A novel human hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase like 1 gene (HSDL1) is highly expressed in reproductive tissues

Autocrine Canonical Wnt Signaling Primes Noncanonical Signaling through ROR1 in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

Wnt signaling driven by genomic alterations in genes including APC and CTNNB, which encodes β-catenin, have been implicated in prostate cancer development and progression to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, nongenomic drivers and downstream effectors of Wnt signaling in prostate cancer and the therapeutic potential of targeting this pathway in prostate cancer have not been fully established. Here we analyzed Wnt/β-catenin signaling in prostate cancer and identified effectors distinct from those found in other tissues, including aryl hydrocarbon receptor and RUNX1, which are linked to stem cell maintenance, and ROR1, a noncanonical Wnt5a coreceptor. Wnt/β-catenin signaling-mediated increases in ROR1 enhanced noncanonical responses to Wnt5a. Regarding upstream drivers, APC genomic loss, but not its epigenetic downregulation commonly observed in prostate cancer, was strongly associated with Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation in clinical samples. Tumor cell upregulation of the Wnt transporter Wntless (WLS) was strongly associated with Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity in primary prostate cancer but also associated with both canonical and noncanonical Wnt signaling in mCRPC. IHC confirmed tumor cell WLS expression in primary prostate cancer and mCRPC, and patient-derived prostate cancer xenografts expressing WLS were responsive to treatment with Wnt synthesis inhibitor ETC-1922159. These findings reveal that Wnt/β-catenin signaling in prostate cancer drives stem cell maintenance and invasion and primes for noncanonical Wnt signaling through ROR1. They further show that autocrine Wnt production is a nongenomic driver of canonical and noncanonical Wnt signaling in prostate cancer, which can be targeted with Wnt synthesis inhibitors to suppress tumor growth.

SIGNIFICANCE

This work provides fundamental insights into Wnt signaling and prostate cancer cell biology and indicates that a subset of prostate cancer driven by autocrine Wnt signaling is sensitive to Wnt synthesis inhibitors.

Identification of candidate genes from androgenic gland in Macrobrachium nipponense regulated by eyestalk ablation

The eyestalk of crustaceans, such as Macrobrachium nipponense, contains many neurosecretory hormones affecting the process of reproduction, molting, metabolism of glucose, and other functions. In this study, important metabolic pathways and candidate genes involved in male sexual development were selected from M. nipponense. The methodology involved performing long-read and next generation transcriptome sequencing of genes from the androgenic gland after eyestalk ablation. qPCR analysis revealed that the mRNA expression of Mn-IAG was significantly increased after ablation of both the single-side (SS) and double-side (DS) eyestalk, compared with the control group (CG). The long-read transcriptome generated 49,840 non-redundant transcripts. A total of 1319, 2092 and 4351 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between CG versus SS, SS versus DS and CG versus DS, respectively. These data indicated that ablation of the double-sided eyestalk played stronger regulatory roles than the single-side ablation on male sexual development in M. nipponense. This was consistent with the qPCR analysis. Cell Cycle, Cellular Senescence, Oxidative Phosphorylation, Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis and Steroid Hormone Biosynthesis were the primary enriched metabolic pathways in all three comparisons, and the important genes from these metabolic pathways were also selected. qPCR permitted secondary confirmation of ten DEGs identified through RNA-seq. RNAi-mediated silencing analyses of Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase like 1 (HSDL1) revealed that HSDL1 has a positive regulatory effect on testes development. This study provides valuable insight into male sexual development in M. nipponense, including metabolic pathways and genes, paving the way for advanced studies on male sexual development in this species and in other crustaceans.

Beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Genes in Orange-Spotted Grouper (Epinephelus coioides): Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis During Sex Reversal

Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (β-HSDs) are a group of steroidogenic enzymes that are involved in steroid biosynthesis and metabolism, and play a crucial role in mammalian physiology and development, including sex determination and differentiation. In the present study, a genome-wide analysis identified the numbers of β-hsd genes in orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) (19), human (Homo sapiens) (22), mouse (Mus musculus) (24), chicken (Gallus gallus) (16), xenopus (Xenopus tropicalis) (24), coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae) (17), spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) (14), zebrafish (Danio rerio) (19), fugu (Takifugu rubripes) (19), tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (19), medaka (Oryzias latipes) (19), stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) (17) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) (27) samples. A comparative analysis revealed that the number of β-hsd genes in teleost fish was no greater than in tetrapods due to gene loss followed by a teleost-specific whole-genome duplication event. Based on transcriptome data from grouper brain and gonad samples during sex reversal, six β-hsd genes had relatively high expression levels in the brain, indicating that these genes may be required for neurogenesis or the maintenance of specific biological processes in the brain. In the gonad, two and eight β-hsd genes were up- and downregulated, respectively, indicating their important roles in sex reversal. Our results demonstrated that β-hsd genes may be involved in the sex reversal of grouper by regulating the synthesis and metabolism of sex steroid hormones.

Analysis of testis metabolome and transcriptome from the oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense) in response to different temperatures and illumination times

A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the male sexual differentiation of Macrobrachium nipponense is urgently needed in order to maintain sustainable development of the M. nipponense industry. Environmental factors, especially temperature and illumination, have dramatic effects on gonadal development. The aim of the present study was to identify key genes and metabolites involved in the male sexual differentiation and development of M. nipponense through integrated metabolomics and transcriptome analyses of the testis in response to different temperatures and illumination times. A total of 268 differentially abundant metabolites and 11,832 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. According to integrated metabolomics and transcriptome analyses, glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid metabolism was predicted to have dramatic effects on the male sexual differentiation and development of M. nipponense. According to the KEGG enrichment analysis of DEGs, oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, the HIF-1 signaling pathway, the citrate cycle, steroid hormone synthesis, and the spliceosome complex were predicted to promote male differentiation and development by providing adenosine triphosphate, promoting the synthesis of steroid hormones, and providing correct gene products. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis and in situ hybridization showed that the SDHB, PDE1, HSDL1, CYP81F2, SRSF, and SNRNP40 genes were differentially expressed, suggesting roles in the male sexual differentiation and development of M. nipponense. Strong candidate sex-related metabolic pathways and genes in M. nipponense were identified by integrated metabolomics and transcriptome analyses of the testis in response to different temperatures and illumination times, as confirmed by PCR analysis and in situ hybridization.

Synthesis of saporin-antibody conjugates for targeting EpCAM positive tumour cells

Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. Ribosomal inactivating proteins derived from plants specifically target ribosomes and irreversibly inhibit protein synthesis. EpCAM antibody and saporin were conjugated using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride/N-hydroxysuccinimide chemistry. The mass of the conjugates were characterised using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation (MALDI). The saporin-EpCAM (SAP-EpAB) conjugates were tested in-vitro against MCF-7 (breast cancer cells), WERI-Rb1 (retinoblastoma) cells. The flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy were performed to show the binding efficiency of SAP-EpAB conjugate. Whole transcriptome changes of sap-conjugate treated cells were studied using affymetrix microarrays. MALDI-TOF analysis and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis confirmed the conjugation of SAP with EpCAM antibody. Flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy analysis revealed the binding of SAP-EpAB conjugates to the MCF-7, WERI-Rb1 cells. Apoptosis assay by annexin-V has shown an increased apoptotic and necrotic population in conjugate treated cells. MTT assay confirmed the tumour cell death and had shown the IC₅₀ value of 0.8 µg for conjugate in MCF-7 (breast cancer cells), and 1 µg for WERI-Rb1 (retinoblastoma) cells. The microarray analysis revealed downregulation of the tumourigenic genes and upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes leading to apoptosis of tumour cells.

Gene expression in reproductive organs of tsetse females - initial data in an approach to reduce fecundity

BACKGROUND

Tsetse flies are vectors of African trypanosomes, and their vectorial capacity results in a major public health emergency and vast economic losses in sub-Saharan Africa. Given the limited ability of trypanosome prevention and eradication, tsetse vectors remain major targets of control efforts. Larvae of all three instars are developed in mothers' uteri, nourished through milk, and 'larviposited' shortly before pupation. The past few years have witnessed the emergence of approaches based on knockdown of genes involved in milk production, resulting in a significant reduction of fecundity.

RESULTS

In order to identify further genes applicable in the control of tsetse flies, we determined the expression of protein-coding genes in ovaries and uteri from both virgin and heavily pregnant Glossina morsitans morsitans females. Comparison of expression profiles allowed us to identify candidate genes with increased expression in pregnant individuals. Lists with the highest increases include genes involved in oocyte and embryonic development, or nourishment. Maximum ovarian fold change does not exceed 700, while the highest uterine fold change reaches to more than 4000. Relatively high fold changes of two neuropeptide receptors (for corazonin and myosuppressin) propose the corresponding genes alternative targets.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the higher fold changes in the uterus, targeting gene expression in this tissue may result in a more evident reduction of fecundity. However, ovaries should not be neglected, as manifested by several genes with top fold changes involved in early developmental stages. Apart from focusing on the highest fold changes, neuropeptide receptors with moderate increases in expression should be also verified as targets, given their roles in mediating the tissue control. However, this data needs to be considered initial, and the potential of these genes in affecting female fecundity needs to be verified experimentally.

Genome Wide Association Study Identifies L3MBTL4 as a Novel Susceptibility Gene for Hypertension

Hypertension is a major global health burden and a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Although its heritability has been documented previously, contributing loci identified to date account for only a small fraction of blood pressure (BP) variation, which strongly suggests the existence of undiscovered variants. To identify novel variants, we conducted a three staged genetic study in 21,990 hypertensive cases and normotensive controls. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at three new genes (L3MBTL4 rs403814, Pmeta = 6.128 × 10(-9); LOC729251, and TCEANC) and seven SNPs at five previously reported genes were identified as being significantly associated with hypertension. Through functional analysis, we found that L3MBTL4 is predominantly expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells and up-regulated in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Rats with ubiquitous over-expression of L3MBTL4 exhibited significantly elevated BP, increased thickness of the vascular media layer and cardiac hypertrophy. Mechanistically, L3MBTL4 over-expression could lead to down-regulation of latent transforming growth factor-β binding protein 1 (LTBP1), and phosphorylation activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway, which is known to trigger the pathological progression of vascular remodeling and BP elevation. These findings pinpointed L3MBTL4 as a critical contributor to the development and progression of hypertension and uncovers a novel target for therapeutic intervention.

Evolution of retinoid and steroid signaling: vertebrate diversification from an amphioxus perspective

Although the physiological relevance of retinoids and steroids in vertebrates is very well established, the origin and evolution of the genetic machineries implicated in their metabolic pathways is still very poorly understood. We investigated the evolution of these genetic networks by conducting an exhaustive survey of components of the retinoid and steroid pathways in the genome of the invertebrate chordate amphioxus (Branchiostoma floridae). Due to its phylogenetic position at the base of chordates, amphioxus is a very useful model to identify and study chordate versus vertebrate innovations, both on a morphological and a genomic level. We have characterized more than 220 amphioxus genes evolutionarily related to vertebrate components of the retinoid and steroid pathways and found that, globally, amphioxus has orthologs of most of the vertebrate components of these two pathways, with some very important exceptions. For example, we failed to identify a vertebrate-like machinery for retinoid storage, transport, and delivery in amphioxus and were also unable to characterize components of the adrenal steroid pathway in this invertebrate chordate. The absence of these genes from the amphioxus genome suggests that both an elaboration and a refinement of the retinoid and steroid pathways took place at the base of the vertebrate lineage. In stark contrast, we also identified massive amplifications in some amphioxus gene families, most extensively in the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily, which, based on phylogenetic and genomic linkage analyses, were likely the result of duplications specific to the amphioxus lineage. In sum, this detailed characterization of genes implicated in retinoid and steroid signaling in amphioxus allows us not only to reconstruct an outline of these pathways in the ancestral chordate but also to discuss functional innovations in retinoid homeostasis and steroid-dependent regulation in both cephalochordate and vertebrate evolution.

The distal end of porcine chromosome 6p is involved in the regulation of skatole levels in boars

Background

Boar taint is an unpleasant condition of pork, mainly due to the accumulation of androstenone and skatole in male pigs at onset of puberty. This condition is the cause of considerable economic losses in the pig industry and the most common practice to control it is to castrate male piglets. Because of the economic and animal welfare concerns there is interest in developing genetic markers that could be used in selection schemes to decrease the incidence of boar taint. The Porcine 60 K SNP Beadchip was used to genotype 891 pigs from a composite Duroc sire line, for which skatole levels in fat had been collected.

Results

The genome-wide association study revealed that 16 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) located on the proximal region of chromosome 6 were significantly associated with skatole levels. These SNPs are grouped in three separate clusters located in the initial 6 Mb region of chromosome 6. The differences observed between the homozygote genotypes for SNPs in the three clusters were substantial, including a difference of 102.8 ng/g skatole in melted fat between the homozygotes for the ALGA0107039 marker. Single SNPs explain up to 22% of the phenotypic variance. No obvious candidate genes could be pinpointed in the region, which may be due to the need of further annotation of the pig genome.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated new SNP markers significantly associated with skatole levels in the distal region of chromosome 6p. These markers defined three independent clusters in the region, which contain a low number of protein-coding genes. The considerable differences observed between the homozygous genotypes for several SNPs may be used in future selection schemes to reduce skatole levels in pigs

Human and zebrafish hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase like 1 (HSDL1) proteins are inactive enzymes but conserved among species

Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase like 1 protein (HSDL1) is an uncharacterized member of short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) protein family. In search for functional assignment of both human and zebrafish HSDL1 we characterized the subcellular localization as well as the tissue distribution and performed a screen for putative substrates of HSDL1 enzymes. Surprisingly, human HSDL1 shows exchange of an amino acid in the active center (Sx(12)FSxxK instead of Sx(12)YSxxK) that is considered critical for catalysis. Native human HSDL1 expressed in cells did not show enzymatic activity with any of the substrates tested. Expression of the point mutation F218Y HSDL1 though, resulted in the detection of weak dehydrogenase activity towards steroid and retinoid substrates. The role of this inactivating mutation is uncertain but was found to be conserved in many other vertebrate species, including zebrafish. Identification of protein interaction partners by yeast two-hybrid system suggests that despite the potential lack of enzymatic activity HSDL1 might retain regulatory functions in the cell.

Functional identification of a BAC clone from 16q24 carrying a senescence gene SEN16 for breast cancer cells

We have identified an 85 kb BAC clone, 346J21, that carries a cell senescence gene (SEN16), previously mapped to 16q24.3. Transfer and retention of 346J21 in breast cancer cell lines leads to growth arrest after 8-10 cell doublings, accompanied by the appearance of characteristic senescent cell morphology and senescence-associated acid beta-galactosidase activity. Loss of transferred BAC results in reversion to the immortal growth phenotype of the parental cancer cell lines. BAC 346J21 restores senescence in the human breast cancer cell lines, MCF.7 and MDA-MB468, and the rat mammary tumor cell line LA7, but not in the human glioblastoma cell line T98G. We postulate that inactivation of both copies of SEN16 is required for the immortalization of breast epithelial cells at an early stage of tumorigenesis. Positional mapping of 346J21 shows that SEN16 is distinct from other candidate tumor suppressor genes reported at 16q24.

The role of 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases

The biological activity of steroid hormones is regulated at the pre-receptor level by several enzymes including 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17 beta -HSD). The latter are present in many microorganisms, invertebrates and vertebrates. Dysfunctions in human 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases result in disorders of biology of reproduction and neuronal diseases, the enzymes are also involved in the pathogenesis of various cancers. 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases reveal a remarkable multifunctionality being able to modulate concentrations not only of steroids but as well of fatty and bile acids. Current knowledge on genetics, biochemistry and medical implications is presented in this review.