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Bao X, Yan D, Yang J, Zhang Z, Yuan B. Role of ERβ in the ovary and ovary related diseases. Gene 2024; 927:148678. [PMID: 38906392 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Estrogen and estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) regulate a multitude of complicated physiological and pathological processes. Jan-Ake Gustafsson's group discovered ERβ in 1996, this crucial finding gives us new insights into the understanding of estrogen signaling. ERβ is highly expressed in the ovary and particularly exists in granulosa cells (GCs). ERβ is a key transcription factor in the maintenance of ovarian granulosa cell growth, differentiation, and homeostasis, and the ovulation function of ovarian follicles and oocytes. Additionally, ERβ can modulate the steroidogenic transcriptional program through phosphorylation and regulate both gonadotropin response and FOXL2 expression within the ovary. In this review, we focus on the role of ERβ in regulating ovarian granulosa cell development and homeostasis, particularly its significance in ovarian cancer (OC), premature ovarian failure (POF), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It also highlights the prospects of small molecule compounds targeting ERβ, providing a new strategy for the treatment of ovarian-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewei Bao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Yan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, People's Republic of China; Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Yang
- Experimental Teaching Center for Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bin Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, People's Republic of China.
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Demetriou A, Lindqvist B, Ali HG, Shamekh MM, Maioli S, Inzunza J, Varshney M, Nilsson P, Nalvarte I. ERβ mediates sex-specific protection in the App-NL-G-F mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.22.604543. [PMID: 39091856 PMCID: PMC11291054 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.22.604543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Menopausal loss of neuroprotective estrogen is thought to contribute to the sex differences in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Activation of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) can be clinically relevant since it avoids the negative systemic effects of ERα activation. However, very few studies have explored ERβ-mediated neuroprotection in AD, and no information on its contribution to the sex differences in AD exists. In the present study we specifically explored the role of ERβ in mediating sex-specific protection against AD pathology in the clinically relevant App NL-G-F knock-in mouse model of amyloidosis, and if surgical menopause (ovariectomy) modulates pathology in this model. We treated male and female App NL-G-F mice with the selective ERβ agonist LY500307 and subset of the females was ovariectomized prior to treatment. Memory performance was assessed and a battery of biochemical assays were used to evaluate amyloid pathology and neuroinflammation. Primary microglial cultures from male and female wild-type and ERβ-knockout mice were used to assess ERβ's effect on microglial activation and phagocytosis. We find that ERβ activation protects against amyloid pathology and cognitive decline in male and female App NL-G-F mice. Ovariectomy increased soluble amyloid beta (Aβ) in cortex and insoluble Aβ in hippocampus, but had otherwise limited effects on pathology. We further identify that ERβ does not alter APP processing, but rather exerts its protection through amyloid scavenging that at least in part is mediated via microglia in a sex-specific manner. Combined, we provide new understanding to the sex differences in AD by demonstrating that ERβ protects against AD pathology differently in males and females, warranting reassessment of ERβ in combating AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aphrodite Demetriou
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Lindqvist
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Heba G. Ali
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M. Shamekh
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Silvia Maioli
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jose Inzunza
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Mukesh Varshney
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Per Nilsson
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ivan Nalvarte
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
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Schröder SK, Krizanac M, Kim P, Kessel JC, Weiskirchen R. Ovaries of estrogen receptor 1-deficient mice show iron overload and signs of aging. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1325386. [PMID: 38464972 PMCID: PMC10920212 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1325386] [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: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Estrogens are crucial regulators of ovarian function, mediating their signaling through binding to estrogen receptors. The disruption of the estrogen receptor 1 (Esr1) provokes infertility associated with a hemorrhagic, cystic phenotype similar to that seen in diseased or aged ovaries. Our previous study indicated the possibility of altered iron metabolism in Esr1-deficient ovaries showing massive expression of lipocalin 2, a regulator of iron homeostasis. Methods Therefore, we examined the consequences of depleting Esr1 in mouse ovaries, focusing on iron metabolism. For that reason, we compared ovaries of adult Esr1-deficient animals and age-matched wild type littermates. Results and discussion We found increased iron accumulation in Esr1-deficient animals by using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Western blot analysis and RT-qPCR confirmed that iron overload alters iron transport, storage and regulation. In addition, trivalent iron deposits in form of hemosiderin were detected in Esr1-deficient ovarian stroma. The depletion of Esr1 was further associated with an aberrant immune cell landscape characterized by the appearance of macrophage-derived multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) and increased quantities of macrophages, particularly M2-like macrophages. Similar to reproductively aged animals, MNGCs in Esr1-deficient ovaries were characterized by iron accumulation and strong autofluorescence. Finally, deletion of Esr1 led to a significant increase in ovarian mast cells, involved in iron-mediated foam cell formation. Given that these findings are characteristics of ovarian aging, our data suggest that Esr1 deficiency triggers mechanisms similar to those associated with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K. Schröder
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Birgersson M, Indukuri R, Lindquist L, Stepanauskaite L, Luo Q, Deng Q, Archer A, Williams C. Ovarian ERβ cistrome and transcriptome reveal chromatin interaction with LRH-1. BMC Biol 2023; 21:277. [PMID: 38031019 PMCID: PMC10688478 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01773-1] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ, Esr2) plays a pivotal role in folliculogenesis and ovulation, yet its exact mechanism of action is mainly uncharacterized. RESULTS We here performed ERβ ChIP-sequencing of mouse ovaries followed by complementary RNA-sequencing of wild-type and ERβ knockout ovaries. By integrating the ERβ cistrome and transcriptome, we identified its direct target genes and enriched biological functions in the ovary. This demonstrated its strong impact on genes regulating organism development, cell migration, lipid metabolism, response to hypoxia, and response to estrogen. Cell-type deconvolution analysis of the bulk RNA-seq data revealed a decrease in luteal cells and an increased proportion of theca cells and a specific type of cumulus cells upon ERβ loss. Moreover, we identified a significant overlap with the gene regulatory network of liver receptor homolog 1 (LRH-1, Nr5a2) and showed that ERβ and LRH-1 extensively bound to the same chromatin locations in granulosa cells. Using ChIP-reChIP, we corroborated simultaneous ERβ and LRH-1 co-binding at the ERβ-repressed gene Greb1 but not at the ERβ-upregulated genes Cyp11a1 and Fkbp5. Transactivation assay experimentation further showed that ERβ and LRH-1 can inhibit their respective transcriptional activity at classical response elements. CONCLUSIONS By characterizing the genome-wide endogenous ERβ chromatin binding, gene regulations, and extensive crosstalk between ERβ and LRH-1, along with experimental corroborations, our data offer genome-wide mechanistic underpinnings of ovarian physiology and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Birgersson
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 21, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Rajitha Indukuri
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 21, Solna, Sweden
| | - Linnéa Lindquist
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 21, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Lina Stepanauskaite
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 21, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Qing Luo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Qiaolin Deng
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Amena Archer
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 21, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Williams
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 21, Solna, Sweden.
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden.
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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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Ozawa M, Hattori Y, Higo S, Otsuka M, Matsumoto K, Ozawa H, Ishii H. Optimized Mouse-on-mouse Immunohistochemical Detection of Mouse ESR2 Proteins with PPZ0506 Monoclonal Antibody. Acta Histochem Cytochem 2022; 55:159-168. [PMID: 36405553 PMCID: PMC9631985 DOI: 10.1267/ahc.22-00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the physiological significance of ESR2, a lack of well-validated detection systems for ESR2 proteins has hindered progress in ESR2 research. Thus, recent identification of a specific anti-human ESR2 monoclonal antibody (PPZ0506) and its specific cross-reactivity against mouse and rat ESR2 proteins heightened momenta toward development of appropriate immunohistochemical detection systems for rodent ESR2 proteins. Building upon our previous optimization of ESR2 immunohistochemical detection in rats using PPZ0506, in this study, we further aimed to optimize mouse-on-mouse immunohistochemical detection using PPZ0506. Our assessment of several staining conditions using paraffin-embedded ovary sections revealed that intense heat-induced antigen retrieval, appropriate blocking, and appropriate antibody dilutions were necessary for optimization of mouse-on-mouse immunohistochemistry. Subsequently, we applied the optimized immunostaining method to determine expression profiles of mouse ESR2 proteins in peripheral tissues and brain subregions. Our analyses revealed more localized distribution of mouse ESR2 proteins than previously assumed. Moreover, comparison of these results with those obtained in humans and rats using PPZ0506 revealed interspecies differences in ESR2 expression. We expect that our optimized methodology for immunohistochemical staining of mouse ESR2 proteins will help researchers to solve multiple lines of controversial evidence concerning ESR2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Ozawa
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1–1–5, Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–8602, Japan
| | - Yujiro Hattori
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1–1–5, Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–8602, Japan
| | - Shimpei Higo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1–1–5, Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–8602, Japan
| | - Mai Otsuka
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1–1–5, Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–8602, Japan
| | - Keisuke Matsumoto
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1–1–5, Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–8602, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ozawa
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1–1–5, Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–8602, Japan
- School of Health Sciences, Bukkyo University, 7, Nishinokyo Higashitoganocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604–8418, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Ishii
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1–1–5, Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–8602, Japan
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Fu K, Chen X, Guo W, Zhou Z, Zhang Y, Ji T, Yang P, Tian X, Wang W, Zou Y. Effects of N Acetylcysteine on the Expression of Genes Associated with Reproductive Performance in the Goat Uterus during Early Gestation. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2431. [PMID: 36139290 PMCID: PMC9495183 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
N acetylcysteine (NAC) affects antioxidation and reactive oxygen species scavenging in the body and thereby promotes embryonic development and implantation and inhibits inflammation. The mechanism through which NAC regulates reproductive performance in the uteri of goats during early gestation remains unclear. In this study, the treatment group was fed 0.07% NAC for the first 35 days of gestation, whereas the control group received no NAC supplementation. The regulatory genes and key pathways associated with goat reproductive performance under NAC supplementation were identified by RNA-seq. RT-qPCR was used to verify the sequencing results and subsequently construct tissue expression profiles of the relevant genes. RNA-seq identified 19,796 genes coexpressed in the control and treatment groups and 1318 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 787 and 531 DEGs enriched in the treatment and control groups, respectively. A GO analysis revealed that the identified genes mapped to pathways such as cell activation, cytokine production, cell mitotic processes, and angiogenesis, and a KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were enriched in pathways associated with reproductive regulation, immune regulation, resistance to oxidative stress, and cell adhesion. The RT-qPCR analysis showed that BDNF and CSF-1 were most highly expressed in the uterus, that WIF1 and ESR2 showed low expression in the uterus, and that CTSS, PTX3, and TGFβ-3 were most highly expressed in the oviduct, which indicated that these genes may be directly or indirectly involved in the modulation of reproduction in early-gestation goats. These findings provide fundamental data for the NAC-mediated modulation of the reproductive performance of goats during early gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaibin Fu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guiyang 550025, China
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guiyang 550025, China
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guiyang 550025, China
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Zhinan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guiyang 550025, China
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guiyang 550025, China
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Taotao Ji
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guiyang 550025, China
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Peifang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guiyang 550025, China
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xingzhou Tian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guiyang 550025, China
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guiyang 550025, China
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yue Zou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guiyang 550025, China
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
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Maioli S, Leander K, Nilsson P, Nalvarte I. Estrogen receptors and the aging brain. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:913-925. [PMID: 34623401 PMCID: PMC8628183 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20200162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The female sex hormone estrogen has been ascribed potent neuroprotective properties. It signals by binding and activating estrogen receptors that, depending on receptor subtype and upstream or downstream effectors, can mediate gene transcription and rapid non-genomic actions. In this way, estrogen receptors in the brain participate in modulating neural differentiation, proliferation, neuroinflammation, cholesterol metabolism, synaptic plasticity, and behavior. Circulating sex hormones decrease in the course of aging, more rapidly at menopause in women, and slower in men. This review will discuss what this drop entails in terms of modulating neuroprotection and resilience in the aging brain downstream of spatiotemporal estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) signaling, as well as in terms of the sex differences observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). In addition, controversies related to ER expression in the brain will be discussed. Understanding the spatiotemporal signaling of sex hormones in the brain can lead to more personalized prevention strategies or therapies combating neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Maioli
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Leander
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Nilsson
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ivan Nalvarte
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
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Uenoyama Y, Inoue N, Nakamura S, Tsukamura H. Kisspeptin Neurons and Estrogen-Estrogen Receptor α Signaling: Unraveling the Mystery of Steroid Feedback System Regulating Mammalian Reproduction. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179229. [PMID: 34502135 PMCID: PMC8430864 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen produced by ovarian follicles plays a key role in the central mechanisms controlling reproduction via regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release by its negative and positive feedback actions in female mammals. It has been well accepted that estrogen receptor α (ERα) mediates both estrogen feedback actions, but precise targets had remained as a mystery for decades. Ever since the discovery of kisspeptin neurons as afferent ERα-expressing neurons to govern GnRH neurons, the mechanisms mediating estrogen feedback are gradually being unraveled. The present article overviews the role of kisspeptin neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), which are considered to drive pulsatile GnRH/gonadotropin release and folliculogenesis, in mediating the estrogen negative feedback action, and the role of kisspeptin neurons located in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus-periventricular nucleus (AVPV-PeN), which are thought to drive GnRH/luteinizing hormone (LH) surge and consequent ovulation, in mediating the estrogen positive feedback action. This implication has been confirmed by the studies showing that estrogen-bound ERα down- and up-regulates kisspeptin gene (Kiss1) expression in the ARC and AVPV-PeN kisspeptin neurons, respectively. The article also provides the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms regulating Kiss1 expression in kisspeptin neurons by estrogen. Further, afferent ERα-expressing neurons that may regulate kisspeptin release are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihisa Uenoyama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan; (Y.U.); (N.I.)
| | - Naoko Inoue
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan; (Y.U.); (N.I.)
| | - Sho Nakamura
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari 794-8555, Japan;
| | - Hiroko Tsukamura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan; (Y.U.); (N.I.)
- Correspondence:
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10
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Nonclassical androgen and estrogen signaling is essential for normal spermatogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 121:71-81. [PMID: 34119408 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Signaling by androgens through androgen receptor (AR) is essential to complete spermatogenesis in the testis. Similarly, loss of the main estrogen receptor, estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1; also known as ERα), results in male infertility, due in part to indirect deleterious effects on the seminiferous epithelium and spermatogenesis. Effects of steroid hormones are induced primarily through genomic changes induced by hormone-mediated activation of their intracellular receptors and subsequent effects on nuclear gene transcription. However, androgens and estrogens also signal through rapid nonclassical pathways involving actions initiated at the cell membrane. Here we review the data that nonclassical androgen and estrogen signaling pathways support processes essential for male fertility in the testis and reproductive tract. The recent development of transgenic mice lacking nonclassical AR or ESR1 signaling but retaining genomic nuclear signaling has provided a powerful tool to elucidate the function of nonclassical signaling in the overall response to androgens and estrogens. Results from these mice have emphasized that nonclassical signaling is essential for full responses to these hormones, and absence of either nonclassical or classical AR or ESR1 pathways produces abnormalities in spermatogenesis and the male reproductive tract. Although additional work is required to fully understand how classical and nonclassical receptor signaling synergize to produce full steroid hormone responses, here we summarize the known physiological functions of the classical and nonclassical androgen and estrogen signaling pathways in the testis and reproductive tract.
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Tahir MS, Porto-Neto LR, Gondro C, Shittu OB, Wockner K, Tan AWL, Smith HR, Gouveia GC, Kour J, Fortes MRS. Meta-Analysis of Heifer Traits Identified Reproductive Pathways in Bos indicus Cattle. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:768. [PMID: 34069992 PMCID: PMC8157873 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility traits measured early in life define the reproductive potential of heifers. Knowledge of genetics and biology can help devise genomic selection methods to improve heifer fertility. In this study, we used ~2400 Brahman cattle to perform GWAS and multi-trait meta-analysis to determine genomic regions associated with heifer fertility. Heifer traits measured were pregnancy at first mating opportunity (PREG1, a binary trait), first conception score (FCS, score 1 to 3) and rebreeding score (REB, score 1 to 3.5). The heritability estimates were 0.17 (0.03) for PREG1, 0.11 (0.05) for FCS and 0.28 (0.05) for REB. The three traits were highly genetically correlated (0.75-0.83) as expected. Meta-analysis was performed using SNP effects estimated for each of the three traits, adjusted for standard error. We identified 1359 significant SNPs (p-value < 9.9 × 10-6 at FDR < 0.0001) in the multi-trait meta-analysis. Genomic regions of 0.5 Mb around each significant SNP from the meta-analysis were annotated to create a list of 2560 positional candidate genes. The most significant SNP was in the vicinity of a genomic region on chromosome 8, encompassing the genes SLC44A1, FSD1L, FKTN, TAL2 and TMEM38B. The genomic region in humans that contains homologs of these genes is associated with age at puberty in girls. Top significant SNPs pointed to additional fertility-related genes, again within a 0.5 Mb region, including ESR2, ITPR1, GNG2, RGS9BP, ANKRD27, TDRD12, GRM1, MTHFD1, PTGDR and NTNG1. Functional pathway enrichment analysis resulted in many positional candidate genes relating to known fertility pathways, including GnRH signaling, estrogen signaling, progesterone mediated oocyte maturation, cAMP signaling, calcium signaling, glutamatergic signaling, focal adhesion, PI3K-AKT signaling and ovarian steroidogenesis pathway. The comparison of results from this study with previous transcriptomics and proteomics studies on puberty of the same cattle breed (Brahman) but in a different population identified 392 genes in common from which some genes-BRAF, GABRA2, GABR1B, GAD1, FSHR, CNGA3, PDE10A, SNAP25, ESR2, GRIA2, ORAI1, EGFR, CHRNA5, VDAC2, ACVR2B, ORAI3, CYP11A1, GRIN2A, ATP2B3, CAMK2A, PLA2G, CAMK2D and MAPK3-are also part of the above-mentioned pathways. The biological functions of the positional candidate genes and their annotation to known pathways allowed integrating the results into a bigger picture of molecular mechanisms related to puberty in the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis. A reasonable number of genes, common between previous puberty studies and this study on early reproductive traits, corroborates the proposed molecular mechanisms. This study identified the polymorphism associated with early reproductive traits, and candidate genes that provided a visualization of the proposed mechanisms, coordinating the hypothalamic, pituitary, and ovarian functions for reproductive performance in Brahman cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad S. Tahir
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Australia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.T.); (O.B.S.); (K.W.); (A.W.L.T.); (H.R.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Laercio R. Porto-Neto
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Cedric Gondro
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | - Olasege B. Shittu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Australia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.T.); (O.B.S.); (K.W.); (A.W.L.T.); (H.R.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Kimberley Wockner
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Australia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.T.); (O.B.S.); (K.W.); (A.W.L.T.); (H.R.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Andre W. L. Tan
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Australia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.T.); (O.B.S.); (K.W.); (A.W.L.T.); (H.R.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Hugo R. Smith
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Australia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.T.); (O.B.S.); (K.W.); (A.W.L.T.); (H.R.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Gabriela C. Gouveia
- Animal Science Department, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil;
| | - Jagish Kour
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Australia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.T.); (O.B.S.); (K.W.); (A.W.L.T.); (H.R.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Marina R. S. Fortes
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Australia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.T.); (O.B.S.); (K.W.); (A.W.L.T.); (H.R.S.); (J.K.)
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Hattori Y, Ishii H, Higo S, Otsuka M, Kanaya M, Matsumoto K, Ozawa M, Ozawa H. Optimization of immunohistochemical detection of rat ESR2 proteins with well-validated monoclonal antibody PPZ0506. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 523:111145. [PMID: 33400952 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although there are few well-validated antibodies against ESR2 proteins, a recent validation assessment identified a specific monoclonal antibody against human ESR2 proteins (PPZ0506). Furthermore, our previous study confirmed its cross-reactivity and specificity against rodent ESR2 proteins, enabling the determination of true ESR2 distribution profiles in rodents. Therefore, we aimed to determine optimal conditions for ESR2 detection by PPZ0506 immunostaining and analyze ESR2 distribution in rats. We evaluated several staining conditions using paraffin-embedded and frozen ovary sections. Immunohistochemical staining with PPZ0506 antibody required strong antigen retrieval and appropriate antibody dilution. Subsequent immunohistochemical analysis in multiple tissues under optimized conditions revealed that rat ESR2 proteins are expressed in a more localized manner than previously assumed. Our results suggest that previous immunohistochemical studies using inadequately validated antibodies against ESR2 proteins overestimated their distribution profiles. We expect that optimized immunohistochemical detection with PPZ0506 antibody can help researchers solve several conflicting problems in ESR2 research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiro Hattori
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5, Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Ishii
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5, Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan.
| | - Shimpei Higo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5, Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Mai Otsuka
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5, Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Moeko Kanaya
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5, Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Keisuke Matsumoto
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5, Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Mina Ozawa
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5, Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ozawa
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5, Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
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Cooke PS, Mesa AM, Sirohi VK, Levin ER. Role of nuclear and membrane estrogen signaling pathways in the male and female reproductive tract. Differentiation 2020; 118:24-33. [PMID: 33339644 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2020.11.002] [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: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen signaling through the main estrogen receptor, estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1; also known as ERα), is essential for normal female and male reproductive function. Historically, studies of estrogen action have focused on the classical genomic pathway. Although this is clearly the major pathway for steroid hormone actions, these hormones also signal through rapid non-classical effects involving cell membrane actions. Reports of rapid effects of estrogens extend for more than half a century, but recent results have expanded understanding of the identity, structure, function and overall importance of membrane receptors in estrogen responses. Key findings in this field were the immunohistochemical detection of ESR1 in cell membranes and demonstration that a portion of newly synthesized ESR1 is routed to the membrane by palmitoylation. These receptors in the membrane can then signal through protein kinases and other mechanisms following ligand binding to alter cell function. Another crucial advance in the field was development of transgenic mice expressing normal amounts of functional nuclear ESR1 (nESR1) but lacking membrane ESR1 (mESR1). Both male and female transgenic mice lacking mESR1 were infertile as adults, and both sexes had extensive reproductive abnormalities. Transgenic mice lacking mESR1 were highly protected from deleterious effects of neonatal estrogen administration, and estrogen effects on the histone methyltransferase Enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 that are mediated through mESR1 could have significant effects on epigenetic imprinting. In summary, signaling through mESR1 is essential for normal male and female reproductive function and fertility, and is a critical enabler of normal estrogen responses in vivo. Although the precise role of mESR1 in estrogen responses remains to be established, future research in this area should clarify its mechanism of action and lead to a better understanding of how mESR1 signaling works with classical genomic signaling through nESR1 to promote full estrogenic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul S Cooke
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Ana M Mesa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Vijay K Sirohi
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Ellis R Levin
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, 90822, USA
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Hughes CHK, Murphy BD. Nuclear receptors: Key regulators of somatic cell functions in the ovulatory process. Mol Aspects Med 2020; 78:100937. [PMID: 33288229 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2020.100937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The development of the ovarian follicle to its culmination by ovulation is an essential element of fertility. The final stages of ovarian follicular growth are characterized by granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation, and steroid synthesis under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The result is a population of granulosa cells poised to respond to the ovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone (LH). Members of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors play indispensable roles in the regulation of these events. The key regulators of the final stages of follicular growth that precede ovulation from this family include the estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) and the androgen receptor (AR), with additional roles for others, including steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) and liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1). Following the LH surge, the mural and cumulus granulosa cells undergo rapid changes that result in expansion of the cumulus layer, and a shift in ovarian steroid hormone biosynthesis from estradiol to progesterone production. The nuclear receptor best associated with these events is LRH-1. Inadequate cumulus expansion is also observed in the absence of AR and ESR2, but not the progesterone receptor (PGR). The terminal stages of ovulation are regulated by PGR, which increases the abundance of the proteases that are directly responsible for rupture. It further regulates the prostaglandins and cytokines associated with the inflammatory-like characteristics of ovulation. LRH-1 regulates PGR, and is also a key regulator of steroidogenesis, cellular proliferation, and cellular migration, and cytoskeletal remodeling. In summary, nuclear receptors are among the panoply of transcriptional regulators with roles in ovulation, and several are necessary for normal ovarian function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla H K Hughes
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Qc, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Bruce D Murphy
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Qc, J2S 2M2, Canada.
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