutant mice. Results Female mice with conditional deletion of the Notch2 gene in somatic granulosa cells of the ovary exhibited reduced fertility, accompanied by the formation of multi-oocyte follicles, which became hemorrhagic by 7 weeks of age. Formation of multi-oocyte follicles resulted from defects in breakdown of the primordial germ-cell nests. The ovaries of the Notch2 conditional mutant mice had increased numbers of oocytes, but decreased numbers of primordial follicles. Oocyte numbers in the Notch2 conditional mutants were increased not by excess or extended cellular proliferation, but as a result of decreased oocyte apoptosis. Conclusions Our work demonstrates that Notch2-mediated signaling in the somatic-cell lineage of the mouse ovary regulates oocyte apoptosis non-cell autonomously, and is essential for regulating breakdown of germ-cell nests and formation of primordial follicles. This model provides a new resource for studying the developmental and physiological roles of Notch signaling during mammalian reproductive biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxia Xu
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
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Estrogen receptor-α in osteocytes is important for trabecular bone formation in male mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:2294-9. [PMID: 23345419 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1220811110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The bone-sparing effect of estrogen in both males and females is primarily mediated via estrogen receptor-α (ERα), encoded by the Esr1 gene. ERα in osteoclasts is crucial for the trabecular bone-sparing effect of estrogen in females, but it is dispensable for trabecular bone in male mice and for cortical bone in both genders. We hypothesized that ERα in osteocytes is important for trabecular bone in male mice and for cortical bone in both males and females. Dmp1-Cre mice were crossed with ERα(flox/flox) mice to generate mice lacking ERα protein expression specifically in osteocytes (Dmp1-ERα(-/-)). Male Dmp1-ERα(-/-) mice displayed a substantial reduction in trabecular bone volume (-20%, P < 0.01) compared with controls. Dynamic histomorphometry revealed reduced bone formation rate (-45%, P < 0.01) but the number of osteoclasts per bone surface was unaffected in the male Dmp1-ERα(-/-) mice. The male Dmp1-ERα(-/-) mice had reduced expression of several osteoblast/osteocyte markers in bone, including Runx2, Sp7, and Dmp1 (P < 0.05). Gonadal intact Dmp1-ERα(-/-) female mice had no significant reduction in trabecular bone volume but ovariectomized Dmp1-ERα(-/-) female mice displayed an attenuated trabecular bone response to supraphysiological E2 treatment. Dmp1-ERα(-/-) mice of both genders had unaffected cortical bone. In conclusion, ERα in osteocytes regulates trabecular bone formation and thereby trabecular bone volume in male mice but it is dispensable for the trabecular bone in female mice and the cortical bone in both genders. We propose that the physiological trabecular bone-sparing effect of estrogen is mediated via ERα in osteocytes in males, but via ERα in osteoclasts in females.
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