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Zhang H, Liu Y, Liu J, Chen J, Wang J, Hua H, Jiang Y. cAMP-PKA/EPAC signaling and cancer: the interplay in tumor microenvironment. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:5. [PMID: 38233872 PMCID: PMC10792844 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01524-x] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease resulting from abnormal cell growth that is induced by a number of genetic and environmental factors. The tumor microenvironment (TME), which involves extracellular matrix, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), tumor-infiltrating immune cells and angiogenesis, plays a critical role in tumor progression. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a second messenger that has pleiotropic effects on the TME. The downstream effectors of cAMP include cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), exchange protein activated by cAMP (EPAC) and ion channels. While cAMP can activate PKA or EPAC and promote cancer cell growth, it can also inhibit cell proliferation and survival in context- and cancer type-dependent manner. Tumor-associated stromal cells, such as CAF and immune cells, can release cytokines and growth factors that either stimulate or inhibit cAMP production within the TME. Recent studies have shown that targeting cAMP signaling in the TME has therapeutic benefits in cancer. Small-molecule agents that inhibit adenylate cyclase and PKA have been shown to inhibit tumor growth. In addition, cAMP-elevating agents, such as forskolin, can not only induce cancer cell death, but also directly inhibit cell proliferation in some cancer types. In this review, we summarize current understanding of cAMP signaling in cancer biology and immunology and discuss the basis for its context-dependent dual role in oncogenesis. Understanding the precise mechanisms by which cAMP and the TME interact in cancer will be critical for the development of effective therapies. Future studies aimed at investigating the cAMP-cancer axis and its regulation in the TME may provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms of tumorigenesis and lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongying Zhang
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yongliang Liu
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jieya Liu
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jinzhu Chen
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Hui Hua
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yangfu Jiang
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Paradiso E, Lazzaretti C, Sperduti S, Melli B, Trenti T, Tagliavini S, Roli L, D'Achille F, Beltrán-Frutos E, Simoni M, Casarini L. Protein kinase B (Akt) blockade inhibits LH/hCG-mediated 17,20-lyase, but not 17α-hydroxylase activity of Cyp17a1 in mouse Leydig cell steroidogenesis. Cell Signal 2023; 111:110872. [PMID: 37640196 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Androgens are produced by adrenal and gonadal cells thanks to the action of specific enzymes. We investigated the role of protein kinase B (Akt) in the modulation of Δ4 steroidogenic enzymes' activity, in the mouse Leydig tumor cell line mLTC1. Cells were treated for 0-24 h with the 3 × 50% effective concentration of human luteinizing hormone (LH) and choriogonadotropin (hCG), in the presence and in the absence of the specific Akt inhibitor 3CAI. Cell signaling analysis was performed by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) and Western blotting, while the expression of key target genes was investigated by real-time PCR. The synthesis of progesterone, 17α-hydroxy (OH)-progesterone and testosterone was measured by immunoassay. Control experiments for cell viability and caspase 3 activation were performed as well. We found that both hormones activated cAMP and downstream effectors, such as extracellularly-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) and cAMP response element-binding protein (Creb), as well as Akt, and the transcription of Stard1, Hsd3b1, Cyp17a1 and Hsd17b3 genes, boosting the Δ4 steroidogenic pathway. Interestingly, Akt blockade decreased selectively Cyp17a1 expression levels, inhibiting its 17,20-lyase, but not the 17-hydroxylase activity. This effect is consistent with lower Cyp17a1 affinity to 17α-OH-progesterone than progesterone. As a result, cell treatment with 3CAI resulted in 17α-OH-progesterone accumulation at 16-24 h and decreased testosterone levels after 24 h. In conclusion, in the mouse Leydig cell line mLTC1, we found substantial Akt dependence of the 17,20-lyase activity and testosterone synthesis. Our results indicate that different intracellular pathways modulate selectively the dual activity of Cyp17a1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elia Paradiso
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy.
| | - Clara Lazzaretti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Samantha Sperduti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Beatrice Melli
- International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Simonetta Tagliavini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Roli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio D'Achille
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Ester Beltrán-Frutos
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy; Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
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Yue Y, Wang Y, Zhang B, Zeng J, Wang Q, Wang C, Peng S. Whole-Genome Methylation Sequencing of Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea) Liver Under Hypoxia and Acidification Stress. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 25:567-579. [PMID: 37450059 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-023-10226-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) is an important aquaculture species in China. This study analysed whole-genome methylation differences in liver tissues of young fish under different hypoxic and acidification conditions. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and differentially methylated genes (DMGs) were identified. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopaedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of DMGs were conducted to explore the mechanism of coping with hypoxic acidification. The main methylation type was CG, accounting for > 70% of total methylation, significantly higher than CHG and CHH methylation types. GO enrichment analysis of DMGs revealed strong enrichment of nervous system development, cell periphery, plasma membrane, cell junction organisation, cell junction, signalling receptor activity, molecular sensor activity, cell-linked tissue junction organisation, cell-cell adhesion and nervous system development. KEGG enrichment analysis of DMR-related genes identified cell adhesion molecules, cortisol synthesis and secretion and aldosterone synthesis and secretion as the three key pathways regulating the physiological responses to hypoxia and acidification. Long-term hypoxic and acidification stress affected the immune system, nervous system and stress responses of large yellow croaker. Whole-genome sequencing analysis of exposed tissues was used to investigate changes that occur in L. crocea in response to hypoxic and acidic conditions at the DNA methylation level. The findings contribute to our comprehensive understanding of functional methylation in large yellow croaker and will support future research on the response mechanisms of this species under different environmental pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Yue
- Key Laboratory of Marine and Estuarine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
| | - Yabing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine and Estuarine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
| | - Bianbian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine and Estuarine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiao Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Marine and Estuarine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine and Estuarine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
| | - Cuihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine and Estuarine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shiming Peng
- Key Laboratory of Marine and Estuarine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China.
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Roy N, Lazzaretti C, Paradiso E, Capponi C, Ferrari T, Reggianini F, Sperduti S, Baschieri L, Mascolo E, Perri C, Varani M, Canu G, Trenti T, Nicoli A, Morini D, Iannotti F, Villani MT, Vicini E, Simoni M, Casarini L. Short-Term Exposure to Bisphenol A Does Not Impact Gonadal Cell Steroidogenesis In Vitro. Cells 2023; 12:1537. [PMID: 37296657 PMCID: PMC10252311 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111537] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous, synthetic chemical proven to induce reproductive disorders in both men and women. The available studies investigated the effects of BPA on male and female steroidogenesis following long-term exposure to the compound at relatively high environmental concentrations. However, the impact of short-term exposure to BPA on reproduction is poorly studied. We evaluated if 8 and 24 h exposure to 1 nM and 1 µM BPA perturbs luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin (LH/hCG)-mediated signalling in two steroidogenic cell models, i.e., the mouse tumour Leydig cell line mLTC1, and human primary granulosa lutein cells (hGLC). Cell signalling studies were performed using a homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay and Western blotting, while gene expression analysis was carried out using real-time PCR. Immunostainings and an immunoassay were used for intracellular protein expression and steroidogenesis analyses, respectively. The presence of BPA leads to no significant changes in gonadotropin-induced cAMP accumulation, alongside phosphorylation of downstream molecules, such as ERK1/2, CREB and p38 MAPK, in both the cell models. BPA did not impact STARD1, CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 gene expression in hGLC, nor Stard1 and Cyp17a1 expression in mLTC1 treated with LH/hCG. Additionally, the StAR protein expression was unchanged upon exposure to BPA. Progesterone and oestradiol levels in the culture medium, measured by hGLC, as well as the testosterone and progesterone levels in the culture medium, measured by mLTC1, did not change in the presence of BPA combined with LH/hCG. These data suggest that short-term exposure to environmental concentrations of BPA does not compromise the LH/hCG-induced steroidogenic potential of either human granulosa or mouse Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neena Roy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (N.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Clara Lazzaretti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (N.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Elia Paradiso
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (N.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Chiara Capponi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.)
| | - Tommaso Ferrari
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (N.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Francesca Reggianini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (N.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Samantha Sperduti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (N.R.); (S.S.)
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Modena, Italy
| | - Lara Baschieri
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (N.R.); (S.S.)
- International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Modena, Italy
| | - Elisa Mascolo
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (N.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Carmela Perri
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (N.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Manuela Varani
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda USL/Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Canu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda USL/Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda USL/Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Alessia Nicoli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Daria Morini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Francesca Iannotti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Villani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Elena Vicini
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.)
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (N.R.); (S.S.)
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (N.R.); (S.S.)
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Modena, Italy
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Fanelli F, Magagnoli M, Mezzullo M, Lispi M, Limoncella S, Tommasini A, Pelusi C, Santi D, Simoni M, Pagotto U, Casarini L. Exploring the human chorionic gonadotropin induced steroid secretion profile of mouse Leydig tumor cell line 1 by a 20 steroid LC-MS/MS panel. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 229:106270. [PMID: 36764496 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The canonical androgen synthesis in Leydig cells involves Δ5 and Δ4 steroids. Besides, the backdoor pathway, eompassing 5α and 5α,3α steroids, is gaining interest in fetal and adult pathophysiology. Moreover, the role of androgen epimers and progesterone metabolites is still unknown. We developed a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for measuring 20 steroids and used it to investigate the steroid secretion induced by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the mouse Leydig tumor cell line 1 (mLTC1). Steroids were extracted from 500 µL supernatants from unstimulated or 100 pM hCG-exposed mLTC1 cells, separated on a Luna C8 100 × 3 mm, 3 µm column, with 100 µM NH4F and methanol as mobile phases, and analyzed by positive electrospray ionization and multiple reaction monitoring. Sensitivity ranged within 0.012-38.0 nmol/L. Intra-assay and inter-assay imprecision were < 9.1% and 10.0%, respectively. Trueness, recovery and matrix factor were within 93.4-122.0, 55.6-104.1 and 76.4-106.3%, respectively. Levels of 16OH-progesterone, 11-deoxycortisol, androstenedione, 11-deoxycorticosterone, testosterone, 17OH-progesterone, androstenedione, epitestosterone, dihydrotestosterone, progesterone, androsterone and 17OH-allopregnanolone were effectively measured. Traces of 17OH-dihydroprogesterone, androstanediol and dihydroprogesterone were found, whereas androstenediol, 17OH-pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone, pregnenolone and allopregnanolone showed no peak. hCG induced an increase of 80.2-102.5 folds in 16OH-progesterone, androstenedione and testosterone, 16.6 in dihydrotestosterone, 12.2-27.5 in epitestosterone, progesterone and metabolites, 8.1 in 17OH-allopregnanolone and ≤ 3.3 in 5α and 5α,3α steroids. In conclusion, our LC-MS/MS method allows exploring the Leydig steroidogenesis flow according to multiple pathways. Beside the expected stimulation of the canonical pathway, hCG increased progesterone metabolism and, to a low extent, the backdoor route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Fanelli
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy.
| | - Matteo Magagnoli
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Mezzullo
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Lispi
- International Ph.D. School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Global Medical Affair, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Silvia Limoncella
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Alessia Tommasini
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Carla Pelusi
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy; Endocrinology and Prevention and Care of Diabetes Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Uberto Pagotto
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy; Endocrinology and Prevention and Care of Diabetes Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
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Campolo F, Assenza MR, Venneri MA, Barbagallo F. Once upon a Testis: The Tale of Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase in Testicular Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087617. [PMID: 37108780 PMCID: PMC10146088 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087617] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphodiesterases are key regulators that fine tune the intracellular levels of cyclic nucleotides, given their ability to hydrolyze cAMP and cGMP. They are critical regulators of cAMP/cGMP-mediated signaling pathways, modulating their downstream biological effects such as gene expression, cell proliferation, cell-cycle regulation but also inflammation and metabolic function. Recently, mutations in PDE genes have been identified and linked to human genetic diseases and PDEs have been demonstrated to play a potential role in predisposition to several tumors, especially in cAMP-sensitive tissues. This review summarizes the current knowledge and most relevant findings regarding the expression and regulation of PDE families in the testis focusing on PDEs role in testicular cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Campolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Assenza
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, "Kore" University of Enna, 94100 Enna, Italy
| | - Mary Anna Venneri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Barbagallo
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, "Kore" University of Enna, 94100 Enna, Italy
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Chen Y, Wang L, Huang ZS, Feng JX, Li SX, Du ZJ, Zhang ZB, Liu J, Yang J, Hu ZM, Wang ZL, Chen J. Cytoskeletal protein SPTA1 mediating the decrease in erectile function induced by high-fat diet via Hippo signaling pathway. Andrology 2023; 11:591-610. [PMID: 36374586 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13338] [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: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanism of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced decrease in erectile function has not been elucidated, and in previous studies, spectrin alpha, erythrocytic 1 (SPTA1) is a cytoskeletal protein that regulates cellular function, which belongs to a family of proteins that can affect cell and tissue growth and development by regulating YAP, an effector on the Hippo signaling pathway, but its particular role has not been elucidated. OBJECTIVE To explore the role of SPTA1 in the abnormality of erectile function induced by HFD. METHODS We analyzed the penile tissues of mice on normal diet and HFD by transcriptomics and screened for differentially expressed genes, further identified closely related target genes in rat penile tissues, and verified target gene expression in in vitro construction of high-glucose (HG)-treated corpus cavernosum endothelial cells (CCECs) and corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) models. The distribution of target genes in various cell populations in penile tissues was retrieved by single-cell sequencing Male Health Atlas database. Moreover, interfering with target genes was further applied to explore the mechanisms involved in erectile function decline. RESULTS Transcriptomic analysis screened out down-regulated differential gene SPTA1; Western blot and immunohistochemistry results showed that SPTA1 expression significantly decreased in the penile tissues of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats in the HFD group. Immunofluorescence staining showed a positive expression of CD31 and VWF in CCECs and a positive expression of α-SMA in CCSMCs. The expression level of SPTA1 protein significantly decreased in the HG group of CCECs and CCSMCs. The expression of SPTA1 mRNA significantly decreased in CCSMCs while significantly increased in CCECs. SPTA1 may have various expression patterns and biological functions in different cell populations. Real-time quantitative PCR results showed that the siSPTA1 transfected in CCSMCs had a significant interference effect compared with the control siNC. Transfection of siSPTA1 into CCSMCs resulted in the significant down-regulation of mRNA and protein expression of eNOS, and significant up-regulation of YAP, Caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N IL-18, and IL-1β protein expression levels. The expression level of CCSMCs contractile-type protein α-SMA was significantly down-regulated. CONCLUSIONS The down-regulation of SPTA1 in SD rats fed with HFD may induce cell pyroptosis and lead to the decrease of erectile function by activating the Hippo pathway; these findings may provide new therapeutic targets for improving erectile function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Graduate School, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Crop Germplasm Resources Preservation and Utilization, Agro-biological Gene Research Center, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhan-Sen Huang
- Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Xin Feng
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shi-Xiong Li
- Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zi-Jun Du
- Graduate School, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Ze-Bo Zhang
- Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Crop Germplasm Resources Preservation and Utilization, Agro-biological Gene Research Center, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wu han, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Hu
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Meizhou People's Hospital (Huangtang Hospital), Meizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhi-Lin Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Crop Germplasm Resources Preservation and Utilization, Agro-biological Gene Research Center, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Low Expression of Phosphodiesterase 2 (PDE2A) Promotes the Progression by Regulating Mitochondrial Morphology and ATP Content and Predicts Poor Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010068. [PMID: 36611861 PMCID: PMC9818237 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphodiesterase 2 (PDE2A) modulates the levels of cAMP/cGMP and was recently found to be involved in mitochondria function regulation, closely related to multiple types of tumor progression. This study aimed to estimate the prognostic significance and biological effects of PDE2A on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We comprehensively analyzed the PDE2A mRNA expression in HCC based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and investigated the effects of PDE2A on the proliferation and metastatic capacity of HCC cells. PDE2A was downregulated in 25 cancer types, including HCC. Lower PDE2A expression was a protective factor in HCC and was negatively associated with serum AFP levels, tumor status, vascular invasion, histologic grade, and pathologic stage of HCC. Moreover, tumors with low PDE2A expression displayed a decreased immune function. Then, the ROC curve was used to assess the diagnostic ability of PDE2A in HCC (AUC = 0.823 in TCGA and AUC = 0.901 in GSE76427). Patients with low PDE2A expression exhibited worse outcomes compared with those with high PDE2A expression. Additionally, GO functional annotations demonstrated the involvement of PDE2A in the ECM organization, systems development, and ERK-related pathways, indicating that PDE2A might regulate HCC growth and metastasis. The in vitro experiments confirmed that overexpression of PDE2A inhibited proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion in two HCC cell lines (HLF and SNU-368), while inhibition of PDE2A has the opposite results. The mechanism of PDE2A's effect on HCC cells is attributed to the change of mitochondrial morphology and ATP content. These data demonstrated that PDE2A closely participated in the regulation of HCC proliferation and metastasis and can be used as a predictive marker candidate and a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
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