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Ryu T, Okamoto K, Ansai S, Nakao M, Kumar A, Iguchi T, Ogino Y. Gene Duplication of Androgen Receptor As An Evolutionary Driving Force Underlying the Diversity of Sexual Characteristics in Teleost Fishes. Zoolog Sci 2024; 41:68-76. [PMID: 38587519 DOI: 10.2108/zs230098] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism allows species to meet their fitness optima based on the physiological availability of each sex. Although intralocus sexual conflict appears to be a genetic constraint for the evolution of sex-specific traits, sex-linked genes and the regulation of sex steroid hormones contribute to resolving this conflict by allowing sex-specific developments. Androgens and their receptor, androgen receptor (Ar), regulate male-biased phenotypes. In teleost fish, ar ohnologs have emerged as a result of teleost-specific whole genome duplication (TSGD). Recent studies have highlighted the evolutionary differentiation of ar ohnologs responsible for the development of sexual characteristics, which sheds light on the need for comparative studies on androgen regulation among different species. In this review, we discuss the importance of ar signaling as a regulator of male-specific traits in teleost species because teleost species are suitable experimental models for comparative studies owing to their great diversity in male-biased morphological and physiological traits. To date, both in vivo and in vitro studies on teleost ar ohnologs have shown a substantial influence of ars as a regulator of male-specific reproductive traits such as fin elongation, courtship behavior, and nuptial coloration. In addition to these sexual characteristics, ar substantially influences immunity, inducing a sex-biased immune response. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of teleost ar studies and emphasizes the potential of teleost fishes, given their availability, to find molecular evidence about what gives rise to the spectacular diversity among fish species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsukasa Ryu
- Laboratory of Marine Biochemistry, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Keigo Okamoto
- Laboratory of Aquatic Molecular Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ansai
- Laboratory of Genome Editing Breeding, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Miki Nakao
- Laboratory of Marine Biochemistry, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
- Center for Promotion of International Education and Research, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Anu Kumar
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, CSIRO Environment, PMB2, Glen Osmond, 5064 South Australia, Australia
| | - Taisen Iguchi
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0027, Japan
- Noto Marine Laboratory, Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa 927-0553, Japan
| | - Yukiko Ogino
- Laboratory of Aquatic Molecular Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan,
- Center for Promotion of International Education and Research, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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Alward BA, Hoadley AP, Jackson LR, Lopez MS. Genetic dissection of steroid-hormone modulated social behavior: Novel paralogous genes are a boon for discovery. Horm Behav 2023; 147:105295. [PMID: 36502603 PMCID: PMC9839648 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Research across species has led to important discoveries on the functions of steroid hormones in the regulation of behavior. However, like in many fields, advancements in transgenic and mutagenic technology allowed mice to become the premier genetic model for conducting many experiments to understand how steroids control social behavior. Since there has been a general lack of parallel methodological developments in other species, many of the findings cannot be generalized. This is especially the case for teleost fish, in which a whole-genome duplication produced novel paralogs for key steroid hormone signaling genes. In this review, we summarize technical advancements over the history of the field of neuroendocrinology that have led to important insights in our understanding of the control of social behavior by steroids. We demonstrate that early mouse genetic models to understand these mechanisms suffered from several issues that were remedied by more precise transgenic technological advancements. We then highlight the importance of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing tools that will in time bridge the gap between mice and non-traditional model species for understanding principles of steroid hormone action in the modulation of social behavior. We specifically highlight the role of teleost fish in bridging this gap because they are 1) highly genetically tractable and 2) provide a novel advantage in achieving precise genetic control. The field of neuroendocrinology is entering a new "gene editing revolution" that will lead to novel discoveries about the roles of steroid hormones in the regulation and evolutionary trajectories of social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beau A Alward
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, United States of America; University of Houston, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, United States of America.
| | - Andrew P Hoadley
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, United States of America
| | - Lillian R Jackson
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, United States of America
| | - Mariana S Lopez
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, United States of America
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3
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Differential effects of steroid hormones on levels of broad-sense heritability in a wild bird: possible mechanism of environment × genetic variance interaction? Heredity (Edinb) 2022; 128:63-76. [PMID: 34921237 PMCID: PMC8733014 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-021-00490-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic variation is one of the key concepts in evolutionary biology and an important prerequisite of evolutionary change. However, we know very little about processes that modulate its levels in wild populations. In particular, we still are to understand why genetic variances often depend on environmental conditions. One of possible environment-sensitive modulators of observed levels of genetic variance are maternal effects. In this study we attempt to experimentally test the hypothesis that maternally transmitted agents (e.g. hormones) may influence the expression of genetic variance in quantitative traits in the offspring. We manipulated the levels of steroid hormones (testosterone and corticosterone) in eggs laid by blue tits in a wild population. Our experimental setup allowed for full crossing of genetic and rearing effects with the experimental manipulation. We observed that birds treated with corticosterone exhibited a significant decrease in broad-sense genetic variance of tarsus length, and an increase in this component in body mass on the 2nd day post-hatching. Our study indicates, that maternally transmitted substances such as hormones may have measurable impact on the levels of genetic variance and hence, on the evolutionary potential of quantitative traits.
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Badawy MT, Sobeh M, Xiao J, Farag MA. Androstenedione (a Natural Steroid and a Drug Supplement): A Comprehensive Review of Its Consumption, Metabolism, Health Effects, and Toxicity with Sex Differences. Molecules 2021; 26:6210. [PMID: 34684800 PMCID: PMC8539210 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26206210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Androstenedione is a steroidal hormone produced in male and female gonads, as well as in the adrenal glands, and it is known for its key role in the production of estrogen and testosterone. Androstenedione is also sold as an oral supplement, that is being utilized to increase testosterone levels. Simply known as "andro" by athletes, it is commonly touted as a natural alternative to anabolic steroids. By boosting testosterone levels, it is thought to be an enhancer for athletic performance, build body muscles, reduce fats, increase energy, maintain healthy RBCs, and increase sexual performance. Nevertheless, several of these effects are not yet scientifically proven. Though commonly used as a supplement for body building, it is listed among performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) which is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, as well as the International Olympic Committee. This review focuses on the action mechanism behind androstenedione's health effects, and further side effects including clinical features, populations at risk, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and toxicokinetics. A review of androstenedione regulation in drug doping is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa T. Badawy
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt;
| | - Mansour Sobeh
- AgroBioSciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Lot 660, Hay Moulay Rachid, Ben-Guerir 43150, Morocco
| | - Jianbo Xiao
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China;
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo, E-36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - Mohamed A. Farag
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr el Aini St., Cairo P.B. 11562, Egypt
- Chemistry Department, School of Sciences Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
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Lycium barbarum Polysaccharide Ameliorates Heat-Stress-Induced Impairment of Primary Sertoli Cells and the Blood-Testis Barrier in Rat via Androgen Receptor and Akt Phosphorylation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5574202. [PMID: 34211569 PMCID: PMC8187067 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5574202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Male infertility induced by heat stress has been attracting more and more attention. Heat stress not only causes apoptosis of spermatocytes but also has adverse effects on Sertoli cells, further damaging spermatogenesis. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) is the main bioactive component of Lycium barbarum, which has a protective effect on male reproduction, but its mechanism is still unclear. In this study, our results proved that LBP blocked the inhibitory effect on the proliferation activity of Sertoli cells after heat stress, reversed the dedifferentiation of Sertoli cells induced by heat stress, and ameliorated the structural integrity of the blood-testis barrier. In addition, it increased the expression of the androgen receptor and activated Akt signaling pathway to resist heat-stress-induced injury of Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean C Lema
- Biological Sciences Department, Center for Coastal Marine Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93407, USA.
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7
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Baker ME. Steroid receptors and vertebrate evolution. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 496:110526. [PMID: 31376417 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Considering that life on earth evolved about 3.7 billion years ago, vertebrates are young, appearing in the fossil record during the Cambrian explosion about 542 to 515 million years ago. Results from sequence analyses of genomes from bacteria, yeast, plants, invertebrates and vertebrates indicate that receptors for adrenal steroids (aldosterone, cortisol), and sex steroids (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) also are young, with an estrogen receptor and a 3-ketosteroid receptor first appearing in basal chordates (cephalochordates: amphioxus), which are close ancestors of vertebrates. Duplication and divergence of the 3-ketosteroid receptor yielded an ancestral progesterone receptor and an ancestral corticoid receptor, the common ancestor of the glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors, in jawless vertebrates (cyclostomes: lampreys, hagfish). This was followed by evolution of an androgen receptor, distinct glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors and estrogen receptor-α and -β in cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes: sharks). Further evolution of mineralocorticoid signaling occurred with the evolution of aldosterone synthase in lungfish, a forerunner of terrestrial vertebrates. Adrenal and sex steroid receptors are not found in echinoderms and hemichordates, which are ancestors in the lineage of cephalochordates and vertebrates. The evolution of steroid receptors at key nodes in the evolution of vertebrates, in which steroid receptors act as master switches to regulate differentiation, development, reproduction, immune responses, electrolyte homeostasis and stress responses, suggests an important role for steroid receptors in the evolutionary success of vertebrates, considering that the human genome contains about 22,000 genes, which is not much larger than genomes of invertebrates, such as Caenorhabditis elegans (~18,000 genes) and Drosophila (~14,000 genes).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Baker
- Division of Nephrology-Hypertension, Department of Medicine, 0693, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0693, USA.
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Lathe R, Houston DR. Fatty-acylation target sequence in the ligand-binding domain of vertebrate steroid receptors demarcates evolution from estrogen-related receptors. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 184:20-28. [PMID: 30026064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Present-day nuclear receptors (NRs) responding to adrenal and sex steroids are key regulators of reproduction and growth in mammals, and are thought to have evolved from an ancestral NR most closely related to extant estrogen-related receptors (ERRs). The molecular events (and ligands) that distinguish steroid-activated NRs (SRs) from their inferred ancestor, that gave rise to both the ERRs and SRs, remain unknown. We report that target sequences for fatty-acylation (palmitoylation) at a key cysteine residue (corresponding to Cys447 in human estrogen receptor ERα) in helix 8 of the ligand-binding domain accurately demarcate SRs from ERRs. Docking studies are consistent with the hypothesis that palmitate embeds into a key groove in the receptor surface. The implications of lipidation, and of potential alternative ligands for the key cysteine residue, for receptor function and the evolution of SRs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lathe
- Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Little France, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK.
| | - Douglas R Houston
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.
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Baker ME, Lathe R. The promiscuous estrogen receptor: Evolution of physiological estrogens and response to phytochemicals and endocrine disruptors. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 184:29-37. [PMID: 30009950 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Many actions of estradiol (E2), the principal physiological estrogen in vertebrates, are mediated by estrogen receptor-α (ERα) and ERβ. An important physiological feature of vertebrate ERs is their promiscuous response to several physiological steroids, including estradiol (E2), Δ5-androstenediol, 5α-androstanediol, and 27-hydroxycholesterol. A novel structural characteristic of Δ5-androstenediol, 5α-androstanediol, and 27-hydroxycholesterol is the presence of a C19 methyl group, which precludes the presence of an aromatic A ring with a C3 phenolic group that is a defining property of E2. The structural diversity of these estrogens can explain the response of the ER to synthetic chemicals such as bisphenol A and DDT, which disrupt estrogen physiology in vertebrates, and the estrogenic activity of a variety of plant-derived chemicals such as genistein, coumestrol, and resveratrol. Diversity in the A ring of physiological estrogens also expands potential structures of industrial chemicals that can act as endocrine disruptors. Compared to E2, synthesis of 27-hydroxycholesterol and Δ5-androstenediol is simpler, leading us, based on parsimony, to propose that one or both of these steroids or a related metabolite was a physiological estrogen early in the evolution of the ER, with E2 assuming this role later as the canonical estrogen. In addition to the well-studied role of the ER in reproductive physiology, the ER also is an important transcription factor in non-reproductive tissues such as the cardiovascular system, kidney, bone, and brain. Some of these ER actions in non-reproductive tissues appeared early in vertebrate evolution, long before the emergence of mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Baker
- Division of Nephrology-Hypertension, Department of Medicine, 0693, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0693, USA.
| | - Richard Lathe
- Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Little France, Edinburgh, UK.
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“Cherchez La Femme”: Modulation of Estrogen Receptor Function With Selective Modulators: Clinical Implications in the Field of Urology. Sex Med Rev 2017; 5:365-386. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Baker ME, Katsu Y. 30 YEARS OF THE MINERALOCORTICOID RECEPTOR: Evolution of the mineralocorticoid receptor: sequence, structure and function. J Endocrinol 2017; 234:T1-T16. [PMID: 28468932 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is descended from a corticoid receptor (CR), which has descendants in lamprey and hagfish, cyclostomes (jawless fish), a taxon that evolved at the base of the vertebrate line. A distinct MR and GR first appear in cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes), such as sharks, skates, rays and chimeras. Skate MR has a strong response to corticosteroids that are mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids in humans. The half-maximal responses (EC50s) for skate MR for the mineralocorticoids aldosterone and 11-deoxycorticosterone are 0.07 nM and 0.03 nM, respectively. EC50s for the glucocorticoids cortisol and corticosterone are 1 nM and 0.09 nM, respectively. The physiological mineralocorticoid in ray-finned fish, which do not synthesize aldosterone, is not fully understood because several 3-ketosteroids, including cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, corticosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone and progesterone are transcriptional activators of fish MR. Further divergence of the MR and GR in terrestrial vertebrates, which synthesize aldosterone, led to emergence of aldosterone as a selective ligand for the MR. Here, we combine sequence analysis of the CR and vertebrate MRs and GRs, analysis of crystal structures of human MR and GR and data on transcriptional activation by 3-ketosteroids of wild-type and mutant MRs and GRs to investigate the evolution of selectivity for 3-ketosteroids by the MR in terrestrial vertebrates and ray-finned fish, as well as the basis for binding of some glucocorticoids by human MR and other vertebrate MRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Baker
- Division of Nephrology-HypertensionDepartment of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Yoshinao Katsu
- Graduate School of Life ScienceHokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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Jones BL, Walker C, Azizi B, Tolbert L, Williams LD, Snell TW. Conservation of estrogen receptor function in invertebrate reproduction. BMC Evol Biol 2017; 17:65. [PMID: 28259146 PMCID: PMC5336670 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-017-0909-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rotifers are microscopic aquatic invertebrates that reproduce both sexually and asexually. Though rotifers are phylogenetically distant from humans, and have specialized reproductive physiology, this work identifies a surprising conservation in the control of reproduction between humans and rotifers through the estrogen receptor. Until recently, steroid signaling has been observed in only a few invertebrate taxa and its role in regulating invertebrate reproduction has not been clearly demonstrated. Insights into the evolution of sex signaling pathways can be gained by clarifying how receptors function in invertebrate reproduction. Results In this paper, we show that a ligand-activated estrogen-like receptor in rotifers binds human estradiol and regulates reproductive output in females. In other invertebrates characterized thus far, ER ligand binding domains have occluded ligand-binding sites and the ERs are not ligand activated. We have used a suite of computational, biochemical and biological techniques to determine that the rotifer ER binding site is not occluded and can bind human estradiol. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that this mammalian hormone receptor plays a key role in reproduction of the ancient microinvertebrate Brachinous manjavacas. The presence and activity of the ER within the phylum Rotifera indicates that the ER structure and function is highly conserved throughout animal evolution. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-017-0909-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brande L Jones
- School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0230, USA.
| | - Chris Walker
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0230, USA
| | - Bahareh Azizi
- Dasman Diabetes Institute, P.O. Box 1180, Dasman, 15462, Kuwait
| | - Laren Tolbert
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0230, USA
| | - Loren Dean Williams
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0230, USA
| | - Terry W Snell
- School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0230, USA
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Swetha CH, Girish BP, Reddy PS. Elucidation of the role of estradiol and progesterone in regulating reproduction in the edible crab, Oziothelphusa senex senex. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra23637a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate sex steroids are ubiquitous and important bioactive mediators for many physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- CH. Swetha
- Department of Biotechnology
- Sri Venkateswara University
- Tirupati-517 502
- India
- Department of Zoology
| | - B. P. Girish
- Department of Biotechnology
- Sri Venkateswara University
- Tirupati-517 502
- India
- Department of Zoology
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Abstract
Steroid hormones have been in use for more than a half a century as contraceptive agents, and only now are researchers elucidating the biochemical mechanisms of action and non-target effects. Progesterone and synthetic progestins, critical for women's health in the US and internationally, appear to have important effects on immune functioning and other diverse systems. Apart from the contraceptive world is a separate field that is devoted to understanding progesterone in other contexts. Based on research following a development timeline parallel to hormonal contraception, progesterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate are now administered to prevent preterm birth in high-risk pregnant women. Preterm birth researchers are similarly working to determine the precise biochemical actions and immunological effects of progesterone. Progesterone research in both areas could benefit from increased collaboration and bringing these two bodies of literature together. Progesterone, through actions on various hormone receptors, has lifelong importance in different organ systems and researchers have much to learn about this molecule from the combination of existing literatures, and from future studies that build on this combined knowledge base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Micks
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Washington, Box 356460, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, Washington, USADepartment of ResearchAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 409 12th Street SW, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Greta B Raglan
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Washington, Box 356460, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, Washington, USADepartment of ResearchAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 409 12th Street SW, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Jay Schulkin
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Washington, Box 356460, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, Washington, USADepartment of ResearchAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 409 12th Street SW, Washington, District of Columbia, USA Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Washington, Box 356460, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, Washington, USADepartment of ResearchAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 409 12th Street SW, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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15
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Ogino Y, Kuraku S, Ishibashi H, Miyakawa H, Sumiya E, Miyagawa S, Matsubara H, Yamada G, Baker ME, Iguchi T. Neofunctionalization of Androgen Receptor by Gain-of-Function Mutations in Teleost Fish Lineage. Mol Biol Evol 2015; 33:228-44. [PMID: 26507457 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msv218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormone receptor family provides an example of evolution of diverse transcription factors through whole-genome duplication (WGD). However, little is known about how their functions have been evolved after the duplication. Teleosts present a good model to investigate an accurate evolutionary history of protein function after WGD, because a teleost-specific WGD (TSGD) resulted in a variety of duplicated genes in modern fishes. This study focused on the evolution of androgen receptor (AR) gene, as two distinct paralogs, ARα and ARβ, have evolved in teleost lineage after TSGD. ARα showed a unique intracellular localization with a higher transactivation response than that of ARβ. Using site-directed mutagenesis and computational prediction of protein-ligand interactions, we identified two key substitutions generating a new functionality of euteleost ARα. The substitution in the hinge region contributes to the unique intracellular localization of ARα. The substitution on helices 10/11 in the ligand-binding domain possibly modulates hydrogen bonds that stabilize the receptor-ligand complex leading to the higher transactivation response of ARα. These substitutions were conserved in Acanthomorpha (spiny-rayed fish) ARαs, but not in an earlier branching lineage among teleosts, Japanese eel. Insertion of these substitutions into ARs from Japanese eel recapitulates the evolutionary novelty of euteleost ARα. These findings together indicate that the substitutions generating a new functionality of teleost ARα were fixed in teleost genome after the divergence of the Elopomorpha lineage. Our findings provide a molecular explanation for an adaptation process leading to generation of the hyperactive AR subtype after TSGD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Ogino
- Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, and Department of Basic Biology, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Japan
| | - Shigehiro Kuraku
- Phyloinformatics Unit, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ishibashi
- Department of Life Environmental Conservation, Faculty of Agriculture, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Miyakawa
- Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, and Department of Basic Biology, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Japan Center for Bioscience Research and Education, Utsunomiya University, Utsunomiya, Japan
| | - Eri Sumiya
- Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, and Department of Basic Biology, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Japan
| | - Shinichi Miyagawa
- Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, and Department of Basic Biology, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Japan
| | - Hajime Matsubara
- Department of Aquatic Biology, Faculty of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri, Japan
| | - Gen Yamada
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | | | - Taisen Iguchi
- Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, and Department of Basic Biology, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Japan
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Bellemare V, Phaneuf D, Luu-The V. Target deletion of the bifunctional type 12 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in mice results in reduction of androgen and estrogen levels in heterozygotes and embryonic lethality in homozygotes. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2015; 2:311-8. [PMID: 25961203 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci.2010.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2010] [Accepted: 07/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17β-HSDs) are enzymes issued from convergent evolution of activity from various ancestral genes having different functions. Type 12 17β-HSD (17β-HSD12) was described as a bifunctional enzyme, involved in the biosynthesis of estradiol (E2) and the elongation of very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA). It catalyzes selectively the transformation of estrone (E1) into estradiol (E2) in human and primates, whereas in the mouse and Caenorhabditis elegans the enzyme catalyzes the 17β-reduction of both androgens and estrogens. It is also able to catalyze the reduction of 3-keto-acylCoA into 3-hydroxy-acylCoA in the elongation cycle of VLCFA biosynthesis. To further understand the physiological role of 17β-HSD12, we performed targeted disruption of the Hsd17b12 gene by substituting exons 8 and 9 that contain the active site with a neomycin cassette. The data indicate that heterozygous (HSD17B12+/-) mice are viable with reduced levels of sex steroids, whereas homozygous (HSD17B12-/-) mice show embryonic lethality. The present data are in agreement with the bifunctional activities of 17β-HSD12 suggesting that the VLCFA elongation activity, having its origin in the yeast, is most probably responsible for embryonic lethality in HSD17B12-/-, whereas the more recently acquired 17β-HSD12 activity is responsible for reduced sex steroid levels in HSD17B12+/-.
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17
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Lei K, Liu R, An LH, Luo YF, LeBlanc GA. Estrogen alters the profile of the transcriptome in river snail Bellamya aeruginosa. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2015; 24:330-338. [PMID: 25398503 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-014-1381-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the transcriptome dynamics of the freshwater river snail Bellamya aeruginosa exposed to 17β-estradiol (E2) using the Roche/454 GS-FLX platform. In total, 41,869 unigenes, with an average length of 586 bp, representing 36,181 contigs and 5,688 singlets were obtained. Among them, 18.08, 36.85, and 25.47 % matched sequences in the GenBank non-redundant nucleic acid database, non-redundant protein database, and Swiss protein database, respectively. Annotation of the unigenes with gene ontology, and then mapping them to biological pathways, revealed large groups of genes related to growth, development, reproduction, signal transduction, and defense mechanisms. Significant differences were found in gene expression in both liver and testicular tissues between control and E2-exposed organisms. These changes in gene expression will help in understanding the molecular mechanisms of the response to physiological stress in the river snail exposed to estrogen, and will facilitate research into biological processes and underlying physiological adaptations to xenoestrogen exposure in gastropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environment Sciences, No. 8, Da-Yang-Fang, An-Wai-Bei-Yuan Rd., Chao-yang District, Beijing, 100012, China
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18
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Rossier BC, Baker ME, Studer RA. Epithelial sodium transport and its control by aldosterone: the story of our internal environment revisited. Physiol Rev 2015; 95:297-340. [PMID: 25540145 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00011.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription and translation require a high concentration of potassium across the entire tree of life. The conservation of a high intracellular potassium was an absolute requirement for the evolution of life on Earth. This was achieved by the interplay of P- and V-ATPases that can set up electrochemical gradients across the cell membrane, an energetically costly process requiring the synthesis of ATP by F-ATPases. In animals, the control of an extracellular compartment was achieved by the emergence of multicellular organisms able to produce tight epithelial barriers creating a stable extracellular milieu. Finally, the adaptation to a terrestrian environment was achieved by the evolution of distinct regulatory pathways allowing salt and water conservation. In this review we emphasize the critical and dual role of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in the control of the ionic composition of the extracellular fluid and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in salt and water conservation in vertebrates. The action of aldosterone on transepithelial sodium transport by activation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) at the apical membrane and that of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase at the basolateral membrane may have evolved in lungfish before the emergence of tetrapods. Finally, we discuss the implication of RAAS in the origin of the present pandemia of hypertension and its associated cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard C Rossier
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Division of Nephrology-Hypertension, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; and Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael E Baker
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Division of Nephrology-Hypertension, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; and Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Romain A Studer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Division of Nephrology-Hypertension, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; and Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Rai S, Szeitz A, Roberts BW, Christie Q, Didier W, Eom J, Yun SS, Close DA. A putative corticosteroid hormone in Pacific lamprey, Entosphenus tridentatus. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 212:178-84. [PMID: 24971804 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Revised: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Great efforts have been put forth to elucidate the mechanisms of the stress response in vertebrates and demonstrate the conserved response across different vertebrate groups, ranging from similarities in the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to the release and role of corticosteroids. There is however, still very little known about stress physiology in the Pacific lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus), descendants of the earliest vertebrate lineage, the agnathans. In this paper we demonstrate that 11-deoxycortisol, a steroid precursor to cortisol in the steroidogenic pathway, may be a functional corticosteroid in Pacific lamprey. We identified the putative hormone in Pacific lamprey plasma by employing an array of methods such as RIA, HPLC and mass spectrometry analysis. We demonstrated that plasma levels of 11-deoxycortisol significantly increased in Pacific lamprey 0.5 and 1 h after stress exposure and that lamprey corticotropin releasing hormone injections increased circulating levels of 11-deoxycortisol, suggesting that the stress response is under the control of the HPA/I axis as it is in higher vertebrates. A comprehensive understanding of vertebrate stress physiology may help shed light on the evolution of the corticosteroid signaling system within the vertebrate lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satbir Rai
- Department of Zoology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - András Szeitz
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Brent W Roberts
- Department of Zoology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Quill Christie
- Department of Zoology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Wesley Didier
- Department of Zoology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Junho Eom
- Department of Zoology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Sang-Seon Yun
- Fisheries Centre, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - David A Close
- Department of Zoology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada; Fisheries Centre, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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20
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Hwang DS, Lee BY, Kim HS, Lee MC, Kyung DH, Om AS, Rhee JS, Lee JS. Genome-wide identification of nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily genes in the copepod Tigriopus japonicus. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:993. [PMID: 25407996 PMCID: PMC4247118 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nuclear receptors (NRs) are a large superfamily of proteins defined by a DNA-binding domain (DBD) and a ligand-binding domain (LBD). They function as transcriptional regulators to control expression of genes involved in development, homeostasis, and metabolism. The number of NRs differs from species to species, because of gene duplications and/or lineage-specific gene losses during metazoan evolution. Many NRs in arthropods interact with the ecdysteroid hormone and are involved in ecdysone-mediated signaling in arthropods. The nuclear receptor superfamily complement has been reported in several arthropods, including crustaceans, but not in copepods. We identified the entire NR repertoire of the copepod Tigriopus japonicus, which is an important marine model species for ecotoxicology and environmental genomics. Results Using whole genome and transcriptome sequences, we identified a total of 31 nuclear receptors in the genome of T. japonicus. Nomenclature of the nuclear receptors was determined based on the sequence similarities of the DNA-binding domain (DBD) and ligand-binding domain (LBD). The 7 subfamilies of NRs separate into five major clades (subfamilies NR1, NR2, NR3, NR4, and NR5/6). Although the repertoire of NR members in, T. japonicus was similar to that reported for other arthropods, there was an expansion of the NR1 subfamily in Tigriopus japonicus. The twelve unique nuclear receptors identified in T. japonicus are members of NR1L. This expansion may be a unique lineage-specific feature of crustaceans. Interestingly, E78 and HR83, which are present in other arthropods, were absent from the genomes of T. japonicus and two congeneric copepod species (T. japonicus and Tigriopus californicus), suggesting copepod lineage-specific gene loss. Conclusions We identified all NR receptors present in the copepod, T. japonicus. Knowledge of the copepod nuclear receptor repertoire will contribute to a better understanding of copepod- and crustacean-specific NR evolution. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-993) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, South Korea.
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21
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Chaube R, Mishra S. Brain steroid contents in the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis: sex and gonad stage-specific changes. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2012; 38:757-767. [PMID: 22002168 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-011-9558-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2010] [Accepted: 09/05/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Neurosteroids are those which are synthesized in the central nervous system independently of supply by peripheral endocrine glands. In the present study, brain contents of the steroid hormones, estradiol-17β (E(2)), testosterone (T), corticosteroids, and progestins were investigated in both male and female catfish Heteropneustes fossilis in prespawning (vitellogenic) and spawning (post-vitellogenic) phases using ELISA or HPLC. The data show that the measured steroid hormones showed both stage-specific and sex-related variations. Brain E(2) was significantly higher in males in the prespawning phase and in females in the spawning phase. Testosterone was significantly higher in males in comparison with females in the prespawning phase. Cortisol was significantly higher in the prespawning and spawning phases in males than in females. Corticosterone level was low in the brain. 21-deoxycortisol and deoxycorticosterone were significantly higher in the prespawning phase than in the spawning phase. Male brain recorded the highest concentration of deoxycorticosterone. Progesterone (P(4)) was high in the prespawning phase and low in the spawning phase in both sexes. Levels of 17-hydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione and 17,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20β-DP) and the metabolites of P(4) were the highest in females in the prespawning phase. The stage-specific and sexual differences in the content of the steroids suggest their biosynthesis in the brain, which may have implications in brain functions, in addition to reproductive regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Chaube
- Zoology Section, Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
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22
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Hay CW, McEwan IJ. The impact of point mutations in the human androgen receptor: classification of mutations on the basis of transcriptional activity. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32514. [PMID: 22403669 PMCID: PMC3293822 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 01/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen receptor mediated signaling drives prostate cancer cell growth and survival. Mutations within the receptor occur infrequently in prostate cancer prior to hormonal therapy but become prevalent in incurable androgen independent and metastatic tumors. Despite the determining role played by the androgen receptor in all stages of prostate cancer progression, there is a conspicuous dearth of comparable data on the consequences of mutations. In order to remedy this omission, we have combined an expansive study of forty five mutations which are predominantly associated with high Gleason scores and metastatic tumors, and span the entire length of the receptor, with a literature review of the mutations under investigation. We report the discovery of a novel prevalent class of androgen receptor mutation that possesses loss of function at low levels of androgen yet transforms to a gain of function at physiological levels. Importantly, mutations introducing constitutive gain of function are uncommon, with the majority of mutations leading to either loss of function or no significant change from wild-type activity. Therefore, the widely accepted supposition that androgen receptor mutations in prostate cancer result in gain of function is appealing, but mistaken. In addition, the transcriptional outcome of some mutations is dependent upon the androgen receptor responsive element. We discuss the consequences of these findings and the role of androgen receptor mutations for prostate cancer progression and current treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin W. Hay
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Iain J. McEwan
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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23
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Rotinen M, Villar J, Encío I. Regulation of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in cancer: regulating steroid receptor at pre-receptor stage. J Physiol Biochem 2012; 68:461-73. [DOI: 10.1007/s13105-012-0155-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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24
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CUI BO, MA FEI, WANG XIANG, SUN YI, YU LI, LI-LING JESSE, LI QINGWEI. PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSES OF FRINGILLIDAE (AVES: PASSERIFORMES) USING MITOCHONDRIAL tRNA GENE SEQUENCES AND SECONDARY STRUCTURE. J BIOL SYST 2011. [DOI: 10.1142/s0218339006001908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Fringillidae is a large and diverse family of Passeriformes. So far, however, Fringillidae relationships deduced from morphological features and by a number of molecular approaches have remained unproven. Recently, much attention has been attracted to mitochondrial tRNA genes, whose sequence and secondary structural characteristics have shown to be useful for Acrodont Lizards and deep-branch phylogenetic studies. In order to identify useful phylogenetic markers and test Fringillidae relationships, we have sequenced three major clusters of mitochondrial tRNA genes from 15 Fringillidae taxa. A coincident tree, with coturnix as outgroup, was obtained through Maximum-likelihood method using combined dataset of 11 mitochondrial tRNA gene sequences. The result was similar to that through Neighbor-joining but different from Maximum-parsimony methods. Phylogenetic trees constructed with stem-region sequences of 11 genes had many different topologies and lower confidence than with total sequences. On the other hand, some secondary structural characteristics may provide phylogenetic information on relatively short internal branches at under-genus level. In summary, our data indicate that mitochondrial tRNA genes can achieve high confidence on Fringillidae phylogeny at subfamily level, and stem-region sequences may be suitable only at above-family level. Secondary structural characteristics may also be useful to resolve phylogenetic relationship between different genera of Fringillidae with good performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- BO CUI
- Laboratory of Comparative Genome and Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, P. R. China
| | - FEI MA
- Laboratory of Comparative Genome and Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, P. R. China
| | - XIANG WANG
- Laboratory of Comparative Genome and Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, P. R. China
| | - YI SUN
- Laboratory of Comparative Genome and Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, P. R. China
| | - LI YU
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, P. R. China
| | - JESSE LI-LING
- Department of Medical Genetics, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, P. R. China
| | - QINGWEI LI
- Laboratory of Comparative Genome and Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, P. R. China
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25
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Ogino Y, Miyagawa S, Katoh H, Prins GS, Iguchi T, Yamada G. Essential functions of androgen signaling emerged through the developmental analysis of vertebrate sex characteristics. Evol Dev 2011; 13:315-25. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-142x.2011.00482.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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26
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Kassahn KS, Ragan MA, Funder JW. Mineralocorticoid receptors: evolutionary and pathophysiological considerations. Endocrinology 2011; 152:1883-90. [PMID: 21343255 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-1444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Mineralocorticoid receptors (MR), glucocorticoid receptors (GR), progesterone receptors (PR), and androgen receptors (AR) comprise a closely related subfamily within the human 49-member nuclear receptor family. These receptors and their cognate ligands play major roles in homeostasis, reproduction, growth, and development, despite which their evolution and diversification remains incompletely understood. Several conflicting models have been advanced for the evolution of this subfamily. We have thus undertaken Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses of this subfamily. The Bayesian consensus and maximum likelihood trees support a basal position for MR, with the PR and AR forming a sister clade. We next performed analyses using topological constraints to directly contrast the likelihood of seven phylogenetic models. In these analyses, three models have similar support: one proposes two sister clades (MR and GR, PR and AR); the other two propose a different subfamily member (MR or GR) to be the first to have diverged. Ancestral state reconstructions at sites critical for physiological function show that the S810L mutation in the MR, which results in the MR being similar to estrogen receptors and the more distantly related retinoic acid receptor-α is likely to reflect the ancestral receptor sequence before the divergence of this subfamily and provides further support for MR having been the first of the subfamily to diverge. Finally, we drew on pathophysiological comparisons to help to distinguish the different models. On the basis of our phylogenetic analyses and pathophysiological considerations, we propose that the MR was the first to diverge from the ancestral gene lineage from which this subfamily derived.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Bayes Theorem
- Evolution, Molecular
- Humans
- Models, Molecular
- Phylogeny
- Protein Conformation
- Receptors, Androgen/genetics
- Receptors, Androgen/physiology
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid/genetics
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid/physiology
- Receptors, Mineralocorticoid/chemistry
- Receptors, Mineralocorticoid/genetics
- Receptors, Mineralocorticoid/physiology
- Receptors, Progesterone/genetics
- Receptors, Progesterone/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin S Kassahn
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Bioinformatic, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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27
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Luu-The V. Assessment of steroidogenic pathways that do not require testosterone as intermediate. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2011; 5:161-5. [DOI: 10.1515/hmbci.2011.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractTraditional literature and textbooks generally describe that estradiol (E2) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are synthesized from the aromatization and 5α-reduction of testosterone (T), respectively, following a pathway in which T is an essential intermediate (Tpath). This pathway implies that the steps of aromatization and 5α-reduction follow the reaction of the androgenic 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) that catalyzes the conversion of 4-androstenedione (4-dione) into T, and that estrogenic 17β-HSDs are not required. Contrary to this belief, the cloning of many estrogen-specific 17β-HSDs and the observation of higher affinity of aromatase and 5α-reductase for 4-dione than T are strongly in favor of biosynthetic pathways in which the steps catalyzed by aromatase and 5α-reductase precede that catalyzed by 17β-HSDs. Such pathways do not require T as an intermediate, as demonstrated by experiments using [14C]-labeled DHEA and 4-dione as substrates and incubation with SZ95 sebaceous gland, DU-145 prostate cancer and JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cell lines cultured in the presence of inhibitors of 5α-reductase and aromatase. A review of early literature about patients with testicular 17β-HSD deficiency and of steroid metabolism appears to confirm the physiological functionality of the E2 and DHT biosynthetic pathway not requiring T as intermediate (noTpath).
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28
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Baker ME, Asnaashari P, Chang DJ, McDonnell S. 3D models of lamprey progesterone receptor complexed with progesterone, 7α-hydroxy-progesterone and 15α-hydroxy-progesterone. Steroids 2011; 76:169-76. [PMID: 21055412 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2010.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2010] [Revised: 10/17/2010] [Accepted: 10/21/2010] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Sea lamprey, a basal vertebrate, contains a progesterone receptor [PR]. An unusual property of lamprey is that gonadotropin-releasing hormone induces synthesis of 15α-hydroxy-progesterone [15α-OH-P] instead of progesterone. There also is indirect evidence for 7α-OH-P in lamprey serum. To determine if there is a structural basis for the binding of 7α-OH-P and 15α-OH-P to lamprey PR, we constructed 3D models of the lamprey PR complexed with progesterone, 7α-OH-P and 15α-OH-P. These 3D models reveal that Met-277 in lamprey PR has a specific interaction with the 15α-hydroxyl on 15α-OH-P and with Met-192, which also contacts the 15α-hydroxyl group. We also find that 7α-OH-P has favorable contacts with side-chains in lamprey PR. BLAST searches reveal that Met-277 on lamprey PR is unique among vertebrate PRs. This unique site on lamprey PR could be a target for compounds to control reproduction in sea lamprey, an environmental pest in Lake Michigan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Baker
- Department of Medicine, 0693, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0693, USA.
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29
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The intracrine sex steroid biosynthesis pathways. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2010; 181:177-92. [PMID: 20478438 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(08)81010-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
There is an increasing number of differences reported between the steroidogenesis pathways described in the traditional literature related to gonadal steroidogenesis and the more recent observations achieved using new technologies, especially molecular cloning, pangenomic expression studies, precise quantification of mRNA expression using real-time PCR, use of steroidogenic enzymes stably transfected in cells, detailed enzymatic activity analysis in cultured cell lines and mass spectrometry analysis of steroids. The objective of this chapter is to present steroidogenesis in the light of new findings that demonstrate pathways of biosynthesis of estradiol (E(2)) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from adrenal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in peripheral intracrine tissues which do not involve testosterone as intermediate as classically found in the testis and ovary. Steroidogenic enzymes different from those of the ovary and testis act in a tissue-specific manner to catalyze the transformation of DHEA into active sex steroids. These new pathways are especially important in post-menopausal women where all estrogens and practically all androgens are made at their site of action in peripheral tissues from DHEA, the precursor of adrenal origin. In men, on the other hand, from 40 to 50% of androgens are made in peripheral tissues from adrenal DHEA, thus indicating the major importance of the intracrine pathways in both men and women. We also examine the molecular evolution of steroidogenic enzymes which explains the major differences in steroid metabolism observed between laboratory animals and humans.
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30
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Arterbery AS, Deitcher DL, Bass AH. Corticosteroid receptor expression in a teleost fish that displays alternative male reproductive tactics. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2010; 165:83-90. [PMID: 19524581 PMCID: PMC2783833 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2009.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2009] [Revised: 05/12/2009] [Accepted: 06/08/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Corticosteroid signaling mechanisms mediate a wide range of adaptive physiological responses, including those essential to reproduction. Here, we investigated the presence and relative abundance of corticosteroid receptors during the breeding season in the plainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus), a species that has two male reproductive morphs. Only type I "singing" males acoustically court females and aggressively defend a nest site, whereas type II "sneaker" males steal fertilizations from nesting type I males. Cloning and sequencing first identified glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid (MR) receptors in midshipman that exhibited high sequence identity with other vertebrate GRs and MRs. Absolute-quantitative real-time PCR then revealed higher levels of GR in the central nervous system (CNS) of type II males than type I males and females, while GR levels in the sound-producing, vocal muscle and the liver were higher in type I males than type II males and females. MR expression was also greater in the CNS of type II males than type I males or females, but the differences were more modest in magnitude. Lastly, plasma levels of cortisol, the main glucocorticoid in teleosts, were 2- to 3-fold greater in type II males compared to type I males. Together, the results suggest a link between corticosteroid regulation and physiological and behavioral variation in a teleost fish that displays male alternative reproductive tactics.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Batrachoidiformes/genetics
- Batrachoidiformes/metabolism
- Batrachoidiformes/physiology
- Central Nervous System/metabolism
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Liver/metabolism
- Male
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid/chemistry
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid/genetics
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid/physiology
- Receptors, Mineralocorticoid/chemistry
- Receptors, Mineralocorticoid/genetics
- Receptors, Mineralocorticoid/physiology
- Receptors, Steroid/chemistry
- Receptors, Steroid/genetics
- Receptors, Steroid/physiology
- Reproduction/genetics
- Reproduction/physiology
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Sex Factors
- Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology
- Testis/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam S Arterbery
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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Yamana K, Labrie F, Luu-The V. Human type 3 5α-reductase is expressed in peripheral tissues at higher levels than types 1 and 2 and its activity is potently inhibited by finasteride and dutasteride. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2010; 2:293-9. [DOI: 10.1515/hmbci.2010.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2010] [Accepted: 05/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract5α-Reductases are crucial enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of dihydrotestosterone, the most potent natural androgen. To date, three types of 5α-reductases, chronologically named types 1, 2 and 3 5α-reductases (SRD5a-1, 2 and 3) have been described. In the present paper, we characterized the activity and compared the mRNA expression levels of SRD5a-3 with those of SRD5a-1 and 2 in various human tissues, and determined its sensitivity to finasteride and dutasteride. We have established HEK-293 cell line that stably expressed SRD5a-3 for studying its activity and the inhibitory effect of finasteride, using [
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Ogino Y, Katoh H, Kuraku S, Yamada G. Evolutionary history and functional characterization of androgen receptor genes in jawed vertebrates. Endocrinology 2009; 150:5415-27. [PMID: 19819965 PMCID: PMC2795718 DOI: 10.1210/en.2009-0523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2009] [Accepted: 09/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Vertebrates show diverse sexual characters in sexually attractive and reproductive organs, which are regulated by steroid hormones, particularly androgens. However, the evolutionary history of androgen receptor (AR) gene remains largely unknown on the basis of phylogenic and functional analyses. To elucidate the evolutionary history and functional diversification of AR genes in vertebrates, we cloned the AR cDNAs from a shark, basal ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii), namely bichir and sturgeon (Acipenseriformes), and teleosts including a basal teleost, arowana (Osteoglossiformes). Molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed that the gene duplication event that gave rise to two different teleost ARs (alpha and beta) likely occurred in the actinopterygian lineage leading to teleosts after the divergence of Acipenseriformes but before the split of Osteoglossiformes, which is compatible with the phylogenetic timing of teleost-specific genome duplication. Searching for AR genes in the medaka genome indicated that the teleost AR gene duplication has been associated with the duplication between chromosomes 10 and 14. Our functional analysis revealed that the shark AR activates the target gene via androgen response element by classical androgens. The teleost ARalpha showed the unique intracellular localization with a significantly higher transactivating capacity than that by teleost ARbeta. These findings indicate that the most ancient type of AR, as activated by the classical androgens as ligands, emerged before the Chondrichthyes-Osteichthyes split, and the AR gene was duplicated during the teleost-specific genome duplication event. We report here for the first time the accurate evolutionary history of AR gene and functional characterization of AR duplicates in teleost lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Ogino
- Department of Organ Formation, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Graduate School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 2-2-1, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
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Baker ME, Chang DJ. 3D model of amphioxus steroid receptor complexed with estradiol. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 386:516-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.06.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2009] [Accepted: 06/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Taylor SE, Martin-Hirsch PL, Martin FL. Oestrogen receptor splice variants in the pathogenesis of disease. Cancer Lett 2009; 288:133-48. [PMID: 19608332 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2009.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2009] [Revised: 06/12/2009] [Accepted: 06/16/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The full-length oestrogen receptor (ER) exists in most vertebrates as two separately encoded isoforms. ER splice variants represent truncated or otherwise modified versions of the full-length alpha or beta isoforms of the parent receptor. ERalpha is found on chromosome 6q and encodes a 595 amino acid protein, while ERbeta is found on chromosome 14q and encodes a 530 amino acid protein. These receptors possess differing ligand affinities, are differentially expressed in a tissue-specific fashion and may act antagonistically. Their altered expression has been implicated in the pathophysiology of a diverse range of conditions from cancer progression in hormone-responsive tissues to neurodegenerative disease. Variously co-expressed with full-length ERs, ER splice variants may have a positive or negative influence on transcription either by modifying the effect of the parent receptor or through their own intrinsic activity. To date, the vast majority of studies have used generic primers or antibodies against the full-length receptors and would not distinguish ER-mediated effects associated with various splice variants. Thus the evidence base of the influence of ER splice variants in normal developmental physiology and in the pathogenesis of disease is weak and greater understanding of their role will undoubtedly lead to new therapeutic strategies for disease intervention and treatment. This review aims to compile the current evidence for the presence of ER splice variants in humans, their physiological roles and clinical sequelae.
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Baker ME. Trichoplax, the simplest known animal, contains an estrogen-related receptor but no estrogen receptor: Implications for estrogen receptor evolution. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2008; 375:623-7. [PMID: 18722350 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.08.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2008] [Accepted: 08/13/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Although, as their names imply, estrogen receptors [ERs] and estrogen-related receptors [ERRs] are related transcription factors, their evolutionary relationships to each other are not fully understood. To elucidate the origins and evolution of ERs and ERRs, we searched for their orthologs in the recently sequenced genome of Trichoplax, the simplest known animal, and in the genomes of three lophotrochozoans: Capitella, an annelid worm, Helobdella robusta, a leech, and Lottia gigantea, a snail. BLAST searches found an ERR in Trichoplax, but no ER. BLAST searches also found ERRs in all three lophotrochozoans and invertebrate-like ERs in Capitella and Lottia, but not in Helobdella. Unexpectedly we find that the Capitella ER sequence is closest to ERbeta, unlike the other invertebrate ER sequences, which are closest to ERalpha. Our database searches and phylogenetic analysis indicate that invertebrate ERs evolved in a lophotrochozoan and steroid-binding ERs evolved in a deuterostome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Baker
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0693, USA.
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Baker ME, Chandsawangbhuwana C. Motif analysis of amphioxus, lamprey and invertebrate estrogen receptors: Toward a better understanding of estrogen receptor evolution. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2008; 371:724-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.04.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2008] [Accepted: 04/24/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Abstract
The use of steroids and their receptors as ligand-gated transcription factors is thought to be an important step in vertebrate evolution. The lamprey is the earliest-evolving vertebrate to date in which sex steroids and their receptors have been demonstrated to have hormonal roles similar to those found in jawed vertebrates. Sex steroids and their receptors have been examined in several lamprey species, and the majority of studies have focused on the sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus. While classical steroids appear to be present in lampreys, their function, concentrations, and synthesis have not been determined conclusively. The only classical steroid that is thought to act as a hormone in both males and females is estradiol. Recent research has established that lampreys produce and circulate 15alpha-hydroxylated steroids, and that these steroids respond to upstream stimulation within the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In particular, 15alpha-hydroxyprogesterone is highly sensitive and responds in great magnitude to stimulation, and is likely a hormone. Lampreys also appear to use androstenedione, a precursor to vertebrate androgens, as their main androgen, and a receptor for androstenedione has recently been described. Non-classical steroids are prevalent in many aquatic vertebrates, and the non-classical steroids found in the sea lamprey may represent an evolutionary artifact, or alternatively may be a way to avoid endocrine disruption when ingesting the body fluids of host fish. The lamprey will continue to be an interesting model for examining the evolution of steroid hormones, steroid receptors, and steroid function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara B Bryan
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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Baker ME, Chandsawangbhuwana C. Analysis of 3D models of octopus estrogen receptor with estradiol: Evidence for steric clashes that prevent estrogen binding. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 361:782-8. [PMID: 17678875 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.07.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2007] [Accepted: 07/19/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Relatives of the vertebrate estrogen receptor (ER) are found in Aplysia californica, Octopus vulgaris, Thais clavigera, and Marisa cornuarietis. Unlike vertebrate ERs, invertebrate ERs are constitutively active and do not bind estradiol. To investigate the molecular basis of the absence of estrogen binding, we constructed a 3D model of the putative steroid-binding domain on octopus ER. Our 3D model indicates that binding of estradiol to octopus ER is prevented by steric clashes between estradiol and amino acids in the steroid-binding pocket. In this respect, octopus ER resembles vertebrate estrogen-related receptors (ERR), which have a ligand-binding pocket that cannot accommodate estradiol. Like ERR, octopus ER also may have the activation function 2 domain (AF2) in a configuration that can bind to coactivators in the absence of estrogens, which would explain constitutive activity of octopus ER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Baker
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0693, USA.
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Bryan MB, Scott AP, Li W. The sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) has a receptor for androstenedione. Biol Reprod 2007; 77:688-96. [PMID: 17596561 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.061093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of nuclear steroid receptors as ligand-activated transcription factors is a critical event in vertebrate evolution. It is believed that nuclear steroid receptors arose at or before the vertebrate radiation, except for an androgen receptor (Ar) that evolved only in the gnathostome line. We report an androgen-Ar complex in the male sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), an extant jawless vertebrate. The androgen with the highest affinity is not testosterone, but its direct precursor, androstenedione (Ad). To establish that the binding moiety in lamprey testis is a receptor-and not an "androgen-binding protein"-we have shown that it can be extracted from the nucleus as well as the cytosol, that the Ad-receptor complex binds to DNA, and that the receptor is approximately twice the size of an androgen-binding protein extracted from the Atlantic salmon testis. The capacity (and high affinity) of binding of the lamprey Ar is such that much of the Ad present in male lampreys becomes sequestered within the testis (as opposed to circulating in the plasma). Concentrations of Ad (but not of testosterone) in plasma and testis tissue are upregulated by injection of lamprey GnRH. Implantation of male lampreys with exogenous Ad significantly accelerates the development of the testis and growth of at least one secondary male characteristic. It appears that all classes of steroid hormones have contributed to the evolution of the regulatory complexity of steroid receptors found in modern vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara B Bryan
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
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Li H, Rajendran GK, Liu N, Ware C, Rubin BP, Gu Y. SirT1 modulates the estrogen-insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling for postnatal development of mammary gland in mice. Breast Cancer Res 2007; 9:R1. [PMID: 17201918 PMCID: PMC1851382 DOI: 10.1186/bcr1632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2006] [Revised: 11/09/2006] [Accepted: 01/03/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Estrogen and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) play important roles in mammary gland development and breast cancer. SirT1 is a highly conserved protein deacetylase that can regulate the insulin/IGF-1 signaling in lower organisms, as well as a growing number of transcription factors, including NF-kappaB, in mammalian cells. Whether SirT1 regulates the IGF-1 signaling for mammary gland development and function, however, is not clear. In the present study, this role of SirT1 was examined by studying SirT1-deficient mice. METHODS SirT1-deficient (SirT1(ko/ko)) mice were generated by crossing a new strain of mice harboring a conditional targeted mutation in the SirT1 gene (SirT1(co/co)) with CMV-Cre transgenic mice. Whole mount and histology analyses, immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting were used to characterize mammary gland development in virgin and pregnant mice. The effect of exogenous estrogen was also examined by subcutaneous implantation of a slow-releasing pellet in the subscapular region. RESULTS Both male and female SirT1(ko/ko) mice can be fertile despite the growth retardation phenotype. Virgin SirT1(ko/ko) mice displayed impeded ductal morphogenesis, whereas pregnant SirT1(ko/ko) mice manifested lactation failure due to an underdeveloped lobuloalveolar network. Estrogen implantation was sufficient to rescue ductal morphogenesis. Exogenous estrogen reversed the increased basal level of IGF-1 binding protein-1 expression in SirT1(ko/ko) mammary tissues, but not that of IkappaB alpha expression, suggesting that increased levels of estrogen enhanced the production of local IGF-1 and rescued ductal morphogenesis. Additionally, TNFalpha treatment enhanced the level of the newly synthesized IkappaB alpha in SirT1(ko/ko) cells. SirT1 deficiency therefore affects the cellular response to multiple extrinsic signals. CONCLUSION SirT1 modulates the IGF-1 signaling critical for both growth regulation and mammary gland development in mice. SirT1 deficiency deregulates the expression of IGF-1 binding protein-1 and attenuates the effect of IGF-1 signals, including estrogen-stimulated local IGF-1 signaling for the onset of ductal morphogenesis. These findings suggest that the enzymatic activity of SirT1 may influence both normal growth and malignant growth of mammary epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhe Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Grace K Rajendran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ninning Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Carol Ware
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Brian P Rubin
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Yansong Gu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Baker ME, Chandsawangbhuwana C, Ollikainen N. Structural analysis of the evolution of steroid specificity in the mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors. BMC Evol Biol 2007; 7:24. [PMID: 17306029 PMCID: PMC1805736 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-7-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2006] [Accepted: 02/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) evolved from a common ancestor. Still not completely understood is how specificity for glucocorticoids (e.g. cortisol) and mineralocorticoids (e.g. aldosterone) evolved in these receptors. Results Our analysis of several vertebrate GRs and MRs in the context of 3D structures of human GR and MR indicates that with the exception of skate GR, a cartilaginous fish, there is a deletion in all GRs, at the position corresponding to Ser-949 in human MR. This deletion occurs in a loop before helix 12, which contains the activation function 2 (AF2) domain, which binds coactivator proteins and influences transcriptional activity of steroids. Unexpectedly, we find that His-950 in human MR, which is conserved in the MR in chimpanzee, orangutan and macaque, is glutamine in all teleost and land vertebrate MRs, including New World monkeys and prosimians. Conclusion Evolution of differences in the responses of the GR and MR to corticosteroids involved deletion in the GR of a residue corresponding to Ser-949 in human MR. A mutation corresponding to His-950 in human MR may have been important in physiological changes associated with emergence of Old World monkeys from prosimians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Baker
- Department of Medicine, 0693, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0693, USA
| | - Charlie Chandsawangbhuwana
- Department of Medicine, 0693, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0693, USA
| | - Noah Ollikainen
- Department of Medicine, 0693, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0693, USA
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Rogerson FM, Yao YZ, Elsass RE, Dimopoulos N, Smith BJ, Fuller PJ. A critical region in the mineralocorticoid receptor for aldosterone binding and activation by cortisol: evidence for a common mechanism governing ligand binding specificity in steroid hormone receptors. Mol Endocrinol 2007; 21:817-28. [PMID: 17284665 DOI: 10.1210/me.2006-0246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The amino acids that confer aldosterone binding specificity to the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) remain to be determined. We had previously analyzed a panel of chimeras created between the MR and the glucocorticoid receptor and determined that amino acids 804-874 of the MR ligand binding domain are critical for aldosterone binding. In the present study a further series of chimeras was created within this region. The chimeras were analyzed by a transactivation assay and [(3)H]aldosterone binding, and the critical region was narrowed down to amino acids 820-844. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to create single and multiple amino acid substitutions in this region. These studies identified 12 of the 16 amino acids that differ in the MR and the glucocorticoid receptor in this region as being critical to conferring aldosterone responsivity. The amino acids that differ in the region 820-844 lie on the surface of the molecule and, therefore, it appears that MR ligand binding selectivity is conferred by residues that do not form part of the ligand binding pocket. Other studies have found that the corresponding regions of the androgen and glucocorticoid receptors are critical for the binding of natural and synthetic ligands, suggesting a common mechanism governing ligand binding specificity. The new chimeras also displayed, as previously reported, a dissociation between cortisol binding and transactivation and, intriguingly, only those that bound aldosterone with high affinity were activated by cortisol, suggesting a common mechanism that underlies specificity of aldosterone binding and the ability of cortisol to activate the MR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fraser M Rogerson
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, P.O. Box 5152, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia
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Köhler HR, Kloas W, Schirling M, Lutz I, Reye AL, Langen JS, Triebskorn R, Nagel R, Schönfelder G. Sex steroid receptor evolution and signalling in aquatic invertebrates. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2007; 16:131-43. [PMID: 17219085 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-006-0111-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
In vertebrate reproductive endocrinology sex steroids play a pivotal role via binding to receptors. However, information on the origin and relevance of sex steroids in invertebrates is limited. This review highlights current literature on steroid receptors in aquatic invertebrates and reports on some new findings. It has been shown that invertebrates of the deuterostome clade, such as Acrania and Echinodermata, respond to estrogens and androgens and, at least in Branchiostoma, an estrogen receptor has been cloned. Within the protostomes, most findings are related to aquatic molluscs. Sex steroid receptor-like proteins are abundant in gastropods, bivalves and cephalopods and also sex hormone signalling shows partial similarity to the deuterostomes. In ecdysozoans, however, the impact of sex steroids is still a matter of debate even though there is evidence on the presence of estrogen receptor-like proteins in Crustacea and on physiological effects of estrogens in both Nematoda and Crustacea. Recent findings suggest the presence of an estrogen receptor alpha-like protein of unclear physiological role in Gammarus fossarum (Crustacea). Binding studies revealed the crustacean Hyalella azteca to possess specific binding sites only for androgens but not for estrogens suggesting a possible limitation to functional androgen receptors in this species. Further studies have to be conducted to shed more light into the discussion about the controversy about sex steroid receptors in invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heinz-R Köhler
- Animal Physiological Ecology, University of Tübingen, Konrad-Adenauer-Strasse 20, D-72072 Tuebingen, Germany.
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Janer G, Porte C. Sex steroids and potential mechanisms of non-genomic endocrine disruption in invertebrates. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2007; 16:145-60. [PMID: 17219086 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-006-0110-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The review reports on the presence and metabolism of sex steroids in several invertebrate species and provides detailed information on possible mechanisms of endocrine disruption other than the interaction with nuclear receptors. The presence of most vertebrate sex steroids in invertebrate tissues has been demonstrated by liquid or gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. In addition, enzymatic pathways involved in the steroidogenic pathway have been described in at least some invertebrate phyla. Some endocrine disruptors induce alterations in these metabolic pathways and might lead to changes in steroid levels. Growing evidence suggests that estradiol can act through non-genomic pathways in molluscs, and that xenobiotics can as well interfere in these signalling cascades. In spite of these recent advances, most question marks on the action and function of sex steroids in invertebrates remain to be answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Janer
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IIQAB-CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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Abstract
Steroid molecules are present in all invertebrates, and some of them have established hormonal roles: this is the case for ecdysteroids in arthropods and, to a lesser extent, for vertebrate-type steroids in molluscs. Steroids are not only hormones, they may also fulfill many other functions in chemical communication, chemical defense or even digestive physiology. The increasing occurrence of endocrine disruption problems caused by environmental pollutants, which interfere in particular with reproductive physiology of vertebrates but also of invertebrates has made necessary to better understand the endocrine physiology of the latter and the role of steroids in these processes. So many attempts are being made to better understand the endocrine roles of steroids in arthropods and molluscs, and to establish whether they also fulfill similar functions in other invertebrate phyla. At the moment, both the precise identification of these steroids, the determination of their origin (endogenous versus exogenous) and of their mechanism of action are under active investigation. This research takes profit of the development of genome sequencing programs on many invertebrate species, which allow the identification of receptors and/or biosynthetic enzymes, when related to their vertebrate counterparts, but the story is not so simple, as will be exemplified by estrogen receptors of molluscs.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Lafont
- Biochimie Structurale et Fonctionnelle des Protéines, CNRS FRE 2852, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Case Courrier no. 29, 75252 Paris Cedex 05, France.
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Orsal AS, Blois S, Labuz D, Peters EMJ, Schaefer M, Arck PC. The progesterone derivative dydrogesterone down-regulates neurokinin 1 receptor expression on lymphocytes, induces a Th2 skew and exerts hypoalgesic effects in mice. J Mol Med (Berl) 2005; 84:159-67. [PMID: 16389545 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-005-0005-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2005] [Accepted: 09/13/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that the neuropeptide substance P (SP) is predominantly involved in neurogenic inflammation and pain perception via its high-affinity neurokinin 1 receptor (NK-1R). Intriguingly, decreased pain sensitivity is found to be associated with high plasma progesterone levels. We hypothesize that progesterone may attenuate nociception and associated inflammatory response via NK-1R-dependent pathways. To address our hypothesis, we incubated splenic lymphocytes from CBA/J female mice with different concentrations of the progesterone derivative dydrogesterone. Subsequently, the expressions of NK-1R and T helper (Th1)-type cytokines were analyzed by flow cytometry. Next, we subcutaneously injected CBA/J mice with 1.25 mg of dydrogesterone in 200-microl sesame oil; control mice were sham-injected. Tail flick test to detect the nociceptive threshold was performed in 30-min intervals upon injection. Lymphocytes were isolated from blood and uterus and analyzed for NK-1R surface expression. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed to investigate the uterine tissue distribution of NK-1R. Dydrogesterone induced a decrease in the percentage of NK-1R+ lymphocytes in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, an increase in Th2-type and a decrease in Th1-type cytokines could be detected in vitro after incubation with dydrogesterone. An increased tail flick latency following dydrogesterone injection supported the concept that decreased expression of the NK-1R on lymphocytes is associated with an increased pain threshold. Taken together, these results clearly reveal a pathway by which dydrogesterone or progesterone respectively modulates the cross talk of the nervous, endocrine and immune systems in inflammation and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arif Suphi Orsal
- Department of Biomedical Research, Charité, University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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Blázquez M, Piferrer F. Sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) androgen receptor: cDNA cloning, tissue-specific expression, and mRNA levels during early development and sex differentiation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2005; 237:37-48. [PMID: 15878229 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2005.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2005] [Accepted: 04/01/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Androgens play key roles in vertebrate sex differentiation, gonadal maturation and reproductive behaviour and their actions are generally mediated through specific nuclear receptors. The present study describes the isolation, sequencing and characterization of the cDNA encoding the androgen receptor (AR) in the European sea bass. AR was cloned from a sea bass testis cDNA library and encoded a predicted protein of 767 residues, with a calculated molecular weight of 86.4 kDa and a theoretical pI of 6.34. Several domains present in all cloned ARs were identified. The domains corresponded to an amino-terminal hypervariable transcriptional activation domain (TAD), a central highly conserved DNA-binding domain (DBD), and a carboxy-terminal ligand-binding domain (LBD). Percentages of homology-similarity among these functional domains in teleost fish ranged between 9 and 75% for the TAD, 73 and 98% for the DBD, and 78 and 96% for the LBD when compared to those of the sea bass. Tissue-specific expression showed that AR was preferentially expressed in testis, ovaries, and brain. Some other tissues such as the head kidney, liver and spleen also showed AR expression although at very low levels. A semiquantitative PCR was developed to study the expression of AR mRNA during the period of development encompassed between 50 and 300 DPH in sea bass gonads. An experimental design, involving repeated size gradings, based on the fact that sea bass females are larger than males already at sex differentiation, was set to obtain a group consisting of the largest fish (female-dominant) and a group consisting of the smallest fish (male-dominant). The results showed very low mRNA expression levels of AR in the gonads during early development. Differences in AR expression between groups were first encountered at 150 DPH and became especially marked at 250 DPH with much higher levels in the male-dominant group. These sex-related differences in expression profiles between males and females by the time of sex differentiation, suggest an important role for AR controlling this process in the sea bass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Blázquez
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Passeig Marítim, 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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48
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Galigniana MD, Piwien Pilipuk G. Activation of the ligand-mineralocorticoid receptor functional unit by ancient, classical, and novel ligands. Structure-activity relationship. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2004; 69:31-68. [PMID: 15196878 DOI: 10.1016/s0083-6729(04)69002-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
The mineralocorticoid effect on epithelial cells is the resultant of an intricate net of biochemical regulations that ultimately leads to the maintenance of electrolyte homeostasis. Two key protagonists in this plot are the ligand, which broadcasts the information, and the receptor, which functions as a receiver and transducer. Therefore, the responsibility for the final biological effect is not limited to each individual component but to both of them, so they constitute a functional unit. In addition, several prereceptor regulatory mechanisms are also determinant factors for the final biological response. Because steroids are present in both animals and plants and are derived from common precursors, it is intriguing how these simple molecules have acquired specialization to shape biological development and differentiation. This is particularly true for the function of aldosterone in mammals, which is mimicked by glucocorticoids or progesterone in some particular cases. Inasmuch as the most potent mineralocorticoid in nature, aldosterone, shows a poorly angled steroid nucleus at the A?B-ring junction, and because steroids that possess identical functional groups and different steroidal frames elicit different mineralocorticoid effects, we postulate that a planar conformation of the ligand is a key requirement to acquire potent sodium retention properties. The model takes into consideration all the mechanisms involved in the regulation of the final biological effect, although it does not provide a definitive answer to the original question. It is also discussed how the use of novel mineralocorticoid ligands may shed light on the still obscure mechanism of action of the mineralocorticoid receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario D Galigniana
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
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49
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Mindnich R, Möller G, Adamski J. The role of 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2004; 218:7-20. [PMID: 15130507 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2003.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2003] [Revised: 12/09/2003] [Accepted: 12/15/2003] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The biological activity of steroid hormones is regulated at the pre-receptor level by several enzymes including 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17 beta -HSD). The latter are present in many microorganisms, invertebrates and vertebrates. Dysfunctions in human 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases result in disorders of biology of reproduction and neuronal diseases, the enzymes are also involved in the pathogenesis of various cancers. 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases reveal a remarkable multifunctionality being able to modulate concentrations not only of steroids but as well of fatty and bile acids. Current knowledge on genetics, biochemistry and medical implications is presented in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mindnich
- GSF-National Research Center for Environment and Health, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
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50
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Baker ME. Co-evolution of steroidogenic and steroid-inactivating enzymes and adrenal and sex steroid receptors. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2004; 215:55-62. [PMID: 15026175 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2003.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Receptors for the adrenal and sex steroids arose by a series of gene duplications from an ancestral nuclear receptor in a primitive vertebrate, at least 540 million years ago. Sequence analysis indicates many steroidogenic and steroid-inactivating enzymes, including cytochrome P450s and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDs), arose at the same time. The estrogen receptor (ER) appears to be the ancestral steroid receptor. Initially, the redundant duplicated ER had a low specificity for its new ligand. This raises the question: "How was specificity for responses to different steroids regulated early in the evolution of steroid receptors?" Selective expression of these steroid-metabolizing enzymes provided specificity for different steroid responses in primitive vertebrates. 17 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-type 1 (17 beta-HSD-type 1) and 17 beta-HSD-type 2, which preferentially catalyze the reduction and oxidation at C17 of androgens and estrogens, respectively, provide an example of this mechanism. Selective expression of either 17 beta-HSD-type 1 or 17 beta-HSD-type 2 can regulate synthesis or inactivation of androgens or estrogens in specific cells. Steroids also were important in the evolution of land animals, which began about 400 million years ago. Steroidogenic and steroid-inactivating enzymes were recruited to regulate steroid-mediated responses as organ function became more complex. For example, in the kidney 11 beta-HSD-type 2 prevents binding of glucocorticoids to the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), which is crucial for aldosterone-mediated regulation of electrolyte transport in the distal tubule. We propose that Delta 5 steroids, such as dehydroepiandrosterone and its metabolites, were the ligands for the ancestral ER. Understanding the actions of Delta 5 steroids in amphioxus and lamprey may shed light on adrenarche and neurosteroid actions in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Baker
- Department of Medicine, University of California, 0693 San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0693, USA.
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