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Park CG, Adnan KM, Cho H, Ryu CS, Yoon J, Kim YJ. A combined in vitro-in silico method for assessing the androgenic activities of bisphenol A and its analogues. Toxicol In Vitro 2024; 98:105838. [PMID: 38710238 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2024.105838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Interactions between endocrine-disruptor chemicals (EDCs) and androgen receptor (AR) have adverse effects on the endocrine system, leading to human reproductive dysfunction. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an EDC that can damage both the environment and human health. Although numerous BPA analogues have been produced as substitutes for BPA, few studies have evaluated their endocrine-disrupting abilities. We assessed the (anti)-androgenic activities of BPA and its analogues using a yeast-based reporter assay. The BPA analogues tested were bisphenol S (BPS), 4-phenylphenol (4PP), 4,4'-(9-fluorenyliden)-diphenol (BPFL), tetramethyl bisphenol F (TMBPF), and tetramethyl bisphenol A (TMBPA). We also conducted molecular docking and dynamics simulations to assess the interactions of BPA and its analogues with the ligand-binding domain of human AR (AR-LBD). Neither BPA nor its analogues had androgenic activity; however, all except BPFL exerted robust anti-androgenic effects. Consistent with the in vitro results, anti-androgenic analogues of BPA formed hydrogen bonding patterns with key residues that differed from the patterns of endogenous hormones, indicating that the analogues display in inappropriate orientations when interacting with the binding pocket of AR-LBD. Our findings indicate that BPA and its analogues disrupt androgen signaling by interacting with the AR-LBD. Overall, BPA and its analogues display endocrine-disrupting activity, which is mediated by AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Gyun Park
- Environmental Safety Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe, Saarbrucken 66123, Germany; Division of Experimental Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karim Md Adnan
- Environmental Safety Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe, Saarbrucken 66123, Germany; Universität des Saarlandes, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Hyunki Cho
- Environmental Safety Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe, Saarbrucken 66123, Germany; Universität des Saarlandes, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Chang Seon Ryu
- Environmental Safety Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe, Saarbrucken 66123, Germany
| | - Juyong Yoon
- Environmental Safety Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe, Saarbrucken 66123, Germany.
| | - Young Jun Kim
- Environmental Safety Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe, Saarbrucken 66123, Germany.
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2
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Blasi L, Sabbatini D, Fortuna A, Querin G, Martinelli I, Vianello S, Bertolin C, Pareyson D, Pennuto M, Pegoraro E, Bello L, Sorarù G. The value of serum creatinine as biomarker of disease progression in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). Sci Rep 2023; 13:17311. [PMID: 37828349 PMCID: PMC10570332 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44419-6] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Serum creatinine has been indicated as a potential marker of motor function in SBMA and results form previous longitudinal studies pointed to its decline over time. This is a longitudinal retrospective study investigating creatinine changes over a 36-month-period in 73 patients with SBMA. Severity and progression of the disease was assessed according to serum creatine kinase (CK) values, manual muscle testing (MMT), SBMA functional rating scale (SBMAFRS) score, 6-min-walk test (6MWT) value, and spirometry (forced vital capacity, fVC%) obtained at the baseline and at each of the annual follow-up visits. Baseline serum creatinine concentrations positively correlated with 6MWT, the MMT megascore score of both the upper (ULM) and lower (LLM) limbs and SBMAFRS. No correlation was found with CK or fVC% values. Similar correlation results were achieved at all the subsequent time points. Longitudinal assessments conducted by the generalized estimating equations (GEE) method returned significant changes for SBMAFRS (- 1.41 points per year, p < 0.001), ULM and LLM (- 0.69, p = 0.01; and - 1.07, p < 0.001, respectively), 6MWT (- 47 m, p < 0.001) but not for creatinine (- 0.82, p > 0.05). We also observed that creatinine levels at baseline did not correlate with changes in the other measures from baseline at each annual visit. Our data do not support a role for serum creatinine as sensitive biomarker of disease progression, and possibily prognosis, in SBMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Blasi
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padova, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Daniele Sabbatini
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padova, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Fortuna
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padova, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Giorgia Querin
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padova, 35128, Padua, Italy
- Institut de Myologie, I-Motion Adult ClinicalTrials Platform, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Ilaria Martinelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padova, 35128, Padua, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Sara Vianello
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padova, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Cinzia Bertolin
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padova, 35128, Padua, Italy
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women and Children's Health, University of Padova, IRP Città Della Speranza, Padua, Italy
| | - Davide Pareyson
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Unit of Rare Neurodegenerative and Neurometabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Pennuto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Pegoraro
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padova, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Bello
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padova, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Gianni Sorarù
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padova, 35128, Padua, Italy.
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3
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Meszaros A, Ahmed J, Russo G, Tompa P, Lazar T. The evolution and polymorphism of mono-amino acid repeats in androgen receptor and their regulatory role in health and disease. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1019803. [PMID: 36388907 PMCID: PMC9642029 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1019803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) is a key member of nuclear hormone receptors with the longest intrinsically disordered N-terminal domain (NTD) in its protein family. There are four mono-amino acid repeats (polyQ1, polyQ2, polyG, and polyP) located within its NTD, of which two are polymorphic (polyQ1 and polyG). The length of both polymorphic repeats shows clinically important correlations with disease, especially with cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, as shorter and longer alleles exhibit significant differences in expression, activity and solubility. Importantly, AR has also been shown to undergo condensation in the nucleus by liquid-liquid phase separation, a process highly sensitive to protein solubility and concentration. Nonetheless, in prostate cancer cells, AR variants also partition into transcriptional condensates, which have been shown to alter the expression of target gene products. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the link between AR repeat polymorphisms and cancer types, including mechanistic explanations and models comprising the relationship between condensate formation, polyQ1 length and transcriptional activity. Moreover, we outline the evolutionary paths of these recently evolved amino acid repeats across mammalian species, and discuss new research directions with potential breakthroughs and controversies in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Meszaros
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels (SBB), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Junaid Ahmed
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels (SBB), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Giorgio Russo
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels (SBB), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Tompa
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels (SBB), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences (RCNS), ELKH, Budapest, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Peter Tompa,
| | - Tamas Lazar
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels (SBB), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Tamas Lazar,
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4
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Monks DA, Swift-Gallant A. Non-neural androgen receptors affect sexual differentiation of brain and behaviour. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30. [PMID: 28590577 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Although gonadal testosterone is the principal endocrine factor that promotes masculine traits in mammals, the development of a male phenotype requires local production of both androgenic and oestrogenic signals within target tissues. Much of our knowledge concerning androgenic components of testosterone signalling in sexual differentiation comes from studies of androgen receptor (Ar) loss of function mutants. Here, we review these studies of loss of Ar function and of AR overexpression either globally or selectively in the nervous system of mice. Global and neural mutations affect socio-sexual behaviour and the neuroanatomy of these mice in a sexually differentiated manner. Some masculine traits are affected by both global and neural mutation, indicative of neural mediation, whereas other masculine traits are affected only by global mutation, indicative of an obligatory non-neural androgen target. These results support a model in which multiple sites of androgen action coordinate to produce masculine phenotypes. Furthermore, AR overexpression does not always have a phenotype opposite to that of loss of Ar function mutants, indicative of a nonlinear relationship between androgen dose and masculine phenotype in some cases. Potential mechanisms of Ar gene function in non-neural targets in producing masculine phenotypes are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Monks
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
- Department of Cells and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - A Swift-Gallant
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
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5
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Swift-Gallant A, Monks DA. Androgenic mechanisms of sexual differentiation of the nervous system and behavior. Front Neuroendocrinol 2017; 46:32-45. [PMID: 28455096 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Testicular androgens are the major endocrine factor promoting masculine phenotypes in vertebrates, but androgen signaling is complex and operates via multiple signaling pathways and sites of action. Recently, selective androgen receptor mutants have been engineered to study androgenic mechanisms of sexual differentiation of the nervous system and behavior. The focus of these studies has been to evaluate androgenic mechanisms within the nervous system by manipulating androgen receptor conditionally in neural tissues. Here we review both the effects of neural loss of AR function as well as the effects of neural overexpression of AR in relation to global AR mutants. Although some studies have conformed to our expectations, others have proved challenging to assumptions underlying the dominant hypotheses. Notably, these studies have called into question both the primacy of direct, neural mechanisms and also the linearity of the relationship between androgenic dose and sexual differentiation of brain and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Swift-Gallant
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Rd. N., Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - D A Monks
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada; Department of Cells and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Rd. N., Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada.
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6
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Kennedy's disease 1234 scale: Preliminary design and test. J Clin Neurosci 2017; 40:185-189. [PMID: 28242130 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2017.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Kennedy's disease (KD), also known as spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), is a rare x-linked genetic disorder which is characterized by muscle weakness and atrophy. In previous clinical trials, KD patients had been assessed using the ALSFRS scale, which was specifically designed for ALS patients. However, the progression of KD is very slow, and thus, the ALSFRS does not accurately reflect changes in the clinical condition of KD patient. Here, we developed the KD 1234 scale which designed specially for KD. We evaluated KD 1234 and ALSFRS in 81 KD patients and 100 healthy age-matched male participants. Of 81 cases, 52 were followed up after 32months. Scale reliability was assessed using inter-rater reliability, split-half reliability and internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α coefficient). Scale validity was evaluated using content and structure validity. Longitudinal analysis was performed. The results showed the KD 1234 scale was simple and easy to operate, with good reliability, validity and reactivity. We think this new scale can quantitatively evaluate the clinical condition of KD patients and any changes in this condition, and is thus suitable for clinical studies.
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7
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Lewelt A, Krosschell KJ, Stoddard GJ, Weng C, Xue M, Marcus RL, Gappmaier E, Viollet L, Johnson BA, White AT, Viazzo-Trussell D, Lopes P, Lane RH, Carey JC, Swoboda KJ. Resistance strength training exercise in children with spinal muscular atrophy. Muscle Nerve 2015; 52:559-67. [PMID: 25597614 DOI: 10.1002/mus.24568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Revised: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preliminary evidence in adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and in SMA animal models suggests exercise has potential benefits in improving or stabilizing muscle strength and motor function. METHODS We evaluated feasibility, safety, and effects on strength and motor function of a home-based, supervised progressive resistance strength training exercise program in children with SMA types II and III. Up to 14 bilateral proximal muscles were exercised 3 times weekly for 12 weeks. RESULTS Nine children with SMA, aged 10.4 ± 3.8 years, completed the resistance training exercise program. Ninety percent of visits occurred per protocol. Training sessions were pain-free (99.8%), and no study-related adverse events occurred. Trends in improved strength and motor function were observed. CONCLUSIONS A 12-week supervised, home-based, 3-day/week progressive resistance training exercise program is feasible, safe, and well tolerated in children with SMA. These findings can inform future studies of exercise in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aga Lewelt
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pediatric Motor Disorders Research Program, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 North 1900 East, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132, USA
| | - Kristin J Krosschell
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Gregory J Stoddard
- Study Design and Biostatistics Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Cindy Weng
- Study Design and Biostatistics Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Mei Xue
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Robin L Marcus
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Eduard Gappmaier
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Louis Viollet
- Department of Neurology, Pediatric Motor Disorders Research Program, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Barbara A Johnson
- Department of Neurology, Pediatric Motor Disorders Research Program, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Andrea T White
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Utah, College of Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Donata Viazzo-Trussell
- Department of Neurology, Pediatric Motor Disorders Research Program, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Philippe Lopes
- Neuromuscular Degeneration and Plasticity Laboratory, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR-S 1124, University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Robert H Lane
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - John C Carey
- Division of Pediatric Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Kathryn J Swoboda
- Department of Neurology, Pediatric Motor Disorders Research Program, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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8
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Todd TW, Kokubu H, Miranda HC, Cortes CJ, La Spada AR, Lim J. Nemo-like kinase is a novel regulator of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy. eLife 2015; 4:e08493. [PMID: 26308581 PMCID: PMC4577982 DOI: 10.7554/elife.08493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is a progressive neuromuscular disease caused by polyglutamine expansion in the androgen receptor (AR) protein. Despite extensive research, the exact pathogenic mechanisms underlying SBMA remain elusive. In this study, we present evidence that Nemo-like kinase (NLK) promotes disease pathogenesis across multiple SBMA model systems. Most remarkably, loss of one copy of Nlk rescues SBMA phenotypes in mice, including extending lifespan. We also investigated the molecular mechanisms by which NLK exerts its effects in SBMA. Specifically, we have found that NLK can phosphorylate the mutant polyglutamine-expanded AR, enhance its aggregation, and promote AR-dependent gene transcription by regulating AR-cofactor interactions. Furthermore, NLK modulates the toxicity of a mutant AR fragment via a mechanism that is independent of AR-mediated gene transcription. Our findings uncover a crucial role for NLK in controlling SBMA toxicity and reveal a novel avenue for therapy development in SBMA. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.08493.001 Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is an inherited disease that eventually leads to degeneration in motor neurons and weakness in muscles. It is caused by a specific genetic mutation in the gene that encodes the androgen receptor protein, which leads to the production of a mutant protein that is larger than normal. Similar mutations in other genes can lead to the development of other so-called ‘polyglutamine’ diseases such as Huntington's disease and spinocerebellar ataxia. However, the precise details of how these mutations lead to disease symptoms are not known, and there are currently no effective ways of treating these conditions. Previous research has shown that an enzyme called Nemo-like kinase (or NLK for short) regulates the normal androgen receptor in cancer cells. NLK has kinase activity, that is, it adds phosphate molecules to other proteins to regulate their activity. Todd et al. used human cells, fruit flies, and mice as model systems to investigate whether NLK is involved in the development of SBMA. The experiments show that NLK promotes the development of features associated with SBMA in all three models. The kinase activity of NLK is required for these features to develop. Todd et al. also found that NLK can bind to and add phosphate molecules to the mutant version of the androgen receptor protein. This causes the mutant androgen receptor proteins to accumulate and increases the ability of the mutant proteins to activate particular genes. Todd et al.'s findings suggest that NLK promotes the development of SBMA by interacting with the mutant androgen receptor. Previous studies have shown that NLK is able to modulate the development of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1, which suggests that NLK may also play an important role in other polyglutamine diseases. The next challenge will be to fully understand the role of NLK in these diseases, which may aid future efforts to develop new treatments. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.08493.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany W Todd
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
| | - Hiroshi Kokubu
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
| | - Helen C Miranda
- Departments of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Neurosciences, and Pediatrics, Division of Biological Sciences, Institute for Genomic Medicine, Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
| | - Constanza J Cortes
- Departments of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Neurosciences, and Pediatrics, Division of Biological Sciences, Institute for Genomic Medicine, Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
| | - Albert R La Spada
- Departments of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Neurosciences, and Pediatrics, Division of Biological Sciences, Institute for Genomic Medicine, Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
| | - Janghoo Lim
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
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Nistal M, Paniagua R, González-Peramato P, Reyes-Múgica M. Perspectives in Pediatric Pathology, Chapter 6. Male Undermasculinization. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2015; 18:279-96. [PMID: 25105706 DOI: 10.2350/14-04-1465-pb.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Normal male development requires three conditions: (1) adequate differentiation of the fetal testis; (2) synthesis and secretion of testicular hormones; and (3) effective action of these hormones on target organs. This requires the combined action of the inhibitory anti-müllerian hormone (AMH, secreted by Sertoli cells) to block the development of the uterus and fallopian tubes from the müllerian duct, together with the trophic stimulus of testosterone (a Leydig cell product), which leads to virilization of the wolffian ducts. Additionally, the development of external genitalia depends on the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone by the enzyme 5-α-reductase. Failure of any of these mechanisms leads to deficient virilization or the so-called "male pseudohermaphroditism" syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Nistal
- 1 Pathology, Hospital La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Arzobispo Morcillo #2, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Ricardo Paniagua
- 2 Department of Cell Biology, Universidad de Alcala, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar González-Peramato
- 1 Pathology, Hospital La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Arzobispo Morcillo #2, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Miguel Reyes-Múgica
- 3 Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, One Children's Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
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10
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Halievski K, Mo K, Westwood JT, Monks DA. Transcriptional profile of muscle following acute induction of symptoms in a mouse model of Kennedy's disease/spinobulbar muscular atrophy. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118120. [PMID: 25719894 PMCID: PMC4341878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kennedy's disease/Spinobulbar muscular atrophy (KD/SBMA) is a degenerative neuromuscular disease affecting males. This disease is caused by polyglutamine expansion mutations of the androgen receptor (AR) gene. Although KD/SBMA has been traditionally considered a motor neuron disease, emerging evidence points to a central etiological role of muscle. We previously reported a microarray study of genes differentially expressed in muscle of three genetically unique mouse models of KD/SBMA but were unable to detect those which are androgen-dependent or are associated with onset of symptoms. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In the current study we examined the time course and androgen-dependence of transcriptional changes in the HSA-AR transgenic (Tg) mouse model, in which females have a severe phenotype after acute testosterone treatment. Using microarray analysis we identified differentially expressed genes at the onset and peak of muscle weakness in testosterone-treated Tg females. We found both transient and persistent groups of differentially expressed genes and analysis of gene function indicated functional groups such as mitochondrion, ion and nucleotide binding, muscle development, and sarcomere maintenance. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE By comparing the current results with those from the three previously reported models we were able to identify KD/SBMA candidate genes that are androgen dependent, and occur early in the disease process, properties which are promising for targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Halievski
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga,
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kaiguo Mo
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga,
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - J. Timothy Westwood
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga,
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Douglas A. Monks
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga,
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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11
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Marcucci G, Cianferotti L, Beck-Peccoz P, Capezzone M, Cetani F, Colao A, Davì MV, degli Uberti E, Del Prato S, Elisei R, Faggiano A, Ferone D, Foresta C, Fugazzola L, Ghigo E, Giacchetti G, Giorgino F, Lenzi A, Malandrino P, Mannelli M, Marcocci C, Masi L, Pacini F, Opocher G, Radicioni A, Tonacchera M, Vigneri R, Zatelli MC, Brandi ML. Rare diseases in clinical endocrinology: a taxonomic classification system. J Endocrinol Invest 2015; 38:193-259. [PMID: 25376364 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-014-0202-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rare endocrine-metabolic diseases (REMD) represent an important area in the field of medicine and pharmacology. The rare diseases of interest to endocrinologists involve all fields of endocrinology, including rare diseases of the pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands, paraganglia, ovary and testis, disorders of bone and mineral metabolism, energy and lipid metabolism, water metabolism, and syndromes with possible involvement of multiple endocrine glands, and neuroendocrine tumors. Taking advantage of the constitution of a study group on REMD within the Italian Society of Endocrinology, consisting of basic and clinical scientists, a document on the taxonomy of REMD has been produced. METHODS AND RESULTS This document has been designed to include mainly REMD manifesting or persisting into adulthood. The taxonomy of REMD of the adult comprises a total of 166 main disorders, 338 including all variants and subtypes, described into 11 tables. CONCLUSIONS This report provides a complete taxonomy to classify REMD of the adult. In the future, the creation of registries of rare endocrine diseases to collect data on cohorts of patients and the development of common and standardized diagnostic and therapeutic pathways for each rare endocrine disease is advisable. This will help planning and performing intervention studies in larger groups of patients to prove the efficacy, effectiveness, and safety of a specific treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Marcucci
- Head, Bone Metablic Diseases Unit, Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
| | - L Cianferotti
- Head, Bone Metablic Diseases Unit, Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - P Beck-Peccoz
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan and Endocrine Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy
| | - M Capezzone
- Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism and Biochemistry, University of Siena, Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte, Siena, Italy
| | - F Cetani
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Colao
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - M V Davì
- Section D, Department of Medicine, Clinic of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - E degli Uberti
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - S Del Prato
- Section of Metabolic Diseases and Diabetes, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - R Elisei
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Faggiano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - D Ferone
- Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - C Foresta
- Department of Medicine and Centre for Human Reproduction Pathology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - L Fugazzola
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan and Endocrine Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy
| | - E Ghigo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital Città Salute e Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - G Giacchetti
- Division of Endocrinology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I-GM Lancisi-G Salesi, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - F Giorgino
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - A Lenzi
- Chair of Endocrinology, Section Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department Exp. Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - P Malandrino
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - M Mannelli
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - C Marcocci
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Masi
- Department of Orthopedic, Metabolic Bone Diseases Unit AOUC-Careggi Hospital, Largo Palagi, 1, Florence, Italy
| | - F Pacini
- Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - G Opocher
- Familial Cancer Clinic and Oncoendocrinology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Padua, Italy
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - A Radicioni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M Tonacchera
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - R Vigneri
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, and Humanitas Catania Center of Oncology, Catania, Italy
| | - M C Zatelli
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M L Brandi
- Head, Bone Metablic Diseases Unit, Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
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12
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Dar JA, Masoodi KZ, Eisermann K, Isharwal S, Ai J, Pascal LE, Nelson JB, Wang Z. The N-terminal domain of the androgen receptor drives its nuclear localization in castration-resistant prostate cancer cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2014; 143:473-80. [PMID: 24662325 PMCID: PMC4127361 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Revised: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Androgen-independent nuclear localization is required for androgen receptor (AR) transactivation in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and should be a key step leading to castration resistance. However, mechanism(s) leading to androgen-independent AR nuclear localization are poorly understood. Since the N-terminal domain (NTD) of AR plays a role in transactivation under androgen-depleted conditions, we investigated the role of the NTD in AR nuclear localization in CRPC. Deletion mutagenesis was used to identify amino acid sequences in the NTD essential for its androgen-independent nuclear localization in C4-2, a widely used CRPC cell line. Deletion mutants of AR tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) at the 5'-end were generated and their signal distribution was investigated in C4-2 cells by fluorescent microscopy. Our results showed that the region of a.a. 294-556 was required for androgen-independent AR nuclear localization whereas a.a. 1-293 mediates Hsp90 regulation of AR nuclear localization in CRPC cells. Although the region of a.a. 294-556 does not contain a nuclear import signal, it was able to enhance DHT-induced import of the ligand binding domain (LBD). Also, transactivation of the NTD could be uncoupled from its modulation of AR nuclear localization in C4-2 cells. These observations suggest an important role of the NTD in AR intracellular trafficking and androgen-independent AR nuclear localization in CRPC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javid A Dar
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, United States; Central Laboratory College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh KSA-11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Z Masoodi
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, United States
| | - Kurtis Eisermann
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, United States
| | - Sudhir Isharwal
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, United States
| | - Junkui Ai
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, United States
| | - Laura E Pascal
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, United States
| | - Joel B Nelson
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, United States; University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, United States
| | - Zhou Wang
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, United States; Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States; University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, United States.
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13
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Beitel LK, Alvarado C, Mokhtar S, Paliouras M, Trifiro M. Mechanisms mediating spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy: investigations into polyglutamine-expanded androgen receptor function and dysfunction. Front Neurol 2013; 4:53. [PMID: 23720649 PMCID: PMC3654311 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2013.00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA, Kennedy’s disease), a late-onset neuromuscular disorder, is caused by expansion of the polymorphic polyglutamine tract in the androgen receptor (AR). The AR is a ligand-activated transcription factor, but plays roles in other cellular pathways. In SBMA, selective motor neuron degeneration occurs in the brainstem and spinal cord, thus the causes of neuronal dysfunction have been studied. However, pathogenic pathways in muscles may also be involved. Cultured cells, fly and mouse models are used to study the molecular mechanisms leading to SBMA. Both the structure of the polyglutamine-expanded AR (polyQ AR) and its interactions with other proteins are altered relative to the normal AR. The ligand-dependent translocation of the polyQ AR to the nucleus appears to be critical, as are interdomain interactions. The polyQ AR, or fragments thereof, can form nuclear inclusions, but their pathogenic or protective nature is unclear. Other data suggests soluble polyQ AR oligomers can be harmful. Post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination influence AR function and modulate the deleterious effects of the polyQ AR. Transcriptional dysregulation is highly likely to be a factor in SBMA; deregulation of non-genomic AR signaling may also be involved. Studies on polyQ AR-protein degradation suggest inhibition of the ubiquitin proteasome system and changes to autophagic pathways may be relevant. Mitochondrial function and axonal transport may also be affected by the polyQ AR. Androgens, acting through the AR, can be neurotrophic and are important in muscle development; hence both loss of normal AR functions and gain of novel harmful functions by the polyQ AR can contribute to neurodegeneration and muscular atrophy. Thus investigations into polyQ AR function have shown that multiple complex mechanisms lead to the initiation and progression of SBMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenore K Beitel
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital Montreal, QC, Canada ; Department of Medicine, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada ; Department of Human Genetics, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada
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14
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Haendler B, Cleve A. Recent developments in antiandrogens and selective androgen receptor modulators. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 352:79-91. [PMID: 21704118 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2011] [Revised: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 06/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The androgens testosterone and dihydrotestosterone play an essential role in the development and maintenance of primary and secondary male characteristics. Androgens bind to a specific androgen receptor (AR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor which controls the expression of a large number of downstream target genes. The AR is an essential player in early and late prostate cancer, and may also be involved in some forms of breast cancer. It also represents a drug target for the treatment of hypogonadism. Recent studies furthermore indicate that targeting the AR in pathologies such as frailty syndrome, cachexia or polycystic ovary syndrome may have clinical benefit. Numerous AR ligands with very different pharmacological properties have been identified in the last 40 years and helped to treat several of these diseases. However, progress still needs to be made in order to find compounds with an improved profile with regard to efficacy, differentiation and side-effects. This will only be achieved through a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in normal and aberrant AR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Haendler
- TRG Oncology, Global Drug Discovery, Bayer HealthCare, D-13342 Berlin, Germany.
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15
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Microarray analysis of gene expression by skeletal muscle of three mouse models of Kennedy disease/spinal bulbar muscular atrophy. PLoS One 2010; 5:e12922. [PMID: 20886071 PMCID: PMC2944863 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2010] [Accepted: 09/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence implicates altered gene expression within skeletal muscle in the pathogenesis of Kennedy disease/spinal bulbar muscular atrophy (KD/SBMA). We therefore broadly characterized gene expression in skeletal muscle of three independently generated mouse models of this disease. The mouse models included a polyglutamine expanded (polyQ) AR knock-in model (AR113Q), a polyQ AR transgenic model (AR97Q), and a transgenic mouse that overexpresses wild type AR solely in skeletal muscle (HSA-AR). HSA-AR mice were included because they substantially reproduce the KD/SBMA phenotype despite the absence of polyQ AR. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We performed microarray analysis of lower hindlimb muscles taken from these three models relative to wild type controls using high density oligonucleotide arrays. All microarray comparisons were made with at least 3 animals in each condition, and only those genes having at least 2-fold difference and whose coefficient of variance was less than 100% were considered to be differentially expressed. When considered globally, there was a similar overlap in gene changes between the 3 models: 19% between HSA-AR and AR97Q, 21% between AR97Q and AR113Q, and 17% between HSA-AR and AR113Q, with 8% shared by all models. Several patterns of gene expression relevant to the disease process were observed. Notably, patterns of gene expression typical of loss of AR function were observed in all three models, as were alterations in genes involved in cell adhesion, energy balance, muscle atrophy and myogenesis. We additionally measured changes similar to those observed in skeletal muscle of a mouse model of Huntington's Disease, and to those common to muscle atrophy from diverse causes. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE By comparing patterns of gene expression in three independent models of KD/SBMA, we have been able to identify candidate genes that might mediate the core myogenic features of KD/SBMA.
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16
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Finsterer J. Perspectives of Kennedy's disease. J Neurol Sci 2010; 298:1-10. [PMID: 20846673 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2010.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2010] [Revised: 08/15/2010] [Accepted: 08/23/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Kennedy's disease, also known as bulbospinal muscular atrophy (BSMA), is a rare, adult-onset, X-linked, recessive trinucleotide, polyglutamine (poly-G) disorder, caused by expansion of an unstable CAG-tandem-repeat in exon 1 of the androgen-receptor (AR) gene on chromosome Xq11-12. Poly-Q-expanded AR accumulates in nuclei, undergoes fragmentation and initiates degeneration and loss of motor neurons and dorsal root ganglia. Phenotypically, patients present with weakness and wasting of the facial, bulbar and extremity muscles, sensory disturbances, and endocrinological disturbances, such as gynecomastia and reduced fertility. In the limb muscles weakness and wasting may be symmetric or asymmetric, proximal or distal, or may predominate at the lower or upper limb muscles. There may be mild to severe hyper-CK-emia, elevated testosterone or other sexual hormones, abnormal motor and sensory nerve conduction studies, and neuropathic or rarely myopathic alterations on muscle biopsy. BSMA is diagnosed if the number of CAG-repeats exceeds 40. No causal therapy is available but symptomatic therapy may be beneficial for weakness, tremor, endocrinological abnormalities, muscle cramps, respiratory failure, or dysphagia. The course is slowly progressive and the ability to walk lost only late in life. Only few patients require ventilatory support and life expectancy is only slightly compromised.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Finsterer
- Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung, Vienna, Austria.
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17
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Fernando SM, Rao P, Niel L, Chatterjee D, Stagljar M, Monks DA. Myocyte androgen receptors increase metabolic rate and improve body composition by reducing fat mass. Endocrinology 2010; 151:3125-32. [PMID: 20427479 PMCID: PMC2903941 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone and other androgens are thought to increase lean body mass and reduce fat body mass in men by activating the androgen receptor. However, the clinical potential of androgens for improving body composition is hampered by our limited understanding of the tissues and cells that promote such changes. Here we show that selective overexpression of androgen receptor in muscle cells (myocytes) of transgenic male rats both increases lean mass percentage and reduces fat mass. Similar changes in body composition are observed in human skeletal actin promoter driving expression of androgen receptor (HSA-AR) transgenic mice and result from acute testosterone treatment of transgenic female HSA-AR rats. These shifts in body composition in HSA-AR transgenic male rats are associated with hypertrophy of type IIb myofibers and decreased size of adipocytes. Metabolic analyses of transgenic males show higher activity of mitochondrial enzymes in skeletal muscle and increased O(2) consumption by the rats. These results indicate that androgen signaling in myocytes not only increases muscle mass but also reduces fat body mass, likely via increases in oxidative metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M Fernando
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3G3
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18
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Sartorius GA, Handelsman DJ. Testicular Dysfunction in Systemic Diseases. Andrology 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-78355-8_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Mirowska-Guzel D, Seniow J, Sułek A, Leśniak M, Członkowska A. Are cognitive and behavioural deficits a part of the clinical picture in Kennedy's disease? A case study. Neurocase 2009; 15:332-7. [PMID: 19343581 DOI: 10.1080/13554790902842003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Two years prior to diagnosis of Kennedy's disease (KD), a 53-year-old man began experiencing neurological symptoms, including nasal speech, postural tremor, tremor in the upper extremities, and muscle weakness. Genetic analysis revealed 46 CAG repeats in the androgen receptor gene. The patient's altered social conduct and complaints of forgetfulness led to a neuropsychological assessment. A mild impairment in visuospatial and visuoconstructive abilities, visual short-term memory, and a personality disorder were detected. Although cognition and behaviour in KD are typically normal, our findings suggest that the disease may cause mild cognitive and behavioural changes as part of the disease's clinical manifestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmara Mirowska-Guzel
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
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20
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Rao P, Monks DA. A tetracycline-inducible and skeletal muscle-specific Cre recombinase transgenic mouse. Dev Neurobiol 2009; 69:401-6. [PMID: 19263419 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.20714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We have generated a transgenic mouse that expresses Cre recombinase only in skeletal muscle and only following tetracycline treatment. This spatiotemporal specificity is achieved using two transgenes. The first transgene uses the human skeletal actin (HSA) promoter to drive expression of the reverse tetracycline-controlled transactivator (rtTA). The second transgene uses a tetracycline responsive promoter to drive the expression of Cre recombinase. We monitored transgene expression in these mice by crossing them with ROSA26 loxP-LacZ reporter mice, which express beta-galactosidase when activated by Cre. We find that the expression of this transgene is only detectable within skeletal muscle and that Cre expression in the absence of tetracycline is negligible. Cre is readily induced in this model with tetracycline analogs at a range of embryonic and postnatal ages and in a pattern consistent with other HSA transgenic mice. This mouse improves upon existing transgenic mice in which skeletal muscle Cre is expressed throughout development by allowing Cre expression to begin at later developmental stages. This temporal control of transgene expression has several applications, including overcoming embryonic or perinatal lethality due to transgene expression. This mouse is especially suited for studies of steroid hormone action, as it uses tetracycline, rather than tamoxifen, to activate Cre expression. In summary, we find that this transgenic induction system is suitable for studies of gene function in the context of hormonal regulation of skeletal muscle or interactions between muscle and motoneurons in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Rao
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
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22
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Fargo KN, Galbiati M, Foecking EM, Poletti A, Jones KJ. Androgen regulation of axon growth and neurite extension in motoneurons. Horm Behav 2008; 53:716-28. [PMID: 18387610 PMCID: PMC2408920 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2008.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2007] [Revised: 01/11/2008] [Accepted: 01/18/2008] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Androgens act on the CNS to affect motor function through interaction with a widespread distribution of intracellular androgen receptors (AR). This review highlights our work on androgens and process outgrowth in motoneurons, both in vitro and in vivo. The actions of androgens on motoneurons involve the generation of novel neuronal interactions that are mediated by the induction of androgen-dependent neurite or axonal outgrowth. Here, we summarize the experimental evidence for the androgenic regulation of the extension and regeneration of motoneuron neurites in vitro using cultured immortalized motoneurons, and axons in vivo using the hamster facial nerve crush paradigm. We place particular emphasis on the relevance of these effects to SBMA and peripheral nerve injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith N Fargo
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois 60153, USA.
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Jordan CL, DonCarlos L. Androgens in health and disease: an overview. Horm Behav 2008; 53:589-95. [PMID: 18407273 PMCID: PMC2676684 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2008.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2008] [Revised: 02/15/2008] [Accepted: 02/15/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This special issue of Hormones and Behavior , “Androgens in health and disease: new insights into roles and mechanisms of action,” is prompted by a number of relatively recent findings that androgens affect brain morphology and function in ways not previously or widely appreciated. Moreover, recent results also make it clear that androgens utilize a variety of signaling molecules to exert their effects on the brain, which may or may not depend on the classic nuclear androgen receptor (AR). The papers in this issue underscore these two points. This overview is not intended as a comprehensive review of androgen action on the nervous system, since the papers in this issue serve that purpose, but rather to frame the basic issues and themes that tie these papers together. The sum effect of the stories told in this issue encourages us to broaden and refocus our view of androgen action on brain and behavior—to recognize that androgens affect many aspects of brain structure and function throughout the lifespan, from shaping its sexual phenotype to influencing its propensity for disease and repair, and that at least some of these actions are exerted via non-classical modes of action that in many cases were first identified in non-neural tissue or cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia L. Jordan
- Neuroscience Program and Psychology Department, 108 Giltner Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824
| | - Lydia DonCarlos
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy and Neuroscience Institute, 2160 S. First Avenue, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153
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