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Rossetti MF, Varayoud J, Ramos JG. Steroidogenic enzymes in the hippocampus: Transcriptional regulation aspects. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2022; 118:171-198. [PMID: 35180926 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Neurosteroids are steroids synthesized de novo from cholesterol in brain regions, and regulate processes associated with the development and functioning of the nervous system. Enzymes and proteins involved in the synthesis of these steroids have been detected in several brain regions, including hippocampus, hypothalamus, and cerebral cortex. Hippocampus has long been associated with learning and memory functions, while the loss of its functionality has been linked to neurodegenerative pathologies. In this sense, neurosteroids are critical for the maintenance of hippocampal functions and neuroprotective effects. Moreover, several factors have been shown to deregulate expression of steroidogenic enzymes in the rodent brain, including aging, enrichment experiences, diet habits, drug/alcohol consumption, hormone fluctuations, neurodegenerative processes and other diseases. These transcriptional deregulations are mediated mainly by transcription factors and epigenetic mechanisms. An epigenetic modification of chromatin involves changes in bases and associated proteins in the absence of changes in the DNA sequence. One of the most well-studied mechanisms related to gene silencing is DNA methylation, which involves a reversible addition of methyl groups in a cytosine base. Importantly, these epigenetic marks could be maintained over time and could be transmitted transgenerationally. The aim of this chapter is to present the most relevant steroidogenic enzymes described in rodent hippocampus; to discuss about their transcriptional regulation under different conditions; to show the main gene control regions and to propose DNA methylation as an epigenetic mechanism through which the expression of these enzymes could be controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Florencia Rossetti
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorgelina Varayoud
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorge Guillermo Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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Robitaille J, Langlois VS. Consequences of steroid-5α-reductase deficiency and inhibition in vertebrates. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 290:113400. [PMID: 31981690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
In 1974, a lack of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT), the most potent androgen across species except for fish, was shown to be the origin of a type of pseudohermaphrodism in which boys have female-like external genitalia. This human intersex condition is linked to a mutation in the steroid-5α-reductase type 2 (SRD5α2) gene, which usually produces an important enzyme capable of reducing the Δ4-ene of steroid C-19 and C-21 into a 5α-stereoisomer. Seeing the potential of SRD5α2 as a target for androgen synthesis, pharmaceutical companies developed 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs), such as finasteride (FIN) and dutasteride (DUT) to target SRD5α2 in benign prostatic hyperplasia and androgenic alopecia. In addition to human treatment, the development of 5ARIs also enabled further research of SRD5α functions. Therefore, this review details the morphological, physiological, and molecular effects of the lack of SRD5α activity induced by both SRD5α mutations and inhibitor exposures across species. More specifically, data highlights 1) the role of 5α-DHT in the development of male secondary sexual organs in vertebrates and sex determination in non-mammalian vertebrates, 2) the role of SRD5α1 in the synthesis of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) and 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol (3α-diol), which are involved in anxiety and sexual behavior, respectively, and 3) the role of SRD5α3 in N-glycosylation. This review also features the lesser known functions of SRD5αs in steroid degradation in the uterus during pregnancy and glucocorticoid clearance in the liver. Additionally, the review describes the regulation of SRD5αs by the receptors of androgens, progesterone, estrogen, and thyroid hormones, as well as their differential DNA methylation. Factors known to be involved in their differential methylation are age, inflammation, and mental stimulation. Overall, this review helps shed light on the various essential functions of SRD5αs across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Robitaille
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Valerie S Langlois
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Quebec City, QC, Canada.
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Udhaya Kumar S, Thirumal Kumar D, Siva R, George Priya Doss C, Younes S, Younes N, Sidenna M, Zayed H. Dysregulation of Signaling Pathways Due to Differentially Expressed Genes From the B-Cell Transcriptomes of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients - A Bioinformatics Approach. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:276. [PMID: 32426333 PMCID: PMC7203449 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder that is clinically complex and has increased production of autoantibodies. Via emerging technologies, researchers have identified genetic variants, expression profiling of genes, animal models, and epigenetic findings that have paved the way for a better understanding of the molecular and genetic mechanisms of SLE. Our current study aimed to illustrate the essential genes and molecular pathways that are potentially involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. This study incorporates the gene expression profiling data of the microarray dataset GSE30153 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the B-cell transcriptomes of SLE patients and healthy controls were screened using the GEO2R web tool. The identified DEGs were subjected to STRING analysis and Cytoscape to explore the protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks between them. The MCODE (Molecular Complex Detection) plugin of Cytoscape was used to screen the cluster subnetworks that are highly interlinked between the DEGs. Subsequently, the clustered DEGs were subjected to functional annotation with ClueGO/CluePedia to identify the significant pathways that were enriched. For integrative analysis, we used GeneGo MetacoreTM, a Cortellis Solution software, to exhibit the Gene Ontology (GO) and enriched pathways between the datasets. Our study identified 4 upregulated and 13 downregulated genes. Analysis of GO and functional enrichment using ClueGO revealed the pathways that were statistically significant, including pathways involving T-cell costimulation, lymphocyte costimulation, negative regulation of vascular permeability, and B-cell receptor signaling. The DEGs were mainly enriched in metabolic networks such as the phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate pathway and the carnitine pathway. Additionally, potentially enriched pathways, such as the signaling pathways induced by oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS), chemotaxis and lysophosphatidic acid signaling induced via G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and the androgen receptor activation pathway, were identified from the DEGs that were mainly associated with the immune system. Four genes (EGR1, CD38, CAV1, and AKT1) were identified to be strongly associated with SLE. Our integrative analysis using a multitude of bioinformatics tools might promote an understanding of the dysregulated pathways that are associated with SLE development and progression. The four DEGs in SLE patients might shed light on the pathogenesis of SLE and might serve as potential biomarkers in early diagnosis and as therapeutic targets for SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Udhaya Kumar
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - D. Thirumal Kumar
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - R. Siva
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - C. George Priya Doss
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Salma Younes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health and Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nadin Younes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health and Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mariem Sidenna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health and Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hatem Zayed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health and Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Lazzarino GP, Andreoli MF, Rossetti MF, Stoker C, Tschopp MV, Luque EH, Ramos JG. Cafeteria diet differentially alters the expression of feeding-related genes through DNA methylation mechanisms in individual hypothalamic nuclei. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 450:113-125. [PMID: 28479374 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the effect of cafeteria diet (CAF) on the mRNA levels and DNA methylation state of feeding-related neuropeptides, and neurosteroidogenic enzymes in discrete hypothalamic nuclei. Besides, the expression of steroid hormone receptors was analyzed. Female rats fed with CAF from weaning increased their energy intake, body weight, and fat depots, but did not develop metabolic syndrome. The increase in energy intake was related to an orexigenic signal of paraventricular (PVN) and ventromedial (VMN) nuclei, given principally by upregulation of AgRP and NPY. This was mildly counteracted by the arcuate nucleus, with decreased AgRP expression and increased POMC and kisspeptin expression. CAF altered the transcription of neurosteroidogenic enzymes in PVN and VMN, and epigenetic mechanisms associated with differential promoter methylation were involved. The changes observed in the hypothalamic nuclei studied could add information about their differential role in food intake control and how their action is disrupted in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Paola Lazzarino
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
| | - María Florencia Andreoli
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
| | - María Florencia Rossetti
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
| | - Cora Stoker
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
| | - María Virgina Tschopp
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
| | - Enrique Hugo Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
| | - Jorge Guillermo Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
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5
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Bissegger S, Langlois VS. Androgens modulate gene expression and specific DNA methylation pattern of steroid 5α-reductases in the frog Silurana tropicalis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 234:123-32. [PMID: 26987288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In vertebrates, androgens are essential in many biological functions, including reproduction, immune system, metabolism, cardiovascular function, and the central nervous system. The most potent androgen 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT), which is actively involved in sexual differentiation and development, is converted from testosterone (T) by the steroid 5α-reductases type 1, 2, and 3 (Srd5α1, Srd5α2, and Srd5α3). Alternatively, steroid 5β-reductase (Srd5β) converts T to 5β-dihydrotestosterone (5β-DHT), a metabolite believed to be involved in steroid clearance. Recent studies suggested that Srd5 isoforms are targets for endocrine disruption. Thus, understanding the regulation of Srd5 is important to expand our knowledge on how exogenous compounds can interfere with these enzymes. In this study, we exposed frog brain, liver, and gonads ex vivo to T, 5α-DHT, and 5β-DHT in order to investigate the regulation of srd5 in response to androgens as a simulation of endocrine disrupting chemicals with androgenic properties. Androgens did not modulate srd5α2, suggesting that this isoform is not regulated by T and 5α-DHT in frogs. However, the DNA methylation of srd5α2 increased following 5α-DHT treatment suggesting that androgens can modulate epigenetic mechanisms in amphibians. In contrast, the DNA methylation of srd5α1 and srd5α3 remained stable after androgen exposure, but the mRNA levels of srd5α1 and srd5α3 were modulated by T, 5α-DHT, and 5β-DHT in a sex- and tissue-specific manner. While T positively regulates srd5α1 and srd5α3 in testes, T negatively regulates srd5α3 in ovaries. Moreover, exposure to T also increased the mRNA level of srd5β in the male brain suggesting a mechanism to protect the brain from androgen action by elimination of T into 5β-DHT. Thus, exogenous compounds with androgenic properties potentially interact with srd5 transcription and DNA methylation pattern, which could adversely affect biological functions of vertebrates during development and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Bissegger
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Department, Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Valerie S Langlois
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Department, Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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Rossetti MF, Cambiasso MJ, Holschbach MA, Cabrera R. Oestrogens and Progestagens: Synthesis and Action in the Brain. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28. [PMID: 27306650 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
When steroids, such as pregnenolone, progesterone and oestrogen, are synthesised de novo in neural tissues, they are more specifically referred to as neurosteroids. These neurosteroids bind specific receptors to promote essential brain functions. Pregnenolone supports cognition and protects mouse hippocampal cells against glutamate and amyloid peptide-induced cell death. Progesterone promotes myelination, spinogenesis, synaptogenesis, neuronal survival and dendritic growth. Allopregnanolone increases hippocampal neurogenesis, neuronal survival and cognitive functions. Oestrogens, such as oestradiol, regulate synaptic plasticity, reproductive behaviour, aggressive behaviour and learning. In addition, neurosteroids are neuroprotective in animal models of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, brain injury and ageing. Using in situ hybridisation and/or immunohistochemistry, steroidogenic enzymes, including cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ5-Δ4 isomerase, cytochrome P450arom, steroid 5α-reductase and 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, have been detected in numerous brain regions, including the hippocampus, hypothalamus and cerebral cortex. In the present review, we summarise some of the studies related to the synthesis and function of oestrogens and progestagens in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Rossetti
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral, CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - M J Cambiasso
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología Bucal, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - M A Holschbach
- Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - R Cabrera
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, INBIOMED-IMBECU-CONICET, Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
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7
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Engström W, Darbre P, Eriksson S, Gulliver L, Hultman T, Karamouzis MV, Klaunig JE, Mehta R, Moorwood K, Sanderson T, Sone H, Vadgama P, Wagemaker G, Ward A, Singh N, Al-Mulla F, Al-Temaimi R, Amedei A, Colacci AM, Vaccari M, Mondello C, Scovassi AI, Raju J, Hamid RA, Memeo L, Forte S, Roy R, Woodrick J, Salem HK, Ryan EP, Brown DG, Bisson WH. The potential for chemical mixtures from the environment to enable the cancer hallmark of sustained proliferative signalling. Carcinogenesis 2015; 36 Suppl 1:S38-60. [PMID: 26106143 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgv030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work is to review current knowledge relating the established cancer hallmark, sustained cell proliferation to the existence of chemicals present as low dose mixtures in the environment. Normal cell proliferation is under tight control, i.e. cells respond to a signal to proliferate, and although most cells continue to proliferate into adult life, the multiplication ceases once the stimulatory signal disappears or if the cells are exposed to growth inhibitory signals. Under such circumstances, normal cells remain quiescent until they are stimulated to resume further proliferation. In contrast, tumour cells are unable to halt proliferation, either when subjected to growth inhibitory signals or in the absence of growth stimulatory signals. Environmental chemicals with carcinogenic potential may cause sustained cell proliferation by interfering with some cell proliferation control mechanisms committing cells to an indefinite proliferative span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilhelm Engström
- Department of Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7028, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden,
| | - Philippa Darbre
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6UB, UK
| | - Staffan Eriksson
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 575, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Linda Gulliver
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin 9050, New Zealand
| | - Tove Hultman
- Department of Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7028, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6UB, UK
| | - Michalis V Karamouzis
- Department of Biological Chemistry Medical School, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Biomedical Research, University of Athens, Marasli 3, Kolonaki, Athens 10676, Greece
| | - James E Klaunig
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University Bloomington , 1025 E. 7th Street, Suite 111, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Rekha Mehta
- Regulatory Toxicology Research Division, Bureau of Chemical Safety, Food Directorate, HPFB, Health Canada, 251 Sir F.G. Banting Driveway, AL # 2202C, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Kim Moorwood
- Department of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Bath , Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Thomas Sanderson
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, 531 boulevard des Prairies, Laval, Quebec H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Hideko Sone
- Environmental Exposure Research Section, Center for Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibraki 3058506, Japan
| | - Pankaj Vadgama
- IRC in Biomedical Materials, School of Engineering & Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Gerard Wagemaker
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Development, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Andrew Ward
- Department of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Bath , Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Neetu Singh
- Centre for Advanced Research, King George's Medical University, Chowk, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003, India
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Department of Pathology, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait
| | | | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Firenze 50134, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Colacci
- Center for Environmental Carcinogenesis and Risk Assessment, Environmental Protection and Health Prevention Agency, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Monica Vaccari
- Center for Environmental Carcinogenesis and Risk Assessment, Environmental Protection and Health Prevention Agency, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Chiara Mondello
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - A Ivana Scovassi
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Jayadev Raju
- Regulatoty Toxicology Research Division, Bureau of Chemical Safety, Food Directorate, HPFB, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A0K9, Canada
| | - Roslida A Hamid
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lorenzo Memeo
- Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande 95029, Italy
| | - Stefano Forte
- Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande 95029, Italy
| | - Rabindra Roy
- Molecular Oncology Program, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Jordan Woodrick
- Molecular Oncology Program, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Hosni K Salem
- Urology Dept. kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, El Manial, Cairo 12515, Egypt
| | - Elizabeth P Ryan
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Sciences, Colorado State University//Colorado School of Public Health, Fort Collins CO 80523-1680, USA and
| | - Dustin G Brown
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Sciences, Colorado State University//Colorado School of Public Health, Fort Collins CO 80523-1680, USA and
| | - William H Bisson
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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Rossetti MF, Varayoud J, Moreno-Piovano GS, Luque EH, Ramos JG. Environmental enrichment attenuates the age-related decline in the mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes and reduces the methylation state of the steroid 5α-reductase type 1 gene in the rat hippocampus. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 412:330-8. [PMID: 26021641 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed the effects of aging and environmental enrichment on the mRNA expression and DNA methylation state of steroidogenic enzymes in the hippocampus. The effects of aging were evaluated by comparing young adult (90-day-old) and middle-aged (450-day-old) female Wistar rats. To elucidate the effects of environmental enrichment, a subgroup of middle-aged rats exposed to sensory and social stimulation for 105 days was compared to rats housed under standard laboratory conditions. Aging decreased the transcription of neurosteroidogenic-related genes and increased the promoter methylation state of cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage, 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD) and 5α-reductase-1. Exposure of middle-aged rats to environmental enrichment increased mRNA levels of 5α-reductase-1, 3α-HSD and cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/c17,20-lyase and decreased the methylation state of the 5α-reductase-1 gene. Thus, sensory and social stimulation attenuate the age-related decline in the mRNA expression of hippocampal steroidogenic enzymes. Epigenetic mechanisms associated with differential promoter methylation could be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- María F Rossetti
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorgelina Varayoud
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Guillermo S Moreno-Piovano
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Enrique H Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorge G Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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9
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Didych DA, Shamsutdinov MF, Smirnov NA, Akopov SB, Monastyrskaya GS, Uspenskaya NY, Nikolaev LG, Sverdlov ED. Human PSENEN and U2AF1L4 genes are concertedly regulated by a genuine bidirectional promoter. Gene 2012; 515:34-41. [PMID: 23246698 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2012.11.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2012] [Revised: 10/31/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Head-to-head genes with a short distance between their transcription start sites may constitute up to 10% of all genes in the genomes of various species. It was hypothesized that this intergenic space may represent bidirectional promoters which are able to initiate transcription of both genes, but the true bidirectionality was proved only for a few of them. We present experimental evidence that, according to several criteria, a 269 bp region located between the PSENEN and U2AF1L4 human genes is a genuine bidirectional promoter regulating a concerted divergent transcription of these genes. Concerted transcription of PSENEN and U2AF1L4 can be necessary for regulation of T-cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Didych
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997, Moscow, Russia
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AIZAWA KATSUJI, IEMITSU MOTOYUKI, MAEDA SEIJI, MESAKI NOBORU, USHIDA TAKASHI, AKIMOTO TAKAYUKI. Endurance Exercise Training Enhances Local Sex Steroidogenesis in Skeletal Muscle. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2011; 43:2072-80. [DOI: 10.1249/mss.0b013e31821e9d74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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In a mouse model relevant for post-traumatic stress disorder, selective brain steroidogenic stimulants (SBSS) improve behavioral deficits by normalizing allopregnanolone biosynthesis. Behav Pharmacol 2010; 21:438-50. [PMID: 20716970 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0b013e32833d8ba0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The pathophysiological role of the neurosteroid 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one (allopregnanolone) in neuropsychiatric disorders has been highlighted in several recent investigations. For instance, allopregnanolone levels are decreased in the CSF of patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major unipolar depression. Neurosteroidogenic antidepressants, including fluoxetine and analogs, correct this decrease in a manner that correlates with improved depressive symptoms. PTSD-like behavioral dysfunctions, including heightened aggression, exaggerated fear, and anxiety-like behavior associated with a decrease in corticolimbic allopregnanolone content are modeled in mice by protracted social isolation stress. Allopregnanolone is not only synthesized by principal glutamatergic and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons, but also locally, potently, positively, and allosterically modulates GABA action at postsynaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors. Hence, this paper will review preclinical studies, which show that in socially isolated mice, rather than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor mechanisms, allopregnanolone biosynthesis in glutamatergic corticolimbic neurons offers a nontraditional target for fluoxetine to decrease signs of aggression, normalize fear responses, and decrease anxiety-like behavior. At low selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-inactive doses, fluoxetine and related congeners potently increase allopregnanolone levels by acting as potent selective brain steroidogenic stimulants (SBSS), thereby facilitating GABAA receptor neurotransmission and improving behavioral dysfunctions. Although the precise molecular mechanisms that underlie the action of these drugs are not fully understood, findings from socially isolated mice may ultimately generate insights into novel drug targets for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and panic disorders, depression, and PTSD.
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Genomic gain of 5p15 leads to over-expression of Misu (NSUN2) in breast cancer. Cancer Lett 2009; 289:71-80. [PMID: 19740597 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2009.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2009] [Revised: 07/21/2009] [Accepted: 08/02/2009] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
We have examined expression of the Myc target gene Misu (NSUN2) in breast cancer. There was extensive copy number gain, and increased mRNA and protein levels, of Misu in approximately one third of breast cancer cell lines and primary tumours examined, irrespective of tumour subtype. Genes on 5p15.31-33, where Misu is located, showed evolutionary synteny. siRNA-mediated knockdown of Misu reduced cell number in over half of the cell lines tested, irrespective of estrogen receptor status. We conclude that Misu is up-regulated in a substantial proportion of breast cancers and has therapeutic potential as a drug target.
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Huang CC, Chang WSW. Cooperation between NRF-2 and YY-1 transcription factors is essential for triggering the expression of the PREPL-C2ORF34 bidirectional gene pair. BMC Mol Biol 2009; 10:67. [PMID: 19575798 PMCID: PMC2713978 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2199-10-67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2008] [Accepted: 07/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many mammalian genes are organized as bidirectional (head-to-head) gene pairs with the two genes separated only by less than 1 kb. The transcriptional regulation of these bidirectional gene pairs remains largely unclear, but a few studies have suggested that the two closely adjacent genes in divergent orientation can be co-regulated by a single transcription factor binding to a specific regulatory fragment. Here we report an evolutionarily conserved bidirectional gene pair, known as the PREPL-C2ORF34 gene pair, whose transcription relies on the synergic cooperation of two transcription factors binding to an intergenic bidirectional minimal promoter. Results While PREPL is present primarily in brain and heart, C2ORF34 is ubiquitously and abundantly expressed in almost all tissues. Genomic analyses revealed that these two non-homologous genes are adjacent in a head-to-head configuration on human chromosome 2p21 and separated by only 405 bp. Within this short intergenic region, a 243-bp GC-rich segment was demonstrated to function as a bidirectional minimal promoter to initiate the transcription of both flanking genes. Two key transcription factors, NRF-2 and YY-1, were further identified to coordinately participate in driving both gene expressions in an additive manner. The functional cooperation between these two transcription factors, along with their genomic binding sites and some cis-acting repressive elements, are essential for the transcriptional activation and tissue distribution of the PREPL-C2ORF34 bidirectional gene pair. Conclusion This study provides new insights into the complex transcriptional mechanism of a mammalian head-to-head gene pair which requires cooperative binding of multiple transcription factors to a bidirectional minimal promoter of the shared intergenic region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Chang Huang
- 1Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan.
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Bibliography. Current world literature. Adrenal cortex. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2008; 15:284-299. [PMID: 18438178 DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e3283040e80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Pinna G, Agis-Balboa RC, Pibiri F, Nelson M, Guidotti A, Costa E. Neurosteroid biosynthesis regulates sexually dimorphic fear and aggressive behavior in mice. Neurochem Res 2008; 33:1990-2007. [PMID: 18473173 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-008-9718-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2007] [Accepted: 04/14/2008] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The neurosteroid allopregnanolone is a potent positive allosteric modulator of GABA action at GABA(A) receptors. Allopregnanolone is synthesized in the brain from progesterone by the sequential action of 5alpha-reductase type I (5alpha-RI) and 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3alpha-HSD). 5alpha-RI and 3alpha-HSD are co-expressed in cortical, hippocampal, and olfactory bulb glutamatergic neurons and in output neurons of the amygdala, thalamus, cerebellum, and striatum. Neither 5alpha-RI nor 3alpha-HSD mRNAs is expressed in glial cells or in cortical or hippocampal GABAergic interneurons. It is likely that allopregnanolone synthesized in principal output neurons locally modulates GABA(A) receptor function by reaching GABA(A) receptor intracellular sites through lateral membrane diffusion. This review will focus on the behavioral effects of allopregnanolone on mouse models that are related to a sexually dimorphic regulation of brain allopregnanolone biosynthesis. Animal models of psychiatric disorders, including socially isolated male mice or mice that receive a long-term treatment with anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), show abnormal behaviors such as altered fear responses and aggression. In these animal models, the cortico-limbic mRNA expression of 5alpha-RI is regulated in a sexually dimorphic manner. Hence, in selected glutamatergic pyramidal neurons of the cortex, CA3, and basolateral amygdala and in granular cells of the dentate gyrus, mRNA expression of 5alpha-RI is decreased, which results in a downregulation of allopregnanolone content. In contrast, 5alpha-RI mRNA expression fails to change in the striatum medium spiny neurons and in the reticular thalamic nucleus neurons, which are GABAergic.By manipulating allopregnanolone levels in glutamatergic cortico-limbic neurons in opposite directions to improve [using the potent selective brain steroidogenic stimulant (SBSS) S-norfluoxetine] or induce (using the potent 5alpha-RI inhibitor SKF 105,111) behavioral deficits, respectively, we have established the fundamental role of cortico-limbic allopregnanolone levels in the sexually dimorphic regulation of aggression and fear. By selectively targeting allopregnanolone downregulation in glutamatergic cortico-limbic neurons, i.e., by improving the response of GABA(A) receptors to GABA, new therapeutics would offer appropriate and safe management of psychiatric conditions, including impulsive aggression, irritability, irrational fear, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorders, and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziano Pinna
- Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601W Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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