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Wu T, Lu ZF, Yu HN, Wu XS, Liu Y, Xu Y. Liver receptor homolog-1: structures, related diseases, and drug discovery. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024:10.1038/s41401-024-01276-x. [PMID: 38632319 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01276-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a ligand-regulated transcription factor that plays crucial roles in metabolism, development, and immunity. Despite being classified as an 'orphan' receptor due to the ongoing debate surrounding its endogenous ligands, recent researches have demonstrated that LRH-1 can be modulated by various synthetic ligands. This highlights the potential of LRH-1 as an attractive drug target for the treatment of inflammation, metabolic disorders, and cancer. In this review, we provide an overview of the structural basis, functional activities, associated diseases, and advancements in therapeutic ligand research targeting LRH-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Fang Lu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao-Nan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi-Shan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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2
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Lai TT, Liou CW, Tsai YH, Lin YY, Wu WL. Butterflies in the gut: the interplay between intestinal microbiota and stress. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:92. [PMID: 38012609 PMCID: PMC10683179 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00984-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychological stress is a global issue that affects at least one-third of the population worldwide and increases the risk of numerous psychiatric disorders. Accumulating evidence suggests that the gut and its inhabiting microbes may regulate stress and stress-associated behavioral abnormalities. Hence, the objective of this review is to explore the causal relationships between the gut microbiota, stress, and behavior. Dysbiosis of the microbiome after stress exposure indicated microbial adaption to stressors. Strikingly, the hyperactivated stress signaling found in microbiota-deficient rodents can be normalized by microbiota-based treatments, suggesting that gut microbiota can actively modify the stress response. Microbiota can regulate stress response via intestinal glucocorticoids or autonomic nervous system. Several studies suggest that gut bacteria are involved in the direct modulation of steroid synthesis and metabolism. This review provides recent discoveries on the pathways by which gut microbes affect stress signaling and brain circuits and ultimately impact the host's complex behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Ting Lai
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wei Liou
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsuan Tsai
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Yuan Lin
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Li Wu
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., Tainan, 70101, Taiwan.
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., Tainan, 70101, Taiwan.
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3
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Merk VM, Renzulli P, Vrugt B, Fleischmann A, Brunner T. Glucocorticoids are differentially synthesized along the murine and human respiratory tree. Allergy 2023; 78:2428-2440. [PMID: 37171450 DOI: 10.1111/all.15765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synthetic glucocorticoids (GC) are effective in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the lung. However, long-term use leads to severe side effects. Endogenous GC can be synthesized locally, either de novo from cholesterol in a 11β-hydroxylase (Cyp11b1)-dependent manner, or by reactivation from 11-dehydrocorticosterone/cortisone by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (Hsd11b1). We aimed to define the molecular pathways of endogenous GC synthesis along the respiratory tree to provide a basis for understanding how local GC synthesis contributes to tissue homeostasis. METHODS Expression of steroidogenic enzymes in murine lung epithelium was analyzed by macroscopic and laser capture microdissection, followed by RT-qPCR. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to identify the cellular source of steroidogenic enzymes. Additionally, the induction of steroidogenic enzyme expression in the lung was analyzed after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. mRNA and protein expression of steroidogenic enzymes was confirmed in human lung tissue by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, GC synthesis was examined in ex vivo cultures of fresh tissue from mice and human lobectomy patients. RESULTS We observed that the murine and human lung tissue differentially expresses synthesis pathway-determining enzymes along the respiratory tree. We detected Hsd11b1 expression in bronchial, alveolar, club and basal epithelial cells, whereas Cyp11b1 expression was detectable only in tracheal epithelial cells of mice. Accordingly, de novo synthesis of bioactive GC occurred in the large conducting airways, whereas reactivation occurred everywhere along the respiratory tree. Strikingly, Cyp11b1 but not Hsd11b1 expression was enhanced in the trachea upon LPS injection in mice. CONCLUSION We report here the differential synthesis of bioactive GC along the murine and human respiratory tree. Thus, extra-adrenal de novo GC synthesis and reactivation may differentially contribute to the regulation of immunological and inflammatory processes in the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena M Merk
- Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Pietro Renzulli
- Department of Surgery, Cantonal Hospital Münsterlingen, Münsterlingen, Switzerland
| | - Bart Vrugt
- Institute of Pathology, Cantonal Hospital Münsterlingen, Münsterlingen, Switzerland
| | - Achim Fleischmann
- Institute of Pathology, Cantonal Hospital Münsterlingen, Münsterlingen, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Brunner
- Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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4
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Pierre N, Huynh-Thu VA, Marichal T, Allez M, Bouhnik Y, Laharie D, Bourreille A, Colombel JF, Meuwis MA, Louis E. Distinct blood protein profiles associated with the risk of short-term and mid/long-term clinical relapse in patients with Crohn's disease stopping infliximab: when the remission state hides different types of residual disease activity. Gut 2023; 72:443-450. [PMID: 36008101 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-327321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite being in sustained and stable remission, patients with Crohn's disease (CD) stopping anti-tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) show a high rate of relapse (~50% within 2 years). Characterising non-invasively the biological profiles of those patients is needed to better guide the decision of anti-TNFα withdrawal. DESIGN Ninety-two immune-related proteins were measured by proximity extension assay in serum of patients with CD (n=102) in sustained steroid-free remission and stopping anti-TNFα (infliximab). As previously shown, a stratification based on time to clinical relapse was used to characterise the distinct biological profiles of relapsers (short-term relapsers: <6 months vs mid/long-term relapsers: >6 months). Associations between protein levels and time to clinical relapse were determined by univariable Cox model. RESULTS The risk (HR) of mid/long-term clinical relapse was specifically associated with a high serum level of proteins mainly expressed in lymphocytes (LAG3, SH2B3, SIT1; HR: 2.2-4.5; p<0.05), a low serum level of anti-inflammatory effectors (IL-10, HSD11B1; HR: 0.2-0.3; p<0.05) and cellular junction proteins (CDSN, CNTNAP2, CXADR, ITGA11; HR: 0.4; p<0.05). The risk of short-term clinical relapse was specifically associated with a high serum level of pro-inflammatory effectors (IL-6, IL12RB1; HR: 3.5-3.6; p<0.05) and a low or high serum level of proteins mainly expressed in antigen presenting cells (CLEC4A, CLEC4C, CLEC7A, LAMP3; HR: 0.4-4.1; p<0.05). CONCLUSION We identified distinct blood protein profiles associated with the risk of short-term and mid/long-term clinical relapse in patients with CD stopping infliximab. These findings constitute an advance for the development of non-invasive biomarkers guiding the decision of anti-TNFα withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Pierre
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, GIGA-institute, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Vân Anh Huynh-Thu
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Thomas Marichal
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, GIGA-institute, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Matthieu Allez
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Hôpital Saint Louis, APHP, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Yoram Bouhnik
- Service de Gastroentérologie et Assistance Nutritive, Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France
| | - David Laharie
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Arnaud Bourreille
- Institut des maladies de l'appareil digestif, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Jean-Frédéric Colombel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marie-Alice Meuwis
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, GIGA-institute, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium.,Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Liege University Hospital, Liege, Belgium
| | - Edouard Louis
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, GIGA-institute, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium.,Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Liege University Hospital, Liege, Belgium
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5
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Ahmed A, Reinhold C, Breunig E, Phan TS, Dietrich L, Kostadinova F, Urwyler C, Merk VM, Noti M, Toja da Silva I, Bode K, Nahle F, Plazzo AP, Koerner J, Stuber R, Menche C, Karamitopoulou E, Farin HF, Gollob KJ, Brunner T. Immune escape of colorectal tumours via local LRH-1/Cyp11b1-mediated synthesis of immunosuppressive glucocorticoids. Mol Oncol 2023. [PMID: 36861295 PMCID: PMC10399709 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Control of tumour development and growth by the immune system critically defines patient fate and survival. What regulates the escape of colorectal tumours from destruction by the immune system remains currently unclear. Here, we investigated the role of intestinal synthesis of glucocorticoids in the tumour development during an inflammation-induced mouse model of colorectal cancer. We demonstrate that the local synthesis of immunoregulatory glucocorticoids has dual roles in the regulation of intestinal inflammation and tumour development. In the inflammation phase, LRH-1/Nr5A2-regulated and Cyp11b1-mediated intestinal glucocorticoid synthesis prevents tumour development and growth. In established tumours, however, tumour-autonomous Cyp11b1-mediated glucocorticoid synthesis suppresses anti-tumour immune responses and promotes immune escape. Transplantation of glucocorticoid synthesis-proficient colorectal tumour organoids into immunocompetent recipient mice resulted in rapid tumour growth, whereas transplantation of Cyp11b1-deleted and glucocorticoid synthesis-deficient tumour organoids was characterized by reduced tumour growth and increased immune cell infiltration. In human colorectal tumours, high expression of steroidogenic enzymes correlated with the expression of other immune checkpoints and suppressive cytokines, and negatively correlated with overall patients' survival. Thus, LRH-1-regulated tumour-specific glucocorticoid synthesis contributes to tumour immune escape and represents a novel potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Ahmed
- Division of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Germany.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Cindy Reinhold
- Division of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Eileen Breunig
- Division of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Truong San Phan
- Division of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Lea Dietrich
- Division of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Feodora Kostadinova
- Division of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Corinne Urwyler
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Verena M Merk
- Division of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Mario Noti
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Israel Toja da Silva
- International Research Center, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil.,National Institute for Science and Technology - Oncogenomics and Therapeutic Innovation (INCT-INOTE), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Konstantin Bode
- Division of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Fatima Nahle
- Division of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Anna Pia Plazzo
- Division of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Julia Koerner
- Division of Immunology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Regula Stuber
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Constantin Menche
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Henner F Farin
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Kenneth J Gollob
- International Research Center, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil.,National Institute for Science and Technology - Oncogenomics and Therapeutic Innovation (INCT-INOTE), São Paulo, Brazil.,Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thomas Brunner
- Division of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Germany
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6
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Infliximab Concentrations during Induction Are Predictive for Endoscopic Remission in Pediatric Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease under Combination Therapy. J Pediatr 2022; 240:150-157.e4. [PMID: 34481805 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.08.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study infliximab (IFX) pharmacokinetics in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during induction therapy to predict outcome and explore if other covariates influenced outcome. STUDY DESIGN All children with IBD starting IFX therapy (5 mg/kg at weeks 0, 2, 6, and 12) for active luminal disease from May 2017 to May 2019 were included and followed prospectively. Patients were sampled at multiple timepoints during induction (trough concentrations and peak concentration at weeks 0, 2, 6, and 12, and intermediate concentration at weeks 1-4). IFX concentrations and cumulative drug exposure were correlated with outcome at 6 months. Endoscopic remission was defined as Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease of <3 or Mayo endoscopic subscore of 0, and deep remission as endoscopic with clinical remission (Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index/Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index of <10). RESULTS There were 252 serum induction concentrations obtained from 32 patients (81% on concomitant thiopurines). Children in endoscopic remission (all in deep remission) at 6 months had significantly higher drug concentrations from week 4 onward. A receiver operating characteristics curve analysis identified IFX trough concentrations at week 12 of ≥5.0 μg/mL and area under the curve at weeks 0-12 of ≥4056.0 μg∗day/mL as the minimal target to achieve endoscopic remission at 6 months (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve, 0.796 [95% CI, 0.62-0.97] and area under the receiver operating characteristics curve, 0.778 [95% CI, 0.61-0.94], respectively). In addition, our findings suggest that proteomic analysis may help to understand IFX response. CONCLUSIONS Higher IFX exposure during induction therapy in pediatric patients with IBD is associated with significantly better endoscopic and deep remission rates at 6 months. Drug concentrations differentiate remitters from nonremitters from week 4 after induction onward.
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7
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Tang S, Zhang Z, Oakley RH, Li W, He W, Xu X, Ji M, Xu Q, Chen L, Wellman AS, Li Q, Li L, Li JL, Li X, Cidlowski JA, Li X. Intestinal epithelial glucocorticoid receptor promotes chronic inflammation-associated colorectal cancer. JCI Insight 2021; 6:151815. [PMID: 34784298 PMCID: PMC8783679 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.151815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic immunosuppressive glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used to control inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the impact of GC signaling on intestinal tumorigenesis remains controversial. Here, we report that intestinal epithelial GC receptor (GR), but not whole intestinal tissue GR, promoted chronic intestinal inflammation-associated colorectal cancer in both humans and mice. In patients with colorectal cancer, GR was enriched in intestinal epithelial cells and high epithelial cell GR levels were associated with poor prognosis. Consistently, intestinal epithelium–specific deletion of GR (GR iKO) in mice increased macrophage infiltration, improved tissue recovery, and enhanced antitumor response in a chronic inflammation–associated colorectal cancer model. Consequently, GR iKO mice developed fewer and less advanced tumors than control mice. Furthermore, oral GC administration in the early phase of tissue injury delayed recovery and accelerated the formation of aggressive colorectal cancers. Our study reveals that intestinal epithelial GR signaling repressed acute colitis but promoted chronic inflammation–associated colorectal cancer. Our study suggests that colorectal epithelial GR could serve as a predictive marker for colorectal cancer risk and prognosis. Our findings further suggest that, although synthetic GC treatment for IBD should be used with caution, there is a therapeutic window for GC therapy during colorectal cancer development in immunocompetent patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Tang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhan Zhang
- Central for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Wenling Li
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, NIEHS/NIH, Research Triangle Park, United States of America
| | - Weijing He
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojiang Xu
- Integrated Bioinformatics, NIEHS/NIH, Research Triangle Park, United States of America
| | - Ming Ji
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, NIEHS/NIH, Research Triangle Park, United States of America
| | - Qing Xu
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, United States of America
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Alicia S Wellman
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, NIEHS/NIH, Research Triangle Park, United States of America
| | - Qingguo Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Leping Li
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, NIEHS/NIH, Research Triangle Park, United States of America
| | - Jian-Liang Li
- NIEHS/NIH, Research Triangle Park, United States of America
| | - Xinxiang Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - John A Cidlowski
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, NIEHS/NIH, Research Triangle Park, United States of America
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, NIEHS/NIH, Research Triangle Park, United States of America
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8
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Merk VM, Brunner T. Immunosuppressive glucocorticoids at epithelial barriers in the regulation of anti-viral immune response. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2021; 117:77-100. [PMID: 34420586 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The anti-inflammatory action of adrenal-derived glucocorticoids has been recognized since several decades. This knowledge has found broad application in the clinics and today synthetic glucocorticoids are widely used in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. However, the use of synthetic glucocorticoids in the treatment of diseases associated with viral infections of epithelial surfaces, like the lung or the intestine, is still under debate and seems not as efficient as desired. Basic research on the anti-viral immune responses and on regulatory mechanisms in the prevention of immunopathological disorders, however, has led us back again to focus on endogenous glucocorticoid synthesis. It has become established that this synthesis is not restricted to the adrenal glands alone, but that numerous tissues also produce glucocorticoids in situ. Extra-adrenal derived glucocorticoids have the capacity to locally control and maintain immune homeostasis under steady-state and inflammatory conditions. Here, we discuss the current knowledge of extra-adrenal glucocorticoid synthesis in the lung and the intestine, and its role in the regulation of anti-viral immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- V M Merk
- Chair of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - T Brunner
- Chair of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.
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9
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Merk VM, Phan TS, Brunner T. Regulation of Tissue Immune Responses by Local Glucocorticoids at Epithelial Barriers and Their Impact on Interorgan Crosstalk. Front Immunol 2021; 12:672808. [PMID: 34012456 PMCID: PMC8127840 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.672808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The anti-inflammatory role of extra-adrenal glucocorticoid (GC) synthesis at epithelial barriers is of increasing interest with regard to the search for alternatives to synthetic corticosteroids in the therapy of inflammatory disorders. Despite being very effective in many situations the use of synthetic corticosteroids is often controversial, as exemplified in the treatment of influenza patients and only recently in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Exploring the regulatory capacity of locally produced GCs in balancing immune responses in barrier tissues and in pathogenic disorders that lead to symptoms in multiple organs, could provide new perspectives for drug development. Intestine, skin and lung represent the first contact zones between potentially harmful pathogens or substances and the body, and are therefore important sites of immunoregulatory mechanisms. Here, we review the role of locally produced GCs in the regulation of type 2 immune responses, like asthma, atopic dermatitis and ulcerative colitis, as well as type 1 and type 3 infectious, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, like influenza infection, psoriasis and Crohn’s disease. In particular, we focus on the role of locally produced GCs in the interorgan communication, referred to as gut-skin axis, gut-lung axis or lung-skin axis, all of which are interconnected in the pathogenic crosstalk atopic march.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena M Merk
- Department of Biology, Chair of Biochemical Pharmacology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Truong San Phan
- Department of Biology, Chair of Biochemical Pharmacology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Thomas Brunner
- Department of Biology, Chair of Biochemical Pharmacology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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10
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Good M, Chu T, Shaw P, McClain L, Chamberlain A, Castro C, Rimer JM, Mihi B, Gong Q, Nolan LS, Cooksey K, Linneman L, Agrawal P, Finegold DN, Peters D. Global hypermethylation of intestinal epithelial cells is a hallmark feature of neonatal surgical necrotizing enterocolitis. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:190. [PMID: 33308304 PMCID: PMC7730811 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00983-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains one of the overall leading causes of death in premature infants, and the pathogenesis is unpredictable and not well characterized. The aim of our study was to determine the molecular phenotype of NEC via transcriptomic and epithelial cell-specific epigenomic analysis, with a specific focus on DNA methylation. METHODS Using laser capture microdissection, epithelial cell-specific methylation signatures were characterized by whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of ileal and colonic samples at the time of surgery for NEC and after NEC had healed at reanastomosis (n = 40). RNA sequencing was also performed to determine the transcriptomic profile of these samples, and a comparison was made to the methylome data. RESULTS We found that surgical NEC has a considerable impact on the epigenome by broadly increasing DNA methylation levels, although these effects are less pronounced in genomic regions associated with the regulation of gene expression. Furthermore, NEC-related DNA methylation signatures were influenced by tissue of origin, with significant differences being noted between colon and ileum. We also identified numerous transcriptional changes in NEC and clear associations between gene expression and DNA methylation. CONCLUSIONS We have defined the intestinal epigenomic and transcriptomic signatures during surgical NEC, which will advance our understanding of disease pathogenesis and may enable the development of novel precision medicine approaches for NEC prediction, diagnosis and phenotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misty Good
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine/St. Louis Children's Hospital, 660 S. Euclid Ave. Campus, Box 8208, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Tianjiao Chu
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Patricia Shaw
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lora McClain
- Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Austin Chamberlain
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- PathGroup, Brentwood, TN, USA
| | - Carlos Castro
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jamie M Rimer
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine/St. Louis Children's Hospital, 660 S. Euclid Ave. Campus, Box 8208, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Belgacem Mihi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine/St. Louis Children's Hospital, 660 S. Euclid Ave. Campus, Box 8208, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Qingqing Gong
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine/St. Louis Children's Hospital, 660 S. Euclid Ave. Campus, Box 8208, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Lila S Nolan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine/St. Louis Children's Hospital, 660 S. Euclid Ave. Campus, Box 8208, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Krista Cooksey
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine/St. Louis Children's Hospital, 660 S. Euclid Ave. Campus, Box 8208, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Laura Linneman
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine/St. Louis Children's Hospital, 660 S. Euclid Ave. Campus, Box 8208, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Pranjal Agrawal
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine/St. Louis Children's Hospital, 660 S. Euclid Ave. Campus, Box 8208, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | | | - David Peters
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Potential of glucocorticoids to treat intestinal inflammation during sepsis. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2020; 53:1-7. [PMID: 31991314 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2019.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroid hormones characterized by their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive nature. Although GCs are very commonly prescribed, in several diseases, including sepsis, their clinical treatment is hampered by side effects and by the occurrence of glucocorticoid resistance (GCR). Sepsis is defined as a life-threatening organ dysfunction, initiated by a dysregulated systemic host response to infections. With at least 19 million cases per year and a lethality rate of about 25%, sepsis is one of the most urgent unmet medical needs. The gut is critically affected during sepsis and is considered as a driving force in this disease. Despite there is no effective treatment for sepsis, pre-clinical studies show promising results by preserving or restoring gut integrity. Since GC treatment reveals therapeutic effects in Crohn's disease (CD) and in pre-clinical sepsis models, we hypothesize that targeting GCs to the gut or stimulating local GC production in the gut forms an interesting strategy for sepsis treatment. According to recent findings that show that dimerization of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is essential in inducing anti-inflammatory effects in pre-clinical sepsis models, we predict that new generation GCs that selectively dimerize the GR, can therefore positively affect the outcome of sepsis treatment.
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Ahmed A, Schmidt C, Brunner T. Extra-Adrenal Glucocorticoid Synthesis in the Intestinal Mucosa: Between Immune Homeostasis and Immune Escape. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1438. [PMID: 31316505 PMCID: PMC6611402 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroid hormones predominantly produced in the adrenal glands in response to physiological cues and stress. Adrenal GCs mediate potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive functions. Accumulating evidence in the past two decades has demonstrated other extra-adrenal organs and tissues capable of synthesizing GCs. This review discusses the role and regulation of GC synthesis in the intestinal epithelium in the regulation of normal immune homeostasis, inflammatory diseases of the intestinal mucosa, and the development of intestinal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Ahmed
- Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Christian Schmidt
- Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Thomas Brunner
- Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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