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Cai S, Chen M, Xue B, Zhu Z, Wang X, Li J, Wang H, Zeng X, Qiao S, Zeng X. Retinoic acid enhances ovarian steroidogenesis by regulating granulosa cell proliferation and MESP2/STAR/CYP11A1 pathway. J Adv Res 2024; 58:163-173. [PMID: 37315842 PMCID: PMC10982869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ovarian steroidogenesis not only affects the embryonic development and pregnancy outcome, but also associates with many diseases in mammals and women. Exploring the nutrients and mechanisms influencing ovarian steroidogenesis is critical to maintaining the optimal reproductive performance, as well as guaranteeing body health. OBJECTIVES This research aimed to explore the effect of retinol metabolism on ovarian steroidogenesis and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS Comparative transcriptomic analysis of ovaries from normal and low reproductive performance sows were performed to identify the main causes leading to low fertility. The metabolites regulating steroid hormones synthesis were investigated in ovarian granulosa cells. Gene interference, overexpression, dual-luciferase reporter assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation and transcriptome analysis were further conducted to explore the underlying mechanisms of Aldh1a1 mediating ovarian steroidogenesis. RESULTS Transcriptome analysis of ovaries from normal and low reproductive performance sows showed the significant differences in both retinol metabolism and steroid hormones synthesis, indicating retinol metabolism probably influenced steroid hormones synthesis. The related metabolite retinoic acid was furtherly proven a highly active and potent substance strengthening estrogen and progesterone synthesis in ovarian granulosa cells. For the first time, we revealed that retinoic acid synthesis in porcine and human ovarian granulosa cells was dominated by Aldh1a1, and required the assistance of Aldh1a2. Importantly, we demonstrated that Aldh1a1 enhanced the proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells by activating PI3K-Akt-hedgehog signaling pathways. In addition, Aldh1a1 regulated the expression of transcription factor MESP2, which targeted the transcription of Star and Cyp11a1 through binding to corresponding promoter regions. CONCLUSION Our data identified Aldh1a1 modulates ovarian steroidogenesis through enhancing granulosa cell proliferation and MESP2/STAR/CYP11A1 pathway. These findings provide valuable clues for improving ovarian health in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China; Beijing Biofeed Additive Key Laboratory, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Meixia Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China; Beijing Biofeed Additive Key Laboratory, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China; Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, PR China
| | - Bangxin Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China; Beijing Biofeed Additive Key Laboratory, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Zhekun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China; Beijing Biofeed Additive Key Laboratory, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China; Beijing Biofeed Additive Key Laboratory, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Huakai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China; Beijing Biofeed Additive Key Laboratory, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Xiangzhou Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China; Beijing Biofeed Additive Key Laboratory, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Shiyan Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China; Beijing Biofeed Additive Key Laboratory, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Xiangfang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China; Beijing Biofeed Additive Key Laboratory, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China.
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Jiang K, Jorgensen JS. Fetal Leydig cells: What we know and what we don't. Mol Reprod Dev 2024; 91:e23739. [PMID: 38480999 PMCID: PMC11135463 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23739] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
During male fetal development, testosterone plays an essential role in the differentiation and maturation of the male reproductive system. Deficient fetal testosterone production can result in variations of sex differentiation that may cause infertility and even increased tumor incidence later in life. Fetal Leydig cells in the fetal testis are the major androgen source in mammals. Although fetal and adult Leydig cells are similar in their functions, they are two distinct cell types, and therefore, the knowledge of adult Leydig cells cannot be directly applied to understanding fetal Leydig cells. This review summarizes our current knowledge of fetal Leydig cells regarding their cell biology, developmental biology, and androgen production regulation in rodents and human. Fetal Leydig cells are present in basement membrane-enclosed clusters in between testis cords. They originate from the mesonephros mesenchyme and the coelomic epithelium and start to differentiate upon receiving a Desert Hedgehog signal from Sertoli cells or being released from a NOTCH signal from endothelial cells. Mature fetal Leydig cells produce androgens. Human fetal Leydig cell steroidogenesis is LHCGR (Luteinizing Hormone Chronic Gonadotropin Receptor) dependent, while rodents are not, although other Gαs -protein coupled receptors might be involved in rodent steroidogenesis regulation. Fetal steroidogenesis ceases after sex differentiation is completed, and some fetal Leydig cells dedifferentiate to serve as stem cells for adult testicular cell types. Significant gaps are acknowledged: (1) Why are adult and fetal Leydig cells different? (2) What are bona fide progenitor and fetal Leydig cell markers? (3) Which signaling pathways and transcription factors regulate fetal Leydig cell steroidogenesis? It is critical to discover answers to these questions so that we can understand vulnerable targets in fetal Leydig cells and the mechanisms for androgen production that when disrupted, leads to variations in sex differentiation that range from subtle to complete sex reversal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keer Jiang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Joan S. Jorgensen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Gao Y, Hu Y, Xiang L. Remnant cholesterol, but not other cholesterol parameters, is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant women: a prospective cohort study. J Transl Med 2023; 21:531. [PMID: 37544989 PMCID: PMC10405385 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04322-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE No evidence has been found of a relationship between remnant cholesterol (RC) and the likelihood of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant women. The aim of our study was to investigate the link between serum RC at 12-14 weeks of gestation and the risk of GDM. METHODS This was a secondary analysis with data from a prospective cohort study in Korea. A total of 590 single pregnant women attending two hospitals in Korea, up to 14 weeks gestation, from November 2014 to July 2016 were included in the study. The formula used to calculate RC in detail was RC (mg/dL) = TC (mg/dL)-HDL-c (mg/dL)-LDL-c (mg/dL). Logistic regression models were employed to examine the relationship between RC and GDM and explore the association between other lipoprotein cholesterol parameters and the risk of GDM. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the ability of RC to identify GDM. Additionally, sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted. RESULTS The mean age of participants was 32.06 ± 3.80 years. The median of RC was 34.66 mg/dL. 37 pregnant women (6.27%) were eventually diagnosed with GDM. Multivariate adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that RC was positively associated with the risk of GDM (OR = 1.458, 95% CI 1.221, 1.741). There was no significant association between other lipoprotein cholesterols (including TC, LDL-c, HDL-c) and the risk of GDM. The area under the ROC curve for RC as a predictor of GDM was 0.8038 (95% CI 0.7338-0.8738), and the optimal RC cut-off was 24.30 mg/dL. Our findings were demonstrated to be robust by performing a series of sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION Serum RC levels at 12-14 weeks of gestation are positively associated with GDM risk in pregnant women. RC in early pregnancy is an early warning indicator of GDM in pregnant women, especially those with normal HDL-c, LDL-c, and TC that are easily overlooked. There is a high risk of developing GDM in pregnant women whose RC is more than 24.30 mg/dL. This study may help optimize GDM prevention in pregnant women and facilitate communication between physicians, pregnant patients, and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, China
| | - Yanhua Hu
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Liuzhou Institute of Technology, No. 99, Xinliu Avenue, Yufeng District, Liuzhou, 545616, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.
| | - Lan Xiang
- School of Medical Technology and Nursing, Shenzhen Polytechnic, No.113, Tongfa Road 113, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
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Tang C, Jin M, Ma B, Cao B, Lin C, Xu S, Li J, Xu Q. RGS2 promotes estradiol biosynthesis by trophoblasts during human pregnancy. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:240-252. [PMID: 36653442 PMCID: PMC9898290 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00927-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Production of estradiol (E2) by the placenta during human pregnancy ensures successful maintenance of placental development and fetal growth by stimulating trophoblast proliferation and the differentiation of cytotrophoblasts into syncytiotrophoblasts. Decreased levels of E2 are closely associated with obstetrical diseases such as preeclampsia (PE) in the clinic. However, the mechanisms underlying the inhibition of placental E2 biosynthesis remain poorly understood. Here, we report that regulator of G-protein signaling 2 (RGS2) affects E2 levels by regulating aromatase, a rate-limiting enzyme for E2 biosynthesis, by using human trophoblast-derived JEG-3 cells and human placental villus tissues. RGS2 enhanced the protein degradation of the transcription factor heart and neural crest derivatives expressed 1 (HAND1) by suppressing ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14)-mediated deubiquitination of HAND1, resulting in the restoration of HAND1-induced trans-inactivation of the aromatase gene and subsequent increases in E2 levels. However, aromatase bound to RGS2 and repressed RGS2 GTPase activating protein (GAP) activity. Moreover, we observed a positive correlation between RGS2 and aromatase expression in clinical normal and preeclamptic placental tissues. Our results uncover a hitherto uncharacterized role of the RGS2-aromatase axis in the regulation of E2 production by human placental trophoblasts, which may pinpoint the molecular pathogenesis and highlight potential biomarkers for related obstetrical diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Tang
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China.
| | - Meiyuan Jin
- grid.417168.d0000 0004 4666 9789Department of Obstetrics, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310012 China
| | - Bingbing Ma
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700X Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology & Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Bin Cao
- grid.433871.aZhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, 310057 China
| | - Chao Lin
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Neurosurgery, The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052 China
| | - Shouying Xu
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XNational Clinical Research Center for Child Health of the Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052 China
| | - Jiayong Li
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XState Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060 China
| | - Qiang Xu
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XNational Clinical Research Center for Child Health of the Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052 China
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Expression of Key Steroidogenic Enzymes in Human Placenta and Associated Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes. MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1097/fm9.0000000000000167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Micro-RNAs in Human Placenta: Tiny Molecules, Immense Power. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27185943. [PMID: 36144676 PMCID: PMC9501247 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27185943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding single-stranded RNAs that modulate the expression of various target genes after transcription. The expression and distribution of kinds of miRNAs have been characterized in human placenta during different gestational stages. The identified miRNAs are recognized as key mediators in the regulation of placental development and in the maintenance of human pregnancy. Aberrant expression of miRNAs is associated with compromised pregnancies in humans, and dysregulation of those miRNAs contributes to the occurrence and development of related diseases during pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), recurrent miscarriage, preterm birth (PTB) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA). Thus, having a better understanding of the expression and functions of miRNAs in human placenta during pregnancy and thereby developing novel drugs targeting the miRNAs could be a potentially promising method in the prevention and treatment of relevant diseases in future. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of the expression pattern and function regulation of miRNAs in human placental development and related diseases.
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Jin M, Xu S, Cao B, Xu Q, Yan Z, Ren Q, Lin C, Tang C. Regulator of G protein signaling 2 is inhibited by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α/E1A binding protein P300 complex upon hypoxia in human preeclampsia. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 147:106211. [PMID: 35430356 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2022.106211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related complication that causes maternal and fetal mortality. Despite extensive studies showing the role of hypoxia in preeclampsia progression, the specific mechanism remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the possible mechanism underlying hypoxia in preeclampsia. METHODS Human trophoblast-like JEG-3 cell line was used to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying hypoxia contribution to preeclampsia and the expression correlation of key molecules was examined in human placental tissues. Methods include JEG-3 cell culture and hypoxia induction, RNA isolation and quantitative real-time PCR, transient transfection and dual-luciferase assay, western blot, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence staining, cell proliferation assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, obtainment of human placental tissue sample and immunohistochemistry staining. RESULTS Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α is up-regulated in clinical preeclampsia samples, where Regulator of G Protein Signaling 2 is down-regulated. Mechanistically, Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α is induced in response to hypoxia, which up-regulates E1A binding protein P300 expression and thereby forms a Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α/E1A binding protein P300 protein-protein complex that binds to the promoter of gene Regulator of G Protein Signaling 2 and subsequently inhibits the transcription of Regulator of G Protein Signaling 2, possibly contributing to the preeclampsia development. In addition, the expression of E1A binding protein P300 is increased in preeclampsia samples, and the expression of Regulator of G Protein Signaling 2 in preeclamptic placentas inversely correlates with the levels of E1A binding protein P300. CONCLUSION Our findings may provide novel insights into understanding the molecular pathogenesis of preeclampsia and may be a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyuan Jin
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, China; Department of Obstetrics, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Shouying Xu
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Bin Cao
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310057, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Ziyi Yan
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Qianlei Ren
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Chao Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Chao Tang
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, China.
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Xu S, Tang C. Cholesterol and Hedgehog Signaling: Mutual Regulation and Beyond. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:774291. [PMID: 35573688 PMCID: PMC9091300 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.774291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (HH) signaling is one of the key agents that govern the precisely regulated developmental processes of multicellular organisms in vertebrates and invertebrates. The HH pathway in the receiving cell includes Patched1, a twelve-pass transmembrane receptor, and Smoothened, a seven-transmembrane G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR), and the downstream GLI family of three transcriptional factors (GLI1-GLI3). Mutations of HH gene and the main components in HH signaling are also associated with numerous types of diseases. Before secretion, the HH protein undergoes post-translational cholesterol modification to gain full activity, and cholesterol is believed to be essential for proper HH signaling transduction. In addition, results from recent studies show the reciprocal effect that HH signaling functions in cholesterol metabolism as well as in cholesterol homeostasis, which provides feedback to HH pathway. Here, we hope to provide new insights into HH signaling function by discussing the role of cholesterol in HH protein maturation, secretion and HH signaling transduction, and the potential role of HH in regulation of cholesterol as well.
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Wright EB, Lannigan DA. ERK1/2‐RSK regulation of oestrogen homeostasis. FEBS J 2022; 290:1943-1953. [PMID: 35176205 PMCID: PMC9381647 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms regulating oestrogen homeostasis have been primarily studied in the mammary gland, which is the focus of this review. In the non-pregnant adult, the mammary gland undergoes repeated cycles of proliferation and apoptosis in response to the fluctuating levels of oestrogen that occur during the reproductive stage. Oestrogen actions are mediated through the steroid hormone receptors, oestrogen receptor α and β and through a G-protein coupled receptor. In the mammary gland, ERα is of particular importance and thus will be highlighted. Mechanisms regulating oestrogen-induced responses through ERα are necessary to maintain homeostasis given that the signalling pathways that are activated in response to ERα-mediated transcription can also induce transformation. ERK1/2 and its downstream effector, p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK), control homeostasis in the mammary gland by limiting oestrogen-mediated ERα responsiveness. ERK1/2 drives degradation coupled ERα-mediated transcription, whereas RSK2 acts as a negative regulator of ERK1/2 activity to limit oestrogen responsiveness. Moreover, RSK2 acts as a positive regulator of translation. Thus, RSK2 provides both positive and negative signals to maintain oestrogen responsiveness. In addition to transmitting signals through tyrosine kinase receptors, ERK1/2-RSK engages with hedgehog signalling to maintain oestrogen levels and with the HIPPO pathway to regulate ERα-mediated transcription. Additionally, ERK1/2-RSK controls the progenitor populations within the mammary gland to maintain the ERα-positive population. RSK2 is involved in increased breast cancer risk in individuals taking oral contraceptives and in parity-induced protection against breast cancer. RSK2 and ERα may also co-operate in diseases in tissues outside of the mammary gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric B. Wright
- Biomedical Engineering Vanderbilt University Nashville TN USA
| | - Deborah A. Lannigan
- Biomedical Engineering Vanderbilt University Nashville TN USA
- Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville TN USA
- Cell and Developmental Biology Vanderbilt University Nashville TN USA
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TNF-α Antagonizes the Effect of Leptin on Insulin Secretion through FOXO1-Dependent Transcriptional Suppression of LepRb in INS-1 Cells. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:9142798. [PMID: 35198097 PMCID: PMC8860543 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9142798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Proinflammatory cytokines play a causal role in the development of hyperinsulinemia and T2MD. FOXO1, a transcription factor which is known to enhance proinflammation, was recently shown to be involved in obesity-induced β cell dysfunction. However, molecular mechanisms for the association remained elusive. In this study, we first found that both leptin (10 nM) and TNF-α (20 ng/ml) significantly inhibited glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) of INS-1E cells. When in combination, the GSIS function of INS-1E cells was significantly increased compared with that of the leptin alone treatment, indicating that TNF-α attenuated the inhibiting effect of leptin on GSIS of INS-1E cells. Similarly, we found that TNF-α has the same inhibitory effect on leptin in regulating insulin synthesis and secretion, and the survival and apoptosis of insulin cells. Further studies showed that TNF-α blocks leptin pathway by reducing the expression of leptin receptor (LepRb, also called OBRb) and inhibiting the activation of STAT3, a key molecule involved in the leptin signaling pathway in INS-1E cells. Besides, the downregulated expression of phosphorylated FOXO1 was found to be involved in the possible mechanism of TNF-α. Overexpression of constitutively active FOXO1 markedly aggravated the LepRb reduction by TNF-α treatment of INS-1E cells, and the endogenous FOXO1 knockdown abolished the effect of TNF-α on INS-1E cells. Furthermore, we have proved that FOXO1 could directly bind to the promoter of LepRb as a negative transcription regulator. Taken together, the results of this study reveal that TNF-α-induced LepRb downregulated in pancreatic β cells and demonstrate that transcriptional reduction of FOXO1 might be the primary mechanism underlying TNF-α promoting INS-1E leptin resistance and β cell dysfunction. Conclusions. Our current studies based on INS-1E cells in vitro indicate that the inflammatory factor TNF-α plays an important role in the development of INS-1E leptin resistance and glucose metabolism disorders, probably through FOXO1-induced transcription reduction of LepRb promoter in pancreatic β cells, and FOXO1 may be a novel target for treating β cell dysfunction in obesity-induced hyperinsulinemia and T2DM.
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Human HAND1 Inhibits the Conversion of Cholesterol to Steroids in Trophoblasts. J Genet Genomics 2021; 49:350-363. [PMID: 34391879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2021.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Steroidogenesis from cholesterol in placental trophoblasts is fundamentally involved in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. The transcription factor gene Heart And Neural crest Derivatives expressed 1 (Hand1) promotes differentiation of mouse trophoblast giant cells. However, the role of HAND1 in human trophoblasts remains unknown. Here, we report that HAND1 inhibits human trophoblastic progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) from cholesterol through down-regulation of the expression of steroidogenic enzymes including aromatase, P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (3β-HSD1). Mechanically, while HAND1 inhibits transcription of aromatase by directly binding to aromatase gene promoter, it restrains transcription of P450scc by up-regulation of the methylation status of P450scc gene promoter through its binding to ALKBH1, a demethylase. Unlike aromatase and P450scc, HAND1 decreases 3β-HSD1 mRNA levels by reduction of its RNA stability through binding to and subsequent destabilization of protein HuR. Finally, HAND1 suppresses circulating P4 and E2 levels derived from JEG-3 xenograft, and attenuates uterine response to P4 and E2. Thus, our results uncover a hitherto uncharacterized role of HAND1 in regulation of cholesterol metabolism in human trophoblasts, which may help pinpoint the underlying mechanisms involved in supporting the development and physiological function of the human placenta.
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Jin M, Xu S, Li J, Li L, Tang C. Role of ARID1A in the Regulation of Human Trophoblast Migration and Invasion. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:2363-2373. [PMID: 34255312 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00686-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Migration and invasion of trophoblasts is critical for human placental development, trophoblastic differentiation, and pregnancy-associated diseases. AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A (ARID1A), a subunit of the SWI-SNF complex, has been suggested to participate in the regulation of fertility via placental disruption in mice. However, whether ARID1A regulates human placental development and function remains unknown. Here, using human trophoblast-like JEG-3 cell line, we report that ARID1A controls trophoblast cell migration and invasion. Overexpression of ARID1A inhibits JEG-3 cell migration and invasion, whereas knockdown of ARID1A promotes migration and invasion in JEG-3 cells. Mechanistically, while ARID1A reduces JEG-3 cell migration by down-regulation of Snail transcription, it restrains JEG-3 cell invasion by binding to and destabilization of MMP-9 protein. Finally, ARID1A is apparently up-regulated in placental tissues of preeclampsia compared to that of normal pregnancies. Our results thereby imply that ARID1A acts as a critical gene in supporting the physiological function of human mature placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyuan Jin
- Department of Obstetrics, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Shouying Xu
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Jiayong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Lu Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chao Tang
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China.
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Kothandapani A, Larsen MC, Lee J, Jorgensen JS, Jefcoate CR. Distinctive functioning of STARD1 in the fetal Leydig cells compared to adult Leydig and adrenal cells. Impact of Hedgehog signaling via the primary cilium. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 531:111265. [PMID: 33864885 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111265] [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: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
STARD1 stimulates cholesterol transfer to mitochondrial CYP11A1 for conversion to pregnenolone. A cholesterol-binding START domain is guided by an N-terminal domain in a cell selective manner. Fetal and adult Leydig cells (FLC, ALC) show distinct Stard1 regulation. sm- FISH microscopy, which resolves individual molecules of Stard1 mRNA, shows uniformly high basal expression in each FLC. In ALC, in vivo, and cultured MA-10 cells, basal Stard1 expression is minimal. PKA activates loci asynchronously, with delayed splicing/export of 3.5 kb mRNA to mitochondria. After 60 min, ALC transition to an integrated mRNA delivery to mitochondria that is seen in FLC. Sertoli cells cooperate in Stard1 stimulation in FLC by delivering DHH to the primary cilium. There PTCH, SMO and cholesterol cooperate to release GLI3 to activate the Stard1 locus, probably by directing histone changes. ALC lack cilia. PKA then primes locus activation. FLC and ALC share similar SIK/CRTC/CREB regulation characterized for adrenal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anbarasi Kothandapani
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Michele Campaigne Larsen
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Jinwoo Lee
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Joan S Jorgensen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Colin R Jefcoate
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
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14
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Kothandapani A, Jefcoate CR, Jorgensen JS. Cholesterol Contributes to Male Sex Differentiation Through Its Developmental Role in Androgen Synthesis and Hedgehog Signaling. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6204698. [PMID: 33784378 PMCID: PMC8168945 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Two specialized functions of cholesterol during fetal development include serving as a precursor to androgen synthesis and supporting hedgehog (HH) signaling activity. Androgens are produced by the testes to facilitate masculinization of the fetus. Recent evidence shows that intricate interactions between the HH and androgen signaling pathways are required for optimal male sex differentiation and defects of either can cause birth anomalies indicative of 46,XY male variations of sex development (VSD). Further, perturbations in cholesterol synthesis can cause developmental defects, including VSD, that phenocopy those caused by disrupted androgen or HH signaling, highlighting the functional role of cholesterol in promoting male sex differentiation. In this review, we focus on the role of cholesterol in systemic androgen and local HH signaling events during fetal masculinization and their collective contributions to pediatric VSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anbarasi Kothandapani
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
- Correspondence: Anbarasi Kothandapani, PhD, Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2015 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53705, USA. E-mail:
| | - Colin R Jefcoate
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
| | - Joan S Jorgensen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
- Correspondence: Joan S. Jorgensen, DVM, PhD, Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2015 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53705, USA. E-mail:
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15
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Drzewiecka EM, Kozlowska W, Zmijewska A, Wydorski PJ, Franczak A. Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Radiation Alters Estrogen Release from the Pig Myometrium during the Peri-Implantation Period. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22062920. [PMID: 33805726 PMCID: PMC7999543 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An electromagnetic field (EMF) may affect the functions of uterine tissues. This study hypothesized that EMF changes the estrogenic activity of pig myometrium during the peri-implantation period. Tissue was collected on days 15-16 of the gestation and incubated in the presence of EMF (50 and 120 Hz, 2 and 4 h). The cytochrome P450 aromatase type 3 (CYP19A3) and hydroxysteroid 17β dehydrogenase type 4 (HSD17B4) mRNA transcript abundance, cytochrome P450arom (aromatase), and 17β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 17βHSD) protein abundance and estrone (E1) and estradiol-17β (E2) release were examined using Real-Time PCR, Western blot and radioimmunoassay. Selected myometrial slices were treated with progesterone (P4) to determine whether it functions as a protector against EMF. CYP19A3 mRNA transcript abundance in slices treated with EMF was less at 50 Hz (2 h) and greater at 120 Hz (2 and 4 h). HSD17B4 mRNA transcript was greater in slices treated with EMF at 120 Hz (2 h). Progesterone diminished EMF-related effects on CYP19A3 and HSD17B4. When P4 was added, EMF had suppressive (50 and 120 Hz, 2 h) or enhancing (50 Hz, 4 h) effects on aromatase abundance. The E1 release was lower after 4 h of EMF treatment at 50 Hz and P4 did not protect myometrial E1 release. In conclusion, EMF alters the synthesis and release of E1 and did not affect E2 release in the myometrium during the peri-implantation period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Anita Franczak
- Correspondence: (E.M.D.); (A.F.); Tel.: +48-89-523-32-01 (E.M.D. & A.F.)
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16
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Pan Y, Yan L, Chen Q, Wei C, Dai Y, Tong X, Zhu H, Lu M, Zhang Y, Jin X, Zhang T, Lin X, Zhou F, Zhang S. Dysfunction of Shh signaling activates autophagy to inhibit trophoblast motility in recurrent miscarriage. Exp Mol Med 2021; 53:52-66. [PMID: 33390589 PMCID: PMC8080798 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-020-00530-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In early pregnancy, the placenta anchors the conceptus and supports embryonic development and survival. This study aimed to investigate the underlying functions of Shh signaling in recurrent miscarriage (RM), a serious disorder of pregnancy. In the present study, Shh and Gli2 were mainly observed in cytotrophoblasts (CTBs), Ptch was mainly observed in syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs), and Smo and Gli3 were expressed in both CTBs and STBs. Shh signaling was significantly impaired in human placenta tissue from recurrent miscarriage patients compared to that of gestational age-matched normal controls. VEGF-A and CD31 protein levels were also significantly decreased in recurrent miscarriage patients. Furthermore, inhibition of Shh signaling impaired the motility of JAR cells by regulating the expression of Gli2 and Gli3. Intriguingly, inhibition of Shh signaling also triggered autophagy and autolysosome accumulation. Additionally, knockdown of BECN1 reversed Gant61-induced motility inhibition. In conclusion, our results showed that dysfunction of Shh signaling activated autophagy to inhibit trophoblast motility, which suggests the Shh pathway and autophagy as potential targets for RM therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibin Pan
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XAssisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lili Yan
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XAssisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China ,Beilun District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningbo City, Zhejiang China
| | - Qiaoqiao Chen
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XAssisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Wei
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XAssisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongdong Dai
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XAssisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Tong
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XAssisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Zhu
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XAssisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meifei Lu
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Pharmacy, The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanling Zhang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XAssisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoying Jin
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XAssisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tai Zhang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XAssisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaona Lin
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XAssisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XAssisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Songying Zhang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XAssisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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17
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The crosstalk of hedgehog, PI3K and Wnt pathways in diabetes. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 698:108743. [PMID: 33382998 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hyperglycaemia causes pancreatic β-cells to release insulin that then attaches to a specific expression of receptor isoform and reverses high glucose concentrations. It is well known that insulin is capable of initiating insulin-receptor substrate (IRS)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB) signaling pathways in target cells; such as liver, adipose tissues, and muscles. However, recent discoveries indicate that many other pathways, such as the Hedgehog (Hh) and growth factor-stimulating Wingless-related integration (Wnt) signaling pathways; are activated in hyperglycaemia as well. Although these two pathways are traditionally thought to have a decisive role in cellular growth and differentiation only, recent reports show that they are involved in regulating cellular homeostasis and energy balance. While insulin-activated IRS/PI3K/PKB pathway cascades are primarily known to reduce glucose production, it was recently discovered to increase the Hh signaling pathway's stability, thereby activating the PI3K/PKB/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) signaling pathway. The Hh signaling pathway not only plays a role in lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, inflammatory response, diabetes-related complications, but crosstalks with the Wnt signaling pathway resulting in improved insulin sensitivity and decrease inflammatory response in diabetes.
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18
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GLI3 resides at the intersection of hedgehog and androgen action to promote male sex differentiation. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008810. [PMID: 32497091 PMCID: PMC7297385 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Urogenital tract abnormalities are among the most common congenital defects in humans. Male urogenital development requires Hedgehog-GLI signaling and testicular hormones, but how these pathways interact is unclear. We found that Gli3XtJ mutant mice exhibit cryptorchidism and hypospadias due to local effects of GLI3 loss and systemic effects of testicular hormone deficiency. Fetal Leydig cells, the sole source of these hormones in developing testis, were reduced in numbers in Gli3XtJ testes, and their functional identity diminished over time. Androgen supplementation partially rescued testicular descent but not hypospadias in Gli3XtJ mutants, decoupling local effects of GLI3 loss from systemic effects of androgen insufficiency. Reintroduction of GLI3 activator (GLI3A) into Gli3XtJ testes restored expression of Hedgehog pathway and steroidogenic genes. Together, our results show a novel function for the activated form of GLI3 that translates Hedgehog signals to reinforce fetal Leydig cell identity and stimulate timely INSL3 and testosterone synthesis in the developing testis. In turn, exquisite timing and concentrations of testosterone are required to work alongside local GLI3 activity to control development of a functionally integrated male urogenital tract. Disorders in male sex differentiation (DSD) are among the most common defects in all live births, yet in many cases, pediatric patient families are reluctant to address the issue and endure lifelong consequences. Urogenital tract development, as in many organ systems, depends on exquisite timing among layers of a number of signaling pathways. Here, we show that interactions between the hedgehog and androgen signaling pathways are required for the development of internal and external male sex characteristics, but results for each tissue is distinct. This new knowledge will aid in discovering the means by which congenital malformations might occur, identify potential developmental targets that might be vulnerable to environmental exposures, and promote new ideas for how they might be prevented.
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Rojo-León V, García C, Valencia C, Méndez MA, Wood C, Covarrubias L. The E6/E7 oncogenes of human papilloma virus and estradiol regulate hedgehog signaling activity in a murine model of cervical cancer. Exp Cell Res 2019; 381:311-322. [PMID: 31125556 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Human papilloma virus oncogenes and estradiol are major etiologic factors associated with cervical cancer. In order to understand the mechanism by which these two factors promote carcinogenesis, the role of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway was evaluated during the normal growth of cervical epithelium and in the presence of E6/E7 oncogenes and exogenous estradiol. Hh signaling activity was determined in live animals (i.e., Gli-Luc reporter levels) during the estrous cycle and was found to be higher in the cervical area during the major growth phases, proestrus-estrus, in comparison to the diestrus phase. The same pattern was observed in transgenic mice expressing the E6/E7 oncogenes, though with notably higher levels than in control mice. Adding estradiol also markedly increased Gli activity in the cervix and the skin. In agreement with the correlation between high bioluminescence and tissue growth in different context, cervical cell proliferation was reduced upon Hh signaling inhibition in mice. Treatment with itraconazole, a putative novel Hh inhibitor, at an early stage of cervical carcinogenesis, did not decrease Hh signaling but it did reduce growth. Therefore, Hh signaling likely contributes to cervical carcinogenesis and itraconazole is effective to reduce growth but by a mechanism involving additional signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Rojo-León
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca Morelos, 62210, México.
| | - Celina García
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca Morelos, 62210, México.
| | - Concepción Valencia
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca Morelos, 62210, México.
| | - Marco-Antonio Méndez
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca Morelos, 62210, México.
| | - Christopher Wood
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca Morelos, 62210, México.
| | - Luis Covarrubias
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca Morelos, 62210, México.
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20
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Xu C, Zou C, Hussain M, Shi W, Shao Y, Jiang Z, Wu X, Lu M, Wu J, Xie Q, Ke Y, Long F, Tang L, Wu X. High expression of Sonic hedgehog in allergic airway epithelia contributes to goblet cell metaplasia. Mucosal Immunol 2018; 11:1306-1315. [PMID: 29867080 PMCID: PMC6160330 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-018-0033-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (SHH) is abundantly expressed and critical for morphogenesis in embryonic lungs; however, SHH expression drops to a much lower level in mice from E17.5 and in humans from the 21st gestational week. We find that SHH expression is robustly upregulated in the airway epithelia of children with asthma or mouse models with allergic airway disease. Specifically, airway-specific SMO loss of function significantly suppresses allergen-induced goblet cell phenotypes, whereas an airway-specific SMO gain of function markedly enhances the goblet cell phenotypes in mouse models with allergic airway disease. Notably, intratracheal administration with SHH-neutralizing antibody or cyclopamine robustly attenuates goblet cell phenotypes in mouse models with allergic airway disease. Finally, we identify that Muc5AC gene encoding MUC5AC mucin serves as a direct target of GLI transcriptional factors in response to SHH, whereas the SAM-pointed domain-containing ETS transcription factor and Forkhead box A2, critical transcriptional factors for goblet cell phenotypes, both function as the effectors of GLIs in response to SHH stimulation. Together, the upregulation of SHH expression in allergic bronchial epithelia contributes to goblet cell metaplasia; thus, blockage of SHH signaling is a rational approach in a therapeutic intervention of epithelial remodeling in chronic airway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyun Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of CFDA for Respiratory Drug Research, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chaochun Zou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Musaddique Hussain
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of CFDA for Respiratory Drug Research, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of CFDA for Respiratory Drug Research, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanan Shao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ziyan Jiang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiling Wu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meiping Lu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junsong Wu
- Department of Orthopedics of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiangmin Xie
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of CFDA for Respiratory Drug Research, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuehai Ke
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fanxin Long
- Departments of Orthopedics, Medicine and Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Lanfang Tang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Ximei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of CFDA for Respiratory Drug Research, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China.
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21
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Chen H, Xing J, Hu X, Chen L, Lv H, Xu C, Hong D, Wu X. Inhibition of heat shock protein 90 rescues glucocorticoid-induced bone loss through enhancing bone formation. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 171:236-246. [PMID: 28408351 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous glucocorticoids (GCs) support normal bone development and bone mass maintenance, whereas long-term exposure to pharmacological dosages of GCs uncouples bone formation and resorption, resulting in GC-induced osteoporosis (GIOP). Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) chaperoning glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling prompts us to speculate that HSP90 plays critical roles in GC-mediated bone formation and GIOP. In the present study, inhibition of HSP90 activity by 17-Demethoxy-17-allyaminogeldanmycin (17-AAG) or knockdown of HSP90 expression by siRNAs attenuated dexamethasone(Dex)-induced GR nuclear accumulation and transcriptional output of GR signaling, whereas overexpression of HSP90α or HSP90β enhanced GR transactivity in C3H10T1/2 cells. Though 17-AAG itself enhanced osteoblastic differentiation, it restored the Dex(10-8M)-induced and Dex(10-6M)-negated osteoblastic differentiation in C3H10T1/2 cells and primary calvarial osteoblasts. Moreover, systemic administration of 17-AAG to mice induced not only osteoclastogenesis but also osteoblastogenesis, whereas bone formation possibly exceeded bone resorption, eventually leading to the increased bone masses. Likewise, systemic administration of 17-AAG to mice restored GC-negated osteoblastogenesis and enhanced GC-induced osteoclastogenesis, similarly, 17-AAG-induced bone formation possibly exceeded both 17-AAG- and GC-induced bone resorption, eventually resulting in rescue of GIOP. Together, the present study has revealed that inhibition of HSP90 restores GIOP through enhancing bone formation, and our findings may help to shed light on the pathogenesis of GIOP and provide targets for the therapeutic intervention of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixiao Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, the Affiliated Taizhou Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai City, 317000, China
| | - Ji Xing
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xinhua Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Lihua Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, the Affiliated Taizhou Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai City, 317000, China
| | - Haiyan Lv
- Department of Orthopedics, the Affiliated Taizhou Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai City, 317000, China
| | - Chengyun Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Dun Hong
- Department of Orthopedics, the Affiliated Taizhou Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai City, 317000, China.
| | - Ximei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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22
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Zhu H, Zou C, Fan X, Xiong W, Tang L, Wu X, Tang C. Up-regulation of 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 Expression by Hedgehog Ligand Contributes to the Conversion of Cortisol Into Cortisone. Endocrinology 2016; 157:3529-39. [PMID: 27379371 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The cortisol-inactivating enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) that catalyzes the intracellular inactivation of glucocorticoids plays a pivotal role in human pregnant maintenance and normal fetal development. Given the fact that the main components of Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway are predominantly expressed in syncytial layer of human placental villi where 11β-HSD2 is robustly expressed, in the present study, we have investigated the potential roles and underlying mechanisms of HH signaling in 11β-HSD2 expression. Activation of HH signaling by a variety of approaches robustly induced 11β-HSD2 expression as well as the 11β-HSD2 activity, whereas suppression of HH signaling significantly attenuated 11β-HSD2 expression as well as the 11β-HSD2 activity in both human primary cytotrophoblasts and trophoblast-like BeWo cells. Moreover, among glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) family transcriptional factors in HH signaling, knockdown of GLI2 but not GLI1 and GLI3 significantly attenuated HH-induced 11β-HSD2 expression and activity, and overexpression of GLI2 activator alone was sufficient to induce 11β-HSD2 expression and activity. Finally, GLI2 not only directly bound to the promoter region of gene hsd11b2 to transactivate hsd11b2 but also formed a heterodimer with RNA polymerase II, an enzyme that catalyzes the transcription of DNA to synthesize mRNAs, resulting in up-regulation of hsd11b2 gene transcription. Taken together, the present study has uncovered a hitherto uncharacterized role of HH/GLI2 signaling in 11β-HSD2 regulation, implicating that HH signaling through GLI2 could be required for the human pregnant maintenance and fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibin Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (H.Z.), The First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Endocrinology (C.Z., W.X., L.T.), The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, People's Republic of China; and Department of Pharmacology (X.F., X.W., C.T.), School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaochun Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (H.Z.), The First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Endocrinology (C.Z., W.X., L.T.), The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, People's Republic of China; and Department of Pharmacology (X.F., X.W., C.T.), School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueying Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (H.Z.), The First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Endocrinology (C.Z., W.X., L.T.), The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, People's Republic of China; and Department of Pharmacology (X.F., X.W., C.T.), School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyi Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (H.Z.), The First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Endocrinology (C.Z., W.X., L.T.), The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, People's Republic of China; and Department of Pharmacology (X.F., X.W., C.T.), School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Lanfang Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (H.Z.), The First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Endocrinology (C.Z., W.X., L.T.), The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, People's Republic of China; and Department of Pharmacology (X.F., X.W., C.T.), School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Ximei Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (H.Z.), The First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Endocrinology (C.Z., W.X., L.T.), The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, People's Republic of China; and Department of Pharmacology (X.F., X.W., C.T.), School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (H.Z.), The First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Endocrinology (C.Z., W.X., L.T.), The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, People's Republic of China; and Department of Pharmacology (X.F., X.W., C.T.), School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
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23
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Ruan H, Luo H, Wang J, Ji X, Zhang Z, Wu J, Zhang X, Wu X. Smoothened-independent activation of hedgehog signaling by rearranged during transfection promotes neuroblastoma cell proliferation and tumor growth. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1860:1961-72. [PMID: 27316313 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rearranged during transfection (RET) proto-oncogene encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase for glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) signaling, and high RET expression is closely related to the tumorigenesis and malignancy of neuroblastoma(NB). METHODS We have investigated whether RET signals through hedgehog (HH) pathway in NB cell proliferation and tumor growth by in vitro cell culture and in vivo xenograft approaches. RESULTS The key members of both GDNF/RET and HH/GLI pathways are expressed in NB cell lines to different extents. Knockdown of RET in NB cells significantly attenuates the activity of HH signaling, whereas overexpression of RET robustly enhances the output of transcriptional activation by HH. Likewise, activation of RET by GDNF induces HH signaling, whereas knockdown of RET attenuates both basal and GDNF-induced activities of HH signaling. Moreover, protein kinase B lies on the downstream of GDNF/RET signaling module to inhibit the GSK3β, resulting in activation of HH signaling. Furthermore, either knockdown of RET by shRNA or inhibition of HH pathway by cyclopamine attenuates not only basal but also GDNF-induced proliferation of SH-SY5Y cells, and knockdown of either RET or smoothened in SH-SY5Y cell xenografts significantly attenuated the tumor growth. Finally, inhibition of HH signaling by GLI1 and GLI2 inhibitor, Gant61, reduces not only basal but also RET-induced proliferation of SH-SY5Y cells and outgrowth of xenografts. CONCLUSION GDNF/RET/AKT/GSK3β signaling module activates HH pathway to stimulate NB cells proliferation and tumor outgrowth. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Targeting HH pathway is a rational approach for therapeutic intervention of NB with high RET expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongfeng Ruan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Huan Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Jirong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xing Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhongmiao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Junsong Wu
- Department of Emergence, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Xianning Zhang
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Ximei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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24
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Wang JR, Wang CJ, Xu CY, Wu XK, Hong D, Shi W, Gong Y, Chen HX, Long F, Wu XM. Signaling Cascades Governing Cdc42-Mediated Chondrogenic Differentiation and Mensenchymal Condensation. Genetics 2016; 202:1055-69. [PMID: 26739452 PMCID: PMC4787953 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.115.180109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Endochondral ossification consists of successive steps of chondrocyte differentiation, including mesenchymal condensation, differentiation of chondrocytes, and hypertrophy followed by mineralization and ossification. Loss-of-function studies have revealed that abnormal growth plate cartilage of the Cdc42 mutant contributes to the defects in endochondral bone formation. Here, we have investigated the roles of Cdc42 in osteogenesis and signaling cascades governing Cdc42-mediated chondrogenic differentiation. Though deletion of Cdc42 in limb mesenchymal progenitors led to severe defects in endochondral ossification, either ablation of Cdc42 in limb preosteoblasts or knockdown of Cdc42 in vitro had no obvious effects on bone formation and osteoblast differentiation. However, in Cdc42 mutant limb buds, loss of Cdc42 in mesenchymal progenitors led to marked inactivation of p38 and Smad1/5, and in micromass cultures, Cdc42 lay on the upstream of p38 to activate Smad1/5 in bone morphogenetic protein-2-induced mesenchymal condensation. Finally, Cdc42 also lay on the upstream of protein kinase B to transactivate Sox9 and subsequently induced the expression of chondrocyte differential marker in transforming growth factor-β1-induced chondrogenesis. Taken together, by using biochemical and genetic approaches, we have demonstrated that Cdc42 is involved not in osteogenesis but in chondrogenesis in which the BMP2/Cdc42/Pak/p38/Smad signaling module promotes mesenchymal condensation and the TGF-β/Cdc42/Pak/Akt/Sox9 signaling module facilitates chondrogenic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jirong R Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Chaojun J Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Chengyun Y Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaokai K Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Dun Hong
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ying Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Haixiao X Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Taizhou Hospital, Linhai 317000, China
| | - Fanxin Long
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medicine and Developmental Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Ximei M Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medicine and Developmental Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
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25
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Tang C, Tang L, Wu X, Xiong W, Ruan H, Hussain M, Wu J, Zou C, Wu X. Glioma-associated Oncogene 2 Is Essential for Trophoblastic Fusion by Forming a Transcriptional Complex with Glial Cell Missing-a. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:5611-5622. [PMID: 26769961 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.700336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell fusion of human villous trophoblasts, referred to as a process of syncytialization, acts as a prerequisite for the proper development and functional maintenance of the human placenta. Given the fact that the main components of the Hedgehog signaling pathway are expressed predominantly in the syncytial layer of human placental villi, in this study, we investigated the potential roles and underlying mechanisms of Hedgehog signaling in trophoblastic fusion. Activation of Hedgehog signaling by a variety of approaches robustly induced cell fusion and the expression of syncytial markers, whereas suppression of Hedgehog signaling significantly attenuated cell fusion and the expression of syncytial markers in both human primary cytotrophoblasts and trophoblast-like BeWo cells. Moreover, among glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) family transcriptional factors in Hedgehog signaling, knockdown of GLI2 but not GLI1 and GLI3 significantly attenuated Hedgehog-induced cell fusion, whereas overexpression of the GLI2 activator alone was sufficient to induce cell fusion. Finally, GLI2 not only stabilized glial cell missing-a, a pivotal transcriptional factor for trophoblastic syncytialization, but also formed a transcriptional heterodimer with glial cell missing-a to transactivate syncytin-1, a trophoblastic fusogen, and promote trophoblastic syncytialization. Taken together, this study uncovered a so far uncharacterized role of Hedgehog/GLI2 signaling in trophoblastic fusion, implicating that Hedgehog signaling, through GLI2, could be required for human placental development and pregnancy maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Tang
- From the Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China,; the Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 1130033, Japan, and
| | | | - Xiaokai Wu
- From the Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | | | - Hongfeng Ruan
- From the Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Musaddique Hussain
- From the Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Junsong Wu
- First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | | | - Ximei Wu
- From the Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China,.
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26
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Callahan BP, Wang C. Hedgehog Cholesterolysis: Specialized Gatekeeper to Oncogenic Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:2037-53. [PMID: 26473928 PMCID: PMC4695875 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7040875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Discussions of therapeutic suppression of hedgehog (Hh) signaling almost exclusively focus on receptor antagonism; however, hedgehog's biosynthesis represents a unique and potentially targetable aspect of this oncogenic signaling pathway. Here, we review a key biosynthetic step called cholesterolysis from the perspectives of structure/function and small molecule inhibition. Cholesterolysis, also called cholesteroylation, generates cholesterol-modified Hh ligand via autoprocessing of a hedgehog precursor protein. Post-translational modification by cholesterol appears to be restricted to proteins in the hedgehog family. The transformation is essential for Hh biological activity and upstream of signaling events. Despite its decisive role in generating ligand, cholesterolysis remains conspicuously unexplored as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Callahan
- Chemistry Department, Binghamton University 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA.
| | - Chunyu Wang
- Biology Department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180, USA.
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27
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Tang C, Mei L, Pan L, Xiong W, Zhu H, Ruan H, Zou C, Tang L, Iguchi T, Wu X. Hedgehog signaling through GLI1 and GLI2 is required for epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human trophoblasts. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2015; 1850:1438-48. [PMID: 25888497 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2015.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2014] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is critical for human placental development, trophoblastic differentiation, and pregnancy-associated diseases. Here, we investigated the effects of hedgehog (HH) signaling on EMT in human trophoblasts, and further explored the underlying mechanism. METHODS Human primary cytotrophoblasts and trophoblast-like JEG-3 cells were used as in vitro models. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to examine mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Lentiviruses expressing short hairpin RNA were used to knock down the target genes. Reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation were performed to determine the transactivity. Cell migration, invasion and colony formation were accessed by wound healing, Matrigel-coated transwell, and colony formation assays, respectively. RESULTS Activation of HH signaling induced the transdifferentiation of cytotrophoblasts and trophoblast-like JEG-3 cells from epithelial to mesenchymal phenotypes, exhibiting the decreases in E-Cadherin expression as well as the increases in vimentin expression, invasion, migration and colony formation. Knockdown of GLI1 and GLI2 but not GLI3 attenuated HH-induced transdifferentiation, whereas GLI1 was responsible for the expression of HH-induced key EMT regulators including Snail1, Slug, and Twist, and both GLI1 and GLI2 acted directly as transcriptional repressor of CDH1 gene encoding E-Cadherin. CONCLUSION HH through GLI1 and GLI2 acts as critical signals in supporting the physiological function of mature placenta. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE HH signaling through GLI1 and GLI2 could be required for the maintenance of human pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liu Mei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liyu Pan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenyi Xiong
- The Affiliated Children Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haibin Zhu
- The Affiliated Children Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongfeng Ruan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chaochun Zou
- The Affiliated Children Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lanfang Tang
- The Affiliated Children Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Takuma Iguchi
- Department of Toxicology, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ximei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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