Thyroid hormone receptors mutated in liver cancer function as distorted antimorphs

Triiodothyronine (T3) suppresses hepatic tumorigenesis and development by inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK

The effect of triiodothyronine (T3) on the phosphorylation of ERK and the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial and remains to be clarified. In the present study, both in vitro (hepatoma cell lines) and in vivo (wild-type mice [WT] and mouse models of HCC [HrasG12Vand KrasG12Dtransgenic mice (Hras-Tg and Kras-Tg)]) systems were used to investigate the effect of T3 on p-ERK and hepatocarcinogenesis. The results showed that, in vitro, T3 treatment elevated the levels of p-ERK in hepatoma cells within 30 min. However, p-ERK levels returned to normal after 1 h with no significant effects on cellular proliferation or apoptosis. Interestingly, in vivo, T3 induced early rapid and transient activation of ERK and later persistent downregulation of p-ERK in liver tissues of WT. In Hras-Tg, liver weight, liver/body weight ratio, hepatic tumor numbers and sizes were significantly reduced withT3treatment compared with the untreated group. Furthermore, the levels of albumin, HrasG12V, and p-ERK in hepatic precancerous and tumor tissues were all significantly downregulated with T3 treatment; however, the levels of endogenous Hras were not affected. In WT, T3 also induced downregulation of Albumin in liver tissues, but without influence on the expression of endogenous Hras and p-MEK. Especially, the inhibitory effect of T3 on p-ERK and hepatic tumorigenesis and development without influence on the levels of KrasG12D and p-MEK was further confirmed in Kras-Tg. In conclusion, T3 suppresses hepatic tumorigenesis and development by independently and substantially inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK in vivo.

Functional Definition of Thyroid Hormone Response Elements Based on a Synthetic STARR-seq Screen

When bound to thyroid hormone, the nuclear receptor TRα1 activates the transcription of a number of genes in many cell types. It mainly acts by binding DNA as a heterodimer with retinoid X receptors at specific response elements related to the DR4 consensus sequence. However, the number of DR4-like elements in the genome exceed by far the number of occupied sites, indicating that minor variations in nucleotides composition deeply influence the DNA-binding capacity and transactivation activity of TRα1. An improved protocol of synthetic self-transcribing active regulatory region sequencing was used to quantitatively assess the transcriptional activity of thousands of synthetic sites in parallel. This functional screen highlights a strong correlation between the affinity of the heterodimers for DNA and their capacity to mediate the thyroid hormone response.

Selective thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist, GC-1, is capable to reduce growth of colorectal tumor in syngeneic mouse models

OBJECTIVE

The effect of thyroid hormone (TH) on cancers was proposed more than 100 years ago; however, conclusions are conflicting. THs are precisely regulated at tissue and cellular levels. It seems that this regulation is altered in cancers. Thyroid hormone receptor beta (TRβ) has anti-proliferative and tumor-suppressive effects in many cancer cells. Therefore, we decided to investigate thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRB) expression and activation by the selective agonist, GC-1, on tumor growth in a syngeneic mouse model of colorectal cancer (CRC) and colon cell lines.

METHODS

In vitro cell viability assay using MTT analysis, cell cycle analysis by PI staining, and FACS analysis were performed. In vivo tumor growth measurements were carried out by caliper and [¹⁸F] Fluoro-2-deoxy-2-D-glucose (FDG) - PET imaging. Gene expressions were determined using quantitative-PCR.

RESULTS

Some concentrations of GC-1 had a marked negative effect on the cell viability of colorectal cell lines. Cell cycle analysis showed that the anti-proliferative effect of GC-1 may not result from cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. Tumor growth analysis in mice harboring colorectal tumor showed that GC-1 treatment for 8 d profoundly inhibited tumor growth and ¹⁸FDG uptake. THRB expression was decreased in mice tumor; however, it was upregulated following GC-1 administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that specific activation of TRβ by GC-1 had negative effect on tumor growth and restored its gene expression in tumors of CRC mice model.

Impact of Hypothyroidism on Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Liver Transplantation

Background

This work endeavored to explore the effect of hypothyroidism on mortality in subjects with HCC who underwent living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

Methods

This prospective study included 107 patients with HCC subjected to LDLT, divided into hypothyroid group (n=53) and euthyroid group (n=54). The primary objectives were overall and disease-free survival (DFS).

Results

Euthyroid and hypothyroid groups were comparable in all baseline characteristics except the age of patients. Overall survival (OS) of the whole group at 48 months was 68.8%, while the DFS was 60.2%. On univariate analysis, OS was negatively affected by the older age of the patients (p<0.001) or the donor (p<0.001), hypothyroidism (p=0.008), HBV (p=0.029), larger tumor size (p=0.023), and defective Milan criteria (p=0.022). On multivariate analysis, the age of the patients and donors was the independent factor affecting OS. On univariate analysis, DFS was negatively affected by older age of the patients (p < 0.001) or the donor (p=0.005), hypothyroidism (p=0.005), HBV (p=0.019), larger tumor size (p=0.023), and defective Milan criteria (p=0.020). On multivariate analysis, the age of the patients, thyroid status, and Milan criteria were the independent factors affecting DFS.

Conclusion

Hypothyroidism is a risk factor for worse outcomes in HCC patients after liver transplantation.

Thyroid hormones in diabetes, cancer, and aging

Thyroid function is central in the control of physiological and pathophysiological processes. Studies in animal models and human research have determined that thyroid hormones modulate cellular processes relevant for aging and for the majority of age‐related diseases. While several studies have associated mild reductions on thyroid hormone function with exceptional longevity in animals and humans, alterations in thyroid hormones are serious medical conditions associated with unhealthy aging and premature death. Moreover, both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have been associated with the development of certain types of diabetes and cancers, indicating a great complexity of the molecular mechanisms controlled by thyroid hormones. In this review, we describe the latest findings in thyroid hormone research in the field of aging, diabetes, and cancer, with a special focus on hepatocellular carcinomas. While aging studies indicate that the direct modulation of thyroid hormones is not a viable strategy to promote healthy aging or longevity and the development of thyromimetics is challenging due to inefficacy and potential toxicity, we argue that interventions based on the use of modulators of thyroid hormone function might provide therapeutic benefit in certain types of diabetes and cancers.

Advancing Aptamers as Molecular Probes for Cancer Theranostic Applications-The Role of Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Theranostics cover emerging technologies for cell biomarking for disease diagnosis and targeted introduction of drug ingredients to specific malignant sites. Theranostics development has become a significant biomedical research endeavor for effective diagnosis and treatment of diseases, especially cancer. An efficient biomarking and targeted delivery strategy for theranostic applications requires effective molecular coupling of binding ligands with high affinities to specific receptors on the cancer cell surface. Bioaffinity offers a unique mechanism to bind specific target and receptor molecules from a range of non-targets. The binding efficacy depends on the specificity of the affinity ligand toward the target molecule even at low concentrations. Aptamers are fragments of genetic materials, peptides, or oligonucleotides which possess enhanced specificity in targeting desired cell surface receptor molecules. Aptamer-target binding results from several inter-molecular interactions including hydrogen bond formation, aromatic stacking of flat moieties, hydrophobic interaction, electrostatic, and van der Waals interactions. Advancements in Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) assay has created the opportunity to artificially generate aptamers that specifically bind to desired cancer and tumor surface receptors with high affinities. This article discusses the potential application of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to advance aptamer-mediated receptor targeting in targeted cancer therapy. MD simulation offers real-time analysis of the molecular drivers of the aptamer-receptor binding and generate optimal receptor binding conditions for theranostic applications. The article also provides an overview of different cancer types with focus on receptor biomarking and targeted treatment approaches, conventional molecular probes, and aptamers that have been explored for cancer cells targeting.

Molecular Functions of Thyroid Hormone Signaling in Regulation of Cancer Progression and Anti-Apoptosis

Several physiological processes, including cellular growth, embryonic development, differentiation, metabolism and proliferation, are modulated by genomic and nongenomic actions of thyroid hormones (TH). Several intracellular and extracellular candidate proteins are regulated by THs. 3,3,5-Triiodo-L-thyronine (T₃) can interact with nuclear thyroid hormone receptors (TR) to modulate transcriptional activities via thyroid hormone response elements (TRE) in the regulatory regions of target genes or bind receptor molecules showing no structural homology to TRs, such as the cell surface receptor site on integrin αvβ3. Additionally, L-thyroxine (T₄) binding to integrin αvβ3 is reported to induce gene expression through initiating non-genomic actions, further influencing angiogenesis and cell proliferation. Notably, thyroid hormones not only regulate the physiological processes of normal cells but also stimulate cancer cell proliferation via dysregulation of molecular and signaling pathways. Clinical hypothyroidism is associated with delayed cancer growth. Conversely, hyperthyroidism is correlated with cancer prevalence in various tumor types, including breast, thyroid, lung, brain, liver and colorectal cancer. In specific types of cancer, both nuclear thyroid hormone receptor isoforms and those on the extracellular domain of integrin αvβ3 are high risk factors and considered potential therapeutic targets. In addition, thyroid hormone analogs showing substantial thyromimetic activity, including triiodothyroacetic acid (Triac), an acetic acid metabolite of T₃, and tetraiodothyroacetic acid (Tetrac), a derivative of T₄, have been shown to reduce risk of cancer progression, enhance therapeutic effects and suppress cancer recurrence. Here, we have reviewed recent studies focusing on the roles of THs and TRs in five cancer types and further discussed the potential therapeutic applications and underlying molecular mechanisms of THs.

Thyroid hormone in the regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma and its microenvironment

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) commonly arises from a liver damaged by extensive inflammation and fibrosis. Various factors including cytokines, morphogens, and growth factors are involved in the crosstalk between HCC cells and the stromal microenvironment. Increasing our understanding of how stromal components interact with HCC and the signaling pathways involved could help identify new therapeutic and/or chemopreventive targets. It has become increasingly clear that the cross-talk between tumor cells and host stroma plays a key role in modulating tumor growth. Emerging reports suggest a relationship between HCC and thyroid hormone signaling (dysfunction), raising the possibility that perturbed thyroid hormone (TH) regulation influences the cancer microenvironment and cancer phenotype. This review provides an overview of the role of thyroid hormone and its related pathways in HCC and, specifically, its role in regulating the tumor microenvironment.

The Role of Thyroid Hormones in Hepatocyte Proliferation and Liver Cancer

Thyroid hormones T3 and T4 (thyroxine) control a wide variety of effects related to development, differentiation, growth and metabolism, through their interaction with nuclear receptors. But thyroid hormones also produce non-genomic effects that typically start at the plasma membrane and are mediated mainly by integrin αvβ3, although other receptors such as TRα and TRβ are also able to elicit non-genomic responses. In the liver, the effects of thyroid hormones appear to be particularly important. The liver is able to regenerate, but it is subject to pathologies that may lead to cancer, such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In addition, cancer cells undergo a reprogramming of their metabolism, resulting in drastic changes such as aerobic glycolysis instead of oxidative phosphorylation. As a consequence, the pyruvate kinase isoform M2, the rate-limiting enzyme of glycolysis, is dysregulated, and this is considered an important factor in tumorigenesis. Redox equilibrium is also important, in fact cancer cells give rise to the production of more reactive oxygen species (ROS) than normal cells. This increase may favor the survival and propagation of cancer cells. We evaluate the possible mechanisms involving the plasma membrane receptor integrin αvβ3 that may lead to cancer progression. Studying diseases that affect the liver and their experimental models may help to unravel the cellular pathways mediated by integrin αvβ3 that can lead to liver cancer. Inhibitors of integrin αvβ3 might represent a future therapeutic tool against liver cancer. We also include information on the possible role of exosomes in liver cancer, as well as on recent strategies such as organoids and spheroids, which may provide a new tool for research, drug discovery, and personalized medicine.

Direct effects of thyroid hormones on hepatic lipid metabolism

It has been known for a long time that thyroid hormones have prominent effects on hepatic fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis and metabolism. Indeed, hypothyroidism has been associated with increased serum levels of triglycerides and cholesterol as well as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Advances in areas such as cell imaging, autophagy and metabolomics have generated a more detailed and comprehensive picture of thyroid-hormone-mediated regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism at the molecular level. In this Review, we describe and summarize the key features of direct thyroid hormone regulation of lipogenesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, cholesterol synthesis and the reverse cholesterol transport pathway in normal and altered thyroid hormone states. Thyroid hormone mediates these effects at the transcriptional and post-translational levels and via autophagy. Given these potentially beneficial effects on lipid metabolism, it is possible that thyroid hormone analogues and/or mimetics might be useful for the treatment of metabolic diseases involving the liver, such as hypercholesterolaemia and NAFLD.

Role of thyroid hormones in the neoplastic process: an overview

Thyroid hormones (TH) are critical regulators of several physiological processes, which include development, differentiation and growth in virtually all tissues. In past decades, several studies have shown that changes in TH levels caused by thyroid dysfunction, disruption of deiodinases and/or thyroid hormone receptor (TR) expression in tumor cells, influence cell proliferation, differentiation, survival and invasion in a variety of neoplasms in a cell type-specific manner. The function of THs and TRs in neoplastic cell proliferation involves complex mechanisms that seem to be cell specific, exerting effects via genomic and nongenomic pathways, repressing or stimulating transcription factors, influencing angiogenesis and promoting invasiveness. Taken together, these observations indicate an important role of TH status in the pathogenesis and/or development of human neoplasia. Here, we aim to present an updated and comprehensive picture of the accumulated knowledge and the current understanding of the potential role of TH status on the different hallmarks of the neoplastic process.

Activated thyroid hormone receptor modulates dioxin-inducible aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated CYP1A1 induction in human hepatocytes but not in human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor, the activity of which is modulated by hormones including glucocorticoids and estrogens. In this study, we examined the effects of triiodothyronine (T3), a ligand and activator of thyroid hormone receptor (TR), on transcriptional activity of AhR and the expression of its target gene CYP1A1. Study was carried out in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells HepG2 and primary cultures of human hepatocytes (HH). Gene reporter assay in stably transfected AZ-AhR cells revealed that T3 dose-dependently augmented 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-inducible AhR-dependent luciferase activity. In contrast, T3 had no effect on TCDD-inducible expression of CYP1A1 mRNA, protein and catalytic activity. Incubation of human hepatocytes with T3 had modulatory and inter-individual (7 cell cultures from 7 different liver donors) effects on both basal and dioxin-inducible CYP1A1/2. Since there was no correlation between T3 effects on CYP1A expression and T3-dependent expression of Spot14 mRNA, the involvement of additional factors besides TR is supposed. Overall, the co-incubation of normal and cancer human hepatic cells with TCDD and T3 suggested transcriptional cross-talk between AhR and TR, which may have physiological and toxicological implications.

A resistance to thyroid hormone syndrome mutant operates through the target gene repertoire of the wild-type thyroid hormone receptor

Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) play crucial roles in vertebrates. Wild-type (WT) TRs function primarily as hormone-regulated transcription factors. A human endocrine disease, Resistance to Thyroid Hormone (RTH)-Syndrome, is caused by inheritance of mutant TRs impaired in the proper regulation of target gene expression. To better understand the molecular basis of RTH we compared the target genes regulated by an RTH-TRβ1 mutant (R429Q) to those regulated by WT-TRβ1. With only a few potential exceptions, the vast majority of genes we were able to identify as regulated by the WT-TRβ1, positively or negatively, were also regulated by the RTH-TRβ1 mutant. We conclude that the actions of R429Q-TRβ1 in RTH-Syndrome most likely reflect the reduced hormone affinity observed for this mutant rather than an alteration in target gene repertoire. Our results highlight the importance of target gene specificity in defining the disease phenotype and improve our understanding of how clinical treatments impact RTH-Syndrome.

T3/TRs axis in hepatocellular carcinoma: new concepts for an old pair

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and its burden is expected to further increase in the next years. Chronic inflammation, induced by multiple viruses or metabolic alterations, and epigenetic and genetic modifications, cooperate in cancer development via a combination of common and distinct aetiology-specific pathways. In spite of the advances of classical therapies, the prognosis of this neoplasm has not considerably improved over the past few years. The advent of targeted therapies and the approval of the systemic treatment of advanced HCC with the kinase inhibitor sorafenib have provided some hope for the future. However, the benefits obtained from this treatment are still disappointing, as it extends the median life expectancy of patients by only few months. It is thus mandatory to find alternative effective treatments. Although the role played by thyroid hormones (THs) and their nuclear receptors (TRs) in human cancer is still unclear, mounting evidence indicates that they behave as oncosuppressors in HCC. However, the molecular mechanisms by which they exert this effect and the consequence of their activation following ligand binding on HCC progression remain elusive. In this review, we re-evaluate the existing evidence of the role of TH/TRs in HCC development; we will also discuss how TR alterations could affect fundamental biological processes, such as hepatocyte proliferation and differentiation, and consequently HCC progression. Finally, we will discuss if and how TRs can be foreseen as therapeutic targets in HCC and whether selective TR modulation by TH analogues may hold promise for HCC treatment.

Tumor suppressive actions of the nuclear receptor corepressor 1

Nuclear Receptor Corepressor 1 (NCoR) is an important transcriptional regulator that interacts with nuclear receptors and other transcription factors. Recent results have shown the presence of inactivating mutations or deletions of the NCoR gene in human tumors. NCoR has a strong tumor suppressor activity, inhibiting invasion, metastasis formation and tumor growth in xenograft mouse models. These changes are associated to transcriptional inhibition of genes linked to bad prognosis and increased metastasis in cancer patients. NCoR loss causes a long-term repression of NCoR gene transcription, suggesting that NCoR deficiency in the cancer cell could be propagated playing a role in tumor progression in the absence of NCoR gene mutations. The thyroid hormone receptor TRβ increases NCoR expression and this induction is essential in mediating the anti-metastatic and tumor suppressive actions of the receptor. Since metastasis is the main cause of cancer-related deaths, these results define NCoR as a potential target for cancer therapy.

The thyroid hormone receptors as tumor suppressors

In addition to the well-known role of the thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) in growth, development and metabolism, there is increasing evidence that they have profound effects on cell proliferation and malignant transformation. TRs repress transcriptional induction of cyclin D1 by the ras oncogene and block transformation and tumor formation by Ras-transformed fibroblasts in nude mice. Mutant receptors that do not bind coactivators are able to display these actions, whereas receptors defective in corepressors binding are unable to antagonize the responses to the ras oncogene. Furthermore, expression of TRβ1 in hepatocarcinoma and breast cancer cells abolishes anchorage-independent growth and migration, blocks responses to growth factors and represses expression of prometastatic genes, reducing tumor growth and strongly inhibiting invasiveness, extravasation and metastasis formation in euthyroid mice. By contrast, when cells are inoculated into hypothyroid host, tumor growth is retarded, but tumors are more invasive and metastatic growth is enhanced. Increased aggressiveness and tumor growth retardation was also observed with parental cells that do not express TRs, showing that changes secondary to hypothyroidism can modulate tumor progression and metastatic growth independently of the presence of TRs on the tumor cells. Finally, increased malignancy of skin tumors is found in mice lacking TRs, further demonstrating the role of these receptors as inhibitors of tumor progression and suggesting that they represent a potential therapeutic target in cancer.

microRNAs 424 and 503 are mediators of the anti-proliferative and anti-invasive action of the thyroid hormone receptor beta

The thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) mediate tumor suppressive effects in hepatocarcinoma and breast cancer cells. Here we show that incubation of hepatocarcinoma SK-hep1 cells expressing TRb with the thyroid hormone T3 induces transcription of the polycistronic message coding for microRNAs 424 and 503. TRb binds to the promoter region of these miRNAs and T3 induces an exchange of corepressors and coactivators inducing histone acetylation and transcriptional stimulation. We have validated cell cycle components as targets of these miRNAs. Overexpression of miR-424 mimicked the repressive effect of T3 on cell proliferation, growth in suspension, migration and invasion. Knockdown of miR-424 or miR-503 reduced the inhibitory effect of the hormone. T3 increased miR-424 and miR-503 in breast cancer cells expressing TRb, and this induction is also involved in the anti-invasive effects of the hormone. Furthermore, miR-424 or miR-503 depletion enhanced extravasation to the lungs of hepatocarcinoma cells injected in the tail vein of mice. The levels of these miRNAs were reduced in xenograft tumors formed in hypothyroid nude mice that are more invasive. Therefore, miR-424 or miR-503 mediate anti-proliferative and anti-invasive actions of TRb both in cultured cells and in vivo.

The sonic hedgehog-induced type 3 deiodinase facilitates tumorigenesis of basal cell carcinoma by reducing Gli2 inactivation

Thyroid hormone (TH) is an important regulator of growth, development, and metabolism. Most of the active TH T3 is generated by peripheral TH metabolism mediated by the iodothyronine deiodinases. Type 3 deiodinase (D3) inactivates T3 via specific deiodination reactions. It is an oncofetal protein frequently expressed in neoplastic tissues and is a direct target of the sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway in basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). However, the molecular mechanisms triggered by T3 in BCC are still mostly unrevealed. Here, we demonstrate that D3 action is critical in the proliferation and survival of BCC cells. D3 depletion or T3 treatment induce apoptosis of BCC cells and attenuate Shh signaling. This is achieved through a direct impairment of Gli2 protein stability by T3. T3 induces protein kinase A, which in turn destabilizes Gli2 protein via its C-terminal degron. Finally, in a mouse model of BCC, T3-topical treatment significantly reduces tumor growth. These results demonstrate the existence of a previously unrecognized cross talk between TH and Gli2 oncogene, providing functional and mechanistic evidence of the involvement of TH metabolism in Shh-induced cancer. TH-mediated Gli2 inactivation would be beneficial for therapeutically purposes, because the inhibition of Shh-Gli2 signaling is an attractive target for several anticancer drugs, currently in clinical trials.

The ability of thyroid hormone receptors to sense t4 as an agonist depends on receptor isoform and on cellular cofactors

T4 (3,5,3',5'-tetraiodo-l-thyronine) is classically viewed as a prohormone that must be converted to the T3 (3,5,3'-triiodo-l-thyronine) form for biological activity. We first determined that the ability of reporter genes to respond to T4 and to T3 differed for the different thyroid hormone receptor (TR) isoforms, with TRα1 generally more responsive to T4 than was TRβ1. The response to T4 vs T3 also differed dramatically in different cell types in a manner that could not be attributed to differences in deiodinase activity or in hormone affinity, leading us to examine the role of TR coregulators in this phenomenon. Unexpectedly, several coactivators, such as steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC1) and thyroid hormone receptor-associated protein 220 (TRAP220), were recruited to TRα1 nearly equally by T4 as by T3 in vitro, indicating that TRα1 possesses an innate potential to respond efficiently to T4 as an agonist. In contrast, release of corepressors, such as the nuclear receptor coreceptor NCoRω, from TRα1 by T4 was relatively inefficient, requiring considerably higher concentrations of this ligand than did coactivator recruitment. Our results suggest that cells, by altering the repertoire and abundance of corepressors and coactivators expressed, may regulate their ability to respond to T4, raising the possibility that T4 may function directly as a hormone in specific cellular or physiological contexts.

The two major isoforms of thyroid hormone receptor, TRα1 and TRβ1, preferentially partner with distinct panels of auxiliary proteins

Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) are expressed primarily as two major isoforms, TRα1 and TRβ1, which are expressed at different times in development and at different tissue abundances in the adult. The transcription properties and biological properties of TRα1 and TRβ1 can differ. We report here that although overlapping, TRα1 and TRβ1 recruit distinct panels of partner proteins that may account for their divergent biological functions, and which appear to explain their distinct target gene regulatory properties.

Genetic features of thyroid hormone receptors

Thyroid hormone receptors (TR) are prototypes of nuclear transcription factors that regulate the expression of target genes. These receptors play an important role in many physiological processes. Moreover, a dysfunction of these proteins is often implicated in several human diseases and malignancies. Here we report genetic variations and alterations of the TRs that have been described in the literature as well as their potential role in the development of some human diseases including cancers. The functional effects of some mutations and polymorphisms in TRs on disease susceptibility, especially on cancer risk, are now established. Therefore, further investigations are needed in order to use these receptors as therapeutic targets or as biological markers to decide on appropriate forms of treatment.

Thyroid hormone receptor inhibits hepatoma cell migration through transcriptional activation of Dickkopf 4

Triiodothyronine (T3) is a potent form of thyroid hormone mediates several physiological processes including cellular growth, development, and differentiation via binding to the nuclear thyroid hormone receptor (TR). Recent studies have demonstrated critical roles of T3/TR in tumor progression. Moreover, long-term hypothyroidism appears to be associated with the incidence of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), independent of other major HCC risk factors. Dickkopf (DKK) 4, a secreted protein that antagonizes the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, is induced by T3 at both mRNA and protein levels in HCC cell lines. However, the mechanism underlying T3-mediated regulation of DKK4 remains unknown. In the present study, the 5' promoter region of DKK4 was serially deleted, and the reporter assay performed to localize the T3 response element (TRE). Consequently, we identified an atypical direct repeat TRE between nucleotides -1645 and -1629 conferring T3 responsiveness to the DKK4 gene. This region was further validated using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Stable DKK4 overexpression in SK-Hep-1 cells suppressed cell invasion and metastatic potential, both in vivo andin vitro, via reduction of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression. Our findings collectively suggest that DKK4 upregulated by T3/TR antagonizes the Wnt signal pathway to suppress tumor cell progression, thus providing new insights into the molecular mechanism underlying thyroid hormone activity in HCC.

The role of thyroid hormone signaling in the prevention of digestive system cancers

Thyroid hormones play a critical role in the growth and development of the alimentary tract in vertebrates. Their effects are mediated by nuclear receptors as well as the cell surface receptor integrin αVβ3. Systemic thyroid hormone levels are controlled via activation and deactivation by iodothyronine deiodinases in the liver and other tissues. Given that thyroid hormone signaling has been characterized as a major effector of digestive system growth and homeostasis, numerous investigations have examined its role in the occurrence and progression of cancers in various tissues of this organ system. The present review summarizes current findings regarding the effects of thyroid hormone signaling on cancers of the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, and colon. Particular attention is given to the roles of different thyroid hormone receptor isoforms, the novel integrin αVβ3 receptor, and thyroid hormone-related nutrients as possible protective agents and therapeutic targets. Future investigations geared towards a better understanding of thyroid hormone signaling in digestive system cancers may provide preventive or therapeutic strategies to diminish risk, improve outcome and avert recurrence in afflicted individuals.

Molecular functions of thyroid hormones and their clinical significance in liver-related diseases

Thyroid hormones (THs) are potent mediators of several physiological processes, including embryonic development, cellular differentiation, metabolism, and cell growth. Triiodothyronine (T3) is the most biologically active TH form. Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) belong to the nuclear receptor superfamily and mediate the biological functions of T3 via transcriptional regulation. TRs generally form heterodimers with the retinoid X receptor (RXR) and regulate target genes upon T3 stimulation. Research over the past few decades has revealed that disruption of cellular TH signaling triggers chronic liver diseases, including alcoholic or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Animal model experiments and epidemiologic studies to date imply close associations between high TH levels and prevention of liver disease. Moreover, several investigations spanning four decades have reported the therapeutic potential of T3 analogs in lowering lipids, preventing chronic liver disease, and as anticancer agents. Thus, elucidating downstream genes/signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms of TH actions is critical for the treatment of significant public health issues. Here, we have reviewed recent studies focusing on the roles of THs and TRs in several disorders, in particular, liver diseases. We also discuss the potential therapeutic applications of THs and underlying molecular mechanisms.

Thyroid hormone actions in liver cancer

The thyroid hormone 3,3',5-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) mediates several physiological processes, including embryonic development, cellular differentiation, metabolism, and the regulation of cell proliferation. Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) generally act as heterodimers with the retinoid X receptor (RXR) to regulate target genes. In addition to their developmental and metabolic functions, TRs have been shown to play a tumor suppressor role, suggesting that their aberrant expression can lead to tumor transformation. Conversely, recent reports have shown an association between overexpression of wild-type TRs and tumor metastasis. Signaling crosstalk between T3/TR and other pathways or specific TR coregulators appear to affect tumor development. Since TR actions are complex as well as cell context-, tissue- and time-specific, aberrant expression of the various TR isoforms has different effects during diverse tumorigenesis. Therefore, elucidation of the T3/TR signaling mechanisms in cancers should facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic targets. This review provides a summary of recent studies focusing on the role of TRs in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs).

Research resource: identification of novel coregulators specific for thyroid hormone receptor-β2

Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) are expressed as a series of interrelated isoforms that perform distinct biological roles. The TRβ2 isoform is found predominantly in the hypothalamus, pituitary, retina, and cochlea and displays unique transcriptional properties relative to the other TR isoforms. To more fully understand the isoform-specific biological and molecular properties of TRβ2, we have identified a series of previously unrecognized proteins that selectively interact with TRβ2 compared with the more widely expressed TRβ1. Several of these proteins preferentially enhance the transcriptional activity of TRβ2 when coexpressed in cells and are likely to represent novel, isoform-specific coactivators. Additional proteins were also identified in our screen that bind equally to TRβ1 and TRβ2 and may function as isoform-independent auxiliary proteins for these and/or other nuclear receptors. We propose that a combination of isoform-specific recruitment and tissue-specific expression of these newly identified coregulator candidates serves to customize TR function for different biological purposes in different cell types.

Thyroid hormone receptors promote metastasis of human hepatoma cells via regulation of TRAIL

Although accumulating evidence has confirmed the important roles of thyroid hormone (T(3)) and its receptors (TRs) in tumor progression, the specific functions of TRs in carcinogenesis remain unclear. In the present study, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) was directly upregulated by T(3) in TR-overexpressing hepatoma cell lines. TRAIL is an apoptotic inducer, but it can nonetheless trigger non-apoptotic signals favoring tumorigenesis in apoptosis-resistant cancer cells. We found that TR-overexpressing hepatoma cells treated with T(3) were apoptosis resistant, even when TRAIL was upregulated. This apoptotic resistance may be attributable to simultaneous upregulation of Bcl-xL by T(3), because (1) knockdown of T(3)-induced Bcl-xL expression suppressed T(3)-mediated protection against apoptosis, and (2) overexpression of Bcl-xL further protected hepatoma cells from TRAIL-induced apoptotic death, consequently leading to TRAIL-promoted metastasis of hepatoma cells. Moreover, T(3)-enhanced metastasis in vivo was repressed by the treatment of TRAIL-blocking antibody. Notably, TRAIL was highly expressed in a subset of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, and this high-level expression was significantly correlated with that of TRs in these HCC tissues. Together, our findings provide evidence for the existence of a novel mechanistic link between increased TR and TRAIL levels in HCC. Thus, TRs induce TRAIL expression, and TRAIL thus synthesized acts in concert with simultaneously synthesized Bcl-xL to promote metastasis, but not apoptosis.

Dickkopf 4 positively regulated by the thyroid hormone receptor suppresses cell invasion in human hepatoma cells

Thyroid hormone (T(3)) mediates cellular growth, development, and differentiation by binding to the nuclear thyroid hormone receptor (TR). Recent studies suggest that long-term hypothyroidism is associated with human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) independent from other major HCC risk factors. Dickkopf (DKK) 4, a secreted protein, antagonizes the Wnt signal pathway. In this study, we demonstrate that T(3) may play a suppressor role by inducing DKK4 expression in HCC cells at both the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels. DKK4 was down-regulated in 67.5% of HCC cancerous tissues. The decrease in DKK4 levels was accompanied by a concomitant decrease in TR protein levels in the matched cancerous tissues in 31% of tissues compared by immunoblotting with the adjacent noncancerous tissues. Further, TR and DKK4 expression levels were positively correlated in both normal and cancerous specimens by tissue array analysis. In function assays, stable DKK4 transfected into J7 or HepG2 cells decreased cell invasion in vitro. Conversely, knocking down DKK4 restores cell invasiveness. DKK4-expressing J7 clones showed increased degradation of β-catenin, but down-regulation of CD44, cyclin D1, and c-Jun. To investigate the effect of DKK4 and TR on tumor growth in vivo, we established a xenograft of J7 cells in nude mice. J7-DKK4 and J7-TRα1 overexpressing mice, which displayed growth arrest, lower lung colony formation index, and smaller tumor size than in control mice, supporting an inhibitory role of DKK4 in tumor progression.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these data suggest that the TR/DKK4/Wnt/β-catenin cascade influences the proliferation and migration of hepatoma cells during the metastasis process and support a tumor suppressor role of the TR.

Thyroid hormone receptor mutations in cancer and resistance to thyroid hormone: perspective and prognosis

Thyroid hormone, operating through its receptors, plays crucial roles in the control of normal human physiology and development; deviations from the norm can give rise to disease. Clinical endocrinologists often must confront and correct the consequences of inappropriately high or low thyroid hormone synthesis. Although more rare, disruptions in thyroid hormone endocrinology due to aberrations in the receptor also have severe medical consequences. This review will focus on the afflictions that are caused by, or are closely associated with, mutated thyroid hormone receptors. These include Resistance to Thyroid Hormone Syndrome, erythroleukemia, hepatocellular carcinoma, renal clear cell carcinoma, and thyroid cancer. We will describe current views on the molecular bases of these diseases, and what distinguishes the neoplastic from the non-neoplastic. We will also touch on studies that implicate alterations in receptor expression, and thyroid hormone levels, in certain oncogenic processes.

Mutant thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) isolated from distinct cancer types display distinct target gene specificities: a unique regulatory repertoire associated with two renal clear cell carcinomas

Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) are hormone-regulated transcription factors that regulate a diverse array of biological activities, including metabolism, homeostasis, and development. TRs also serve as tumor suppressors, and aberrant TR function (via mutation, deletion, or altered expression) is associated with a spectrum of both neoplastic and endocrine diseases. A particularly high frequency of TR mutations has been reported in renal clear cell carcinoma (RCCC) and in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We have shown that HCC-TR mutants regulate only a fraction of the genes targeted by wild-type TRs but have gained the ability to regulate other, unique, targets. We have suggested that this altered gene recognition may contribute to the neoplastic phenotype. Here, to determine the generality of this phenomenon, we examined a distinct set of TR mutants associated with RCCC. We report that two different TR mutants, isolated from independent RCCC tumors, possess greatly expanded target gene specificities that extensively overlap one another, but only minimally overlap that of the wild-type TRs, or those of two HCC-TR mutants. Many of the genes targeted by either or both RCCC-TR mutants have been previously implicated in RCCC and include a series of metallothioneins, solute carriers, and genes involved in glycolysis and energy metabolism. We propose as a hypothesis that TR mutations from RCCC and HCC may play tissue-specific roles in carcinogenesis, and that the divergent target gene recognition patterns of TR mutants isolated from the two different types of tumors may arise from different selective pressures during development of RCCC vs. HCC.

The increased CAR-dependent metabolism of thyroid hormones in mice with high cancer susceptibility

AIM

our aim was to compare activation of the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), hepatic expression of its target genes, and the serum thyroid hormone levels in C3H/He, C57BL/6J, and CC57BR/Mv mice following phenobarbital treatment. These differences, if present, could help to explain the different susceptibility to phenobarbital-induced liver tumor promotion among these strains of mice.

MAIN METHODS

CAR DNA-binding activity and CAR content in nuclear protein extracts from mouse livers were assessed using the electrophoretic mobility shift assay and immunoblotting. Serum thyroid hormone concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. Real-time PCR was used to measure the hepatic expression level of CAR target genes.

KEY FINDINGS

we found a 2.3-fold increase of CAR DNA-binding activity in response to phenobarbital in the sensitive C3H/He mice, but no change in the relatively resistant C57BL/6J and CC57BR/Mv mice. Phenobarbital treatment caused a significant decrease in triiodothyronine and free thyroxine concentrations (17% and 40%, respectively) in the sensitive C3H/He mice by the end of 60-day treatment, while in the resistant mice, these changes were not observed. In the sensitive C3H/He mice only, the expression of a CAR target gene encoding sulfotransferase Sult2a1, the thyroid hormone inactivation enzyme, increased by 260-fold after phenobarbital administration. The expression of another CAR target gene, Mdm2, was also increased by phenobarbital treatment in C3H/He mice.

SIGNIFICANCE

we have shown that phenobarbital activates CAR and increases the expression of its target genes thereby accelerating the metabolism of thyroid hormones only in mice susceptible to liver tumor promotion by phenobarbital, but not in relatively resistant animals.

A case-control study of levothyroxine and the risk of colorectal cancer

Levothyroxine is a synthetic T(4) hormone commonly used to treat thyroid disease. Increased incidence of mostly autoimmune thyroid disease has been associated with breast and other malignancies, and thyroid hormone levels might also be associated with risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). In this population-based matched case-control study (2566 pairs) of CRC in northern Israel, use of levothyroxine for at least 5 years was assessed using structured interviews and validated by prescription records. The analysis included use of statins, aspirin, and hormone replacement therapy; CRC family history; physical activity; vegetable consumption; ethnicity; age; and sex. All statistical tests were two-sided. The use of levothyroxine was associated with a statistically significantly reduced relative risk of CRC (odds ratio = 0.59, 95% confidence interval = 0.43 to 0.82, P = .001). This association remained statistically significant after adjustment for age, sex, use of aspirin and statins, sports activity, family history of CRC, ethnic group, and level of vegetable consumption (odds ratio = 0.60, 95% confidence interval = 0.44 to 0.81, P = .001). No statistically significant interactions were seen between use of levothyroxine and aspirin, statins, or hormone replacement therapy.

A conserved lysine in the thyroid hormone receptor-alpha1 DNA-binding domain, mutated in hepatocellular carcinoma, serves as a sensor for transcriptional regulation

Nuclear receptors are hormone-regulated transcription factors that play key roles in normal physiology and development; conversely, mutant nuclear receptors are associated with a wide variety of neoplastic and endocrine disorders. Typically, these receptor mutants function as dominant negatives and can interfere with wild-type receptor activity. Dominant-negative thyroid hormone receptor (TR) mutations have been identified in over 60% of the human hepatocellular carcinomas analyzed. Most of these mutant TRs are defective for corepressor release or coactivator binding in vitro, accounting for their transcriptional defects in vivo. However, two HCC-TR mutants that function as dominant-negative receptors in cells display near-normal properties in vitro, raising questions about the molecular basis behind their transcriptional defects. We report here that a single amino acid substitution, located at the same position in the DNA-binding domain of both mutants, is responsible for their impaired transcriptional activation and dominant-negative properties. Significantly, this amino acid, K74 in TRalpha, is highly conserved in all known nuclear receptors and seems to function as an allosteric sensor that regulates the transcriptional activity of these receptors in response to binding to their DNA recognition sequences. We provide evidence that these two human hepatocellular carcinoma mutants have acquired dominant-negative function as a result of disruption of this allosteric sensing. Our results suggest a novel mechanism by which nuclear receptors can acquire transcriptional defects and contribute to neoplastic disease.

Thyroid hormone receptor mutants implicated in human hepatocellular carcinoma display an altered target gene repertoire

Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) are hormone-regulated transcription factors that control multiple aspects of normal physiology and development. Mutations in TRs have been identified at high frequency in certain cancers, including human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). The majority of HCC-TR mutants bear lesions within their DNA recognition domains, and we have hypothesized that these lesions change the mutant receptors' target gene repertoire in a way crucial to their function as oncoproteins. Using stable cell transformants and expression array analysis, we determined that mutant TRs isolated from two different HCCs do, as hypothesized, display a target gene repertoire distinct from that of their normal TR progenitors. Only a subset of genes regulated by wild-type TRs was regulated by the corresponding HCC-TR mutants. More surprisingly, the HCC-TR mutants also gained the ability to regulate additional target genes not recognized by the wild-type receptors, and were not simply restricted to repression, but could also activate a subset of their target genes. We conclude that the TR mutants isolated from HCC have sustained multiple alterations from their normal progenitors that include not only changes in their transcriptional outputs, but also changes in the genes they target; both are likely to contribute to neoplasia.

Thyroid receptor: roles in cancer

The thyroid hormone receptors, encoded by the TRalpha and TRbeta genes, are ligand-dependent transcription factors that belong to the nuclear receptor superfamily. In addition to the role of these receptors in growth, development and metabolism, there is increasing evidence that they also inhibit transformation and act as tumor suppressors. Aberrant TR action, as well as receptor silencing, are common events in human cancer, and TRs also have an important role in tumor progression in experimental animal models, suggesting that these receptors constitute a novel therapeutic target in cancer. This review highlights recent studies on mechanisms by which loss of expression and/or function of these receptors results in a selective advantage for cellular transformation, tumor development and metastatic growth.

Hypothyroidism enhances tumor invasiveness and metastasis development

BACKGROUND

Whereas there is increasing evidence that loss of expression and/or function of the thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) could result in a selective advantage for tumor development, the relationship between thyroid hormone levels and human cancer is a controversial issue. It has been reported that hypothyroidism might be a possible risk factor for liver and breast cancer in humans, but a lower incidence of breast carcinoma has been also reported in hypothyroid patients

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

In this work we have analyzed the influence of hypothyroidism on tumor progression and metastasis development using xenografts of parental and TRbeta1-expressing human hepatocarcinoma (SK-hep1) and breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-468). In agreement with our previous observations tumor invasiveness and metastasis formation was strongly repressed when TRbeta-expressing cells were injected into euthyroid nude mice. Whereas tumor growth was retarded when cells were inoculated into hypothyroid hosts, tumors had a more mesenchymal phenotype, were more invasive and metastatic growth was enhanced. Increased aggressiveness and tumor growth retardation was also observed with parental cells that do not express TRs.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

These results show that changes in the stromal cells secondary to host hypothyroidism can modulate tumor progression and metastatic growth independently of the presence of TRs on the tumor cells. On the other hand, the finding that hypothyroidism can affect differentially tumor growth and invasiveness can contribute to the explanation of the confounding reports on the influence of thyroidal status in human cancer.

Isoform-specific transcriptional activity of overlapping target genes that respond to thyroid hormone receptors alpha1 and beta1

Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) are hormone-regulated transcription factors that control multiple aspects of physiology and development. TRs are expressed in vertebrates as a series of distinct isoforms that exert distinct biological roles. We wished to determine whether the two most widely expressed isoforms, TR alpha 1 and TR beta 1, exert their different biological effects by regulating different sets of target genes. Using stably transformed HepG2 cells and a microarray analysis, we were able to demonstrate that TR alpha 1 and TR beta 1 regulate a largely overlapping repertoire of target genes in response to T(3) hormone. However, these two isoforms display very different transcriptional properties on each individual target gene, ranging from a much greater T(3)-mediated regulation by TR alpha 1 than by TR beta 1, to near equal regulation by both isoforms. We also identified TR alpha 1 and TR beta 1 target genes that were regulated by these receptors in a hormone-independent fashion. We suggest that it is this gene-specific, isoform-specific amplitude of transcriptional regulation that is the likely basis for the appearance and maintenance of TR alpha 1 and TR beta 1 over evolutionary time. In essence, TR alpha 1 and TR beta 1 adjust the magnitude of the transcriptional response at different target genes to different levels; by altering the ratio of these isoforms in different tissues or at different developmental times, the intensity of T(3) response can be individually tailored to different physiological and developmental requirements.

Novel oncogenic actions of TRbeta mutants in tumorigenesis

The thyroid hormone, T3, plays important roles in metabolism, growth, and differentiation. Germline mutations in thyroid hormone receptor beta (TRbeta) have been identified in many individuals with resistance to thyroid hormone, a syndrome of reduced sensitivity to T3. A close association of somatic mutations of TRbeta with several human cancers has become increasingly apparent, but how TRbeta mutants could be involved in the carcinogenesis in vivo has not been addressed. The creation of a mouse model (TRbeta(PV/PV) mouse) that harbors a knockin mutation of TRbeta (denoted TRbetaPV) has facilitated the study of the molecular actions of TRbeta mutants in vivo. The striking phenotype of thyroid cancer and the development of pituitary tumors exhibited by TRbeta(PV/PV) mice have uncovered novel functions of a TRbeta mutant in tumorigenesis. It led to the important findings that the oncogenic action of TRbetaPV is mediated by both genomic and nongenomic actions to alter gene expression and signaling pathways activity.

Thyroid hormone receptor mutations found in renal clear cell carcinomas alter corepressor release and reveal helix 12 as key determinant of corepressor specificity

Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) regulate multiple normal physiological and developmental pathways, whereas mutations in TRs can result in endocrine and neoplastic disease. A particularly high rate of TR mutations has been found in human renal clear cell carcinomas (RCCCs). We report here that the majority of these RCCC TR mutants tested are defective for transcriptional activation and behave as dominant-negative inhibitors of wild-type receptor function. Although several of the dominant-negative RCCC TR mutants are impaired for hormone binding, all fail to release from corepressors appropriately in response to T(3), a trait that closely correlates with their defective transcriptional properties. Notably, many of these mutants exhibit additional changes in their specificity for different corepressor splice forms that may further contribute to the disease phenotype. Mapping of the relevant mutations reveals that the C-terminal receptor helix 12 is not simply a hormone-operated switch that either permits or prevents all corepressor binding, but is instead a selective gatekeeper that actively discriminates between different forms of corepressor even in the absence of T(3).

Thyroid hormone receptor beta1 acts as a potent suppressor of tumor invasiveness and metastasis

Loss of thyroid hormone receptors (TR) is a common feature in some tumors, although their role in tumor progression is currently unknown. We show here that expression of TRbeta1 in hepatocarcinoma and breast cancer cells reduces tumor growth, causes partial mesenchymal-to-epithelial cell transition, and has a striking inhibitory effect on invasiveness, extravasation, and metastasis formation in mice. In cultured cells, TRbeta1 abolishes anchorage-independent growth and migration, blocks responses to epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-I, and transforming growth factor beta, and regulates expression of genes that play a key role in tumorigenicity and metastatic growth. The receptor disrupts the mitogenic action of growth factors by suppressing activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathways that are crucial for cell proliferation and invasiveness. Furthermore, increased aggressiveness of skin tumors is found in genetically modified mice lacking TRs, further demonstrating the role of these receptors as inhibitors of tumor progression. These results define a novel role for the thyroid hormone receptor as a metastasis suppressor gene, providing a starting point for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of human cancer.

Thyroid hormone receptor-beta (TR beta 1) impairs cell proliferation by the transcriptional inhibition of cyclins D1, E and A2

Thyroid hormone receptor-beta1 (TRbeta1) belongs to the ligand-inducible transcription factor superfamily. We have previously described that stable TRbeta1 expression impairs fibroblast proliferation diminishing levels and activity of the main regulators of the G(1)/S transition. To unmask the underlying molecular mechanism of this action, we have investigated the expression of cyclin D1, E and A2 upon serum stimulation in TRbeta1 expressing cells, finding a strong downregulation of their mRNAs, concomitant with low protein levels. The inhibition of the transcriptional activation in response to serum of these cyclins is differently exerted. For cyclin D1, we demonstrate that TRbeta1 represses its promoter as a consequence of the downregulation of c-jun levels, diminished AP-1 activation and loss of c-jun recruitment to its binding sites on cyclin D1 promoter. For cyclin E and A2, it is the impairment of the cyclinD/Rb/E2F pathway by TRbeta1 that prevents the activation of these two E2F target genes. Indeed, recruitment of E2F-1 to cyclin A2 promoter could not be detected. In summary, we propose that apo-TRbeta1 exerts its antiproliferative action through a mechanism that could constitute a model by which other nuclear receptors may control cell division.

Thyroid hormone responsive genes in the murine hepatocyte cell line AML 12

Thyroid hormone (T3) plays an important role in gene regulation in the liver. Previous studies have been done in complex systems such as animal models, or in transformed malignant hepatic cell lines in which thyroid hormone receptor (TR) was over-expressed by co-transfection. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize T3-responsive genes in a simple system, by using a non-transformed hepatic cell line that is able to express sufficient amounts of endogenous TRs. For this purpose we used the murine non-transformed hepatocyte cell line AML 12. We performed analyses using a cDNA microarray containing 15,000 murine genes. We found 12 genes to be up-regulated and 5 genes to be down-regulated in the presence of T3. For some of the genes not previously known to be regulated by T3, we confirmed the regulation by T3 using real-time PCR. Our data in AML 12 cells provide a simple and physiologically relevant system to study T3 action, without the influence of neoplastic transformation or artificial TR over-expression. Furthermore, our data describe novel T3 responsive genes and provide insight into the role of T3 in important processes such as cholesterol metabolism, bile acid secretion, oncogenesis, among others, that can be tested in future experiments in vivo.

An improved high throughput protein-protein interaction assay for nuclear hormone receptors

The Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) “pulldown” assay has been used extensively to assay protein interactions in vitro. This methodology has been especially useful for investigating the interactions of nuclear hormone receptors with a wide variety of their interacting partners and coregulatory proteins. Unfortunately, the original GST-pulldown technique relies on multiple binding, washing and elution steps performed in individual microfuge tubes, and requires repeated centrifugation, aspiration, and suspension steps. This type of batch processing creates a significant liquid handling bottleneck, limiting the number of sample points that can be incorporated into one experiment and producing inherently less efficient washing and elution than would a flow-through methodology. In this manuscript, we describe the adaptation of this GST-pulldown assay to a 96-well filter plate format. The use of a multi-well filter plate makes it possible to assay more samples in significantly less time using less reagents and more efficient sample processing than does the traditional single tube assay.