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Du Z, Tong D, Chen X, Wu F, Jiang S, Zhang J, Yang Y, Wang R, Gantuya S, Davaajargal T, Lkhagvatseren S, Batsukh Z, Du A, Ma G. Genome-wide RNA interference of the nhr gene family in barber's pole worm identified members crucial for larval viability in vitro. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 122:105609. [PMID: 38806077 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs) are emerging target candidates against nematode infection and resistance. However, there is a lack of comprehensive information on NHR-coding genes in parasitic nematodes. In this study, we curated the nhr gene family for 60 major parasitic nematodes from humans and animals. Compared with the free-living model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, a remarkable contraction of the nhr family was revealed in parasitic species, with genetic diversification and conservation unveiled among nematode Clades I (10-13), III (16-42), IV (33-35) and V (25-64). Using an in vitro biosystem, we demonstrated that 40 nhr genes in a blood-feeding nematode Haemonchus contortus (clade V; barber's pole worm) were responsive to host serum and one nhr gene (i.e., nhr-64) was consistently stimulated by anthelmintics (i.e., ivermectin, thiabendazole and levamisole); Using a high-throughput RNA interference platform, we knocked down 43 nhr genes of H. contortus and identified at least two genes that are required for the viability (i.e., nhr-105) and development (i.e., nhr-17) of the infective larvae of this parasitic nematode in vitro. Harnessing this preliminary functional atlas of nhr genes for H. contortus will prime the biological studies of this gene family in nematode genetics, infection, and anthelmintic metabolism within host animals, as well as the promising discovery of novel intervention targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhendong Du
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Danni Tong
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Xueqiu Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Fei Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Shengjun Jiang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Jingju Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Rui Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010018, China
| | - Sambuu Gantuya
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 17024, Mongolia
| | - Tserennyam Davaajargal
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 17024, Mongolia
| | - Sukhbaatar Lkhagvatseren
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 17024, Mongolia.
| | - Zayat Batsukh
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 17024, Mongolia.
| | - Aifang Du
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Guangxu Ma
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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2
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Xu Y, Zhang Z, Wang R, Xue S, Ying Q, Jin L. Roles of estrogen and its receptors in polycystic ovary syndrome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1395331. [PMID: 38961865 PMCID: PMC11219844 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1395331] [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: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder characterized by abnormal steroid hormone levels in peripheral blood and poor-quality oocytes. In the ovary, androgen is produced by theca cells, and estrogen is produced by granulosa cells. Androgen is converted to estrogen in granulosa cells, with cytochrome P450 aromatase as the limiting enzyme during this process. Estrogen receptors (ER) include ER alpha, ER beta, and membrane receptor GPR30. Studies have demonstrated that the abnormal functions of estrogen and its receptors and estradiol synthesis-related enzymes are closely related to PCOS. In recent years, some estrogen-related drugs have made significant progress in clinical application for subfertility with PCOS, such as letrozole and clomiphene. This article will elaborate on the recent advances in PCOS caused by abnormal expression of estrogen and its receptors and the application of related targeted small molecule drugs in clinical research and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziyi Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongxiang Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Songguo Xue
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Ying
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liping Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Torungkitmangmi N, Chantree P, Chaimon S, Prathaphan P, Ruangtong J, Geadkaew-Krenc A, Sornchuer P, Sanannam B, Thongsepee N, Pankao V, Adisakwattana P, Martviset P. Molecular and biochemical characterizations of a Fasciola gigantica retinoid X receptor-α isoform A (FgRXRα-A). Sci Rep 2024; 14:12347. [PMID: 38811840 PMCID: PMC11137005 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63194-6] [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: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Fascioliasis is a parasitic infection in animals and humans caused by the parasitic flatworm genus Fasciola, which has two major species, F. hepatica and F. gigantica. A major concern regarding this disease is drug resistance, which is increasingly reported worldwide. Hence, the discovery of a novel drug as well as drug targets is crucially required. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the novel drug target in the adult F. gigantica. In the beginning, we hypothesized that the parasite might interact with some host molecules when it lives inside the liver parenchyma or bile ducts, specifically hormones and hormone-like molecules, through the specific receptors, primarily nuclear receptors (NRs), which are recognized as a major drug target in various diseases. The retinoid X receptor (RXR) is a member of subfamily 2 NRs that plays multitudinous roles in organisms by forming homodimers or heterodimers with other NRs. We obtained the full-length amino acid sequences of F. gigantica retinoid X receptor-alpha (FgRXRα-A) from the transcriptome of F. gigantica that existed in the NCBI database. The FgRXRα-A were computationally predicted for the basic properties, multiple aligned, phylogeny analyzed, and generated of 2D and 3D models. Moreover, FgRXRα-A was molecular cloned and expressed as a recombinant protein (rFgRXRα-A), then used for immunization for specific polyclonal antibodies. The native FgRXRα-A was detected in the parasite extracts and tissues, and the function was investigated by in vitro binding assay. The results demonstrated the conservation of FgRXRα-A to the other RXRs, especially RXRs from the trematodes. Interestingly, the native FgRXRα-A could be detected in the testes of the parasite, where the sex hormones are accumulated. Moreover, the binding assay revealed the interaction of 9-cis retinoic acid and FgRXRα-A, suggesting the function of FgRXRα-A. Our findings suggested that FgRXRα-A will be involved with the sexual reproduction of the parasite by forming heterodimers with other NRs, and it could be the potential target for further drug development of fascioliasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nattaya Torungkitmangmi
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Pathanin Chantree
- Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
- Thammasat University Research Unit in Nutraceuticals and Food Safety, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
- Graduate Program in Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Salisa Chaimon
- Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
- Graduate Program in Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Parisa Prathaphan
- Graduate Program in Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Jittiporn Ruangtong
- Thammasat University Research Unit in Nutraceuticals and Food Safety, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Amornrat Geadkaew-Krenc
- Graduate Studies in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Phornphan Sornchuer
- Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
- Thammasat University Research Unit in Nutraceuticals and Food Safety, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Bumpenporn Sanannam
- Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
- Graduate Program in Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Nattaya Thongsepee
- Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
- Thammasat University Research Unit in Nutraceuticals and Food Safety, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
- Graduate Program in Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Viriya Pankao
- Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Poom Adisakwattana
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Pongsakorn Martviset
- Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand.
- Thammasat University Research Unit in Nutraceuticals and Food Safety, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand.
- Graduate Program in Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand.
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Wu K, Huang S, Zhao Y, Umar A, Chen H, Yu Z, Huang J. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 located in different developmental stages in Schistosoma japonicum and involved in important metabolic pathways. Biomed J 2024:100726. [PMID: 38621646 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2024.100726] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nuclear receptors (NRs) are vital for regulating gene expression un organisms. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (HNF4), a class of NRs, participates in blood feeding and intestinal maintenance in schistosomes. However, there is limited research on the molecular and functional characterization of HNF4 in Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum). METHODS Highly specific polyclonal antibodies were generated to analyze the expression and tissue localization of S. japonicum HNF4 (SjHNF4). The potential biological functions of SjHNF4 were characterized by transcriptome and pull-down analysis. Subsequently, enrichment analysis was performed to identify the specific signaling pathways linked to SjHNF4. RESULTS The SjHNF4 protein was expressed heterologously and purified successfully. High purity and high potency polyclonal antibodies were further prepared. The expression of SjHNF4 was higher in female compared to male worms at both transcriptional and protein levels. Female worms expressed SjHNF4 in their perithecium, reproductive system, and certain parts of the intestinal tissues. SjHNF4 was also detected in the perithecium of male worms, as well as in the head, body of cercaria, and eggs. Furthermore, our findings highlighted the potential role of SjHNF4 in blood feeding and its interaction with crucial pathways such as glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism. CONCLUSIONS This study shed light on the location of SjHNF4 in different life stages of S. japonicum, particularly associated with the female schistosomes. A strong correlation was observed between SjHNF4 and essential metabolic pathways. These findings laid a solid groundwork for the research on the relationship between NRs and schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaijuan Wu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. 410013; China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha Hunan, China. 410013
| | - Shuaiqin Huang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. 410013; China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha Hunan, China. 410013
| | - Yiming Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. 410013; China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha Hunan, China. 410013
| | - Abdulrahim Umar
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. 410013
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. 410013; China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha Hunan, China. 410013
| | - Zheng Yu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. 410013; China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha Hunan, China. 410013
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. 410013; China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha Hunan, China. 410013.
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5
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Wu W, LoVerde PT. Updated knowledge and a proposed nomenclature for nuclear receptors with two DNA binding domains (2DBD-NRs). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286107. [PMID: 37699039 PMCID: PMC10497141 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) are important transcriptional modulators in metazoans. Typical NRs possess a conserved DNA binding domain (DBD) and a ligand binding domain (LBD). Since we discovered a type of novel NRs each of them has two DBDs and single LBD (2DBD-NRs) more than decade ago, there has been very few studies about 2DBD-NRs. Recently, 2DBD-NRs have been only reported in Platyhelminths and Mollusca and are thought to be specific NRs to lophotrochozoan. In this study, we searched different databases and identified 2DBD-NRs in different animals from both protostomes and deuterostomes. Phylogenetic analysis shows that at least two ancient 2DBD-NR genes were present in the urbilaterian, a common ancestor of protostomes and deuterostomes. 2DBD-NRs underwent gene duplication and loss after the split of different animal phyla, most of them in a certain animal phylum are paralogues, rather than orthologues, like in other animal phyla. Amino acid sequence analysis shows that the conserved motifs in typical NRs are also present in 2DBD-NRs and they are gene specific. From our phylogenetic analysis of 2DBD-NRs and following the rule of Nomenclature System for the Nuclear Receptors, a nomenclature for 2DBD-NRs is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Wu
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology University of Texas Health, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Philip T. LoVerde
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology University of Texas Health, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
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Wesołowska A. Sex—the most underappreciated variable in research: insights from helminth-infected hosts. Vet Res 2022; 53:94. [PMID: 36397174 PMCID: PMC9672581 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-022-01103-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The sex of a host affects the intensity, prevalence, and severity of helminth infection. In many cases, one sex has been found to be more susceptible than the other, with the prevalence and intensity of helminth infections being generally higher among male than female hosts; however, many exceptions exist. This observed sex bias in parasitism results primarily from ecological, behavioural, and physiological differences between males and females. Complex interactions between these influences modulate the risk of infection. Indeed, an interplay among sex hormones, sex chromosomes, the microbiome and the immune system significantly contributes to the generation of sex bias among helminth-infected hosts. However, sex hormones not only can modulate the course of infection but also can be exploited by the parasites, and helminths appear to have developed molecules and pathways for this purpose. Furthermore, host sex may influence the efficacy of anti-helminth vaccines; however, although little data exist regarding this sex-dependent efficacy, host sex is known to influence the response to vaccines. Despite its importance, host sex is frequently overlooked in parasitological studies. This review focuses on the key contributors to sex bias in the case of helminth infection. The precise nature of the mechanisms/factors determining these sex-specific differences generally remains largely unknown, and this represents an obstacle in the development of control methods. There is an urgent need to identify any protective elements that could be targeted in future therapies to provide optimal disease management with regard to host sex. Hence, more research is needed into the impact of host sex on immunity and protection.
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Molecular identification of a PGRMC-2 receptor in maturing oocytes of the zoonotic nematode parasite Trichinella spiralis. Vet Parasitol 2022; 302:109662. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Wu W, LoVerde PT. Identification and evolution of nuclear receptors in Platyhelminths. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250750. [PMID: 34388160 PMCID: PMC8363021 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first complete set of Platyhelminth nuclear receptors (NRs) from Schistosoma mansoni were identified a decade ago, more flatworm genome data is available to identify their NR complement and to analyze the evolutionary relationship of Platyhelminth NRs. NRs are important transcriptional modulators that regulate development, differentiation and reproduction of animals. In this study, NRs are identified in genome databases of thirty-three species including in all Platyhelminth classes (Rhabditophora, Monogenea, Cestoda and Trematoda). Phylogenetic analysis shows that NRs in Platyhelminths follow two different evolutionary lineages: 1) NRs in a free-living freshwater flatworm (Schmidtea mediterranea) and all parasitic flatworms share the same evolutionary lineage with extensive gene loss. 2) NRs in a free-living intertidal zone flatworm (Macrostomum lignano) follow a different evolutionary lineage with a feature of multiple gene duplication and gene divergence. The DNA binding domain (DBD) is the most conserved region in NRs which contains two C4-type zinc finger motifs. A novel zinc finger motif is identified in parasitic flatworm NRs: the second zinc finger of parasitic Platyhelminth HR96b possesses a CHC2 motif which is not found in NRs of all other animals studied to date. In this study, novel NRs (members of NR subfamily 3 and 6) are identified in flatworms, this result demonstrates that members of all six classical NR subfamilies are present in the Platyhelminth phylum. NR gene duplication, loss and divergence in Platyhelminths are analyzed along with the evolutionary relationship of Platyhelminth NRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Wu
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology and Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Philip T. LoVerde
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology and Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Lakshmanan Mangalath D, Hassan Mohammed SA. Ligand Binding Domain of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Preserve a Conserved Structural Architecture Similar to Bacterial Taxis Receptors. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.681913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It remains a mystery why estrogen hormone receptors (ERs), which are highly specific toward its endogenous hormones, are responsive to chemically distinct exogenous agents. Does it indicate that ERs are environmentally regulated? Here, we speculate that ERs would have some common structural features with prokaryotic taxis receptor responsive toward environmental signals. This study addresses the low specificity and high responsiveness of ERs toward chemically distinct exogenous substances, from an evolutionary point of view. Here, we compared the ligand binding domain (LBD) of ER alpha (α) with the LBDs of prokaryotic taxis receptors to check if LBDs share any structural similarity. Interestingly, a high degree of similarity in the domain structural fold architecture of ERα and bacterial taxis receptors was observed. The pharmacophore modeling focused on ligand molecules of both receptors suggest that these ligands share common pharmacophore features. The molecular docking studies suggest that the natural ligands of bacterial chemotaxis receptors exhibit strong interaction with human ER as well. Although phylogenetic analysis proved that these proteins are unrelated, they would have evolved independently, suggesting a possibility of convergent molecular evolution. Nevertheless, a remarkable sequence divergence was seen between these proteins even when they shared common domain structural folds and common ligand-based pharmacophore features, suggesting that the protein architecture remains conserved within the structure for a specific function irrespective of sequence identity.
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Taubenheim J, Kortmann C, Fraune S. Function and Evolution of Nuclear Receptors in Environmental-Dependent Postembryonic Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:653792. [PMID: 34178983 PMCID: PMC8222990 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.653792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) fulfill key roles in the coordination of postembryonal developmental transitions in animal species. They control the metamorphosis and sexual maturation in virtually all animals and by that the two main environmental-dependent developmental decision points. Sexual maturation and metamorphosis are controlled by steroid receptors and thyroid receptors, respectively in vertebrates, while both processes are orchestrated by the ecdysone receptor (EcR) in insects. The regulation of these processes depends on environmental factors like nutrition, temperature, or photoperiods and by that NRs form evolutionary conserved mediators of phenotypic plasticity. While the mechanism of action for metamorphosis and sexual maturation are well studied in model organisms, the evolution of these systems is not entirely understood and requires further investigation. We here review the current knowledge of NR involvement in metamorphosis and sexual maturation across the animal tree of life with special attention to environmental integration and evolution of the signaling mechanism. Furthermore, we compare commonalities and differences of the different signaling systems. Finally, we identify key gaps in our knowledge of NR evolution, which, if sufficiently investigated, would lead to an importantly improved understanding of the evolution of complex signaling systems, the evolution of life history decision points, and, ultimately, speciation events in the metazoan kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Taubenheim
- Zoology and Organismic Interactions, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Constantin Kortmann
- Zoology and Organismic Interactions, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sebastian Fraune
- Zoology and Organismic Interactions, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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