Evidence for microRNA-mediated regulation of steroidogenesis by hypoxia

Intertwined regulators: hypoxia pathway proteins, microRNAs, and phosphodiesterases in the control of steroidogenesis

Oxygen sensing is of paramount importance for maintaining cellular and systemic homeostasis. In response to diminished oxygen levels, the hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) orchestrate various biological processes. These pivotal transcription factors have been identified as key regulators of several biological events. Notably, extensive research from our group and others has demonstrated that HIF1α exerts an inverse regulatory effect on steroidogenesis, leading to the suppression of crucial steroidogenic enzyme expression and a subsequent decrease in steroid levels. These steroid hormones occupy pivotal roles in governing a myriad of physiological processes. Substantial or prolonged fluctuations in steroid levels carry detrimental consequences across multiple organ systems and underlie various pathological conditions, including metabolic and immune disorders. MicroRNAs serve as potent mediators of multifaceted gene regulatory mechanisms, acting as influential epigenetic regulators that modulate a broad spectrum of gene expressions. Concomitantly, phosphodiesterases (PDEs) play a crucial role in governing signal transduction. PDEs meticulously manage intracellular levels of both cAMP and cGMP, along with their respective signaling pathways and downstream targets. Intriguingly, an intricate interplay seems to exist between hypoxia signaling, microRNAs, and PDEs in the regulation of steroidogenesis. This review highlights recent advances in our understanding of the role of microRNAs during hypoxia-driven processes, including steroidogenesis, as well as the possibilities that exist in the application of HIF prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) inhibitors for the modulation of steroidogenesis.

MicroRNA regulation of adrenal glucocorticoid and androgen biosynthesis

Steroid hormones are derived from a common precursor molecule, cholesterol, and regulate a wide range of physiologic function including reproduction, salt balance, maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics, response to stress, neuronal function, and various metabolic processes. Among the steroids synthesized by the adrenal and gonadal tissues, adrenal mineralocorticoids, and glucocorticoids are essential for life. The process of steroidogenesis is regulated at multiple levels largely by transcriptional, posttranscriptional, translational, and posttranslational regulation of the steroidogenic enzymes (i.e., cytochrome P450s and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases), cellular compartmentalization of the steroidogenic enzymes, and cholesterol processing and transport proteins. In recent years, small noncoding RNAs, termed microRNAs (miRNAs) have been recognized as major post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression with essential roles in numerous biological processes and disease pathologies. Although their role in the regulation of steroidogenesis is still emerging, several recent studies have contributed significantly to our understanding of the role miRNAs play in the regulation of the steroidogenic process. This chapter focuses on the recent developments in miRNA regulation of adrenal glucocorticoid and androgen production in humans and rodents.

MicroRNAs in Dopamine Agonist-Resistant Prolactinoma

Dopamine agonists (DAs) are preferred for the treatment of prolactinomas and are usually very effective. Nonetheless, 20-30% of bromocriptine- and approximately 10% of cabergoline-treated individuals exhibit resistance to DAs. In addition, the mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains elusive. In this study, we summarize the major findings regarding the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of DA-resistant prolactinoma (DARP). Currently available evidence suggests that miRNAs are usually dysregulated in DARP and that, although controversial, the dysregulated miRNAs target the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, dopamine 2 receptor (D2R), or estradiol (E2)/estrogen receptor (ER) signaling pathways to mediate the therapeutic effect of DAs. These findings provide new incentives for research on innovative strategies for predicting patients' responsiveness to dopamine therapies and for developing treatment approaches. Unfortunately, recent studies tended to focus exclusively on the differential miRNA expression profiles between DARP and dopamine-sensitive prolactinoma, and no definitive consensus has been reached regarding the role of these miRNAs in the modulation mechanism. Therefore, current and future efforts should be directed toward the exploration of the mechanism underlying the dysregulation of miRNAs as well as of the target proteins that are affected by the dysregulated miRNAs. Furthermore, the modulation of the expression of dysregulated miRNAs, which target the D2R, TGF-β, or E2/ER signaling pathways, might be a promising alternative to treat patients with DARP and improve their prognosis.

MiR-31 targets HSD17B14 and FSHR, and miR-20b targets HSD17B14 to affect apoptosis and steroid hormone metabolism of porcine ovarian granulosa cells

Porcine 17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 14 (HSD17B14) and FSH reporter (FSHR) genes play important roles in the metabolism of steroid hormones and the apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs). Our bioinformatics analyses and the dual luciferase reporter assays indicated that porcine miR-20b and miR-31 target the 3'-UTR region of HSD17B14 gene, and miR-31 also targets the 3'-UTR region of FSHR gene. Overexpression of porcine HSD17B14 gene promoted the conversion from estradiol (E2) to estrone (E1) and increased the apoptosis of porcine GCs. Overexpression of miR-20b down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression level of HSD17B14 gene, decreased the concentration of progesterone (P4) and E1, increased E2, as well as reduced apoptosis of GCs. Moreover, overexpression of miR-31 also down-regulated the protein expression level of HSD17B14 gene, decreased the concentration of P4 and E1, and increased E2. However, miR-31 promoted apoptosis of GCs by targeting to the 3'-UTR of porcine FSHR gene. Taken together, we found that both porcine miR-20b and miR-31 target HSD17B14 gene, but miR-31 also targets FSHR gene to regulate the metabolism of steroid hormones and the apoptosis of porcine ovarian GCs. These findings expand the epigenetic regulatory mechanism of porcine miR-31 and miR-20b in ovarian GCs.

Integrated Analysis of miR-430 on Steroidogenesis-Related Gene Expression of Larval Rice Field Eel Monopterus albus

The present study aims to reveal the mechanism by which miR-430s regulate steroidogenesis in larval rice field eel Monopterus albus. To this end, M. albus embryos were respectively microinjected with miRNA-overexpressing mimics (agomir430a, agomir430b, and agomir430c) or miRNA-knockdown inhibitors (antagomir430a, antagomir430b, and antagomir430c). Transcriptome profiling of the larvae indicated that a total of more than 149 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified among the eight treatments. Specifically, DEGs related to steroidogenesis, the GnRH signaling pathway, the erbB signaling pathway, the Wnt signaling pathway, and other pathways were characterized in the transcriptome. We found that steroidogenesis-related genes (hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase 3 (17β-hsdb3), hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase 7 (17β-hsdb7), hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase 12 (17β-hsdb12), and cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily a (cyp19a1b)) were significantly downregulated in miR-430 knockdown groups. The differential expressions of miR-430 in three gonads indicated different roles of three miR-430 (a, b, and c) isoforms in regulating steroidogenesis and sex differentiation. Mutation of the miR-430 sites reversed the downregulation of cytochrome P450 family 17 (cyp17), cyp19a1b, and forkhead box L2 (foxl2) reporter activities by miR-430, indicating that miR-430 directly interacted with cyp17, cyp19a1b, and foxl2 genes to inhibit their expressions. Combining these findings, we concluded that miR-430 regulated the steroidogenesis and the biosynthesis of steroid hormones by targeting cyp19a1b in larval M. albus. Our results provide a novel insight into steroidogenesis at the early stage of fish at the molecular level.

The role of miRNAs in regulating the effect of prenatal cadmium exposure on ovarian granulosa cells in a transgenerational manner in female rats

Cadmium (Cd) is known to affect ovarian granulosa cells (GCs), but no information on the transgenerational effects of Cd on GCs. In this study, pregnant Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were orally dosed with Cd from gestation day 1 until birth. F1 or F2 female rats were mated with untreated males to produce the F2 or F3 generation. In the F1 generation, apoptotic cell bodies were observed in the Cd-treated group but not in the F2 generation. Moreover, significant changes in B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) expression were observed in both generations. Additionally, the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) was significantly changed based on microarray analysis. Specifically, miR-16-5p and miR-181b-5p were upregulated in F1 and F2 rats, while miR-92a-2-5p demonstrated different expression patterns between the two generations. In F3 generation, miR-16-5p and miR-92a-2-5p were down-regulated. Further, another experiment was used to show that miR-16-5p and miR-92a-2-5p regulated the Bcl2-induced apoptotic effect of Cd on GCs by the Human ovarian GC tumor line (COV434 cell line) miRNA-knockdown model Overall, the results indicate that prenatal Cd exposure has epigenetic transgenerational effect on GCs, Moreover, the underlying mechanism may involve interference with miR-16-5p and miR-92a-2-5p-mediated regulation of Bcl2 genes in offspring.

HIF1α is a direct regulator of steroidogenesis in the adrenal gland

Endogenous steroid hormones, especially glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, derive from the adrenal cortex, and drastic or sustained changes in their circulatory levels affect multiple organ systems. Although hypoxia signaling in steroidogenesis has been suggested, knowledge on the true impact of the HIFs (Hypoxia-Inducible Factors) in the adrenocortical cells of vertebrates is scant. By creating a unique set of transgenic mouse lines, we reveal a prominent role for HIF1α in the synthesis of virtually all steroids in vivo. Specifically, mice deficient in HIF1α in adrenocortical cells displayed enhanced levels of enzymes responsible for steroidogenesis and a cognate increase in circulatory steroid levels. These changes resulted in cytokine alterations and changes in the profile of circulatory mature hematopoietic cells. Conversely, HIF1α overexpression resulted in the opposite phenotype of insufficient steroid production due to impaired transcription of necessary enzymes. Based on these results, we propose HIF1α to be a vital regulator of steroidogenesis as its modulation in adrenocortical cells dramatically impacts hormone synthesis with systemic consequences. In addition, these mice can have potential clinical significances as they may serve as essential tools to understand the pathophysiology of hormone modulations in a number of diseases associated with metabolic syndrome, auto-immunity or even cancer.

Cadmium exposure during prenatal development causes progesterone disruptors in multiple generations via steroidogenic enzymes in rat ovarian granulosa cells

Exposure to the heavy metal cadmium (Cd) in the environment is linked to adverse health. To fully understand the adverse effects of this important endocrine-disrupting compound (EDC) requires studies that address multigenerational effects and epigenetic mechanisms. The present study orally dosed pregnant SD rats with Cd from gestation day 1 until birth. First filial generation (F1) female rats were mated with untreated males to generate the secondary filial generation (F2). Ovarian granulosa cells (OGCs) were collected at postnatal day (PND) 56 from both generations after prenatal Cd exposure, and hormone secretion examinations showed a progesterone disorder. Significant decreases in steroidogenic enzymes (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1)) were observed in F1 and F2 rats. However, F1 and F2 rats had different patterns of mRNA and protein expression of steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1). We also found that microRNAs were significantly changed using a microarray, and miR-10b-5p and miR-27a-3p were upregulated in F1 and F2 rats. The COV434 cell line microRNA-knockdown model showed that these two important microRNAs regulated the StAR-induced Cd effect on progesterone secretion. Overall, the results of this study indicate that prenatal Cd exposure causes cytotoxicity problems, progesterone disorder and microRNAs expression changed in a multigenerational manner. And progesterone disorder may interfere with the steroidogenic enzymes in offspring. The present study also revealed that environmental pollution produces multigenerational effects.

HIF1 driven transcriptional activity regulates steroidogenesis and proliferation of bovine granulosa cells

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1) is a heterodimeric transcription factor, consisting of a constitutively expressed β-subunit (HIF1B) and a regulated α-subunit (HIF1A). In the present study, we analyzed the HIF1 driven transcriptional activity in bovine granulosa cells (GC). Treatment of GC with FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and IGF1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) resulted in the upregulation of HIF1A mRNA expression under normoxia. Immunohistochemistry of bovine ovarian sections showed distinct staining of HIF1A in the GC layer of different staged ovarian follicles. Suppression of HIF1 using echinomycin and gene knockdown procedures revealed that HIF1 transcriptionally regulates the genes associated with steroidogenesis (STAR, HSD3B and CYP19A1) and proliferation (CCND2 and PCNA) of GC. Further, our data suggest that CYP19A1, the key gene of estradiol production, is one of the plausible downstream targets of HIF1 in bovine GC as shown by gene expression, radioimmunoassay, and chromatin precipitation analysis. Based on these results, we propose that HIF1 driven transcriptional activity plays a crucial role in GC functionality, especially steroidogenesis and proliferation in developing bovine ovarian follicles.

The role of miRNAs in regulating adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis

miRNAs are endogenous noncoding single-stranded small RNAs of ~22 nucleotides in length that post-transcriptionally repress the expression of their various target genes. They contribute to the regulation of a variety of physiologic processes including embryonic development, differentiation and proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism, hemostasis and inflammation. In addition, aberrant miRNA expression is implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases including cancer, hepatitis, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic diseases. Steroid hormones regulate virtually every aspect of metabolism, and acute and chronic steroid hormone biosynthesis is primarily regulated by tissue-specific trophic hormones involving transcriptional and translational events. In addition, it is becoming increasingly clear that steroidogenic pathways are also subject to post-transcriptional and post-translational regulations including processes such as phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, protein‒protein interactions and regulation by specific miRNAs, although the latter is in its infancy state. Here, we summarize the recent advances in miRNA-mediated regulation of steroidogenesis with emphasis on adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis.

Analysis of the miRNA Expression Profiles in the Zearalenone-Exposed TM3 Leydig Cell Line

Zearalenone (ZEN), an important environmental pollutant, can cause serious harm to human and animal health. The aim of our study was to examine the effect of zearalenone (ZEN) on miRNA expression profiles in the mouse Leydig cell line (TM3 Leydig cell line) by miRNA sequencing. The effect of ZEN on the viability of TM3 Leydig cells was verified by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). MiRNA sequencing was performed 24 h after the exposure of TM3 Leydig cells with 50 μmol/L of ZEN. Bioinformatics predicted the miRNA target genes, performed Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, and conducted miRNA-gene-pathway mapping to show the relationship between miRNA, the target gene, and the signalling pathway. The expression levels of miRNA and the miRNA target genes associated with ZEN toxicology were verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The miRNA sequencing revealed a significant change (p < 0.05) in the 197 miRNAs in the ZEN-treated and control groups, among which 86 were up-regulated and 111 were down-regulated. GO analysis of the target genes of these miRNAs indicated various biological functions. KEGG analysis showed that the predicted miRNA target genes were involved in signalling pathways, such as cancer, apoptosis, and oxidation, namely, the Ras signalling pathway, Rap1 signalling pathway, PI3K-AKT signalling pathway, Foxo signalling pathway, and AMPK signalling pathway. These results suggest that ZEN, as an estrogen-like toxin, is regulated by microRNAs. Our results can help to examine the toxicological effects of ZEN-regulated miRNAs on germ cells.

The transcription factor SMAD4 and miR-10b contribute to E2 release and cell apoptosis in ovarian granulosa cells by targeting CYP19A1

The cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (CYP19A1) gene, encodes aromatase, a key enzyme in estradiol (E2) synthesis, and is down-regulated during porcine follicular atresia. However, its role in and the mechanism of transcriptional repression in follicular atresia is largely unknown. In the present study, we show that the CYP19A1 gene stimulates E2 release and inhibits cell apoptosis in porcine granulosa cells (GCs). SMAD4, an anti-apoptotic moderator, was identified as a transcription factor of the porcine CYP19A1 gene and enhanced the expression and function of CYP19A1 in porcine GCs through direct binding to a SMAD4-binding element (SBE) within the promoter region of CYP19A1 gene. Moreover, we found that miR-10b, a pro-apoptotic factor, directly interacted with 3'-UTR of the porcine CYP19A1 mRNA, inhibiting its expression and function in porcine GCs. Collectively, we demonstrated that CYP19A1 is an inhibitor of follicular atresia and is regulated by both SMAD4 and miR-10b. These findings provide further insight into the mechanisms of CYP19A1 in steroid hormone synthesis and GC apoptosis and provide molecular targets for exploring methods of treatment for steroid-dependent reproductive disorders.

Androgens in maternal vascular and placental function: implications for preeclampsia pathogenesis

Adequate maternal vascular adaptations and blood supply to the uterus and placenta are crucial for optimal oxygen and nutrient transport to growing fetuses of eutherian mammals, including humans. Multiple factors contribute to hemodynamics and structuring of placental vasculature essential for term pregnancy with minimal complications. In women, failure to achieve or sustain favorable pregnancy progression is, not surprisingly, associated with high incidence of antenatal complications, including preeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. While the pathogenesis of preeclampsia in women remains unknown, a role for androgens is emerging. The relationship between androgens and maternal cardiovascular and placental function deserves particular consideration because testosterone levels in the circulation of preeclamptic women are elevated approximately two- to three-fold and are positively correlated with vascular dysfunction. Preeclampsia is also associated with elevated placental androgen receptor (AR) gene expression. Studies in animal models mimicking the pattern and level of increase of adult female testosterone levels to those found in preeclamptic pregnancies, replicate key features of preeclampsia, including gestational hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, exaggerated vasoconstriction to angiotensin II, reduced spiral artery remodeling, placental hypoxia, decreased nutrient transport and fetal growth restriction. Taken together, these data strongly implicate AR-mediated testosterone action as an important pathway contributing to clinical manifestation of preeclampsia. This review critically addresses this hypothesis, taking into consideration both clinical and preclinical data.

Aromatase Acetylation Patterns and Altered Activity in Response to Sirtuin Inhibition

Aromatase, a cytochrome P450 member, is a key enzyme involved in estrogen biosynthesis and is dysregulated in the majority of breast cancers. Studies have shown that lysine deacetylase inhibitors (KDI) decrease aromatase expression in cancer cells, yet many unknowns remain regarding the mechanism by which this occurs. However, advances have been made to clarify factors involved in the transcriptional regulation of the aromatase gene (CYP19A1). Yet, despite aromatase being a primary target for breast cancer therapy, its posttranslational regulation has been virtually unexplored. Acetylation is a posttranslational modification (PTM) known to alter the activity and stability of many oncoproteins, and given the role of KDIs in regulating aromatase expression, we postulate that aromatase acetylation acts as a novel posttranslational regulatory mechanism that impacts aromatase expression and/or activity in breast cancer. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis revealed that aromatase is basally acetylated on several lysine residues (108, 169, 242, 262, 334, 352, and 354) in MCF-7 cells, and treatment with a SIRT-1 inhibitor induced additional acetylation (376, 390, 440, and 448). These acetylated lysine residues are in regions critical for aromatase activity. Site-directed mutagenesis and overexpression studies demonstrated that K108R/Q or K440R/Q mutations significantly altered aromatase activity in breast cancer cells without altering its subcellular localization.Implications: These findings demonstrate a novel posttranslational regulation of aromatase and uncover novel anticancer effects of deacetylase inhibitors, thus providing new insight for ongoing development of deacetylase inhibitors as cancer therapeutics. Mol Cancer Res; 16(10); 1530-42. ©2018 AACR.

Early life co-exposures to a real-world PAH mixture and hypoxia result in later life and next generation consequences in medaka (Oryzias latipes)

Acute effects of individual and complex mixtures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are well documented in vertebrate species. Hypoxia in fish reduces metabolic rate and reproduction. However, less is known about the later life consequences stemming from early-life exposure to PAHs or hypoxia, particularly their co-exposure. To address this, medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos were exposed to a complex PAH mixture sediment extract from the Elizabeth River, VA (ERSE) at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, or 1.0% or to one of three different hypoxia scenarios: continuous, nocturnal, or late stage embryogenesis hypoxia. Co-exposures with 0.1% ERSE and each of the hypoxia scenarios were conducted. Results included decreased survival with ERSE, hatching delays with hypoxia, and higher occurrences of deformities with each. The continuous hypoxia scenario caused the most significant changes in all endpoints. These early-life exposures altered later-life growth, impaired reproductive capacity, and reduced the quality of their offspring. ERSE alone resulted in a female-biased sex ratio while continuous or nocturnal hypoxia produced significantly greater numbers of males; and co-exposure produced an equal sex ratio. Exposure to a PAH mixture and hypoxia during early life stages has meaningful later-life and next generational consequences.

Differential expression of microRNAs in luteinising hormone-treated mouse TM3 Leydig cells

Testosterone is primarily produced by Leydig cells of the mammalian male gonads. The cellular functions of Leydig cells are regulated by the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis, whereas the microRNA (miRNA) changes of LH-treated Leydig cells are unknown. Mouse TM3 Leydig cells were treated with LH, and deep sequencing showed that 29 miRNAs were significantly different between two groups (fold change of >1.5 or <0.5, p < .05), of which 27 were upregulated and two were downregulated. The differential expression of miR-29b-3p, miR-378b, miR-193b and miR-3695 was confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that miRNAs regulated a large number of genes with different functions. Pathway analysis indicated that miRNAs were involved in the Wingless and INT-1, adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase, NF-kappa B and Toll-like receptor signalling pathways. Results showed that miRNAs might be involved in the regulation of LH to Leydig cells.