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Lim J, Lee HL, Nguyen J, Shin J, Getze S, Quach C, Squire E, Jung KM, Mahler SV, Mackie K, Piomelli D, Luderer U. Adolescent exposure to low-dose Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol depletes the ovarian reserve in female mice. Toxicol Sci 2023; 193:31-47. [PMID: 36912754 PMCID: PMC10176244 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis use by adolescents is widespread, but its effects on the ovaries remain largely unknown. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exerts its pharmacological effects by activating, and in some conditions hijacking, cannabinoid receptors (CBRs). We hypothesized that adolescent exposure to THC affects ovarian function in adulthood. Peripubertal female C57BL/6N mice were given THC (5 mg/kg) or its vehicle, once daily by intraperitoneal injection. Some mice received THC from postnatal day (PND) 30-33 and their ovaries were harvested PND34; other mice received THC from PND30-43, and their ovaries were harvested PND70. Adolescent treatment with THC depleted ovarian primordial follicle numbers by 50% at PND70, 4 weeks after the last dose. The treatment produced primordial follicle activation, which persisted until PND70. THC administration also caused DNA damage in primary follicles and increased PUMA protein expression in oocytes of primordial and primary follicles. Both CB1R and CB2R were expressed in oocytes and theca cells of ovarian follicles. Enzymes involved in the formation (N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D) or deactivation (fatty acid amide hydrolase) of the endocannabinoid anandamide were expressed in granulosa cells of ovarian follicles and interstitial cells. Levels of mRNA for CBR1 were significantly increased in ovaries after adolescent THC exposure, and upregulation persisted for at least 4 weeks. Our results support that adolescent exposure to THC may cause aberrant activation of the ovarian endocannabinoid system in female mice, resulting in substantial loss of ovarian reserve in adulthood. Relevance of these findings to women who frequently used cannabis during adolescence warrants investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhwan Lim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
- Dept. of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Hye-Lim Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Julie Nguyen
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Joyce Shin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Samantha Getze
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Caitlin Quach
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Erica Squire
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Kwang-Mook Jung
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Stephen V Mahler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Ken Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Ulrike Luderer
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
- Dept. of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
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Mönig I, Schneidewind J, Johannsen TH, Juul A, Werner R, Lünstedt R, Birnbaum W, Marshall L, Wünsch L, Hiort O. Pubertal development in 46,XY patients with NR5A1 mutations. Endocrine 2022; 75:601-613. [PMID: 34613524 PMCID: PMC8816419 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-021-02883-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mutations in the NR5A1 gene, encoding the transcription factor Steroidogenic Factor-1, are associated with a highly variable genital phenotype in patients with 46,XY differences of sex development (DSD). Our objective was to analyse the pubertal development in 46,XY patients with NR5A1 mutations by the evaluation of longitudinal clinical and hormonal data at pubertal age. METHODS We retrospectively studied a cohort of 10 46,XY patients with a verified NR5A1 mutation and describe clinical features including the external and internal genitalia, testicular volumes, Tanner stages and serum concentrations of LH, FSH, testosterone, AMH, and inhibin B during pubertal transition. RESULTS Patients who first presented in early infancy due to ambiguous genitalia showed spontaneous virilization at pubertal age accompanied by a significant testosterone production despite the decreased gonadal volume. Patients with apparently female external genitalia at birth presented later in life at pubertal age either with signs of virilization and/or absence of female puberty. Testosterone levels were highly variable in this group. In all patients, gonadotropins were constantly in the upper reference range or elevated. Neither the extent of virilization at birth nor the presence of Müllerian structures reliably correlated with the degree of virilization during puberty. CONCLUSION Patients with NR5A1 mutations regardless of phenotype at birth may demonstrate considerable virilization at puberty. Therefore, it is important to consider sex assignment carefully and avoid irreversible procedures during infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Mönig
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Julia Schneidewind
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Trine H Johannsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ralf Werner
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ralf Lünstedt
- Catholic Children's Hospital Wilhelmstift, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wiebke Birnbaum
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Louise Marshall
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Lutz Wünsch
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Olaf Hiort
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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Abstract
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is determined by exhaustion of follicles in the ovaries, which leads to infertility before the age of 40 years. It is characterized by a strong familial and heterogeneous genetic background. Therefore, we will mainly discuss the genetic basis of POI in this review. We identified 107 genes related to POI etiology in mammals described by several independent groups. Thirty-four of these genes (AARS2, AIRE, ANTXR1, ATM, BMPR1B, CLPP, CYP17A1, CYP19A1, DCAF17, EIF2B, ERAL1, FANCA, FANCC, FMR1, FOXL2, GALT, GNAS, HARS2, HSD17B4, LARS2, LMNA, MGME1, NBN, PMM2, POLG, PREPL, RCBTB1, RECQL2/3/4, STAR, TWNK, and XRCC4/9) have been linked to syndromic POI and are mainly implicated in metabolism function and meiosis/DNA repair. In addition, the majority of genes associated with nonsyndromic POI, widely expanded by high-throughput techniques over the last decade, have been implicated in ovarian development and meiosis/DNA repair pathways (ATG7, ATG9, ANKRD31, BMP8B, BMP15, BMPR1A, BMPR1B, BMPR2, BNC1, BRCA2, CPEB1, C14ORF39, DAZL, DIAPH2, DMC1, ERCC6, FANCL, FANCM, FIGLA, FSHR, GATA4, GDF9, GJA4, HELQ, HSF2BP, HFM1, INSL3, LHCGR, LHX8, MCM8, MCM9, MEIOB, MSH4, MSH5, NANOS3, NOBOX, NOTCH2, NR5A1, NUP107, PGRMC1, POLR3H, PRDM1, PRDM9, PSMC3IP, SOHLH1, SOHLH2, SPIDR, STAG3, SYCE1, TP63, UBR2, WDR62, and XRCC2), whereas a few are related to metabolic functions (EIF4ENIF1, KHDRBS1, MRPS22, POLR2C). Some genes, such as STRA8, FOXO3A, KIT, KITL, WNT4, and FANCE, have been shown to cause ovarian insufficiency in rodents, but mutations in these genes have yet to be elucidated in women affected by POI. Lastly, some genes have been rarely implicated in its etiology (AMH, AMHR2, ERRC2, ESR1, INHA, LMN4, POF1B, POU5F1, REC8, SMC1B). Considering the heterogeneous genetic and familial background of this disorder, we hope that an overview of literature data would reinforce that genetic screening of those patients is worthwhile and helpful for better genetic counseling and patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Malheiros França
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Section of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Berenice Bilharinho Mendonca
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Sekiya A, Takasawa K, Arai Y, Torisu S, Nishino K. Dog Steroidogenic Factor-1: Molecular cloning and analysis of epigenetic regulation. J Vet Med Sci 2020; 82:681-689. [PMID: 32238671 PMCID: PMC7324831 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.20-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) is a nuclear receptor that is important in steroid hormone production, and adrenal and gonad development. The SF-1 gene is highly conserved among most vertebrates. However, dog SF-1 registered in public databases, such as CanFam3.1, lacks the 5' end compared to other mammals including mouse, human, bovine, and cat. Whether this defect is due to species differences or database error is unclear. Here, we determined the full-length dog SF-1 cDNA sequence and identified the missing 5' end sequence in the databases. The coding region of the dog SF-1 gene has 1,386 base pairs, and the protein has 461 amino acid residues. Sequence alignment analysis among vertebrates revealed that the 5' end sequence of dog SF-1 cDNA is highly conserved compared to other vertebrates. The genomic position of the first exon was determined, and its promoter region sequence was analyzed. The DNA methylation state at the basal promoter and the expression of dog SF-1 in steroidogenic tissues and non-steroidogenic cells were examined. CpG sites at the basal promoter displayed methylation kinetics inversely correlated with gene expression. The promoter was hypomethylated and hypermethylated in SF-1 expressing and non-SF-1 expressing tissues, respectively. In conclusion, we identified the true full sequence of dog SF-1 cDNA and determined the genome sequence around the first exon. The gene is under the control of epigenetic regulation, such as DNA methylation, at the promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asato Sekiya
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine/Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuen-Kibanadai-Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Ken Takasawa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine/Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuen-Kibanadai-Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan.,Present address: Division of Molecular Modification and Cancer Biology, National Cancer Center, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Arai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine/Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuen-Kibanadai-Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Shidow Torisu
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuen-Kibanadai-Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Koichiro Nishino
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine/Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuen-Kibanadai-Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan.,Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuen-Kibanadai-Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
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Smith LIF, Huang V, Olah M, Trinh L, Liu Y, Hazell G, Conway-Campbell B, Zhao Z, Martinez A, Lefrançois-Martinez AM, Lightman S, Spiga F, Aguilera G. Involvement of CREB-regulated transcription coactivators (CRTC) in transcriptional activation of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (Star) by ACTH. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 499:110612. [PMID: 31604124 PMCID: PMC6899503 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Studies in vivo have suggested the involvement of CREB-regulated transcription coactivator (CRTC)2 on ACTH-induced transcription of the key steroidogenic protein, Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory (StAR). The present study uses two ACTH-responsive adrenocortical cell lines, to examine the role of CRTC on Star transcription. Here we show that ACTH-induced Star primary transcript, or heteronuclear RNA (hnRNA), parallels rapid increases in nuclear levels of the 3 isoforms of CRTC; CRTC1, CRTC2 and CRTC3. Furthermore, ACTH promotes recruitment of CRTC2 and CRTC3 by the Star promoter and siRNA knockdown of either CRTC3 or CRTC2 attenuates the increases in ACTH-induced Star hnRNA. Using pharmacological inhibitors of PKA, MAP kinase and calcineurin, we show that the effects of ACTH on Star transcription and CRTC nuclear translocation depend predominantly on the PKA pathway. The data provides evidence that CRTC2 and CRTC3, contribute to activation of Star transcription by ACTH, and that PKA/CRTC-dependent pathways are part of the multifactorial mechanisms regulating Star transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna I F Smith
- Section on Endocrine Physiology, Program on Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA; Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Victoria Huang
- Section on Endocrine Physiology, Program on Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mark Olah
- Section on Endocrine Physiology, Program on Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Loc Trinh
- Section on Endocrine Physiology, Program on Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ying Liu
- Section on Endocrine Physiology, Program on Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Georgina Hazell
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Becky Conway-Campbell
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Zidong Zhao
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Antoine Martinez
- Génétique Reproduction & Développement, CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Anne-Marie Lefrançois-Martinez
- Génétique Reproduction & Développement, CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Stafford Lightman
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Francesca Spiga
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Greti Aguilera
- Section on Endocrine Physiology, Program on Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Liu L, Panzitt K, Racedo S, Wagner M, Platzer W, Zaufel A, Theiler‐Schwetz V, Obermayer‐Pietsch B, Müller H, Höfler G, Heinemann A, Zollner G, Fickert P. Bile acids increase steroidogenesis in cholemic mice and induce cortisol secretion in adrenocortical H295R cells via S1PR2, ERK and SF-1. Liver Int 2019; 39:2112-2123. [PMID: 30664326 PMCID: PMC6899711 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Bile acids are now accepted as central signalling molecules for the regulation of glucose, amino acid and lipid metabolism. Adrenal gland cortex cells express the bile acid receptors farnesoid X receptor (FXR), the G protein-coupled bile acid receptor (TGR5) and the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2). We aimed to determine the effects of cholestasis and more specifically of bile acids on cortisol production. METHODS FXR and TGR5 knockout mice and controls were subjected to common bile duct ligation (CBDL) or chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) feeding to model cholestasis. Human adrenocortical H295R cells were challenged with bile acids for mechanistic studies. RESULTS We found that CBDL and CDCA feeding increased the levels of corticosterone, the rodent equivalent to human cortisol and mRNA and protein levels of steroidogenesis-related enzymes in adrenals independent of FXR and TGR5. Taurine-conjugated CDCA (TCDCA) significantly stimulated cortisol secretion, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and expression of steroidogenesis-related genes in human adrenocortical H295R cells. FXR and TGR5 agonists failed to induce cortisol secretion in H295R cells. S1PR2 inhibition significantly abolished TCDCA-induced cortisol secretion, lowered phosphorylation of ERK and abrogated enhanced transcription of steroidogenesis-related genes in H295R cells. Likewise, siRNA S1PR2 treatment reduced the phosphorylation of ERK and cortisol secretion. Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) transactivation activity was increased upon TCDCA treatment suggesting that bile acid signalling is linked to SF-1. Treatment with SF-1 inverse agonist AC45594 also reduced TCDCA-induced steroidogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that supraphysiological bile acid levels as observed in cholestasis stimulate steroidogenesis via an S1PR2-ERK-SF-1 signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- Research Unit for Experimental and Molecular HepatologyDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal MedicineMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Katrin Panzitt
- Research Unit for Translational Nuclear Receptor Research in Liver MetabolismDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal MedicineMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Silvia Racedo
- Research Unit for Experimental and Molecular HepatologyDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal MedicineMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Martin Wagner
- Research Unit for Translational Nuclear Receptor Research in Liver MetabolismDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal MedicineMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Wolfgang Platzer
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical PharmacologyMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Alex Zaufel
- Research Unit for Experimental and Molecular HepatologyDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal MedicineMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | | | | | - Helmut Müller
- Division of Transplant SurgeryMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Gerald Höfler
- Institute of PathologyMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Akos Heinemann
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical PharmacologyMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Gernot Zollner
- Research Unit for Experimental and Molecular HepatologyDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal MedicineMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Peter Fickert
- Research Unit for Experimental and Molecular HepatologyDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal MedicineMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
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Schteingart HF, Picard JY, Valeri C, Marshall I, Treton D, di Clemente N, Rey RA, Josso N. A mutation inactivating the distal SF1 binding site on the human anti-Müllerian hormone promoter causes persistent Müllerian duct syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:3211-3218. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is a 46,XY disorder of sexual development characterized by the persistence of Müllerian duct derivatives, uterus and tubes, in otherwise normally masculinized males. The condition, transmitted as a recessive autosomal trait, is usually due to mutations in either the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) gene or its main receptor. Many variants of these genes have been described, all targeting the coding sequences. We report the first case of PMDS due to a regulatory mutation. The AMH promoter contains two binding sites for steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1), one at −102 and the other at −228. Our patient carries a single base deletion at −225, significantly decreasing its capacity for binding SF1, as measured by the electrophoresis mobility shift assay. Furthermore, by linking the AMH promoter to the luciferase gene, we show that the transactivation capacity of the promoter is significantly decreased by the mutation, in contrast to the disruption of the −102 binding site. To explain the difference in impact we hypothesize that SF1 could partially overcome the lack of binding to the −102 binding site by interacting with a GATA4 molecule linked to a nearby response element. We show that disruption of both the −102 SF1 and the −84 GATA response elements significantly decreases the transactivation capacity of the promoter. In conclusion, we suggest that the distance between mutated SF1 sites and potentially rescuing GATA binding motifs might play a role in the development of PMDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena F Schteingart
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas ‘Dr. César Bergadá’ (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jean-Yves Picard
- Inserm UMR_S938, Centre de Recherche Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Université, IHU ICAN, Paris, France
| | - Clara Valeri
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas ‘Dr. César Bergadá’ (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ian Marshall
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Dominique Treton
- Inserm UMR_S938, Centre de Recherche Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Université, IHU ICAN, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie di Clemente
- Inserm UMR_S938, Centre de Recherche Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Université, IHU ICAN, Paris, France
| | - Rodolfo A Rey
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas ‘Dr. César Bergadá’ (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nathalie Josso
- Inserm UMR_S938, Centre de Recherche Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Université, IHU ICAN, Paris, France
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Teeli AS, Leszczyński P, Krishnaswamy N, Ogawa H, Tsuchiya M, Śmiech M, Skarzynski D, Taniguchi H. Possible Mechanisms for Maintenance and Regression of Corpus Luteum Through the Ubiquitin-Proteasome and Autophagy System Regulated by Transcriptional Factors. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:748. [PMID: 31803139 PMCID: PMC6877548 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The corpus luteum (CL) is an important tissue of the female reproductive process which is established through ovulation of the mature follicle. Pulsatile release of prostaglandin F2α from the uterus leads to the regression of luteal cells and restarts the estrous cycle in most non-primate species. The rapid functional regression of the CL, which coincides with decrease of progesterone production, is followed by its structural regression. Although we now have a better understanding of how the CL is triggered to undergo programmed cell death, the precise mechanisms governing CL protein degradation in a very short period of luteolysis remains unknown. In this context, activation of ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP), unfolded protein response (UPR) and autophagy are potential subcellular mechanisms involved. The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) maintains tissue homeostasis in the face of both internal and external stressors. The UPP also controls physiological processes in many gonadal cells. Emerging evidence suggests that UPP dysfunction is involved in male and female reproductive tract dysfunction. Autophagy is activated when cells are exposed to different types of stressors such as hypoxia, starvation, and oxidative stress. While emerging evidence points to an important role for the UPP and autophagy in the CL, the key underlying transcriptional mechanisms have not been well-documented. In this review, we propose how CL regression may be governed by the ubiquitin-proteasome and autophagy pathways. We will further consider potential transcription factors which may regulate these events in the CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamir S. Teeli
- Department of Experimental Embryology, The Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Paweł Leszczyński
- Department of Experimental Embryology, The Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | | | - Hidesato Ogawa
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Megumi Tsuchiya
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Magdalena Śmiech
- Department of Experimental Embryology, The Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Dariusz Skarzynski
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Hiroaki Taniguchi
- Department of Experimental Embryology, The Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
- *Correspondence: Hiroaki Taniguchi
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Selvaraj V, Stocco DM, Clark BJ. Current knowledge on the acute regulation of steroidogenesis. Biol Reprod 2018; 99:13-26. [PMID: 29718098 PMCID: PMC6044331 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
How rapid induction of steroid hormone biosynthesis occurs in response to trophic hormone stimulation of steroidogenic cells has been a subject of intensive investigation for approximately six decades. A key observation made very early was that acute regulation of steroid biosynthesis required swift and timely synthesis of a new protein whose role appeared to be involved in the delivery of the substrate for all steroid hormones, cholesterol, from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane where the process of steroidogenesis begins. It was quickly learned that this transfer of cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane was the regulated and rate-limiting step in steroidogenesis. Following this observation, the quest for this putative regulator protein(s) began in earnest in the late 1950s. This review provides a history of this quest, the candidate proteins that arose over the years and facts surrounding their rise or decline. Only two have persisted-translocator protein (TSPO) and the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). We present a detailed summary of the work that has been published for each of these two proteins, the specific data that has appeared in support of their role in cholesterol transport and steroidogenesis, and the ensuing observations that have arisen in recent years that have refuted the role of TSPO in this process. We believe that the only viable candidate that has been shown to be indispensable is the StAR protein. Lastly, we provide our view on what may be the most important questions concerning the acute regulation of steroidogenesis that need to be asked in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vimal Selvaraj
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Douglas M Stocco
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Barbara J Clark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
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10
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Fabbri-Scallet H, de Mello MP, Guerra-Júnior G, Maciel-Guerra AT, de Andrade JGR, de Queiroz CMC, Monlleó IL, Struve D, Hiort O, Werner R. Functional characterization of five NR5A1
gene mutations found in patients with 46,XY disorders of sex development. Hum Mutat 2017; 39:114-123. [DOI: 10.1002/humu.23353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Helena Fabbri-Scallet
- Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering - CBMEG; State University of Campinas; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Maricilda Palandi de Mello
- Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering - CBMEG; State University of Campinas; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Gil Guerra-Júnior
- Department of Pediatrics; Faculty of Medical Sciences; State University of Campinas; São Paulo Brazil
- Interdisciplinary Group for the Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation - GIEDDS; State University of Campinas; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Andréa Trevas Maciel-Guerra
- Interdisciplinary Group for the Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation - GIEDDS; State University of Campinas; São Paulo Brazil
- Department of Medical Genetics; Faculty of Medical Sciences; State University of Campinas; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Juliana Gabriel Ribeiro de Andrade
- Interdisciplinary Group for the Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation - GIEDDS; State University of Campinas; São Paulo Brazil
- Department of Medical Genetics; Faculty of Medical Sciences; State University of Campinas; São Paulo Brazil
| | | | - Isabella Lopes Monlleó
- Clinical Genetics Service; Faculty of Medicine; Federal University of Alagoas; Maceió Alagoas Brazil
| | - Dagmar Struve
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine; Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes; Center of Brain; Behavior and Metabolism; University of Luebeck; Luebeck Germany
| | - Olaf Hiort
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine; Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes; Center of Brain; Behavior and Metabolism; University of Luebeck; Luebeck Germany
| | - Ralf Werner
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine; Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes; Center of Brain; Behavior and Metabolism; University of Luebeck; Luebeck Germany
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11
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Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is a dynamic system regulating glucocorticoid hormone synthesis in the adrenal glands. Many key factors within the adrenal steroidogenic pathway have been identified and studied, but little is known about how these factors function collectively as a dynamic network of interacting components. To investigate this, we developed a mathematical model of the adrenal steroidogenic regulatory network that accounts for key regulatory processes occurring at different timescales. We used our model to predict the time evolution of steroidogenesis in response to physiological adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) perturbations, ranging from basal pulses to larger stress-like stimulations (e.g., inflammatory stress). Testing these predictions experimentally in the rat, our results show that the steroidogenic regulatory network architecture is sufficient to respond to both small and large ACTH perturbations, but coupling this regulatory network with the immune pathway is necessary to explain the dissociated dynamics between ACTH and glucocorticoids observed under conditions of inflammatory stress.
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12
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Induction of chemokines and prostaglandin synthesis pathways in luteinized human granulosa cells: potential role of luteotropin withdrawal and prostaglandin F2α in regression of the human corpus luteum. Reprod Biol 2015; 15:247-56. [PMID: 26679166 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2015.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Our objective was to determine the effects of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and withdrawal of luteotropic stimulants (forskolin or hCG) on expression of chemokines and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) in luteinized human granulosa cells. Human granulosa cells were collected from 12 women undergoing oocyte retrieval and were luteinized in vitro with forskolin or hCG. In first experiment, granulosa-lutein cells were treated with PGF2α, the primary luteolytic hormone in most species. In second experiment, granulosa cells that had been luteinized for 8 d had luteotropins withdrawn for 1, 2, or 3 d. Treatment with PGF2α induced mRNA for chemokine (c-x-c motif) ligand 2 (CXCL2) and CXC ligand 8 (CXCL8; also known as interleukin-8) in granulosa cells luteinized for 8 d but not in cells that were only luteinized for 2 d. Similarly, luteinization of human granulosa cells for 8 d with forskolin or hCG followed by withdrawal of luteotropic stimulants, not only decreased P4 production, but also increased mRNA concentrations for CXCL8, CXCL-2 (after forskolin withdrawal), and PTGS2. These results provide evidence for two key steps in differentiation of luteolytic capability in human granulosa cells. During 8 d of luteinization, granulosa cells acquire the ability to respond to luteolytic factors, such as PGF2α, with induction of genes involved in immune function and PG synthesis. Finally, a decline in luteotropic stimuli triggers similar pathways leading to induction of PTGS2 and possibly intraluteal PGF2α production, chemokine expression, leukocyte infiltration and activation, and ultimately luteal regression.
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13
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Cederberg RA, Smith JE, McDonald EA, Lee C, Perkins AR, White BR. Activity of the porcine gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor gene promoter is partially conferred by a distal gonadotrope specific element (GSE) within an upstream enhancing region, two proximal GSEs and a retinoid X receptor binding site. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:45. [PMID: 25981521 PMCID: PMC4461931 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0033-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor (GnRHR) numbers on gonadotropes within the anterior pituitary gland represents a critical point for control of reproductive function. Binding of GnRH to its receptor regulates follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) release and levels of this G-protein coupled receptor on the surface of gonadotropes determines their sensitivity to GnRH pulses. While transcriptional regulation of this gene has been studied in mice, rats, humans and sheep, little is known about its regulation in the pig, an important agricultural species and human research model. METHODS We isolated 5118 bp of 5' flanking sequence for the porcine GnRHR gene and generated luciferase reporter vectors. Deletion and mutation constructs were evaluated in gonadotrope-derived alphaT3-1 cells to determine regions important for gene transcription. Additionally, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) were performed to identify transcription factors binding to the GnRHR promoter. RESULTS Transient transfections revealed that the GnRHR promoter was functional in alphaT3-1 cells but not in cells of non-gonadotrope origin. Mutation of the highly conserved gonadotrope specific element (GSE) located at -179/-171 of proximal promoter completely ablated luciferase activity, whereas mutation of another GSE at -315/-310 reduced activity by 34%. Consistent with this, EMSAs using alphaT3-1 nuclear extracts and a steroidogenic factor (SF)1 antibody confirmed SF1 binding to both GSEs. EMSAs also demonstrated that a retinoid X receptor (RXR) binding site at -279/-274 binds RXRalpha and RXRbeta and mutation of this site eliminated promoter activity. Transient transfection of alphaT3-1 cells with reporter vectors containing selective removal of 5' flanking region for the porcine GnRHR gene indicated that the -1915/-1431 segment was important for promoter activity. Definition of this region via transfection assays and EMSAs revealed an upstream enhancing region located at -1779/-1667 that increases porcine GnRHR gene expression in alphaT3-1 cells and includes a SF1 binding site at -1760/-1753. CONCLUSIONS Porcine GnRHR promoter activity in alphaT3-1 cells is partially conferred by a distal GSE, two proximal GSEs and a RXR binding site. Basal gonadotrope expression of the porcine GnRHR gene uniquely involves three GSEs and RXR is newly identified as a regulator of GnRHR promoter activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Cederberg
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
| | - Jacqueline E Smith
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
- Current address: Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA.
| | - Emily A McDonald
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
- Current address: Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Chanho Lee
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
| | - Amy R Perkins
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
- Current address: Arizona Andrology Laboratory and Cryobank, Tuscon, AZ, USA.
| | - Brett R White
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
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14
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Park SY, Gomes C, Oh SD, Soh J. Cadmium up-regulates transcription of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) gene through phosphorylated CREB rather than SF-1 in K28 cells. J Toxicol Sci 2015; 40:151-61. [DOI: 10.2131/jts.40.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Yun Park
- Biosafety Division, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Korea
| | - Cynthia Gomes
- University of South Carolina, Department of Biology, USA
| | - Sung-Dug Oh
- Biosafety Division, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Korea
| | - Jaemog Soh
- Hormone Research Center and School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Korea
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15
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Mizutani T, Ishikane S, Kawabe S, Umezawa A, Miyamoto K. Transcriptional regulation of genes related to progesterone production. Endocr J 2015; 62:757-63. [PMID: 26135521 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej15-0260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormones are synthesized from cholesterol in various tissues, mainly in the adrenal glands and gonads. Because these lipid-soluble steroid hormones immediately diffuse through the cells in which they are produced, their secretion directly reflects the activity of the genes related to their production. Progesterone is important not only for luteinization and maintenance of pregnancy, but also as a substrate for most other steroids. Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ(5)-Δ(4) isomerase (3β-HSD) are well-known proteins essential for progesterone production. In addition to them, glutathione S-transferase A1-1 and A3-3 are shown to exert Δ(5)-Δ(4) isomerization activity to produce progesterone in a cooperative fashion with 3β-HSD. 5-Aminolevulinic acid synthase 1, ferredoxin 1, and ferredoxin reductase also play a role in steroidogenesis as accessory factors. Members of the nuclear receptor 5A (NR5A) family (steroidogenic factor 1 and liver receptor homolog 1) play a crucial role in the transcriptional regulation of these genes. The NR5A family activates these genes by binding to NR5A responsive elements present within their promoter regions, as well as to the elements far from their promoters. In addition, various NR5A-interacting proteins including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear receptor subfamily 0, group B, member 1 (DAX-1), and CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBP) are involved in the transcription of NR5A target genes and regulate the transcription either positively or negatively under both basal and tropic hormone-stimulated conditions. In this review, we describe the transcriptional regulation of genes related to progesterone production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Mizutani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
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16
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Mendoza-Villarroel RE, Robert NM, Martin LJ, Brousseau C, Tremblay JJ. The nuclear receptor NR2F2 activates star expression and steroidogenesis in mouse MA-10 and MLTC-1 Leydig cells. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:26. [PMID: 24899578 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.115790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Testosterone production is dependent on cholesterol transport within the mitochondrial matrix, an essential step mediated by a protein complex containing the steroidogenic acute regulatory (STAR) protein. In steroidogenic Leydig cells, Star expression is hormonally regulated and involves several transcription factors. NR2F2 (COUP-TFII) is an orphan nuclear receptor that plays critical roles in cell differentiation and lineage determination. Conditional NR2F2 knockout prior to puberty leads to male infertility due to insufficient testosterone production, suggesting that NR2F2 could positively regulate steroidogenesis and Star expression. In this study we found that NR2F2 is expressed in the nucleus of some peritubular myoid cells and in interstitial cells, mainly in steroidogenically active adult Leydig cells. In MA-10 and MLTC-1 Leydig cells, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated NR2F2 knockdown reduces basal steroid production without affecting hormone responsiveness. Consistent with this, we found that STAR mRNA and protein levels were reduced in NR2F2-depleted MA-10 and MLTC-1 cells. Transient transfections of Leydig cells revealed that a -986 bp mouse Star promoter construct was activated 3-fold by NR2F2. Using 5' progressive deletion constructs, we mapped the NR2F2-responsive element between -131 and -95 bp. This proximal promoter region contains a previously uncharacterized direct repeat 1 (DR1)-like element to which NR2F2 is recruited and directly binds. Mutations in the DR1-like element that prevent NR2F2 binding severely blunted NR2F2-mediated Star promoter activation. These data identify an essential role for the nuclear receptor NR2F2 as a direct activator of Star gene expression in Leydig cells, and thus in the control of steroid hormone biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raifish E Mendoza-Villarroel
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Nicholas M Robert
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Luc J Martin
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Catherine Brousseau
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Jacques J Tremblay
- Centre de recherche en biologie de la reproduction, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
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17
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Felizola SJA, Nakamura Y, Satoh F, Morimoto R, Kikuchi K, Nakamura T, Hozawa A, Wang L, Onodera Y, Ise K, McNamara KM, Midorikawa S, Suzuki S, Sasano H. Glutamate receptors and the regulation of steroidogenesis in the human adrenal gland: the metabotropic pathway. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 382:170-177. [PMID: 24080311 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Revised: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND l-glutamate is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain. Glutamate receptors have been reported in the rat adrenal cortex and in human aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA). However, details regarding the expression levels and functions of these receptors in human adrenocortical tissues remain unknown. METHODS The mRNA levels of glutamate receptors were evaluated by qPCR in: 12 normal adrenal cortex (NAC), 11 APA, and 12 cortisol-producing adenoma (CPA) tissues. Protein localization was evaluated by immunohistochemistry for 15 NAC, 5 idiopathic hyperaldosteronism cases, 15 APA and 15 CPA. H295R cells were treated with angiotensin-II or forskolin alone or combined with the GRM2/3 agonist LY354740. RESULTS The level of GRM3 mRNA was higher in APA than in CPA (P=0.0086) or NAC (P=0.0022). GRM1, IGLUR2, and IGLUR3 were also detected in adrenocortical tissues. When added to angiotensin-II/forskolin treatments, LY354740 decreased aldosterone and cortisol production in H295R cells. CONCLUSIONS GRM3 is considered to regulate steroidogenesis in adrenocortical tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saulo J A Felizola
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nakamura
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Fumitoshi Satoh
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ryo Morimoto
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kumi Kikuchi
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Nakamura
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hozawa
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University Daqing Branch, Daqing, China
| | - Yoshiaki Onodera
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kazue Ise
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Keely M McNamara
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Sanae Midorikawa
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Shinichi Suzuki
- Department of Organ Regulatory Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hironobu Sasano
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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18
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Abstract
Male reproduction is governed by the classical hypothalamo-hypophyseal testicular axis: Hypothalamic gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and the gonadal steroid, principally, testosterone. Thyroid hormones have been shown to exert a modulatory influence on this axis and consequently the sexual and spermatogenic function of man. This review will examine the modulatory influence of thyroid hormones on male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Kumar
- Department of Reproductive Biology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Intern, India
| | - Skand Shekhar
- University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Bodhana Dhole
- Department of Reproductive Biology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Intern, India
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19
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Flood DEK, Fernandino JI, Langlois VS. Thyroid hormones in male reproductive development: evidence for direct crosstalk between the androgen and thyroid hormone axes. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 192:2-14. [PMID: 23524004 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Revised: 02/24/2013] [Accepted: 02/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (THs) exert a broad range of effects on development in vertebrate species, demonstrating connections in nearly every biological endocrine system. In particular, studies have shown that THs play a role in sexual differentiation and gonadal development in mammalian and non-mammalian species. There is considerable evidence that the effects of THs on reproductive development are mediated through the female hormonal axis; however, recent findings suggest a more direct crosstalk between THs and the androgen axis. These findings demonstrate that THs have considerable influence in the sexual ontogeny of male vertebrates, through direct interactions with select sex-determining-genes and regulation of gonadotropin production in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis. THs also regulate androgen biosynthesis and signaling through direct and indirect regulation of steroidogenic enzyme expression and activity. Novel promoter analysis presented in this work demonstrates the potential for direct and vertebrate wide crosstalk at the transcriptional level in mice (Mus musculus), Western clawed frogs (Silurana tropicalis) and medaka (Oryzias latipes). Cumulative evidence from previous studies; coupled with novel promoter analysis suggests mechanisms for a more direct crosstalk between the TH and male reproductive axes across vertebrate species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana E K Flood
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Royal Military College of Canada, ON, Canada; Biology Department, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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20
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Novel NR5A1 missense mutation in premature ovarian failure: detection in han chinese indicates causation in different ethnic groups. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74759. [PMID: 24073220 PMCID: PMC3779243 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The etiology of most premature ovarian failure (POF) cases is usually elusive. Although genetic causes clearly exist and a likely susceptible region of 8q22.3 has been discovered, no predominant explanation exists for POF. More recently, evidences have indicated that mutations in NR5A1 gene could be causative for POF. We therefore screened for mutations in the NR5A1 gene in a large cohort of Chinese women with non-syndromic POF. Methods Mutation screening of NR5A1 gene was performed in 400 Han Chinese women with well-defined 46,XX idiopathic non-syndromic POF and 400 controls. Subsequently, functional characterization of the novel mutation identified was evaluated in vitro. Results A novel heterozygous missense mutation [c.13T>G (p.Tyr5Asp)] in NR5A1 was identified in 1 of 384 patients (0.26%). This mutation impaired transcriptional activation on Amh, Inhibin-a, Cyp11a1 and Cyp19a1 gene, as shown by transactivation assays. However, no dominant negative effect was observed, nor was there impact on protein expression and nuclear localization. Conclusions This novel mutation p.Tyr5Asp, in a novel non-domain region, is presumed to result in haploinsufficiency. Irrespectively, perturbation in NR5A1 is not a common explanation for POF in Chinese.
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21
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Hu Y, Dong C, Chen M, Lu J, Han X, Qiu L, Chen Y, Qin J, Li X, Gu A, Xia Y, Sun H, Li Z, Wang Y. Low-dose monobutyl phthalate stimulates steroidogenesis through steroidogenic acute regulatory protein regulated by SF-1, GATA-4 and C/EBP-beta in mouse Leydig tumor cells. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2013; 11:72. [PMID: 23889939 PMCID: PMC3734203 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-11-72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ubiquitous use of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), one of the most widely used plasticizers, results in extensive exposure to humans and the environment. DBP and its major metabolite, monobutyl phthalate (MBP), may alter steroid biosynthesis and their exposure may lead to damage to male reproductive function. Low-doses of DBP/MBP may result in increased steroidogenesis in vitro and in vivo. However, the mechanisms of possible effects of low-dose MBP on steroidogenesis remain unclear. The aim of present study was to elaborate the role of transcription factors and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein in low-dose MBP-induced distruption of steroidogenesis in mouse Leydig tumor cells (MLTC-1 cells). METHODS In the present study, MLTC-1 cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 2 g/L sodium bicarbonate. Progesterone level was examined by I125-pregesterone Coat-A-Count radioimmunoassay (RIA) kits. mRNA and protein levels were assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot, respectively. DNA-binding of several transcription factors was examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). RESULTS In this study, various doses of MBP (0, 10(-9), 10(-8), 10(-7), or 10(-6) M) were added to the medium followed by stimulation of MLTC-1 cells with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). The results showed that MBP increased progesterone production and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) mRNA and protein levels. However, the protein levels of cytochrome P450scc and 3 beta-hydroxy-steroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) were unchanged after MBP treatment. EMSA assay showed that DNA-binding of steroidogenic factors 1(SF-1), GATA-4 and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-beta (C/EBP-beta) was increased in a dose-dependent manner after MBP exposure. Western blot tests were next employed and confirmed that the protein levels of SF-1, GATA-4 and C/EBP-beta were also increased. Additionally, western blot tests confirmed the expression of DAX-1, negative factor of SF-1, was dose-dependently down regulated after MBP exposure, which further confirmed the role of SF-1 in MBP-stimulated steroid biosynthesis. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we firstly delineated the regulation of StAR by transcription factors including SF-1, GATA-4 and C/EBP-beta maybe critical mechanism involved in low-dose MBP-stimulated steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Congcong Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Minjian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiumei Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Lianglin Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yansu Chen
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Toxicology, Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention & Treatment, Cancer Center, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Jingjing Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiaocheng Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Aihua Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Hong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Zhong Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yubang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Safety Assessment and Research Center for Drug, Pesticide and Veterinary Drug of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
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Bashamboo A, McElreavey K. Gene Mutations Associated with Anomalies of Human Gonad Formation. Sex Dev 2013; 7:126-46. [DOI: 10.1159/000342188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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23
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Mutational screening of SF1 and WNT4 in Tunisian women with premature ovarian failure. Gene 2012; 509:298-301. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2012.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Revised: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 08/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Kau MM, Wang JR, Tsai SC, Yu CH, Wang PS. Inhibitory effect of bufalin and cinobufagin on steroidogenesis via the activation of ERK in human adrenocortical cells. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 165:1868-1876. [PMID: 21913902 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01671.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Bufalin and cinobufagin exhibit cardiotonic and natriuretic activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of bufalin and cinobufagin on aldosterone and cortisol secretion and their mechanisms of action in human adrenocortical cells (NCI-H295). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH H295 cells were incubated with bufalin or cinobufagin in the presence or absence of angiotensin II (Ang II), forskolin, 8-Br-cAMP, corticosterone or deoxycortisol. The role of ERK1/2 was studied by use of the inhibitor of MEK (U0126). The binding of transcription factor steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) to steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) gene promoter was analysed by EMSA. KEY RESULTS Bufalin and cinobufagin markedly inhibited basal, Ang II-, forskolin- or 8-Br-cAMP-stimulated aldosterone and cortisol secretion, and the conversions of corticosterone to aldosterone and deoxycortisol to cortisol. Bufalin and cinobufagin also inhibited StAR protein expression and SF-1 binding to StAR gene promoter. They both increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2, and U0126 fully abolished these effects on ERK1/2 in H295 cells. Furthermore, U0126 reversed the inhibitory effects of bufalin and cinobufagin on StAR protein expression and the binding of SF-1 to StAR gene promoter. However, U0126 did not completely reverse their inhibitory effects on aldosterone and cortisol release. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The inhibitory effects of bufalin and cinobufagin on steroidogenesis of aldosterone and cortisol were associated with inhibition of aldosterone synthase and 11β-hydroxylase, as well as the suppression of StAR protein expression and SF-1 binding to StAR promoter via the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in H295 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Mei Kau
- Center of General Education, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, TaiwanDepartment of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, TaiwanGraduate Institute of Transition and Leisure Education for Individuals with Disabilities, Taipei Physical Education College, Taipei, TaiwanDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, TaiwanDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jiing-Rong Wang
- Center of General Education, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, TaiwanDepartment of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, TaiwanGraduate Institute of Transition and Leisure Education for Individuals with Disabilities, Taipei Physical Education College, Taipei, TaiwanDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, TaiwanDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shiow-Chwen Tsai
- Center of General Education, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, TaiwanDepartment of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, TaiwanGraduate Institute of Transition and Leisure Education for Individuals with Disabilities, Taipei Physical Education College, Taipei, TaiwanDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, TaiwanDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Han Yu
- Center of General Education, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, TaiwanDepartment of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, TaiwanGraduate Institute of Transition and Leisure Education for Individuals with Disabilities, Taipei Physical Education College, Taipei, TaiwanDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, TaiwanDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Paulus S Wang
- Center of General Education, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, TaiwanDepartment of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, TaiwanGraduate Institute of Transition and Leisure Education for Individuals with Disabilities, Taipei Physical Education College, Taipei, TaiwanDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, TaiwanDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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25
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Murayama C, Miyazaki H, Miyamoto A, Shimizu T. Luteinizing hormone (LH) regulates production of androstenedione and progesterone via control of histone acetylation of StAR and CYP17 promoters in ovarian theca cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 350:1-9. [PMID: 22155568 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Revised: 11/11/2011] [Accepted: 11/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although luteinizing hormone (LH) affects androstenedione (A4) and progesterone (P4) production in theca cells, it is still unknown how LH influences molecular mechanism of A4 and P4 production. To examine the relationship between LH and transcription factors involved in A4 and P4 production, ovarian theca cells were cultured in the presence or absence of high concentrations of LH for 24 h (pre-treatment with high concentration of LH) and then cultured in the presence or absence of low concentration of LH for 48 h. Low LH enhanced production of A4 and P4, and expressions of CYP17 and StAR mRNA in theca cells without pre-treatment with high LH. In addition, low LH stimulated the expression of SF-1 protein in nuclear fractions from theca cells with or without pre-treatment with high LH. The binding of SF-1 to the CYP17 and StAR promoter regions increased in theca cells treated with low LH. Although GATA-4 and GATA-6 are both found in the nuclear fraction but not in the cytosol of theca cells, low LH enhanced the binding of GATA-6, but not of GATA-4, to the CYP17 promoter region without pre-treatment with high LH. Acetylation histone H3 in StAR and CYP17 promoter regions were changed by different LH-dosage. Overall, we showed that LH regulates the production of A4 and P4 by affecting the nuclear localization and switching of transcription factors in theca cells and that target transcription factors involved in steroid production in theca cells are changed by different LH concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiaki Murayama
- Graduate School of Animal and Food Hygiene, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-machi, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
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26
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Fauser BCJM, Diedrich K, Bouchard P, Domínguez F, Matzuk M, Franks S, Hamamah S, Simón C, Devroey P, Ezcurra D, Howles CM. Contemporary genetic technologies and female reproduction. Hum Reprod Update 2011; 17:829-47. [PMID: 21896560 PMCID: PMC3191938 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmr033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 307] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Fifth Evian Annual Reproduction (EVAR) Workshop Meeting discussed knowledge regarding contemporary genetics in female reproduction. METHODS Specialist reproductive medicine clinicians and geneticists delivered presentations based on published literature and current research. The content of this report is based on the expert presentations and subsequent group discussions that took place during this Workshop. RESULTS Numerous ovarian genes with a role in infertility have been identified. Future challenges for genetic screening of patients, such as those with polycystic ovary syndrome, primary ovarian insufficiency or endometriosis, include the identification of high-throughput strategies and how to apply these findings to infertile patients. The identification of high-quality embryos in IVF using objective technologies remains a high priority in order to facilitate single-embryo transfer. Gene expression profiling of cumulus cells surrounding the oocyte, and proteomic and metabolomic approaches in embryo culture media may significantly improve non-invasive embryo quality assessment. CONCLUSIONS The way forward in advancing the knowledge of genes involved in reproduction was considered to be through genome-wide association studies involving large numbers of patients. Establishing international collaboration is required to enable the application of such technologies in sufficient numbers of patients.
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27
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BMP-4 suppresses progesterone production by inhibiting histone H3 acetylation of StAR in bovine granulosa cells in vitro. Mol Cell Biochem 2010; 348:183-90. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-010-0653-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2010] [Accepted: 10/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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28
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Brion L, Gorostizaga A, Gómez NV, Podestá EJ, Cornejo Maciel F, Paz C. Valproic acid alters mitochondrial cholesterol transport in Y1 adrenocortical cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2010; 25:7-12. [PMID: 20732403 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2010.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2010] [Revised: 07/08/2010] [Accepted: 08/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Several reports suggest putative interactions between valproic acid (VPA) treatment and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Given that VPA alters mitochondrial functions, an action of this drug on a mitochondrial process such as steroid synthesis in adrenal cells should be expected. In order to disclose a putative action of VPA on the adrenocortical cell itself we evaluated VPA effects on regulatory steps of the acute stimulation of steroidogenesis in Y1 adrenocortical cells. This study demonstrates that VPA increases progesterone production in non-stimulated cells without inducing the levels of Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory (StAR) protein, which facilitates cholesterol transport. This result suggests that VPA increases mitochondrial cholesterol transport through a StAR-independent mechanism and is further supported by the fact that in isolated mitochondria VPA stimulates exogenous cholesterol metabolization to progesterone. VPA also reduces the cAMP-mediated increase of the StAR protein, mRNA levels, promoter activity and progesterone production. In summary, the present data show that VPA can alter steroid production in adrenal cells by a complex mechanism that mainly involves an action on cholesterol access to the inner mitochondrial membrane. The VPA-mediated increase of basal steroidogenesis could be linked to the increase of basal cortisolemia described in patients under VPA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Brion
- IIHMNO-Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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29
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Mizutani T, Yazawa T, Ju Y, Imamichi Y, Uesaka M, Inaoka Y, Matsuura K, Kamiki Y, Oki M, Umezawa A, Miyamoto K. Identification of a novel distal control region upstream of the human steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) gene that participates in SF-1-dependent chromatin architecture. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:28240-51. [PMID: 20601698 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.129510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein) mediates the transport of cholesterol from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane, the process of which is the rate-limiting step for steroidogenesis. Transcriptional regulation of the proximal promoter of the human StAR gene has been well characterized, whereas analysis of its distal control region has not. Recently, we found that SF-1 (steroidogenic factor 1) induced the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into steroidogenic cells with the concomitant strong induction of StAR expression. Here, we show, using differentiated MSCs, that StAR expression is regulated by a novel distal control region. Using electrophoretic mobility shift (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays, we identified novel SF-1 binding sites between 3,000 and 3,400 bp upstream of StAR. A luciferase reporter assay revealed that the region worked as a strong regulator to exert maximal transcription of StAR. ChIP analysis of histone H3 revealed that upon SF-1 expression, nucleosome eviction took place at the SF-1 binding sites, not only in the promoter but also in the distal SF-1 binding sites. Chromosome conformation capture analysis revealed that the region upstream of StAR formed a chromatin loop both in the differentiated MSCs and in KGN cells, a human granulosa cell tumor cell line, where SF-1 is endogenously expressed. Finally, SF-1 knockdown resulted in disrupted formation of this chromatin loop in KGN cells. These results indicate that the novel distal control region participate in StAR activation through SF-1 dependent alterations of chromatin structure, including histone eviction and chromatin loop formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Mizutani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
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30
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Bashamboo A, McElreavey K. NR5A1/SF-1 and development and function of the ovary. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2010; 71:177-82. [PMID: 20394914 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2010.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2010] [Revised: 02/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/09/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is defined as cessation of menstruation with associated elevation of gonadotropin levels as a result of decreased ovarian function before the age of 40. The incidence of POI is 1% in women prior to age 40, and 0.1% prior to age 30. There is evidence of a strong genetic component associated with POI. However, the gene mutations/variations influencing POI still remain uncharacterized. NR5A1, a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a key transcriptional regulator of genes involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal steroidogenic axis. Newborn mice deficient in NR5A1 lack both gonads and adrenal glands and have impaired expression of pituitary gonadotrophins. NR5A1 is also expressed in multiple cell types in the fetal, postnatal, prepubertal and mature ovary. Until 2008, 18 NR5A1 mutations were described in the human. Three of these were identified in individuals with adrenal insufficiency, two associated with 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD) and the third a 46,XX female with conserved ovarian function. Other mutations were associated with various anomalies of testis development with no evidence of adrenal failure. We have identified further 19 mutations in NR5A1 including mutations in four familial cases having individuals with 46,XY DSD as well as POI. A further analysis of 25 sporadic cases of POI revealed two additional mutations. Functional analysis revealed that each mutant protein had altered transactivational properties on gonadal promoters. These data reveal novels insights into the role of NR5A1 in ovarian developmental and function and indicate that mutations of the NR5A1 gene may be a significant cause of human ovarian insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bashamboo
- Human Developmental Genetics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
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31
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Lavoie HA, King SR. Transcriptional regulation of steroidogenic genes: STARD1, CYP11A1 and HSD3B. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2009; 234:880-907. [PMID: 19491374 DOI: 10.3181/0903-mr-97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of the genes that mediate the first steps in steroidogenesis, the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STARD1), the cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme, cytochrome P450scc (CYP11A1) and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta5-Delta4 isomerase (HSD3B), is tightly controlled by a battery of transcription factors in the adrenal cortex, the gonads and the placenta. These genes generally respond to the same hormones that stimulate steroid production through common pathways such as cAMP signaling and common actions on their promoters by proteins such as NR5A and GATA family members. However, there are distinct temporal, tissue and species-specific differences in expression between the genes that are defined by combinatorial regulation and unique promoter elements. This review will provide an overview of the hormonal and transcriptional regulation of the STARD1, CYP11A1 and specific steroidogenic HSD3B genes in the adrenal, testis, ovary and placenta and discuss the current knowledge regarding the key transcriptional factors involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly A Lavoie
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
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32
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Lourenço D, Brauner R, Lin L, De Perdigo A, Weryha G, Muresan M, Boudjenah R, Guerra-Junior G, Maciel-Guerra AT, Achermann JC, McElreavey K, Bashamboo A. Mutations in NR5A1 associated with ovarian insufficiency. N Engl J Med 2009; 360:1200-10. [PMID: 19246354 PMCID: PMC2778147 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa0806228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genetic causes of nonsyndromic ovarian insufficiency are largely unknown. A nuclear receptor, NR5A1 (also called steroidogenic factor 1), is a key transcriptional regulator of genes involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary-steroidogenic axis. Mutation of NR5A1 causes 46,XY disorders of sex development, with or without adrenal failure, but growing experimental evidence from studies in mice suggests a key role for this factor in ovarian development and function as well. METHODS To test the hypothesis that mutations in NR5A1 cause disorders of ovarian development and function, we sequenced NR5A1 in four families with histories of both 46,XY disorders of sex development and 46,XX primary ovarian insufficiency and in 25 subjects with sporadic ovarian insufficiency. None of the affected subjects had clinical signs of adrenal insufficiency. RESULTS Members of each of the four families and 2 of the 25 subjects with isolated ovarian insufficiency carried mutations in the NR5A1 gene. In-frame deletions and frameshift and missense mutations were detected. Functional studies indicated that these mutations substantially impaired NR5A1 transactivational activity. Mutations were associated with a range of ovarian anomalies, including 46,XX gonadal dysgenesis and 46,XX primary ovarian insufficiency. We did not observe these mutations in more than 700 control alleles. CONCLUSIONS NR5A1 mutations are associated with 46,XX primary ovarian insufficiency and 46,XY disorders of sex development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Lourenço
- Human Developmental Genetics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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Histone H3 acetylation of StAR and decrease in DAX-1 is involved in the luteinization of bovine granulosa cells during in vitro culture. Mol Cell Biochem 2009; 328:41-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-009-0072-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2008] [Accepted: 02/24/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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34
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Yivgi-Ohana N, Sher N, Melamed-Book N, Eimerl S, Koler M, Manna PR, Stocco DM, Orly J. Transcription of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein in the rodent ovary and placenta: alternative modes of cyclic adenosine 3', 5'-monophosphate dependent and independent regulation. Endocrinology 2009; 150:977-89. [PMID: 18845640 PMCID: PMC2732291 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-0541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Steroid hormone synthesis is a vital function of the adrenal cortex, serves a critical role in gonadal function, and maintains pregnancy if normally executed in the placenta. The substrate for the synthesis of all steroid hormones is cholesterol, and its conversion to the first steroid, pregnenolone, by the cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P450 (CYP11A1) enzyme complex takes place in the inner mitochondrial membranes. Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) facilitates the rate-limiting transfer of cholesterol from the outer mitochondrial membrane to CYP11A1 located in the inner organelle membranes. The current study explored the mechanisms controlling transcription of the Star gene in primary cell cultures of mouse placental trophoblast giant cells and rat ovarian granulosa cells examined throughout the course of their functional differentiation. Our findings show that the cis-elements required for Star transcription in the rodent placenta and the ovary are centered in a relatively small proximal region of the promoter. In placental trophoblast giant cells, cAMP is required for activation of the Star promoter, and the cis-elements mediating a maximal response were defined as cAMP response element 2 and GATA. EMSA studies show that placental cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB)-1 and activating transcription factor-2 (ATF2) bind to a -81/-78 sequence, whereas GATA-2 binds to a -66/-61 sequence. In comparison, patterns of Star regulation in the ovary suggested tissue-specific and developmental controlled modes of Star transcription. During the follicular phase, FSH/cAMP induced CREB-1 dependent activity, whereas upon luteinization STAR expression becomes cAMP and CREB independent, a functional shift conferred by FOS-related antigen-2 displacement of CREB-1 binding, and the appearance of a new requirement for CCAAT enhancer-binding protein beta and steroidogenic factor 1 that bind to upstream elements (-117/-95). These findings suggest that during evolution, the promoters of the Star gene acquired nonconsensus sequence elements enabling expression of a single gene in different organs, or allowing dynamic temporal changes corresponding to progressing phases of differentiation in a given cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Yivgi-Ohana
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Manna PR, Dyson MT, Jo Y, Stocco DM. Role of dosage-sensitive sex reversal, adrenal hypoplasia congenita, critical region on the X chromosome, gene 1 in protein kinase A- and protein kinase C-mediated regulation of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein expression in mouse Leydig tumor cells: mechanism of action. Endocrinology 2009; 150:187-99. [PMID: 18787026 PMCID: PMC2630909 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-0368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dosage-sensitive sex reversal, adrenal hypoplasia congenita, critical region on the X chromosome, gene 1 (DAX-1) is an orphan nuclear receptor that has been demonstrated to be instrumental to the expression of the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein that regulates steroid biosynthesis in steroidogenic cells. However, its mechanism of action remains obscure. The present investigation was aimed at exploring the molecular involvement of DAX-1 in protein kinase A (PKA)- and protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated regulation of StAR expression and its concomitant impact on steroid synthesis using MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells. We demonstrate that activation of the PKA and PKC pathways, by a cAMP analog dibutyryl (Bu)2cAMP [(Bu)2cAMP] and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), respectively, markedly decreased DAX-1 expression, an event that was inversely correlated with StAR protein, StAR mRNA, and progesterone levels. Notably, the suppression of DAX-1 requires de novo transcription and translation, suggesting that the effect of DAX-1 in regulating StAR expression is dynamic. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies revealed the association of DAX-1 with the proximal but not the distal region of the StAR promoter, and both (Bu)2cAMP and PMA decreased in vivo DAX-1-DNA interactions. EMSA and reporter gene analyses demonstrated the functional integrity of this interaction by showing that DAX-1 binds to a DNA hairpin at position -44/-20 bp of the mouse StAR promoter and that the binding of DAX-1 to this region decreases progesterone synthesis by impairing transcription of the StAR gene. In support of this, targeted silencing of endogenous DAX-1 elevated basal, (Bu)2cAMP-, and PMA-stimulated StAR expression and progesterone synthesis. Transrepression of the StAR gene by DAX-1 was tightly associated with expression of the nuclear receptors Nur77 and steroidogenic factor-1, demonstrating these factors negatively modulate the steroidogenic response. These findings provide insight into the molecular events by which DAX-1 influences the PKA and PKC signaling pathways involved in the regulation of the StAR protein and steroidogenesis in mouse Leydig tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pulak R Manna
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas 79430, USA
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The nuclear receptors SF1 and LRH1 are expressed in endometrial cancer cells and regulate steroidogenic gene transcription by cooperating with AP-1 factors. Cancer Lett 2008; 275:127-38. [PMID: 19022561 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2008.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2008] [Revised: 10/06/2008] [Accepted: 10/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Excessive exposure to estradiol represents the main risk factor for endometrial cancer. The abnormally high estradiol levels in the endometrium of women with endometrial cancer are most likely due to overproduction by the tumour itself. Endometrial cancer cells express the genes encoding the steroidogenic enzymes involved in estradiol synthesis. Here we used RT-PCR and Western blot to show that the nuclear receptors SF1 and LRH1, two well-known regulators of steroidogenic gene expression in gonadal and adrenal cells, are also expressed in endometrial cancer cell lines. By transient transfections, we found that SF1 and LRH1, but not the related nuclear receptor NUR77, can activate the promoters of three human steroidogenic genes: STAR, HSD3B2, and CYP19A1 PII. Similarly, forskolin but not PMA, could activate all three promoters. In addition, we found that both SF1 and LRH1 can transcriptionally cooperate with the AP-1 family members c-JUN and c-FOS, known to be associated with enhanced proliferation of endometrial carcinoma cells, to further enhance activation of the STAR, HSD3B2, and CYP19A1 PII promoters. All together, our data provide novel insights into the mechanisms of steroidogenic gene expression in endometrial cancer cells and thus in the regulation of estradiol biosynthesis by tumour cells.
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Lin L, Achermann JC. Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1, Ad4BP, NR5A1) and disorders of testis development. Sex Dev 2008; 2:200-9. [PMID: 18987494 DOI: 10.1159/000152036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2008] [Accepted: 06/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) (Ad4BP, NR5A1) is a nuclear receptor that regulates many aspects of adrenal and reproductive development and function. Consequently, deletion of the gene (Nr5a1) encoding Sf-1 in XY mice results in impaired adrenal development, complete testicular dysgenesis with Mullerian structures, and female external genitalia. Initial efforts to identify NR5A1 changes in humans focused on 46,XY individuals with combined adrenogonadal failure and Mullerian structures. Although this combination of clinical features is rare, 2 such patients harboring NR5A1 mutations have been described within the past decade. More recently, however, it has emerged that heterozygous loss of function mutations in NR5A1 can be found relatively frequently in children and adults with 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD) but with apparently normal adrenal function. The phenotypic spectrum associated with these changes ranges from complete testicular dysgenesis with Mullerian structures, through individuals with mild clitoromegaly or genital ambiguity, to severe penoscrotal hypospadias or even anorchia. Furthermore, a non-synonymous polymorphism in NR5A1 may be associated with micropenis or undescended testes within the population. Taken together, these reports suggest that variable loss of SF-1 function can be associated with a wide range of reproductive phenotypes in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Lin
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, Clinical & Molecular Genetics, UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
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38
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Kuhl AJ, Ross SM, Gaido KW. CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta, but not steroidogenic factor-1, modulates the phthalate-induced dysregulation of rat fetal testicular steroidogenesis. Endocrinology 2007; 148:5851-64. [PMID: 17884934 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-0930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged in utero exposure of fetal male rats to dibutyl phthalate (DBP) can result in a feminized phenotype characterized by malformed epididymides, hypospadias, cryptorchidism, and retained thoracic nipples, among others. These symptoms likely result, in part, from decreased expression of steroidogenic enzymes and, therefore, reduced testosterone biosynthesis. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in these changes in gene expression profiles are unknown. To understand these mechanisms in rats, in vivo DNase footprinting was adapted to provide a semiquantitative map of changes in DNA-protein interactions in the promoter region of steroidogenic genes, including steroidogenic acute regulatory, scavenger receptor B-1, cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage, and cytochrome P450 17A1, that are down-regulated after an in utero DBP exposure. Regions with altered DNase protection were coordinated with a specific DNA binding protein event by EMSA, and binding activity confirmed with chromatin immunoprecipitation. Results demonstrated altered DNase protection at regions mapping to CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (c/ebp beta) and steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1). Chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed declines in DNA-protein interactions of c/ebp beta in DBP treated animals, whereas SF-1 was reduced in both diethyl phthalate (nontoxic) and DBP (toxic) treatments. These results suggest that inhibition of c/ebp beta, and not SF-1, is critical in DBP induced inhibition of steroidogenic genes. In addition, these observations suggest a pathway redundancy in the regulation of steroidogenesis in fetal testis. In conclusion, this study presents a snapshot of changes in the structure of transcriptional machinery and proposes a mechanism of action resulting from DBP exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Kuhl
- The Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences, 6 Davis Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2137, USA.
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Moe M, Meuwissen T, Lien S, Bendixen C, Wang X, Conley LN, Berget I, Tajet H, Grindflek E. Gene expression profiles in testis of pigs with extreme high and low levels of androstenone. BMC Genomics 2007; 8:405. [PMID: 17988377 PMCID: PMC2204014 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-8-405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2007] [Accepted: 11/07/2007] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Boar taint is a major obstacle when using uncastrated male pigs for swine production. One of the main compounds causing this taint is androstenone, a pheromone produced in porcine testis. Here we use microarrays to study the expression of thousands of genes simultaneously in testis of high and low androstenone boars. The study allows identification of genes and pathways associated with elevated androstenone levels, which is essential for recognising potential molecular markers for breeding purposes. Results: Testicular tissue was collected from 60 boars, 30 with extreme high and 30 with extreme low levels of androstenone, from each of the two breeds Duroc and Norwegian Landrace. The samples were hybridised to porcine arrays containing 26,877 cDNA clones, detecting 563 and 160 genes that were differentially expressed (p < 0.01) in Duroc and Norwegian Landrace, respectively. Of these significantly up- and down-regulated clones, 72 were found to be common for the two breeds, suggesting the possibility of both general and breed specific mechanisms in regulation of, or response to androstenone levels in boars. Ten genes were chosen for verification of expression patterns by quantitative real competitive PCR and real-time PCR. As expected, our results point towards steroid hormone metabolism and biosynthesis as important biological processes for the androstenone levels, but other potential pathways were identified as well. Among these were oxidoreductase activity, ferric iron binding, iron ion binding and electron transport activities. Genes belonging to the cytochrome P450 and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase families were highly up-regulated, in addition to several genes encoding different families of conjugation enzymes. Furthermore, a number of genes encoding transcription factors were found both up- and down-regulated. The high number of clones belonging to ferric iron and iron ion binding suggests an importance of these genes, and the association between these pathways and androstenone levels is not previously described. Conclusion: This study contributes to the understanding of the complex genetic system controlling and responding to androstenone levels in pig testis. The identification of new pathways and genes involved in the biosynthesis and metabolism of androstenone is an important first step towards finding molecular markers to reduce boar taint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maren Moe
- The Norwegian Pig Breeders Association (NORSVIN), Hamar, Norway.
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40
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Clark BJ, Cochrum RK. The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein as a target of endocrine disruption in male reproduction. Drug Metab Rev 2007; 39:353-70. [PMID: 17786626 DOI: 10.1080/03602530701519151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Development of the adult male reproductive tract requires proper spatial-temporal expression of the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen during fetal developmental stages and at puberty. Exogenous agents that disrupt the production and/or actions of the testosterone and estrogen and cause aberrant reproductive tract development can be thought of as endocrine disruptors (ED). This review will focus on the impact of ED on testosterone production by Leydig cells during fetal development and in the adult. In particular, the genes encoding the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and cytochrome P450 17 alpha hydroxylase/17,20 lyase (CYP17A1) within the steroid hormone biosynthetic pathway are highlighted as ED targets. We begin with an overview of steroidogenesis and regulation of StAR then summarize the published literature on the effects of diethylstibesterol, phthalate esters, and arsenite on male reproduction with a focus on the expression and function of StAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara J Clark
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA.
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41
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Yang HM, Do HJ, Kim DK, Park JK, Chang WK, Chung HM, Choi SY, Kim JH. Transcriptional regulation of human Oct4 by steroidogenic factor-1. J Cell Biochem 2007; 101:1198-209. [PMID: 17226773 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.21244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Oct4 encodes a transcription factor that is involved in the maintenance of self-renewal in stem cells. Recently, the molecular mechanisms that regulate Oct4 expression have come under investigation. In this study, we demonstrate that the orphan nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) behaves as a transcriptional activator of human Oct4 (hOct4) through direct interaction with a SF-1 binding element in the hOct4 proximal promoter. We found that Oct4 and SF-1 were co-expressed in undifferentiated human embryonal carcinoma NCCIT cells and downregulated during retinoic acid-mediated differentiation. We examined the functional role played by SF-1 in regulation of hOct4 transcription using a luciferase reporter assay and Western blot analysis. Overexpression of SF-1 increased up to about threefold hOct4 promoter activity and endogenous hOct4 protein expression. Sequence analysis of the hOct4 promoter revealed that the transcriptional activity was closely linked to Conserved Regions 1 (CR1) and 2 (CR2), which contain three putative SF-1-binding sites (1st, 2nd, and 3rd SF-1). Binding assays and mutagenesis of binding sites indicated that the 1st and 2nd SF-1 elements (in CR1 and CR2, respectively) might be important cis-regulatory elements in hOct4 promoter activity. However, differences in response to SF-1 overexpression between wild-type and mutant hOct4 promoters revealed that the 1st SF-1 element is the key binding site for SF-1-mediated transcriptional activation. Thus, our data indicate that SF-1 plays a crucial role in the regulation of hOct4 transcription through direct binding to the 1st SF-1 in CR1 of the hOct4 proximal promoter.
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Manna PR, Chandrala SP, King SR, Jo Y, Counis R, Huhtaniemi IT, Stocco DM. Molecular Mechanisms of Insulin-like Growth Factor-I Mediated Regulation of the Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein in Mouse Leydig Cells. Mol Endocrinol 2006; 20:362-78. [PMID: 16166197 DOI: 10.1210/me.2004-0526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth factors are known to play diverse roles in steroidogenesis, a process regulated by the mitochondrial steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein. The mechanism of action of one such growth factor, IGF-I, was investigated in mouse Leydig tumor (mLTC-1) cells to determine its potential role in the regulation of StAR expression. mLTC-1 cells treated with IGF-I demonstrated temporal and concentration-dependent increases in StAR expression and steroid synthesis. However, IGF-I had no effect on cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage or 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase protein levels. IGF-I was capable of augmenting N,O'-dibutyrl-cAMP-stimulated steroidogenic responsiveness in these cells. The steroidogenic potential of IGF-I was also confirmed in primary cultures of isolated mouse Leydig cells. IGF-I increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2, an event inhibited by the MAPK/ERK inhibitors, PD98059 and U0126. Interestingly, inhibition of ERK activity enhanced IGF-I-mediated StAR protein expression, but phosphorylation of StAR was undetectable, an observation in contrast to that seen with N,O'-dibutyrl-cAMP signaling. Further studies demonstrated that these events were tightly correlated with the expression of dosage-sensitive sex reversal, adrenal hypoplasia congenita, critical region on the X chromosome, gene 1 and scavenger receptor class B type 1. Whereas both protein kinase A and protein kinase C signaling were involved in the IGF-I-mediated steroidogenic response, the majority of the effects of IGF-I were found to be mediated by the protein kinase C pathway. Transcriptional activation of the StAR gene by IGF-I was influenced by several transcription factors, its up-regulation being dependent on phosphorylation of the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and the activator protein 1 family member, c-Jun. Conversely, StAR gene transcription was markedly inhibited by expression of nonphosphorylatable CREB (Ser(133)Ala), dominant negative A-CREB, and dominant negative c-Jun (TAM-67) mutants. Collectively, the present studies identify molecular events in IGF-I signaling that may influence testicular growth, development, and the Leydig cell steroidogenic machinery through autocrine/paracrine regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pulak R Manna
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas 79430, USA
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Sadeghian H, Anand-Ivell R, Balvers M, Relan V, Ivell R. Constitutive regulation of the Insl3 gene in rat Leydig cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2005; 241:10-20. [PMID: 16006031 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2005.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2005] [Revised: 03/02/2005] [Accepted: 03/02/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-like factor 3 (Insl3) is a major new product of the Leydig cells in all mammalian species so far examined. The rat Insl3 gene is encoded by two exons in close juxtaposition to the Jak3 gene. Using RT-PCR analysis we now show that in the rat testis it is expressed as both major and minor splice variants, the former encoding the normal protein, the latter a truncated peptide comprising a C-terminally extended B-domain. Both transcripts are produced in constant relative amounts uniquely in the Leydig cells of the postnatal testis and in no other testicular cell type. Rat Insl3 protein is also expressed only in Leydig cells after postnatal day 30. Although specific mRNA is present at earlier times, corresponding protein is not detected. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis of Insl3 transcripts in the mouse MA-10 tumour Leydig cell-line under a wide range of stimulation regimes shows that in an acute context, the Insl3 gene is expressed absolutely constitutively. This is confirmed by transfection and electrophoretic mobility shift (EMSA) analysis of the rat Insl3 gene promoter, wherein the importance of three putative SF-1 responsive elements is underscored, although these appear to differ in their relative importance from their counterparts in the mouse Insl3 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Sadeghian
- Institute for Hormone and Fertility Research, University of Hamburg, Germany
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44
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Clem BF, Clark BJ. Association of the mSin3A-histone deacetylase 1/2 corepressor complex with the mouse steroidogenic acute regulatory protein gene. Mol Endocrinol 2005; 20:100-13. [PMID: 16109738 DOI: 10.1210/me.2004-0495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Several factors have been identified in the transcriptional repression of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) gene promoter; yet, no associating corepressor complexes have been characterized for the mouse promoter in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells. We now report that Sp3, CAGA element binding proteins, and a corepressor complex consisting of mSin3A, histone deacetylase (HDAC)1, and HDAC2 associates with a transcriptional repressor region within the mouse StAR promoter. 5'-Promoter deletion analysis localized the negative regulatory region between -180 and -150 bp upstream of the transcription start site, and mutations in both the CAGA and Sp binding elements were required to relieve the repression of basal StAR promoter activity. Protein-DNA binding analysis revealed Sp3 and specific CAGA element-binding protein(s) associated with the repressor region. Coimmunoprecipitation analysis identified the presence of the mSin3A, HDAC1, and HDAC2 corepressor complex in MA-10 cells. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed Sp3, mSin3A, and HDAC1/2 association with the proximal region of the StAR promoter in situ. In addition, HDAC inhibition resulted in a dose-dependent activation of a mouse StAR reporter construct, whereas mutations within the repressor region diminished this effect by 44%. In sum, these data support a novel regulatory mechanism for transcriptional repression of the mouse StAR promoter by DNA binding of Sp3 and CAGA element-binding proteins, and association of the Sin3 corepressor complex exhibiting HDAC activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian F Clem
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky 40292, USA
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45
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Chen YC, Chang MF, Chen Y, Wang SM. Signaling pathways of magnolol-induced adrenal steroidogensis. FEBS Lett 2005; 579:4337-43. [PMID: 16061232 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2005.06.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2005] [Revised: 06/24/2005] [Accepted: 06/27/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This study focused on identifying the signalling mediating the effect of magnolol on corticosterone production. Magnolol-induced corticosterone production was completely inhibited by mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)-inhibitor PD98059, tyrosine kinase (TK)-inhibitor genistein or Janus tyrosine kinase 2 (JAK2)-inhibitor AG490, suggesting that extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and JAK2 are both involved in this signaling cascade. Further, magnolol induced the transient phosphorylation of MEK, ERK, cAMP response-element binding protein (CREB) and the expression of 32 and 30 kDa steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in a time-dependent manner. Inhibition of TK or JAK2 activities blocked magnolol-induced phosphorylation of MEK and ERK, again supporting the upstream role of JAK2. The activation of JAK2 or MEK apparently mediated the magnolol-induced phosphorylation of CREB and the upregulation of StAR. These findings demonstrate a novel pathway for magnolol to induce the expression of StAR, which regulates the rate-limiting step in sterodiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Chia Chen
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, 1-1 Jen-Ai Road, Taipei, Taiwan
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46
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Karpova T, Presley J, Manimaran RR, Scherrer SP, Tejada L, Peterson KR, Heckert LL. A FTZ-F1-containing yeast artificial chromosome recapitulates expression of steroidogenic factor 1 in vivo. Mol Endocrinol 2005; 19:2549-63. [PMID: 15961510 PMCID: PMC1544362 DOI: 10.1210/me.2004-0386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1/Nr5a1) is an orphan nuclear receptor encoded by the Ftz-F1 gene and is required for gonad and adrenal development and regulation of hormone production within the reproductive and adrenal axes. To extend our understanding of Ftz-F1 and its role in SF-1 expression, we identified and characterized a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) containing Ftz-F1. Within this YAC, Ftz-F1 is centrally located and flanked by genes encoding a second orphan nuclear receptor, germ cell nuclear factor, and proteasome (prosome, macropain) subunit beta type 7. Three lines of transgenic mice carrying the YAC were generated and in two lines (lines 7 and 14), RT-PCR and ribonuclease protection analysis showed that expression of transgenic SF-1 mimicked that of endogenous SF-1, both spatially and quantitatively. In the third line (line 15), pituitary and hypothalamic expression were absent. Comparison of the integrated transgenes revealed that line 15 was truncated at the end of intron 4 and revealed a region within the locus that is responsible for SF-1 expression in the pituitary and hypothalamus. The line 14 transgene was introduced into a mouse strain lacking functional SF-1. Examination of SF-1-deficient, transgene-positive mice revealed that the YAC was able to rescue adrenal and gonad development, which normally arrests in the SF-1-null embryos and showed that the 153-kb transgene integrated in line 14 is sufficient to properly direct SF-1 expression and support its biological activity. Thus, the study defines a region of Ftz-F1 that contains the requisite set of regulatory elements to direct SF-1 cell-specific expression and all temporal and quantitative changes need for its biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Leslie L. Heckert
- Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Leslie L. Heckert, Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard. Kansas City, Kansas 66160. E-mail:
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Kim JW, Havelock JC, Carr BR, Attia GR. The orphan nuclear receptor, liver receptor homolog-1, regulates cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome p450 enzyme in human granulosa cells. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2005; 90:1678-85. [PMID: 15613430 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2004-0374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
After ovulation, there is a shift in ovarian steroidogenesis from an estrogen-producing ovarian follicle to a progesterone-producing corpus luteum. The first step in human ovarian steroidogenesis is catalyzed by cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P450 (CYP11A1) enzyme. Steroidogenic factor-1 is an orphan nuclear receptor that regulates several steroidogenic enzymes, including CYP11A1. Liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1) is another orphan nuclear receptor that is expressed in the human ovary. After ovulation there is a down-regulation in steroidogenic factor-1, which is associated with an up-regulation of LRH-1 expression. These changes coincide with increased level of CYP11A1 expression in human corpus luteum. In this study, we examined the role of LRH-1 in the regulation of human granulosa cell CYP11A1 expression. Cotransfection of human granulosa cell tumor cells with CYP11A1 promoter and LRH-1 expression vector resulted in a significant increase in CYP11A1 expression. Deletion analysis revealed two putative LRH-1 binding sites at -1580 and -40, which was confirmed by EMSA. Dosage-sensitive sex-reversal-adrenal hypoplasia congenita critical region on the X chromosome, gene-1 inhibited LRH-1 stimulated CYP11A1 expression, and that was not overcome by the presence of PKA agonist. We conclude that CYP11A1 expression in human granulosa cells is regulated by LRH-1. We propose that LRH-1 could be the major transcription factor for the post-ovulatory surge in human ovarian steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joung W Kim
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Cedars Medical Center, 1400 NW 12th Avenue, East Building 4th floor, Miami, Florida 33136, USA
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Clem BF, Hudson EA, Clark BJ. Cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) enhances cAMP-responsive element binding (CREB) protein phosphorylation and phospho-CREB interaction with the mouse steroidogenic acute regulatory protein gene promoter. Endocrinology 2005; 146:1348-56. [PMID: 15550512 DOI: 10.1210/en.2004-0761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) transcription is regulated through cAMP-protein kinase A-dependent mechanisms that involve multiple transcription factors including the cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) family members. Classically, binding of phosphorylated CREB to cis-acting cAMP-responsive elements (5'-TGACGTCA-3') within target gene promoters leads to recruitment of the coactivator CREB binding protein (CBP). Herein we examined the extent of CREB family member phosphorylation on protein-DNA interactions and CBP recruitment with the StAR promoter. Immunoblot analysis revealed that CREB, cAMP-responsive element modulator (CREM), and activating transcription factor (ATF)-1 are expressed in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells, yet only CREB and ATF-1 are phosphorylated. (Bu)2cAMP treatment of MA-10 cells increased CREB phosphorylation approximately 2.3-fold within 30 min but did not change total nuclear CREB expression levels. Using DNA-affinity chromatography, we now show that CREB and ATF-1, but not CREM, interact with the StAR promoter, and this interaction is dependent on the activator protein-1 (AP-1) cis-acting element within the cAMP-responsive region. In addition, (Bu)2cAMP-treatment increased phosphorylated CREB (P-CREB) association with the StAR promoter but did not influence total CREB interaction. In vivo chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated CREB binding to the StAR proximal promoter is independent of (Bu)2cAMP-treatment, confirming our in vitro analysis. However, (Bu)2cAMP-treatment increased P-CREB and CBP interaction with the StAR promoter, demonstrating for the first time the physical role of P-CREB:DNA interactions in CBP recruitment to the StAR proximal promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian F Clem
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and The Center for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky 40292, USA
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49
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Abel KB, Majzoub JA. Molecular biology of the HPA axis. HANDBOOK OF STRESS AND THE BRAIN - PART 1: THE NEUROBIOLOGY OF STRESS 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/s0921-0709(05)80008-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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50
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Rusovici R, Hui YY, Lavoie HA. Epidermal growth factor-mediated inhibition of follicle-stimulating hormone-stimulated StAR gene expression in porcine granulosa cells is associated with reduced histone H3 acetylation. Biol Reprod 2004; 72:862-71. [PMID: 15590903 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.104.034298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) mediates cholesterol transport into the mitochondria and is essential for ovarian steroidogenesis. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been reported to inhibit FSH-stimulated differentiation in porcine granulosa cells. Previous studies have demonstrated FSH stimulates StAR mRNA accumulation and gene promoter activation in granulosa cells. Treatment of granulosa cells with FSH (5 ng/ml, 6 h) increased StAR mRNA, whereas coaddition of EGF (10 ng/ ml) significantly reduced (P < 0.05) FSH-stimulated mRNA accumulation by 62.7% +/- 13.9%. Under these same conditions, FSH-stimulated cAMP accumulation in cultures was unaltered by coincubation with EGF. RNA stability studies showed that cotreatment with FSH and EGF did not alter the StAR mRNA half-life compared with FSH alone, t(1/2) = 1.9-3.8 and 2.7-4.1 h, respectively. EGF significantly inhibited (P < 0.05) FSH-stimulated StAR heterogeneous nuclear RNA levels by 47.6% +/- 6.8 %, implicating a repressive effect on transcription. Surprisingly, EGF (1-50 ng/ml) did not affect FSH stimulation of a 1423-base pair StAR gene promoter-luciferase construct in transient transfection assays in porcine granulosa cells. To evaluate FSH and EGF effects on the endogenous StAR gene, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed in combination with real-time polymerase chain reaction. FSH increased histone H3 acetylation (lysines 9, 14) within the proximal region of the StAR gene promoter and coincubation with EGF blocked this effect. Dimethylation (lysine 9) of histone H3 was not influenced by treatments. In conclusion, EGF repression of FSH-stimulated StAR transcription in porcine granulosa cells is accompanied by reductions in histone H3 acetylation associated with the StAR gene promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Rusovici
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, USA
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