1
|
Wang X, Feng S, Deng Q, Wu C, Duan R, Yang L. The role of estrogen in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and therapeutic potential in women. Mol Cell Biochem 2024:10.1007/s11010-024-05071-4. [PMID: 39088186 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-05071-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Estrogens are pivotal regulators of brain function throughout the lifespan, exerting profound effects from early embryonic development to aging. Extensive experimental evidence underscores the multifaceted protective roles of estrogens on neurons and neurotransmitter systems, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Studies have consistently revealed a greater risk of AD development in women compared to men, with postmenopausal women exhibiting heightened susceptibility. This connection between sex factors and long-term estrogen deprivation highlights the significance of estrogen signaling in AD progression. Estrogen's influence extends to key processes implicated in AD, including amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing and neuronal health maintenance mediated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Reduced BDNF expression, often observed in AD, underscores estrogen's role in preserving neuronal integrity. Notably, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has emerged as a sex-specific and time-dependent strategy for primary cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, offering an excellent risk profile against aging-related disorders like AD. Evidence suggests that HRT may mitigate AD onset and progression in postmenopausal women, further emphasizing the importance of estrogen signaling in AD pathophysiology. This review comprehensively examines the physiological and pathological changes associated with estrogen in AD, elucidating the therapeutic potential of estrogen-based interventions such as HRT. By synthesizing current knowledge, it aims to provide insights into the intricate interplay between estrogen signaling and AD pathogenesis, thereby informing future research directions and therapeutic strategies for this debilitating neurodegenerative disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Wang
- Laboratory of Exercise and Neurobiology, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Shu Feng
- Laboratory of Exercise and Neurobiology, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Qianting Deng
- Laboratory of Exercise and Neurobiology, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Chongyun Wu
- Laboratory of Exercise and Neurobiology, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine in Sports Science, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Rui Duan
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine in Sports Science, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luodan Yang
- Laboratory of Exercise and Neurobiology, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zomer HD, Cooke PS. Targeting estrogen signaling and biosynthesis for aged skin repair. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1281071. [PMID: 38028803 PMCID: PMC10645088 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1281071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-healing skin wounds are disproportionally prevalent in older adults. Current treatments do not account for the particularities of aged skin and result in inadequate outcomes. Overall, healing chronic wounds in the elderly remains a major unmet clinical need. Estrogens play a critical role in reproduction but also have important actions in non-reproductive organs. Estrogen biosynthesis and signaling pathways are locally activated during physiological wound healing, processes that are inhibited in elderly estrogen-deprived skin. Estrogen deprivation has been shown to be a critical mediator of impaired wound healing in both postmenopausal women and aged men, and topical estrogen application reverses age-associated delayed wound healing in both elderly men and women. These data indicate that adequate estrogen biosynthesis and properly regulated estrogen signaling pathways are essential for normal wound healing and can be targeted to optimize tissue repair in the elderly. However, due to fundamental questions regarding how to safely restore estrogen signaling locally in skin wounds, there are currently no therapeutic strategies addressing estrogen deficiency in elderly chronic wounds. This review discusses established and recent literature in this area and proposes the hypothesis that estrogen plays a pleiotropic role in skin aging and that targeting estrogen signaling and biosynthesis could promote skin repair in older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helena D. Zomer
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jefferi NES, Shamhari A‘A, Noor Azhar NKZ, Shin JGY, Kharir NAM, Azhar MA, Hamid ZA, Budin SB, Taib IS. The Role of ERα and ERβ in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer and Current Therapeutic Approaches. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030826. [PMID: 36979805 PMCID: PMC10045750 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Castration-resistant prostate cancer, or CRPC, is an aggressive stage of prostate cancer (PCa) in which PCa cells invade nearby or other parts of the body. When a patient with PCa goes through androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and the cancer comes back or worsens, this is called CRPC. Instead of androgen-dependent signalling, recent studies show the involvement of the estrogen pathway through the regulation of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) in CRPC development. Reduced levels of testosterone due to ADT lead to low ERβ functionality in inhibiting the proliferation of PCa cells. Additionally, ERα, which possesses androgen independence, continues to promote the proliferation of PCa cells. The functions of ERα and ERβ in controlling PCa progression have been studied, but further research is needed to elucidate their roles in promoting CRPC. Finding new ways to treat the disease and stop it from becoming worse will require a clear understanding of the molecular processes that can lead to CRPC. The current review summarizes the underlying processes involving ERα and ERβ in developing CRPC, including castration-resistant mechanisms after ADT and available medication modification in mitigating CRPC progression, with the goal of directing future research and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nur Erysha Sabrina Jefferi
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Asma’ ‘Afifah Shamhari
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Nur Khayrin Zulaikha Noor Azhar
- Biomedical Science Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Joyce Goh Yi Shin
- Biomedical Science Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Nur Annisa Mohd Kharir
- Biomedical Science Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Afiq Azhar
- Biomedical Science Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Zariyantey Abd Hamid
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Siti Balkis Budin
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Izatus Shima Taib
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +0603-92897608
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
The ubiquitin ligase RNF2 stabilizes ERα and modulates breast cancer progression. Hum Cell 2023; 36:353-365. [PMID: 36271315 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00810-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is the most common clinical marker used for breast cancer prognosis and the classification of breast cancer subtypes. Clinically, patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer can receive endocrine therapy. However, resistance to endocrine therapy has become an urgent clinical problem. A large number of previous studies have proven that posttranslational modification of the estrogen receptor is significantly related to endocrine therapy resistance. RNF2 is a member of the RING finger protein family that functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase. Several studies have clarified that RNF2 is a critical regulator of ERα transcriptional regulation. In our current study, we identified RNF2 as an important posttranslational modification regulator of the estrogen receptor. RNF2 depletion inhibited breast cancer cell progression and ERα signaling activity. TCGA data analysis indicated that RNF2 was elevated in breast malignancies, while RNF2 depletion could drastically inhibit estrogen response gene expression on a whole-genome scale. TCGA data analysis revealed that RNF2 was positively correlated with ERα target gene expression. Further mechanistic studies showed that RNF2 was mainly localized in the nucleus and associated with ERα. The association increased ERα stability by inhibiting ERα K48-linked polyubiquitination. In conclusion, our study implicates nongenomic regulation by RNF2 on ERα protein stability and suggests that targeting RNF2 could be a promising strategy for breast cancer treatments.
Collapse
|
5
|
Lv C, Zheng H, Jiang B, Ren Q, Zhang J, Zhang X, Li J, Wang Y. Characterization of relaxin 3 and its receptors in chicken: Evidence for relaxin 3 acting as a novel pituitary hormone. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1010851. [DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1010851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian relaxin (RLN) family peptides binding their receptors (RXFPs) play a variety of roles in many physiological processes, such as reproduction, stress, appetite regulation, and energy balance. In birds, although two relaxin family peptides (RLN3 and INSL5) and four receptors (RXFP1, RXFP2, RXFP2-like, and RXFP3) were predicated, their sequence features, signal properties, tissue distribution, and physiological functions remain largely unknown. In this study, using chickens as the experimental model, we cloned the cDNA of the cRLN3 gene and two receptor (cRXFP1 and cRXFP3) genes. Using cell-based luciferase reporter assays, we demonstrate that cRLN3 is able to activate both cRXFP1 and cRXFP3 for downstream signaling. cRXFP1, rather than cRXFP3, is a cognate receptor for cRLN3, which is different from the mammals. Tissue distribution analyses reveal that cRLN3 is highly expressed in the pituitary with lower abundance in the hypothalamus and ovary of female chicken, together with the detection that cRLN3 co-localizes with pituitary hormone genes LHB/FSHB/GRP/CART and its expression is tightly regulated by hypothalamic factors (GnRH and CRH) and sex steroid hormone (E2). The present study supports that cRLN3 may function as a novel pituitary hormone involving female reproduction.
Collapse
|
6
|
An In-Vitro Study of the Expansion and Transcriptomics of CD4+ and CD8+ Naïve and Memory T Cells Stimulated by IL-2, IL-7 and IL-15. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101701. [PMID: 35626739 PMCID: PMC9139303 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The growth of T cells ex vivo for the purpose of T cell therapies is a rate-limiting step in the overall process for cancer patients to achieve remission. Growing T cells is a fiscally-, time-, and resource-intensive process. Cytokines have been shown to accelerate the growth of T cells, specifically IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15. Here a design of experiments was conducted to optimize the growth rate of different naïve and memory T cell subsets using combinations of cytokines. Mathematical models were developed to study the impact of IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15 on the growth of T cells. The results show that CD4+ and CD8+ naïve T cells grew effectively using moderate IL-2 and IL-7 in combination, and IL-7, respectively. CD4+ and CD8+ memory cells favored moderate IL-2 and IL-15 in combination and moderate IL-7 and IL-15 in combination, respectively. A statistically significant interaction was observed between IL-2 and IL-7 in the growth data of CD4+ naïve T cells, while the interaction between IL-7 and IL-15 was found for CD8+ naïve T cells. The important genes and related signaling pathways and metabolic reactions were identified from the RNA sequencing data for each of the four subsets stimulated by each of the three cytokines. This systematic investigation lays the groundwork for studying other T cell subsets.
Collapse
|
7
|
U-krit W, Wadsungnoen S, Yama P, Jitjumnong J, Sangkate M, Promsao N, Montha N, Sudwan P, Mektrirat R, Panatuk J, Inyawilert W, Intawicha P, Tang PC, Moonmanee T. Understanding the Ovarian Interrelationship with Low Antral Follicle Counts (AFC) in the In Vivo Bos indicus Cow Model: Unilateral and Bilateral Main AFC as Possible Biomarkers of Ovarian Response to Hormonal Synchronisation. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040523. [PMID: 35453722 PMCID: PMC9029639 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The antral follicle count (AFC) is a test in which the number of oocyte-containing follicles that are developing in both ovaries are visually counted. The count of these follicles strongly relates to the population of the growing follicle reserve on the ovaries. However, the importance of the main number of antral follicle populations (mAFC) in mono-ovulatory animal species has yet to be completely elucidated. Moreover, the investigation of the ovarian interrelationship with unilateral mAFC (main number of antral follicle populations appearing on only one side of the ovary) and bilateral mAFC (main number of antral follicle populations appearing in equivalent numbers on both sides of the ovary) and how understanding this interrelationship can offer possible indicators of ovarian response to hormonal induction have not yet been investigated in mono-ovulatory Bos indicus beef cows. The aim of this study is to investigate the different ovarian interrelationships of mAFC (unilateral and bilateral mAFC) at the time of exogenous hormonal stimulation on the total number of AFC (left and right ovaries) at the beginning of the hormonal protocol for ovarian stimulation and ovarian response at the completion of exogenous hormonal stimulation as well as their usefulness as possible biomarkers of successful hormonal stimulation in Bos indicus beef cattle. Beef cows (n = 104) with low total numbers of AFC (4.7 ± 2.4 follicles) were stimulated with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone-progesterone-prostaglandin F2α-based protocol. At the beginning of the hormonal protocol, ovarian ultrasound scans were performed to evaluate AFC from both ovaries of cows. Beef cows were divided into two groups, unilateral (n = 74) and bilateral mAFC (n = 30), according to the ovarian interrelationship. At the completion of the hormonal stimulation, ovarian ultrasound scans were performed to evaluate the dominant follicle (DF) and cows with DF > 8.5 mm in diameter emerging on their ovaries were defined as having experienced a response to hormonal stimuli. There was a difference of 19.1% between Bos indicus cows bearing unilateral mAFC that produced an increase in ovarian response (odds ratio = 2.717, p < 0.05) compared to the responsive rate of cows displaying bilateral mAFC (82.4% vs. 63.3%). In unilateral mAFC, cows bearing mAFC ipsilateral to the ovary of dominant follicle (DF) had a higher responsive rate than cows bearing mAFC contralateral to the DF ovary (50.0% vs. 32.4%, p < 0.05). In mAFC ipsilateral to the DF ovary, pregnancy rates were greatest in cows bearing mAFC and DF on the right ovary compared with cows bearing mAFC and DF on the left ovary (25.0% vs. 9.1%, p < 0.05). In primiparous and multiparous cows, unilateral mAFC occurs with a greater (p < 0.05) frequency than bilateral mAFC (69.0% and 72.0% vs. 31.0% and 28.0%, respectively). In unilateral mAFC, primiparous cows bearing mAFC ipsilateral to the DF ovary had a greater responsive rate than primiparous cows bearing mAFC contralateral to the DF ovary (55.0% vs. 20.0%, p < 0.05). In mAFC ipsilateral to the DF ovary, responsive and pregnancy rates were greatest (p < 0.05) in multiparous cows bearing mAFC and DF on the right ovary compared with multiparous cows bearing mAFC and DF on the left ovary (58.1% and 22.6% vs. 25.8% and 3.2%, respectively). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the mean diameter of AFC at the time of the exogenous hormonal trigger and the mean diameter of DF at the completion of hormonal synchronisation (p < 0.05). Our findings emphasise that the ovarian interrelationship with unilateral mAFC at the time of the hormonal trigger might be a promising biomarker for predicting success in ovarian response to hormonal stimulation of mono-ovulatory Bos indicus beef cows with low AFCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Warittha U-krit
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (W.U.-k.); (P.Y.); (M.S.); (N.P.); (N.M.)
- Chiang Mai College of Agriculture and Technology, Sanpatong 50120, Thailand
| | | | - Punnawut Yama
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (W.U.-k.); (P.Y.); (M.S.); (N.P.); (N.M.)
| | - Jakree Jitjumnong
- Department of Animal Science, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan; (J.J.); (P.-C.T.)
| | - Molarat Sangkate
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (W.U.-k.); (P.Y.); (M.S.); (N.P.); (N.M.)
| | - Nalinthip Promsao
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (W.U.-k.); (P.Y.); (M.S.); (N.P.); (N.M.)
| | - Napatsorn Montha
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (W.U.-k.); (P.Y.); (M.S.); (N.P.); (N.M.)
| | - Paiwan Sudwan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | - Raktham Mektrirat
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand;
| | - Julakorn Panatuk
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Maejo University, Chiang Mai 50290, Thailand;
| | - Wilasinee Inyawilert
- Department of Agricultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand;
| | - Payungsuk Intawicha
- Division of Animal Science, School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand;
| | - Pin-Chi Tang
- Department of Animal Science, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan; (J.J.); (P.-C.T.)
- The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
| | - Tossapol Moonmanee
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (W.U.-k.); (P.Y.); (M.S.); (N.P.); (N.M.)
- Innovative Agriculture Research Center, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-53-944342
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pru JK. A Causal Link Between Disrupted AKT Signaling and Hyperproliferative Endometrial Diseases. Endocrinology 2022; 163:bqac006. [PMID: 35041749 PMCID: PMC8807160 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- James K Pru
- Program in Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lacouture A, Lafront C, Peillex C, Pelletier M, Audet-Walsh É. Impacts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on prostate function and cancer. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112085. [PMID: 34562481 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Because of their historical mode of action, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are associated with sex-steroid receptors, namely the two estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) and the androgen receptor (AR). Broadly, EDCs can modulate sex-steroid receptor functions. They can also indirectly impact the androgen and estrogen pathways by influencing steroidogenesis, expression of AR or ERs, and their respective activity as transcription factors. Additionally, many of these chemicals have multiple cellular targets other than sex-steroid receptors, which results in a myriad of potential effects in humans. The current article reviews the association between prostate cancer and the endocrine-disrupting functions of four prominent EDC families: bisphenols, phthalates, phytoestrogens, and mycoestrogens. Results from both in vitro and in vivo models are included and discussed to better assess the molecular mechanisms by which EDCs can modify prostate biology. To overcome the heterogeneity of results published, we established common guidelines to properly study EDCs in the context of endocrine diseases. Firstly, the expression of sex-steroid receptors in the models used must be determined before testing. Then, in parallel to EDCs, pharmacological compounds acting as positive (agonists) and negative controls (antagonists) have to be employed. Finally, EDCs need to be used in a precise range of concentrations to modulate sex-steroid receptors and avoid off-target effects. By adequately integrating molecular endocrinology aspects in EDC studies and identifying their underlying molecular mechanisms, we will truly understand their impact on prostate cancer and distinguish those that favor the progression of the disease from those that slow down tumor development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Lacouture
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, Canada; Endocrinology - Nephrology Research Axis, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec, Canada; Cancer Research Center (CRC), Laval University, Québec, Canada
| | - Camille Lafront
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, Canada; Endocrinology - Nephrology Research Axis, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec, Canada; Cancer Research Center (CRC), Laval University, Québec, Canada
| | - Cindy Peillex
- Infectious and Immune Diseases Research Axis, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec, Canada; ARThrite Research Center, Laval University, Québec, Canada; Master de Biologie, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon I, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Martin Pelletier
- Infectious and Immune Diseases Research Axis, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec, Canada; ARThrite Research Center, Laval University, Québec, Canada; Department of Microbiology-Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, Canada.
| | - Étienne Audet-Walsh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, Canada; Endocrinology - Nephrology Research Axis, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec, Canada; Cancer Research Center (CRC), Laval University, Québec, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sirohi VK, Medrano TI, Mesa AM, Kannan A, Bagchi IC, Cooke PS. Regulation of AKT Signaling in Mouse Uterus. Endocrinology 2022; 163:bqab233. [PMID: 34791100 PMCID: PMC8667855 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
17β-estradiol (E2) treatment of ovariectomized adult mice stimulates the uterine PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and epithelial proliferation through estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1). However, epithelial proliferation occurs independently of E2/ESR1 signaling in neonatal uteri. Similarly, estrogen-independent uterine epithelial proliferation is seen in adulthood in mice lacking Ezh2, critical for histone methylation, and in wild-type (WT) mice treated neonatally with estrogen. The role of AKT in estrogen-independent uterine epithelial proliferation was the focus of this study. Expression of the catalytically active phosphorylated form of AKT (p-AKT) and epithelial proliferation were high in estrogen receptor 1 knockout and WT mice at postnatal day 6, when E2 concentrations were low, indicating that neither ESR1 nor E2 are essential for p-AKT expression and epithelial proliferation in these mice. However, p-AKT levels and proliferation remained estrogen responsive in preweaning WT mice. Expression of p-AKT and proliferation were both high in uterine luminal epithelium of mice estrogenized neonatally and ovariectomized during adulthood. Increased expression of phosphorylated (inactive) EZH2 was also observed. Consistent with this, Ezh2 conditional knockout mice show ovary-independent uterine epithelial proliferation and high epithelial p-AKT. Thus, adult p-AKT expression is constitutive and E2/ESR1 independent in both model systems. Finally, E2-induced p-AKT expression and normal uterine proliferation did not occur in mice lacking membrane (m)ESR1, indicating a key role for membrane ESR1 in AKT activation. These findings emphasize the importance of AKT activation in promoting uterine epithelial proliferation even when that proliferation is not E2/ESR1 dependent and further indicate that p-AKT can be uncoupled from E2/ESR1 signaling in several experimental scenarios.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijay K Sirohi
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Theresa I Medrano
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ana M Mesa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Athilakshmi Kannan
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Indrani C Bagchi
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Paul S Cooke
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|